Sony HVR-V1E User Manual
2-887-521-14(1)
Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference
The supplied CD-ROM includes Operating Guide for the HVR-V1 series.
(Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese
versions).
For more details, see “Using the CD-ROM Manual” on page 18.
http://www.sony.net/
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper
using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)
-free vegetable oil based ink.
Printed in Japan
GBDigital HD Video Camera Recorder
HVR-V1E/V1P
© 2006 Sony Corporation
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
2
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety
instructions completely before operating
the appliance, and keep this manual for
future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the one
described in the operating instructions and
adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of electrical power
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or
local power company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac
power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider
than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or
convenience receptacles beyond their capacity,
since this can result in fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened
with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to the
plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord
exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation of the set, and to protect it from
overheating, these slots and openings must never
be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper
ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct
sunlight.
Continued ,
3
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the set due to
lightning and power-line surges.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or
frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the
set, ask the service technician to perform routine
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)
to determine that the set is in safe operating
condition.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
4
Read this first
English
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones
and headphones can cause hearing loss.
Do not expose the batteries to excessive
heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC
ADAPTOR
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is
fitted to this equipment for your safety and
convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to
be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the
supplied one and approved by ASTA or
BSI to BS1362 (i.e., marked with or
mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has
a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach
the fuse cover after you change the fuse.
Never use the plug without the fuse cover.
If you should lose the fuse cover, please
contact your nearest Sony service station.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and
sound of this camcorder.
HVR-V1E only
This product with the CE marking complies
with both the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC)
and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)
issued by the Commission of the European
Community.
Compliance with these directives implies
conformity to the following European
standards:
• EN60065:Product Safety (supplied AC
Adaptor only)
• 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).
Notice for the customer in the
countries applying EU Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony
Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku
Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized
Representative for EMC and product safety
is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger
Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For
any service or guarantee matters, please
refer to the addresses given in separate
service or guarantee documents.
HVR-V1E only
Disposal of Waste
Electrical and Electronic
Equipment for business
use (Applicable in the
European Union and
other European
countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its
packaging indicates that this product shall
not be treated as household waste. Instead it
shall be handed over to the applicable takeback scheme for the recycling of electrical
and electronic equipment. By ensuring this
product is disposed of correctly, you will
Continued ,
5
Read this first (Continued)
help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and
human health, which could otherwise be
caused by inappropriate waste handling of
this product.
The recycling of materials will help to
conserve natural resources. For more
detailed information about recycling of this
product, please contact your local Sony offi
ce or visit Sony Europe’s web site for
business customers:
http://www.sonybiz.net/environment
For the customers in the Nederland
Voor de klanten in Nederland
Dit apparaat bevat een vast ingebouwde
batterij die niet vervangen hoeft te worden
tijdens de levensduur van het apparaat.
Raadpleeg uw leverancier indien de batterij
toch vervangen moet worden.
De batterij mag alleen vervangen worden
door vakbekwaam servicepersoneel.
Gooi de batterij niet weg maar lever deze in
als klein chemisch afval (KCA).
Lever het apparaat aan het einde van de
levensduur in voor recycling, de batterij zal
dan op correcte wijze verwerkt worden.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
HVR-V1P only
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve
our environment by returning
your used rechargeable batteries
to the collection and recycling
location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. HVRSerial No.
Model No. ACNo.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800686-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: HVR-V1P
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone Number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
6
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.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
For the State of California, USA only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may
apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains
perchlorate.
Continued ,
7
Read this first (Continued)
8
Continued ,
9
Read this first (Continued)
10
Continued ,
11
Read this first (Continued)
Notes on use
Types of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
Your camcorder is capable of recording in
HDV, DVCAM and DV formats.
When recording in HDV/DV format, it is
recommended to use mini DV cassettes.
When recording in DVCAM format, it is
recommended to use mini DVCAM
cassettes.
Your camcorder is not compatible with the
Cassette Memory function (p. 121).
