Sony DCR-VX700 User Manual

SONY.

3-800-561-21 (1)

Digital Video

Camera

Digital
Video

Recorder DiT

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 vour Sony dealer regarding this product.

Cassette

I

Mtxtol No. DCR-VX700
Serial No.

_____________

Handycam

DCR-VX700

Vi 1995 by Sony Corporation

Model No AC-V515

Serial Ni.v

__________

C(.)n^r<ilulnlions on your purcbaso of this Sony Oiv;ital I laniiycanu*^' tsuncordiM . With your

Welcome to digital video

Handycam, you can capture file's precious nioments witli sujXM'ior picture and sound >.|ualit\'.
Your Mandvcam is loaded witii advanced features, but at (he same fime it is very easy to use. You
will soon be producing liome video (fiat you can enjo\’ for vears to C(mie.

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WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.

CAUTION

CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK),

NO USER*SERViCEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

This symbol is intended to alert

(he user to the presence of
uninsulated "dangerous voltage"

within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk
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.

LfTHiUM fON BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to
your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service
Center.

Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries

in household or business trash may be prohibited.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only).
For the Factor\' Ser\'ice Center nearest vou call
416'499-SONY (Canada onlv).

Caution; Do init handle damaged or le.iking lithium ion

batteries.

For the Customers in the U.S.A.
WARNING

This equipment has been tested and louiid to comply
with the limits for a Class H digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Tliese limits are designed to
prtn-ide 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 acct>rdance with the
instructions, may cause harmful liiterference to radi<,i
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 bv one or
more of the following measures:
— Reorient or relcKate the receiv ing antenna.
— Increase the separation between tlK* 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 ii(>t

expressiv approved in this manual could void vour
authority to oper<)te this equipmeiit.

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

For the Customers in CANADA

CAUTION

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

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

Notes <ind Precautions 4
Checking Supplied Accessories 5

Getting Started

Charging and Inserting the Battery Pack 6
Inserting a Cassette 9

Basic Operations

Camera Recording 11
Hints for Better Shooting 14
Checking the Recorded Picture 15
Connections for Playback 16
Playing Back a Tape 17

Advanced Operations

Using Alternate Power Sources 19
Changing the Mode Settings 21
< for Camera Recording >
Fade-in and Fade-out 24
Re-recording a Picture in the Middle of a Recorded Tape 26
Photo Recording 28

Interval Recording 29
Cut Recording 30
< for Automatic/Manual Adjustment >
Enjoying Digital Effect 31
Focusing Manually 32
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 34
Adjusting the Exposure 36
Adjusting the White Balance 38
Releasing the Steady Shot Function 40
< for Playback/Editing >
Searching the Recorded Picture 41
Checking the Information for the Recorded Picture 43
Editing onto Another Tape 44

Additional Information

Replacing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 46
Resetting the Date and Time 48
Usable Cassettes 49

Tips for Using the Battery Pack 50
Maintenance Information and Precautions 53
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 56
Trouble Check 57
Specifications 60
Identifying the Parts 61
Warning Indicators 72
Glossary 73
Index 75

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 S' in the
illustrations.

DeTore YOU Begin

Notes and Precautions

Note on TV Color Systems

TV I'olo?' systems ililter liom country to country. If you \ tew the plavbnck picture on a TV, you need an

l’S(' svsti'jii based TV. When you want to tise a I’AI, M system based TV', you rvill need an NTSC/
I’/TI', .V1 Iranscoder (as this is an NTSC s\'sieni based camcorder). I’lease check the list on page 56 to see
llu- TV color svslenr r)l your ctruntrv.

Precaution on Copyright

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the prov ision 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, [bj

• 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]

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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. 55).

Checking Supplied Accessories

Chock that iho following accossorios arc supplied with vour camcorder.

¡T] Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 66)

[2] NP-720 Battery Pack (1)(p. 6)
[3] AC-V515 AC power adaptor and DK-715 connecting cord (1) (p. 6, 20)

¡4] A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16)

[U S video connecting cable (1) (p. 16)

[6] Shoulder strap (1) (p. 65)

[7] Size AA (R6) batteries for Remote Commander (2) (p. 67)

[U "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.

