Sony DVW-709WS, DVW-790WS, DVW-707, DVW-709SP, DVW-790WSP User Manual

DIGITAL BETACAM CAMCORDER

DVW-707/707P
DVW-709WS/709WSP
DVW-790WS/790WSP

OPERATION MANUAL
1st Edition (Revised 1)

[English]

WARNING

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

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

For the customers in the USA

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of th e 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.

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 this equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules.

For the customers in the USA and Canada
RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES

Nickel-Cadmium batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our environment
by returning your unwanted batteries to
your nearest point for collection,
recycling or proper disposal.
Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel-cadmium

batteries in household or business trash may be
prohibited.

RBRC(Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation)
advises you about spent battery collection by the following
phone number.

Call toll free number: 1-800-822-8837 (United States
and Canada only)

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking nickel

cadmium batteries.

For the customers in Europe

This product with the CE marking complies with the EMC
Directive(89/336/EEC) issued by the Commission of the
European Community.
Compliance with this directive implies conformity to the
following European standards:

• EN55103-1: Electromagnetic Interference(Emission)

• EN55103-2: Electromagnetic Susceptibility(Immunity)
This product is intended for use in the following
Electromagnetic Environment(s):
E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light industrial), E3
(urban outdoors) and E4 (controlled EMC environment, ex.
TV studio)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview

1-1 Features .....................................................................................1-1

1-1-1 Camera Features .............................................................. 1-2

1-1-2 VTR Features ..................................................................1-4

1-2 Example of System Configuration ..........................................1-6

1-3 Precautions ................................................................................ 1-8

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and

Controls

2-1 Power Supply ............................................................................2-1

2-2 Accessory Attachments ............................................................2-3

2-3 Audio Functions........................................................................2-5

2-4 Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions ......................2-14

2-5 Setup Menu Operating Section .............................................2-27

2-6 Time Code System ..................................................................2-29

2-7 Warnings and Indications......................................................2-35

2-8 Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel..................2-38

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

3-1 About Cassettes.........................................................................3-1

3-1-1 Loading and Unloading a Cassette..................................3-1

3-1-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure ........................................3-4

3-2 Recording ..................................................................................3-5

3-2-1 Basic Procedure...............................................................3-5

3-2-2 Continuous Recording.....................................................3-9

3-2-3 Starting a Shoot with a Few Seconds of Pre-Stored Picture

Data (Loop Rec Function) (When Using a BKDW-703

Extension Board)...........................................................3-12

3-2-4 Reversing the picture orientation (vertically and

horizontally) (Using the BKDW-704 Extension Board)

(DVW-709WS/709WSP/790WS/790WSP only) ......... 3-18

3-3 Checking the Recording — Playback ...................................3-19

Table of Contents 1

3-3-1 Checking the Last Two Seconds of the Recording

— Recording Review .................................................... 3-19

3-3-2 Checking the Recording on the Color Video Monitor

— Playback in Color ..................................................... 3-20

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for

Recording

4-1 Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance............4-1

4-1-1 Adjusting the Black Balance ...........................................4-2

4-1-2 Adjusting the White Balance .......................................... 4-5

4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter ...............................................4-13

4-2-1 Shutter Modes ...............................................................4-13

4-2-2 Selecting the Shutter Mode and Speed..........................4-15

4-3 Changing the Reference Value for Automatic Iris Adjustment

..................................................................................................4-21

4-4 Adjusting the Audio Level .....................................................4-24

4-5 Setting the Time Data.............................................................4-27

4-5-1 Setting the User Bits......................................................4-27

4-5-2 Setting the Time Code...................................................4-29

4-5-3 Saving the Real Time in the Time Code .......................4-31

4-5-4 Synchronizing the Time Code.......................................4-32

4-5-5 Setting Cassette Numbers and Shot Numbers...............4-37

4-6 Setup Menu Display on the Viewfinder Screen ...................4-39

4-6-1 Setup Menu Configuration ............................................4-39

4-6-2 Basic Use of the Setup Menu ........................................4-43

4-7 Indicators in the Viewfinder..................................................4-48

4-7-1 Layout of Indicators in the Viewfinder .........................4-48

4-7-2 Setting the Indicator.................................................4-50

4-8 Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen .............................4-53

4-8-1 Layout of the Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen4-54

4-8-2 Selecting the Display Items...........................................4-58

4-8-3 Display Mode and Setting Change and Adjustment Progress

Messages .......................................................................4-61

Table of Contents2

4-8-4 Setting the Marker Display ........................................... 4-64

4-8-5 Recording Superimposed Shot Data in Color Bars ....... 4-66

4-8-6 Setting the Shot ID ........................................................4-69

4-8-7 Displaying Time Code and Other Information ............. 4-73

4-9 Adjustments and Settings From the Setup Menu................4-76

4-9-1 Setting the GAIN Selector Values ................................ 4-77

4-9-2 Selecting the Functions .................................................4-79

4-9-3 Selecting the Test Output ..............................................4-83

4-9-4 Selecting the Aspect Ratio (DVW-709WS/709WSP/

790WS/790WSP Only) .................................................4-85

4-9-5 Setting the color temperature manually ........................ 4-91

4-9-6 Specifying an offset for the auto white balance setting 4-93

4-9-7 Setting the CAMERAMAN menu ................................4-95

4-10 VTR Menu Display in the Display Panel..............................4-99

4-10-1Configuration and Functions of the VTR Menu ........... 4-99

4-10-2Using the VTR Menu ..................................................4-100

4-10-3Example Operations in the VTR Menu ....................... 4-106

4-11 Using the Setup Card ...........................................................4-113

4-11-1Handling the Setup Card .............................................4-113

4-11-2Using Data on the Setup Card .....................................4-115

Chapter 5 Setting Up the Camcorder

5-1 Power Supply ............................................................................5-1

5-1-1 Using a BP-L60A/L90A Battery Pack ............................5-1

5-1-2 Using an NP-1B Battery Pack ......................................... 5-4

5-1-3 Using a BP-90A Battery Pack ......................................... 5-5

5-1-4 Avoiding Breaks in Operation Due to Dead Batteries ....5-7

5-1-5 Using an AC Adaptor ...................................................... 5-8

5-1-6 Using the Anton Bauer Ultralight System ...................... 5-9

5-1-7 Using the Anton Bauer Intelligent Battery System ......... 5-9

5-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder.......................................................5-10

5-2-1 Adjusting the Viewfinder Position ................................ 5-10

5-2-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder Focus and Screen................. 5-12

Table of Contents 3

5-2-3 Detaching the Viewfinder .............................................5-13

5-2-4 Detaching the Eyepiece ................................................. 5-15

5-3 Mounting the Lens..................................................................5-17

5-4 Adjusting the Flange Focal Length.......................................5-18

5-5 Audio Input System ................................................................ 5-20

5-5-1 Using the Supplied Microphone....................................5-20

5-5-2 Using an External Microphone ..................................... 5-23

5-5-3 Attaching a UHF Portable Tuner (for a UHF Wireless

Microphone System) .....................................................5-28

5-5-4 Connecting Line Input Audio Equipment .....................5-33

5-6 Tripod Mounting ....................................................................5-34

5-7 Attaching the Shoulder Strap................................................5-36

5-8 Adjusting the Shoulder Pad Position .................................... 5-38

5-9 Putting On the Rain Cover ....................................................5-39

5-10 Connecting the Remote Control Unit ...................................5-42

Chapter 6 Maintenance

6-1 Testing the Camcorder Before Shooting ................................6-1

6-1-1 Preparations for Testing ..................................................6-1

6-1-2 Testing the Camera ......................................................... 6-3

6-1-3 Testing the VTR ..............................................................6-6

6-2 Maintenance ............................................................................ 6-10

6-2-1 Cleaning the Video Heads.............................................6-10

6-2-2 Cleaning the Viewfinder ...............................................6-10

6-3 Operation Warnings...............................................................6-12

Appendix

Specifications ..................................................................................... A-1

Video Camera Section ...............................................................A-2

VTR Section ..............................................................................A-5

Supplied Accessories ................................................................. A-8

Recommended Additional Equipment ...................................... A-8

Glossary ............................................................................................A-11

Index .................................................................................................... I-1

Table of Contents4

1-1 Features

The DVW-707/707P series 1) Digital Camcorder combines a color video
camera, which uses IT 2) type Power HADTM
Digital BETACAM series portable videocassette recorder. Its excellent
image quality, sensitivity, portability, and dust- and water-proof
construction make it ideal as a camcorder for ENG 5) and EFP 6) in the
same way the earlier DVW-700/700P. The introduction of a new method
of processing digital signals improves the image quality even further and
makes the camcorder far easier to use.
The DVW-790WS/790WSP employs FIT 7) type Power HAD sensor
CCDs featuring a lower smear level and the ability to switch between the
conventional aspect ratio of 4:3 and a wide screen aspect ratio of 16:9.
The DVW-709WS/709WSP is identical with the DVW-790WS/790WSP
except for its use of IT type Power HAD sensor CCDs and its lack of an
ECS (extended clear scan) mode.

....................................................................................................................................

1) The DVW-707/709WS/790WS is for the NTSC broadcast system. The DVW­707P/709WSP/790WSP is for the PAL broadcast system. The descriptions given
in this manual apply to both models, any differences being clearly noted in the
text.

2) IT: Interline Transfer

3) Power HAD: Power Hole-Accumulated Diode
“Power HAD” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

4) CCD: Charge-Coupled Device

5) ENG: Electronic News Gathering

6) EFP: Electronic Field Production

7) FIT: Frame Interline Transfer

3)

sensor CCDs 4), with a

Chapter 1 Overview 1-1

1

Overview

1-1-1 Camera Features

1

The features of the DVW-707/707P/709WS/709WSP/790WS/790WSP
series camera are described below.

• Power HAD sensor CCDs ensure high sensitivity and high image

quality.

• The 12 bit AD converter has improved picture quality, stability, and

reliability.

• A setup menu enables you to control features such as status displays,

messages, and markers; to select values or functions; and to operate a
setup card.

• The settable items in the CAMERAMAN menu allow you to create

your own custom menu.

• A setup card (not supplied) makes it easy to replicate the recorder setup

data appropriate to the shooting conditions, and ensures uniform
shooting 1).

• Use of a built-in sophisticated electronic shutter, which has selectable

modes, Clear ScanTM 2), Extended Clear Scan (for DVW-790WS/
790WSP only) and Super Enhanced Vertical Definition, ensures
shooting with little or no blurring.

• Selectable video gain ensures a noise-free image.

• A simple switch operation enables automatic adjustment of the black

set, black balance, and white balance. Memory functions make it easy
to replicate the settings appropriate for the lighting conditions.

• The ATW

3)

function automatically adjusts the white balance for the

varying lighting conditions during shooting.

....................................................................................................................................

1) The data saved in the setup card for the DVW-707/707P/709WS/709WSP/
790WS/790WSP is not interchangeable with the data saved in setup cards for
other camcorders.

