Sony RMT-840 User Manual

Operating Instructions

Read this first

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

2-178-348-11(1)

HDR-FX1

Read this first

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughl y, and retain it for futur e reference.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do no t expose t h e u nit to rain o r moisture .

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the pr esence of uninsu late d “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitut e a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and ma i n te na nce (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batter ies are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and r ecycling location ne arest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batter ies, c al l to ll fr ee 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batter ies.

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.: HDR-FX1 Responsible Party: Sony Elec tronic s I nc . Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 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 accep t an y inte r f ere nc e received, including int erference that may cause undesired operation.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial nu mb ers 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. HDR-FX1 Serial No. Model No.AC- Serial No.

CAUTION

You are cautioned tha t any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

b 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 pr ovide reasonable protection agains t harmful interferen ce in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio fre quen cy en ergy and, if not installed and used in accorda nc e w ith the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particula r installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by tu rnin g the eq ui pment off an d 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 to an outlet on a circuit

different from that into which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV

technician for help. The interface cable supplied must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits f or a digital device pursuant to Subpa r t B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats. You can use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder.

The HDV standards

• Digital high-definition (HD) video si gna ls a r e recorded and played back on a DV format cassette.

• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 format, which is adopted in BS (br oadcast satellite) digit al and terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings and in Blu-ray disc recorders.

Tip

• Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i specification, which utilizes 1080 effective scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and records pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps. The i.LINK Interface is adopted as the digital interface enabling a digital connection with TVs and personal computers compatible with th e HDV format.

Recording

• Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound ar e recor de d 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 camc or der, storage med ia, etc.

• TV color systems differ depending on the countr y/ region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.

• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials m ay be contrary to the copyright laws.

The LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely hi gh- pr e ci sion technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effec tive use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/ or bright points (white, red, blue , or gr een in color) that appear constantly on the LCD scr een a nd the viewfinder. These points are norm al results of the ma nufacturing process and do not affect the recordin g in an y w ay.

• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors.

,continued

• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictur e s of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk .

Playing back HDV tapes on other devices

A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot be played back on a d evi ce that is not compatible with the HDV format. The screen appears blue. Check the conte nt s of tapes by playing t hem back on this camcorder prior to playing them back on other devices.

Connecting other devices

Before connecting your camcorder to other device such as a VCR or a comp uter with an i.LINK cable , be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

Using this manual

The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used on this manual are captured using a digital still camera, and thus may ap pe ar different from what you see.

Using the camcorder

• To ensure a good grip, fasten the grip belt as shown in the following illustra tion.

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder

LCD panel

Battery pack

Microphone

• You can change the language to be used for screen display on your camcorder (p. 18).

Jack holder

Table of Contents

Read this first ............................................................................................. 2

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items.............................................................. 10

Step 2: Charging the battery pack............................................................ 11

Using an outside power sourc e ....................... ........................... ............... ................ 14

Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 14

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 15

Adjusting the LCD panel ............................................................................. .. ....... .... .15

Adjusting the viewfinder ...................................... ......... .... .... .... .. ........... .. .... .... ......... .15

Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 16

Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape.............................................................. 17

Step 7: Setting the screen language........................................................ 18

Recording

Recording movies .................................................................................... 20

Recording for a longer time ................................................................................ 22

Using zoom ........................................................... ....................................................22

Recording in mirror mode .........................................................................................23

Displaying the recording setup in fo r mation – Status check ...................................... 24

Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 25

Adjusting the exposure fo r ba ck l it subjects ........................ ............... ........................25

Recording the subject lit by strong light – SPOT LIGHT . .......................................... 25

Adjusting the white balance ......................................................................................26

Recording using manual adjustments...................................................... 27

Adjusting the iris ......................... ...............................................................................28

Adjusting the gain ...................... ....................................................... ........................28

Adjusting the shutter speed ..... .... .... ........... .... .... ........... .... ...... ......... ...... .... .... ..........29

Adjusting the volume of light – ND FILTER .............................................................. 30

Displaying the zebra pattern to adjust the brightness ...............................................31

,continued

Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 32

Adjusting the focus manually .....................................................................................32

Enhancing the outline to focus – PEAKING ..............................................................33

Customizing the picture quality or sound ................................................. 34

Customizing the picture quality – PICTURE PROFILE .............................................34

Adjusting the audio recording level – Microphone volume level ................................36

