Sony DCR-VX9000 User Manual

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

3-858-185-84 (1)

DCR-VX9000

Welcome to digital video!

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

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

WARNING

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Table of contents

Before you begin

Using this manual ................................... 4

Checking supplied accessories .............. 5

Getting started

Attaching the viewfinder ....................... 6

Charging and installing the battery

pack..................................................... 7

Inserting a cassette ................................ 10

Basic operations

Camera recording.................................. 12

Using the zoom feature .................. 15

Hints for better shooting ...................... 16

Checking the recorded picture ............ 19

Connections for playback ..................... 20

Playing back a tape ............................... 22

Advanced operations

Using alternative power sources ......... 24

Changing the mode settings ................ 26

– for camera recording –

Fade-in and fade-out............................. 29

Overlapping two pictures .................... 30

Using the wide mode function ............ 31

Photo recording ..................................... 33

Interval recording.................................. 34

Cut recording ......................................... 35

– for manual adjustment –

Selecting automatic or manual mode . 36

Focusing manually ................................ 38

Adjusting the aperture.......................... 41

Adjusting the shutter speed ................. 42

Adjusting the gain ................................. 45

Adjusting the white balance ................ 47

Using the ND filter ................................ 50

Using the zebra pattern ........................ 51

Adjusting the recording sound............ 52

Releasing the STEADY SHOT

function ............................................ 55

Making a custom preset ....................... 56

– for editing/playback –

Re-recording a picture in the middle

of a recorded tape ........................... 58

Searching the recorded picture............ 59

Displaying recording data.................... 61

Editing onto another tape..................... 62

Replacing recording on a tape .............64

Audio dubbing ...................................... 65

Additional information

Changing the lithium battery in the

digital camcorder ............................ 67

Resetting the date and time.................. 69

Notes on video cassettes....................... 70

Tips for using the battery pack ............ 71

Maintenance information and

precautions ...................................... 73

Using your digital camcorder abroad

........................................................... 76

Trouble check ......................................... 77

Specifications ......................................... 81

Identifying the parts.............................. 82

Warning indicators................................ 93

Index ....................................................... 94

Before you begin

Using this manual

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the digital camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to ON. As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.

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.

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 digital camcorder care

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

• Do not let the digital camcorder get wet. Keep the digital camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting the digital camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [b].

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

[a]

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

[b] [c]

Checking supplied accessories

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your digital camcorder.

123 4

Before you begin

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 87)

2 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 67)

The lithium battery is already installed in your digital camcorder.

3 R6 (size AA) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p. 88)

4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 20)

5 S video cable (1) (p. 20)

6 Shoulder pad cushion (1) (p. 86)

7 Side cushion (2) (p. 87)

Getting started

VIEW FINDER

Attaching the viewfinder

Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder.

(1) Loosen the viewfinder release ring. (2) Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate. (3) Adjust the position of the viewfinder, then tighten the viewfinder release ring. (4) Attach the 8 pin connector to the VIEW FINDER jack on the digital camcorder.

Match ridge on 8 pin connector to the ridge on the jack.

[a]

Note on the VIEW FINDER jack

This VIEW FINDER jack is specially designed for this digital camcorder. Do not connect anything else to this VIEW FINDER jack.

To remove the viewfinder

Loosen viewfinder release ring. Then pull stopper [a] up, and while holding, slide viewfinder off the attaching plate.

Charging and installing the battery pack

CHARGE

Before using your digital camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack (not supplied). To charge the battery pack, use the AC-V615 AC power adaptor (not supplied). 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 surface without vibration. (1) If your AC power adaptor is direct type, pull down the plug. If it is inlet type,

connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

(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.

(3) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights

up. Charging begins.

When the CHARGE lamp goes out, normal charge is completed. For full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack in place for approximately one hour. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet, then remove the battery pack and install it into the digital camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is completely charged.

Getting started

Charging time

Battery pack Charging time* (min.)

NP-F730** 250 (190) NP-F750 270 (210) NP-F930 330 (270) NP-F950 360 (300)

The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V615 AC power

adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)

**Some battery packs may not be supplied in some country.

Charging and installing the battery pack

Battery life

Battery Continuous Typical recording pack recording time* time**

NP-F730 80 (75) 50 (45) NP-F750 95 (85) 60 (55) NP-F930 120 (110) 75 (70) NP-F950 145 (130) 90 (80)

Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery. Battery life will be shorter if you use the digital camcorder in a cold environment. * Approximate continuous recording time indoors. ** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop,

zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

To remove the battery pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Notes on charging the battery pack

• The CHARGE lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and

the AC power adaptor is unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.