2) Clear Scan: “Clear Scan” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

3) ATW: Auto Tracing White balance

Chapter 1 Overview1-2

• The “TruEyeTM”

1)

process is used to ensure naturally colored pictures

even when shooting very bright subjects.

• The video gain can be boosted to 48dB instantly using the TURBO

GAIN button (factory setting: 42dB).

• A high-performance viewfinder is adjustable forward, backward and

sideways, and has full auxiliary equipment.

• Character display functions on the viewfinder indicate switch settings,

black and white balance adjustment, and warnings.

• Warning indicators and sound inform you of VTR faults, end of tape,

low battery, etc.

• The camcorder is provided with a filter disk for adjusting the filter

setting to the shooting conditions.

• Fine adjustment of the reference value for automatic iris control is

provided.

• A built-in circuit produces a SMPTE type color bar signal for easy

adjustment of the color monitor. An SNG 2) bar signal is also provided
for SNG uplink purposes.

• A super-cardioid directional microphone with an external power supply

system is supplied. Other types of microphones can also be connected.

• By connecting the BVF-VC10W Color Viewfinder (not supplied), you

can check both the camera image and a playback image in color.

• The RM-B150 Remote Control Unit (8 pin, not supplied) controls

some of the camera functions and the VTR functions. You can use the
RM-P9 (6 pin, not supplied) by connecting it through the CCA-86-0.4
conversion cable (not supplied).

• By connecting the CA-701 Camera Adaptor (not supplied), you can

input CH-3 and CH-4 audio signals and output SDI signals.

• By connecting the CA-702 Camera Adaptor (not supplied), the

camcorder can be connected to a portable VTR with a CCZ (26 pin)
cable, allowing you to record external analog video signals or serial
digital interface (SDI) signals (including an embedded audio signal).

....................................................................................................................................

1) “TruEye”: TruEye is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

2) SNG: Satellite News Gathering

1

Chapter 1 Overview 1-3

• You can add extra functions to the camcorder by attaching the

1

following extension boards (not supplied).

BKDW-702: This board allows you to output an SDI signal

(corresponding to EDH 1)) from the VIDEO OUT connector. The
setup menu is used to select either composite video signal output
or SDI signal output.

BKDW-704: When a cinema lens is attached to the camcorder, this

board allows you to reverse the picture orientation (vertically and
horizontally) through a setup menu operation (DVW-709WS/
709WSP/790WS/790WSP only).

1-1-2 VTR Features

The VTR features of this camcorder are described below.

• Digital BETACAM format gives improved signal-to-noise ratio,

frequency bandwidth, waveform characteristics, and detail playback
characteristics to ensure higher video and audio quality.

• The shooting date and time, camera ID, cassette number and other

information can be recorded on the tape as shot data.

• It is possible to record recording start markers and good shot markers

on the tape while shooting, and search automatically for required cuts
when editing.

• It is possible to automatically rewind and review the last few seconds

of the recording on the tape for a quick check immediately after
shooting.

• No playback adaptor is needed to see the color playback image.

• The five times normal speed search function provides quick positioning

of the tape.

....................................................................................................................................

1) EDH: Error Detection and Handling

Chapter 1 Overview1-4

• Both LTC 1) and VITC 2) recordings can be made, as can LTC

playback.

• The built-in time code generator is synchronized with an external

generator.

• A lithium battery is the back-up power supply for the time code

generator enabling the time code to be held for about 5 years without
charging the camcorder power supply.

• Optional long-life battery packs are available.

• Pressing the VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button

on the lens ensures recording continuity from the very next frame.

• By connecting the VA-DN1 Camcorder Interface Adaptor (not

supplied) to the 8-pin REMOTE connector, you can control some of
the VTR functions from a 9-pin remote control device.
(A CCA-86-0.4 conversion cable is needed for the connection.)

• The time code is displayed in the LCD window screen even when the

power is off. Automatic power shut-off function with five time code
indication settings.

• This board continuously stores a few seconds of the most recent picture

data. Recording is started with this data when the REC button is
pressed to prevent the loss of picture data (Loop Rec function) (when
the BKDW-703 is attached).

1

....................................................................................................................................

1) LTC: Longitudinal Time Code

2) VITC: Vertical Interval Time Code

Chapter 1 Overview 1-5

1-2 Example of System

1

Configuration

The diagram below shows a typical configuration of the camcorder for ENG and EFP.

For more information about connections of the additional equipment and accessories,
see Chapter 5, as well as the operation manuals for the connected equipment.

Video monitor

Color playback

Video monitor

Field pickup unit

Fog-proof filter
(Part No.1-547-341-11)

Servo Filter Unit
BKDW-701

RM-B150/RM-P9
Remote Control Unit

VA-DN1 Camcorder
Interface Adaptor

BVR-3
Remote Control Unit

a) For more information, see “Viewfinder and
related equipment” (page A8).

b) A CCA-86-0.4 conversion cable (not supplied) is required for connecting the RM-P9 and VA-DN1.

Color image check
while shooting

Video monitor

b)

Extension
Board

BKW-401 Viewfinder
Rotation Bracket

BVF-VC10W
Color Viewfinder

CA-701/702/702P/
755/755P
Camera Adaptor

BSC-1
Setup Card

BKDW-702 for outputting an SDI signal
BKDW-703 for Loop Rec function
BKDW-704 for reversing the picture
orientation

790WSP only)

(DVW-709WS/709WSP/790WS/

Chapter 1 Overview1-6

Lens assembly
(Part No. A-8262-537-A)
Lens assembly
(Part No. A-8262-538-A)
Lens assembly

a)

(−2.8 D to +2.0 D)

a)

(−3.6 D to −0.8 D)

a)

(−3.6 D to +0.4 D)

(Part No. A-8267-737-A)
Lens assembly
(3 × magnification)
(−2.4 D to +0.5 D)
(Part No. A-8314-798-A)

Power source

AC

c)

power

a)

Battery

BC-1WD/1WDCE
Battery Charger

Sound signal equipment

External microphone C-74, etc.

CAC-12 Microphone Holder

Audio equipment

WRR-28H/28M/28L/810A/ 860A
UHF Portable Tuner

CCXA-53 Audio Cable

BC-210/210CE/
410/410CE
Battery Charger

BC-L100/
L100CE Battery
Charger

1

AC-550/550CE
AC Adaptor

AC-DN1/DN2A
AC Adaptor

NP-1B
Battery Pack

DC-L1
Battery Adaptor

BP-90A
Battery Pack

DC-L90
Battery Adaptor

BP-L60A/L90A
Battery Pack

c) 120 V AC or

220 to 240
V AC

Chapter 1 Overview 1-7

1-3 Precautions

Use and Storage

1

Do not subject the camcorder to severe shocks

The internal mechanism may be damaged or the body warped.

After use

Always turn off the power.

Before storing the camcorder for a long period

Remove the battery pack.

Use and storage locations

Store in a ventilated place. Avoid using or storing the camcorder in the
following places.

• Places subject to temperature extremes

• Damp places

• Places subject to severe vibration

• Near strong magnetic fields

• In direct sunlight or close to heaters for extended periods

Chapter 1 Overview1-8

2-1 Power Supply

1

45 2

Power supply functions

1 Battery attachment

Attach a BP-L60A/L90A Battery Pack, a DC-L1 Battery Adaptor for
loading an NP-1B Battery Pack, or a DC-L90 Battery Adaptor for
loading a BP-90A Battery Pack.
Furthermore, by attaching an AC-DN1/DN2A AC Adaptor you can
operate the camcorder from AC power.

2 DC IN (external power input) connector (XLR type, 4-pin, male)

Connect an AC-550/550CE AC Adaptor with the DC output cable
supplied with the adaptor.
To use an external battery, connect its DC output cable to the DC IN
connector.

3

2

Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-1

3 BREAKER button

Excessive current in the internal circuitry, whatever the cause, will trip
the internal circuit breaker, automatically cutting off the power. If the
breaker trips, consult your Sony service personnel.

2

4 POWER switch

This switch turns the main power supply on and off.

5 LIGHT switch

This selects the way in which a video light connected to the LIGHT
connector is switched on and off.
AUTO: When the video light switch is turned on, starting recording with

the VTR turns on the light.

MANUAL: The video light switch controls the light, turning it on and

off manually.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-2

2-2 Accessory Attachments

1 2

9

Lens cable clamps

Accessory attachments

1 Shoulder strap posts

Attach the supplied shoulder strap to these posts.

2 Light shoe

Attach a video light, etc. to this shoe.

2

3

4
5

6

7

8

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-3

3 LIGHT connector

Connect the cable of a video light attached to the light shoe. The
maximum power consumption allowable for the video light is 50 W.

2

4 Lens mount

This is a special bayonet type lens mount.

5 Lens locking lever

After inserting the lens in the lens mount, rotate the lens mount ring with
this lever to lock the lens in position.

6 Lens mount cap

Remove this cap by pushing up on the lens locking lever. For protection
from dust, always insert this cap when no lens is mounted.

7 LENS connector (12-pin)

Fit the lens cable to this connector. Contact your Sony representative for
more information about the lens you are using.

8 Tripod mount

Fit the supplied tripod adaptor to mount the camcorder on a tripod.

9 Shoulder pad

You can move the shoulder pad forwards or backwards by loosening the
two screws. Do this to ensure the best balance when shooting with the
camcorder on your shoulder.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-4

2-3 Audio Functions

1

2

3

Audio functions (1)

1 Microphone

This is a super-cardioid directional microphone with an external power
supply system. You can use it as an interview microphone by connecting
it to an extension cable (not supplied).

2 MIC IN (microphone input) connector (XLR type, 3-pin, female)

The supplied microphone connects to this connector. By using an
extension cable (not supplied), you can connect a microphone other than
the supplied one as long as it is provided with an external power supply
system. The connector supplies power (+48 V) to the microphone.

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-5

3 MIC (microphone) AUDIO LEVEL control

If one or both of the AUDIO IN switches are set to FRONT, you can
adjust the recording level of the microphone.
When AUDIO is set to ON in the VF DISP 2/2 page of the setup menu,

2

the viewfinder DISPLAY switch is set to ON, MONITOR switch is set
to CH1, you can adjust the channel-1 audio level while watching the
indication in the viewfinder.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-6

CH-1

CH-2

LEVEL

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

10

AUTO

MANUAL

AUDIO SELECT

AUDIO IN

FRONT

REAR

CUE IN

MIX

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

0

10

4

5

6

CH-2

7

•

•

•

•

•

0

TIME
NO.

CH-1

REGEN

PRESET

CLOCK

DIAG

DF

NDF

ADVANCE

F-RUN
R-RUN

U-BIT
SHOT

SET

DISPLAY

SHIFT

DATA

8

9

0

Illustration: DVW-707/709WS/790WS (for the NTSC broadcast system)

Audio functions (2)

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-7

4 AUDIO LEVEL CH-1/CH-2 (audio channel 1 and channel 2

recording level) controls

These controls adjust the audio level of channels 1 and 2 when you set
the AUDIO SELECT CH-1/CH-2 switches to MANUAL.

