Sony DCR-DVD300 manual

3-081-300- 11 (1) ©2003 Sony Corporation 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 dea[...]

2 Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. 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. WARNING To [...]

3 Getting Started Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR- DVD200 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ 07649 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 201-930-6972 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.: (1) This device may not cause har[...]

4 Read this first What you can do with your DVD Handycam Your DVD Handycam uses DVD-R and DVD-RW as a recording media. You can enjoy your DVD Handycam in ways that are new and different from those of a tape media-based camcorder. Read the next few pages to find out how. You can find a scene quickly using a Visual Index display. The Visual Index dis[...]

5 Read this first You can play back a disc recorded with your DVD Handycam on your DVD player. You can play back a disc recorded with your DVD Handycam on DVD players that can play back DVD-R/DVD-RW. You can edit and copy a disc easily by connecting your DVD Handycam to your computer. You can edit and copy a disc easily on your computer using the s[...]

6 8cm DVD-Rs and 8cm DVD-RWs are available. The number of recordable times is different for the two discs. Choose the one that meets your needs. What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW? Two types of discs are available and they are different in the following ways. 8cm DVD-R 8cm DVD-RW How can I choose between these two discs? DVD-RWs can be[...]

7 Read this first What kind of player can I use for playback? DVD-RW (in VR mode) Players that can play back DVD-RWs in VR mode. DVD-RW (in VIDEO mode) Players that can play back DVD-RWs. DVD-R (VIDEO mode only) Players compatible with the DVD Video format. You can play back a disc you have recorded on your DVD Handycam on other players by finalizi[...]

8 Both movies and still images can be recorded on a single disc. Because your movies and still images are recorded in free areas on the disc automatically, important recordings are not overwritten. How to prepare and use your DVD Handycam Prepare a new disc. • You can start recording promptly with a DVD-R. • You need to format a DVD-RW before r[...]

9 Read this first You can make a copy of a disc you have recorded by connecting your DVD Handycam to your computer with the supplied software. For the recommended computer system environment, see page 89. You can produce an original DVD by editing your movies/still images on your computer. Finalize the disc so that it is compatible with other DVD p[...]

10 T able of contents Read this first What you can do with your DVD Handycam ............................... 4 What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW? .................... 6 How to prepare and use your DVD Handycam ......................................... 8 Getting Started Using this manual ................................. 12 Checking th[...]

11 Getting Started Table of contents Using a disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) Selecting the playing order on your camcorder – Playlist ....................... 74 Registering movies or still images to the Playlist ............................ 74 Saving all the still images on a disc to a movie file ................... 77 Erasing unnecessary scenes f[...]

12 — Getting Started — Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the three 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 DCR-DVD200 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name i[...]

13 Getting Started Using this manual Camcorder care LCD screen/finder The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99 % of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue or green in color) that appear constantly[...]

14 Checking the supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (page 141) 2 AC-L15A AC adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (page 16) 3 Size AA (R6) battery for the Remote Commander (2) (page 142) 4 NP-FM50 rechargeable battery pack (1) (page 15) 5 A/V connecting cable (1) 6 Sh[...]

15 Getting Started Step 1 Preparing the power sour ce Installing/removing the battery pack 1 Lift up the viewfinder. 2 Slide the battery pack in and down until it clicks. To remove the battery pack 1 Lift up the viewfinder. 2 Slide the battery pack up and out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT down. 1 2 BATT BATT release button[...]

16 Charging the installed battery pack Your camcorder operates only with the “ InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack (M series) . See page 127 for more information on the “ InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack. 1 Make sure that the battery pack is installed on the camcorder. 2 Open the DC IN jack cover, then connect the AC adaptor supplied with your camcorder t[...]

17 Getting Started Charging time (full charge) Battery pack NP-FM50 (supplied) 150 NP-FM70 240 NP-QM71/QM71D 260 NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 360 Approximate number of minutes required at 25 ° C (77 ° F) to charge an empty battery pack. The charging time may increase if the battery ’ s temperature is extremely high or low because of the ambient temperatu[...]

18 Showing the remaining battery time – BATTERY INFO 1 Open the LCD screen while pressing OPEN. 2 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO. The remaining battery time appears for a while on the LCD display. Notes • The remaining battery time may not be indicated in the following cases: – The battery pack is not installed correctly. – The battery pack is dam[...]

19 Getting Started Step 2 Opening the LCD scr een LCD screen is used for such as changing settings, shooting images in various angles, and reviewing recorded images. 1 Open the LCD screen while pressing OPEN. 2 Adjust the direction of the LCD screen to the desired position. When you adjust the angle of the LCD screen, make sure if the LCD screen is[...]

20 Step 3 T urning on the power Slide the POWER switch upward while pressing the green button in the center. Your camcorder turns on and the POWER/CHG lamp lights up in green. To turn off the power Slide the POWER switch downward while pressing the green button in the center. When the POWER/CHG lamp turns off, the power cuts off.[...]

21 Getting Started Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. Set the geographical area, then the daylight savings time, the year, the month, the day, the hour and then the minute, in that order. If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months , the date and time settings may be cleared from memory (bars may appear) b[...]

22 Step 4 Setting the date and time 4 Set daylight savings time ([DST]) to [ON] with v / V if necessary. 5 Select the desired year with v / V , and press ENTER. 6 Set the month, day, hour and minute with the same procedure as in step 5. Set the minute using a time signal, etc., with v / V , and press ENTER. The clock starts to move. The internal cl[...]

