Sony DSR-200A manual

3-862-712- 11 (1) ©1998 by Sony Corporation DSR-200A 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 y[...]

2 For the customers in the U.S.A. WARNING 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 [...]

3 T able of contents Before you begin Using this manual ................................... 4 Checking supplied accessories .............. 5 Identifying the parts ............................... 6 Attaching optional accessories ............ 17 Getting started Attaching the viewfinder ..................... 20 Charging and installing the battery pack[...]

4 Before you begin Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the digital camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to ON. As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation. Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to country[...]

5 Before you begin Check that the following accessories are supplied with your digital camcorder. Checking supplied accessories 12 3 4 5 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.11) 2 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 78) The lithium battery is already installed in your digital camcorder. 3 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 12) 4 A/V connect[...]

6 Identifying the parts 1 Stopper (p. 20) Lift up and hold to remove the viewfinder. 2 Viewfinder (p. 20, 27, 87) 3 Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 27) 4 PUSH button (p. 87) Press and hold to raise the eyecup. 5 Viewfinder release lever (p. 32) Push forward to move the position of the viewfinder front and back. 6 Focus ring (p. 52) 7 FOCUS switch (p[...]

7 Before you begin @™ Microphone holder attaching point (p. 18) @£ TALLY lamp (p. 27) Lights while recording and when the battery becomes low. @¢ CONTR knob (p. 27) Turn to adjust the viewfinder’s contrast. @∞ TALLY switch (p. 27) Set to select TALLY lamp ON/OFF. @§ Front Remote Commander sensor (p. 14) @¶ Grip (p. 31) @• Grip strap (p.[...]

8 Identifying the parts #¶ Eyecup #• VIEW FINDER jack (p. 20) #ª S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 34) $º RFU DC OUT jack (p. 35) $¡ DV IN/OUT jack (p. 74) Connect DV products using the connecting DV cable. This “i.LINK” mark is a trademark of Sony Corporation and indicates that this product is in agreement with IEEE 1394- 1995 specifications and thei[...]

9 Before you begin Identifying the parts %ª ^º ^™ ^¢ ^∞ ^§ ^¶ ^¡ ^£ &º &¡ &™ &£ ^ª ^• %ª SHUTTER SPEED dial and AUTO/ MANUAL switch (p. 55) ^º VF DISPLAY switch (p. 28) Set to display (ON) or erase (OFF) the indicators in the viewfinder. ^¡ GAIN dial and AGC/MANUAL switch (p. 58) ^™ STEADY SHOT switch (p. 68)[...]

10 Identifying the parts &¢ &¶ &• &ª &§ *¡ *º *£ *™ &∞ *¢ *∞ *§ *¶ P PAUSE button (pause) r REC switch (recording) & SLOW button (slow speed playback) ' / 7 FRAME button (direction select/frame-by-frame) *¢ MONITOR LEVEL dial (p. 28) Turn to adjust the volume level of the headphones and built-in s[...]

11 Before you begin 2 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 !¡ !º 6 Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the digital camcorder function identically. 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the digital camcorder after turning on the digital camcorder. 2 PHOTO button (p.46) 3 DISPLAY button (p. 36) 4 SEARCH MOD[...]

12 To prepare the Remote Commander To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the supplied size AA (R6) batteries. ( 1 ) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. ( 2 ) Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity. ( 3 ) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander. Note on batt[...]

13 Before you begin MENU DIGITAL F ZOOM/WIDE D ZOOM 16:9WIDE ZEBRA TC IND DATE/TIME COMMANDER [ MENU ] : END MENU COMMANDER VTR4 OFF ID ID SET [ MENU ] : END MENU COMMANDER VTR4 OFF ID ID SET COMMANDER [ STOP ] : ID SET MENU ID VTR 4 STOP 4 1 5 2 3 VTR 2 About the ID of the Remote Commander You can avoid having the digital camcorder accidentally re[...]

14 Identifying the parts Remote control direction Aim the Remote Commander at either of the two remote commander sensors. The range of the Remote Commander is about 16 feet (about 5 m) indoors. Use the Remote Commander as close to flat as possible, otherwise it may not work. Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the Remote Commander sensor away fr[...]