The HDV standards
• Digital high-definition (HD) video signals
are recorded and played back on a DV
format cassette.
• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2
format, which is adopted in BS (broadcast
satellite) digital and terrestrial digital
HDTV broadcastings and in Blu-ray disc
recorders.
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use
in your camcorder
You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked
with or
(p. 125).
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your
camcorder.)
b Notes
• You cannot use any type of memory card
except “Memory Stick Duo.”
• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick
PRO Duo” can be used only with
“Memory Stick PRO” compatible
equipment.
• Do not attach a label or the like on a
“Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick
Duo Adaptor.
When using a “Memory Stick Duo”
with “Memory Stick” compatible
equipment
Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following part.
Lens hood
“Memory Stick”
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)
12
LCD panel Battery pack
Microphone Viewfinder
b Notes
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “Maintenance and precautions”
(p. 130).
• Before connecting your camcorder to
another device with an HDMI cable,
component video cable, USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug
the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid
damaging the terminal, or cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of
the pixels are operational for effective
use. However, there may be some tiny
black points and/or bright points (white,
red, blue, or green in color) that appear
constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder. These points are normal
results of the manufacturing process and
do not affect the recording in any way.
Black point
White, red, blue or green point
Do not expose your camcorder’s
viewfinder, lens, or LCD screen to the
sun or strong light source for extended
periods.
• Intense light sources, especially the sun
will converge on the viewfinder or lens
and damage the internal parts of your
camcorder. Avoid sunlight or other strong
light sources when storing your
camcorder. Protect this device by always
closing the lens cover or by placing it in
its bag when not in use.
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
countries/regions. To view your
recordings on a TV, you need a PAL
system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
On playing back HDV tapes on other
devices
A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot
be played back on a device that is not
compatible with the HDV format.
Check the contents of tapes by playing
them back on this camcorder prior to
playing them back on other devices.
Notes on the icons used in this
manual
Features available for the HDV
format only.
Features available for the DVCAM
format only.
Features available for the DV SP
format only.
This function that can be used when
i.LINK cable is connected.
This function that can be used when
USB cable is connected.
Continued ,
13
Read this first (Continued)
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
• The on-screen displays in each local
language are used for illustrating the
operating procedures. Change the screen
language before using your camcorder if
necessary (p. 29).
• Design and specifications of recording
media and other accessories are subject to
change without notice.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior images.
It adopts the MTF measurement system for
video cameras and offers a quality typical
of a Carl Zeiss lens. Also, the lens for your
camcorder is T -coated to suppress
unwanted reflections and faithfully
reproduce colors.
MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The
number value indicates the amount of light
from a subject coming into the lens.
14
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................3
Read this first ...........................................................................................5
Using the CD-ROM Manual ....................................................................18
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items ............................................................19
Step 2: Attaching the supplied microphone and the lens hood with
lens cover ................................................................................... 20
Step 3: Charging the battery pack ..........................................................22
Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly .....25
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ....................................26
Step 6: Setting the date and time ........................................................... 28
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ..................................30
Recording/Playback
Recording ...............................................................................................32
Playback .................................................................................................35
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings .............................37
Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons .....................................49
Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder ................................54
Adjusting the zoom ............................................................................. 37
Adjusting the focus manually.............................................................. 38
Adjusting the EXPOSURE/IRIS............................................................ 39
Adjusting to Natural Color (White balance)......................................... 43
Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile)................................. 44
Adjusting the volume .......................................................................... 48
Focusing on a distant subject (Focus infinity) .................................... 50
Recording an index signal .................................................................. 50
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).............. 51
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
(End search) ....................................................................................... 51
Playing back the most recently recorded movies
(Last scene review)............................................................................. 51
Using the Shot transition.................................................................... 52
Changing the screen .......................................................................... 54
Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check) ................. 54
Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info).................................... 55
Continued ,
15
Locating a scene on a tape .................................................................... 56
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ................ 56
Searching for a recording start point (Index search)..........................56
Playing the picture on a TV .................................................................... 58
Using the Menu
Using the menu items ........................................................... 64
Menu items ............................................................................................66
(CAMERA SET) menu .................................................................... 69
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/
IRIS/STEADYSHOT/BACK LIGHT, etc.)