23 Getting Started Simple setting of the clock using a time difference You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference. In the SETUP display, select (OTHERS) then [AREA SET] with v / V /ENTER. World time difference Step 4 Setting the date and time Lisbon, London Berlin, Paris Helsinki, Cairo Moscow, Nairobi Tehran Abu Dh[...]

24 Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen properly in your sight. 1 Open the LCD screen while pressing OPEN. 2 Turn the power on by sliding the POWER switch upward while pressing the green button. 3 Press SETUP. The SETUP display appears. 4 Select (LCD/VF SET) with v / V , and press ENTER. 5 Select [LCD B[...]

25 Getting Started Step 5 Adjusting the LCD screen and the viewfinder Adjusting the viewfinder When recording pictures with the LCD screen closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to accommodate your eyesight so that the image in the viewfinder comes into sharp focus. 1 Lift up the viewfinder. 2 Move the viewfinder [...]

26 Step 6 Pr eparing a disc for recor ding A new DVD-R or DVD-RW is required for recording. You cannot overwrite or delete data recorded on a DVD-R, but you can delete data and record again with a DVD-RW. The preparation procedure is different depending on the type of disc you use. Note You can open the disc cover only while the Access/Open lamp is[...]

27 Getting Started 6 Close the disc cover. Your camcorder starts recognizing the inserted disc. With a DVD-R, you can start recording immediately after DISC ACCESS disappears on the LCD display. See page 29 for details on shooting movies and see page 34 for details on shooting still images. The FORMAT display appears when you insert a DVD-RW. Proce[...]

28 — Shooting movies/still images — Shooting movies/still images Before shooting To shoot movies/still images correctly, note the following: – Do not vibrate your camcorder during shooting. – Do not expose the disc to dirt and dust. – Do not scratch the disc. You can shoot stable images by holding the camcorder correctly. Note Do not pick[...]

29 Shooting movies/still images Shooting movies Perform “ Getting Started ” from step 1 to 6 beforehand (page 15). The following operation is common with VIDEO mode and VR mode. 1 Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap. 2 Install the battery pack or connect the AC adaptor (page 15). 3 Open the LCD screen while pressi[...]

30 Shooting movies/still images 7 Press START/STOP ( z ). Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator appears on the LCD display. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. Notes • Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording. • When the Access/Open lamp[...]

31 Shooting movies/still images 0:00:01 [30min] 40min REC JAN 1 2003 11:23:45 AM VIDEO - R Indicators displayed in the recording mode These indicators are not recorded on discs. Notes • The remaining battery time indicator shows the approximate continuous recording time remaining. The indicator may not be displayed accurately, depending on the co[...]

32 To use the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom sparingly results in better-looking recordings. W : For wide-angle (subject appears farther away) T : For telephoto (subject appears closer) To use zoom greater than 10 × Zoom greater than 10 × is performed digitally.[...]

33 Shooting movies/still images Shooting movies/still images To Select the recording mode Your camcorder records and plays back in the HQ (high quality) mode, SP (standard play) mode, and the LP (long play) mode. Your camcorder is set to SP mode as the default setting. 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie). 2 Press SETUP. 3 Select (DISC SET) with v / V , [...]

34 Shooting still images Perform “ Getting Started ” from step 1 to 6 beforehand (page 15). The following operation is common with VIDEO mode and VR mode. 1 Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap. 2 Install the battery pack or connect the AC adaptor (page 15). 3 Open the LCD screen while pressing OPEN. The image is n[...]

35 Shooting movies/still images 7 Press and hold PHOTO down lightly, then check out the image. When the AE/AF lock indicator ( z ) stops flashing and remains on, your camcorder is ready for shooting. The brightness of the image and focus are adjusted, are targeted for the middle of the image, and are set. When you press PHOTO of the Remote Commande[...]

36 Tips • The amount of recording data may vary depending on the settings for image quality and image size, and the type of images you are shooting. • The recording data (date/time or various settings in effect when shooting) are not displayed while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the disc. To display the recording data[...]

37 Shooting movies/still images To select the still image quality You can select the image quality for still image recording. The default setting is [FINE]. 1 Set the mode dial to (Still). 2 Press SETUP. 3 Select (CAMERA SET) with v / V , then press ENTER. 4 Select [QUALITY] with v / V , then press ENTER. The amount of recording data varies dependi[...]

38 To select the still image size (DCR-DVD200/DVD300 only) You can select either of 2 image sizes, 1152 × 864 or 640 × 480. The default setting is 1152 × 864. 1 Set the mode dial to (Still). 2 Press SETUP. 3 Select (CAMERA SET) with v / V , then press ENTER. 4 Select [IMAGESIZE] with v / V , then press ENTER. The amount of recording data varies [...]

39 Shooting movies/still images Shooting movies/still images To shoot images continuously (BURST, DCR-DVD200/DVD300 only) You can record still images continuously by setting [BURST] beforehand. It takes about 10 seconds to record the continuous images on the disc. You cannot shoot still images while the camera is recording. NORMAL [ a ] Your camcor[...]

