Sony DCR-PC3 manual

3-866-965- 12 (1) ©1999 by 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 [...]

2 Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital 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 en[...]

Getting started 3 T able of contents • Windows is registered trademarks licensed to Microsoft Corporation, registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. • All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, “  ” and “  ” are not mentioned in each case [...]

Quick Start Guide 4 2 3 Quick Start Guide This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. Slide the BATT RELEASE lever to remove the connecting plate from your camcorder. Connecting plate Inserting a cassette (p. 14) Connecting the power cord (p. 13) Use the battery pa[...]

Quick Start Guide 5 Quick Start Guide Recording a picture (p. 17) Viewfinder When the LCD panel is closed, pull out the viewfinder until it clicks. Use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup. Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 26) NOTE Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the viewfinder, the LCD panel or the batte[...]

6 — Getting started — Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the operation is being carried out. Note on Cassette Memory Your camcorder is based on the [...]

Getting started 7 Using this manual 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. Copyright precautions Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provis[...]

8 Checking supplied accessories 8 1 RMT-811 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 133) 2 AC-VF10 power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 9) 3 NP-FS11 battery pack (1) (p. 9, 12) 4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 133). 5 Serial port adaptor for “Memory Stick” (1), PC serial cable (1), AC adaptor for Serial port adaptor (1) (p. 103) 1[...]

9 Getting started Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging the battery pack Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (S series). “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. ( 1 ) Connect the power cord to the AC adaptor. ( 2 ) Align the hooks of the b[...]

10 Recording time Recording with Recording with Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical** NP-FS11 (supplied) 70 (60) 35 (30) 55 (50) 30 (25) NP-FS21 150 (135) 85 (70) 120 (110) 60 (55) NP-FS31 235 (210) 120 (105) 185 (170) 95 (85) NP-F10 60 (50) 30 (25) 45 (40) 25 (20) NP-F20 120 (105) 65 (55) 95 (85) 50[...]

11 Getting started To remove the battery pack Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. Note on NP-F10/FS11 The battery life will be shorter when you carry out recording in a cold place or with the LCD panel opened. We recommend that you use the NP-FS21/FS31 large capacity battery pack (not supplied). If there is a slight difference in [...]

12 Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. ( 1 ) While sliding BATT RELEASE in the direction of the arrow 1 , slide the battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow 2 . ( 2 ) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. To remove the battery pack The battery pack is removed in the same [...]

13 Getting started Connecting to a wall outlet When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC adaptor. ( 1 ) Connect the supplied connecting cord to the DC OUT jack on the AC adaptor. ( 2 ) Slide the connecting plate in the direction of the arrow. ( 3 ) Connect the power cord to the AC ad[...]

14 ( 1 ) Prepare the power supply (p. 9). ( 2 ) Slide OPEN/ Z EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. ( 3 ) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert. Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with the window facing out. ( [...]

15 Getting started Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Touch the LCD panel directly to operate each function. In the recording/playback mode ( 1 ) Prepare the power supply (p. 9). ( 2 ) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA (in the recording mode)/VTR (in the playback mode) while pressing the small green button. ( 3 ) Press OPEN to ope[...]

16 Step 3 Using a touch panel Notes • When using the touch panel, press operation buttons with your thumb supporting the LCD screen from the back side of it or press those buttons lightly with your index finger. Do not press them with sharp-pointed objects such as pens. • Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands. • If FN is not on the LCD s[...]

17 Recording – Basics 5 4 3 2 40min REC 0:00:01 1 POWER VTR MEMORY CAMERA OFF POWER VTR MEMORY CAMERA OFF L O C K L O C K — Recording – Basics — Recor ding a picture Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. ( 1 ) Remove the lens cap and pull the lens cap string to fix it. ( 2 ) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Ste[...]

18 Notes • Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording. • When the viewfinder is not pull out until it clicks, the picture does not appear in the viewfinder even if the LCD panel is closed. Note on Recording mode Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP (long play[...]

19 Recording – Basics Adjusting the viewfinder If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. Pull out the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever. Note When the viewfinder is not p[...]

