Sony DCR-VX1000 manual

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2 English W elcome to digital video Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam  camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video th[...]

3 T able of Contents Before You Begin Notes and Precautions 4 Checking Supplied Accessories 5 Getting Started Charging and Inserting the Battery Pack 6 Inserting a Cassette 9 Basic Operations Camera Recording 10 Hints for Better Shooting 13 Checking the Recorded Picture 14 Connections for Playback 15 Playing Back a Tape 16 Advanced Operations Using[...]

4 Before You Begin Notes and Pr ecautions Note on TV Color Systems TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system based TV. Please check the list to see the TV color system of your country (p. 57). Precaution on Copyright Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be c[...]

5 Checking Supplied Accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 9 8 5 4 3 2 1 6 7 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 76) 2 NP-720/F730 Battery Pack (1) (p.6) 3 AC-V615 AC power adaptor and DK-715 connecting cord (1) (p. 6) 4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 15) 5 S video connecting cable (1) (p. 15) 6 Shoulder st[...]

6 Getting Started Charging and Inserting 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. This digital camcorder does not interface with "InfoLITHIUM" batteries. The remaining time (minutes) indication does not appear when us[...]

7 Getting Started[...]

8 Charging and Inserting the Battery Pack To Remove the Battery Pack Slide the RELEASE knob leftward. RELEASE Note on battery pack You cannot use NP-520/500H/F750 battery pack.[...]

9 Getting Started[...]

10 LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY STBY 0:05:20 54 C A M E R A V T R P O W E R OFF LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY STBY REC LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY 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] Pr[...]

11 Basic Operations Note on Standby mode If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn the POWER switch to OFF once and then to CAMERA. To start recording, press START/ STOP[...]

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13 Basic Operations[...]

14 The editsearch function is used to view the recorded picture for a moment during recording. Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the centre button on the POWER switch, turn it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press the Р( Π) side of EDITSEARCH momenta[...]

15 Basic Operations You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. It is recommended to use the house current as the power source (p. 18). Connecting Directly to a TV Connect the camcorder to your TV by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the TV/VCR selector to VCR on the TV. To get higher quality pictures in[...]

16 P O W E R OFF C A M E R A V T R REW PLAY You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also watch it on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR (p. 15). You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander (p. 76). (1) While pressing the center button on the POWER switch, turn it to VTR. (2) Insert th[...]

17 Basic Operations To view the picture frame by frame Press > during playback pause mode. Press < in reverse direction during playback pause mode. To view the picture in reverse direction Press < during playback. Notes on playback • The sound is muted in the various playback modes. • The previous scene may appear like mosaic noise dur[...]

18 Advanced Operations Using Alter nate Power Sour ces You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack (p.6), house current, and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder. You cannot connect to this camcorder using the connecting cord supplied with A[...]

19 Advanced Operations WARNING AC power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop. Precautions • The set is not disconnected from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off. • To prevent accident from a short circuit, do not come into contact with the terminal inside t[...]

20 MENU EXECUTE MENU EXECUTE MENU A SHUTTER D ZOOM ZEBRA COMMANDER BEEP HEADPHONE [MENU]:END ON MENU A SHUTTER D ZOOM ZEBRA MENU A SHUTTER D ZOOM ZEBRA MENU A SHUTTER D ZOOM ZEBRA MENU D ZOOM OFF ON OFF MENU D ZOOM MENU D ZOOM OFF ON OFF ON ON ON MENU A SHUTTER D ZOOM ZEBRA ON EVF MODE You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further [...]

21 Advanced Operations HEADPHONE <LOW/MID/HIGH> • Normally select LOW. • Select MID to slightly raise the volume of the headphone. • Select HIGH to raise the volume of the headphone. BEEP <ON/OFF> • Normally select ON. • Select OFF to turn the beep sound off. EVF MODE <COLOR/BRIGHT> • Select this item and change the le[...]

22 Items in VTR Mode only A MIX BAL • Select this item and change the level of the indicator by pressing > or . to adjust the volume balance between audio mode ST1 and ST2. SEARCH <C MEMORY/OFF> • Normally select C MEMORY to activate cassette memory search function. • Select OFF otherwise. In this case, the recorded picture is search[...]

23 Advanced Operations STBY REC STBY REC LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY START/ STOP FADER OVERLAP 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. With the overlap [...]

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25 Advanced Operations[...]

