Sony CCD-TR516 manual

3-865-332- 62 (1) Video Camera Recor der Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. ©1998 by Sony Corporation CCD-TR516 CCD-TR516 CCD-TR315/TR416[...]

2 Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam  camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to com[...]

3 Before you begin T able of contents Before you begin Using this manual ................................... 4 Checking supplied accessories .............. 5 Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack .................................................... 6 Inserting a cassette ................................ 10 Basic operations Camera[...]

4 Before you begin The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR516 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differe[...]

5 Before you begin Checking supplied accessories 1 2 3 45 6 Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 72) CCD-TR516 only 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 7, 21) 3 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 6, 21) 4 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p. 50) The lithium battery i[...]

6 Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony corporation. Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack d[...]

7 Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged a little in the factory. ( 1 ) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack with the plug‘s 4 mark up. ( 2 ) Connect the power cord t[...]

8 Charging time Battery F330 F530 F730 F930 pack (NP-) (supplied) F550 F750 F950 Charging 150 210 300 390 time* (min.) (90) (150) (240) (330) The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time[...]

9 Getting started Note on remaining battery time indication during recording Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances. To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. Inst[...]

10 Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H (CCD-TR516 only). ( 1 ) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. ( 2 ) Insert a cassette with the window facing out. [...]

11 Basic operations Basic operations Camera r ecording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch is set to . Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, [...]

12 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 cassette. Note Be sure to remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using. To focus the vie[...]

13 Basic operations Camera recording Notes on the tape counter • The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET. • If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect rec[...]

14 T W T W [a] [b] Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom. When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a su[...]

15 Basic operations Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (factory setting). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : The camcorder rec[...]

16 Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm. Otherwise, you cannot at[...]

17 Basic operations To stop playback Release EDITSEARCH. To begin re-recording Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. Provided you do not eject the cassette, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth. Checking the recor ded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can[...]

18 Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source. Connecting directly to a TV/VCR with Video/Audio input jacks When connecting the A/V connecting cable, make sure you conne[...]

19 Basic operations Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to PLAYER. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press 0 to rewin[...]

20 Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or ( . To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rewinding (skip scan) Keep pressing 0 whi[...]

21 Advanced operations You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, house current and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder. Place Power source Accessory to be used Indoors Outdoors In the car Notes on power sources • Disconnecting the powe[...]

22 Using alternative power sources Using the house current (1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on the camcorder. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. WARNING The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop. PRECAUTION The set is[...]

23 Advanced operations Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. ( 1 ) Press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select the desired icon in the left side of the menu, then press the dial to set. ( 3 ) Turn the control dial to sele[...]

24 Note on changing the mode setting Menu items differ depending on the setting of the POWER switch to PLAYER or CAMERA. Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and PLAYER modes Ò REMAIN* <AUTO/ON> • Select AUTO when you want to display the remaining tape bar: – for about 8 seconds after the camcorder turns on and c[...]

25 Advanced operations Changing the mode settings REC MODE* <SP/LP> • Select SP when recording in SP (standard play) mode. • Select LP when recording in LP (long play) mode. When a tape recorded on this camcorder in LP mode is played back on other types of 8 mm camcorders or VCRs, the playback quality may not be as good as that on this ca[...]

26 WORLD TIME* Select this item to set the clock by a time difference. REC LAMP* <ON/OFF> • Select OFF when you do not want the camera recording/battery lamp at the front of the unit to light up. • Normally select ON. Items for PLAYER mode only EDIT <ON/OFF> • Select ON to minimize picture deterioration when editing. • Normally [...]

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

28 Selecting the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When the picture fades in, the sound gradually increases. When the picture fades out, the sound gradually decreases. Using the F ADER function MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black and white to color. When fading out,[...]

29 Advanced operations Using the FADER function Using the fader function When fading in [a] ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. ( 2 ) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing. When fading out [b] ( 1 ) During recording, press FADER until the desired fade i[...]

30 The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. You can achieve a satisfactory recording of the ecology of nocturnal animals for observation with this function. ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. ( 2 ) Press START/STOP to start recording. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash. To cancel the[...]

31 Advanced operations Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). Using the wide mode function CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide. You can also watch the pic[...]

32 Using the wide mode function You can select the wide mode (OFF, CINEMA, 16:9FULL) in the menu system (p. 24). To cancel wide mode Select OFF in the menu system. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to zoom mode. To watch the tape recorded in 16:9 FULL mode, s[...]