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge the batterv 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 ► 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 (supplied)

Approximate minutes to charge an empty pack using the supplied AC power adaptor (Lower
temperatures require a longer charging time.)

Charging time*

190

fj

M

îfe

Battery Life

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Battery Pack

NP-720 (supplied)

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

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

** Approximate continuous recording and playing back time indoors.

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 power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the
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.

Typical recording time* Continuous using time**

55

110

Charging and Inserting the Battery Pack

Inserting the Battery Pack

(V SlidgOPHN nnd open the battery cover.

(2) 1 nsert (he battery p<u к until it is hooked b\’ t)u' KHLHASE knob.

(3) Close the co\’er.

To Remove the Battery Pack

Slide the RELEASE knob leftward.

Note on battery pack

You cannot use NP-520 or NP-500H battery pack.

8

Inserting a Cassette

1

You can use miniOV cassette with ""’IV logti" only.
Make sure that a power source is insorteci.
(1) Slide HJHCT, The cassette compartment auloma(ical]\’ lifts up aiid opens.

(2) insert a cassette (supplied) with tlie window facing out.

(3) Press the outside of the cassette compartment cover to dose the compartment. The cassette

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

* C/^/ are trademarks.

f

<

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EJECT

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 \ iewfinder because the camcorder is
still writing information to the cassette memory-mounted miniD\' cassette (p. 41). In this case, the
cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens after C MEMORY disappears.

Inserting a Cassette

To Prevent Accidental Erasure

Slide and open tlu’ tab (^n the cassette to expose the ri'd mark. It you trv to rect>rd with the red mark
exposed, the and ^ indicati^rs iiasii in th<' x’iewlinder, and you cannot record on the tape. To

rerecord-on this tape, slide and close the tab to cover the’ red mark.

10

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Make sure tlial a power source and a cassette are inserted. You can hear the beep sound, indicated
with J' in the illustrations, which confirms your operation. Before vou record one-time events, you
may want to make a trial recording to make sure that vou are using the camcorder correctly.
(1) Remov^e the hood cap, and attach it to the grip strap.

(2) While pressing the center 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 ol the camcorder and in the viewfinder light.

n

Û)

3

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To Finish Recording [b]

Press START/STOP to stop recording. Turn STANDBY to LOCK. Turn the POWER switch to OFF.

Then, eject the cassette and battery (p. 8, 9).

11

Camera Recording

Note on Standby mode

If you leave tlie camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted ij^ Standby mode< the camcorder
goys off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume
Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and up again. 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 CAMERA
mode, and ’’0:00:00:00" (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) in VTR mode. TIk^ timde code of (his camcorder

is the drop-frame mode (p. 74).

• Be sure not to make a blank portion when recording, because you cannot rewrite the time code on the tape
if there is a blank portion between pictures.

• If there is a blank portion between pictures, the time code starts from 0.

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.

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.

Note on the viewfinder

The color viewfinder employs 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 %)

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. 72). 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. 22).

To record through an external microphone

Connect a microphone (not supplied) to the MIC jack. In this case, sound from the built-in microphone will
not be recorded.

12

&

Using the Zoom Feature

Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more
Is professioTtahlooking recordings, use the zoom sparingly.
I' Set DIGITAL MODE to ZOOM, and press tlie zoom button.

;; T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)

ij 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 3 feet (about 1 m) in the telephoto position, 0.5 inch (about 1 cm) in the
wide position away from the lens surface.

Notes on Digital Zoom

• More than lOx 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 ZOO.M function to OFF in the menu system (p.

22).

• 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.

13

Hints for Better Shooting

ln)r iiand-hold sIkHs, ytui'll got better results holding the camcorder according to the tollowing

suggestions;

• 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 rrseful to use
REC START/STOP located on the top of the camcorder.