Recording a picture using various features.............................................. 37

Developing scenes smoothly – Shot transition ..........................................................37

Fading in and out of a scene– FADER ............................ .. .... .. ..... .... .. .. .. .... .. ....... .. .. ..38

Recording an index signal at the beginning of recording ...........................................39

Recording in 16:9 wide rec mode ....................................................... 40

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec Review ................. 41

Playback

Viewing movies ........................................................................................ 42

Playing back in various modes .......................................... .... ......... .... .... .... ........... ....43

Various playback functions ...................................................................... 44

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH .............44

Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................44

Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code ..............................44

Displaying the video information – Status check ....................................................... 45

Playing the picture on a TV...................................................................... 46

Viewing the picture on a high definition TV ...............................................................46

Viewing the picture on a 16:9 TV or a 4:3 TV ............................................................48

Locating a scene on a tape for playback.................................................. 49

Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory ........................................49

Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search .......................................50

Searching for a recording start point – Index search .................................................50

Advanced operations

Troubleshooting

Using the Menu

Selecting menu items .........................51

Using the (CAMERA SET) menu

– STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC,

etc. ...............................................52

Using the (AUDIO SET) menu

– AUDIO MIX, etc. ........................56

Using the (LCD/VF SET) menu

– LCD COLOR, etc. .....................58

Using the (IN/OUT REC) menu

– REC FORMAT/TV TYPE, etc. ...59

Using the (OTHERS) menu

– CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,

etc. ...............................................62

Customizing Personal Menu ..............65

Assigning the functions ......................68

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to another tape ....................70

Recording pictures from a VCR

or TV ............................................74

Connecting to a computer ..................77

Dubbing sound to a recorded

tape ........................................78

Connecting an analog VCR to the

computer via your camcorde r

– Signal conversion function ........81

Troubleshooting .................................83

Warning indicators and me ss age s .....88

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ............90

HDV format and recording/playback ..91 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack ..............................................92

About i.LINK .......................................94

Maintenance and precautions ............95

Specification .......................................98

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ...........100

Index ................................................107

Note on the icons used in this manual

: Features available for the HDV

format only.

: Features av ailable for the DV format onl y.

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies

1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 11.

Press the battery pack and slide it down.

Battery Pack

2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

a Slide the OPEN/

EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow to open the lid.

The cassette compartment comes out automatically.

OPEN/EJECT lever

Quick Start Guide

b Insert the cassette with

its window-side facing out, then push the center of the back of the cassette.

Window-side

c Press on the

cassette compartment.

Close the cassette lid after the cassette co m partment slides back in by itself.

3 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.

The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 16. The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in t he default setting. To record in the DV format, see page 6 0.

a Open the hood shutter. b Open the LCD panel and

adjust the angle.

c While pressing the green

button, set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

d Press REC START/STOP.

Recording starts. To change to standby mode, pr es s REC START/STOP again.

4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

Quick Start Guide

a While pressing the green

button, set the POWER switch to VCR.

b Press m (rewind). c Press N (play) to start the

playback.

To stop, press x (stop).

To turn off the power, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

Quick Start Guide

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

Make sure you have followi ng items supplied with your camc order.

The number in pa rentheses indi cates the numbe r of that item supplied.

AC Adapt or (1)

Power cord (1)

Lens hood (1)

This is attached to your camcorder.

A/V connecting cable (1)

Component video cable (1)

Shoe adaptor (1)

To attach it to your cam corder, see page 104.

Rechargeable battery pa ck NP - F570 (1)

Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

To insert the batteries in the Remote Commander, see pa ge 105.

Cleaning cassette (1)

b Note

• If you attach an optical filter (optional) or so, remove the lens hood.

Large eyecup (1)

To attach it to your camcorder, see page 16.

Getting started

Shoulder strap (1)

To attach it to your cam corder, see page 101.

Operating Instructions (This manual) (1)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to your camcorde r .

b Note

• You cannot use batteries othe r tha n the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) (p. 92).

• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.

• Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet immediately if a ny ma lf unction occurs.

Battery pack

1 Press th e ba ttery pack and slide it

down.

Getting started

2 With the b mark on the DC plug

facing the battery pack, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

b mark

DC IN jack

Power cord

To the wall outlet

AC Adaptor

DC plug

3 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor.

4 Connect the power cord to the wall

outlet.

,continued

Getting started

5 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The CHG (charg e) lamp lights up and charging starts.