20 Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen ( 1 ) In the standby/recording mode, press FN and select PAGE2 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press LCD BRT. The screen to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen appears. ( 3 ) Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using –/+. – : to dim + : to brighten ( 4 ) Press OK to return to PAGE1/PAGE2. To return to FN Pre[...]

21 Recording – Basics Using the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Zoom greater than 10 × is pe[...]

22 START/STOP MODE setting : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (default setting). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : Your camcorder records only while you press START/STOP. Use this mode to avoid recording unnecessary scenes. 5SEC: When you press use this mode to START/STOP, your camcorder records for 5 seconds and t[...]

23 Recording – Basics Shooting backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT) When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight function. Press BACK LIGHT in the recording or standby mode. The . indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again. If yo[...]

24 Using +SLOW SHUTTER The NightShot +Slow shutter mode makes subjects more than four times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode. ( 1 ) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in the standby mode. indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. ( 2 ) Press +SLOW SHUTTER until the desired NIGHTSHOT indicator flashes. The indicator changes as f[...]

25 Recording – Basics END SEARCH You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record. ( 1 ) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press END SCH. The last 5 seconds of the recorded section are played back and playback stops. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones. To return to FN Press EXIT. To [...]

26 — Playback – Basics — Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. You can control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. ( 1 ) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. ( 2 ) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. ( 3 ) Set the POWER switch to VTR while pressing the small g[...]

27 Playback – Basics When monitoring on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out. If you leave the power on for a long time Your camcorder gets warm. This is not a malfunction. When you open/close the LCD panel Open/close the LCD panel vertically. When monitoring in the v[...]

28 To control the display of the screen indicators Press DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. The indicators disappear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators appear, press DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL again. Using the data code function Your camcorder automatically records not only images [...]

29 Playback – Basics Various playback modes To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VTR. To view a still picture (playback pause) Press / X during playback. To resume playback, press / X again. To advance the tape Press / M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press / N . To rewind the tape Press / m in the stop mode. To[...]

30 : Signal flow S VIDEO S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO IN AUDIO/VIDEO V iewing the recor ding on TV Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the playback control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the LCD sc[...]

31 Advanced Recording Operations — Advanced Recording Operations — Photo r ecording You can record a still picture like a photograph. This mode is useful when you want to record a picture such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). You can record about 510 pictures in the SP mode and about 765 pictures[...]

32 AUDIO/VIDEO S VIDEO LINE IN VIDEO S VIDEO To use the photo recording function using the Remote Commander Press PHOTO on the Remote Commander. Your camcorder records a picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder immediately. To use the photo recording function during normal CAMERA recording Press PHOTO deeper. The still picture is then recorde[...]

33 Advanced Recording Operations You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE). Black bands appear on the screen during recording in 16:9WIDE mode [ a ]. The picture during playing back on a normal TV [ b ] or a wide -screen TV [ c ] are compressed in the widthwise direction. If you set the screen mode of the wid[...]

34 You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. Using the fader function NORMAL FADER M.FADER (mosaic) BOUNCE* (Fade in only) OVERLAP (Fade in only) MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white. * You cann[...]

35 Advanced Recording Operations Using the fader function ( 1 ) When fading in [ a ] In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). When fading out [ b ] In the recording mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press FADER. The screen to select the fader mode appears. ( 3 ) Select a desired fader mode. ( 4 ) Press OK to return to PA[...]

36 Note You cannot use the following functions while using the fader function. Also, you cannot use the fader function while using the following functions. – Digital effect – Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE (Overlap function only) – NightShot +Slow shutter – Photo recording When the OVERLAP indicator appears Your camcorder automatically stores t[...]

37 Advanced Recording Operations You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the TV. NEG. ART [ a ] : The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA : The picture is sepia. B&W : The picture is monochrome (black-and-white). SOLARIZE [ b ] : The light intensity is clearer, and the picture look[...]

38 While using the picture effect function You cannot select the old movie mode with DIG EFFT. When you turn the power off Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. If you select the picture effect mode in the recording mode Pictures processed by the picture effect function will be recorded. Using special effects – Picture effect[...]

39 Advanced Recording Operations Using special ef fects – Digital effect You can add special effects to recorded pictures using the various digital functions. The sound is recorded normally. STILL You can record a still picture so that it is superimposed on a moving picture. FLASH (FLASH MOTION) You can record still pictures successively at const[...]