15 Before you begin T W 0 :13 : 46: 05 1 4 3 5 6 7 8 2 I 170 m i n 48k PHOTO CP DV 1 0 0 0 F 2 . 8 0 dB STBY ON ND DV IN !£ 9 !¡ 0 !∞ !§ !¢ !ª !• !¶ !™ 16:9WIDE FADER JUL. 4 1998 10:13:02 AM Identifying the parts 1 Manual focusing indicator (p. 53) appears when focusing far, appears when focusing close. 2 ND filter indicator (p. 63) 3 W[...]

16 Identifying the parts DVCAM HM S F min AM F 14 35 6 27 8 9 In the display window 1 Time code 2 Warning indicators (p. 95) 3 DVCAM indicator Lights up when using a DVCAM- formatted cassette. 4 Flash indicator 5 Date/aperture indicator (p. 54) 6 Remaining battery indicator (p. 84) 7 Time indicator 8 Remaining tape indicators 9 Audio level indicato[...]

17 Before you begin Attaching optional accessories Attaching digital camcorder to the tripod adaptor Use the VCT-U14 tripod adaptor (not supplied). Once the tripod adaptor has been attached to the tripod stand, then you may attach the digital camcorder. ( 1 ) Attach the tripod adaptor to the tripod. ( 2 ) Attach the digital camcorder to the tripod [...]

18 Attaching the external microphone with XLR connector When using the ECM-672 external microphone (not supplied), attach the CAC-12 microphone holder (not supplied) to the digital camcorder. ( 1 ) Remove the screws from the top of the viewfinder. Remove the spacer from the screws. They are unnecessary when attaching the microphone holder. ( 2 ) At[...]

19 Before you begin [ d ] CHECK Attaching the battery adaptor The NPA-10000 battery adaptor (not supplied), can hold up to 3 battery packs NP-F950 or NP-F750 (not supplied). Attach the adaptor to the digital camcorder. ( 1 ) Release the lock and open the cover. ( 2 ) Insert the battery packs in the direction of the z mark on the battery packs. ( 3 [...]

20 VIEW FINDER Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder. ( 1 ) Loosen the viewfinder release ring. ( 2 ) Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate. ( 3 ) Adjust the position of the viewfinder, then tighten the viewfinder release ring. ( 4 ) Attach the 8 pin connector to the VIEW FINDER jack on the digital camcorder. Match ridge[...]

21 Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack Before using your digital camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack (not supplied). To charge the battery pack, use the AC-V615 AC power adaptor (not supplied). This digital camcorder does not interface with “InfoLITHIUM” batteries. The remaining time (minutes) i[...]

22 Battery life Battery Continuous Typical recording pack recording time 1) time 2) NP-F950 150 (135) 80 (70) NP-F750 95 (85) 50 (45) NP-F950 (x3) 3) 450 (405) 240 (210) Notes on charging the battery pack • The CHARGE lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and the power cord is unplugged after charging the battery pa[...]

23 Getting started Installing the battery pack Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release and clicks. To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT, lift the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow. Charging and installing the battery pack B[...]

24 Inserting a cassette Use a standard DVCAM cassette with logo*. Make sure that a power source is installed. We recommend you set the POWER switch to ON before inserting the cassette. ( 1 ) Open the cassette compartment cover. ( 2 ) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the tab upwards, and the window facing out and press down so that the cassette[...]

25 Getting started To eject the cassette Open the cassette compartment cover and press 6 . After the cassette rises, take it out, then close the cover. You cannot eject the cassette while C MEMORY appears in the viewfinder because the digital camcorder is still writing information into the cassette memory. After C MEMORY disappears the cassette aut[...]

26 Basic operations Camera r ecording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that AUTO LOCK is set to ON. When AUTO LOCK is set to ON, all settings are automatically adjusted to best suit your shooting environment. Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the di[...]

27 Basic operations Camera recording When ND ON flashes in the viewfinder Set ND FILTER to ON. To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode) . To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK, and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the casse[...]

28 Camera recording To erase the indicators in the viewfinder You can erase the indicators in the viewfinder except for menu and warning indicators. Set VF DISPLAY to OFF. Note on recording When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape by recording for about 15 seconds before you start the actual recording. This will ensure that you wo[...]

29 Basic operations Camera recording [a] [b] [ e ] [ d ] [ c ] [ d ] To change the directionality of the built-in microphone Set DIRECTION SELECT on the back of the microphone to the desired position (0°/ 90°/120°). To record through an external microphone Connect a microphone (not supplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack or AUDIO IN input jack[...]

30 Camera recording [a] T W T W [b] T W T W W T Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Press the power zoom button a littl[...]

