Sony CCD-TR916 manual

3-859-131- 11 (1) Video Camera Recor der 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 number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony deal[...]

2 For the Sony Service Center near est you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only). For the Factory Service Center nearest you call 416- 499-SONY (Canada only). Caution : Do not handle damaged or leaking nickel-cadmium batteries. For the Customers in the U.S.A. CAUTION Y ou ar e cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly appr oved i[...]

3 Before you begin Before you begin Using this manual ................................... 4 Checking supplied accessories .............. 5 Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack ................................................... 6 Inserting a cassette .................................. 9 Basic operations Camera recording ........[...]

4 Before you begin Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR96 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrat[...]

5 Before you begin Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 4 7 23 6 5 8 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 18, 65) 2 NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6) 3 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 44) Already installed in the camcorder. 4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16) Checking supplied accessories 5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remo[...]

6 Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor. Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration. (1) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (2) Alig[...]

7 Getting started Battery life Recording time with the built-in light on is indicated in parentheses. CCD-TR86 Charging and installing the battery pack Battery pack NP-33 NP-60D NP-C65 NP-68 NP-78 NP-80/80D NP-98/98D (supplied) Typical recording 50 75 90 105 135 155 175 time** (25) (40) (45) (55) (75) (80) (90) Continuous 95 140 165 190 250 280 320[...]

8 Charging and installing the battery pack Installing the battery pack (1) Insert the top of the battery pack into the top of the battery mounting surface. (2) Push the battery pack so that it attaches firmly. Make sure that you hear clicks twice. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely. Note on installing the NP-98/98D battery pack Use t[...]

9 Getting started Inserting a cassette Make sure that a power source is installed. (1) While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically opens. (2) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out. (3) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The ca[...]

10 Basic operations Camera recor ding Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch is set to . When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time (p. 46) before you start recording. The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recor[...]

11 Basic operations Camera recording To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “REC” indicator in the viewfinder changes to the “STBY” indicator ( Standby mode ). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP. Turn STANDBY down, and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack. Note on sta[...]

12 Camera recording To focus the viewfinder lens If the viewfinder is not in focus at all or when you use the camcorder after someone else has used it, focus the viewfinder lens. Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. Note on the lighting aperture If direct sunlight enters the light[...]

13 Basic operations Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom sparingly. “T” Side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” Side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Camera recording Zooming speed (Vari[...]

14 Hints for better shooting For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: • Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb [a] . • Place your right elbow against your side. • Place your left hand und[...]

15 Basic operations EDITSEARCH EDITSEARCH EDITSEARCH ΠΠΠChecking the recor ded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press the Р( Π) side of EDITSEARCH momen[...]

16 Connect the camcorder to your VCR or TV to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source. Connecting directly to a VCR/TV with Video/Audio input jack Open the jack cover. With using the supplied A/V connecting ca[...]

17 Basic operations You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor a picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to PLAYER. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press ( to start playback. Playing bac[...]

18 Using the Remote Commander You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries. To erase the indicators Press DISPLAY to erase the viewfinder screen indicators on the TV. To display the indicators, press again. Various playback modes To view a still picture (Playback [...]

19 Advanced operations You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, the house current, alkaline battery and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder. Advanced operations Using alternative power sources Place Indoors Outdoor In the car Power sour[...]

20 WARNING AC power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop. PRECAUTION The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off. Notes on the POWER lamp • The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged after use. Th[...]

21 Advanced operations Battery life Using alkaline batteries at 77°F (25°C) Recording time with the built-in light on is indicated in parenthese. Notes • The above battery lives are estimates. The battery life may be shorter depending on the storage condition of the battery before being purchased and temperature. • You may not use the battery[...]

22 You can change the mode settings to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. (1) Press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired item, and press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial. (4) Press MENU to erase the menu display. Changing the mode settings[...]

23 Advanced operations Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and PLAYER modes COMMANDER <ON/OFF> • Select ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder. • Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. BEEP* <ON/OFF> • Select ON so that beeps sound when you start/stop recording, etc. • Se[...]