2

5 AUDIO SELECT CH-1/CH-2 (audio channel-1 and channel-2

select) switches

These switches set the audio level adjustment for channels 1 and 2 to
MANUAL or AUTO.

AUTO: Select this setting for automatic adjustment.
MANUAL: Select this setting for manual adjustment.

6 AUDIO IN (audio input) switches

These switches select the audio input signals for audio channels 1 and 2.
The input signal source is one of:

FRONT: The input signal source is the MIC IN connector.
REAR: The input signal source is the AUDIO IN CH-1/CH-2

connectors.
The audio input signals from the MIC IN connector are always recorded
on audio channels 3 and 4, respectively, whether or not they are recorded
on audio channels 1 and 2 in accordance with the setting of this switch.
With the CA-701 (not supplied) connected to the camcorder, you can
record separate sounds to audio channels 3 and 4.

For more information, refer to “maintenance manual.”

7 CUE IN (cue track input) switch

This switch selects the input signals for recording the cue track.

CH-1 : Channel 1 input signal
MIX : Mixed input signal of channels 1 and 2
CH-2 : Channel 2 input signal

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-8

8 AUDIO OUT (audio output) connector (XLR type, 5-pin, male)

This connector outputs the stereo sound.
Using a CCXA-53 Audio Cable (not supplied), you can convert from a
5-pin connection to two 3-pin connections.

9 AUDIO IN CH-1/CH-2 (audio channel 1 and channel 2 input)

connectors (XLR type, 3-pin, female) and LINE/MIC/+48 V ON
(line input/microphone input/external power supply +48 V on)
selectors

These are the audio input connectors for channels 1 and 2, to which you
can connect a microphone or other audio sources.
The LINE/MIC/+48 V ON selectors select the audio input signal source
connected to these connectors, as follows:

LINE: Line input from an audio component
MIC: A microphone with internal batteries
+48 V ON: A microphone with an external power supply system

q; DC OUT (DC power output) connector

This connector supplies power for a WRR-28H/28M/28L/810/860A
UHF Portable Tuner (not supplied).
Alternatively, it can supply power for a BVR-3 Remote Control Unit
combined with a VA-DN1 Camcorder Interface Adaptor.

Note

The type of UHF portable tuner which can be connected depends on the
country where the camcorder is used.

For more information, consult your Sony representative.

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-9

2

qd qaqs

Audio functions (3)

qa ALARM volume control

This control adjusts the speaker or earphone alarm volume. At the
minimum position, no sound can be heard.
You can adjust the internal volume control so that the alarm is audible
even at the minimum setting of the ALARM volume control.

For more information, refer to “maintenance manual.”

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-10

Minimum Maximum

ALARM volume control

qs MONITOR volume control

This control adjusts the speaker or earphone sound volume, excluding
the alarm sound. At the minimum position, no sound can be heard.

MONITOR

CH-1

MIX

CH-2

Minimum Maximum

MONITOR volume control

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-11

qd MONITOR (audio channels select) switch

This switch selects the audio output to the speaker or earphone. The
audio level indication in the viewfinder screen switches automatically
according to the selection.

2

CH-1: Audio channel 1
MIX: Mixed sound of channels 1 and 2
CH-2: Audio channel 2

Audio functions (4)

qf

qg

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-12

qf Built-in speaker

During recording, the speaker can be used for monitoring the E-E sound 1),
and during playback for monitoring one or both audio channels. The
speaker also sounds alarms to reinforce visual warnings.
If an earphone is plugged into the EARPHONE jack, the speaker sound
is automatically cut off.

See Section 6-3 “Operation Warnings” (page 6-12) for information about alarms.

qg EARPHONE jack

Plugging an earphone into the jack automatically cuts off the built-in
speaker, and you hear the alarms about the camcorder’s operation and
status through the earphone.

....................................................................................................................................

1) E-E sound (Electric to Electric sound)
The term E-E sound refers to an audio signal that has passed through the
amplifier, but has not been recorded on the tape. In other words, you can directly
monitor the recording input signal, as opposed to the simultaneous playback
(output) signal.

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-13

2-4 Shooting and Recording/

Playback Functions

2

1
2
3

4

5

7

8

9

6

Eyecup

0

Shooting and recording/playback functions (1)

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-14

1 Viewfinder

The viewfinder lets you view the camera image in black and white while
shooting the picture and also see the playback picture from the VTR. It
also displays various warnings and other information, a zebra pattern 1),
safety zone marker 2), and center marker 3).

2 BRIGHT (brightness) control

This control adjusts the picture brightness on the viewfinder screen. It
has no effect on the camera output signal.

3 CONTRAST control

This control adjusts the picture contrast on the viewfinder screen. It has
no effect on the camera output signal.

4 PEAKING control

This control adjusts the sharpness of the picture on the viewfinder screen
to make focusing easier. It has no effect on the camera output signal.

....................................................................................................................................

1) Zebra pattern

The zebra pattern aids in manual iris adjustment by indicating areas of the
picture where the video level is approximately 70% IRE (for the DVW-707/
709WS/790WS) or 490 mV (for the DVW-707P/709WSP/790WSP).

2) Safety zone marker

The safety zone marker is a rectangle indicating the effective picture area which
is equivalent to 80%, 90% (the factory setting) or 100% of the entire viewfinder
screen area. A setup menu lets you change the effective picture area from 90%
to 80% or 100%.

For more information, see Section 4-8-4 “Setting the Marker Display” (page

4-64).

3) Center marker

The center marker indicates the center of the picture with a crosshair.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-15

2

5 ZEBRA (zebra pattern) switch

This switch controls the zebra pattern on the viewfinder screen.

ON: The zebra pattern is displayed and stays.
OFF: No zebra pattern is displayed.

2

MOMENT: The zebra pattern is displayed and stays for a few seconds.

The zebra pattern display is factory set to indicate picture areas

where the video level is approximately 70 IRE (for the DVW-707/

709WS/790WS) or 490 mV (for the DVW-707P/709WSP/

790WSP).

It is possible to display an additional pattern, indicating areas of 100

IRE (for the DVW-707/709WS/790WS) and above, or 700 mV (for

the DVW-707P/709WSP/790WSP) and above. The video levels to

be indicated with these patterns can be changed.

For more information, refer to “maintenance manual.”

6 Diopter adjustment ring

Use this ring to adjust the viewfinder image for your vision.

7 Viewfinder left-right positioning ring

Use this ring to move the viewfinder sideways.

8 Viewfinder front-rear positioning lever

Use this lever to move the viewfinder forward or backward.

9 Cameraman tally indicator

This indicator lights while the camcorder is operating.
Slide the window open when you shoot, keeping your eye away from the
viewfinder.

0 Viewfinder stopper

Pull this stopper up to detach the viewfinder from the camera.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-16

qa
qd

qf
qg
qh

qj

qs w; ql

2

qk

Shooting and record/playback functions (2)

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-17

qa FILTER selector

This selector is a knob that selects the most appropriate filter to match
the light source. Note that if the display mode (see 4-8-3) is set to 3 when
this selector is adjusted, the new setting will be indicated on the setting

2

change/adjustment progress message display area of the viewfinder
screen for about 3 seconds (e.g.: FILTER: 3 ).
The relationships between the selector settings and filter selections as
well as examples of filters for different shooting conditions are given
below.

DVW-707/707P

FILTER knob setting and filter

FILTER knob setting Filter

1 3200K
2 5600K + 1/8 ND
3 5600K
4 5600K + 1/64 ND

Examples of shooting conditions and appropriate filters

Shooting condition Filter

Sunrise and sunset; inside studio 1
Clear skies 2
Cloudy or raining 3
Very bright conditions, such as on

snow, at high altitudes, or at the
seashore

4

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-18

DVW-709WS/709WSP/790WS/790WSP

FILTER knob (outer) setting and CC filter types

FILTER knob (outer) setting CC filter selection

1)

A

Cross filter
B 3200K
C 4300 K
D 6300K

FILTER (Inner knob) setting and ND filter

FILTER knob (inner) setting

1)

1
2
3
4

ND filter

Straight through

1

/4 ND

1

/16 ND

1

/64 ND

Examples of shooting conditions and appropriate filters

Shooting condition CC filter ND filter

Sunrise and sunset;

B1

inside studio
Clear skies C or D 2 or 3

Cloudy or raining D 1 or 2
Very bright conditions,

C or D 3 or 4
such as on snow, at
high altitudes, or at the
seashore

2)

2

....................................................................................................................................

1) The filter for FILTER settings A and 1 are fixed and cannot be changed.

2) Cross filter

This is a special effects filter which generates a cross-hair light pattern in
highlighted portions.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-19

qs TURBO GAIN button

When shooting under extremely poor lighting conditions, press the
button once to boost the video gain to the value preset with the menu (up
to 48dB, factory setting: 42dB). To stop boosting the gain, press the

2

button once more or use the GAIN switch.

qd WHITE BAL (white balance memory) switch

This switch determines the source of white balance settings.
PRST (preset): Adjusts the color temperature corresponding to the

position of the filter ring.

A or B: When the AUTO W/B BAL switch is pushed to WHT, the white

balance is automatically adjusted according to the current position of
the filter ring, and the adjusted value is stored in either memory A or
memory B. (There are two memories for each filter, so a total of
eight adjustments can be stored.) When the two-part FILTER
selector is in the same position as at when the WHITE BAL switch
was adjusted, the stored value is called from memory, and the
camcorder automatically adjusts itself to that value.

B (ATW): When this switch is set to B whereas, in the setup menu

OPERATION 1 page, B is set to ATW 1), the ATW is activated.
You can use the AUTO W/B BAL switch even when the ATW is in
use.

Note that if the display mode (see 4-8-3) is set to 3 when this switch is
adjusted, the new setting will be indicated on the setting change/
adjustment progress message display area of the viewfinder screen for
about 3 seconds (e.g. WHITE : A CH).

....................................................................................................................................

1) ATW (Auto Tracing White balance)

The white balance of the picture being shot is adjusted automatically for the
varying lighting conditions.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-20

qf OUTPUT/DCC (output signal/dynamic contrast control) selector

This selector switches the video signal that is output to the VTR,
viewfinder, and video monitor, between the color bar signal and the
camera output. It also switches DCC 1) on and off when output from the
camera is selected.

BARS, DCC OFF

An SMPTE type or EBU type color bar

signal is output and the DCC circuit does

not operate. For example, use the setting

for the following purposes.

• Adjusting the video monitor

• Recording the color bar signal

CAM, DCC OFF

OUTPUT

BARS•CAM

•

•

•

OFF

ON

DCC

....................................................................................................................................

1) DCC (Dynamic Contrast Control)

Against a very bright background with the iris opening adjusted to the subject,
objects in the background will be lost in the glare. The DCC function will
restore much of the lost detail and is particularly effective in the following cases.