40 5 Select [NORMAL] or [EXP BRKTG] with v / V , then press ENTER. 6 Press SETUP. The SETUP display disappears from the LCD display. 7 Press PHOTO all the way down. Images are recorded continuously as the settings specified above. In the [NORMAL] settings, images are recorded continuously to the maximum number while pressing PHOTO. Notes • The nu[...]

41 Shooting movies/still images Shooting in the dark – NightShot/Super NightShot/ Color Slow Shutter NightShot enables you to shoot a subject in the night or in a dark place. When using Night Shot, the picture may be recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors. To use NightShot 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie) or (Still). 2 Slide the NIGHTSHOT switch[...]

42 Shooting techniques to match your circumstances To use Super NightShot The Super NightShot makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot. 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie). 2 Slide the NIGHTSHOT switch to ON. 3 Press SUPER NS. The and ” SUPER NIGHTSHOT ” indicators flash on the LCD display. To cancel Super Nigh[...]

43 Shooting movies/still images Self-timer recording You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation. On shooting movies 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie). 2 Press SETUP. 3 Select (CAMERA SET) with v / V , then press ENTER. 4 Select [SELFTIMER] with v / V , then press ENTER. 5 Select [ON] with v / V , then press ENTER. 6 Press SETUP. The SETU[...]

44 On shooting still images 1 Set the mode dial to (Still), then perform Steps 2 to 6 on the previous page . 2 Press PHOTO all the way down. Self-timer starts counting down with a beep. In the last 2 seconds of the countdown, the beep gets faster, then recording starts automatically 10 seconds after pressing PHOTO. Notes • When the self-timer rec[...]

45 Shooting movies/still images To return to the automatic white balance mode Set (MANUAL SET) – [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] in the SETUP display. Note In the [HOLD] white balance mode, set the white balance to [AUTO] and reset it to [HOLD] after a few seconds: – when you change the [PROGRAM AE] setting. – when you take your camcorder outdoors from i[...]

46 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie). 2 Press SETUP. 3 Select (CAMERA SET) with v / V , then press ENTER. 4 Select [16:9WIDE] with v / V , then press ENTER. 5 Select [ON] with v / V , then press ENTER. 6 Press SETUP. The SETUP display disappear from the LCD display. To cancel the wide mode Set [16:9WIDE] to [OFF] in step 5. Notes • You cannot select[...]

47 Shooting movies/still images Shooting techniques to match your circumstances 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie) or (Still). 2 Press SETUP. 3 Select (MANUAL SET) with v / V , then press ENTER. 4 Select [PROGRAM AE] with v / V , then press ENTER. 5 Select the desired effect with v / V , then press ENTER. 6 Press SETUP. The SETUP display disappears fro[...]

48 Shooting techniques to match your circumstances Adjusting the exposure manually Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: – when you need a fine adjustment for subjects against the light. – when the subject is too bright against the background. – when recording dark pictures (e.g. night scenes). 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie) or[...]

49 Shooting movies/still images Shooting techniques to match your circumstances To return to the autofocus Press FOCUS again. To record distant subjects Turn the dial to FAR until the indicator appears. The focus is fixed at the most distant position. Tips • It is easier to focus on subjects if you adjust the zoom to shoot at the “ W ” (wide-[...]

50 Shooting with special ef fects Using fader (for movies only) You can fade in or out to give your movie a more professional appearance. FADER OVERLAP* WIPE* * Fade in only 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie). 2 When fading in In the standby mode, press the FADER button until the desired fader indicator flashes. When fading out In the recording mode, p[...]

51 Shooting movies/still images Shooting with special effects Using special effects – Picture effect/Digital effect You can digitally process movies to obtain special effects like those in films or on TV. Picture effect SEPIA : The picture appears in sepia. B&W : The picture appears in monochrome (black-and-white). PASTEL : The picture appear[...]

52 Shooting with special effects Notes • The following functions do not work during digital effect: – Fader – Super NightShot – Color Slow Shutter • While using picture effect, you cannot select OLD MOVIE. • The following functions do not work in OLD MOVIE: – Wide mode – Picture effect – PROGRAM AE[...]

53 Shooting movies/still images Other functions Checking the last scene – Review You can check the last recorded scene quickly. 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie) or (Still). 2 Press REVIEW. The playback of the latest scene starts. To return to recording Press REVIEW again. Note The recording data does not appear on the Review display. Tip When revie[...]

54 Changing the disc title You can make a title on each disc. As the default, the date the disc was first used is added as a disc title. 1 Press SETUP. 2 Select (DISC SET) with v / V , then press ENTER. 3 Select [DISC TITLE] with v / V , then press ENTER. The DISC TITLE display appears. 4 Delete unnecessary characters by selecting [ B ] with b / v [...]

55 Viewing the recordings Choosing and viewing a recording – Visual Index The recorded movies/still images are displayed as a list in the Visual Index display. You can find the desired scene quickly using this convenient index. If you close the LCD screen, you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using the [...]

56 3 Select the (Movie) tab or the (Still) tab with b / B according to the kind of scene you want to play back. A list of movies or still images appears. 4 Select the desired movie or still image with b / v / V / B , then press N . When you select a movie, playback starts and continues until the last scene of the movie. When you select a still imag[...]

57 Viewing the recordings Various playback modes [Movies] The sound is muted in the various playback modes. To pause play back (view a still image) Press X during playback. To resume normal playback, press X again. To advance the scene Press > during playback. To return to the beginning of the scene Press . during playback. To play a previous sc[...]

