Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. With your Handycam, you can
Welcome!
capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is
loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be
producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this
product will increase eye hazard. As the laser
beam used in this Handycam is harmful to
eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the
cabinet.
Refer to servicing to qualified personnel only.
For customers in the U.S.A.
and CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion
batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center
or Factory Service Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium
ion batteries in household or business
trash may be prohibited.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only).
For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest
you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only).
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
lithium ion battery.
“Memory Stick”
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 OPERAION.
THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS
COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN ICES-003.
DCR-PC120BT only
Countries and areas where you can use
network functions are restricted.
For details, refer to the separate Network
Operating Instructions.
2
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product,
you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (7669)
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name:SONY
Model No.:DCR-PC120
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:680 Kinderkamack
Road, Oradell,
NJ07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.:201-930-6972
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.
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.
3
Main Features
Taking moving or still images, and playing them back
•Recording a moving picture on a tape (p. 20)
•Recording a still image on a tape (p. 36)
•Playing back a tape (p. 31)
•Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s (p. 112)
•Recording moving pictures on “Memory Stick”s (p. 126)
•Viewing a still image recorded on “Memory Stick”s (p. 136)
•Viewing a moving picture on “Memory Stick”s (p. 139)
Capturing images on your computer
•Using with an analog video unit and your computer (p. 80)
•Viewing images recorded on “Memory Stick”s using the USB cable (p. 141)
Accessing the Internet via a Bluetooth equipped device
(DCR-PC120BT only)
Accessing the Internet, sending/receiving your e-mail. For details, refer to the Network
Function Operating Instructions supplied with your camcorder. (p. 155)
Other uses
Functions to adjust exposure in the recording mode
•Back light (p. 27)
•NightShot/Super NightShot (p. 27)
•Recording images with the flash (p. 37, 115)
•PROGRAM AE (p. 49)
•Adjusting the exposure manually (p. 52)
Functions to give images more impact
•Digital zoom (p. 24) The default setting is set to OFF. (To zoom greater than 10×, select
the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)
•Fader (p. 42)
•Picture effect (p. 45)
•Digital effect (p. 46)
•Title (p. 90)
•MEMORY MIX (p. 121)
Functions to give a natural appearance to your recordings
•Manual focus (p. 53)
•Sports lesson (p. 49)
•Landscape (p. 49)
Functions to use on recorded tapes
•END SEARCH/EDITSEARCH/Rec Review (p. 30)
•DATA CODE (p. 32)
•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 60)
•Zero set memory (p. 61)
•Title search (p. 62)
•Digital program editing (p. 69, 132)
4
•HiFi SOUND (p. 166)
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
Index ..................................................... 187
7
Quick Start Guide
Connecting the power cord (p. 15)
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 12).
Quick Start Guide
AC power adaptor (supplied)
This chapter introduces you to the basic features
of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses
“( )” for more information.
Pull down the Holding Grip to hold your
camcorder as illustrated.
Holding Grip
Open the jack
cover.
Connect the plug with its v
mark facing up.
Inserting a cassette (p. 19)
1 Slide OPEN/
Z EJECT in the
direction of the
arrow and open the
lid.
2 Push the middle
portion of the back
of the cassette to
insert. Insert the
cassette in a straight
line deeply into the
cassette
compartment with
the window facing
out.
3 Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing the
mark on the cassette
compartment.
After the cassette
compartment goes
down completely,
close the lid until it
clicks.
8
Recording a picture (p. 20)
1Remove the lens cap.
Viewing a picture with
the viewfinder
Close the LCD panel,
and pull out the
viewfinder.
3Press OPEN to open the
LCD panel.
The picture appears on
the screen.
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting
is set to off. If you want to record the date and time for
a picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 16).
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 31)
1Set the POWER
switch to VCR
while pressing the
small green button.
(CHG)
OFF
C
A
M
M
E
R
POWER
R
C
V
E
M
A
LOCK
O
R
Y
2Set the POWER
switch to CAMERA
while pressing the
small green button.
POWER
R
C
V
(CHG)
OFF
C
M
A
E
M
M
O
E
R
R
Y
A
4Press START/STOP. Your
camcorder starts recording.
To stop recording, press
START/STOP again.
