Sony RMT-840 User Manual

2-178-348-11(1)

Operating

Instructions

Read this first

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

HDR-FX1

© 2004 Sony Corporation

Read this first

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

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.

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

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 1-800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

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

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222- SONY (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 Electronics Inc. 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 accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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. HDR-FX1 Serial No.

Model No.AC-

Serial No.

2

CAUTION

You are cautioned that 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 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 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 for a digital device pursuant to Subpart 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 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.

z 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 the HDV format.

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 country/ 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 may be contrary to the copyright laws.

The LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

•The LCD screen and the viewfinder 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 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.

•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

3

•Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures 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 device that is not compatible with the HDV format. The screen appears blue. Check the contents of tapes by playing them 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 computer 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 appear different from what you see.

Using the camcorder

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

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

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder

LCD panel

Battery pack

Microphone

Jack holder

4

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 source .................................................................................	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 information – Status check ......................................	24
Adjusting the exposure.............................................................................	25
Adjusting the exposure for backlit 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

5

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

6

Advanced operations
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 camcorder
– Signal conversion function ........		81

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting .................................	83
Warning indicators and messages .....	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 available for the DV format only.

7

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/		b Insert the cassette with
EJECT	lever in	its window-side facing
the direction of the		out, then push the center
arrow to open the lid.		of the back of the
The cassette compartment		cassette.
comes out automatically.

cPress on the cassette compartment.

Close the cassette lid after the cassette compartment slides back in by itself.

OPEN/EJECT

lever

Window-side

8 Quick Start Guide

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 the default setting. To record in the DV format, see page 60.

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, press REC START/STOP again.

4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

aWhile 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).

Guide Start Quick

Quick Start Guide 9

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder.

The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

AC Adaptor (1)

Power cord (1)

Lens hood (1)

This is attached to your camcorder.

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.

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

A/V connecting cable (1)

Component video cable (1)

Shoe adaptor (1)

To attach it to your camcorder, see page 104.

Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1)

Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

To insert the batteries in the Remote Commander, see page 105.

Cleaning cassette (1)

Shoulder strap (1)

To attach it to your camcorder, see page 101.

Operating Instructions (This manual) (1)

10 Getting started

Step 2: 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. 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 any malfunction occurs.

Battery pack

DC plug

DC IN jack

AC Adaptor

Power cord

To the wall outlet

1 Press the battery pack and slide it down.

		Getting
2	facing the battery pack, connect the	started
	With the b mark on the DC plug

AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

b mark

3 Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.

4 Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.

,continued

Getting started 11

5 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.

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

1Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

2Press BATT RELEASE and slide the battery pack up.

To check the remaining battery – Battery Info

You can check the battery’s current charge level and its current remaining recording time both during charging or when the power is turned off. The remaining recording time in the selected recording format appears.

1Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

2Open the LCD panel and adjust the angle.

3Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

The battery information appears for about 7 seconds.

Keep the button pressed to view it for about 20 seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL

0%

50%

100%

REC T I ME AVA I LABLE

LCD SCREEN: 110 min

V I EWF I NDER: 125 min

ABattery charge level: Displays approximate remaining amount of power left in the battery pack.

BPossible recording time using the LCD panel.

CPossible recording time using the viewfinder.

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

Recording in the HDV format

Battery pack	Continuous	Typical
	recording	recording
	time	time
NP-F570	110	60
(supplied)	125	65
	125	65
NP-F770	235	130
	260	130
	255	130
NP-F970	360	200
	390	205
	385	205

Recording in the DV format

Battery pack	Continuous	Typical
	recording	recording
	time	time
NP-F570	120	65
(supplied)	130	65
	130	65
NP-F770	255	140
	275	140
	275	140
NP-F970	380	210
	410	215
	410	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 viewfinder.

•“Typical recording time” means an approximate 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 packs, make a trial recording with them before an actual recording to see the recording time. The recording time varies depending on the environment where the camcorder is used. Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to display 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	LCD panel
	opened*	closed
NP-F570	175	195
(supplied)
NP-F770	360	400
NP-F970	545	605

DV format pictures

Battery pack	LCD panel	LCD panel
	opened*	closed
NP-F570	200	235
(supplied)
NP-F770	415	480
NP-F970	630	725

* With the LCD BACKLIGHT switch set to ON.

b Note

•The power will not be supplied from the battery pack when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack 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 temperature.

,continued

started Getting

Getting started 13

•The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or the battery information will not be correctly displayed in following conditions.

–The battery pack is not attached correctly.

–The battery pack is damaged.

–The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery information only.)

