Sony DCR-VX1000 Operating Instruction

3-798-762-24 (1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operation Manual

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-VX1000 Model No. AC-V615 Serial No. Serial No.

DCR-VX1000

 1995 by Sony Corporation

English

Welcome to digital video

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your 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.

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 1-800222-SONY (United States only) For the Factory Service Center nearest you call 416499-SONY (Canada only) Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion battery.

For Customers in the U.S.A.

WARNING

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.

CAUTION

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

The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

For customers in CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. The beep sound is indicated with in the illustrations.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

Notes and Precautions 4 Checking Supplied Accessories 5

Getting Started

Charging and Inserting the Battery Pack 6 Inserting a Cassette 9

Basic Operations

Camera Recording 10 Hints for Better Shooting 13 Checking the Recorded Picture 14 Connections for Playback 15 Playing Back a Tape 16

Advanced Operations

Using Alternate Power Sources 18 Changing the Mode Settings 20 < for Camera Recording > Fader and Overlap 23 Re-recording a Picture in the Middle of a Recorded Tape 25 Photo Recording 27 Interval Recording 28 Cut Recording 29 Self-timer Recording 30 < for Automatic/Manual Adjustment > Selecting Automatic Mode and Manual Adjustment 31 Focusing Manually 32 Using the PROGRAM AE Function 34 Adjusting the Exposure 38 Adjusting the Shutter Speed 40 Using the ND Filter 41 Using with the Zebra Pattern 42 Adjusting the White Balance 43 Adjusting the Recording Sound 46 Releasing the Steady Shot Function 48 Presetting the Adjustment for Picture Quality 49 < for Playback/Editing > Searching the Recorded Picture 51 Checking the Information for the Recorded Picture 53 Editing onto Another Tape 54 Replacing Recording on a Tape 56

Additional Information

Using Your Camcorder Abroad 57 Replacing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 58 Resetting the Date and Time 60 Video Cassettes 61 Tips for Using the Battery Pack 63 Maintenance Information and Precautions 65 Trouble Check 68 Specifications 71 Identifying the Parts 72 Warning Indicators 82 Glossary 83 Index (back cover)

Before You Begin

Notes and Precautions

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. Please check the list to see the TV color system of your country (p. 57).

Precaution on Copyright

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.

Precautions on Camcorder Care

• Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder from rain or sea water. It may cause a malfunction and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired. [a]

• Do not let sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired. [b]

• Never leave the camcorder under temperatures above 140 °F (60° C), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. [c]

[c][b][a]

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

See “Precautions” as well (p. 67).

Checking Supplied Accessories

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 76)

2 NP-720/F730 Battery Pack (1) (p.6)

3 AC-V615 AC power adaptor and DK-715 connecting cord (1) (p. 6)

4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 15)

Before You Begin

5 S video connecting cable (1) (p. 15)

6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 76)

7 R6 (size AA) batteries for Remote Commander (2) (p. 77)

8 Eyecup (1) (p. 11)

9 Mini DV cassette (1) (p. 9)

Getting Started

Charging and Inserting the Battery Pack

Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor. This digital camcorder does not interface with "InfoLITHIUM" batteries. The remaining time (minutes) indication does not appear when using "InfoLITHIUM" batteries.

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration.

(1) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (2) Align the surface of the battery pack indicated by the z mark with the edge of the terminal shutter

of the AC power adaptor. Then fit and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging begins. When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet, then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder.

Charging Time

Battery Pack

NP-720/F730

* Approximate minutes to charge an empty pack using the supplied AC power adaptor (Lower temperatures

require a longer charging time.)

Charging time*

190

Battery Life

Battery Pack

NP-720/F730

* Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the

power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

** Approximate continuous recording and playing back time indoors.

Typical recording time*

Continuous using time**

105

Removing the Battery Pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Notes on charging the battery pack

• The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and the power cord is unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.

• If the POWER lamp does not light, disconnect the AC power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the AC power cord again.