40 Using special effects – Digital effect ( 1 ) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press DIG EFFT. The screen to select a desired digital effect mode. ( 3 ) Select a desired digital effect mode. ( 4 ) Press –/+ to adjust the effect. Items to adjust STILL The rate of the still picture you want to superimpose on the mov[...]

41 Advanced Recording Operations Using special effects – Digital effect Notes • The following functions do not work during digital effect: – Fader – Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE – Photo recording – NightShot +Slow shutter • The following function does not work in the slow shutter mode: – PROGRAM AE • The following functions do not w[...]

42 Adjusting the white balance manually You can manually adjust and set the white balance. This adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more natural color balance. Normally white balance is automatically adjusted. ( 1 ) In the standby/recording mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Select WHT BAL in in the menu settings to se[...]

43 Advanced Recording Operations Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting requirements. Spotlight mode This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white when shooting subjects lit by strong light at weddings or in the theater. Soft portrait mode This[...]

44 Using the PROGRAM AE function ( 1 ) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press MENU, then select a desired PROGRAM AE mode in in the menu settings (p. 76). To return to FN Press EXIT. To turn the PROGRAM AE function off Select AUTO in PROGRAM AE in the menu settings. Notes • In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach &a[...]

45 Advanced Recording Operations You can manually adjust and set the exposure. Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: • The subject is backlit • Bright subject and dark background • To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully ( 1 ) In the standby/recording/memory camera mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) P[...]

46 You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases: •The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting – subjects through glass coated with water droplets – horizontal stripes – subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky •When you want to change the focus from a subject in the f[...]

47 Advanced Playback Operations — Advanced Playback Operations — Playing back a tape with pictur e effects During playback, you can process a scene using the picture effect functions: NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE. ( 1 ) In the playback mode or the playback pause mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press MENU, then select P EF[...]

48 During playback, you can process a scene using the digital effect functions: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL. ( 1 ) In the playback mode or the playback pause mode, press FN and select PAGE2 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press DIG EFFT. The screen to select a desired digital effect mode appears. ( 3 ) Select a desired digital effect mode. In the STILL or LUMI. m[...]

49 Advanced Playback Operations Your camcorder goes forward or backward to automatically stop at a desired scene having a tape counter value of “0:00:00”. You can do this with the Remote Commander. Use this function, for example, to view a desired scene later on during playback. ( 1 ) In the playback mode, press DISPLAY if the counter is not on[...]

50 You can automatically search for the point where the recording date changes and start playback from that point (Date search) . Use a tape with cassette memory for convenience. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Use this function to check where recording dates change or to edit the tape at each recording date. Searching for the date by [...]

51 Advanced Playback Operations Searching for the date without using cassette memory ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to VTR. ( 2 ) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 3 ) Press MENU, then set CM SEARCH in to OFF in the menu settings (p. 76). If using a tape without casset memory, skip this step. ( 4 ) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote commander repeatedl[...]

52 Sear ching the boundaries of r ecorded tape by title – Title sear ch If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can search for the boundaries of recorded tape by title ( Title search ). Use the Remote Commander for this operation. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to VTR. ( 2 ) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 3 ) Press MENU, then set CM SEARCH [...]

53 Advanced Playback Operations You can search for a still picture you have recorded on a mini DV tape (photo search) . You can also search for still pictures one after another and display each picture for five seconds automatically regardless of cassette memory (photo scan) . Use the Remote Commander for these operations. Use this function to chec[...]

54 Searching for a photo without using cassette memory ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to VTR. ( 2 ) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 3 ) Press MENU, then set CM SEARCH in to OFF in the menu settings (p. 76). ( 4 ) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the photo search indicator appears. The indicator changes as follows: TITLE [...]

55 Editing Using the A/V connecting cable Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available. ( 1 ) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the recorded tape into your camcorder. ( 2 ) Set the POWER switch to [...]

56 Using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) Simply connect the VMC-IL4435/2DV/4DV i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied) to DV IN/OUT and to DV IN/OUT of the DV products. With digital-to- digital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for high- quality editing. You cannot dub the titles, display indicator[...]