POWER
R
C
V
(CHG)
OFF
C
M
A
E
M
M
O
E
R
R
Y
A
2Press m to rewind the tape.
REW
LOCK
LOCK
Quick Start Guide
NOTE
Do not pick up your camcorder by
holding the viewfinder, the flash, the
LCD panel or the battery pack.
3Press N to start playback.
PLAY
9
— Getting started —
Using this manual
The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before
you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number
by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. (DCR-PC120BT is marked as DCR-PC120
on the bottom of this unit.) The DCR-PC120BT is the model used for illustration
purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences
in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “DCR-PC120BT only”.
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the
operation is being carried out.
Types of differences
DCR-PC115PC120BT
Network function—z
zProvided
—Not provided
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory .
10
The functions which require different operations depending on whether the tape has
the cassette memory or not are:
– End search (p. 30)
– Date search (p. 63)
– Photo search (p. 65)
The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are:
– Title search (p. 62)
– Superimposing a title (p. 90)
– Labeling a cassette (p. 94)
For details, see page 165.
You see this mark in the introduction of the features that are operated only with
cassette memory.
Tapes with cassette memory are marked by (Cassette Memory).
Using this manual
Note on TV color systems
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you
need an NTSC system-based TV.
Copyright precautions
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the
copyright laws.
Precautions on camcorder care
Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only)
•The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision
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 constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.
These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any way.
•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
•Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD
screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions [c].
•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].
Getting started
[a][b]
[c][d]
11
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
(1) While sliding BATT RELEASE in the direction of the arrow 1, slide the
battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow 2.
(2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
12
2
1
To remove the battery pack
The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.
12
When you store your camcorder
To protect the battery terminals, install the battery terminal cover after the battery pack
is removed.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Charging the battery pack
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series).
See page 167 for details of “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
(1) Open the jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your
camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.
(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). The CHG lamp lights up when the
charge begins. After the charge is completed, the CHG lamp goes out. (full
charge)
2
CHG lamp
1
4
(CHG)
C
A
OFF
M
V
M
E
R
POWER
R
C
E
M
O
A
Getting started
LOCK
R
Y
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Note
Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of
the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power
adaptor.
While charging the battery pack, the CHG lamp flashes in the following cases:
– The battery pack is not installed correctly.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.
When you use the AC power adaptor
Place the AC power adaptor near a wall outlet. If any trouble occurs with this unit,
disconnect the plug from a wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.
The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low
because of the ambient temperature.
Approximate minutes at 25°C (77°F) to charge an empty battery pack
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Approximate continuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be shorter if
you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
Playing timePlaying time
on LCD screenwith LCD closed
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
If the power goes off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that the
battery pack has enough power to operate
Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining
indicator is correct.
Recommended charging temperature
We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10°C
to 30°C (50°F to 86°F).
What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as
battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible
with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with
the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
mark.
TM
SERIES
Connecting to a wall outlet
When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a
wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.
(1) Open the jack cover. Connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your
camcorder to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing
up.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
Getting started
1
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
Notes
•The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your
camcorder.
•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack cannot supply
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.
Using a car battery
Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (optional).
Refer to the operating instructions of the DC Adaptor/Charger for further information.
2,3
15
Step 2 Setting the date and time
Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time. “CLOCK
SET” will be displayed each time that you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or
MEMORY unless you set the date and time settings.
If you do not use your camcorder for about three months, the date and time settings
may be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in
your camcorder will have been discharged (p. 174).
Set the area, the daylight saving time, year, month, day, hour and then the minute, in
that order.
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY, then press MENU to display
the menu settings.
(2) Press v/V on the control button to select
(3) Press v/V on the control button to select CLOCK SET, then press zor B.
(4) Press v/V on the control button to adjust the desired area (where you are),
then press z.
(5) Press v/V on the control button to select whether or not the time is daylight
saving time, then press z.
Select OFF if the time is not daylight saving time. Select ON if it is.
(6) Press v/V on the control button to adjust the desired year, then press z.
The year changes as follows:
1995 T · · · · t 2001 T · · · · t 2079
(7) Set the month, day and hour by pressing v/V on the control button and
pressing z.
(8) Set the minute by pressing v /V on the control button and pressing z by the
time signal. The clock starts to move.
(9) Press MENU to make the menu settings disappear.