31 Basic operations 120° 90° When shooting with the digital camcorder on your shoulder, you’ll get better results by holding the digital camcorder according to the following suggestions: • Place the digital camcorder on your shoulder and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb. • To adjus[...]

32 Hints for better shooting • You can move the viewfinder up to about 1 3/16 inches (30 mm) laterally. Turn the lock ring to release the viewfinder, and then move it. Turn back the lock ring to fix the viewfinder in place [ e ] . • You can move the viewfinder up to about 1 3/16 inches (30 mm) lengthwise. Turn the lock lever under the viewfinde[...]

33 Basic operations Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMCORDER/VTR to CAMCORDER. ( 2 ) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. ( 3 ) Press the Р( Π) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion play back (R[...]

34 AUDIO IN VIDEO IN S VIDEO IN S VIDEO OUT VIDEO OUT AUDIO OUT [ a ] [ b ] You can use this digital camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to monitor for playback. There are some ways to connect the digital camcorder to monitor. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the digital camcorder to monitor, we recommend you to use house current [...]

35 Basic operations If your monitor is already connected to a VCR Open the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the VCR by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the monitor/VCR selector on the monitor to VCR. If your monitor or VCR has a BNC jack When connecting vide[...]

36 CAMCORDER VTR STOP REW PLAY FF PAUSE REC 1 2 3 4 POWER OFF ON Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a monitor screen, after connecting the digital camcorder to a monitor or VCR. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON. ( 2 ) Set CAMCORDER/VTR to VTR. ( 3 ) Insert the recorded tap[...]

37 Basic operations Note on DV-formatted tapes You can play back DV-formatted tapes on this digital camcorder if the tape is recorded in SP mode. “DV” appears in the viewfinder during playback. You cannot play back DV-formatted tapes recorded in LP mode. Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To[...]

38 Advanced operations Using alternative power sources Place Indoors Outdoors Accessory to be used (not supplied) AC power adaptor AC-V615 Battery pack NP-F950, NP-F750 Battery adaptor NPA-10000 Power source House current Battery pack Note on AC power adaptor Use the recommended AC power adaptor, such as AC-V615. Note on power sources Disconnecting[...]

39 Advanced operations Using alternative power sources Charging the attached battery pack After connecting the power cord to the wall outlet and setting the POWER switch on the digital camcorder to OFF, you can charge the battery pack in either of the following two ways: • Charging the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder Leave the batt[...]

40 You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the digital camcorder. ( 1 ) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Press or to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE. ( 3 ) Press or to select the desired setting, then press EXECUTE. For some items, you may need to repea[...]

41 Advanced operations Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMCORDER and VTR modes TC IND* <ON/OFF> • Normally select ON. • Select OFF to erase the time code indicator. COMMANDER* <VTR4/OFF/ID/ID SET> • Normally select VTR4. • Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. • Select ID when using the Remote [...]

42 Changing the mode settings SLOW SHTR* <4/8/15/30> Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to SLOW. Select a slow shutter speed. S PRESET* <60/100/250/500/1000/2000/4000/10000> Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to USER PRESET. Select a shutter speed. G PRESET* <–3dB/0dB/3dB/6dB/9dB/12dB/15dB/18dB> Before setting,[...]

43 Advanced operations 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. To use fade-in and fade-out, press FADER/OVERLAP to display FADER in the viewfinder. When fading in [a] ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, pre[...]

44 Overlapping two pictur es When using the overlap function, the picture gradually fades in over a still picture of the last scene recorded. ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. ( 2 ) Press or to select DIGITAL F, then press EXECUTE. ( 3 ) Press or to select OV[...]

45 Advanced operations Using the wide mode function You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV. [a] [b] [d] [c] In the viewfinder black bands appear at the top and bottom of the screen [ a ] . On a monitor screen, the picture appears horizontally compressed [ b ] . When setting WIDE PB to ON in the menu system, you get a c[...]

46 START/STOP LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY 1 2, 3 PHOTO Photo recor ding You can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This mode is useful when you want to enjoy a picture such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). ( 1 ) Turn STANDBY up to PHOTO STANDBY. PHOTO appears in the view[...]

47 Advanced operations Interval r ecording You can make a time-lapse like recording by setting the digital camcorder to automatically record and standby sequentially. You can achieve an excellent recording for flowering, emergence, etc., with this function. ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press MENU to dis[...]

48 Cut recor ding You can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording. To create this effect, alternately move the subject a little and make a cut recording. Secure the digital camcorder and use the Remote Commander for effective cut recording. ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then pr[...]