57 Editing By simply selecting the scenes to edit, you can duplicate the desired portion on a tape, using other equipment connected with an i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable). The scenes can be selected by frame. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation. Since your camcorder exchanges digital signals, you can edit with little audio [...]

58 Editing partially on a DV tape – DV synchro-editing Notes • If you use other than Sony equipment with the DV jack, you cannot perform DV synchro-editing. • If a tape has a blank portion between recorded portions, DV synchro-editing may not work correctly. Errors in duplicating If you connect your camcorder to Sony equipment with DV jack, t[...]

59 Editing Recor ding video or TV programs Using the A/V connecting cable You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/ audio outputs. Use your camcorder as a recorder. ( 1 ) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into your camcorder. If you are recording a tape from the VCR, insert a recorded tap[...]

60 If your VCR is a monaural type Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video output jack and the white or the red plug to the audio output jack on the VCR or the TV. When the white plug is connected, the left channel audio is output, and the red plug is connected, the right channel audio is output. Connect using an S video cab[...]

61 Editing Using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) Simply connect the VMC-IL4435/2DV/4DV i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied) to DV IN/OUT and to DV IN/OUT of the DV products. With digital-to- digital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for high- quality editing. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape y[...]

62 You can connect one VCR only using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable). When you dub a picture in digital form The color of the display may be uneven. However this does not affect the dubbed picture. You can also use your camcorder as a player You can use your camcorder as a player or recorder without changing the connection. If you record pl[...]

63 Editing Inserting a scene fr om a VCR Replacing recording on a tape – Insert Editing You can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifying the insert start and end points. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Connections are the same as on page 55 or 56. Insert a cassette containing the desired scene to[...]

64 To change the insert end point Press ZERO SET MEMORY again after step 5 to erase the ZERO SET MEMORY indicator and begin from step 3. Using the Remote Commander Press REC and the button on its right simultaneously, then immediately press X in the step 5 and 6. And in the step 7, press X at the scene where you want to start recording from. Note T[...]

65 Editing You can record an audio sound to add to the original sound on a tape by connecting audio equipment or a microphone. If you connect the audio equipment, you can add sound to your recorded tape by specifying starting and ending points. The original sound will not be erased. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Connecting the microp[...]

66 Audio dubbing Dubbing with the AUDIO/VIDEO jack Note The picture is not output from the AUDIO/VIDEO jack. Check the recorded picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, as well as check the recorded sound by using a speaker or headphones. Dubbing with the built-in microphones No connection is necessary. Note The picture is not output from th[...]

67 Editing Adding an audio sound on a recorded tape ( 1 ) Insert your recorded tape into your camcorder. ( 2 ) Set the POWER switch to VTR. ( 3 ) Locate the recording start point by pressing N on the Remote Commander. Then press X at the point where you want to start recording to set your camcorder to playback pause mode. ( 4 ) Press AUDIO DUB on t[...]

68 Audio dubbing Notes • New sound cannot be recorded on a tape already recorded in the 16-bit mode (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) (p. 80). • New sound cannot be recorded on a tape already recorded in the LP mode. • You cannot add audio with the DV IN/OUT jack. If you make all the connections The audio input to be recorded will take precedence [...]

69 Editing Superimposing a title If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can superimpose the title while recording or after recording. When you play back the tape, the title is displayed for five seconds from the point where you superimposed it. You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 72). You can also select the col[...]

70 Superimposing a title If you set the write-protect tab to lock You cannot superimpose or erase the title. Slide the write-protect tab to release the write protection. To use the custom title If you want to use the custom title, select in step 3. If the tape has a blank portion You cannot superimpose a title on the tape. If the tape has a blank p[...]

71 Editing Erasing a title ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to VTR. ( 2 ) Press to FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 3 ) Press MENU to display the menu. ( 4 ) Select with r / R , and then EXEC. ( 5 ) Select TITLEERASE with r / R , and then EXEC. The screen to erase a title appears. ( 6 ) Select the title you want to erase with r / R , and then press EXEC. ?[...]

72 Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in Cassette Memory. Each title can have up to 20 characters. ( 1 ) In the standby/playback/playback pause mode, press FN, and select PAGE2 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Press TITLE. ( 3 ) Select with r / R , and press EXEC. ( 4 ) Select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET with r / R , and press EXEC. ([...]