• Shooting a subject against a bright sky

• Shooting a subject indoors, against a background through a window

• Any high contrast scenes

The video signal from the camera is output
and the DCC circuit does not operate.

CAM, DCC ON

The video signal from the camera is output

and the DCC circuit operates.

OUTPUT/DCC selector

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-21

qg GAIN selector

This selector switches the gain of the video amplifier to match the
lighting conditions during shooting. The gains corresponding to the L,
M, and H settings are selected from the setup menu before use. The

2

factory settings are L = 0 dB, M = 9 dB, and H = 18 dB.
Note that if the display mode (see 4-8-3) is set to 3 when this selector is
adjusted, the new setting will be indicated on the setting change/
adjustment progress message display area of the viewfinder screen for
about 3 seconds (e.g. GAIN: 12 dB).

For information about setting the gain values, see Section 4-9-1 “Setting the GAIN
Selector Values” (page 4-77).

qh AUTO W/B BAL (automatic white/black balance adjustment)

switch

This switch activates the adjustment functions of the white balance and
black balance.
WHT: Automatic adjustment of the white balance. If the WHITE BAL

switch is set to A or B, the white balance setting is stored in the
corresponding memory. When the ATW setting is selected in the
setup menu, the white balance setting adjusted with this switch is not
stored in memory. The Auto White balance is deactivated while the
WHITE BAL switch is set to PRST.

BLK: Automatic adjustment of the black set and the black balance. The

setting is stored in a separate memory.

qj SHUTTER selector

Set this selector to ON to use the electronic shutter. Set it to SEL to
switch the shutter speed or mode setting within the range that has been
previously set from the setup menu.
Note that if the display mode (see 4-8-3) is set to 2 or 3 when this
selector is adjusted, the new setting will be indicated on the setting
change/adjustment progress message display area of the viewfinder
screen for about 3 seconds (e.g.:SS: 1/250 or :CLS: 60.6 Hz).

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-22

For more information about the shutter speed and mode settings, see Section 4-2
“Setting the Electronic Shutter” (page 4-13).

qk REMOTE (remote control) connector (8-pin)

Connect the RM-B150 remote control unit (not supplied) to this
connector.
Connect the RM-P9 Remote Control Unit (not supplied) with conversion
cable or VA-DN1 Camcorder Interface Adaptor (not supplied) to this
connector.
By connecting a camcorder interface adaptor, you can control the VTR
from a 9-pin remote control device.

Note

If the REMOTE and TEST OUT connectors are used at the same time, it
may not be possible to generate video signals at standard levels.

ql VIDEO OUT (video output) connector (BNC type)

This connector outputs a composite signal (standard level, 75-ohm
terminated) to the video monitor. If the video monitor is connected here,
you can monitor the picture being shot by the camcorder as well as the
picture recorded by the VTR. When synchronizing the time code of an
external VTR with that of the camcorder, connect this connector to the
video input connector of the external VTR.
By attaching the BKDW-702 extension board (not supplied), you can
output an SDI signal (corresponding to EDH) from the VIDEO OUT
connector. Select composite video signal output or SDI signal output
through the setup menu.

See Section 4-9-2 “Selecting the Functions” (page 4-79) for details on selecting the
signal output from the VIDEO OUT connector.

w; ASSIGNABLE (assigning function) button

You can assign ATW, RET, REC and other functions to this switch.

See Section 4-9-2 “Selecting the Functions” (page 4-79) for details on the
functions that can be assigned and settings.

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-23

2

wa

Shooting and playback/record functions (3)

wa TEST OUT (test output) connector (BNC type)

This connector outputs the video signal (standard level, 75-ohm
terminated) for the video monitor. The output signal can be selected to be
a composite, R, G, or B. The factory setting is composite, and the setting
returns to composite whenever the power is switched on.
Depending on the internal board and setup menu settings, the setup
menu, the time code and the shot data can be displayed over the image
on the monitor. As for the VIDEO OUT connector, you can use this
connector for synchronizing the time code of an external VTR to the
time code of the camcorder.

For information about the setting for test output, see Section 4-9-3 “Selecting the
Test Output” (page 4-83).

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-24

ws

wd

2

wf
wg

D

W

F

F

Y

W

A

E

L

R

T

C

JE

E

P

P

O

T

S

Opening the cover

wh

wj
wk

Press on the tab.

1

2

Shooting and record/playback functions (4)

ws VTR START (VTR record start) button

Press this button to start recording. Press it again to stop recording. The
effect is exactly the same as that of the VTR button on the lens.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-25

wd VTR SAVE/STBY (VTR power saving/standby) switch

This switch controls the VTR power mode during pauses in recording
(REC PAUSE).
SAVE: Power saving mode. When you press the VTR START button,

2

there is a short delay before recording starts, but power consumption
is less than in standby mode, and battery life is extended. When the
switch is set to SAVE, the VTR SAVE indicator in the viewfinder
lights.

STBY: Standby mode. Recording starts as soon as you press the VTR

START button.

See Section 4-7-1 “Layout of Indicators in the Viewfinder” (page 4-48).

wf EJECT (cassette eject) button

Press this button to eject or load a cassette.

wg REW (rewind) button and indicator

Press this button to rewind the tape. The indicator lights during
rewinding.

wh F FWD (fast forward) button and indicator

Press this button to fast forward the tape. The indicator lights during fast
forward.

wj PLAY (playback) button and indicator

Press this button to view the recorded picture in the viewfinder or on a
color video monitor. The indicator lights during playback. The 5 times
normal speed search function is provided to make it far quicker to find a
desired location of the tape. Press the REW button or F FWD button
during playback to view the 5 times normal speed search picture.
Pressing the REW button or F FWD button again causes play to stop and
the camcorder to change to REW mode or F FWD mode, respectively.

wk STOP button

Press this button to stop the tape.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-26

2-5 Setup Menu Operating

Section

1

2

3 4

Setup menu operating section

1 Setup card compartment

Open the cover and insert the BSC-1 Setup Card (not supplied) into the
slot with the “SONY” logo facing you, then close the lid.

2 Rotary encoder

When the cursor is aligned with the page title of a setup menu, pressing
the rotary encoder changes to the page switching mode. When the cursor
is other than on the page title, pressing the rotary encoder switches to the
mode in which you can change the value of the current menu setting.
To change the page or vary a setting value, turn the rotary encoder.

2

3 MENU ON/OFF/PAGE (menu display/paging) switch

This switch is used to display the setup menu on the viewfinder screen or
the test signal screen and to page through the menu items. When you
close the cover, this switch is automatically set to OFF.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-27

ON: Displays the setup menu on the viewfinder screen or the test signal

screen, at the page which was on the screen when the previous menu
access ended.(When the menu is first used, the first page is

2

displayed.)
To enable the MENU CANCEL/PRST/ITEM switch, select this
position.

OFF: Removes the setup menu from the viewfinder screen or the test

signal screen.

PAGE: Every time this switch is pushed down from the ON position, the

next page of the setup menu is displayed.

4 MENU CANCEL/PRST/ITEM (menu setting cancellation/menu

presetting/item selection) switch

When the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch is set to ON, this switch is
used to select an item on the setup menu or erase shot ID characters.
CANCEL/PRST: Pushing the switch up to this position allows you to

cancel the previous settings, to reset the settings to their initial
values, or to erase shot ID characters.

ITEM: Every time the switch is pushed down to this position, the cursor

(arrow mark) in the page moves to the next item.

Note

Operation depends on the items displayed. Check the menu operation
that corresponds to the current item for details.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-28

2-6 Time Code System

1
2

3
4

Time code functions (1)

1 GENLOCK IN (genlock input) connector (BNC type)

• This connector inputs a reference signal when the camera is to be

genlocked, or when the time code is to be synchronized with external
equipment.

• This connector also inputs a return video signal. You can display the

image in the viewfinder screen by setting CAM RET. of FUNCTION
2/2 page to ON.

For more information, see Section 4-9-2 “Selecting the Functions.”(Page 4-79)

2

2 TC IN (time code input) connector (BNC type)

To synchronize the time code with an external time code, connect the
reference time code input here.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-29

3 TC OUT (time code output) connector (BNC type)

To synchronize the time code of an external VTR with that of the
camcorder, connect this connector to the time code input lock connector
of the external VTR.

2

4 TEST OUT (output) connector (BNC type)

To synchronize the time code of an external VTR with that of the
camcorder, set the test output signal to composite video and connect this
connector to the video input connector of the external VTR.

For information about setting the test output, see page 2-24.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-30

2

DISPLAY

CTL

TC

DATA

LIGHT

ON

OFF

CH-2

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

0

10

CH-2

7

5

6

8
9

0
qa

qs

WARNING

HOLD

RESET

REGEN

ADVANCE

PRESET

CLOCK

DIAG

DF

NDF

F-RUN
R-RUN

U-BIT
SHOT

SET

DISPLAY

SHIFT

DATA

CH-1

LEVEL

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

0

10

AUTO

MANUAL

AUDIO SELECT

AUDIO IN

FRONT

REAR

CUE IN

TIME
NO.

CH-1

MIX

qd

Illustration: DVW-707/709WS/790WS (for the NTSC broadcast system)

Time code functions (2)

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-31

5 HOLD (display hold) button

Pressing this button instantly freezes the time data displayed in the
counter display section. (The time code generator continues normal
operation.) Pressing this button again releases the hold. One use of this

2

feature is to determine the exact time of a particular shot.

See Section 2-8 “Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel” (page 2-38) for
more information about the counter display.

6 RESET (counter reset) button

This button resets the time data displayed on the counter display section
to “00 : 00 : 00 : 00” and the user bit data to “00000000”.

7 DISPLAY switch

Depending on the settings of the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch and the
REAL TIME switch, this switch selects data to display in the counter
display section, as follows:

CTL: CTL
TC: Time code
DATA: The item selected by the DATA DISPLAY switch

For more information, see “Time code displays” (page 2-40).

8 ADVANCE button

For setting the time code or user bits, each press of this button
increments the flashing digit selected by the SHIFT button. Pressing this
button while holding down the HOLD button decrements the flashing
digit.
Hold down this button and press the SHIFT button to enter the VTR
menu mode.

For details about the VTR menu, see Section 4-10 “VTR Menu Display in the
Display Panel” (page 4-99).

9 SHIFT button

For setting the time code or user bits, this button selects the digit to be
changed. The selected digit flashes.

For more information, see Section 4-5-2 “Setting the Time Code” (page 4-29).

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-32

q; PRESET/REGEN (regeneration)/CLOCK switch

This switch determines the source of time code values.
PRESET: Starts recording time code values on the tape from the

currently set value. This enables the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch.

REGEN: Reads the existing time code on the tape, and sets the time

code starting value accordingly. Thus, even when there is an
indefinite break in recording, this setting ensures that time codes on
the tape will be continuous. Regardless of the setting of the F-RUN/
SET/R-RUN switch, the camcorder operates in R-RUN mode.