49 Advanced operations Selecting automatic or manual mode The digital camcorder’s automatic functions offer you worry-free operation under most shooting conditions. But in some circumstances, manual adjustment is better for creative recording. You can adjust focus, aperture, shutter speed, gain, and white balance automatically or manually. Here?[...]

50 When to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and gain manually When selecting one of aperture, shutter speed, or gain to be adjusted manually and leaving the remaining two in automatic adjustment, the remaining two automatic settings adjust their values based on the value of that one manual setting. In the following cases you should obtain better res[...]

51 Advanced operations [a] [b] [c] [d] Focusing manually 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 [...]

52 1 2 34 PUSH AUTO FOCUS AUTO MANU INFINITY T W W T W T T W Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. ( 1 ) Set FOCUS to MANU. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. ( 2 ) Press the power zoom button on the “T” side so that the bar in the viewfinder moves all the wa[...]

53 Advanced operations To return to autofocus mode Set FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder disappears. Shooting in relatively dark places Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position. Shooting in fast-moving subjects relatively bright places Shoot at wide-angle. To record a very distant subject Push FOCUS down to INFINI[...]

54 12 3 ON OFF AUTO LOCK IRIS O P E N C L O S E AUTO MANUAL [ a ][ b ] Adjusting the apertur e If the difference between the brightness of the subject and the background is too great, adjust the aperture manually. When the aperture opens (lowering the F value), focal point becomes smaller (reducing depth of field) so that the background will blur a[...]

55 Advanced operations Adjusting the shutter speed Adjust the shutter speed to control the picture quality. When recording sports events, for example, use a high speed shutter to record fast moving objects clearly. You can select from 6 different shutter speeds SLOW, 60, 100, 250, 1000 and USER PRESET. SLOW and USER PRESET have their own menus. Ref[...]

56 To adjust the SLOW SHTR (shutter) or S (shutter) PRESET menu items When you want to make a dark scene look brighter or give an object the appearance of motion, use a slow shutter. Set the dial to SLOW, then select speed from SLOW SHTR menu. When you want to choose a shutter speed, set dial to USER PRESET, then select the appropriate shutter spee[...]

57 Advanced operations Adjusting the shutter speed Shutter speed 1/500 – 1/10000 1/100 – 1/500 1/100 To select the Best Shutter Speed Concerning shooting conditions and brightness, refer to the following chart to adjust shutter speed accordingly. Subject • A golf swing or tennis match in fine weather • A landscape shot from a moving car or [...]

58 Adjusting the gain If the picture is too dark even with the aperture fully open, and using the slowest acceptable shutter speed, adjust the gain to make the picture as bright as necessary. When shooting night scenes in automatic setting, the picture may become dark. To brighten the picture the digital camcorder will automatically turn the gain v[...]

59 Advanced operations To adjust the G (gain) PRESET menu item When you want to choose a gain setting higher than 9, select the appropriate level from the G PRESET menu. The setting data is set into memory. When you dial another setting, (e.g. 9), then return to USER PRESET, the previous setting is selected automatically. ( 1 ) Open the cover, then[...]

60 [ a ][ b ][ c ][ d ] ∑ Adjusting the white balance White balance is the adjustment to make white subjects look white and to obtain a more natural color balance. You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance manually when lighting conditions change quickly or when recording outdoors, e.g. neon signs, fireworks. Selecting the appr[...]

61 Advanced operations Adjusting white balance manually ( 1 ) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF. ( 2 ) Set ATW/MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to MANUAL. ( 3 ) Turn WHT BAL to select a white balance. Usually select e (3200K) (indoor mode) or w (5800K) (outdoor mode). To fix the white balance by using one-push white balance, select ∑ and see “ Locking the whit[...]

62 Notes on the ∑ indicator in the viewfinder • The indicator means: Slow flashing: white balance is not adjusted. Fast flashing: white balance is being adjusted (after you pressed WHITE BALANCE ∑ ). Lit steady: white balance has been adjusted. • If the ∑ indicator keeps flashing even when you press WHITE BALANCE ∑ , shoot in automatic [...]

63 Advanced operations [a] [b] FILTER ND ON OFF FILTER ND ON OFF ND ON ND OFF ND Using the ND filter The digital camcorder automatically senses the need for the ND filter, in such a case, ND ON/OFF flashes in the display. Using the ND filter (to filter down to one-tenth the quantity of light), you can prevent the picture from going out of focus und[...]