73 Editing To return to FN Press EXIT. To change a title you have stored In step 4, select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET, depending on which title you want to change, then press EXEC. and then enter the new title as desired. If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters in the standby mode while a cassette is in your camcorder The power automati[...]

74 Labeling a cassette If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can label a cassette. The label can consist of up to 10 characters and is stored in cassette memory. When you insert the labeled cassette and set the POWER switch to VTR, the label is displayed for about 5 seconds. ( 1 ) Insert the cassette you want to label. ( 2 ) Set the POWER swi[...]

75 Editing To return to FN Press EXIT. To erase a character Select C in step 6. The last character is erased. To change the label you have made Insert the cassette to change the label, and operate in the same way to make a new label. If you set the write-protect tab of the tape to lock You cannot label the tape. Slide the write-protect tab to relea[...]

76 — Customizing Your Camcorder — Changing the menu settings To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with r / R dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode. ( 1 ) In the standby, VTR, or MEMORY mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 2 ) Pre[...]

77 Customizing Your Camcorder Changing the menu settings To return to FN Press EXIT. Menu items are displayed as the following icons: MANUAL SET CAMERA SET VTR SET LCD/VF SET MEMORY SET CM SET TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS Selecting the mode setting of each item z is the default setting. Menu items differ depending on the position of the POWER switch.[...]

78 Changing the menu settings Icon/item HiFi SOUND AUDIO MIX LCD B. L. LCD COLOR VF BRIGHT Mode z STEREO 1 2 z BRT NORMAL BRIGHT Meaning To play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with main and sub sound To play back a stereo tape with the left sound or a dual sound tape with main sound To play back a stereo tape with the right sound or a [...]

79 Customizing Your Camcorder Changing the menu settings Icon/item CONTINUOUS QUALITY FLD./FRAME SLIDE SHOW DELETE ALL FORMAT PHOTO SAVE CM SEARCH TITLEERASE TITLE DSPL TAPE TITLE ERASE ALL Mode z OFF ON MULTI SCRN z FINE STANDARD z FIELD FRAME z ON OFF z ON OFF Meaning Not to record continuously To record 3 or 4 pictures continuously (p. 91) To re[...]

80 Changing the menu settings Notes on the LP mode • When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the tape on your camcorder. When you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs, noise may occur in pictures or sound. • When you record in the LP mode, we recommend using a Sony Excellence/Master mini DV casset[...]

81 Customizing Your Camcorder Icon/item WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER DISPLAY REC LAMP DV EDITING Meaning To set the clock to the local time. Press r / R to set a time difference. The clock changes by the time difference you set here. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time. To output the melody when you start/[...]

82 The year changes as follows: To return to FN Press EXIT. If you do not set the date and time “– –:– –:– –” is recorded on the data code of the tape and the “Memory Stick”. Note on the time indicator The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle. • 12:00 AM stands for midnight. • 12:00 PM stands for noon[...]

83 “Memory Stick” operations You can record and play back still images on a “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder. You can easily play back, record or delete still images. You can format “Memory Stick”s. You can also protect still images and write print marks on still images in “Memory Stick”s. You can exchange image data with[...]

84 Notes • Prevent metallic objects or your finger from coming into contact with the metal parts of the connecting section. • Stick its label on the labeling position. • Do not bend, drop or apply strong shock to “Memory Stick”s. • Do not disassemble or modify “Memory Stick”s. • Do not let “Memory Stick”s get wet. • Do not u[...]

85 “Memory Stick” operations Using a “Memory Stick”–introduction Inserting a “Memory Stick” Insert a “Memory Stick” in as far as it can go with the v mark facing up. To eject a “Memory Stick” Slide MEMORY RELEASE in the direction of the arrow. When the ACCESS lamp is lit or flashing Never shake or strike your camcorder. Do not[...]

86 Using a “Memory Stick”–introduction Using a touch panel Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Press the LCD panel directly to operate each function. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. ( 2 ) Press OPEN to open the LCD pa[...]

