Sony AC-L manual

V ideo Camera Recor der Model No. CCD-TR Model No. AC-L Serial No. Serial No. 3-065-645- 11 (3) ©2001 Sony Corporation CCD-TR618/TR818 Operating Instructions 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 n[...]

2 Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam ® camcorder. With your Handycam, you can 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[...]

3 Getting started 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 a[...]

4 Main Featur es Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) •In a dark place •In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, or general night views •Shooting backlit subjects •In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event •In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope Functions t[...]

Getting started 5 T able of contents Main Features .......................................... 4 Quick Start Guide ............................... 6 Getting started Using this manual ................................... 8 Checking supplied accessories ............ 10 Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 11 Installing the battery pack ............ 11[...]

Quick Start Guide 6 Quick Start Guide This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. Open the DC IN jack cover. Connect the plug with its v mark facing up. Inserting a cassette (p. 19) Connecting the power cord (p. 16) Use the battery pack when using your camcorder ou[...]

Quick Start Guide 7 Monitoring the playback picture in the viewfinder (p. 27) NOTE Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the viewfinder or the battery pack. 2 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. The picture appears in the viewfinder. 3 Press the red button. Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, pre[...]

8 — 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. The CCD-TR818 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is in[...]

9 Getting started [a] [b] [c] 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, bl[...]

10 Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 16) 2 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 11, 12) 3 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 26) Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfuncti[...]

11 Getting started Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. Slide the battery pack down until it clicks. To remove the battery pack Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE down. Step 1 Pr eparing the power supply BATT RELEASE[...]

12 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 (L series). See page 58 for more information about “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. ( 1 ) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied wi[...]

13 Getting started Notes • 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. • Keep the battery pack dry. • When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack fully, and then use it until it[...]

14 Charging time Battery pack Full charge NP-F330 (supplied) 150 NP-F530/F550 210 NP-F730/F730H/F750 300 NP-F930/F950 390 NP-F960 420 Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack Recording time CCD-TR618 Battery pack Continuous* Typical** NP-F330 (supplied) 140 75 NP-F530 245 135 NP-F550 280 155 NP-F730 500 275 NP-F730H/F750 580 32[...]

15 Getting started Step 1 Preparing the power supply Playing time CCD-TR618 Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) 145 NP-F530 260 NP-F550 295 NP-F730 525 NP-F730H/F750 610 NP-F930 825 NP-F950 930 NP-F960 1090 CCD-TR818 Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) 170 NP-F530 305 NP-F550 340 NP-F730 625 NP-F730H/F750 710 NP-F930 975 NP-F950 1080 NP-F960 1260 Approxima[...]

16 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 DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor 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 [...]

17 Getting started Step 2 Setting the date and time Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time. If you do not use your camcorder for about 4 months, the date and time settings may be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable lithium cell in your camcorder will have been discharged. First, set th[...]

18 To check the preset date and time Press DATE to display the date indicator. Press TIME to display the time indicator. Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME (or DATE) to simultaneously display the date and time indicator. Press DATE and/or TIME again. The date and/or time indicator disappears. The year changes as follows: Auto date function Wh[...]

19 Getting started Step 3 Inserting a cassette When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassettes . ( 1 ) Prepare the power supply (p. 11). ( 2 ) Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press EJECT. The cassette compartment opens automatically. ( 3 ) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the tab on the cassette up. [...]

20 Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. ( 1 ) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attach the lens cap to the grip strap. ( 2 ) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more information (p. 11 to 19). ( 3 ) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green butto[...]

21 Recording – Basics After recording ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). ( 2 ) Eject the cassette. ( 3 ) Attach the lens cap. After using your camcorder (CCD-TR618 only) Remove the battery pack from your camcorder to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally. To record pictures with the viewfinder – adjusting the viewfinder Adju[...]

22 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) Zoom greater than 20 × is performed digitally. To[...]