To check the remaining b attery – Battery Info

After charging the battery

The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

To remove the battery pack

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG ).

1 2 Press BATT RELEASE and slide the

battery pack up.

You can check the battery’s curr ent charge l evel and its current remaining recording time both during charging or when the power is turned off. The remaining recording time in the selected recording form at appears.

1 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). 2 Open the LCD pane l and adjust the

angle.

3 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

The battery information appears for about 7 seconds. Keep the butt on pres sed to vi ew it for a bout 20 seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL

REC TIME AVAI LABLE

LCD SCREEN: VIEWFINDER:

A Battery charge level: Displ ays

approximate remaining amount of power left in the batt ery pack.

B Possible recording time using the LCD

panel.

C Possible recording time using the

viewfinder.

50%0% 100%

110

min

125 min

Getting started

Charging time

Approximate number of minutes required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30° C (50 – 86°F) recommended.)

Battery pack

NP-F570 (supplied) 260 NP-F770 370 NP-F970 485

b Note

• NP-F330/F530/500/510/710 battery packs cannot be used with your camcorder.

Recording time

Approximate nu m ber of minutes availa bl e when you use a full y charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

Recording in the HDV format

Battery pack Continuous

recording time

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 235

NP-F970 360

110 125 125

260 255

390 385

Recording in the DV format

Battery pack Continuous

recording time

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 255

NP-F970 380

120 130 130

275 275

410 410

Typical recording time

60 65 65

130 130 130

200 205 205

Typical recording time

65 65 65

140 140 140

210 215 215

• The top figures show an approximate number of minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set to ON.

• The middle figures show an approximate number of minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set to OFF.

• The bottom figures show an approximate number of minutes when recording with the viewfind er.

• “Typical recording time” means an a ppr oxi ma te number of minutes when recording while you repeatedly record, start/stop, move the POWER switch to change the power mode, and zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter.

z Tip

• You can also use NP-F550/F730/F750/F960 battery packs. After charging these battery pa ck s, m ak e a trial recording with them before an actual recording to see the recording t ime. The recording time varies depending on the environment where the camcorder is used. Press DISPL AY/BATT INFO to disp lay the recording time on the screen.

Playing time

Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

HDV format pictures

Battery pack LCD panel

opened*

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 360 400 NP-F970 545 605

175 195

DV format pictures

Battery pack LCD panel

opened*

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 415 480 NP-F970 630 725

* With the LCD BACKL I G H T switch set to ON.

b Note

• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack when the AC Adaptor is conn ected to the DC IN ja ck of your camcorder, even if its power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.

• The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatur e .

200 235

LCD panel closed

Getting started

,continued

Getting started

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or the battery informat ion w ill not be correctly displayed in following conditions. – The battery pack is not attached correctly. – The battery pack is damaged. – The battery pack is fully discharge d. (For Ba tt ery

information only.)

Using an outside power source

Step 3: Turning the power on

You need to set the POWER switch to the respective power mode to record or play back pictures. When using this camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 16).

You can use the AC Adaptor as the power source when you do not want the battery to run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor, the battery pack will not lo se i ts c harge e v en when it is attached to your cam corder.

PRECAUTION

Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected t o the wall outle t via th e AC Adapt or.

Connect your camcorder as shown in “Step 2: Charging t he battery pack” (p. 11).

While pressing the green button, set the POWER switch.

The power turns on.

• CAMERA: To record pictures .

• VCR: To play or edit pictures.

To turn off the power

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

Getting started

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

Adjusting the LCD panel

You can adjust the angle and brightness of the LCD panel to meet various recording situations. Even when there are obstructions between you and the subje ct, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the angl e of the LCD pa n el.

z Tip

• If you rotate the LCD panel until it faces down, you can close and restore the LCD panel to the original position with the LCD screen facing out.

• If you are using the battery pack for power source, you can select the brightness by setting [LCD BL LEVEL] on the [LCD/VF SET] menu

• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions using the battery pack, set the LCD BACK LIGHT switch to OFF ( appears). This position saves battery power.

• Even if you change the brightness of the LCD panel, the brightness of recorded pictures is not affected.

• You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by setting [BEEP] on the (OTHERS) menu to

(p. 62).

[OFF]

(p. 58).

Adjusting the viewfinder

You can view images using the viewfinder when you close the LCD panel. Use the viewfinder wh en the batter y is running ou t, or when the screen is hard to see.