64 You can set the digital camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) [ a ] in the portion of the picture in the viewfinder where the brightness exceeds a certain level. The portion of the picture where the zebra pattern appears is an area of high brightness and overexposure. You can check the picture level of a subject by displaying t[...]

65 Advanced operations Adjusting the r ecor ding sound CH-1 CH-2 CH-1 CH-2 MIC FRONT MIC FRONT — Built-in mic: L Built-in mic: R Stereo External mic: L External mic: R Monaural External mic: Mono External mic: Mono LINE — Built-in mic: L+R Stereo External mic: L+R XLR LINE Monaural External mic: Mono MIC REAR — Built-in mic: L+R Stereo Extern[...]

66 Checking the recording level Use the level indicator in the display window. If the input level is excessive, the PEAK indicator lights. If the PEAK indicator remains lit, adjust the recording sound manually. Adjusting the recording level automatically Set REC LEVEL to AUTO. Adjusting the recording level manually ( 1 ) Set the REC LEVEL switch to[...]

67 Advanced operations To attenuate the recording level Attenuate the recording level when recording very loud sounds. • When using the built-in microphone or external microphone. Set the MIC switch to ATT. Normally set off (green position). • When connecting an external microphone to AUDIO IN (CH-1/CH-2) input connector. Set ATT (REAR) to ON. [...]

68 ON OFF STEADY SHOT Releasing the STEADY SHOT function When you shoot, the Ó indicator appears in the viewfinder. This indicates that the Steady Shot function is working and the digital camcorder compensates for camera- shake. When you attach the digital camcorder to a tripod, you need not worry about camera- shake. Release the Steady Shot funct[...]

69 Advanced operations Making a custom pr eset Use this menu setting to achieve consistent picture quality. This feature lets you customize the picture quality. Item COLOR LEV SHARPNESS WB SHIFT AE SHIFT* Adjusts Color intensity Sharpness White balance Brightness Adjustment value Decreases color intensity ˜ Increases color intensity Softer ˜ Shar[...]

70 To turn off custom preset ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU. ( 2 ) Press or to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE. ( 3 ) Press to select SET, then press EXECUTE. ( 4 ) Press to select OFF, then press EXECUTE. goes off in the viewfinder. ( 5 ) Press MENU to erase the menu display. To turn on custom preset again ( 1 )[...]

71 Advanced operations Sear ching the r ecorded pictur e When you use a cassette memory-mounted DVCAM cassette ( logo*) which can store the recorded date and time, etc., you can search the recorded picture with the date or time using the Remote Commander ( Cassette memory search ). You can also search the photo-recorded pictures only, or the record[...]

72 Searching the recorded picture without using cassette memory ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON, then set CAMCORDER/VTR to VTR. ( 2 ) Open the cover, press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. ( 3 ) Set CM SEARCH to OFF in the menu system. ( 4 ) Press MENU to erase the menu display. ( 5 ) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander to select [...]

73 Advanced operations You can display the date and time as well as system data and when you recorded ( Data Code ), on the TV during playback or editing. The Data Code is also displayed in the viewfinder and the display window. Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander while playing back. Each time you press DATA CODE, the indicator cycles in the vi[...]

74 Editing onto another tape You can create your own video programs by editing with any other VCRs that have DV IN or video/audio inputs. Note that cassette memory data is not recorded on the edited tape. You can edit with little deterioration of picture and sound quality when using the DV connecting cable (not supplied). Data code of the source ta[...]

75 Advanced operations Editing onto another tape Starting editing ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMCORDER/VTR to VTR. ( 2 ) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the recording VCR. Then insert your recorded tape into the digital camcorder. ( 3 ) Play back the recorded tape on the digital camcorder until you lo[...]

76 Audio dubbing If you recorded in Fs 32k (12 bit) recording mode, you can add stereo narration or music to the recording. Making connections To use additional audio line in [a] Connect the LINE OUT jacks of an audio source to the rear AUDIO IN jacks of the digital camcorder using an audio connecting cord with the XLR connector (not supplied) and [...]

77 Advanced operations Recording ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMCORDER/VTR to VTR. ( 2 ) Open the cover, press · , then ) or 0 , to search for the start and end points of the recording. ( 3 ) Press P at the start point of the recording. ( 4 ) Press AUDIO DUB . ( 5 ) Adjust the recording volume. ( 6 ) Press P . Audio dubbing begin[...]