• If the CHARGE lamp does not light, disconnect the AC power adaptor. After about

one minute, reconnect the AC power adaptor again.

• When operating the digital camcorder using the AC power adapter, you cannot

charge the battery pack.

• When a fully charged battery pack is installed, the CHARGE lamp will light once,

then go out.

Installing the battery pack

Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks.

To remove battery pack

While pressing BATT, lift the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow.

Getting started

BATT

Note

When you install or remove the battery pack, make sure that the POWER switch is set to OFF.

Inserting a cassette

Use a DV cassette with logo* only. Make sure that a power source is installed. We recommend you set the POWER switch to ON before inserting the cassette.

(1) Open the cassette compartment cover. (2) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the tab upwards, and the window facing out

and press down so that the cassette loads.

(3) Close the cover.

Notes on the cassette

• Mini DV cassettes with logo cannot be used.

• Do not insert a cassette by force. It may cause a malfunction.

• Do not close the cassette compartment cover when you eject a cassette.

• Keep fingers clear of cassette compartment.

• We recommend you to set the POWER switch to ON when you insert a cassette.

* is a trademark.

EJECT6

To eject the cassette

Open the cassette compartment cover and press 6. After the cassette rises, take it out, then close the cover. You cannot eject the cassette while C MEMORY appears in the viewfinder because the digital camcorder is still writing information into the cassette memory. After C MEMORY disappears the cassette automatically rises. When ejecting the cassette, never close the cassette compartment cover until the cassette is completely removed.

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed, the beeps sound, the and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder and display window, and you cannot record. To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out, covering the red mark.

Getting started

Basic operations

Camera recording

Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that AUTO LOCK is set to ON. When AUTO LOCK is set to ON, all settings are automatically adjusted to best suit your shooting environment. Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the digital camcorder is working correctly. When you use the digital camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording (p. 69).

(1) Remove the lens hood cap, and attach it to the grip strap. (2) Set the POWER switch to ON. (3) Set CAMERA/VTR to CAMERA. (4) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (5) Press START/STOP.

The digital camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator appears and the red lamp lights up in the viewfinder. The tally lamps located on the front and rear also light up.

POWER

OFF ON

CAMERA

VTR

LOCK STANDBY PHOTO

STANDBY

LOCK STANDBY PHOTO

STANDBY

START/STOP

STBY 0 : 00 : 00

120 min

REC

0 : 00 : 01

120 min

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 again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK, and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack.

[a] [b]

LOCK STANDBY PHOTO

STANDBY

START/STOP

STBY 0 : 13 : 46

106 min

STANDBY PHOTO

STANDBY

To focus the viewfinder lens [c]

If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used the digital camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

To adjust the contrast and the brightness of the viewfinder [d]

To adjust the contrast, turn the CONTR knob. To adjust the brightness, turn the BRIGHT knob.

If you want to turn off the tally lamp [d]

Set TALLY to OFF. The rear tally lamp cannot be turned off.

[c]

[d]

BRIGHT

TALLY

CONTR

LOCK

START/STOP

LOCK STANDBY PHOTO

STANDBY

Basic operations

START/STOP

Camera recording

Note on Standby mode

If you leave the digital camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while a cassette is inserted, the digital camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up again. To start recording, press START/STOP.

Note on time code display

While recording, the time code shows hours, minutes and seconds (0:00:00). While playing back, it shows hours, minutes, seconds and frame number (0:00:00:00). If there is a blank portion between pictures on a tape, the time code restarts from zero. You cannot rewrite the time code only. The time code of this digital camcorder is the drop frame system.

Note on recording

When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before starting the actual recording. This will ensure that you won’t miss any start-up scenes when you play back the tape.

Note on the beep sound

As indicated with ≥ in the illustration, 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 digital camcorder. Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select “OFF” in the menu system.

To change the directionality of the built-in microphone

Set DIRECTION SELECT on the back of the microphone to the desired position (0°/ 90°/120°).

To record through an external microphone

Connect a microphone (not supplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack. In this case, sound from the built-in microphone will not be recorded. You can also attach a microphone to the accessory shoe.