Getting started

Up to about 100 degrees

Open the LCD panel 180 de grees, then rotate it to the desired position.

180 degrees

To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen

Adjust the brightness by pressing LCD BRIGHT – or +.

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

1 Lift up the viewfinder. 2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment

lever until the picture is clear.

Getting started

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 larg e eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stre tch it a l itt le and align it with the gr oove of the viewfin der, then slide it up to the end. You can attach the lar ge eyecup facing either the right or left side.

Step 5: 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, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears eve ry t im e yo u tur n on your camcorder.

Large eyecup (supplied)

z Tip

• To select the brightness of the viewfinder backlight when you are using the battery pack, select (LCD/VF SET) menu, then [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 58).

b Note

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable button-t ype

battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In tha t case, charge the rechargeable button-type battery (p. 97) and then set the date and time again.

POWER switch

1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 14).

Getting started

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

Proceed to step 6 when you set the clock for the first time.

3 Pre ss MENU.

CAMERA SET WB PRESET AE RESPONSE GAIN SETUP SHOT TRANS STEADYSHOT STDYSHOT TYP FLCKR REDUCE

[MENU]:END

Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as writeprotection), see page 91.

4 Select the (OTHERS) menu by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

OTHERS RETURN ASSIGN BTN CLOCK SET

WORLD TI ME

LANGUAGE BEEP REC LAMP FORMAT LAMP

[MENU]:END

5 Selec t [CLOCK SET] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

120min

CLOCK SET

AMDMY 12100:JAN2004

[MENU]:CANCEL

6 Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

120min

CLOCK SET

b Note

• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This may cause a malfunction of your cam co rd er.

1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in

the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

OPEN/EJECT lever

Lid

Getting started

AMDMY 12100:JAN2004

[MENU]:CANCEL

You can set any yea r up to the year 2079.

7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and

minute in the same way as was done in step 6, then press the dial.

For midnight, set it to 12:00AM. For midday, set it to 12:00PM.

The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.

,continued

Getting started

2 Insert a cassette with its window-side

facing out.

Window-side

Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly.

3 Press on the cassette

compartment.

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

Step 7: Setting the screen language

You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen.

POWER switch

1 Turn on your camcorder.

4 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

Slide the OPEN/E JECT lever in the

direction of the arrow and open the lid.

The cassette compartment automatically comes out.

2 Take out the cass ette, then press .

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

3 Close the lid.

Getting started

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

3 Press MENU. 4 Select the (OTHERS) menu by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

OTHERS STBY RETURN ASSIGN BTN CLOCK SET WORLD TI ME LANGUAGE BEEP REC LAMP FORMAT LAMP

[MENU]:END

5 Select [LANGUAGE] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

ENGLISH

[

ENG

SIMP FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL PORTUGUÊS

0:00:00

]

LANGUAGE

[MENU]:END

6 Select the desired language by tur ning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

7 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

z Tip

• Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.

Getting started

Recording

Recording movies

You can record movies in either the HDV or the DV format. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 10 - p. 18). Movies will be recorded along with stere o sound.

Camera recording la mp

Format lamps

POWER switch and

Camera recording lamp

1 Open the shutter of the lens hood.

REC START/STOP

3 While pressing the green button, set

the POWER switch to CAMERA.

The HDV format lamp lights up and your camcorder is se t t o recording standb y (the default setting). It takes some time f or your camcorder to be set to recording standby.

4 Sel ect the recording format.

To record in the HDV format

Select the (IN/OUT REC) menu , [REC FORMAT], then [HDV1080i] (the default setting)(p. 60).

appears on the LCD screen and

your camcorder is set to recording standby.

To record in the DV format

Select the (IN/OUT REC) menu , [REC FORMAT], then [DV] (p. 60).

appears on the LCD screen, the DV format lamp lights up, and your camcorder is set to recording standby.

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

Recording

5 Press REC START/STOP.

Recording starts. [REC] appears on the LCD screen and the Camera recording lamps light up. Press REC START/STOP again to stop recording.

To turn the power off

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

To record from a low-angle

Use the REC START/STO P button on the handle after releasing the HOLD lever. To view the picture during recording, face the LCD panel or the viewfinder upwa rd, or face the LCD screen down, then clos e and restore the LCD panel to the original position with t he LCD screen facing out.