58 To display the indicators during playback – Display Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO on your camcorder, or press DISPLAY on your Remote Commander. The indicators appear on the LCD display. To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY/BATT INFO or DISPLAY again. To display date/time and various settings Your camcorder automatically records not only i[...]

59 Viewing the recordings [ a ] SteadyShot OFF [ g ] Exposure value [ b ] Exposure mode [ h ] Shutter speed [ c ] White balance [ I ] Aperture value [ d ] Gain [ e ] Shutter speed [ f ] Aperture value Tips • During recording, various settings are not displayed. • When you use data code, bars (--- -- ----) appear if: – the disc is unreadable d[...]

60 Playing a disc on your camcorder Magnifying recorded images – PB ZOOM 1 In the playback, playback pause or review, move the power zoom lever. You can choose the magnification from approx. 1.1 ✕ to 5 ✕ . W : Decreases the zoom ratio. T : Increases the zoom ratio. 2 Move the enlarged image in the desired direction with b / v / V / B . To can[...]

61 Viewing the recordings Playing a disc on your camcorder Playing still images automatically – Slide Show You can see the automatic playback of all the still images recorded on the disc. 1 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). Press VISUAL INDEX when Visual Index does not appear on the LCD display. 2 Press SETUP. 3 Select (APPLI.) with v / V , then [...]

62 Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch playback pictures on the TV screen. You can operate the video control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the LCD display. When monitoring playback pictures on the TV screen, it is recommended that you power your cam[...]

63 Finalizing a disc for other players — Finalizing a disc for other players — Finalizing a disc You have to finalize the disc before you can play a recorded disc on other players such as DVD players. Finalizing makes the recorded disc DVD-Video compatible, and you can play the disc on DVD-Video compatible players. Some players cannot play disc[...]

64 5 Select [FINALIZE] with v / V , then press ENTER. The disc title is set as the date and time the disc was first used. See “ Changing the disc title ” on page 54 if you want to change the disc title. 6 When still images are included on a disc recorded in VIDEO mode, select [PHOTOMOVIE], [CREATE] with v / V , then press ENTER. Proceed to step[...]

65 Finalizing a disc for other players Finalizing a disc To cancel finalizing Press SETUP in any step from 3 to 7. Notes • Do not disconnect the AC adaptor during finalizing. If you need to turn the power off for some reason, do it maintaining the order of sliding the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) first, then disconnecting the AC adaptor when the POW[...]

66 Playing back a finalized disc on other players Note the following when using a disc on other players. • Make sure that the vertical-shaped DVD player/computer with a DVD drive are placed in a horizontal position when playing back 8 cm DVDs. • Do not use the 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm DVD as it may cause malfunctions. Playing back a disc on[...]

67 Finalizing a disc for other players To play back a disc recorded in VR mode You can play back a finalized disc recorded in VR mode on players that can play back DVD-RWs in VR mode. The operation is different depending on your player. See operating instructions of your player. To play back still images The operation is different depending on your[...]

68 Playing back a finalized disc on other players Playing back movies on a computer with a DVD drive installed The display and the operation may vary depending on the operating system of your computer. 1 Turn on your computer. 2 Insert the finalized disc to the DVD drive of your computer. A DVD playback application starts and the movie is played ba[...]

69 Finalizing a disc for other players Playing back a finalized disc on other players 4 Right-click the DVD drive with the disc inserted, then click [Open]. Folders in the disc appear. 5 Click [DCIM] t [100MSDCF]. The list of still images recorded on the disc appears. 6 Double-click the file to be shown. The selected still image appears on the scre[...]

70 Recor ding on a finalized disc – Unfinalizing (VIDEO mode DVD-RWs only) You can record on finalized DVD-RWs by unfinalizing them. This operation is valid in VIDEO mode only. You do not have to unfinalize a VR mode disc. Insert a finalized DVD-RW into your camcorder beforehand. 1 Press SETUP. 2 Select (DISC SET) with v / V , then press ENTER. 3[...]

71 Finalizing a disc for other players 6 Press SETUP when the unfinalizing completion message appears. The message disappears from the LCD display and you can record on the disc again. To cancel unfinalizing Press SETUP in any step from 2 to 4. Notes • Power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC adaptor. • If you disconnect the AC adap[...]

72 [ SETUP ] : END REC FORMA T EXECUTE RETURN FORMA T VIDEO ALL DA TA TO BE DELETED EST . PROCESS TIME : 7sec REC FORMA T : VIDEO You can format recorded DVD-RWs and make them new discs. Note that formatting erases all the data recorded on the disc. Insert a recorded DVD-RW into your camcorder beforehand. 1 Press SETUP. 2 Select (DISC SET) with v /[...]

73 Finalizing a disc for other players 7 Select [YES] with v / V , then press ENTER. Formatting starts. 8 Press SETUP when the format completion message appears. The message disappears from the LCD display. The disc is formatted and you can record on the disc again. To cancel formatting Press SETUP in any step from 2 to 6. Notes • Power your camc[...]

74 You can play movies and still images in the desired order by making the Playlist on your DVD-RWs recorded in VR mode. You can change the playing order without actual modification to the recorded data. Registering movies or still images to the Playlist Insert a recorded DVD-RW in VR mode into your camcorder beforehand. 1 Set the mode dial to (Pla[...]