CLOCK: Makes the time code value coincide with the built-in clock.

Regardless of the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch setting, the camcorder
always operates in F-RUN mode.

qa F-RUN/SET/R-RUN (free run/set/recording run) switch

This switch selects the operating mode of the internal time code
generator.
F-RUN: The time code advances regardless of whether the VTR is

operating. Use this position for synchronizing the time code with an
external time code.

SET: Set the switch to this position to set the time code or user bits.
R-RUN: The time code advances only during recording, making the time

code on the tape continuous.

For more information, see Section 4-5-1 “Setting the User Bits” (page 4-27), and
Section 4-5-2 “Setting the Time Code” (page 4-29).

qs DF/NDF (drop frame/non-drop frame) switch (DVW-707/709WS/
790WS only)

This switch selects whether the time code advances in drop frame mode
or non-drop frame mode.

DF: Drop frame mode
NDF: Non-drop frame mode

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-33

qd DATA DISPLAY switch
U-BIT: Display the user bit value.
SHOT-TIME: Display the date and time from the shot data.
SHOT-NO.: Display the shot number from the shot data.

2

Using the VTR menu, it is possible to set the unit to display the real time in the LTC
user bits, or to record shot data in the VITC user bits. For details, see Section 4-10
“VTR Menu Display in the Display Panel” (page 4-99).

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-34

2-7 Warnings and Indications

The camcorder gives visual information and warnings without your
having to look in the viewfinder.

4

REGEN

PRESET

CLOCK

DIAG

DF

NDF

1

2

3

F-RUN

SET

R-RUN

DATA

DISPLAY

U-BIT

TIME

SHOT

NO.

Warning and indication functions

2

5

6

7
8

9

0

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-35

1 Tally indicator

Setting the TALLY switch to HIGH or LOW activates this indicator. The
indicator lights during recording on the VTR. It also provides the same
information as the REC indicator in the viewfinder: it comes on during

2

recording and flashes to indicate a problem.

2 DISPLAY switch

This switches the indications on the viewfinder screen on or off.

ON: The indications appear on the viewfinder screen.
OFF: The indications do not appear on the viewfinder screen.

Note

When you turn the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch to ON, the menu will
appear on the viewfinder screen even if the DISPLAY switch is off.

3 TALLY switch

This switch controls the tally indicator, setting its brightness (HIGH or
LOW) or turning it off.

4 DIAG (diagnosis) button

Pressing this button when the VTR is stopped switches the camcorder to
the self-diagnosis mode. In the self-diagnosis mode, it is possible to carry
out a display panel test, a VTR test, or a camera test, and to display the
test result.
To exit from the self-diagnosis mode, press this button once more.

Refer to “maintenance manual” for more information.

Caution

Do not press the DIAG button when a remote control unit is connected to
the REMOTE connector (8-pin). Pressing the button with a remote
control unit connected will disturb both the self-diagnostic and remote
control functions. The only remedy for this disturbance is to disconnect
the remote control unit and turn off the camcorder POWER switch.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-36

5 Back tally indicator

This indicator functions exactly the same way as the front tally indicator
when the back tally switch is set to ON.

6 Back tally switch

This switch turns the back tally and the rear tally indicators on and off.

ON: Turns on the back tally and the rear tally indicators.
OFF: Turns off the back tally and the rear tally indicators.

7 WARNING indicator

This indicator lights up or flashes when there is a fault in the VTR.

See Section 6-3 “Operation Warnings” (page 6-12) for more information about the
relationships between the operation of the indicator and the meanings of the
indications.

8 LCD LIGHT switch

This switch turns the display panel illumination on and off.

9 Display panel

VTR error messages, battery status, tape status, audio level, time data,
and so forth are displayed on this panel.

For more information, see Section 2-8 “Warnings and Indications on the Display
Panel” (page 2-38).

q; Rear tally indicator

This indicator functions exactly the same way as the back tally indicator
when the back tally switch is set to ON.

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-37

2-8 Warnings and Indications

on the Display Panel

Tape status, battery status and level indicators

2

Audio channel 1 level meter

Audio channel 2 level meter

OVER

EMPH

0

V

10

H

20

30
40

•

PEAK dB

12

OVER

Fully charged

HOLDDIAG PB VITC NDFEXT-LK

00:00:00:00

H MIN SEC FRM

xxxxxxx

TAPE E B
BATT E xxxxxxx

RF SERVO HUMID SLACK

F

Battery status indicator

BATT E xxxxxxx F

Nearly dead: “BATT” flashes.
Dead (battery must be charged): “BATT” and “E” flash.

Tape status indicator

TAPE E Bxxxxxxx

Close to end: “TAPE” flashes.
End (tape must be replaced):
“TAPE” and “E” flash.

Tape status, battery status and level indicators

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-38

Full (at beginning)

VTR operation and status indicators

Lights in the self-diagnostic mode (testing
display panel, camera, and VTR).

For more information, see Section 6-3
“Operation Warnings” (page 6-12).

Lights during playback.

OVER

EMPH

0

V

10

H

20

30
40

•

PEAK dB

12

OVER

HOLDDIAG PB VITC NDFEXT-LK

00:00:00:00

H MIN SEC FRM

TAPE E B

xxxxxxx

BATT E xxxxxxx

RF SERVO HUMID SLACK

F

Warning indicators

RF: Lights if the recording heads are clogged.
SERVO: Lights if the servo motor fails.
HUMID: Lights if condensation is on the drum.
SLACK: Lights if the tape is not winding properly.

For more information, see Section 6-3 “Operation Warnings” (page 6-12).

VTR operation and status indicators

Note

If the tape in the VTR is slacked, an error code appears in the display
section of the display panel.

For more information, refer to “maintenance manual.”

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-39

Time code displays

2

Lights in playback mode.

Lights when VITC is selected
for the time code.

Lights in non-drop frame mode
(DVW-707/709WS/790WS only).

Lights when the camcorder is synchronized
with an external time code.

Lights when the time code
generator is on hold.

OVER

EMPH

0

V

10

H

20

30
40

•

PEAK dB

12

OVER

00:00:00:00

H MIN SEC FRM

TAPE E B

xxxxxxx

BATT E xxxxxxx

RF SERVO HUMID SLACK

HOLDDIAG PB VITC NDFEXT-LK

F

Lights when the time code,
CTL, or real time is displayed.

Lights when the HOLD
button is pressed.

Time counter display: Shows the time code,
CTL, user bits, and real time.
The table on the next page lists the details of
the displayed items and switch settings.

Time code displays

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-40

Relationships between the DISPLAY switch and DATA
DISPLAY switch settings and the time counter displays

Except during setting of the time code, the time counter display is
determined by the positions of the DISPLAY switch and DATA
DISPLAY switch.

For details of setting the time code menu operation, see Section 4-5-2 “Setting the
Time Code” (page 4-29).

Switch settings relating to time code and displayed information

DISPLAY switch
position

CTL Any position CTL
TC Any position Time code
DATA U-BIT User bits

DATA DISPLAY
switch position

SHOT-TIME Date and time from

SHOT-NO. Shot number from shot

Displayed
information

shot data

data

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-41

2

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-42

3-1 About Cassettes

This section describes the procedure for loading and unloading a
cassette.

See “Specifications” (page A-1) for information about the cassettes you can use in
the camcorder.

3-1-1 Loading and Unloading a Cassette

Loading a cassette

1 Turn on the POWER switch.

HUMID displayPOWER switch

If the interior of the VTR section is damp, the HUMID indicator will
light. If this happens, wait until the indicator goes off before going
on to step 2.

3

Recording and Playback

(Continued)

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-1

2 Press the EJECT button.

The cassette lid will open.

3

Cassette lid

3 Check that there is no slack in the tape, then slide in the cassette

until it clicks into position, and close the cassette lid completely by
pressing near the engraved “PUSH”.

Insert the cassette.

1

Window outward

Push and close the

2

cassette lid.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-2

Checking the tape for slack

Pressing in the reels lightly, turn them gently with your fingers in the
directions shown below. If the reels will not move, there is no slack.

Checking the tape for slack

Unloading a cassette

With the power supply on, press the EJECT button to open the cassette
lid, then take out the cassette. If you are not going to insert another
cassette, close the cassette lid.
It is possible to take out the cassette and close the cassette lid unless the
battery voltage drops below about 9 V.

3

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-3

Unloading a cassette manually

If the battery voltage drops below about 9V, take out the cassette
manually as illustrated below.

3

1 Turn the power off.
2 Open this rubber cover.
3 Pushing on the screw inside

with a screwdriver, turn the
screw counterclockwise
until the cassette lid opens.

4 Stop turning the screw as

soon as the cassette lid
opens.

Cassette lid

Unloading a cassette manually

You cannot lock the cassette lid after taking out the cassette, but turning
on the power makes the cassette lid operable again.

3-1-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure

The following procedure prevents cassettes from being recorded
inadvertently.

Push the plug in.
To reuse the cassette,
return the plug to its
original position.

Preventing acidental erasure

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-4

3-2 Recording

3-2-1 Basic Procedure

This section describes the basic procedure for shooting and recording.
Before a shooting session, make the checks listed in Section 6-1 “Testing
the Camcorder Before Shooting” (page 6-1) to ensure that the camcorder
is functioning properly.

Turning on the camcorder and loading a cassette

Follow the procedure below.

3

3

14

2

Basic procedure for shooting : from power supply to cassette loading

1 Load a fully charged battery pack.
2 Set the POWER switch to ON. Check that the HUMID indicator

does not appear and that the BATT indicator shows at least five
segments. When using a BP-L60A/L90A battery pack, check that
the four LED indicator segments on the battery pack are lit.

• If the HUMID indicator appears, wait until it disappears.

• If the BATT indicator does not show at least five segments,
replace the battery pack with a fully charged one.

Note

After turning off the power, check whether the drum is dry (even if
the HUMID indication is off).

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-5

(Continued)

3 Check that there are no obstructions near the cassette lid, then press

the EJECT button to open the cassette lid.

4 After checking the points below load the cassette, and close the

cassette lid.

• The cassette is not write-protected.

3

• There is no slack in the tape.

• The leader tape is wound on the take-up reel.

Basic procedure for shooting : from adjusting the
black balance and white balance to stopping recording

After turning on the power and loading a cassette, set the switches and
selectors as shown below and begin operation.

Iris: Automatic

Zoom: Automatic

Switch and selector settings before shooting

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-6

DISPLAY: ON

OUTPUT/
DCC: CAM,
DCC ON

AUDIO SELECT CH­1/CH-2: AUTO

F-RUN/SET/R-RUN:
F-RUN or R-RUN
(set as needed)

Shooting

Follow the procedure below.

3,5

3

1,245,6

Basic procedure for shooting: from adjusting the black balance and

white balance to stopping recording

2

1 Push the AUTO W/B BAL switch to BLK to adjust the black

balance.