(AUDIO SET) menu .......................................................................75
Settings for the audio recording (DV AU. MODE/XLR SET, etc.)
(DISPLAY SET) menu ..................................................................... 77
Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/
DATA CODE, etc.)
(IN/OUT REC) menu ....................................................................... 82
Recording settings, input and output settings (VCR HDV/DV/DV REC MODE/
DV WIDE REC/ DOWN CONVERT, etc.)
(TC/UB SET) menu ......................................................................... 85
(TC PRESET/UB PRESET/TC LINK, etc.)
(MEMORY SET) menu ..................................................................... 87
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/ALL ERASE, etc.)
(OTHERS) menu .............................................................................89
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (USB SELECT/
QUICK REC/BEEP, etc.)
16
Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. ................................................ 92
Recording pictures from a VCR .............................................................96
Copying movies from tape to “Memory Stick Duo” as still images .........98
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ......................99
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) ......................100
Using a Computer
Connecting to a computer ....................................................................102
Copying still images to a computer ...................................................... 102
Copying movies on a tape to a computer .............................................105
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................108
Warning indicators and messages .......................................................117
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ..............................................................120
HDV format and recording/playback ....................................................121
Compatibility of the DVCAM/DV formats ..............................................123
About the “Memory Stick” .....................................................................125
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ..................................................127
About i.LINK .........................................................................................128
Maintenance and precautions ..............................................................130
Specifications .......................................................................................134
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls ...............................................................138
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder ......................................144
Index .....................................................................................................147
17
Using the CD-ROM Manual
The supplied CD-ROM includes versions
of the Operating Guide for the HVR-V1
series in Japanese, English, French,
German, Italian, Spanish, and Simplified
Chinese in PDF format.
Preparation
The following program must be installed on
your computer in order to read the
Operating Guide contained on the CDROM.
• Adobe Reader Version 7.0 or higher
z Tip
• If Adobe Reader is not installed, you can
download it from the following URL:
http://www.adobe.com/
Adobe and Adobe Reader are trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States
and/or other countries.
Reading the CD-ROM Manual
To read the Operating Guide contained on
the CD-ROM, do the following.
1 Insert the CD-ROM in your CD-
ROM drive.
A cover page appears automatically in
your browser.
If it does not appear automatically in the
browser, double-click on the index.htm
file on the CD-ROM.
2 Select and click on the Operating
Guide that you want to read.
This opens the PDF file of the Operating
Guide.
z Tip
• The files may not be displayed properly,
depending on the version of Acrobat Reader. In
such a case, install the latest version you can
download from the URL mentioned in
“Preparation” above.
18
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have following items
supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
• The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are
not included. See page 30, 121 and 125 for
compatible cassettes and “Memory Stick Duo”
for your camcorder.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 22)
Mains lead (1) (p. 22)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 143)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 58, 92)
Large eyecup (1) (p. 27)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1)
(p. 22, 127)
Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 21)
Wind Screen (1) (p. 20)
Microphone (1) (p. 20)
CD-ROM “Manuals for Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder” (1) (p. 18)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
Getting Started
Component video cable (1) (p. 58)
USB cable (1) (p. 100,102)
19
Step 2: Attaching the supplied microphone and
1
the lens hood with lens cover
Attaching the supplied
microphone
2
3
4
5
6
1 Attach the wind screen 1 to the
microphone 2.
4 Connect the plug of the
microphone to the INPUT1 jack
5.
5 Put the microphone cable into the
cable holder 4.
6 Select the channel with the REC
CH SELECT switch 6.
The REC CH SELECT switch positions
and the channels to be used at the switch
positions are shown in the table below.