, then press z or B.
16
Step 2 Setting the date and time
MENU
2
3
4
6
8
MANUA L SE T
PROGRAM AE
PEFFECT
DEFFECT
W
HT BAL
AUTO SH TR
[
MENU
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET ––
LTR S IZE
DEMO MOD E
RETURN
[
MENU
CLOCK SET
AREA
26RGMT–5.0
NewYor k, Bo go t a
r
DST OF F
DATEY M D
––––––– –– ––
[
] :
EXEC
NEXT I TEM
CLOCK SET
26RGMT–5.0
AREA
NewYor k, Bo go t a
r
DST OF F
RYRMRDRRR
DATE
2001
JAN
rrr rrr
[
] :
EXEC
NEXT I TEM
CLOCK SET
26RGMT–5.0
AREA
NewYor k, Bo go t a
r
DST OF F
RYRMRDRRR
DATE
2001
JUL
rrr rrr
[
] :
EXEC
END
] :
END
] :
END
112:00
45:30
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
––
] :
END
R
1
Li sbon ,London
r
––––––– –– ––
] :
NEXT I TEM
GMT–5.0
:
GMT–5.0
JAN
112:00
JUL
5:30:00
END
:––:––
GMT+0.0
:
––
AM
4 2001
PM
Getting started
––
LTR S IZE
DEMO MOD E
RETURN
[
MENU
:––:––
5
:
––
AM
PM
CLOCK SET
AREA
DST OF F
DATEY M D
[
EXEC
CLOCK SET
26
AREA
NewYor k, Bo go t a
DST OF F
ON
DATEY M D
––––––– –– ––
[
] :
EXEC
NEXT I TEM
CLOCK SET
26
AREA
NewYor k, Bo go t a
DST OF F
RYRMRDRRR
DATE
2001
rrr rrr
[
] :
EXEC
NEXT I TEM
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
LTR S IZE
DEMO MODE
RETURN
[
] :
MENU
Note
Instead of DST, SUMMERTIME is displayed on the screen for some models.
If you do not set the date and time
“--:--:--” and “--- -- ----” are recorded on the data code of the tape and the “Memory
Stick.”
When using your camcorder abroad
Set the clock to the local time (p. 18).
Note on the time indicator
The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.
•12:00 AM stands for midnight.
•12:00 PM stands for noon.
17
Step 2 Setting the date and time
Simple setting of clock by time difference
You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference. Select AREA
SET, DST SET* in the menu settings. See page 103 for more information.
* Instead of DST, SUMMERTIME is displayed on the screen for some models.
Solomon Is
Fiji·Wellington
Eniwetok·Kwajalein
Midway Is.·Samoa
Hawaii
Alaska
LosAngeles·Tijuana
Denver·Arizona
Chicago·MexicoCity
New York·Bogota
Santiago
St. John’s
Brasilia·Montevideo
Fernando de Noronha
Azores
Step 3 Inserting a cassette
(1) Install the power source.
(2) Slide OPEN/Z EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.
The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.
(3) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert.
Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with
the window facing out.
(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
(5) After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it
clicks.
Getting started
mark on the cassette
2
OPEN/Z EJECT
To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3.
Notes
•Do not press the cassette compartment down forcibly. Doing so may cause a
malfunction.
•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other
than the mark.
When you use cassette with cassette memory
Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 165).
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
3, 4
5
19
— Recording – Basics —
Recording a picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and pull the lens cap
string to fix it.
(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more
information (p. 12 to 19).
(3) Pull down the Holding Grip.
Hold your camcorder firmly as illustrated.
(4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.
(5) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. The viewfinder automatically turns off.
(6) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator
appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder
lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
4
(CHG)
OFF
C
A
M
M
E
R
POWER
R
C
V
E
M
A
LOCK
LOCK
O
R
Y
Microphone
1
5
2
6
(CHG)
OFF
C
A
M
E
POWER
R
C
V
M
E
M
R
A
O
R
Y
LOCK
Notes
•Fasten the grip strap firmly.
•Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.
40min
REC
0:00:01
Camera recording
lamp
3
20
Note on Recording mode
Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP
(long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings (p. 96). In the LP mode, you can
record 1.5 times as long as in the SP mode.
When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the
tape on your camcorder.