• You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack.

• When a fully charged battery pack is installed, the CHARGE lamps will light once, then go out.

Inserting the Battery Pack

(1) Slide OPEN and open the battery cover. (2) Insert the battery pack until it is hooked by the RELEASE knob. (3) Close the cover.

Getting Started

OPEN

Charging and Inserting the Battery Pack

To Remove the Battery Pack

Slide the RELEASE knob leftward.

RELEASE

Note on battery pack

You cannot use NP-520/500H/F750 battery pack.

Inserting a Cassette

You can use mini DV cassette with logo* only. Make sure that a power source is inserted.

(1) Slide EJECT. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (2) Insert a cassette (supplied) with the window facing out. (3) Press the outside of the cassette compartment cover to close the compartment. The cassette

compartment automatically retracts. (4) After the cassette compartment cover has retracted, press the upper cassette compartment cover until it clicks.

* and are trademarks.

EJECT

Getting Started

To Eject the Cassette

Slide EJECT. After the cassette compartment opens, take out the cassette. You cannot eject the cassette while C MEMORY appears in the viewfinder because the camcorder is still writing information to the mini DV cassette-mounted cassette memory (p. 83). In this case, the cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens after C MEMORY disappears.

To Prevent Accidental Erasure

Slide and open the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the ˇ and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder, and you cannot record on the tape. To rerecord on this tape, slide and close the tab to cover the red mark.

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Make sure that a power source and a cassette are inserted. You can hear the beep sound, indicated with in the illustrations, which confirms your operation. Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that you are using the camcorder correctly.

(1) Remove the hood cap, and attach it to the grip strap. (2) While pressing the centre button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (3) Turn STANDBY up. (4) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator appears in the

viewfinder, and the red lamps on the front and back of the camcorder and in the viewfinder light.

STBY

REC

LOCK

STANDBY

PHOTO STANDBY

OFF

LOCK

STANDBY

PHOTO STANDBY

When ND ON flashes in the viewfinder

Set ND FILTER to ON.

To Stop Recording Momentarily [a]

Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode).

To Finish Recording [b]

Press START/STOP to stop recording. Turn the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and battery (p. 8, 9).

[a]

PHOTO STANDBY

LOCK

STANDBY

STBY

[b]

LOCK

STANDBY

PHOTO STANDBY

LOCK

STANDBY

PHOTO STANDBY

0:05:20 54

Note on Standby mode

If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn the POWER switch to OFF once and then to CAMERA. To start recording, press START/ STOP.

Notes on the time code

• The time code indicates the recording or playback time, "0:00:00" (hours : minutes : seconds) in the

viewfinder and "0:00:00:00" (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) on the TV screen. This camcorder uses the drop frame mode (p. 84).

• Be sure not make a blank portion when recording, because the time code will start from “0:00:00:00” again. You cannot rewrite the time code on the tape if there is a blank portion between pictures.

To Focus the Viewfinder Lens

If the viewfinder is not in focus at all or when you use the camcorder after someone else has used it, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

STBY STBY

When the shooting condition is too bright Use the supplied large eyecup. Fit it onto the camcorder by stretching the corners a little. [a]

If you wear glasses or you cannot view the corners Fold back the eyecup to see better. [b]

[a]

Note on beep sound

As indicated with in the illustrations, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you start recording and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder (p. 82). Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, set the BEEP to OFF in the menu system (p. 20).

[b]

Basic Operations

To record through an external microphone

Connect a microphone to the MIC jack. In this case, sound from the built-in microphone will not be recorded. If no cassette is inserted while using a monaural microphone, you cannot monitor the left side sound from the headphones jack or audio output jack.

Note on color viewfinder

The color viewfinder employs an LCD screen made with high-precision technology. However, black points or bright points of light (red, blue or green) may appear constantly on the color viewfinder screen. These points are not recorded on the tape. This is not a malfunction. (Effective dots: more than 99.99%)

Camera Recording

Using the Zoom Feature

Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom sparingly. T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)

Zooming Speed

Press the zoom button firmly for high-speed zoom. Press it softly for relatively slow zooming.