REC CH SELECT
switch position
CH1, CH2 INPUT1 Channel1
CH1 INPUT1 Channel1
z Tips
• See page 48 for adjusting the volume.
• Set the +48V switch to ON when you use the
supplied microphone.
Input jack
INPUT2 -
INPUT2 Channel2
Channel to
be used
Channel2
2 Loosen the screw of the
microphone holder 3 and open
the cover.
3 Place the microphone into the
holder with the model name
facing upward, close the cover,
and tighten the screw.
20
Attaching the lens hood with lens
cover
2
1
Lens hood fixing screw
Align the marks on the lens hood to
those on the camcorder, and turn the
lens hood in the direction of the
arrow. Tighten the lens hood fixing
screw.
To remove the Lens hood with lens
cover
Loosen the lens hood fixing screw and turn
the lens hood in the opposite direction of
the arrow in the illustration above.
z Tip
• If you attach, remove or adjust an 62mm (2 1/
2in.) PL filter or MC protector, remove the lens
hood.
To open the shutter of the Lens hood
with lens cover
Move the lens cover lever up and down to
open or close the lens cover.
Getting Started
Move the lens cover lever to OPEN
to open the lens cover, and move
the lever to CLOSE to close the lens
cover.
21
Step 3: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the battery by
attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack (L series) to your camcorder.
b Note
• You cannot use batteries other than the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series)
(p. 127).
DC plug
AC Adaptor
DC IN jack
To the wall
socket
Mains lead
1 Press the battery pack and slide it
down.
2 With the B mark on the DC plug
facing the cassette compartment,
connect the AC Adaptor to the DC
IN jack on your camcorder.
B mark
3 Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor.
4 Connect the mains lead to the
wall socket.
5 Set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG).
The CHARGE lamp lights up and
charging starts.
22
After charging the battery
The CHARGE lamp turns off when the
battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
z Tip
• You can check the remaining battery with
Battery info (p. 55).
To remove the battery pack
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
Push the BATT RELEASE (battery release)
button and remove the battery pack.
BATT RELEASE
(battery release) button
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-F570 (supplied) 260
NP-F770 370
NP-F970 485
b Note
• You cannot use the NP-F330 battery pack with
this camcorder.
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Recording in the HDV format
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
NP-F570
(supplied)
NP-F770 280 165
NP-F970 415 235
Recording in the DVCAM (DV) format
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
NP-F570
(supplied)
NP-F770 290 175
NP-F970 430 255
Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.
Bottom: Recording time when recording with
the viewfinder while the LCD panel is
closed.
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
Typical
recording
time*
135 80
135 80
135 80
290 170
280 165
430 240
415 235
Typical
recording
time*
135 85
140 90
135 85
290 175
290 175
435 260
430 255
Getting Started
Continued ,
23
Step 3: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
HDV format pictures
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened*
NP-F570
(supplied)
NP-F770 410 410
NP-F970 620 620
DVCAM (DV) format pictures
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened*
NP-F570
(supplied)
NP-F770 435 435
NP-F970 660 660
* When the LCD backlight turns on.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
• The CHARGE lamp flashes during charging, or
Battery Info (p. 55) will not be correctly
displayed under the following conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
– The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery
Info only).
• The power will not be supplied from the battery
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the
mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.
• When attaching an optional video light, it is
recommended that you use a NP-F970 battery
pack.
LCD panel
closed
200 200
LCD panel
closed
210 210
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C
(77 °F) (10 to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F)) is
recommended).
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low
temperatures.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
Using an outside power source
You can use the AC Adaptor to obtain AC.
While you are using the AC Adaptor, the
battery pack will not lose its charge even
when it is attached to your camcorder.
Connect your camcorder as shown
in Step3:Charging the battery pack
(p. 22).
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
wall outlet immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
PRECAUTION
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
24
Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your
camcorder properly
To record or play back, slide the POWER
switch to the respective direction.
When using it for the first time, [CLOCK
SET] screen appears (p. 28).