24 CLOCK SET* Reset the date or time. DEMO MODE* <ON/OFF> • Select ON to make the demonstration appear. • Select OFF to make the demonstration not appear. Notes on DEMO MODE • DEMO MODE is set to STBY at the factory and the demonstration starts about 10 minutes after you set the POWER switch to CAMERA without inserting a cassette. Note [...]

25 Advanced operations Before you start recording or during recording, press DATE or TIME. You can record the date or time displayed in the viewfinder with the picture. You cannot record the date and time at the same time. Except for the date or time indicator, no indicator is recorded. The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. R[...]

26 Your camcorder has two modes besides normal start/stop mode. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : The camcorder records only while you pr[...]

27 Advanced operations FADER [a] REC STBY REC STBY [b] You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black while the sound decreases. When fading in [a] (1) While the camcorder is in Standby[...]

28 Enjoying pictur e effect Selecting picture effect You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function. [b] MOSAIC [a] the picture is mosaic. SOLARIZE [b] The light intensity is more clear, and the picture looks like a painting. B&W The picture is monochrome (black and white). SEPIA The picture is sepia. NEG. ART [[...]

29 Advanced operations Using picture effect function While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press PICTURE EFFECT to select the desired Picture Effect mode. Enjoying picture effect MOSAIC SOLARIZE B & W SEPIA NEG. ART Returning to normal mode Press PICTURE EFFECT until the Picture Effect indicator disappears. Note on the picture effect When you[...]

30 Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9FULL). Using the wide mode function CINEMA 16:9FULL CINEMA 16:9FULL [b] [d] [a] [f] [e] [c] CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen. The viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look w[...]

31 Advanced operations Using the wide mode function While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press 16:9 WIDE repeatedly so that the desired mode indicator appears. To cancel wide mode Press 16:9 WIDE repeatedly until the wide mode indicator disappears. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen [...]

32 When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. • Insufficient light [a] • Subjects with little contrast — walls, sky, etc. [b] • Too much brightness behind the subject [c] • Horizontal stripes [d] • Subjects through frosted glass • Subjects beyond nets, etc. • Bri[...]

33 Advanced operations When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder. Shooting with backlighting [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation. Afte[...]

34 Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select from three PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation. When you use PROGRAM AE, you can capture high-speed action or night views. Selecting the best mode Select the best mode by using the following examples. åÅ A å Sports mode • Outdoor sports scenes such as football, tennis[...]

35 Advanced operations Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function While the camcorder is in Standby mode, set the mark of the desired mode to r mark above the PROGRAM AE dial. Returning to automatic mode Turn PROGRAM AE until the PROGRAM AE indicator disappears. Note on shutter speed The shutter speed in each PROGRAM AE mode is as [...]

36 Using the built-in light You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 5 feet (1.5 meters). While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide LIGHT to ON. The built-in light turns on. The built-in light turns on/off by turning on/off STANDBY. To stop using the buil[...]

37 Advanced operations Using the built-in light 1 Replacing the bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (not supplied). Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. (1) While pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire, remove the unit. (2) Turn the bulb housing counterclockwise and detach from the built-in light unit. (3) Replac[...]

38 Superimposing a title You can select from eight preset titles and two titles you made to superimpose it on the picture during recording. Each time you press TITLE, the preset titles appear one by one. You can also select the language and position of the titles in the menu system. Selecting the language (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Tur[...]

39 Advanced operations Superimposing a title To superimpose on the way of recording (1) Press TITLE repeatedly until the desired title appears. The title flashes. (2) When the title stops flashing, press TITLE. The title disappears. (3) Press START/STOP to start recording. (4) Press TITLE when you want superimpose the title. (5) Press TITLE when yo[...]