Caution on the viewfinder

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

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

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 lieiglit. If you have a tripod lor a
still camera, vou can also use it with the camcorder. .Make sure the tripiid screw is shorter than 9/32 inch (6.5
mm).

14

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.

In standby mode, press the - (©) 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).

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I; To Begin Rerecording

.S: 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.

15

Connections for Playback

You cnn use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV tor plavhack. It is recommended to
use the lioiise current as the power source (p. 20).

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.

If you are going to connect the camcorder using the S video cable [a], vou do not need to connect the
yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable (b].

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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.

If your TV or VCR is monaural type

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 headphones jack on the camcorder is also monaural.

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

Use the RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).

16

Playing Back a Tape

You can monitor tlu' playback piclurc in llie viewfinder. You can also watch it on a TV screen, after
connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCK (p. 16). You can control playback using the supplied Remote

Commander (p. 66).

(1) While ptessing the center button tin the POWER switch, turn it to VTR.
(2) Insert the recorded tape with tire window facing out.

(3) Press to rewind the tape
(4) Press t>. Playback starts.

To mark the portion you want to monitor

Press ZERO SET MEMORY while playing back. After you finish playing back, press •
rewinds to the position you want (0.00:00) and stops.

See the next page for further information.

t. The tape

17

Playing Back a Tape

Various Playback Modes

To view a still picture (playback pause)

Tress il d uring playback. To resume playback, press II or O. When still picture mode lasts for 5

minutes or more, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode. To playback again, press O again.

To locate a scene (Picture Search)

Keep pressing ◄◄ 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 while rewinding or ►► while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback,

press l>.

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

Press < or > to select direction, then press I»- SLOW during playback. To resume normal playback,
press O. 1/ 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 O.

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 pre\ ious scene may appear like mosaic noise during slow playback or playback pause. This is
not malfunction.

■ S

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To display the indicators

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

18

MQvancea «jptiraiions

Using Alternate Power Sources

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

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Place

Indoors

Outdoor
In a car

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

9 C

Power source

House current

Battery pack
12 V or 24 V car battery

This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video products.

A 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-V515 and connecting cord DK-715
(supplied)

Battery pack NP-720 (supplied)
DC pack DC-V515

19

Using Alternate Power Sources

Using the House Current

To use Uu' supplied AC' power adaptor:

(1) tJonnect the 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 pow'er switch to OFF.
Charging time of the supplied NP-720 battery pack is approx. 150 minutes. While charging, the battery
indicator appears in the display window:

|-1 , iJ ♦ ^ igpj ^

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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

Power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop.

Precaution

The set is not disconnected from the house current as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if
the set itself has been turned off.

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 power cord. After about one minute, try again.

Using a Car Battery

Use the DC-V515 pack (not supplied). Connect the cord of the DC pack to the cigarette lighter socket

of a car (12 V or 24 \'). Connect the DC pack in the same wav as the AC power adaptor.
Use the connecting cord supplied with this camcorder.

20

Changing the Mode Settings

You can change tlie mode soilings in the menu system to iurther enjoy l!io features and function of the

camcorder.

See the next page for the items in the menu system.

21

Changing the Mode Settings

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 so that the camcorder responds only to the supplied Remote
Commander, and not to other Remote Commanders. To set the ID, see page 68.

HEADPHONE <LOW/MID/HIGH>

• Normally select LOW.

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

• Select HIGH to raise the volume of the headphones.

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 f 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 48.

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Items in CAMERA Mode only
REC LAMP <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to turn on the recording lamp on the front panel during recording.

• Select OFF otherwise.

D ZOOM <ON/OFF>

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

• Select OFF otherwise. The zooming ability becomes lOx.

FRAME REC <OFF/ON>

• Normally select OFF.

• Select ON for cut recording {p. 30).
When you remove the power source, the setting becomes OFF.

INT REC <SET/INTERVAL/REC TIME>

• When you make interval recording , select SET and then select ON (p. 29). Otherwise, select OFF.

• 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.

22

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