87 “Memory Stick” operations Using a “Memory Stick”–introduction Note • When using the touch panel, press operation buttons with your thumb supporting the LCD screen from the back side of it or press those buttons lightly with your index finger. Do not press them with sharp objects such as pens. • Do not touch the LCD screen with wet [...]

88 Using a “Memory Stick”–introduction Note In some cases, changing the image quality mode may not affect the image quality, depending on the types of images you are shooting. Image quality settings Setting Meaning FINE (FINE) Use this mode when you want to record high quality images. The image is compressed to about 1/6. FINE appears on the [...]

89 “Memory Stick” operations Using a “Memory Stick” Formatting (initializing) a “Memory Stick” Your camcorder can format (initialize) a “Memory Stick”. If you format a “Memory Stick”, all data stored in the “Memory Stick” will be deleted. This function is convenient when you want to delete all data including protected images[...]

90 Recor ding still images on “Memory Stick”s – Memory photo r ecording You can select the FIELD or FRAME mode in still picture recording. Your camcorder compensates for camera-shake when recording moving subjects in the FIELD mode. Your camcorder records still images in high quality in the FRAME mode. Select the FIELD or FRAME in the menu se[...]

91 “Memory Stick” operations Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s – Memory photo recording When you are recording a still image You can neither turn off the power nor press PHOTO. When you press the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander Your camcorder immediately records the image that is on the screen when you press the button. Recor[...]

92 Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s – Memory photo recording ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. ( 2 ) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 86). ( 3 ) Press MENU, then set CONTINUOUS to ON in in the menu settings. Continuous shooting setti[...]

93 “Memory Stick” operations Superimposing a still picture in a “Memory Stick” on a moving picture – MEMOR Y MIX You can superimpose a still picture you have recorded on a “Memory Stick” on top of the moving picture you are recording. M. CHROM (Memory chromakey) You can swap a blue area of a still picture such as an illustration or a [...]

94 Superimposing a still picture in a “Memory Stick” on a moving picture – MEMORY MIX Before operation Insert a recorded “Memory Stick” on your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. ( 2 ) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). ( 3 ) Press MEM MIX. The last recorded or last [...]

95 “Memory Stick” operations Superimposing a still picture in a “Memory Stick” on a moving picture – MEMORY MIX Items to adjust M. CHROM The color (blue) scheme of the area in the still picture which is to be swapped with a moving picture M. LUMI The color (bright) scheme of the area in the still picture which is to be swapped with a movi[...]

96 Recor ding an image from a mini DV tape as a still image Your camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a mini DV tape and record it as a still image on a “Memory Stick”. Your camcorder can also take in moving picture data through the input connector and record it as a still image on a “Memory Stick”. Before operation Insert a r[...]

97 “Memory Stick” operations S VIDEO LANC DV S VIDEO VIDEO OUT S VIDEO Recording an image from a mini DV tape as a still image Recording a still image from other equipment ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to VTR. ( 2 ) Play back the recorded tape, or turn the TV on to see the desired program. ( 3 ) Follow the steps 3 and 4 on page 96. When recording [...]

98 Copying still images from a mini DV tape – Photo save Using the search function, you can automatically take in only still images from mini DV tapes and record them on a “Memory Stick” in sequence. Before operation • Insert a recorded mini DV tape and rewind the tape. • Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWE[...]

99 “Memory Stick” operations To stop or end copying Press END. To return to FN Press END to return to PAGE1/PAGE2, then press EXIT. When the memory of the “Memory Stick” is full “MEMORY FULL” appears on the LCD screen, and the copying stops. Press END, insert another “Memory Stick” and repeat the procedure from step 2. When the ACCE[...]

100 V iewing a still picture – Memory photo playback You can play back still images recorded on a “Memory Stick”. You can also play back 6 images at a time by selecting the index screen. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that [...]

101 “Memory Stick” operations Screen indicators during still image playback The image quality mode indicator The indicator may show a mode different to the one in which you recorded. This is not a malfunction. The indicator shows the size of the data file. For instance, if the size of FINE image is small enough, it may be displayed as STD. Or i[...]

102 1 / 40 123 456 EXIT DEL MARK - MARK T t Viewing a still picture – Memory photo playback Playing back 6 recorded images at a time (index screen) You can play back 6 recorded images at a time. This function is especially useful when searching for a particular image. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the rig[...]