75 Using the disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) 4 Select [SEL. ITEM] with b / v / V / B , then press ENTER. 5 Select [ADD] with v / V , then press ENTER. 6 Select [ SELECT] (movies) or [ SELECT] (still images) with v / V , then press ENTER. A thumbnail list of movies or still images on the disc appears. 7 Select the scene to be added to the Playlist wi[...]

76 Selecting the playing order on your camcorder – Playlist 9 Select [EXEC.] with b / B , then press ENTER. The selected movies or still images are registered in the new Playlist. When a still image is added to a Playlist, it is converted and registered as a new movie file in the movie tab. It returns to the Playlist edit display when the registr[...]

77 Using the disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) Saving all the still images on a disc to a movie file Saving still images to a single movie provides following merits: – You can save the remaining space for the Playlist on the disc. – You can register multiple still images as a single movie scene that is recordable up to 999 on a disc. Insert a DVD-[...]

78 Erasing unnecessary scenes from the Playlist Erasing unnecessary scenes from the Playlist does not affect the actual recorded data on the disc. Insert a Playlist-registered DVD-RW into your camcorder beforehand. 1 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). 2 Insert a recorded DVD-RW in VR mode, then press EDIT. The display to select editing object appear[...]

79 Using the disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) 7 Select the scene to be erased with b / v / V / B , then press ENTER. The selected scene is marked with . Repeat this step to erase multiple scenes. Pressing N starts playback of the selected scene. Press x to return to the display to select other scenes. 8 Select [EXEC.] with b / v / V / B , then press [...]

80 1/1 EXEC. 001 JAN 1 03 6:00 PM EDIT MOVE RET . Changing the order within the Playlist Insert a Playlist-registered DVD-RW into your camcorder beforehand. 1 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). 2 Press EDIT. The display to select editing object appears. 3 Select [EDIT PLAYLIST] with v / V , then press ENTER. The Playlist edit display appears. 4 Sele[...]

81 Using the disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) 7 Select [EXEC.] with b / v / V / B , then press ENTER. The move destination display appears. 8 Place the move destination bar where you want to move the scenes with b / v / V / B , then press ENTER. The confirmation display appears. 9 Select [EXEC.] with b / B , then press ENTER. The selected scene in st[...]

82 Dividing a movie within the Playlist You can divide a movie into two scenes. Dividing movies into scenes within the Playlist does not affect the actual recorded data on the disc. Insert a Playlist-registered DVD-RW into your camcorder beforehand. Note You cannot divide a movie converted from still images. 1 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). 2 Pr[...]

83 Using the disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) 6 Select the scene to be divided with b / v / V / B , then press ENTER. The dividing display appears and the playback of the selected scene starts. 7 Press ENTER at the point at which you want to divide the movie into scenes. The movie pauses. Note A slight difference may occur from the point where you pr[...]

84 Playing the Playlist Insert a Playlist-registered DVD-RW into your camcorder. 1 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). The Visual Index display appears. 2 Select (Playlist) tab with b / v / V / B . A thumbnail list of the scenes registered to the Playlist appears. 3 Press N . A playback of the Playlist starts. On still images, the image appears in se[...]

85 Using the disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) Editing the original data Original data stand for the actual recorded movies and still images data on the disc. You can edit the original data of DVD- RW recorded in VR mode. Editing the original data affects the actual recorded data. Dividing a movie Note that this operation actually divides the original[...]

86 6 Select the scene to be divided with b / v / V / B , then press ENTER. The editing display appears and the playback of the selected movie starts. 7 Press ENTER at the point at which you want to divide the movie into scenes. The movie pauses. Note A slight difference may occur from the point where you press ENTER/ c / C and the actual dividing p[...]

87 Using the disc in VR mode (DVD-RWs only) Deleting movies/still images You can delete unnecessary original movies/still images. Note that this operation actually deletes recorded data from the disc. Insert a recorded DVD-RW in VR mode into your camcorder beforehand. Notes • When you delete movies, the movies registered to the Playlist are also [...]

88 6 Select [SELECT] with v / V , then press ENTER. A thumbnail list of the movies/still images recorded on the disc appears. 7 Select the movie or the still image to be deleted with b / v / V / B , then press ENTER. The selected scene is marked with . Repeat this step to select multiple movies/still images. Pressing N starts playback of the select[...]

89 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer You can enjoy the following with your camcorder by connecting it to your computer: • Viewing scenes on your computer • Copying recorded scenes to your computer • Duplicating a disc • Editing scenes copied to your computer • Making original DVD recorded scenes on your comput[...]

90 Installing the USB driver Start the following operation before connecting the USB cable to your computer. Install the USB driver to control your camcorder from your computer. If you are using Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Home Edition/Professional, log in as administrator. 1 Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load. When your co[...]

91 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer Connecting your camcorder to your computer – Introduction 3 Move the cursor to [USB Driver] and click. InstallShield Wizard program starts up. 4 Click [Next]. The USB driver installation starts. “ InstallShield Wizard Complete ” screen appears after a while. 5 Click [Finish]. T[...]

92 3 Follow the instructions given in the on- screen messages. When the “ Setup Type ” screen appears, make sure that [NTSC] is selected and continue the procedure. The “ InstallShield Wizard Complete ” screen appears. 4 Click [Finish]. The installation of ImageMixer is completed. The installation screen of WIN ASPI appears (Windows 2000 Pr[...]