Using an outside power source

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 lose its charge even when it is attached to your camcorder.

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.

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

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).

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).

14 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 subject, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.

180 degrees

Up to about 100 degrees

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

To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen

Adjust the brightness by pressing LCD BRIGHT – or +.

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 (p. 58).

•When you use your camcorder in bright conditions using the battery pack, set the LCD BACKLIGHT 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 [OFF] (p. 62).

Adjusting the viewfinder

You can view images using the viewfinder when you close the LCD panel. Use the viewfinder when the battery is running out, or when the screen is hard to see.

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

1 Lift up the viewfinder.

2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture is clear.

started Getting

Getting started 15

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 a little and align it with the groove of the viewfinder, then slide it up to the end. You can attach the large eyecup facing either the right or left side.

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).

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 every time you turn on your camcorder.

b Note

•If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable button-type battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that 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).

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the angle.

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

16 Getting started

3 Press MENU.

CAMERA SET

WB PRESET

AE RESPONSE

GA I N SETUP

SHOT TRANS

STEADYSHOT

STDYSHOT TYP

FLCKR REDUCE

[ MENU ] : END

4 Select the (OTHERS) menu by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

OTHERS

RETURN

ASS I GN BTN

CLOCK SET

WORLD T I ME

LANGUAGE

BEEP

REC LAMP

FORMAT LAMP

[ MENU ] : END

5 Select [CLOCK SET] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

120min
CLOCK SET
2004 Y JAN M	1 D	12 : 00 AM
[ MENU ] : CANCEL

6 Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

120min
CLOCK SET
2004 Y JAN M	1 D	12 : 00 AM
[ MENU ] : CANCEL

You can set any year 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.

Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape

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

b Note

• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This

may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.		Getting
1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT	lever in
the direction of the arrow and open the		started

lid.

OPEN/EJECT lever Lid

The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.

,continued

Getting started 17

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

4 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

1Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

The cassette compartment automatically comes out.

2Take out the cassette, then press .

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

3Close the lid.

1 Turn on your camcorder.

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

ASS I GN BTN

CLOCK SET

WORLD T I ME

LANGUAGE

BEEP

REC LAMP

FORMAT LAMP

[ MENU ] : END

18 Getting started

5 Select [LANGUAGE] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

0:00:00

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

ENG [ S I MP ]

FRANÇ A I S

ESPAÑ OL

PORTUGUÊS

[ MENU ] : END

6 Select the desired language by turning 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.

started Getting

Getting started 19

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 stereo sound.

Camera recording lamp

Format lamps

POWER switch and

REC START/STOP

Camera recording lamp

1 Open the shutter of the lens hood.

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the angle.

3 While pressing the green button, set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

The HDV format lamp lights up and your camcorder is set to recording standby (the default setting).

It takes some time for your camcorder to be set to recording standby.

4 Select 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.

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).

20 Recording

To record from a low-angle

Use the REC START/STOP button on the handle after releasing the HOLD lever.

To view the picture during recording, face the LCD panel or the viewfinder upward, or face the LCD screen down, then close and restore the LCD panel to the original position with the 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.

60min	REC		0:00:00
HDV1080i			60min
ND
1			L
			R

ARecording format ( or )

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

BRemaining battery

The indicated time may not be correct, depending on the environment where you are using your camcorder. When you open or close the LCD panel, it takes about

1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.

CRecording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording))

DTime code or tape counter (hour: minute: second)

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

E Recording capacity of the tape (p. 64)

F Microphone volume level (p. 36)

GCenter 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.

HND 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. Since the power does not turn off, you can restart recording by pressing REC START/STOP again. It takes some time to restart recording, but this not a malfunction.

z Tip

•You can record the color bars on a tape. If you record movies including the color bars, you can adjust the color while observing the color bars when 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 following.

–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 format and the DV format on the same tape.

–Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.

–Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.

•The recording time, date, and the camera settings data are recorded automatically on the tape without being displayed on the screen. You can view this information during playback by pressing DATA CODE (p. 44).

,continued

Recording

Recording 21

•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 recording 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 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 lever.

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 range of view

Press the W side of the power zoom lever. The subject appears 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

Zoom ring

1Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/ REMOTE.

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

You can set the 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 to 6, and [L] is set to 3 (p. 54).

22 Recording

3Press the handle zoom lever to zoom in or out.

b Note

•You cannot adjust the zoom speed by pressing 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 switch is set to OFF.

•You cannot change the zoom speed of the power zoom lever on the camera itself by switching the handle zoom switch.

Using the zoom ring

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

1Set the ZOOM switch to RING.