Note on the focus range

You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2.6 feet (80 cm) in the telephoto position, 0.5 inch (1 cm) in the wide position away from the lens surface.

Notes on Digital Zoom

• More than 10x zoom is performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the T side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set the D ZOOM function to OFF in the menu system (p.

20).

• The horizontal bar in the power zoom indicator separates the digital zooming zone (above the bar [a]) and the optical zooming zone (under the bar [b]). If you set the D ZOOM function to OFF, the part above the bar disappears.

[a]

[b]

Hints for Better Shooting

For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions:

[a]

• Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the

controls with your thumb [a].

• Place your right elbow against your side.

• Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it.

• Keep your fingers away from the built-in microphone.

• Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.

• Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.

• You can record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Lift the viewfinder up to record from a low position (you can turn it up to about 80 degrees.) [b]. In this case, it’s useful to use REC START/STOP located under the carrying handle.

Cautions on the viewfinder

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder. [c]

• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder may be deformed. Be careful in placing the camcorder under sunlight or by the window. [d]

• Do not point the lens toward the sun with a close -up lens attached. Doing so may damage the camcorder.

[b]

Basic Operations

[c]

Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod

Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder. Make sure the tripod screw is shorter than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm).

[d]

Checking the Recorded Picture

The editsearch function is used to view the recorded picture for a moment during recording. Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder.

(1) While pressing the centre button on the POWER switch, turn it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press the – (Œ) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion

plays back (Rec Review). You can also monitor the sound by using headphones (not supplied). Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Editsearch).

OFF

LOCK

STANDBY

PHOTO STANDBY

EDITSEARCH

To begin rerecording

Press START/STOP. Provided you do not eject the cassette, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.

Note on editsearch function

You can view the recorded picture in the playback pause mode using the editsearch function even when the POWER switch is turned to VIDEO.

Connections for Playback

You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. It is recommended to use the house current as the power source (p. 18).

Connecting Directly to a TV

Connect the camcorder to your TV by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the TV/VCR selector to VCR on the TV.

To get higher quality pictures in DV format, connect the camcorder to your TV using the S video cable. If you are going to connect the camcorder using the S video cable [a], you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b].

S VIDEO OUT [a]

VIDEO OUT [b]

AUDIO OUT

: Signal flow

S VIDEO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

If a VCR is connected to the TV

Connect the camcorder to LINE IN on the VCR by using the supplied connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the TV/VCR selector to VCR on the TV.

S VIDEO OUT [a]

: Signal flow

VIDEO OUT [b]

AUDIO OUT

S VIDEO IN

VCR

VIDEO/AUDIO IN

Basic Operations

If your TV or VCR is monaural

Connect only the white plug for audio on the TV or the VCR. With this connection, the sound is monaural, and the sound from the headphone jack on the camcorder is also monaural.

To connect a TV or a VCR without audio/video input jacks

Use an RFU adaptor (not supplied).

Playing Back a Tape

You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also watch it on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR (p. 15). You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander (p. 76).

(1) While pressing the center button on the POWER switch, turn it to VTR. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press 0 to rewind the tape. (4) Press ·. Playback starts.

REW

To stop playback, press π. To fast-forward the tape, press ).

OFF

PLAY

To monitor the sound while viewing the playback picture in the viewfinder

Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack (p. 75).

To mark the portion you want to monitor again

Press ZERO SET MEMORY while playing back. After you finish playing back, press 0. The tape rewinds to the position you want (0:00:00) and stops.

Various Playback Modes

To view a still picture (playback pause)

Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or ·. When still picture mode lasts for 5 minutes or more, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode. To playback again, press · again.

To locate a scene (Picture Search)

Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.

To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rewinding (Skip scan)

Keep pressing 0 while rewinding or ) while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback, press ·.