HOLD lever

Indicators displayed during recording

The indicators will not be recorded on the tape. Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 44) will not be displayed during recording.

min

HDV1080

REC

A Recording format ( or )

Recording mo de (SP or LP) is also displayed in the DV format.

B Remaining battery

The indicated time may not be correct, depending on the environment where you are using your cam corder. When you open or close the LCD pane l, it t akes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.

0:00:00

min

C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or

[REC] (recordin g))

D Time code or t ap e co un ter (hour:

minute: second)

The time code of this camcorder utilizes the drop-frame s ystem.

E Recording capacity of the tape (p. 64) F Microphone volume leve l (p.36) G Center marker (p.55)

The center marker appears at the center of the screen when [CENTER MARKR] on the (CAMERA SET) menu is set to [ON]. It helps composing pictures on the screen.

H ND filter

If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes on the screen, activate the ND filter (p. 30).

b Note

• Before changing the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

• When the camcorder is left in recording standby for more than about 5 minutes, your camcorder exits the recording standby mode (the drum stops rotating) to prevent tape wear and battery loss. Sinc e th e power does not turn off, you can restart recording by pressing REC START/STOP again. It takes some time to restart reco r ding, but this not a malfu nction.

z Tip

• You can record the col or bars on a tape. If you reco rd movies including the color bars, you can a djust the color while observing the color bar s whe n you are viewing the pictures on a TV or monitor. To display the color bars, press BARS. Press BARS again to hide the color bars.

• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next, note the fo llowing. – Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be

recorded continuously without a break even when you turn the power off).

– Do not record pictures in the HDV for mat a nd the

DV format on the same tape.

– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on

the same tape.

– Avoid stopping then recordi ng a m ovie in the LP

mode.

• The recording time, date, and the camera settings data are recorded automat ical ly on the tape without being dis p layed on the sc r e en. You can view this information during playback by pressing DATA CODE (p. 44).

Recording

,continued

Recording

• Following functions may not work correctly with the tape recorded in the HDV format and the DV format mixed: – Zero set memory – Date search – Index search

Recording for a longer time

On the (IN/OUT REC) menu, select [ REC MODE], then [LP] (p. 60). In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times longer than you can when record ing in the SP mode. A tape recorded in the LP mode should be played back only on this camcorder.

Using zoom

Zoom levers are mounted on the camera itself and on the handle. Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but use it sparingly for the best results.

1 Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/

REMOTE.

2 Press the power zoom lever slightly for

a slower zoom. Press it further for a faster zoom.

To record a wider ra nge of view

Press the W side of th e power zoom lever. The subject appear s farther away (Wide angle).

To record a closer view

Press the T side of the power zoom lever. The subject appears closer (Telephoto).

Using the handle zoom

You can adjust the zoom speed with the handle zoom switch when using the handle zoom lever.

Handle zoom lever

Handle zoom switch

1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)*

80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)*

* The minimum distance required between your

camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus with that side of the le ver.

Recording

Zoom ring

1 Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/

REMOTE.

2 Set the handle zoom switch to H (high) or

L (low).

You can set t he zoom speed of H or L of the handle zoom lever in [HANDLE ZOOM] on the (CAMERA SET) menu. In the default setting, [H] is set t o 6, a nd [L] is se t to 3 (p. 54).

3 Press the handle zoom lever to zoom in or

out.

b Note

• You cannot adjust the zoom spee d by pr es sing the handle zoom lever. Change the zoom speed by setting [HANDLE ZOOM] (p. 54).

• You cannot use the handle zoom lever when the handle zoom swi tc h is set to OFF.

• You cannot change the zoom speed of the powe r zoom lever on the camera itself by switch ing the handle zoom switch.

Using the zoom ring

You can zoom at the desired speed. Fine adjustment is al so possible.

1 Set the ZOOM switch to RING. 2 Rotate the zo om ring to zoom.

b Note

• Rotate the zoom ring at an appropria te spe e d. Zooming may not be able to catch up the rotating speed of the ring if it is rotated too fast.

• When you zoo m us in g th e Rem ot e Co mma nde r , set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/REMOTE.

• Zoomed position and pict ure angle ch ange when t he ZOOM switch is switched from LEVER/REMOTE to RING.

• If you rotate the zoom ring fa st, motor noise will become louder as the zoom motor rotates at high speeds. If the mot or noise is so loud that ca n be recorded, use the zoom lever or the Remote Commander.