Recording a picture
Note on the LOCK switch
When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to
MEMORY accidentally. LOCK switch is set to the right as a default setting.
To enable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as
you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.
However, check the following:
– Do not mix recordings in the SP mode and ones in the LP mode on one tape.
– When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
– When you use a tape with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition
smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the END SEARCH function (p. 30).
If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for five minutes while the
cassette is inserted
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent
battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG), and to CAMERA again. However, your camcorder does not turn off
automatically while the cassette is not inserted.
When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record in the LP
mode
•The transition between scenes may not be smooth.
•The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes.
Recording data
The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed
while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display
the recording data, press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.
Recording – Basics
The battery use time when you record using the LCD screen
The battery time is slightly shorter than the shooting time using the viewfinder.
After recording
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
(2) Close the LCD panel.
(3) Set the Holding Grip back to the previous position.
(4) Eject the cassette.
(5) Remove the battery pack.
(6) Attach the battery terminal cover.
21
Recording a picture
Adjusting the LCD screen
The LCD screen can be opened up to 90 degrees.
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to
the lens side.
180°
90°
When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically, and swing it into the camcorder body.
Note
When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically
turns off (p. 25).
When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight
The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the
viewfinder.
When you adjust the angle of the LCD panel
Make sure if the LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees.
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA, VCR or MEMORY. Press MENU, then
select and decide upon LCD BRIGHT in
bar indicator appears.
(2) Press b/B on the control button to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen,
then press z.
with the control button (p. 96). The
22
1
LCD/VF SET
LCD BRIGHT
LCD B.L.
LCD COLOR
VF B.L.
RETURN
[MENU] : END
LCD/VF SET
LCD BRIGHT
LCD B.L.
LCD COLOR
VF B.L.
RETURN
[MENU] : END
2
MENU
To darken
LCD screen backlight
You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings
when using the battery pack (p. 96).
To lighten
Recording a picture
Adjusting the viewfinder
If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.
Pull out the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.
Viewfinder backlight
You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select VF B.L. in the menu settings
when using the battery pack (p. 96).
Attaching the supplied lens hood
To record fine pictures under strong light, we recommend attaching the lens hood. Also
the lens cap can be attached even with the lens hood on.
Recording – Basics
Photocell window
Notes
•When you use the Remote Commander and the lens hood, the Remote Commander
may not function properly because the lens hood blocks the infrared rays from the
Remote Commander. In such case, remove the lens hood from your camcorder.
•You cannot attach filters or other objects onto the lens hood. If you do so forcibly, you
will no longer be able to remove filters or other objects from the lens hood.
When you use the filter (optional)
•The shadow of the lens hood may appear in the corners of the screen.
•The flash may not be adjusted correctly if the photocell window is covered.
23
Recording a picture
Using the zoom feature
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.
“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
“W” side:for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
To use zoom greater than 10×
Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings (p. 96). The digital zoom function is set to
OFF as a default setting.
W
T
W
W
T
T
24
W
T
The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming
zone.
The digital zooming zone appears when you select
the digital zoom power in the menu settings.
When you shoot close to a subject
If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the
focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/8 inch)
away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 inch)
away in the wide-angle position.
Notes on digital zoom
•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 10×.
•The picture quality deteriorates as you move the power zoom lever towards the “T”
side.
When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY
You cannot use the digital zoom.
Recording a picture
Shooting with the Mirror Mode
This feature allows the camera subject to view him-or herself on the LCD screen.
The subject uses this feature to check his or her own image on the LCD screen while you
look at the subject in the viewfinder.
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY.
Pull out the viewfinder and rotate the LCD screen 180 degrees.
The indicator appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen.
Xz appears in the standby mode, and z appears in the recording mode. Some of other
indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.
Picture in the mirror mode
The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal
when recorded.
Recording – Basics
During recording in the mirror mode
ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work.
25
Recording a picture
Indicators displayed in the recording mode
The indicators are not recorded on tapes.
Remaining battery time
Cassette memory
This appears when using a tape with cassette memory.
Recording mode
STBY/REC
0:00:01
40
min
REC
45min
Time code/Tape counter
Remaining tape
This appears after you insert a cassette and record or
play back for a while.