40 2 3, 4 5 12 1 1 2 – – – – – – – – – MENU TITLE1 SET [MENU] : END Â A B C µ > – – – – – – – – MENU TITLE1 SET [MENU] : END Â F G H I J µ > – – – – – – – MENU TITLE1 SET [MENU] : END H 2 Â C D E F G µ MENU COMMANDER REC MODE TITLE POS TITLE LANG TITLE1 SET TITLE2 SET D ZOOM µ [MENU] : EN[...]

41 Advanced operations To erase the title you have made Press MENU, select the title you want to erase, and press the dial. Select ↵ at the leftmost character, then press the dial. Do not select the blank to erase a character. Otherwise, the blank is stored as a title in memory. To change the title you have made In step 2, select TITLE1 SET or TI[...]

42 – CCD-TR96/TR916 only When you shoot, the Ó indicator appears. This indicates that the SteadyShot function is working and the camcorder compensates for camera-shake. You can release the SteadyShot function when you do not need to use the SteadyShot function. Do not use the SteadyShot function when shooting a stationary object with a tripod. S[...]

43 Advanced operations Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax or ¬ ED Batamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. After connecting the camcorder to the VCR, (1) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER. (2) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to [...]

44 Additional Information Changing the lithium battery in the camcor der Your camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the lithium battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell D[...]

45 Additional information Changing the lithium battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date and time . (1) Slide the cover and then pull it up. (2) Push the battery in once and pull it out from the holder. (3) Install the new lithium battery with the pos[...]

46 Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Press MENU to display the menu. (3) Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. (4) Turn the control dial to select the desired year, then press the dial. (5) Set the month, day, hour, and minutes by turning[...]

47 Additional information To correct the date and time setting Repeat steps 4 and 5. To check the date and time Press DATE to display the date indicator. Press TIME to display the time indicator. When you press the same button again, the indicator goes out. The year indicator changes as follows: Note on the time indicator The internal clock of this[...]

48 This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned. Battery life is shorter in cold environment Battery efficiency is decreased, and the battery will be used up more quick[...]

49 Additional information The battery heats up During charging or recording, the battery pack heats up. This is caused by energy that has been generated and a chemical change that has occurred inside the battery pack. This is not cause for concern and is normal. Battery pack care • Remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using it, and ke[...]

50 Tips for using the battery pack Notes on the terminals If the terminals (metal parts on the back) are not clean, the battery charge duration will be shortened. When the terminals are not clean or when the battery pack has not been used for a long time, repeatedly install and remove the battery pack a few times. This improves the contact conditio[...]

51 Additional information Moisture condensation If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the 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 the camcorder may not operate correctly. To prevent possible damage u[...]

52 Video head cleaning To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. When the v indicator and “ CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another in CAMERA mode or playback pictures are “noisy” or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty. [a] [b] [a] Slightly dirty [b] Dirty If this happens, clean the video hea[...]

53 Additional information Precautions Camcorder operation • Operate the camcorder using 6.0 V (battery pack), or 7.5 V (AC power adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use only the recommended accessories. • Should any solid object or liquid fall into the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by your nearest Sony dealer before operati[...]

54 AC power adaptor Charging • Attach the battery pack firmly. • Place the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration during charging. • The battery pack will get hot during charging. This is normal. Others • Unplug the unit from the wall outlet when not in use for a long time. To disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Ne[...]

55 Additional information Each country or area has its own electricity and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 110 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a] , if nece[...]

56 The battery pack is quickly discharged. If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Camcorder Power Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pa[...]

57 Additional information The fader function does not work. The title display position shifts. Recording stops in a few seconds. The autofocusing function does not work. The SteadyShot function does not activate. (CCD-TR96/TR916 only) The date or time indicator disappears. The date or time indicator is flashing. Trouble check Symptom Cause and/or C[...]

58 Picture Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 12) • The contrast between the subject and background is too high. The camcorder is not malfunctioning. m Change locations. • The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLH cleaning cassette.(p. [...]