23 Recording – Basics Indicators displayed in the recording mode The indicators are not recorded on tape. Note on the remaining battery time indicator The remaining battry time indicator roughly indicates the recording time. The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording. 0:00:01 40 min REC Recording a pi[...]

24 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. Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA mode. The . indicator appears in the viewfinder. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again. If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects The backli[...]

25 Recording – Basics Notes • Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction. • When you keep NIGHTSHOT setting 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[...]

26 Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 16). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV. Open [...]

27 Playback – Basics Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on a TV screen after connecting your camcorder to a TV or VCR. You can also monitor the picture in the viewfinder. ( 1 ) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. ( 2 ) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER while pressing the small green button. ( 3 ) Press m to r[...]

28 Various playback modes To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to PLAYER. To view a still picture (playback pause) Press X during playback. To resume playback, press X or N . To advance the tape Press M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N . To rewind the tape Press m in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, pr[...]

29 Advanced Recording Operations You can record a cinema-like picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9FULL). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV. CINEMA Black bands appear on the screen during recording in the CINEMA mode [ a ] , playing back on a normal TV [ b ] or a wide-screen TV [ c ] . If you[...]

30 Using the wide mode In CAMERA mode, set 16:9WIDE to CINEMA or 16:9FULL in in the menu settings (p. 46). To cancel the wide mode Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings. If the wide mode is set to 16:9FULL (CCD-TR818 only) The SteadyShot function does not work. If you select 16:9FULL in the menu settings when the SteadyShot function is working, [...]

31 Advanced Recording Operations You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. Using the fader function MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out, the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white. FADER M.FADER (mosaic) STRIPE BOUNCE (Fade in only) [a][...]

32 Using the fader function ( 1 ) When fading in [ a ] In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. When fading out [ b ] In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. The indicator changes as follows: The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all. ( 2 ) Press START/STOP. The f[...]

33 Advanced Recording Operations You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the TV. PASTEL [ a ] : The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG. ART [ b ] : The color and brightness of the picture are reversed. SEPIA : The picture gets sepia. B&W : The p[...]

34 Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting requirements. Spotlight This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater. Soft portrait This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft back[...]

35 Advanced Recording Operations ( 1 ) In CAMERA mode, select PROGRAM AE in in the menu settings (p. 46). ( 2 ) Select the desired PROGRAM AE mode in the menu settings, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. To turn the PROGRAM AE function off Set PROGRAM AE to AUTO in the menu settings. Notes • In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski mod[...]

36 You can manually adjust and set the exposure. Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: • The subject is backlit • Bright subject and dark background • To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully ( 1 ) In CAMERA mode, press EXPOSURE. ( 2 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness. To return to the automati[...]

37 Advanced Recording Operations You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases: •The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting – subjects through glass coated with water droplets – horizontal stripes – subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky •When you want to change the[...]

38 Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 40). You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. ( 1 ) In CAMERA mode, press TITLE to display the title menu. ( 2 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial. ( 3 ) Select the desired title in the menu settings, t[...]

39 Advanced Recording Operations To superimpose the title while you are recording Press TITLE while you are recording, and carry out steps 2 to 5. When you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial at step 5, the title is superimposed. To select the language of a preset title If you want to change the language, select before step 2. Then select the desired lang[...]

40 Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder. Each title can have up to 20 characters. ( 1 ) In CAMERA or PLAYER mode, press TITLE. ( 2 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the first line (CUSTOM1 SET) or second line (CUSTOM2 SET), then[...]

41 Advanced Recording Operations To change a title you have stored In step 3, select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET, depending on which title you want to change, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [ C ], then press the dial to delete the title. The last character is erased. Enter the new title as desired. If you ta[...]

42 – CCD-TR618 only You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 1.5 m (5 feet). Press LIGHT until the indicator appears in the viewfinder while your camcorder is in CAMERA mode. The built-in light turns on. If you turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE), the bui[...]