To view the picture at 1/5 speed (Slow Playback)

Press < or > to select direction, then press & during playback. To resume normal playback, press

·. If slow playback lasts for about 1 minute, it shifts to normal speed automatically.

To view the picture at double speed

Press < or > to select direction, then press x2 on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume normal playback, press ·.

To view the picture frame by frame

Press > during playback pause mode. Press < in reverse direction during playback pause mode.

To view the picture in reverse direction

Press < during playback.

Notes on playback

• The sound is muted in the various playback modes.

• The previous scene may appear like mosaic noise during slow playback or playback pause. This is not a malfunction.

To display the indicators

Press DISPLAY (p. 76). Tape counter, remaining battery indicator and other indicators appear on the connected TV screen. To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again.

Basic Operations

Advanced Operations

Using Alternate Power Sources

You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack (p.6), house current, and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.

Place

Indoors

Outdoor In a car

You cannot connect to this camcorder using the connecting cord supplied with AC-V615 or DC-V515/ V700. Use the connecting cord supplied with this camcorder.

Note on power sources

Disconnecting the power sources or removing the battery pack during recording or playback may damage the inserted tape. If this happens, restore the power supply again immediately.

Power source

House current

Battery pack 12 V or 24 V car battery

This mark indicates that this product is an genuine accessory for Sony video products. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this "GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES" mark.

Accessory to be used

AC power adaptor AC-V615 and connecting cord DK-715 (supplied)

Battery pack NP-720/F730 DC pack DC-V515/V700

Using the House Current

To use the supplied AC power adaptor:

(1) Connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet. (2) Connect the camcorder and the AC power adaptor using the supplied connecting cord.

You can charge the battery inserted in the camcorder by connecting the AC power adaptor to the camcorder and turning the power switch to OFF. Charging time of the supplied NP-720/F730 battery pack is approx. 150 minutes. While charging, the battery indicator appears repeatedly in the display window: b ➟ ∫ ➟ B ➟ ı After charging finishes, the indicator disappears. You can also charge two batteries at a time by installing the battery pack and connecting the AC power adaptor. It takes about 4 hours to charge the batteries.

WARNING

AC power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop.

Precautions

• The set is not disconnected from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.

• To prevent accident from a short circuit, do not come into contact with the terminal inside the shutter at the rear of the camcorder.

Notes on the POWER lamp

• The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged after use. This is normal.

• If the POWER lamp does not light, disconnect the AC power cord. After about one minute, try again.

Using a Car Battery

Use the DC-V515/V700 pack (not supplied). Connect the cord of the DC pack to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Connect the DC pack in the same way as the AC power adaptor. Use the connecting cord supplied with this camcorder.

Advanced Operations

Changing the Mode Settings

You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and function of the camcorder.

(1) Slide OPEN and open the battery cover. (2) Press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. (3) Press V or v to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE. (4) Press V or v to select the desired mode, then press EXECUTE. If you want to change the other

modes, repeat steps 3 and 4.

(5) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

MENU A SHUTTER

D ZOOM ZEBRA COMMANDER HEADPHONE BEEP EVF MODE

[MENU]:END

MENU A SHUTTER

D ZOOM ZEBRA

MENU A SHUTTER

D ZOOM ZEBRA

MENU A SHUTTER

D ZOOM ZEBRA ON

D ZOOM

ON OFF

EXECUTE

D ZOOM

MENU A SHUTTER

D ZOOM ZEBRA

ON OFF

OFF

To display the menu on the TV screen

Connect the camcorder to your TV (page 15), and press MENU.

Note on the menu system

You may need to repeat step 3 before you select the desired mode because some items have three steps.

Setting the Mode of Each Item

Select RETURN to return to main menu (item select).

Items in CAMERA and VTR Modes

COMMANDER <VTR4/OFF/ID/ID SET>

• Normally select VTR4.

• Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander.

• Select ID when using the Remote Commander with the ID number set.

• Select ID SET to register the ID number using the same number as the Remote Commander. To set the ID, see page 78.