78 Additional information Changing the lithium battery in the digital camcor der Your digital camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the digital camcorder to CAMCORDER mode with the POWER switch ON. In this case, replac[...]

79 Additional information Changing the lithium battery in the digital camcorder 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, time and other items in the menu system retained by the lithium battery. ( 1 ) Open the lid of the lithium [...]

80 Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. ( 1 ) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Press to select CLOCK SET, then press EXECUTE. ( 3 ) Press or to select the desired year, then press EXECUTE. Set the day, month, hour, and minutes by pressing / and then pressing EXECUTE. ( 4 ) Press M[...]

81 Additional information DVCAM format is developed as a more reliable and higher end format than consumer DV format. Here are explained about DVCAM and DV formats: the differences, compatibility, and limitations on editing. Differences between DVCAM and DV formats Item DVCAM DV Track pitch 15 µ m 10 µ m Audio sampling 12 bit: 32 kHz 12 bit: 32 k[...]

82 Compatibility on editing using DV connectors When this digital camcorder is connected to other DVCAM or DV video equipment using DV connectors, the recording format of edited tapes is defined according to recorder’s format as described below. Source tape Player’s format Recorder’s format Recording format DVCAM-formatted 2) 3) DVCAM DVCAM D[...]

83 Additional information Notes on video cassettes Usable cassettes We recommend using a standard DVCAM cassette You can get the highest quality pictures with this digital camcorder using a standard DVCAM cassette which is the highest quality cassette. You may not get as good a quality with lesser cassettes. You cannot use any other mini DVCAM, min[...]

84 Tips for using the battery pack 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 a cold environment Battery efficiency is decreased, and the [...]

85 Additional information The switch on the battery pack This switch is provided so that you can mark the charged battery pack. Set the switch to the “green mark” position when charging is completed. (When removed from the charging adaptor, the switch exposes the green mark. When removed from your digital camcorder, no mark is indicated.) The l[...]

86 If the picture becomes like [ a ] or [ b ] , clean the video heads with the Sony DV-12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied). After checking the picture, if it is still “noisy”, repeat the cleaning. (Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times.) Note If the DV-12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied) is not available in your area, consult your neares[...]

87 Additional information Removing dust from inside the viewfinder ( 1 ) While pressing PUSH, open the viewfinder. ( 2 ) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower. ( 3 ) Close the viewfinder until it clicks. Precautions Digital camcorder operation • Operate the digital camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor). ?[...]

88 Digital camcorder care • When the digital camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the power source and remove the tape. Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes. • Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are fingerprints on it, remove the[...]

89 Additional information Using your digital camcor der abr oad Each country has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your digital camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your digital camcorder in any country with the AC-V615 AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Difference in color syst[...]

90 T r ouble check If you run into any problem using the digital 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. Digital camcorder Power Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is no[...]

91 Additional information Trouble check Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • CAMCORDER/VTR is set to CAMCORDER. m Set it to VTR. (p. 36) • The tape has run out. m Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 36) • The digital camcorder is updating the cassette memory data (only for DVCAM cassettes with cassette memory). m Eject the cassette aft[...]

92 Trouble check Picture Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 27) • The contrast between the subject and background is too high. The digital camcorder is not malfunctioning. m Change locations. • The digital camcorder is not malfunctioning. • The video heads may be [...]

93 Additional information AC power adaptor Remove the battery pack from the AC power adaptor. Then install the same battery pack again. When the CHARGE lamp flashes again Install another battery pack. When the CHARGE lamp flashes again The problem is with the AC power adaptor. Please contact your nearest Sony dealer in connection with the problem. [...]

94 Specifications Specifications System Video recording system Two rotary heads, Helical scanning system Audio recording system Two rotary heads, PCM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette DVCAM logo printed cassette Recording / Playback time (using PDV-184ME cassette) 184 min. Fastforward/rewind time Approx. 7 min. Image dev[...]

95 Additional information W ar ning indicators If indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the digital camcorder flashes, check the following: ≥ : you can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON. 12 3 4 56 7 8 90 5min C MEMORY !¡ COPY INHIBIT 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing:[...]

Index A, B Adjusting viewfinder ............. 27 AE SHIFT ................................. 69 AUDIO MODE ........................ 29 AUDIO MONITOR ................ 66 Auto focus ............................... 52 AUTO LOCK ........................... 49 BEEP ........................................ 28 BUILT-IN MIC ........................ 67 C, D [...]