43 Advanced Recording Operations When you press LIGHT The indicator changes as follows: Notes • The built-in light turns off automatically in the following cases: – When it stays on in the AUTO mode for more than 5 minutes – When you leave it on for more than 5 minutes with no cassette inserted or after the tape has run out. To turn the built[...]

44 1 23 Using the built-in light Replacing the bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (optional). The supplied halogen lamp is not on the market. Purchase the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp. Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. ( 1 ) Remove the built-in light unit while pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire. ( 2 ) Turn th[...]

45 Editing Using the A/V connecting cable Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. You can record and edit a picture with the connected VCR by using your camcorder as a player. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the recorded tape into your camcor[...]

46 — Customizing Your Camcorder — Changing the menu settings To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode. ( 1 ) In CAMERA or PLAYER mode, press MENU. ( 2 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC d[...]

47 Customizing Your Camcorder Icon/item PROGRAM AE P EFFECT D ZOOM 16:9WIDE STEADYSHOT* N.S.LIGHT * CCD-TR818 only Notes on the SteadyShot function (CCD-TR818 only) • The SteadyShot function will not correct excessive camera-shake. • Attachment of a conversion lens (optional) may influence the SteadyShot function. • SteadyShot does not operat[...]

48 Changing the menu settings Icon/item EDIT TBC TBC stands for “Time Base Corrector”. DNR DNR stands for “Digital Noise Reduction”. VF B.L.* Mode z OFF ON z ON OFF z ON OFF z BRT NORMAL BRIGHT Meaning — To minimize picture deterioration when editing To correct jitter To not correct jitter. Set TBC to OFF when playing back a tape on which[...]

49 Customizing Your Camcorder Icon/item REC MODE ORC TO SET ORC stands for “Optimizing the Recording Condition”. q REMAIN Mode z SP LP —— z AUTO ON Meaning To record in SP (Standard Play) mode To increase the recording time to twice the SP mode To automatically adjust the recording condition to get the best possible recording. Press START/ [...]

50 Changing the menu settings Notes on DEMO MODE • You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in your camcorder. • DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory and the demonstration starts about 10 minutes after you have set the POWER switch to CAMERA without a cassette inserted. To cancel the demonstration, insert a cassette,[...]

51 Customizing Your Camcorder Icon/item WORLD TIME BEEP REC LAMP Mode —— z MELODY NORMAL OFF z ON OFF Meaning To set the clock to the local time. Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to set a time difference. The clock changes by the time difference you set here. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time. To outp[...]

52 — Troubleshooting — T ypes of tr ouble and their solutions If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C: ss : ss ” appears in the viewfinder or the di[...]

53 Troubleshooting Types of trouble and their solutions Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • NIGHTSHOT is set to ON. c Set it to OFF. (p. 24) • NIGHTSHOT is set to ON in a bright place. c Set it to OFF, or use the NightShot function in a dark place. (p. 24) • The backlight function is working. c Cancel it. (p. 24) In the playback mode Sy[...]

54 Types of trouble and their solutions Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The power source is disconnected. c Connect it firmly. (p. 11, 16) • The battery is dead. c Use a charged battery pack. (p. 11, 12) • Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 60) O[...]

55 Troubleshooting Self-diagnosis display Five-digit display Cause and/or Corrective Actions • You are using a battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. c Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 58) • Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 6[...]

56 C:21:00 W ar ning indicators and messages If indicators and messages appear in the viewfinder or on the display window, check the following: See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. Warning indicators The battery is dead or nearly dead Slow flashing: •The battery is nearly dead. Depending on conditions, the environment or th[...]

57 Additional Information — Additional Information — Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting the cassette type You can use both Hi8 and standard 8 mm video cassettes on your camcorder. When you use a Hi8 video cassette, recording and playback are carried out in the Hi8 system. When you use a standard 8 mm video cassette, recording and pla[...]

58 About “InfoLITHIUM” battery What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery? The “InfoLITHIUM” battery is a lithium-ion battery that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an AC power adaptor. The “InfoLITHIUM” battery calculates the power consumption according to the operating co[...]