2 Select the CC/ND filter (single filter for DVW-707/707P) to match

the lighting conditions, and adjust the white balance.

When the black balance and white balance settings are already
in memory:

Set the WHITE BAL switch to A or B.

When the white balance setting is not in memory and you do not
have enough time to adjust the white balance:

(Continued)

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-7

DVW-709WS/709WSP/790WS/790WSP

For automatic adjustment of the white balance, set the WHITE BAL
switch to PRST, then the FILTER selector to B for 3200 K, to C for
4300 K, or to D for 6300 K.

3

DVW-707/707P

Set the WHITE BAL switch to the PRST position. The white
balance is automatically set to 3200 K when the FILTER knob is in
position 1, and to 5600 K in other positions.

For more information, see Section 4-1-2 “Adjusting the White Balance” (page
4-5)

3 Aim the camera at the object, and adjust the focus and zoom.
4 If necessary, set the electronic shutter for an appropriate mode and

speed.

For more information, see Section 4-2 “Setting the Electronic Shutter” (page
4-13).

5 To start recording, press the VTR START button or the VTR button

on the lens.

During recording, the REC indicator in the viewfinder goes on.
Perform zooming and focus control, if necessary.

6 To stop recording, press the VTR START button or the VTR button

on the lens again.

The REC indicator goes off.

Cassette control buttons

During recording, the cassette control buttons (EJECT, REW, F FWD,
PLAY, STOP) have no effect.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-8

3-2-2 Continuous Recording

If the camcorder is in the recording pause mode, simply pressing the
VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button on the lens
continues recording at exactly the next frame.
In other cases, you first need to position the tape at an appropriate point
to prevent the recording continuity from being lost.

When the camcorder is in the recording pause mode

Pressing the VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button on
the lens positions the tape at the appropriate point automatically.
However, the time taken before recording starts depends on the setting of
the VTR SAVE/STBY switch.

• If the VTR SAVE/STBY switch is in the SAVE position, it takes about
4 seconds before recording starts.

• If the VTR SAVE/STBY switch is in the STBY position, recording
starts immediately. However, just after the switch position is changed
from SAVE to STBY, it takes about 4 seconds before recording starts.

3

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-9

If you turn off the power during a recording pause

Follow the procedure below to continue recording.

3

1 32

Continuous recording after turning off the power during a recording pause

1 Turn on the power again.
2 Press the RET button on the lens. (If a video signal is input to the

GENLOCK IN connector, make sure that CAM RET. is set to OFF
on the FUNCTION 2/2 page of the setup menu.)

For more information, see Section 4-9-2 “Selecting the Functions” (page 4-

79).

The camcorder positions the tape at the appropriate point. Note,
however, that this function works only for continuously recorded
material or consecutively joined segments totaling at least 4 seconds
in length.

3 Press the VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button

on the lens to start recording.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-10

Continuous recording in other cases

After rewinding or fast forward, after removing the cassette, or on a tape
that has been partially recorded, you can obtain a continuous recording
by following the procedure below.

21

43

Continuous recording after rewinding or fast forward, after removing the

cassette, or on a tape that has been partly recorded

1 Looking in the viewfinder, press the PLAY button to start playback.
2 Press the STOP button at the desired point to begin recording. To

continue from the end of recording already on the tape, press the
STOP button immediately after the end of the previous recording
(within 0.5 seconds).

3 Press the RET button on the lens. When inputting a video signal to

the GENLOCK IN connector, make sure CAM RET. on
FUNCTION 2/2 page of the setup menu is set to OFF.

For more information, see Section 4-9-2 “Selecting the Functions” (page 4-79).

The tape will rewind and will be positioned at the desired point to
continue recording in about 7 seconds.

4 Press the VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button

on the lens to start recording.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-11

3

3-2-3 Starting a Shoot with a Few Seconds of

Pre-Stored Picture Data (Loop Rec
Function) (When Using a BKDW-703
Extension Board)

By installing the optional BKDW-703 extension board in the camcorder,

3

the camcorder is able to constantly store a few seconds (up to 8 seconds)
worth of the most current picture and sound data in the board’s memory.
Thus, when you press the VTR START button or the VTR button on the
lens, the recording starts with the data stored a few seconds before.

Turning Loop Rec mode on and off / Setting the Loop
Rec time

To record in Loop Rec mode, you need to turn on Loop Rec mode and
set the picture data storage time (Loop Rec time).

The Loop Rec time and VTR SAVE / STBY switch settings determine
the number of seconds of picture data that will be stored in the BKDW­703’s memory and recorded when you press the VTR START button or
VTR button on the lens. The following table shows the approximate
number of seconds worth of picture data (counting back from the time
you begin recording) that will be recorded from memory. However,
when changing from SAVE to STBY, or under the special situations
explained in the notes on next page, the actual amount of data recorded
may be shorter.

Loop Rec time setting and recording start point

Loop Rec time VTR STBY mode VTR SAVE mode

8 (seconds) About 8 seconds before About 4 seconds before
4 (seconds) About 4 seconds before About the same time
2 (seconds) About 2 seconds before About 2 seconds after
1 (second) About 1 second before About 3 seconds after

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-12

Notes

• If you change the Loop Rec mode settings, the picture data stored in
memory previous to the change are rendered unrecordable. Thus,
when you press the VTR START button or VTR button on the lens, the
previously stored picture data will not be recorded.

• Picture data is stored to the BKDW-703’s memory only for images that
appear in the viewfinder. For this reason, if you change to playback or
recording review during Loop Rec mode, then begin recording
immediately afterwards, picture data corresponding to the duration of
playback or recording review will not be in memory and will therefore
not be recorded to tape.

Follow the procedure below to turn Loop Rec mode on.

1,2,6

4,5

3

1 Set the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch to ON.

The page that was on the viewfinder screen when the last menu
operation ended will appear again. (If the menu is being used for the
first time, the lowest page of the selected pages will appear).

3

(Continued)

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-13

2 Push the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch repeatedly towards PAGE

(or use the rotary encoder) until the OPERATION 2 page shown as
below appears.

? 37*OPERATION 2


3

AWB LEVEL GATE : ON
COLOR VF : COMP
REC TALLY : UPPER
TIME CODE DISP : OFF
LOOP RECORDING:OFF

OPERATION 2 page

The state of a Loop Rec mode
setting

Note

If the BKDW-703 is not installed, the items for LOOP
RECORDING are not displayed on the OPERATION 2 page.

3 Push the MENU CANCEL/PRST/ITEM switch repeatedly towards

ITEM (or use the rotary encoder) to move the right arrow cursor to
LOOP RECORDING: OFF.

4 Push the rotary encoder once.

The right arrow cursor moves to the left of OFF as shown below:
LOOP RECORDING: tOFF

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-14

5 If you turn the rotary encoder counterclockwise as seen from the

front of the camera, the Loop Rec time will be longer. Turn the
rotary encoder counterclockwise (Loop Rec time value will be
incresing) or clockwise (Loop Rec time value will be decreasing
towards OFF at the end) until you reach the Loop Rec time that you
want.

Counterclockwise

t

OFF y 1 y 2 y 4 y 8 (second)

Clockwise

T

Loop Rec time selected by turning the Rotary Encoder

The camcorder is in the Loop Rec mode when the rotary encoder is
any position except OFF. In this mode, picture, sound, and time
code are constantly saved to memory. The TALLY lamp (green
tally) is on during this time.

6 To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch to

OFF.

The setup menu disappears from the viewfinder screen and the
display indicating the current status of the camcorder appears along
the top and bottom of the viewfinder.

Settings made in Loop Rec mode are maintained until changed.

3

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-15

You can turn Loop Rec mode on and off by pressing the ASSIGNABLE
button on the side of the camcorder.

For more information on ASSIGNABLE button, see section 4-9-2 “Selecting the
Functions” (page 4-79).

Note

3

You can change the Loop Rec mode menu settings while recording; any
changes that you make, however, do not take effect until after the
recording operation is completed.

Camcorder operations in Loop Rec mode

The recording procedure in Loop Rec mode is basically the same as that
for normal recording. Please note, however, the following differences.

• When you record in Loop Rec mode, the picture you shoot is recorded
to the tape after an elapse of the Loop Rec time. For this reason, the
tape does not stop immediately when you press the STOP button.
After pressing the STOP button, the REC lamp begins flashing once
every second and all tape operation buttons (EJECT, REW, F FWD,
PLAY, and STOP) stop functioning until the Loop Rec time has
elapsed. Afterwards, you can begin recording again by pressing the
VTR START button or VTR button on the lens.
After pressing the STOP button, if you start recording before a time
equal to the Loop Rec time has elapsed, there will be no break in the
recorded footage (i.e., it will be as if there were not a pause in
recording).
For example, if you press the STOP button with the Loop Rec time set
at 8 seconds, you could press the VTR START button 7 seconds later
and there would be no break in the recorded material.

• In Loop Rec mode, the time code generator in the camcorder advances
constantly at all times, not only during recording. It does this to
generate continuous time code data in the memory. For this reason, it
is not possible to use the time code for REC RUN mode operations.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-16

• The time code stops advancing while time data is being set (when the
F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch is set to SET). For this reason, if you start
recording immediately after switching to F-RUN or R-RUN (i.e., to a
position other than SET), you may overwrite a portion of the
previously recorded time code.

• Recontinuation recording in Loop Rec mode is done in the same way
as normal recording. In Loop Rec mode, however, when recording is
recontinued, the Loop Rec time is subject to a decrease of up to 0.3
second. (DVW-707/709WS/790WS only)

Turning off the camera

• When you turn the POWER switch to OFF, the camera will turn off by
itself after the tape has run for a few seconds.

• If you remove the battery, pull out the DC cable, or cut the power to
the AC adaptor during recording, the image currently being shot on the
camcorder will not be recorded. For this reason, take care not to
change the battery while recording.

When the tape runs out during recording

Please note that picture data at the instant the tape stopped is not
recorded if the tape runs out and the camcorder stops. The recorded
picture data is interrupted before the recording stop point.

3

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-17

3-2-4 Reversing the picture orientation

(vertically and horizontally) (Using the
BKDW-704 Extension Board) (DVW­709WS/709WSP/790WS/790WSP only)

If you have installed the optional BKDW-704 extension board into the

3

camcorder and are using a cinema lens, you can reverse the orientation of
the image (vertically and horizontally) and record the reversed image as
a normal image.

Setting the Picture Orientation

Use REVERSE IMAGE and H DELAY of OPERATION 2 page of the
setup menu to reverse the picture orientation and horizontally center the
image. To reverse the picture, set REVERSE IMAGE to ON, and use H
DELAY to make fine horizontal adjustments of the picture. (H DELAY
adjustments are possible only when the picture orientation is reversed.
Phase has no effect on pictures which are not reversed.)