103 “Memory Stick” operations Viewing the recorded images using a personal computer The image data recorded with your camcorder is compressed in the JPEG format. If you use the application software, “PictureGear 3.2Lite” supplied with your camcorder, you can see images recorded on a “Memory Stick” on a computer screen. Use the serial po[...]

104 You can automatically play back images in sequence. This function is useful especially when checking recorded images or during a presentation. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position[...]

105 “Memory Stick” operations Preventing accidental erasur e – Image pr otection To prevent accidental erasure of important images, you can protect selected images. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the[...]

106 You can delete images stored in a “Memory Stick”. Deleting selected images on the single screen Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. ( 2 ) Play back the image you want to del[...]

107 “Memory Stick” operations Deleting selected images on the index screen Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. ( 2 ) Press INDEX on your camcorder or the Remote Commander to dis[...]

108 Deleting all the images You can delete all the unprotected images in a “Memory Stick”. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. ( 2 ) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 86). ( 3 ) Pre[...]

109 “Memory Stick” operations W riting a print mark – PRINT MARK You can specify the recorded still image to print out. This function is useful for printing out still images later. Your camcorder conforms with the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard for specifying the still images to print out. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick[...]

110 — Additional Information — Using the viewfinder You can operate with the touch panel using the viewfinder. ( 1 ) Pull out the viewfinder until it clicks, and then turn the LCD panel over and move it back to your camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out (p. 19). The same display as the LCD screen appears in the viewfinder. The LCD scree[...]

111 Additional Information Usable cassettes Selecting cassette types You can use the mini DV cassette only*. You cannot use any other 8 mm, Hi8, Digital8, VHS, VHSC, S-VHS, S-VHSC, Betamax, ED Betamax or DV cassette. * There are two types of mini DV cassettes: with cassette memory and without cassette memory. We recommend you to use the tape with c[...]

112 Usable cassettes Audio mode 12-bit mode: The original sound can be recorded in stereo 1, and the new sound in stereo 2 in 32 kHz. The balance between stereo 1 and stereo 2 can be adjusted by selecting AUDIO MIX in the menu settings during playback. Both sounds can be played back. 16-bit mode: A new sound cannot be recorded but the original soun[...]

113 Additional Information T r oubleshooting If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. If “C: ss : ss ” appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis display function has worked. Se[...]

114 Troubleshooting Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or DEMO MODE is set to ON in the menu settings without a cassette inserted, your camcorder automatically starts the demonstration. c Insert a cassette or press the LCD screen. The demonstration stops. You can also cancel DEM[...]

115 Additional Information Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • AUDIO MIX is set to ST1 side in the menu settings. c Adjust AUDIO MIX in the menu settings. (p. 76) • TITLE DSPL is set to OFF in the menu settings. c Set it to ON in the menu settings. (p. 76) • Screen indicators are displayed on the screen. c Make the screen indicators dis[...]

116 Troubleshooting When operating using the “Memory Stick” Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The POWER switch is set to CAMERA. c Set it to MEMORY. (p. 87) • The “Memory Stick” is not inserted. c Insert a “Memory Stick”. (p. 85) • The “Memory Stick” has already been recorded to its full capacity. c Erase unnecessary i[...]

117 Additional Information Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The tape has no cassette memory. c Use a tape with cassette memory. (p. 111) • The cassette memory is full. c Erase some titles. (p. 71) • The tape is set to prevent accidental erasure. c Slide the write-protect tab so that red portion is not visible. (p. 14) • Remove the [...]

118 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. (p. 11) • Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 122) • The vid[...]

119 Additional Information C:21:00 W ar ning indicators and messages If indicators and messages appear in the viewfinder, on the LCD screen or in the display window, check the following: See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. The indicators and messages are displayed in yellow. Warning indicators The battery is dead or nearly d[...]

120 Warning messages • CLOCK SET Reset the date and time (p. 82). • For “InfoLITHIUM” Use an “InfoLIHIUM” battery pack (p. 11). BATTERY ONLY • CLEANING CASSETTE The video heads are dirty (p. 123). • FULL The tape cassette memory is full. • The tape has no cassette memory (p. 111). • 16BIT AUDIO MODE is set to 16BIT.* You cannot [...]