26 Notes on editsearch • The picture may be distorted at the end of the inserted portion when it is played back. • Zero set memory may not function when there is a blank portion between pictures on a tape. • You can re-record without using the zero set memory. Skip steps 2 and 3. Press START/STOP to stop recording. To use the insert recording[...]

27 Advanced Operations Photo Recording 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. Shutter speed is automatically adjusted up to 1/1000 depending on the exposure. (1) Set the standby switch to PH[...]

28 LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY START/ STOP EXECUTE MENU MENU Interval Recor ding You can make a time-lapse recording by setting the camcorder to automatically record and standby sequentially. You can achieve an excellent recording for flowering, emergence, etc., with this function. (1) Slide OPEN and open the battery cover while the camcorder is in [...]

29 Advanced Operations LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY START/ STOP[...]

30 LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY START/ STOP SELF TIMER Self-timer Recor ding You can make a recording with the self-timer when the SELFTIMER mode is set to ON (2SEC or 10SEC) in the menu system. This mode is useful when you want to make a recording at yourself. (1) Press SELF TIMER to display in the viewfinder while the camcorder is in Standby mode. [...]

31 Advanced Operations[...]

32 FOUCUS AUTO MANUAL INFINITY PUSH AUTO Focusing Manually To activate auto focusing, very bright condition and proper contrast are required. Use manual focus according to the conditions. You can focus manually even if the HOLD/AUTO LOCK selector is set to AUTO LOCK (Automatic Mode). When to Use Manual Focus In the following cases you should obtain[...]

33 Advanced Operations PUSH AUTO FOUCUS AUTO MANUAL INFINITY PUSH AUTO When or appears Turn focus ring clockwise when appears, or turn it counterclockwise when appears in the viewfinder. If you cannot get in focus, turn in the reverse direction. When appears, focus is at infinity . When appears, subject is too close. Notes on indicator • It does [...]

34 CONTROL F1.6 AE A F2 AE A AE A AE S A U T O L O C K HOLD AE PROGRAM Using the PROGRAM AE Function Select one of the three PROGRAM AE modes, then go to each step. (1) Set HOLD/AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position. (2) Press PROGRAM AE repeatedly to select the desired mode. The mode changes: AE A (Priority to iris) → AE [...]

35 Advanced Operations[...]

36 AE PROGRAM To select the best shutter speed To return to automatic mode Set HOLD/AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK, or press PROGRAM AE repeatedly until AE A, AE S, or Å disappears from the display. Shutter speed indicator in the viewfinder For example, the 1/100 shutter speed is displayed as “100” in the viewfinder. Note on higher shutter sp[...]

37 Advanced Operations[...]

38 A U T O L O C K HOLD EXPOSURE Adjusting the Exposur e Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases. [a] Turn the exposure dial to + when: • The background is too bright (backlighting) • Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark [b] Turn the exposure dial to – when: • The subject is bright and the background is dark • Yo[...]

39 Advanced Operations[...]

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41 Advanced Operations Using the ND Filter Using the ND filter (correspond to one-tenth the quantity of light), you can record a picture clearly, preventing the picture from going out of focus under bright conditions. When ND ON flashes in the viewfinder [a] Set ND FILTER to ON. When ND OFF flashes in the viewfinder [b] Set ND FILTER to OFF. ND FIL[...]

42 EXECUTE MENU MENU Using with the Zebra Pattern You can set the camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) in the portion of the picture in the viewfinder with a subject whose brightness exceeds a certain level. The portion of the picture where zebra pattern appears is an area of high brightness and overexposure. You can check the pi[...]

43 Advanced Operations A U T O L O C K HOLD WHT BAL Adjusting the White Balance White balance adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more natural color balance for camera recording. Normally white balance is automatically adjusted. You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance manually when lighting conditions change q[...]

44 Adjusting the White Balance Locking the white balance setting (One-push white balance mode) When you set the white balance to one-push white balance mode, the setting is locked and maintained even if lighting conditions change, and saved for one hour after power sources such as the battery are detached if the lithium battery is inserted. You can[...]

45 Advanced Operations Notes on the ∑ indicator in the viewfinder • The state of the indicator shows as follows: Slow flashing: White balance is not adjusted. Fast flashing: White balance is being adjusted after pressing the ∑ button. Lights up: White balance has been adjusted. • When the ∑ indicator remains flashing even if you press the[...]

46 A U T O L O C K HOLD CONTROL REC LEVEL A U T O L O C K HOLD 1 2 3 Adjusting the Recording Sound You can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones to monitor the sound when you adjust. To adjust the recording sound automatically Set HOLD/AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK. To adjust the recording sound manually (1) Set HOLD/AUTO LOCK selector[...]