Note

After making a horizontal adjustment with H DELAY, always do a test
recording on your system and play it back to verify that the entire picture
fills the screen in the horizontal direction. Any drastic change in the H
phase from the factory setting may cause the picture to be cut off at the
ends, depending on the blanking width and other settings in your editing
system.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-18

3-3 Checking the Recording

— Playback

By pressing the PLAY button, you can review any length of the
recording in the viewfinder in black and white. There are two other ways
to review the recording.
Recording review: You can see the last 2 seconds of the recording in the

viewfinder in black and white.

Color playback: You can see the recording in color on a color video

monitor without the need for any external adaptor.

You can also view the picture by pressing the REW button or F FWD
button during playback.

See Section 2-3 “Audio Functions” (page 2-5), for information about the switches
and controls used to select the audio output signal and to adjust the audio level.

3-3-1 Checking the Last Two Seconds of the

Recording — Recording Review

If you press the RET button on the lens while recording is paused, the
last two seconds of the tape is automatically rewound, and that segment
is played back on the viewfinder screen. Use this function to check
whether recording went smoothly. If you hold the RET button down
longer, at most 10 seconds of the tape is rewound and played back.
After playback, the camcorder is ready to start recording again.

Set CAM RET. to OFF on the FUNCTION 2/2 page of the setup menu
when inputting a return video signal to the GENLOCK IN connector.

For information about setting the CAM RET. function, see Section 4-9-2 “Selecting
the Functions” (page 4-79).

3

Note

The recording review function only works if the recording you have
made is at least 2 seconds long.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback 3-19

3-3-2 Checking the Recording on the Color

Video Monitor — Playback in Color

Connect a color video monitor to the VIDEO OUT connector of the
camcorder, and press the PLAY button.

3

Color video monitor

VIDEO OUT

Color playback

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback3-20

Video input
connector

4-1 Adjusting the Black

Balance and the White
Balance

Conditions may require that both the black balance and the white balance
be adjusted.

The black balance will require adjustment in the following cases.

• When the camcorder is first used

• When the camcorder is used under conditions in which the surrounding
temperature has changed greatly

• When the GAIN selector values have been changed

It is not usually necessary to adjust the black balance when using the
camcorder after it has been briefly off.

Always readjust the white balance when the lighting conditions change.

If the black balance or white balance adjustment is started when the
display mode is set to 2 or 3, messages that report on the adjustment
progress and results are displayed on the viewfinder screen. Change the
display mode to 1 to suppress these messages.

For information about setting the display mode, see Section 4-8-3 “Display Mode
and Setting Change and Adjustment Progress Messages” (page 4-61).

4

Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-1

4-1-1 Adjusting the Black Balance

In automatic black balance mode, the black balance is adjusted after the
black set is adjusted.
Manual black balance adjustment can be selected from the setup menu.

Refer to “maintenance manual ” for information about manual black balance
adjustment.

Follow the procedure below to adjust the black balance.

4

1 Set the switches as follows:

OUTPUT/DCC: CAM

If you change the setting of the GAIN selector, a message reporting
the set position appears in the setting change and adjustment
progress message display area of the viewfinder screen for about 3
seconds (in display mode 3).

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-2

2 Push the AUTO W/B BAL switch to BLK, and release the switch.

AUTO W/B BAL switch

The switch returns to the center position, and the adjustment is
completed.

During adjustment, the following messages are displayed on the
viewfinder screen (in display mode 2 or 3).








BLACK:OP

-BLACK SET-

Message during adjustment

The messages change in the following
sequence : -BLACK SET- →

-BLACK BAL-

1)

→ -CHECK-

The black balance adjustment ends in a few seconds with the
message “BLACK : OK,” and the adjustment setting is
automatically stored in memory.

....................................................................................................................................

1) If the existing black balance adjustment is satisfactory, the message “BLACK

BAL” may not appear, that is, the automatic black balance adjustment may be
omitted to save time.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-3

(Continued)

4

Notes

• During the black balance adjustment, the iris is automatically closed.

• During the black balance adjustment, the gain selection circuit is
automatically activated so you may see flickering on the viewfinder
screen, but this is not a fault.

If automatic black balance adjustment cannot be made

If the black balance adjustment cannot be completed normally, an error
message will appear for about 3 seconds on the viewfinder screen (in

4

display mode 2 or 3).
Possible messages are listed on the next page.

Black balance adjustment error messages

Error message Meaning

BLACK : NG
IRIS NOT CLOSED

BLACK : NG
R (or G or B) : TIME LIMIT

BLACK : NG
R (or G or B) : OVERFLOW

If any of the above error messages is displayed, retry the black balance
adjustment. If the error message occurs again, an internal check is
necessary.

Refer to “maintenance manual” for information about this internal check.

Note

If the lens cable is not firmly connected to the lens connector (see
2-2), it may not be possible to adjust the lens iris. If this happens, the
black balance will be incorrect.

The lens iris did not close; adjustment was
impossible.

Adjustment could not be completed within the
standard number of attempts.

The difference between the reference value
and the current value is so great that it
exceeds the range. Adjustment was
impossible.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-4

Black balance memory

Values stored in memory are held until the black balance is next
adjusted.

If a memory error occurs

If the error message “: STORED DATA : NG” flashes on the viewfinder
screen when the camcorder is turned on, the black balance memory
content has been lost.
Adjust the black balance again. Contact your Sony representative if this
message continues to appear even after the black balance has been
adjusted again.

For more information, refer to “maintenance manual.”

4-1-2 Adjusting the White Balance

Follow the procedure below to automatically adjust the white balance.

1 Set the switches as follows:

GAIN: Set as low as possible.

OUTPUT/DCC: CAM

WHITE BAL: A or B

a)

4

a) When “WHITE B” in the

OPERATION MODE
page of the menu is set
to “AWB”.

(Continued)

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-5

If the setting of the GAIN selector or WHITE BAL switch is
changed, a message reporting the set position appears for about 3
seconds in the setting change and adjustment progress message
display area of the viewfinder screen (in display mode 3 (see 4-8-

3)).

2 Adjust the FILTER selector to suit the lighting conditions.

The relationships between the various selector settings and filter

4

selections are listed in the tables below.

DVW-707/707P

FILTER knob setting and filter

FILTER knob setting Filter

1 3200 K
2 5600 K + 1/8 ND
3 5600 K
4 5600 K + 1/64 ND

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-6

DVW-709WS/709WSP/790WS/790WSP

FILTER knob (outer) setting and CC filter

FILTER knob (outer) setting CC filter

A Cross filter
B 3200 K
C 4300 K
D 6300 K

FILTER knob (inner) setting and ND filter

FILTER knob (inner) setting ND filter

1 Straight through
2
3
4

For examples of FILTER selector settings, see the description of the FILTER
selector in Section 2-4 “Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions” (page
2-14).

1

/4 ND

1

/16 ND

1

/64 ND

If the setting of the FILTER selector is changed, a message reporting
the setting appears for about 3 seconds in the setting change and
adjustment progress message display area of the viewfinder screen
(in display mode 3).

3 Place a white test card under the same lighting conditions as the

subject to be shot, and zoom up to it. Alternatively, any white object
such as a cloth or a wall could be used.

(Continued)

4

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-7

The absolute minimum white area is as follows:

Rectangle centered on the screen:
the lengths of the sides are 70% of
the length or the width of the screen.

The white object must be within
the rectangle and have an area of
at least 10% of the screen.

4

Note

Make sure there are no bright spots in
the rectangle.

4 Adjust the lens iris.

If the lens is manually adjusted, adjust it as appropriate. If the lens
has an automatic iris, set the automatic/manual switch on the lens to
automatic.

5 Push the AUTO W/B BAL switch to WHT, and release the switch.

AUTO W/B BAL switch

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-8

The switch returns to the center position, and the adjustment is
completed.

During adjustment, the message “WHITE : OP” is displayed on the
viewfinder screen (in display mode 2 or 3).

The white balance adjustment ends in a second with the message
“WHITE : OK”, and the adjustment setting is automatically stored in
the memory (A or B) that was selected in step 1.








WHITE:OK
K

Approximate color temperature
of the object

4

Note

If the camera has a zoom lens with an automatic iris, the iris may hunt
during the adjustment. To prevent this, adjust the iris gain knob (marked
with IG, IS, or S) on the lens.

For more information, refer to the lens operation manual.

....................................................................................................................................

1) Hunting

Repeated brightening and darkening of an image, resulting from repeated
responses to automatic iris control.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-9

1)

If automatic white balance adjustment cannot be made

If the white balance adjustment cannot be completed normally, an error
message will appear for about 3 seconds on the viewfinder screen (in
display mode 2 or 3).
Possible messages are listed below.

White balance adjustment error messages

Error message Meaning

WHITE : NG

4

LOW LEVEL
WHITE : NG

COLOR TEMP. HIGH
WHITE : NG

COLOR TEMP. LOW
WHITE : NG

TIME LIMIT
WHITE : NG

POOR WHITE AREA
WHITE : NG

LEVEL TOO HIGH

If any of the above error messages is displayed, retry the white balance
adjustment. If the error message occurs again, an internal check is
necessary.

Refer to “maintenance manual” for information about this internal check.

The white video level is too low. Either make
open the lens iris or increase the gain.

The color temperature is too high. Select a
suitable filter setting.

The color temperature is too low. Select a
suitable filter setting.

Adjustment could not be completed within the
standard number of attempts.

The white area could not be checked.

The white video level is too high. Either narrow
the lens iris opening or change the ND filter.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-10

If you have no time to adjust the white balance

DVW-709WS/709WSP/790WS/790WSP

For automatic adjustment of the white balance, set the WHITE BAL
switch to PRST, then the FILTER selector to B for 3200 K, to C for
4300 K, or to D for 6300 K.

DVW-707/707P

Set the WHITE BAL switch to PRST. The white balance is
automatically set to 3200 K when the FILTER selector is in position 1,
and to 5600 K in other positions.

For details about setting the white balance manually, see section 4-1-2 “Adjust the
White Balance ”(page 4-5).

White balance memory

Values stored in memory are held until the white balance is next
adjusted.
There are two sets of white balance memories, A and B, and adjustments
for each of the filters can be automatically stored in the memory
corresponding to the setting (A or B) of the WHITE BAL switch. The
camcorder has four built-in filters, so a total of eight (4 × 2) adjustments
can be stored. The number of memories allocated each A and B can be
limited to one each by setting FILTER INH. to ON on the FUNCTION
2/2 page of the setup menu. In this case, the memory contents are not
linked to the filters.
When the WHITE BAL switch is set to B whereas, in the setup menu
OPERATION 1 page, “WHITE B” is set to ATW, the ATW function is
activated to automatically adjust the white balance of the picture being
shot for varying lighting conditions.

4

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-11

If a memory error occurs

If the error message “: STORED DATA : NG” flashes on the viewfinder
screen when the camcorder is turned on, the white balance memory
content has been lost.
Adjust the black balance and the white balance again. Contact your Sony
representative if this message continues to appear even after the black
balance and the white balance have been adjusted again.

For more information, refer to “maintenance manual.”