HEADPHONE <LOW/MID/HIGH>

• Normally select LOW.

• Select MID to slightly raise the volume of the headphone.

• Select HIGH to raise the volume of the headphone.

BEEP <ON/OFF>

• Normally select ON.

• Select OFF to turn the beep sound off.

EVF MODE <COLOR/BRIGHT>

• Select this item and change the level of the indicator by pressing > or . to adjust the color intensity and brightness of the picture in the viewfinder.

CLOCK SET

• Select this item to reset the date or time. See page 60.

Items in CAMERA Mode only

A SHUTTER <ON/OFF>

• Normally select ON.

• Select OFF when adjusting the shutter speed.

D ZOOM <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to activate digital zooming. The zooming ability becomes 20x.

• Select OFF otherwise. The zooming ability becomes 10x.

ZEBRA <OFF/ON>

• Normally select OFF.

• Select ON to shoot with the zebra pattern displayed in the viewfinder.

FRAME REC <OFF/ON>

• Normally select OFF.

• Select ON for cut recording.

When you remove the power source, the setting becomes OFF.

INT REC <SET> <INTERVAL/REC TIME>

• Normally select OFF. Select ON to make interval recording.

• Select INTERVAL to set or change the waiting time for interval recording.

• Select REC TIME to set or change the recording time for interval recording.

When you remove the power source, the setting becomes OFF, but the waiting time and recording time are retained.

SELFTIMER <10SEC/2SEC>

• Normally select 10SEC.

• Select 2SEC to set the time for self-timer recording to 2 sec.

CUSTOM <SET> <COLOR LV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT/GAINSHIFT(0dB/–3dB)/RESET>

• Normally select OFF. Select ON for camera recording based on the setting mode preset in the CUSTOM menu.

• Select COLOR LV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT and change the level of the indicator by pressing > or . to preset the color intensity (COLOR LV), sharpness (SHARPNESS), white balance (WB SHIFT), and brightness (AE SHIFT) of the picture.

• Select GAINSHIFT to preset the gain-shift of the picture (0 dB/–3 dB).

• Select RESET to reset the preset setting in the CUSTOM menu.

Advanced Operations

Changing the Mode Settings

Items in VTR Mode only

A MIX BAL

• Select this item and change the level of the indicator by pressing > or . to adjust the volume balance between audio mode ST1 and ST2.

SEARCH <C MEMORY/OFF>

• Normally select C MEMORY to activate cassette memory search function.

• Select OFF otherwise. In this case, the recorded picture is searched without cassette memory function.

When DIGITAL MODE is set to OVERLAP

You cannot set D ZOOM to ON. Once you set DIGITAL MODE to OVERLAP, D ZOOM settings are changed to OFF automatically.

About FRAME REC and INT REC setting

Both settings are automatically set to off when:

• Power switch is set to OFF or VTR.

• Power source is disconnected.

• PHOTO button is pressed.

Other settings retains as long as lithium battery is installed even if power source is disconnected.

Fader and Overlap

You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black while the sound decreases. With the overlap function, the picture gradually fades in over a still picture of the last scene recorded.

Using the Fader and Overlap Function

When Fading in [a]

(1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER/OVERLAP. The fade indicator starts

flashing. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing, fading in and recording starts.

When Fading out [b]

(1) During recording, press FADER/OVERLAP. The fade indicator starts flashing. (2) Press START/STOP to stop recording. The fade indicator stops flashing, fading out starts, and then

recording stops.

Fade-in

Fade-out

[a]

STBY REC

FADER

OVERLAP

PHOTO STANDBY

LOCK

STANDBY

START/

STOP

[b]

Advanced Operations

Fader and Overlap

When using Overlap

(1) Slide OPEN and open the battery cover. (2) Set DIGITAL MODE on the rear of battery cover to OVERLAP. (3) Press FADER/OVERLAP repeatedly until “OVERLAP” appears in the viewfinder.