2Rotate the zoom ring to zoom.

b Note

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

•When you zoom using the Remote Commander, set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/REMOTE.

•Zoomed position and picture angle change when the ZOOM switch is switched from LEVER/REMOTE to RING.

•If you rotate the zoom ring fast, motor noise will become louder as the zoom motor rotates at high speeds. If the motor noise is so loud that can 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 when recording yourself, or to keep the attention of small children attracted to the camcorder while you record them.

Up to about 100 degrees

Recording

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 recorded.

Recording 23

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)

•Output setup ([COMPONENT], [i.LINK CONV], and [TV TYPE] settings) (p. 60)

•Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons (p. 68)

•Picture profile setup (p. 34)

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.

b Note

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

24 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 auto 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, you can adjust the exposure to prevent the subject from becoming shadowed.

Press BACK LIGHT during recording or in the standby mode.

. appears.

To cancel the back light function, press BACK LIGHT again.

b Note

•The back light function is canceled when you press SPOT LIGHT.

•You cannot use the back light function if 2 or more items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.

Recording the subject lit by strong light – SPOT LIGHT

When the subject is lit by strong light, such as in a theater, use the spot light function to prevent people’s faces from appearing excessively white.

Recording

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

appears.

To cancel the spot light function, press SPOT LIGHT again.

b Note

•The spot light function is canceled when you press BACK LIGHT.

•You cannot use the spot light function if 2 or more items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.

Recording 25

Adjusting the white balance

You can adjust the white balance according to the light of the recording environment. The white balance adjustment data for 2 different recording conditions can be set up and memorized separately in memory A and 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 is disconnected.

(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 flashes quickly.
When the white balance is adjusted,			A
or	B lights up and the adjustment data is
memorized.

To recall adjustment data from the memory

1During recording or in the standby mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

2Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.

3Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the recalled adjustment.

b Note

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

•IfA orB does not change from flashing to lit steadily, your camcorder is unable to set up the white

balance. In this case, use the preset or automatic white balance.

To use the preset white balance

Your camcorder has 2 sets of preset white balance values to be selected according to the light of the recording scene.

1During recording or in the standby mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

2Press MENU.

3Select the (CAMERA SET) menu by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

4Select [WB PRESET] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

5Select the desired item by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

26 Recording

Item	Recording scene
[OUTDOOR]	• general night views,
( )	neon signs, or fireworks
	• sunset, sunrise
	• under daylight
	fluorescent lamps
[INDOOR] (n)	• at party or in studios

where lighting conditions change quickly

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

6Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

7Set the WHT BAL switch to PRESET.

8Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the selected setting.

To restore the automatic white balance

Press WHT BAL, 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 (iris, gain, shutter speed) also become temporarily automatic.

Recording using manual adjustments

You can manually adjust the 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 position of the AUTO LOCK switch, you can hold or release the settings of these functions.

Position	Purpose
AUTO LOCK	To adjust automatically.
Center (to	To adjust manually.
release the auto
lock mode)
HOLD	Select this position after adjusting
	the settings manually to retain
	them.

See page 26 for details on how to adjust the white balance.

b Note

•If you want to set the exposure intentionally to other than a proper level, adjust the iris, gain, and shutter speed manually.

•If you adjust only one of either iris, shutter speed, or gain manually, you can record with iris 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 iris dial.

Recording

Recording 27

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 and the range of focus widens.

IRIS dial

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) varies from F1.6 to F11, and Close, and the corresponding value appears.

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 value varies from F1.6 to F2.8.

z Tip

•You can select the rotation direction of the iris dial with [IRIS DIAL] on the (OTHERS) menu (p. 63).

•The iris has an important effect on the “depth of field,” that is, the focused range. An open iris makes the depth of field shallower (shorter focused range), and a closed iris makes the depth of field deeper (longer focused range). Use the iris effectively 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.

28 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 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 number, the greater the gain.

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 adjusted items (iris, shutter speed, white balance) also become temporarily automatic.

Adjusting the shutter speed

You can manually adjust and fix the shutter speed for your convenience. 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 the shutter speed 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 appears on the screen. For example, if you select 1/100 second, [100] appears. 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 shutter speed.

,continued

Recording 29

To restore automatic adjustment

Press SHUTTER SPEED, 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 (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 tripod 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 clearly 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 [ND1] or [ND2] flashes in the standby mode, set the ND FILTER switch to the respective position.

If [ND1] flashes

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

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 distorted.

•If you adjust the iris manually, no ND filter indicator will appear even if the ND filter should be activated.

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 phenomenon with video cameras.) The ND filter suppresses this phenomenon and gives better recording results.

30 Recording