59 Additional Information Using your camcor der abr oad Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [ a ] , if necessary, depending on the design of[...]

60 Maintenance information and pr ecautions Moisture condensation If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may not operate correctly. If ther[...]

61 Additional Information Maintenance information and precautions Maintenance information Cleaning the video head To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. The video head may be dirty when: • The x indicator and “ CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another or the x indicator flashes in the viewfinder. • [...]

62 Removing dust from inside the viewfinder (CCD-TR618 only) ( 1 ) 1 Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). 2 Then, while holding the RELEASE knob up, 3 turn the eyecup in a counterclockwise direction and pull it out. ( 2 ) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower for a still camera. ( 3 ) Turn the eyecup in a clockwise d[...]

63 Additional Information Maintenance information and precautions Built-in light – CCD-TR618 only • Do not knock or jolt the built-in light while it is turned on as it may damage the bulb or shorten the life of the bulb. • Do not leave the built-in light on while it is resting on or against something; it may cause a fire or damage the built-i[...]

64 Battery pack • Use only the specified charger or video equipment with the charging function. • To prevent an accidental short circuit, do not allow metal objects to come into contact with the battery terminals. • Keep the battery pack away from fire. • Never expose the battery pack to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a car p[...]

65 Additional Information Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads Helical scanning FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8 mm video format cassette Hi8 or standard 8 Recording/playback time (using 120 min. cassette) SP mode: 2 hours L[...]

66 1 Eyecup RELEASE knob (CCD-TR618 only) (p. 62) 2 FOCUS button (p. 37) 3 Eyecup 4 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 21) 5 Power zoom lever (p. 22) 6 BATT RELEASE lever (p. 11) 7 POWER switch (p. 20) 8 START/STOP button (p. 20) 9 Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 68) 0 DC IN jack (p. 12, 16) This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accesso[...]

67 Quick Reference qa Video control buttons (p. 27, 28) x STOP (stop) m REW (rewind) N PLAY (playback) M FF (fastforward) X PAUSE (pause) qs Microphone qd Infrared rays emitter (p. 24) qf NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 24) qg Display window (p. 71) qh Camera recording lamp (p. 20) qj Tripod receptacle (base) Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is l[...]

68 Identifying the parts and controls Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap. qk BACK LIGHT button (p. 24) ql FADER button (p. 31) w; RESET button (p. 54) wa EXPOSURE button (p. 36) ws SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 30, 46) wd MENU button (p. 46) w; qk ws wd ql wa[...]

69 Quick Reference Identifying the parts and controls wf DATE button (p. 25) wg TIME button (p. 25) wh TITLE button (p. 40) wj LIGHT button (CCD-TR618 only) (p. 42) wk Viewfinder (p. 21) wl COUNTER RESET button (p. 20) wf wh wg wl wk Attaching the lens cap Attach the lens cap to the grip strap as illustrated. wj CCD-TR618[...]

70 Identifying the parts and controls e; EJECT button (p. 19) ea Cassette compartment (p. 19) es Grip strap ed S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 26) ef A/V OUT jack (p. 26) eg RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output) (p. 26) Fastening the grip strap Fasten the grip strap firmly. es ea e; ed eg ef[...]

71 Quick Reference Operation indicators Viewfinder Display window 1 Recording mode indicator (p. 49) 2 Hi8 format indicator 3 Remaining battery time indicator (p. 23) 4 Exposure indicator (p. 36) /Zoom indicator (p. 22) 5 Fader indicator (p. 32) 6 Wide mode indicator (p. 29) 7 Picture effect indicator (p. 33) 8 PROGRAM AE indicator (p. 34) 9 Backli[...]

Index A, B AC power adaptor .................. 12 Adjusting viewfinder ............. 21 A/V connecting cable ...... 26, 45 BACK LIGHT .......................... 24 Battery pack ............................. 11 Beep .......................................... 51 BOUNCE .................................. 31 C, D Charging battery ..................... [...]