To monitor the sound while recording

Use headphones or the built-in speaker. To turn on the built-in speaker, set SPEAKER to ON. To use headphones, connect them to the 2 jack. Use the MONITOR LEVEL dial to adjust the volume of the speaker or headphones. When using headphones the builtin speaker becomes inactive. When monitoring the built-in speaker, feedback may occur. In this case, turn down the MONITOR LEVEL or SPEAKER set to OFF.

To select 16 bit [a] or 12 bit [b] recording mode

Set AUDIO MODE to 16 BIT so that you can get higher sound quality. In 16 bit mode, the digital camcorder records one video sector [c] and one audio sector [d]. In the viewfinder the “16 BIT” indicator appears. Set AUDIO MODE to 12 BIT, and 1 sector is left open for audio dubbing afterwards. In 12 bit mode, the digital camcorder records one video sector [c], one audio sector [d], and one blank audio sector [e], which enables you to add narration or music after the initial recording.

Basic operations

[a]

[d]

Notes on recording mode

• If you change the recording mode while recording, a blank portion may be recorded on a tape.

• You cannot operate audio dubbing on 16 bit recorded tapes.

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 function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)

[c]

[b]

[e]

[d]

Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming)

Press the power zoom button a little for a slower zoom, press it more for a faster zoom.

Camera recording

When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom

If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the power zoom button to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm away in the wide-angle position.

Notes on digital zoom

• More than 10x zoom is performed digitally if you set D ZOOM to ON in the menu system, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side. To turn on the digital zoom function, set DIGITAL MODE to ZOOM/16:9 WIDE, then set D ZOOM to ON in the menu system. To turn it off, set D ZOOM to OFF. If you set DIGITAL MODE to OVERLAP, D ZOOM is automatically set to OFF.

• The upper side [a] of the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the lowerside [b] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to OFF, the [a] zone disappears.

[a]

[b]

Hints for better shooting

When shooting with the digital camcorder on your shoulder, you’ll get better results by holding the digital camcorder according to the following suggestions:

• Place the digital camcorder on your shoulder and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb.

• To adjust the grip, loosen the grip screw [a] with a coin, rotate the grip, and then tighten the screw. Set the grip to one of the three different position marks.

[a]

• Place your right elbow against your side.

• Place your left hand under the digital camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the built-in microphone.

• Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.

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

Hints for better shooting

• You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder

up for recording from a low position [b].

• While recording in a low position, you can use the front START/STOP button [c].

• You can rotate the viewfinder 120° up and 90° down. This is useful when recording

in a high or low position [d].

[b]

START/STOP

• You can move the viewfinder up to about 30 mm laterally. Turn the lock ring to release the viewfinder, and then move it. Turn back the lock ring to fix the viewfinder in place [e].

• You can move the viewfinder up to about 30 mm lengthwise. Turn the lock lever under the viewfinder to release it, and then move the viewfinder. Turn back the lock lever to fix the viewfinder in place [f].

• To change the position of the shoulder pad, loosen the two screws under the shoulder pad and move the shoulder pad [g]. Then tighten the screws well.

[e]

[f] [g]

[d][c]

120°

90°

Basic operations

Release

Lock

Hints for better shooting

Place the digital camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod

Try placing the digital 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 digital camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm. Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of the digital camcorder. When you attach, maintain and tighten screw firmly to prevent this digital camcorder falling over.

Caution on carrying Do not pick up the digital camcorder by anything other than the grip or handle [h].

Caution on the viewfinder

Do not place the digital camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the digital camcorder under sunlight or by a window [i].

[h] [i]

Note on the viewfinder

When attaching the video light (not supplied) to the accessory shoe, do not lift the viewfinder. The video light heat may damage the eyecup.

Checking the recorded picture

Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press the – (Œ) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the

recorded portion play back (Rec Review). Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the digital camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Edit Search).

Basic operations

POWER

OFF ON

CAMERA

VTR

EDITSEARCH

STANDBY PHOTO

STANDBY

START/STOP

LOCK

EDITSEARCH

To stop playback

Release EDITSEARCH.

To begin re-recording

Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. 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 the EDITSEARCH

If you press EDITSEARCH fully, the playback speed doubles.

Connections for playback

You can use this digital camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to connect the digital camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the digital camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for power source.