POWER switch
2 Hold the camcorder properly.
Getting Started
1 While pressing the green button,
set the POWER switch.
If the POWER
switch is set to OFF
(CHG), slide it
while pressing the
green button.
CAMERA: To record pictures.
VCR: To play or edit pictures.
b Note
• After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK
SET], p. 28), the next time you turn on the
power of your camcorder, the current date and
time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a
few seconds.
3 Ensure a good grip, then fasten
the grip belt.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
b Note
• If warning messages appear on the screen,
follow the instructions (p. 118).
25
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
2
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel while pressing the
OPEN button 90 degrees to the camcorder
(1), then rotate it to the best angle to
record or play (2).
OPEN
button
190 degrees to
the camcorder
180 degrees (max.)
To turn off the LCD backlight to make
the battery last longer
Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO
button for a few seconds until appears.
This setting is practical when you use your
camcorder in bright conditions or where
you want to save battery power. The
recorded picture will not be affected by the
setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press
and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO
button for a few seconds until
disappears.
z Tip
• See [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 80) to adjust the
brightness of the LCD screen.
The viewfinder
You can view pictures using the viewfinder
to save the battery, or when the picture on
the LCD screen is not clear.
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture
becomes clear.
Viewfinder
290 degrees
(max.)
z Tips
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees toward
the lens from the position 1, you can close the
LCD panel with the LCD screen facing outward.
This is convenient during playback operations.
• To close the LCD panel with the LCD screen
inward, rotate the LCD panel to the position 1,
and then close the LCD panel.
DISPLAY/BATT
INFO
26
z Tips
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight from [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 80).
• To display images both on the LCD display and
in the viewfinder, set [VF POWERMODE] to
[ON](p. 80).
• To display images in black and white in the
viewfinder, set [VF COLOR] to [OFF](p. 80).
When the picture in the viewfinder is
hard to see
If you cannot see the picture in the
viewfinder clearly under bright
circumstances, use the supplied large
eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch
it slightly and align it with the eyecup
groove in the viewfinder. You can attach
the large eyecup facing either the right or
left side.
b Note
• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.
Large eyecup (supplied)
Attach with
the protruding
part at the top.
Getting Started
27
Step 6: Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not
set the date and time, [CLOCK SET] screen
appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.
z Tip
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may
be cleared from the memory. In that case,
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the
date and time again (p. 132).
MENU button
SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for
the first time.
2 Select (OTHERS) by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
OTHERS
RETURN
CAMERA PROF.
ASSIGN BTN
PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS
CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
QUICK REC
[MENU]: END
3 Select [CLOCK SET] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
120min
CLOCK SET
[MENU]: CANCEL
4 Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
120min
CLOCK SET
--:--:--:--
DMY 0100:12006
--:--:--:--
DMY 0100:12006
1 Press the MENU button.
28
[MENU]: CANCEL
5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour
and minute, then press the dial.
The clock starts.
z Tip
• The date and time do not appear during
recording, but they are automatically recorded
on the tape, and can be displayed during
playback ([DATA CODE] (p. 80))
.
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Select the screen language in
[LANGUAGE] (p. 90).
Getting Started
29
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”
{DO NOT PUSH}
Cassette tape
See page 121 for details of usable cassettes
and prevention of accidental erasure.
1 Slide and hold the OPEN/
EJECT lever in the direction of the
arrow and open the lid.
OPEN/EJECT lever
Lid
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
2 Insert a cassette with its window
facing outwards, then press
.
Push the center of the back of
the cassette lightly.
Window
b Note
• Do not push the portion marked
may cause a malfunction.
while it is sliding in. It
3 Close the lid.
z Tip
• The recordable time varies depending on [DV
REC MODE] (p. 82).
To eject the cassette
Open the lid following the same procedure
as described in step 1 and remove the
cassette.
“Memory Stick Duo”
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo”
marked with or
(p. 125).
1 Open the jack cover.
30
Jack cover
Cassette compartment
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in.
Loading...