47 Advanced Operations Notes on the adjustment • The sound level setting is retained as long as the power is on and for about five minutes after the power turns off. After that the level is set to 7.5, the factory setting. • If you change the shutter speed or you press PROGRAM AE button, ” disappears from the viewfinder and you cannot adjust [...]

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49 Advanced Operations[...]

50 To record without the preset setting 1 Press MENU while the camcorder is in Standby mode. 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. [CP] goes off in the viewfinder. To return to the standard setting 1 Press MENU while the camcorder is in St[...]

51 Advanced Operations Sear ching the Recor ded Picture When you use a cassette memory-mounted mini DV cassette which can store the recorded date or 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 recorded picture [...]

52 Searching the Recorded Picture Searching the recorded picture without using cassette memory (1) Turn the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Slide OPEN and open the battery cover. (3) Press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. (4) Set the SEARCH to OFF in the menu system. (5) Press MENU to erase the menu display. (6) Press SEARCH SELECT on the Remot[...]

53 Advanced Operations Checking the Information for the Recor ded Pictur e You can display the recorded date and time or the various settings in the viewfinder while playing back the tape. Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander while playing back. Each time you press the button, the indicator changes: recorded date and time → various settings ?[...]

54 You can create your own video program by editing with any other DV, mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax, or ¬ ED Beta VCR that has video/audio inputs. You can edit with little deterioration of picture and sound quality when using the DV connecting cable. Before Editing Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the[...]

55 Advanced Operations Starting Editing (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the recording VCR. Then insert your recorded tape into the camcorder. (2) Play back the recorded tape on the camcorder until you locate the point where you want to start editing. Then set the camcorder to playback pause mode. (3) Set the recordi[...]

56 Replacing Recording on a T ape You can insert a new picture, sound, recording date/time, camera information, etc., from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifying and ending points. Connection is the same as in "Using the DV connecting cable" on page 54. Refer to the instruction manual of the connected equipment also. (1) T[...]

57 Additional Information Additional Information Using Y our Camcor der Abr oad Each country 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 with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially a[...]

58 Replacing the Lithium Battery in the Camcor der Your camcorder is supplied with the lithium battery installed. When the battery becomes weak or dead, 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 the Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of[...]

59 Additional Information Replacing 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 OPEN and open the battery cover. (2) Push the battery down once and pull it out from the holder. (3) Install the lithium battery with the pos[...]

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61 Additional Information V ideo Cassettes Usable Cassettes You can use the mini DV cassette only. You cannot use any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S- VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC , l Betamax or ¬ ED Beta cassette. Copyright Signal When You Play Back Using this camcorder, you cannot play back a tape that has recorded a copyright control signals for cop[...]

62 Video Cassettes Notes on the mini DV cassette Gold-plated connector of the mini DV cassette If the gold-plated connector of the mini DV cassette gets dirty or dust sticks to the connector, the camcorder may malfunction when using the cassette memory functions, such as cassette memory search. Clean the connector with the swab once every ten times[...]

63 Additional Information LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY START/ STOP 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 effic[...]

64 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. Battery Care • Remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using the battery pack, and keep it in a cool place. When [...]

65 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. If this happens, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the camcorder may not operate correctly. To prevent possible damage und[...]

66 Removing Dust from Inside the Viewfinder (1) While holding down the hook, slide the eyecup in the direction of the arrow and remove it out. (2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower. To reattach the eyecup Do step 1 above sliding the eyecup in the reverse direction of the arrow. 1 2 Video Head Cleaning To ensure normal recording[...]

67 Additional Information Precautions Camcorder Operation • Operate the camcorder using 7.2 V (battery pack), or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use only the accessories recommended in this manual. • Should any solid object or liquid fall into the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by your nearest Sony dealer[...]

68 Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The tape is stuck to the drum. m Eject the tape. (p. 9) • Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 16) • Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (p. 10) • The tab on the cassette is out (red). m Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 9) • Set the Standby switch to STANDBY. (p. 10) • Insert the battery pack. (p. 7[...]

69 Additional Information Operation Symptom D ZOOM mode in the menu system cannot be set to ON. The overlap function does not active. Sound level meter does not activate while recording. Picture/Sound Symptom The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. The playback picture is not clear or cannot be monitored. A vertical band appears when a sub[...]