The stored last scene overlaps the scene being shot. (4) Press START/STOP to start recording. The scene being shot gradually fades in over the still picture of the last recorded scene.

STBY REC

DIGITAL MODE

ZOOM

OVERLAP

FADER

OVERLAP

LOCK

STANDBY

PHOTO STANDBY

START/

STOP

To Cancel the Fade-in/Fade-out Function

Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER/OVERLAP until the fade indicator disappears.

To use the fading function repeatedly

Start from step 1 each time.

Notes on the fading and overlap function

• You cannot fade in, fade out, or use the overlap function while you record with interval recording, cut recording or photo recording.

• The last scene for overlap is stored only when you record and press START/STOP again (recording standby/pause mode) before using overlap. In other cases, this camcorder starts Rec Review automatically to store the picture on the tape before it overlaps the scene being shot.

Re-recording a Picture in the Middle of a Recorded Tape

You can re-record a scene in the middle of a recorded tape by setting the starting [a] and ending [b] points. The previously recorded portion will be erased.

START/

LOCK

STANDBY

STOP

[a]

[b]

PHOTO STANDBY

LOCK

STANDBY

PHOTO STANDBY

EDITSEARCH

START/

STOP

EDITSEARCH

ZERO SET

(1) Press START/STOP while recording.

The camcorder enters Standby mode. (2) Hold down the +(forward) or –(reverse) side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes to the point where you want to end the insertion. [b] The camcorder enters Standby mode again. (3) Press ZERO SET MEMORY. The counter is reset to “0:00:00”. “ZERO SET MEMORY” flashes, and the ending point is stored in memory. (4) Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the point where you want to start the insertion. [a] The camcorder enters Standby mode again. (5) Press START/STOP to start re-recording. The insert recording stops automatically at the counter zero point, and the camcorder enters Standby mode again. Zero set memory resumes automatically.

MEMORY

Advanced Operations

To change the end point

Press ZERO SET MEMORY so that “ZERO SET MEMORY” disappears. Repeat steps 2 to 4.

Re-recording a Picture in the Middle of a Recorded Tape

Notes on editsearch

• The picture may be distorted at the end of the inserted portion when it is played back.

• Zero set memory may not function when there is a blank portion between pictures on a tape.

• You can re-record without using the zero set memory. Skip steps 2 and 3. Press START/STOP to stop recording.

To use the insert recording repeatedly

Start from step 1 each time.

Photo Recording

You can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This mode is useful when you want to enjoy a picture such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer. Shutter speed is automatically adjusted up to 1/1000 depending on the exposure.

(1) Set the standby switch to PHOTO STANDBY. (2) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture appears in the viewfinder.

To change the still picture, release PHOTO, select still picture again, and keep pressing PHOTO lightly again. If you press the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander when a still picture appears in the viewfinder, the camcorder will record that still picture. However, you cannot select other still pictures by using this button. (3) Press PHOTO deeper. The still picture in the viewfinder is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded. If you change the POWER switch or the standby selector to other positions while recording, this operation is performed after recording.

START/

LOCK

STANDBY

STOP

2, 3

PHOTO

PHOTO STANDBY

Note on using self-timer recording

When you use self-timer recording with photo recording, you cannot select the picture. In this case, once you press PHOTO, self-timer recording starts, and the still picture at the point the self-timer starts is recorded.

When using the video printer

• The supplied Remote Commander is useful when printing a still picture with the CVP-M1 Video printer (not supplied). To print the still picture, first connect the LANC control jack and the video output jack on the camcorder to the LANC jack and the video input jack on the video printer respectively. Then, press PRINT on the Remote Commander. The CVP-M1 automatically captures and prints the picture. Refer to the instruction manual of the video printer as well.

• The recorded date is automatically printed as well. The present date, however, may not be printed if you try to print when the POWER switch is turned to CAMERA and the camcorder is in Standby mode.

• You can also print pictures other than still pictures after selecting the desired one with the playback pause mode.

Advanced Operations

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