93 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer 5 Select [Install the software automatically (Recommended)] and click [Next]. 6 Make sure that [Sony DVD Handycam] is selected as the best match and click [Next]. Click [Sony DVD Handycam] if it is not selected. “ Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard ” screen appears. 7 Click[...]

94 USB cable USB port USB jack For Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional users 1 Connect the AC adaptor to your camcorder. 2 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). 3 Turn the power on your camcorder by sliding the POWER switch upward while pressing the green button. 4 Connect the (USB) jacks of the camcorder and the (USB) port of the computer using the US[...]

95 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer For Microsoft Windows Me users 1 Connect the AC adaptor to your camcorder. 2 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). 3 Turn the power on your camcorder by sliding the POWER switch upward while pressing the green button. 4 Connect the (USB) jacks of the camcorder and the (USB) port of the c[...]

96 To disconnect the USB cable See “ To disconnect the USB cable ” (page 96). To confirm the USB driver installation 1 Click [Start] t [Settings] t [Control Panel]. 2 Click [System]. “ System Properties ” screen appears. 3 Click [Device Manager]. “ Device Manager ” screen appears. 4 Make sure that “ SONY DDX-A1000 USB Device ” appea[...]

97 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer Consulting the on-line help (operating instructions) of ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony DVD Handycam An ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony DVD Handycam on-line help is available where you can find detailed operating instructions for ImageMixer software. 1 Click located at the top right of the s[...]

98 You must install the USB driver and the ImageMixer software to view scenes recorded on a disc with your computer (page 90, 91). If you are using Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Home Edition/Professional, log in as administrator. Viewing scenes on the disc You can view scenes recorded on the disc without finalizing on your computer, by in[...]

99 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer 9 Double-click the scene to view from the thumbnails. The selected scene is temporarily copied to your computer and is displayed in the preview window. To return to the thumbnails list, click below right of the screen. To save the scene on your computer 1 Click the thumbnail of the s[...]

100 Making a disc copy You can make a copy of a finalized disc. 1 Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load. 2 Connect the AC adaptor to your camcorder. 3 Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). 4 Turn the power on your camcorder by sliding the POWER switch upward while pressing the green button. 5 Insert a recorded disc into your camcorder. 6 Conn[...]

101 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer Editing and saving scenes You can edit the movies and still images save on your computer and save them using the ImageMixer software. Editing movies You can unite multiple scenes into a single scenes. 1 Click . The screen switches to the movie editing mode and thumbnails appear. 2 D[...]

102 You can edit the scenes registered to the album and make an original DVD. Making a menu A menu is required to play a disc recorded on your camcorder on a DVD player. 1 Click . The “ Layout mode ” screen appears. 2 Click the tab and select a background. 3 Drag and drop thumbnails of the scenes to record on the disc, onto the background. The [...]

103 Viewing/dubbing discs/ editing the recordings on your computer Editing the contents You can edit the contents by adding/deleting scenes, changing the order of scenes, and selecting an image used for the thumbnail. 1 Click the icon of the contents to edit, then click (Album mode) on the left of the screen. The “ Album mode ” screen appears. [...]

104 Recording on a disc Check the menu and view the contents on a preview screen, then record the contents on a disc. 1 Click (Writing mode) on the left of the screen. The “ Writing mode ” screen appears. 2 Click the button on the (Preview) box on the upper left of the screen, and preview the contents. Creating an original disc Plays back the s[...]

105 Connecting your camcorder to a TV and a VCR You can dub or edit movies recorded in a disc using a VCR connected to your camcorder, using your camcorder as a player. Connecting your camcorder to a VCR Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. — Connecting your camcorder to a TV and a VCR —[...]

106 Dubbing to a tape Before operation • Set [DISPLAY] in (OTHERS) to LCD in the SETUP display. (The default setting is [LCD].) • Press the following buttons to make the indicators disappear so that they will not be superimposed on the edited tape: – DISPLAY/BATT INFO – DISPLAY on the Remote Commander – DATA CODE on the Remote Commander 1[...]

107 Connecting your camcorder to a TV and a VCR Dubbing a TV program or video tape onto a disc You can record a disc from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/audio outputs. Use your camcorder as a recorder. Connecting your camcorder to a TV or a VCR Connect your camcorder to the TV/VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with y[...]

108 — Customizing your camcorder — Changing the SETUP display You can partially change the default settings by selecting the options in the SETUP display with b / v / V / B . Select the item in the following order: SETUP display t icon t menu item t option Menu items are displayed as the following icons. The displayed icons are different depend[...]

109 Customizing your camcorder Changing the SETUP display Selecting the option of each item z is the default setting. Menu items differ depending on the position of the mode dial. The display shows only the items that are currently in effect or that you can operate at the moment. Icon/item MANUAL SET PROGRAM AE P EFFECT D EFFECT FLASH MODE * 1 FLAS[...]

110 Changing the SETUP display Icon/item CAMERA SET SELFTIMER D ZOOM 16:9WIDE STEADYSHOT BURST* QUALITY IMAGESIZE* N.S.LIGHT Mode dial Movie Still Movie Movie Movie Still Still Still Movie Still Option z OFF ON z OFF 20 × 120 × z OFF ON z ON OFF z OFF NORMAL EXP BRKTG z FINE STANDARD z 1152 × 864 640 × 480 z ON OFF Meaning To disable self-timer[...]