70 Cause and/or Corrective Actions • Disconnect the AC power cord. After about one minute, try again. (p.18) • See the following chart. Symptom The POWER lamp does not light. The CHARGE lamp flashes. AC Power Adaptor Remove the battery pack from the AC power adaptor. Then attach the same battery pack again. When the CHARGE lamp does not flash a[...]

71 Additional Information Video Camera Recorder System Video recording system Two rotary heads, Helical scanning system Audio recording system Rotary heads, PCM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette mini DV cassette with logo printed Tape speed Approx. 3 / 4 inches (18.81 mm)/ s Recording time 1 hour (DVM60ME) Playback time [...]

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73 Additional Information !ª Accessory shoe @º Display window (p. 81) @¡ EJECT switch (p. 9) @™ Zoom button (p. 12) @£ REC LEVEL (recording level) button (p. 46) @¢ WHT BAL (white balance) button (p. 43) @∞ SHUTTER SPEED button (p. 40) @§ PROGRAM AE button (p. 34) @º @¡ @™ @£ @¢ @∞ @§ !ª[...]

74 @¶ Carrying handle @• Microphone @ª Camera recording lamp #º Remote sensor (p. 79) #¡ Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 76) #™ Lens hood You can attatch a wide teleconversion lens (not supplied) by removing the lens hood. To remove the lens hood for attachment of the wide teleconversion lens, etc., loosen the lens hood fixing screw, and unscr[...]

75 Additional Information $∞ $¶ %º %¡ $ª $§ $• $£ $¢ %™ $º $¡ $™ $º Camera recording lamp $¡ PHOTO button (p. 27) $™ l LANC control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it. This jack has the same func[...]

76 Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap ( !¡ and #¡ on page 72and 74).[...]

77 Additional Information[...]

78 EXECUTE MENU MENU ID HOLD VTR 4 STOP About the ID of the Remote Commander You can avoid misoperation from other remote commanders by setting the VTR4/ID/HOLD selector to ID. Use the supplied Remote Commander when you set the selector to ID. When you use the Remote Commander for the first time, register the ID following the procedure below. Once [...]

79 Additional Information Remote Control Direction Aim the Remote Commander to the remote sensor. The operative range of the Remote Commander is about 5 m indoors. Depending on the angle, Remote Commander may not activate the camcorder. Remote sensor Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as dir[...]

80 W ND T STBY 16BIT 1000 ON PHOTO C MEMORY F 2.8 FADER 7.5 CP 0 dB 0:13:46 32 In the Viewfinder 1 Focus indicator (p. 32) 2 ND filter indicator (p. 41) 3 White balance indicator (p. 44) 4 Zoom indicator (p. 12) 5 PROGRAM AE mode/fading indicators (p. 23, 34) 6 Warning indicator (p. 82) 7 Audio recording level indicator (p. 46) 8 Steady shot indica[...]

81 Additional Information In the Display Window 1 Time code (p. 11) 2 MEMORY indicator (p. 25) Same as ZERO SET MEMORY indicator in the viewfinder. 3 Warning indicators (p. 82) 4 Remaining battery indicator (p. 63) 5 Lights up while cassette is inserted 6 Remaining tape indicator 7 Audio recording level indicator (p. 46) 8 PROGRAM AE mode indicator[...]

82 If indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the camcorder flashes, check the following: : You can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON. W ar ning Indicators C MEMORY 4.7 1995 3 2 1 5 46 !º 9 7 8 1 Battery Remaining Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. 2 The tape is near the end. 3 The[...]

83 Additional Information Glossary Audio mode (p. 22, p. 61) There are two modes on DV format: • 12-bit mode which records two stereo sounds such as stereo 1 and stereo 2 • 16-bit mode which records a stereo sound This camcorder records sound in stereo 1 in 12-bit mode only, but can play back a tape recorded in both modes. Cassette memory (p. 5[...]

84 Shutter speed (p. 40) The amount of time the shutter is open. The faster the shutter speed is the less blurring occurs even if shooting a moving subject. This camcorder adjusts shutter speed automatically depending on the speed of the subject, or it can be adjusted manually (selectable). Standby Mode (p. 10) The camcorder is ready to start recor[...]

85 Additional Information[...]

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87 Additional Information[...]

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan A,B AC power adaptor ...................... 6 Adjusting the sound ................ 46 Adjusting viewfinder .............. 11 A/V connecting cable .............. 15 Battery pack ................................. 6 Beep sound ................................. 10 Brightness ................................... 49 C Cam[...]