Recording in mirror mode

You can turn the LCD panel towards the subject so that you and your subject can share the image being recorded. You can also utilize this function wh en recording yo urself, or to keep the attention of small children attracted to the camcorder while you record them.

Up to about 100 degrees

Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then rotate it towards the subject until it clicks.

A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when record ed.

Recording

Displaying the recording setup information – Status check

You can check the setup value of the following items in the standby mode or during recording.

• Audio setup such as microphone volume level

(p. 36)

• Outp ut setup ([COMPONENT], [i.LINK

CONV], and [TV TYPE] settings) (p. 60)

• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons

(p. 68)

• Picture profile setup (p. 34)

b Note

• Information of the picture profile setup does not appear when it is set to [ O FF].

1 Press STATUS CHECK. 2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to

display the desired item.

Each time you turn the dial, the items appear in the following order: AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t PICT. PROFILE

To turn off the display of the recording setup information

Press STATUS CHECK.

Recording

Adjusting the exposure

The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting. If you want to record brighter or darker pictures than those of the aut o exposure adjustment, use the manual adjustment function (p. 27), or customize the picture quality by using the PICTURE PROFILE function (p. 34).

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects

When your subject has its back to the sun or other light, yo u can adjust the exposure to prevent the subject from becoming shadowed.

• You cannot use the back light function if 2 or more items out of ir is, g ain, an d shutt er speed are ad justed manually.

Recording the subject lit by strong light – SPOT LIGHT

When the subject is li t by strong light, such as in a theater, use the spot light function to prevent people’s faces from appearing excessively white.

Recording

Press BACK LIGHT during recording or in the standby mode.

. appears.

To cancel the back light func tion, press BAC K LIGHT again.

b Note

• The back light function is cance le d whe n you pr e ss SPOT LIGHT.

During recording or in the standby mode, press SPOT LIGHT.

appears. To cancel the spot ligh t fun ct i on, press SPOT LIGHT again.

b Note

• The spot light function is canceled when you press

BACK LIGHT.

• You cannot use the spot light functio n if 2 or more

items out of ir is, g ain, an d shutt er speed are ad justed manually.

Recording

Adjusting the white balance

You can adjust the white balance according to the light of the recording environment. The white balance adjustment data fo r 2 different recording conditions can be set up and memorized separately in memory A an d B. During recording, you can recall the setup data from the memory with the WHT BAL (white balance) switch. The setup data will be retained for about 3 months as long as it is not readjusted even if the power i s di sconnected.

(one-push)

WHT BAL

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

2 Press WHT BAL. 3 Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B. 4 Shoot a white subject such as a piece of

paper filling the entire screen under

the same lighting condition as that of the subject.

5 Press (one-push) WHT BAL.

A or B flas hes quickly. When the white bal ance is adjusted , A or B lights up and the adjustment data is memorized.

To recall adjustment data from the memory

During recording or in the standby mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center positio n to release the auto lock mode.

2 Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B. 3 Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the recalled adjustment.

b Note

• Avoid subjectin g your camcorder to mechanical shock while A or B is flashing.

• If A or B does not change from flashing to lit steadily, your camco rder is unable to set up the wh ite balance. In this case, use the preset or automatic white balance.

To use the preset white balance

Your camcorde r has 2 sets of preset whi t e balance values to be selected accord in g to the light of the recording scene.

1 During recordi n g or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center positio n to release the auto lock mode.

2 Press MENU. 3 Select the (CAM ER A SET) menu

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial .

4 Select [WB PRESET] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the n press the dial.

5 Select the desire d i tem by turning th e

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the n press the dial.

Recording

Item Recording scene

[OUTDOOR] ()

[INDOOR] (n) • at party or in stu dios

• general night views, neon signs, or fireworks

• sunset, sunrise

• under daylight fluorescent lamps

where lighting conditions change quickly

• under video lamps such as those in a studio, under sodium lamps, mercury lamps, or warm white fluorescent lamps

6 Press MENU to hide the menu screen. 7 Set the WHT BAL switch to PRESET. 8 Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the selected setting.

To restore the automatic white balance

Press WHT BAL, or se t t he AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK, other manually adj usted items (iris, gain, shutter speed) al so be come temporarily aut o matic.

Recording using manual adjustments

You can manually adjust th e iris, gain, etc. according to the brightness of the recording scene or in order to obtain desired effects. Adjust the iris, gain, shutter speed, and white balance after setting the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode. Depending on the po sition of the AUTO LOCK switch, you can hold or release the settings of these functions.