111 Customizing your camcorder Icon/item LCD/VF SET LCD BRIGHT LCD B.L. LCD COLOR VF B.L. Option — z BRT NORMAL BRIGHT — z BRT NORMAL BRIGHT Meaning To adjust the brightness on the LCD screen with b / B . To set the brightness on the LCD screen to normal To brighten the LCD screen To adjust the color on the LCD screen with b / B . To set the br[...]

112 Changing the SETUP display Icon/item DISC SET REC MODE FORMAT* 1 FINALIZE UNFINALIZE* 1 * 2 DISC TITLE FILE NO. Option HQ z SP LP — — — — z SERIES RESET Meaning To record in the HQ (High Quality) mode To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode To record in the LP (Long Play) mode To format a disc (page 72) To prohibit further recording on[...]

113 Customizing your camcorder Changing the SETUP display Icon/item SETUP MENU CLOCK SET A. SHUT OFF LTR SIZE DEMO MODE Option — z 5 min NEVER z NORMAL 2 × z ON OFF Meaning To set the date or time (page 21) To turn the power off automatically if no operations have taken place for five minutes when powered by the battery pack. To remain the power[...]

114 Changing the SETUP display Icon/item OTHERS DATA CODE (operation on the Remote Commander) AREA SET DST SET BEEP COMMANDER DISPLAY HiFi SOUND REC LAMP Option z DATE/CAM DATE — z OFF ON z MELODY NORMAL OFF z ON OFF z LCD V-OUT/LCD z STEREO 1 2 z ON OFF Meaning Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander to display date, time and various settings du[...]

115 Customizing your camcorder Changing the SETUP display Icon/item OTHERS REMAIN Option z AUTO ON Meaning To display the remaining capacity of the disc in the following cases for example: • For 8 seconds after setting the power on and the mode dial to (Movie) or (Still) • For 8 seconds after recognizing the inserted disc into your camcorder in[...]

116 — Troubleshooting — T ypes of trouble and corr ective action If you run into problems 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 on the LCD display, the se[...]

117 Troubleshooting Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • PROGRAM AE is set to soft portrait or sports lesson under the fluorescent lamp, the sodium lamp and the mercury lamp. c Cancel PROGRAM AE. (page 47) • If 10 minutes elapse after you set the mode dial to (Movie) without a disc inserted, your camcorder automatically starts the demonstr[...]

118 Types of trouble and corrective action During recording and playback Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is not installed, or is exhausted or nearly exhausted. c Install a charged battery pack. (page 15) • The AC adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet. c Connect the AC adaptor to a wall outlet. (page 18) • The op[...]

119 Troubleshooting Types of trouble and corrective action During editing Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The mode dial is set to (Movie) or (Still). c Set the mode dial to (Play/Edit). • DVD-R is inserted. c DVD-R cannot be edited. Insert DVD-RW. • Inserted DVD-RW is formatted in VIDEO mode. c Format DVD-RW in VR mode. Note that al[...]

120 Types of trouble and corrective action Others Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The disc has been finalized. c Unfinalize the disc (DVD-RW only). You cannot record a disc title on a finalized DVD-R. • The disc title has been made by another device. c The disc title may not be changed on your camcorder if the disc title has been made[...]

121 Troubleshooting Types of trouble and corrective action Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery charge is completed. • The battery pack is not properly installed. c Install it properly. (page 15) • The POWER switch is set to ON. c Slide it to OFF (CHG) while pressing the green button. (page 20) • The battery pack is not pro[...]

122 Types of trouble and corrective action During playback on other players Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • DVD players may freeze for an instant between the scenes if the speed of signal pickup and processing is inadequate. • If playback crosses 2 titles made automatically by your camcorder when . is pressed, playback may not move to[...]

123 Troubleshooting C : 21 : 00 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. (page 127) • The disc is faulty. c Use a compatible disc with your camcorder. (page 6) • Moisture condensation has [...]

124 W ar ning indicators If indicators appear on the LCD display or in the viewfinder, check the following: See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. 100-0001 Warning indicator referring to a file Slow flashing: • The file is corrupted. • The file is unreadable on your camcorder. C:21:00 Self-diagnosis display (page 123) Warni[...]

125 Troubleshooting W arning messages Message Cause and/or Corrective Actions • Use an “ InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack. • Install a charged battery pack. • The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be recharged. c Replace it with a new battery pack. • Moisture condensation has occurred. c Turn off your camcorder and leave it for at l[...]

126 Warning messages NEED TO FORMA T DISC CANNOT RECOVER DA T A CLOSE DISC COVER Z DISC FULL NO DISC Message Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The data cannot be recovered. c Format the disc (DVD-RW only). • The data cannot be recovered. c Use a new disc. • The disc cover is open. c Close the disc cover. • The disc has run out of space. c U[...]

127 Additional information — Additional information — About the “ InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack This unit is compatible with the “ InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with the “ InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack. “ InfoLITHIUM ” M series battery packs have the SERIES TM mark. What is the “ InfoLITHIUM ”[...]

128 Glossary Chapter Sections of a movie created when START/ STOP is pressed, and closed when START/ STOP is pressed again. A list of chapters is displayed on the Visual Index display (page 55) when you play back the disc. Up to 999 chapters can be recorded on a single disc. DVD An optical disc format developed for multimedia use, such as recording[...]