121 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC adaptor supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [ a ] , if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [ b ] . Your camco[...]

122 Maintenance information and pr ecautions Moisture condensation If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your 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 your camcorder may not operate correctly. If the[...]

123 Additional Information Maintenance information Cleaning the video head To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. The video head may be dirty when: • mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture. • playback pictures do not move. • playback pictures do not appear. • the x indicator and “ CLEANING CASS[...]

124 Charging the vanadium-lithium battery in your camcorder Your camcorder is supplied with a vanadium-lithium battery installed so as to retain the date and time, etc., regardless of the setting of the POWER switch. The vanadium- lithium battery is always charged as long as you are using your camcorder. The battery, however, will get discharged gr[...]

125 Additional Information Maintenance information and precautions Precautions Camcorder operation • Operate your camcorder on 3.6 V (battery pack) or 4.2 V (AC adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this operating instructions. • If any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and ha[...]

126 Maintenance information and precautions • The unit becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction. • Do not place the unit in locations that are: – Extremely hot or cold – Dusty or dirty – Very humid – Vibrating Battery pack • Use only the specified charger or video equipment with the charging function. • To prevent accident[...]

127 Additional Information Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads Helical scanning system Audio recording system Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo) Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette Mini DV cassette with the mark [...]

128 — Quick Reference — Identifying the parts and contr ols 1 Lens cap (p. 17) 2 OPEN button (p. 15) 3 LCD screen (p. 20) 4 Eyecup This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video products. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES” mark[...]

129 Quick Reference 9 +SLOW SHUTTER button (p. 23) q; Microphone qa Lens qs Camera recording lamp (p. 17) qd Remote sensor (p. 133) Identifying the parts and controls qf Accessory shoe qg NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 23) qh Focus ring (p. 46) qj Infrared rays emitter (p. 23) Note on the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens whic[...]

130 Identifying the parts and controls qk DV IN/OUT jack (p. 56) This “i.LINK” mark is a trademark of Sony Corporation and indicates that this product is in agreement with IEEE 1394- 1995 specifications and their revisions. The DV IN/OUT jack is i.LINK compatible. ql MIC jack (PLUG IN POWER) (p. 65) Connect an external microphone (not supplied)[...]

131 Quick Reference Identifying the parts and controls wd Power lamp (p. 5, 17) wf START/STOP MODE switch (p. 22) wg BACK LIGHT button (p. 23) wh DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL button (p. 28) wj OPEN/ Z EJECT lever (p. 14) wk ACCESS lamp (p. 85) wl MEMORY RELEASE lever (p. 85) e; RESET button (p. 117) ea i (headphones) jack When you use headphones, the speake[...]

132 Identifying the parts and controls es PHOTO button (p. 31, 90) ed Speaker ef “Memory Stick” slot (p. 85) eg Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 19) eh Cassette lid (p. 14) ej Power zoom lever (p. 21) ek FOCUS switch (p. 46) el Grip strap r; Tripod receptacle Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Oth[...]

133 Quick Reference To prepare the Remote Commander Insert 2 size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and – polarities on the batteries to the + – marks inside 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 Comm[...]

134 Identifying the parts and controls Operation indicators 1 2 0m i n ST B Y 0:1 2:3 4 –+ 12 m i n ST I L L ZE R O SET 1 6 : 9W I D E MEM OR Y NEG . AR T END SEAR CH AUTO 6 0 AWB F11 1 6 B I T D S C 00001 6 5 4 3 2 1 9 0 qa qs w; ql qk qj qh qf qg qd wa wd wf ws 7 8 1 Cassette memory indicator (p. 111) 2 Remaining battery time indicator (p. 22) [...]

135 Quick Reference Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) • In a dark place • In insufficient light • In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, or general night views • Shooting backlit subjects • In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event • In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsu[...]

Index A, B AC adaptor ................................ 9 Adjusting viewfinder ............. 19 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING ................................................ 22 Audio dubbing ........................ 65 AUDIO MIX ............................ 67 Audio mode ............................. 80 AUTO SHTR ............................ 77 A/V connecti[...]