Connecting directly to a TV/VCR with Video/Audio input jacks

If you connect directly to a TV

Open the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the inputs on the TV by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

S1 VIDEO OUT

[a]

VIDEO OUT

[b]

AUDIO OUT

: Signal flow

S (S1) VIDEO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

If you are going to connect the digital camcorder using the S video cable [a], you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b]. If your TV has S (S1) VIDEO IN jack and it is connected with S1 VIDEO OUT on this digital camcorder, it turns to a wide picture automatically when you play back wide picture recorded by this digital camcorder.

If your TV is already connected to a VCR

Open the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the VCR by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

S1 VIDEO OUT

[a]

VIDEO OUT

AUDIO OUT

: Signal flow

If your TV or VCR is a monaural type

Connect only the white plug for audio on both the digital camcorder and the VCR or the TV. With this connection, the sound is monaural.

To connect to a TV or VCR without Video/Audio input jacks

Use an RFU adaptor (not supplied).

S (S1) VIDEO IN

[b]

VCR

AUDIO INVIDEO IN

Basic operations

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the digital camcorder to a TV or VCR.

(1) Set the POWER switch to ON (2) Set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. (3) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (4) Open the cover, then press · to start playback.

POWER

OFF ON

CAMERA

VTR

STOP REW PLAY FF PAUSE

To stop playback, press π. To rewind the tape, press 0. To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press ).

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.

REC

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

Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack or turn on the built-in speaker by setting SPEAKER to ON.

Using the Remote Commander

You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the R6 (size AA) batteries.

Note on the DISPLAY button on the remote commander

Press DISPLAY to display the screen indicators. To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again.

Various playback modes

To view a still picture (playback pause)

Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or ·.

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 & 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

For double speed playback in the reverse direction, press '/<, then press x2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the forward direction, press >/7, then press x2 during playback. To resume normal playback, press ·.

To view the picture frame-by-frame

Press '/< or >/7 in playback pause mode. If you keep pressing the button, you can view the picture at 1/30 speed. To resume normal playback, press ·.

To change the playback direction

Press '/< for reverse direction or >/7 for forward direction during playback. To resume normal playback, press ·.

Basic operations

Notes on playback

• Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes.

• When playback pause mode is left on for 5 minutes, the digital camcorder automatically enters stop mode.

• When using playback slow or still picture modes, images from the previous frames might to seen mixed in with the main picture.

Advanced operations

Using alternative power sources

You can choose any of the following power sources for your digital camcorder: battery pack and house current. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your digital camcorder.

Place Indoors Outdoors

Note on AC power adaptor

Do not use anything other than the AC-V615 AC power adaptor with this digital camcorder.

Note on battery pack

Some battery packs may not be supplied in some country.

Note on power sources

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

Using the mains

(1) If your AC power adaptor is direct type, pull down the plug. If it is inlet type,

connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

(2) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet, then connect the connecting cord to

the DC OUT jack on the AC power adaptor.

(3) Connect the connecting cord to the DC IN jack on the digital camcorder.

Power source

House current Battery pack

Accessory to be used

AC power adaptor AC-V615 Battery pack NP-F950, NP-F930, NP-F750, NP-F730

2 3

DC IN

DC OUT

Charging the attached battery pack

After connecting the AC power adaptor to the wall outlet and setting the POWER switch on the digital camcorder to OFF, you can charge the battery pack in either of the following two ways:

• Charging the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder Leave the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder. (The NP-F950 battery pack requires about 430 minutes for a full charge and about 370 minutes for a normal charge.) While charging, the battery indicator appears repeatedly in the display window:

• Charging two battery packs at the same time Attach one battery pack to the AC power adaptor and the other to the digital camcorder. Both are charged simultaneously. When charged, CHARGE lamp and the indicator goes out (normal charge). If either lamp is still lit, both battery packs are not charged (the NP-F950 battery packs require about 530 minutes for a full charge and about 460 minutes for a normal charge).

To remove the adaptor

Pull out by the plug. Never pull on the connecting cord itself.

WARNING

The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.

PRECAUTION

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

Notes on the VTR/CAMERA lamp

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

• If the VTR/CAMERA lamp does not light, disconnect the AC power adaptor. After about one minute, reconnect the AC power adaptor.

Advanced operations

Changing the mode settings

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

(1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu. (2) Press or to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press or to select the desired setting, then press EXECUTE.

For some items, you may need to repeat steps 2 and 3.