33 Advanced operations Using the PROGRAM AE function Selecting the best mode You can select one of six PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following. Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event. a Soft Portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto m[...]

34 Using the PROGRAM AE function Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. To turn off PROGRAM AE Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to the r position. Notes on focus setting • In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach & Ski modes, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to fa[...]

35 Advanced operations 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 through froste[...]

36 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. To record a very distant subject Push FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on the most distant subject while FOCUS is held down. When it is released, man[...]

37 Advanced operations Enjoying pictur e effect Selecting picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the TV. PASTEL [a] The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG. ART [b] The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA The pictur[...]

38 Using picture effect function ( 1 ) Press PICTURE EFFECT. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode. Enjoying picture effect To turn off picture effect Press PICTURE EFFECT. The indicator in the viewfinder goes out. Note on the picture effect When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal m[...]

39 Advanced operations When to adjust the exposure Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases. [a] • The background is too bright (back lighting) • Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark [b] • Bright subject and dark background • To record the darkness faithfully Adjusting the exposure ( 1 ) Press EXPOSURE. ( 2 ) Turn t[...]

40 Shooting with the sun behind your subject If the light source is behind your subject, or in the following situations, the subject will be recorded too dark. • The subject is indoors and there is a window behind the subject. • Bright light sources are included in the scene. • When shooting a person wearing white or shiny clothes in front of[...]

41 Advanced operations Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles. You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. Superimposing titles (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired[...]

42 To superimpose the title from beginning After step 7, press START/STOP to start recording. To superimpose the title while you are recording After pressing START/STOP to start recording, start from step 1. In this case, beep is not heard. To select the language of preset title When you want to select the language, select before step 2. Then selec[...]

43 Advanced operations Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. We recommend to set the POWER switch to PLAYER or eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 20 characters. ( 1 ) Press TITLE to display the title menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. ( 3 ) T[...]

44 To edit a title you have stored In step 3, select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2, depending on which title you want to edit, then change the title. Note You cannot enter over 20 characters title. If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters while a cassette is in the camcorder The power goes off automatically. Characters you have entered remain. Turn[...]

45 Advanced operations Optimizing the r ecording condition Use this feature to check the tape condition before recording, so that you can get the best possible picture (ORC). ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select Ò , then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the control dial to se[...]

46 Using the built-in light – CCD-TR516 only You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 1.5 m. While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide LIGHT to ON. The built-in light turns on. The built-in light turns on/off by turning on/off STANDBY. To stop using the[...]

47 Advanced operations CAUTION • When replacing the bulb, use only the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (not supplied) to reduce the risk of fire. • To prevent possible burn hazard, disconnect the power source before replacing and do not touch the bulb until the bulb becomes cool enough to handle (for about 30 minutes or more). Note To prevent the bulb [...]

48 Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, mini DV, DV, j VHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC or l Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. Before editing Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available. Se[...]

49 Additional information Additional information Changing the lithium battery in the camcor der Your 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 POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR202[...]

50 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 battery compartment. ( 2 ) Push the lithium battery down once and pull it out[...]

51 Additional information Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. ( 4 ) Turn the control dial to adju[...]

52 Simple setting of clock by time dif ference You can easily set the clock for a local time by a time difference in the menu system. ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in the standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the control dial to select WORLD TIME, then press the dial. ( [...]

53 Additional information Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting cassette types – CCD-TR516 only This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed to realize higher picture quality. You can use either Hi8 or standard 8 mm video cassette for this camera. When you use a Hi8 video cassette, the recording is made i[...]

54 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 [...]

55 Additional information Notes on the rechargeable battery pack Caution Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. The battery pack 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[...]

56 Tips for using the battery pack Notes on the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack What is “InfoLITHIUM” The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data with compatible video equipment about its battery consumption. When you use this battery pack with video equipment having the mark, the video equipment will indicate the[...]

57 Additional information Maintenance information and precautions Moisture condensation If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the unit may not operate corr[...]

58 Maintenance information and precautions Video head cleaning To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. When the v˚ indicator and “ CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another or playback pictures are “noisy” or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty. [a] Slightly dirty [b] Very dirty If this happ[...]

59 Additional information Removing dust from inside the viewfinder – CCD-TR315 only ( 1 ) Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). Then, while sliding the RELEASE knob, turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow and pull it out. ( 2 ) Clean the surface with a blower sold on the market. To reattach the eyecup ( 1 ) Align the groove o[...]