129 Additional information Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder with the AC adaptor supplied in any country or area with 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz power standards. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [ a ] , if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [ b ] . Your camcorder is an NTSC system-based camcorder[...]

130 Precautions Camcorder operation • Operate your camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC adaptor) power. • For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in these operating instructions. • If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any [...]

131 Additional information Maintenance information and precautions On the pickup lens • Do not touch the lens inside the disc cover. Keep the disc cover closed except when inserting and ejecting the disc, to keep dust out. • When the camcorder does not work because the pickup lens is dirty, clean it with a blower (not supplied). Do not touch th[...]

132 Charging the built-in rechargeable battery in your camcorder The built-in rechargeable battery is installed in your camcorder to retain the date and time, etc., regardless of the setting of the POWER switch. The built-in rechargeable battery is always charged as long as you are using your camcorder. The battery, however, will become discharged [...]

133 Additional information Maintenance information and precautions Maintenance information Cleaning the viewfinder 1 1 Extend the viewfinder. 2 Remove the screws on the side and bottom of the viewfinder. 3 Remove the eye-cup. Note Take care not to lose or bend the shaft of the eye-cup. 2 Remove the dust inside the eye-cup and the viewfinder with a [...]

134 Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording format DVD-Video DVD-VR (DVD-RW only) Audio recording system 2ch Dolby* Digital Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable discs 8 cm DVD-R and DVD-RW Video compression format MPEG2/JPEG (Still images) Recording/playback time HQ: Approx. 20 minutes SP: Approx. 30 minutes LP: Approx.[...]

135 Additional information Specifications AC adaptor AC-L15A Power requirements 100 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz Current consumption 0.35 – 0.18 A Power consumption 18 W Output voltage DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.5 A in the operating mode Operating temperature 0 ° C to 40 ° C (32 ° F to 104 ° F) Storage temperature – 20 ° C to + 60 ° C ( – 4 ° F to + 1[...]

136 — Parts and controls/Index — Identifying parts and contr ols 1 LCD screen (page 19) 2 OPEN button (page 19) 3 Speaker 4 Viewfinder (page 25) 5 Eye cup (page 133) Camcorder 6 START/STOP button (page 29) 7 Battery attachment (page 15) 8 Hooks for shoulder strap Note on the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens whic[...]

137 Parts and controls/Index Identifying parts and controls 9 POWER switch (page 20) q; Mode dial (page 26) qa POWER/CHG lamp (page 16) qs Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (page 25) qd BATT (battery) release button (page 15) qf (USB) jack (page 92) qg REMOTE jack qh Lens cap (page 29) qj Tripod receptacle Make sure that the length of the tripod scr[...]

138 Identifying parts and controls ql Intelligent accessory shoe w; Lens wa Microphone ws Remote sensor/Infrared ray emitter wd AUDIO/VIDEO jack (page 62) wf S VIDEO jack (page 62) wg EXPOSURE button (page 48) wh FOCUS button (page 49) wj Adjustment dial (page 48, 49) Notes on the intelligent accessory shoe • The intelligent accessory shoe suppli[...]

139 Parts and controls/Index wk MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack Connect an external microphone (optional). This jack also accepts a “ plug-in-power ” microphone. When an external microphone is connected, it is preferred for an audio input source. wl PHOTO button (page 34) e; Power zoom lever (page 32) Identifying parts and controls ea SUPER NS/COLOR S[...]

140 ej Disc control buttons (page 55) N PLAY (playback) button X PAUSE button x STOP button ek BACK LIGHT button (page 41) el FADER button (page 50) r; REVIEW button (page 53) ra . PREV (previous) button (page 57) rs > NEXT (next) button (page 57) Identifying parts and controls rd z REC button (page 107) rf RESET button rg VOL buttons (page 56) [...]

141 Parts and controls/Index Identifying parts and controls Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on your camcorder function identically to the buttons on your camcorder. 1 Transmitter 2 PHOTO button (page 34) 3 c / C STEP buttons (page 57) 4 . PREV/ > NEXT buttons (page 57) 5 H PLAY button (page 55) 6 V[...]

142 To prepare the Remote Commander Insert 2 size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and – on the batteries to the + and – terminals in the battery compartment. Notes On the Remote Commander • Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function [...]

143 Parts and controls/Index Identifying parts and controls Operation indicators LCD display and viewfinder On shooting On playback 1 Recording mode (page 33, 112) , Image size (page 38, 110) 2 Remaining battery time (page 18) 3 Zoom (page 60) , Exposure (page 48) 4 FADER (page 50) , 16:9WIDE (page 45) , Effect (page 51) 5 White balance (page 44, 1[...]

144 Index A, B AC adaptor .............................. 16 Adjusting viewfinder ............. 25 A/V connecting cable ...... 14, 62 BACK LIGHT .......................... 41 BATTERY INFO ...................... 18 Battery pack ............................. 15 BEACH & SKI ......................... 47 Beep ............................ 26, 43, 114 [...]

145 Parts and controls/Index On trademarks • DVD-VIDEO, DVD-RW, and the DVD-R logo are trademarks. • InfoLITHIUM is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. • Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or [...]

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Sony Corporation Printed in Japan Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.[...]