59 Additional information When the CHARGE lamp does not flash again If the CHARGE lamp lights up and goes out after a while, the problem is with the battery pack installed first. When the CHARGE lamp flashes again The problem is with the AC power adaptor. * If you use a battery pack which you have just bought or which has been left unused for a lon[...]

60 Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system Four rotary heads, Helical scanning, FM system (SP/LP separate head) Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIR standards Usable cassette 8 mm video format cassette (standard 8 mm) Recording/Playback time SP mode : 2 hours (P6-120) LP mode : 4 hou[...]

61 Additional information Identifying the parts 1 Tape transport buttons (p. 17, 18) p STOP 0 REW (rewind) ( PLAY (playback) ) FF (fast forward) P PAUSE These buttons will function in PLAYER mode. 2 EDITSEARCH button (p. 15) 3 LASER LINK button (p. 16) 4 Lens cover 5 Built-in microphone 6 IR transmitter 7 Remote sensor (p. 65) Aim the Remote Comman[...]

62 Identifying the parts !£ TIME button (p. 25) !¢ DATE button (p. 25) !∞ Built-in light (p. 36) !§ START/STOP MODE switch (p. 10, 26) !¶ Recording lamp !• Focus dial (p. 32) !ª FOCUS switch (p. 32) @º COUNTER RESET button (p. 12) @¡ TITLE button (p. 38) @™ MENU button (p. 22) @£ DISPLAY button (p. 18) @¢ PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 29[...]

63 Additional information @§ POWER switch (p. 10, 17) @¶ Display window (p. 69) @• FADER button (p. 27) @ª BACK LIGHT button (p. 33) #º PROGRAM AE dial (p. 35) #¡ Eyecup #™ Viewfinder adjustment lever (p. 12) #£ STANDBY switch (p. 10) #¢ START/STOP button (p. 10) Identifying the parts #∞ l LANC control jack l stands for Local Applicati[...]

64 Identifying the parts #• EJECT knob (p. 9) #ª Hooks for shoulder strap $º Battery mounting surface (p. 8) $¡ Grip strap (p. 14) $™ Cassette compartment (p. 9) $£ RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC out) jack $¢ VIDEO/AUDIO OUT jack (p. 16) $∞ LIGHT switch (p. 36) $§ MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack Connect an external microphone (not supplied). This [...]

65 Additional information W T Remote Commander Using the Remote Commander Make sure that COMMANDER is set to ON in the menu system. The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. Identifying the parts 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the cam[...]

66 15˚ 30˚ 30˚ 16ft (5m) 15˚ To prepare the Remote Commander Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and – on the batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment. Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Comman[...]

67 Additional information Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective. • Be sure that there is no obstacle between the remote sensor on the camcorder and the Remote Commander. • This camcorder works at commande[...]

68 Operation indicators In the viewfinder Identifying the parts 1 Power zoom indicator (p. 13) 2 Manual focus indicaror (p. 32) 3 PROGRAM AE indicator (p. 35) 4 SteadyShot indicator (CCD-TR96/TR916 only) (p. 42) 5 Back light indicator (p. 33) 6 FADER indicator (p. 27) 7 Wide mode indicator (p. 30) 8 Picture Effect indicator (p. 29) 9 Lithium batter[...]

69 Additional information In the display window 1 Warning indicators (p. 70) 2 Recording mode indicator (SP/LP) (p. 10) 3 Remaining battery indicator (p. 48) 4 Date or time (p. 25) Tape counter (p. 12) Identifying the parts[...]

70 W ar ning indicators The warning indicators and the recording lamp flash to inform you of the following situation. The illustrations below are the warning indicators of the viewfinder. The same indicators flash also in the display window. ≥ : You can hear the beep sound when BEEP is set to ON. 6 4 1 23 5 89 7 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slo[...]

71 Additional information A Adjusting viewfinder ......... 12 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING ............................................ 26 AUTO DATE ....................... 10 B BACK LIGHT ...................... 33 BEEP ............................... 11, 23 Built-in light ......................... 36 C Camera recording ............... 10 Car battery .....[...]

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