JUL 4 2001
12:05:56AM
Time
The time is displayed about five seconds after the
power is turned on.
Date
The date is displayed about five seconds after the
power is turned on.
Remaining battery time indicator during recording
The remaining battery time indicator roughly indicates the continuous recording time.
The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are
recording. When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about one minute
for the correct remaining battery time in minutes to be displayed.
Time code
The time code indicates the recording or playback time, “0:00:00” (hours : minutes :
seconds) in CAMERA mode and “0:00:00:00” (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) in
VCR mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code.
Remaining tape indicator
The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape.
Recording data
The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed
while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display
the recording data, press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.
26
Recording a picture
Shooting backlit subjects – BACK LIGHT
When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a
light background, use the backlight function.
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY, press BACK LIGHT.
The . indicator appears on the screen. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.
BACK LIGHT
If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects
The backlight function will be canceled.
Shooting in the dark – NightShot/Super NightShot
The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you
can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when
you use this function.
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.
and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the screen. To cancel the NightShot function,
slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.
Recording – Basics
SUPER
NIGHTSHOT
NIGHTSHOT
OFF
ON
NightShot Light emitter
27
Recording a picture
Using Super NightShot
The Super NightShot mode makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those
recorded in the NightShot mode.
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. and
“NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the screen.
(2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.
on the screen.
To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT again.
Using the NightShot Light
The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable the NightShot Light,
set N.S. LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 96).
(The default setting is ON.)
Notes
•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. the outdoors in the daytime).
This may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
•When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be
recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.
•If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,
focus manually.
•Do not cover the NightShot Light emitter when using the NightShot function.
•Detach the lens hood when you shoot with the NightShot Light since the lens hood
may block the NightShot Light.
While using the NightShot function, you cannot use the following functions:
– Exposure
– PROGRAM AE
– White balance
– HOLOGRAM AF
and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash
28
While using the Super NightShot function
The shutter speed is automatically adjusted depending on the brightness. At that time,
the moving picture may be slow down.
While using the Super NightShot function, you cannot use the following
functions:
– Fader
– Digital effect
– PROGRAM AE
– Exposure
– White balance
– Recording with the flash
– HOLOGRAM AF
When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY
You cannot use the Super NightShot function.
NightShot Light
NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance
using the NightShot Light is about 3 m (10 feet).
Recording a picture
Self-timer recording
Recording with the self-timer starts in 10 seconds automatically. You can also use the
Remote Commander for this operation.
(1) Press (self-timer) in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears
on the screen.
(2) Press START/STOP.
Self-timer starts counting down from ten with a beep sound. In the last
two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording
starts automatically.
START/STOP
2
(CHG)
C
A
OFF
M
E
POWER
R
C
V
M
E
M
R
A
O
R
Y
LOCK
To stop the countdown
Press START/STOP.
To restart the countdown, press START/STOP again.
To record still images on tapes using the self-timer
Press PHOTO in step 2 (p. 39).
To cancel self-timer recording
Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from the screen while your
camcorder is in the standby mode.
(self-timer)
Recording – Basics
Note
The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when:
– Self-timer recording is finished.
– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.
When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY
You can also record still images on “Memory Stick”s with the self-timer (p. 117).
29
Checking the recording
– END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review
You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition
between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth.
END SEARCH
You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record.
Press END SEARCH in the standby mode.
The last five seconds of the recorded section are played back and your camcorder
returns to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or
headphones.
EDITSEARCH
EDIT
SEARCH
END
SEARCH
30
You can search for the next recording start point.
Hold down the + · –/7 side of EDITSEARCH in the standby mode. The recorded
section is played back.
+: to go forward
–/7 : to go backward
Release EDITSEARCH to stop playback. If you press START/STOP, re-recording begins
from the point you released EDITSEARCH. You cannot monitor the sound.
Rec Review
You can check the last recorded section.
Press the –/7 side of EDITSEARCH momentarily in the standby mode.
The section you have stopped most recently will be played back for a few seconds, and
then your camcorder will return to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from
the speaker or headphones.
End search function
When you use a tape without cassette memory, the end search function does not work
once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. If you use a tape with
cassette memory, the end search function works even once you eject the cassette.
If a tape has a blank portion in the recorded portions
The end search function may not work correctly.
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