4

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-12

4-2 Setting the Electronic

Shutter

This section describes the shutter modes that can be used with the
electronic shutter of the camcorder, and describes the procedure for
selecting the shutter speed and mode.

4-2-1 Shutter Modes

The shutter modes that can be used with the electronic shutter and the
shutter speeds that can be selected are listed below.

Selectable shutter modes and speeds

Mode Shutter speed Application

Standard DVW-707/709WS/790WS:

CLS
(Clear
Scan)

1/100, 1/125,1/250, 1/500,
1/1000, or 1/2000 sec.

DVW-707P/709WSP/
790WSP:
1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, or
1/2000 sec.

DVW-707: 261 speeds in
the range of 60.3 Hz to
10156 Hz
DVW-709WS/790WS: 260
speeds in the range of 60.1
Hz to 7000Hz

DVW-707P: 312 speeds in
the range of 50.0 Hz to
10101 Hz
DVW-709WSP/790WSP:
310 speeds in the range of

50.2 Hz to 9000 Hz

1/60, 1/125,

For shooting fast-moving subjects
with little blurring.

For shooting subjects such as
monitor screens with vertical
scanning frequencies of over
60 Hz (DVW-707/709WS/790WS)
or over 50 Hz
(DVW-707P/709WSP/790WSP),
to obtain images with no
horizontal bands of noise.

4

(Continued)

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-13

Mode Shutter speed Application

DVW-790WS:
248 speeds in the range of

30.4 Hz to 58.3 Hz
DVW-790WSP:

295 speeds in the range of

25.4 Hz to 48.7 Hz

DVW-707/709WS/790WS:
1/60 sec. (automatic
setting)

DVW-707P/709WSP/
790WSP: 1/50 sec.
(automatic setting)

For shooting subjects such as
monitor screens with vertical
scanning frequencies of up to
60 Hz (DVW-790WS) or up to
50 Hz (DVW-790WSP), to
obtain images with no horizontal
bands of noise.

Improved vertical resolution.
The sensitivity of the CCD is
reduced to about half.

4

ECS
(Extended
Clear Scan)
(For DVW­790WS/
790WSP
only)

EVS
(Enhanced
Vertical
Definition)

Notes

• Whatever the operating mode of the electronic shutter, the sensitivity
of the CCD decreases with increasing shutter speed.

• When the automatic iris is used, the iris opens wider and wider as the
shutter speed increases, thus reducing the depth of field.

• Under artificial light, particularly fluorescent or mercury lamps, the
light intensity may appear to be constant, but the strengths of each of
the R, G and B colors are actually changing in synchronization with the
frequency of the power supply (“flicker”). Using an electronic shutter
under such lighting could make the flicker even worse. Color flicker is
particularly likely to happen when the power supply is 60 Hz (with the
DVW-707/709WS/790WS) or 50 Hz (with the DVW-707P/709WSP/
790WSP). However, if the power frequency is 50 Hz (DVW-707/
709WS/790WS) or 60 Hz (DVW-707P/709WSP/790WSP), setting the
shutter speed to 1/100 or 1/60 can reduce this flicker.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-14

• When a bright object is shot in EVS mode or ECS mode (DVW­790WS/790WSP only) in such a manner that it fills the screen, the
upper edge of the picture may have poor quality because of an inherent
characteristic of CCD. Before using EVS mode, check the shooting
conditions.

• When using the electronic shutter, set FIELD/FRAME to FLD (field
accumulation mode) on the FUNCTION 2/2 page of the setup menu.

4-2-2 Selecting the Shutter Mode and Speed

Use the SHUTTER selector to select a shutter mode or a standard-mode
shutter speed. To set the shutter speed in CLS/ECS mode, with the
SHUTTER switch set to ON and the CLS/ECS mode selected, turn the
rotary encoder.
You can use the SHUTTER page of the setup menu to narrow the range
of choice in advance, or to select in advance whether you use CLS, ECS
or EVS mode.

Setting the shutter mode and standard-mode shutter
speed

1 Follow the procedure described in “Changing the display mode”

(page 4-63) to set the display mode to 2 or 3 from the VF DISP page
of the setup menu.

(Continued)

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-15

4

2 Open the SHUTTER selector cover, then push the SHUTTER

selector from ON to SEL.

4

SHUTTER selector

The current shutter setting appears for about 3 seconds in the setting
change and adjustment progress message display area of the
viewfinder screen.

E.g.: SS : 1/250 or : CLS : 60.6 Hz

3 Before the message from step 2 disappears, push the SHUTTER

selector to SEL again and repeat until the desired mode or speed
appears.

Pushing the SHUTTER selector to SEL repeatedly allows you to
cycle through the settings of mode and speed preselected on the
SHUTTER page of the setup menu.
Note that all modes and all standard-mode speeds listed in the table
on page 4-12 are preselected using the SHUTTER page of the setup
menu.

For more information about the SHUTTER page, see “Changing the range of
choice of shutter mode and speed settings” (page 4-19).

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-16

Standard mode

1/100 (or 1/60) t 1/125 t 1/250 t 1/500 t 1/1000 t 1/2000

CLS/ECS mode

a) Either CLS mode or ECS mode (DVW-790WS/790WSP only) is selected

depending on the shutter speed set in the setup menu CLEAR SCAN
page.

Selectable settings of shutter mode and speed (factory setting)

a)

EVS mode

Once a shutter speed is selected, it is maintained until the next shutter
speed setting operation.
When the message “STORED DATA:NG” appears, the shutter speed
returns to 1/100 s (DVW-707/709WS/790WS) or 1/60 s
(DVW-707P/709WSP/790WSP).

Setting the shutter speed in CLS mode

Follow the procedure below.

12

Setting the shutter speed in CLS mode

(Continued)

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-17

4

1 Set the shutter speed mode to CLS.









CLS:60.3Hz CLS:60.3Hz

4 The value indicated differs between camcorder models.

CLEAR SCAN page (factory settings)

2 Turn the rotary encoder counterclockwise as seen from the front of

the camera to increase the value, or clockwise to decrease the value,
until the desired frequency appears.

The frequency ranges as follows.
DVW-707: 60.3 Hz to 10156 Hz in 261 steps
DVW-709WS: 60.1 Hz to 7000 Hz in 260 steps
DVW-790WS: 60.1 Hz to 7000 Hz in 260 steps, and

30.4 Hz to 58.3 Hz in 248 steps

DVW-707P: 50.0 Hz to 10101 Hz in 312 steps
DVW-709WSP: 50.2 Hz to 9000 Hz in 310 steps
DVW-790WSP: 50.2 Hz to 9000 Hz in 310 steps, and

Pressing the MENU CANCEL/PRST/ITEM switch toward the
CANCEL/PRST position returns the setting to the default value,

60.3 Hz (DVW-707)/60.1 Hz (DVW-709WS/790WS) or

50.0 Hz (DVW-707P)/50.2 Hz (DVW-709WSP/790WSP).

25.4 Hz to 48.7 Hz in 295 steps

When the RM-B150 Remote Control Unit is connected

You can set the shutter speed of CLS with the rotary encoder of the
RM-B150.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-18

When the RM-P9 Remote Control Unit is connected

You can set the shutter speed of CLS using the UP/DOWN switch of the
RM-P9.

Changing the range of choice of shutter mode and
speed settings

You can reduce the time required to select the shutter mode and speed by
narrowing the choice of settings in advance. This can be done by using
the SHUTTER page of the setup menu.
Follow the procedure below.

Note

The SHUTTER page cannot be accessed when a remote control unit is
connected to the camcorder.

1,2,3,5

2,3,4

Changing the range of choice of shutter mode and speed settings

1 Set the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch to ON.

The page that was on the screen when the last menu operation ended
appears on the viewfinder screen. (When this menu is first used, the
lowest-numbered page of the currently selected pages for
configuring the menu appears.)

(Continued)

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-19

4

2 Push the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch repeatedly to PAGE until

the SHUTTER page shown as below appears (or use the rotary
encoder).

?E09*SHUTTER

EVS : ON
CLS : ON
1/60 : ON
1/125 : ON
1/250 : ON
1/500 : ON
1/1000 : ON
1/2000 : ON

4



a) 1/100 for DVW-707/709WS/790WS or 1/60 for DVW-707P/709WSP/

790WSP

SHUTTER page (factory settings)

EVS mode

CLS mode

Shutter speeds selectable
in standard mode

3 Push the MENU CANCEL/PRST/ITEM switch repeatedly to ITEM

until the cursor reaches the mode or shutter speed you want (or use
the rotary encoder).

4 To use the selected mode or speed (the “ON” setting), turn the rotary

encoder counterclockwise as seen from the front of the camera. In
order not to use it (the “OFF” setting), turn the rotary encoder
clockwise.

Note that pushing the MENU CANCEL/PRST/ITEM switch to
CANCEL/PRST has no effect on the SHUTTER page. To select
another mode or speed, return to step 3.

5 To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch to

OFF. (When you close the cover, the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch
is set to OFF automatically.)

The setup menu disappears from the viewfinder screen and the
display indicating the current status of the camcorder appears along
the top and bottom of the viewfinder.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-20

4-3 Changing the Reference

Value for Automatic Iris
Adjustment

The reference value for automatic iris adjustment can be changed to
enable the shooting of clear pictures of back-lit subjects, or to obtain
special effects. The reference value for the lens iris can be set within the
following range with respect to the standard value as defined by an F
number.

• 0.25: about 0.25 stop further open

• 0.5: about 0.5 stop further open

• −0.25: about 0.25 stop further closed

• −0.5: about 0.5 stop further closed

To change the reference value, set A. IRIS OVERRIDE to ON (factory
setting is OFF) on the FUNCTION 2/2 page of the setup menu.

The reference value is normally set to the standard value. Even if the
reference value is changed, it reverts to the standard value every time the
power is turned on.

Opening or closing the lens iris

1 Set the MENU ON/OFF/PAGE switch to OFF to close the menu.
2 • To open the iris by 0.25 stop: turn the rotary encoder

counterclockwise as seen from the front of the camera.
One bar appears in the upper part to the left of the F number in the
iris indication.

• To open the iris by 0.5 stop: turn the rotary encoder further
counterclockwise as seen from the front of the camera.
Two bars appear in the upper part to the left of the F number in the
iris indication.

4

(Continued)

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording 4-21

• To close the iris by 0.25 stop: turn the rotary encoder clockwise as
seen from the front of the camera.
One bar appears in the lower part to the left of the F number in the
iris indication.

• To close the iris by 0.5 stop: turn the rotary encoder further
clockwise as seen from the front of the camera.
Two bars appear in the lower part to the left of the F number in the
iris indication.



4














F5.6

Opening the lens iris

F5.6

Closing the lens iris

F5.6

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording4-22

Iris opened by 0.5 stop
(two bars)

Iris opened by 0.25 stop
(one bar)

Iris closed by 0.5 stop
(two bars)

Iris closed by 0.25 stop
(one bar)

Opening or closing the lens iris