60 Precautions Camcorder operation • Operate the camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this manual. • Should any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. • Avoi[...]

61 Additional information AC power adaptor • Unplug the unit from the wall outlet when not in use for a long time. To disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the power cord itself. • Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped or damaged. • Do not bend the power cord forcibly, or put a he[...]

62 Using your camcorder abr oad Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Difference in color systems This camcorder is an NTSC s[...]

63 Additional information Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is not installed. m Install the battery pack. (p. 6) • The battery is dead. m Use a charged battery pack. (p. 7) • The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet. m Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 22) • While being operated in CAM[...]

64 A vertical band appears when a subject such as lights or a candle flame is shot against a dark background. A vertical band appears when shooting a very bright subject. Picture The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear . Trouble check Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery is dead. m Use a charged battery pack or the AC pow[...]

65 Additional information Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • COMMANDER is set to OFF in the menu system. m Set it to ON. (p. 24) • Something is blocking the infrared rays. m Remove the obstacle. • The batteries are not inserted with the correct polarity. m Insert the batteries with the correct polarity. (p. 72) • The batteries are de[...]

66 Five-digit display Cause and/or Corrective Actions • Moisture condensation has occurred. m Remove the cassette and leave the camcorder for at least 1 hour. (p. 57) • The video heads are dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLDcleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 58) • You are using a battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” b[...]

67 Additional information Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads Helical scanning FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8mm video format cassette Hi8 or standard 8 Recording / Playback time (using 120 min. cassette) SP mode: 2 hours LP mode: 4 hour[...]

68 Identifying the parts 1 EDITSEARCH button (p. 17) 2 Built-in light (CCD-TR516 only) (p. 46) 3 Lens cover 4 POWER switch (p. 11) 5 FOCUS switch (p. 36) 6 NEAR/FAR dial (p. 36) 7 Video control buttons (p. 19) p STOP (stop) 0 REW (rewind) ( PLAY (playback) ) FF (fastforward) P PAUSE (pause) 8 Power zoom lever (p. 14) 9 NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 30) !º [...]

69 Additional information Identifying the parts !¢ DATE button (p. 44) !∞ TIME button (p. 44) !§ COUNTER RESET button (p. 13) !¶ START/STOP MODE switch (p. 15) !• PROGRAM AE dial (p. 34) !ª BACK LIGHT button (p. 27) @º TITLE button (p. 41) @¡ PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 38) @™ EXPOSURE button (p. 39) @£ MENU button (p. 23) @¢ Control di[...]

70 Identifying the Parts @∞ Viewfinder lens adjustment ring (CCD-TR315 only) (p. 12) / Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (CCD-TR416/ TR516 only) (p. 12) @§ Eyecup RELEASE knob (CCD-TR315 only) (p. 59) @¶ Viewfinder (p. 12) @• Battery mounting surface @ª DC IN jack (p. 7, 22) #º Hook for shoulder strap (p. 73) #¡ Eyecup #™ BATT RELEASE lev[...]

71 Additional information Identifying the Parts #§ EJECT switch (p. 10) #¶ LANC l 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 function as the jack indicated as CONTROL L or REMOTE. #• Casse[...]

72 Remote Commander – CCD-TR516 only The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. Identifying the Parts 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the camcorder. 2 Video control buttons (p. 19) 3 DISPLAY button (p. 19) 4 START/STOP button (p. 11) [...]

73 Additional information Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work. To avoid damage from possible battery leakage Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for a long time. Attaching the sho[...]

74 Operation indicators Identifying the parts Viewfinder Display window 1 Recording mode indicator (p. 25) 2 Playing back or recording in Hi8 format (CCD-TR516 only) (p. 53) 3 Remaining battery time indicator 4 Exposure indicator (p. 39) / Zoom indicator (p. 14) 5 FADER indicator (p. 29) 6 Wide mode indicator (p. 31) 7 PICTURE EFFECT indicator (p. [...]

75 Additional information W ar ning indicators If indicators flash in the viewfinder or in the display window, check the following: ≥≥ ... : you can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON. 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. 2 The tape is near the end. The flashing is sl[...]

Index A, B Adjusting viewfinder ............. 12 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING ................................................ 15 Auto focus ................................ 36 Backlight .................................. 27 Beep .......................................... 13 C, D Camera recording ................... 11 Car battery .........................[...]