Position Purpose

AUTO LOCK To adjust automatically. Center (to

release the auto lock mode)

HOLD Select this position after adjusting

See page 2 6 for details on how t o adj ust the white balance.

b Note

• If you want to set the exposure intentionally to other than a proper level, adjust the iri s, gai n, and shutter speed manually.

• If you adjust only one of either iris, shutter speed, or gain manually, you can record with ir is priority, shutter speed priority, or gain priority, respectively.

z Tip

• To adjust the brightness of pictures, set all of the iris, gain, and shutter speed to the manual adjustment mode, then rotate the ir is dial.

To adjust manually.

the settings manually to retain them.

Recording

Adjusting the iris

You can manually adjust the light volume entering the lens. As the iris is opened (smaller aperture values), the light volume increases. The range of focus narrows and only the subject appears in sharp focus. As the iris is closed (larger aperture values), the light volume decreases an d the range of focus widens.

IRIS dial

To restore automatic adjustment

Press IRIS, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter speed, white balance) also become temporarily automatic.

• As you shift the zoom from W (wide) to T

(telephoto), the aperture va lu e va ries from F1.6 to F2.8.

z Tip

• You can select the rotation direct io n of the iris dial

with [IRIS DIAL] on the (OTHERS) menu (p. 63).

• The iris has an important ef fec t on the “depth of

field,” that is, th e focused range. An open iris makes the depth of field shallower (s horter focuse d range), and a closed iris makes the depth of fie ld dee p e r (longer focused range). Use the iris effectivel y according to your purpose of recording.

Adjusting the gain

Adjust the gain manually when shooting blackish or dark objects if you do not want the AGC (auto gain control) to be activated.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

2 Press IRIS .

The current aperture value (F) appears.

3 Rotate the IRIS dial to a desired

aperture value.

The aperture value (F ) va ries from F1.6 to F11, and Close, and the cor responding value appears.

Recording

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

2 Pre ss GAIN.

The current gain value appears.

3 Set the GAIN switch to the desired

position.

3 gain levels (H, M, L) are available. You can set the value for the respective positions with [GAIN SETUP] on the (CAMERA SET) menu (p. 52). The default settings for each position are 18 dB (H), 9 dB (M) and 0 dB (L). The larger the num b er, the greater the gai n .

To restore automatic adjustment

Press GAIN, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK, other manually adj u st ed items (iris, shutter speed, white balance) also beco me temporarily automatic.

Adjusting the shutter speed

You can manually adjust and fix the shutter speed for your conveni e nce. Depending on the shutter speed, you can make the subject look still, or on the contrary, emphasize the fluidity of movement.

Recording

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

2 Press SHUTTER SPEED. 3 Adjust th e shutter sp eed by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

You can select a shutter speed between 1/4 second and 1/10000 second. The selected shutter speed appear s on the screen. For exa m ple, if you select 1/100 second, [100] a ppears. The larger the number that appears on the screen, the faster the shutter speed. The smaller the number that appears on the screen, the slower the shut te r speed.

,continued

Recording

To restore automatic adjustment

Press SHUTTER SPEED, or set the AUTO LOCK s w itch to AU TO LOCK .

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manu ally adjusted items (iris, gain, white balance) also become temporarily automatic.

z Tip

• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter

speed. Manual focusing with your camcorder attached to a trip od is recommended.

• The picture may flicker or change colors under

fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps.

Adjusting the volume of light – ND FILTER

You can record the subject cl early by using the ND filter when the recording environment is too bright. There are 2 levels of ND filter setting. ND filter 1 reduces the volume of light to about 1/6, and ND filter 2 to about 1/32.

If [ND2] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to 2 to turn on [ND2].

If [ND OFF] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to OFF to turn off the indicator.

b Note

• If you move the ND FILTER switch during recording, the picture and sound may be dis torte d.

• If you adjust the iris manually, no ND filter indicator will appear even if the ND fi lte r shou ld be activat ed.

z Tip

• If you close the iris extensively when recording a bright subject, diffraction may occur, resulting in a fuzzy focus. (This is a common phenome non with video cameras.) The ND filter suppress es this phenomenon and gives better recording results.

If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes in the standby mode, set the ND FILTER switch to the respectiv e p os i tion.

If [ND1] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to 1 to turn on [ND1].

Recording

+ 82 hidden pages