(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

CAMERA VTR

MENU D ZOOM OFF

16 : 9 WIDE ZEBRA COMMANDER BEEP FRAME REC INT REC

[ MENU ] : END

MENU COMMANDER VTR4

BEEP AUDIO MIX WIDE PB CM SEARCH DATA CODE CLOCK SET

[ MENU ] : END

EXECUTE

MENU D ZOOM OFF

16 : 9 WIDE ZEBRA

MENU COMMANDER BEEP

D ZOOM FRAME REC

16 : 9 WIDE OFF INT REC

ZEBRA

COMMANDER [ MENU ] : END

BEEP

MENU FRAME REC INT REC

D ZOOM

16 : 9 WIDE [ MENU ] : END

ZEBRA

COMMANDER

BEEP ON

FRAME REC

INT REC

[ MENU ] : END

BEEP ON OFF

[ MENU ] : END

BEEP ON OFF

[ MENU ] : END

D ZOOM

16 : 9 WIDE

ZEBRA

COMMANDER

BEEP OFF

FRAME REC

INT REC

[ MENU ] : END

Selecting the mode setting of each item

Items for both 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 when setting the ID number of the Remote Commander.

BEEP* <ON/OFF>

• Select ON so that beeps sound when you start/stop recording, etc.

• Select OFF when you do not want to hear the beep sound.

CLOCK SET*

Reset the date and time.

Items for CAMERA mode only

D ZOOM* <OFF/ON>

Before turning on D ZOOM, set the DIGITAL MODE switch to ZOOM/16:9 WIDE.

• Select OFF to not use the digital zoom.

• Select ON to activate digital zooming. More than 10x zoom is performed digitally.

16:9 WIDE* <OFF/ON>

Before turning on 16:9 WIDE, set DIGITAL MODE to ZOOM/16:9 WIDE.

• Normally select OFF.

• Select ON to record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a wide-screen TV.

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.

INT REC <RETURN> <SET> <INTERVAL*/REC TIME*>

• Select RETURN to return to the menu to change other menu items.

• Select SET to set interval recording ON or OFF.

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

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

Advanced operations

SLOW SHTR* <4/8/15/30>

Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to SLOW. Select a slow shutter speed.

S PRESET* <60/100/250/500/1000/2000/4000/10000>

Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to PRESET. Select a shutter speed.

G PRESET* <–3dB/0dB/3dB/6dB/9dB/12dB/15dB/18dB>

Before setting, turn the GAIN dial to PRESET. Select a gain level.

Changing the mode settings

CUSTOM* <RETURN> <SET> <COLOR LEV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT> <RESET>

• Select RETURN to return to the menu to change other menu items.

• Select SET to set custom preset ON or OFF.

• Select COLOR LEV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT to preset the color intensity (COLOR LEV), sharpness (SHARPNESS), white balance (WB SHIFT), and brightness (AE SHIFT) of the picture.

• Select RESET to restore the default settings.

Items for VTR mode only

AUDIO MIX*

When playing back a tape recorded with 12 bit, select this item to adjust the volume balance between audio mode ST1 and ST2.

WIDE PB* <OFF/ON>

• Normally select OFF.

• Select ON to playback a picture recorded in the 16:9 wide mode to watch on a normal (4:3) TV.

CM SEARCH* <ON/OFF>

• Normally select ON to turn on the cassette memory search function.

• Select OFF to search without using the cassette memory function.

DATA CODE* <DATE/CAM or DATE>

• Select DATE/CAM to display date and time, as well as various settings data, of your recordings.

• Select DATE to display date and time, of your recordings.

When DIGITAL MODE is set to OVERLAP

You cannot set 16:9 WIDE and D ZOOM to ON. When you set the DIGITAL MODE switch to OVERLAP, 16:9 WIDE and D ZOOM settings are changed to OFF automatically.

About FRAME REC and INT REC setting

Both settings are automatically set to off when:

• The POWER switch is set to OFF.

• CAMERA/VTR is set to VTR.

• Turn STANDBY up to PHOTO STANDBY.

* These settings are retained even when the battery is removed, as long as the lithium

battery is in place.

Fade-in and fade-out

You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from white while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to white while the sound decreases. To use fade-in and fade-out, press FADER/OVERLAP to display FADER in the viewfinder.

When fading in [a]

(1) While the digital 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.

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, and then

recording stops.

STBY REC

[a]

Advanced operations

OVERLAP

[b]

STBY REC

FADER/

FADER

OVERLAP

LOCK STANDBY PHOTO

STANDBY

To cancel the fade-in/fade-out function

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

Note on the fade-in/fade-out function

You cannot fade-in or fade-out while recording with interval recording, cut recording, or photo recording.

START/STOP

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