Servicing

Do not attempt to service the set yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Replacement parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Read this before operating your camcorder
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

Owners 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 dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCRSerial No. Model No. ACNo.

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only.
For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD108 Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Battery pack

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)
Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD308 Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. This product is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be returned to the manufacturer or to be discarded.
For the State of California, USA only
Prechlorate Material - special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains perchlorate.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides.
Operating Guide (This manual) First Step Guide for using your camcorder with the computer connected (stored on the supplied CD-ROM)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a

Playing the picture on a TV.42 Making the disc compatible with playback on other devices or DVD drives (Finalizing)..44

Editing

(OTHERS) category.48 Deleting images.48 Dividing the image..50 Creating the Playlist.51 Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders.54 Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer)..55

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items.. 21 Step 2: Charging the battery pack.. 22 Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time. 25
Changing the language setting 26
Utilizing recording media
(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY) category..57 Playing a disc on other devices..57 Finding the right disc (DISC SELECT GUIDE).58 Deleting all scenes on the disc (Formatting)..59 Recording additional scenes after finalizing.60
Step 4: Preparing for recording.. 27 Step 5: Inserting a disc or a Memory Stick Duo. 28

Recording/Playback

Recording and playing back with ease (Easy Handycam). 31 Recording.. 34
Zooming.. 36 Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCRDVD308/DVD708).. 36 Recording in dark places (NightShot plus)... 37
Table of Contents (Continued)
Customizing your camcorder
What you can do with the (SETTINGS) category of the HOME MENU.. 62
Using the HOME MENU. 62 List of the (SETTINGS) category items... 63

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting.. 85 Warning indicators and messages.. 94

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad. 98 Maintenance and precautions. 100 Specifications.. 108

MOVIE SETTINGS.. 64

(Items for recording movies)

PHOTO SETTINGS. 66

(Items for recording still images)

VIEW IMAGES SET. 67

(Items to customize the display)

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls. 111 Indicators displayed during recording/playback. 115 Glossary.. 118 Index.. 119

SOUND/DISP SET.. 69

(Items to adjust beep and the screen)

OUTPUT SETTINGS.. 70

(Items for when connecting other devices)

CLOCK/

LANG. 71
(Items to set clock and language)
Spanish Quick Guide/Gua rpida en espaol 122

GENERAL SET. 72

(Other setup items)
Activating functions using the OPTION MENU. 73
Using the OPTION MENU. 73 Recording items on the OPTION MENU.. 74 Viewing items on the OPTION MENU.. 74
Functions set in the OPTION MENU.. 75

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows computer. 80 Installing the First Step Guide and software.. 81 Viewing First Step Guide. 83 Using a Macintosh computer.. 84

on your camcorder.

5 Continue operation by following
the guidance on the screen.

2 Press

To hide the HOME MENU screen

(HOME) A (or B). Touch.

(HOME) B
When you want to know something about the function of each item on the HOME MENU - HELP

1 Press (HOME).

The HOME MENU appears.

(HOME) A 2 Touch (HELP).

3 Touch the category you want to
use. Example: (OTHERS) category
The bottom of the turns orange.

(HELP) button

OPTION (Continued)
3 Touch the item you want to know the content.

Records a movie.

Activate? YES
When you touch an item, its explanation appears on the screen. To apply the option, touch [YES], otherwise, touch [NO].

To deactivate the HELP

Touch (HELP) again in step 2.

Using the OPTION MENU

Just a touch on the screen during recording or playback displays the functions available at that moment. You will find it easy to make various settings. See page 73 for further details.

(OPTION)

Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 22) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH40 (1) (p. 22)
CD-ROM Handycam Application Software (1) (p. 80) Operating Guide (This manual) (1) Power cord (1) (p. 22)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 42, 54)

USB cable (1) (p. 55)

Wireless Remote Commander (DCRDVD308/DVD708) (1) (p. 114)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack

POWER switch

DC IN jack Jack cover Battery DC plug
Power cord To the wall outlet

CHG (charge) lamp

AC Adaptor
You can charge the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (H series) (p. 103) after attaching it to your camcorder.
You can use only "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack H series.
4 Connect the power cord to the AC
Adaptor and the wall outlet. The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged.
1 Turn the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to OFF (CHG) (The default setting).

2 Press START/STOP B (or C).

2 Press PHOTO F.

FlashingtLights up Press slightly Press full to to focus record
appears next to. When disappears, the image has been recorded.
To switch to the movie recording mode using the (HOME) button D (or E)
Touch (CAMERA) of HOME MENU t [MOVIE] or [PHOTO].

Recording (Continued)

Zooming
You can zoom in up to the magnifications shown in the following table.
(optical zoom) DCR-DVD108/DVD608 DCR-DVD308/DVD25
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power zoom lever may also be recorded. You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
You can adjust the magnification with the zoom lever or the zoom button on the LCD frame.
Using [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 65) let you zoom in further than the magnification shown in the table.
Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCR-DVD308/ DVD708)
Sound picked up by the built-in microphone is converted to 5.1ch surround sound and recorded.
Wider range of view: (Wide angle) Built-in microphone

Close view: (Telephoto)

Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
[STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image blurring as desired when the power zoom lever is set to the T (Telephoto) side. Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever. If you move your finger off the power
Your camcorder has Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator installed for recording 5.1ch surround sound. Enjoy realistic sound when playing the disc on devices that support 5.1ch surround sound.
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, 5.1ch surround sound Glossary (p.118)
5.1ch sound is converted to 2ch when played back on your camcorder. is displayed on the screen during 5.1ch recording/playback.
Recording in dark places (NightShot plus)

Infrared port

Recording in mirror mode
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON. ( appears.)
The NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus functions use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects, and remove the conversion lens (optional). Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 75) when it is hard to focus automatically. Do not use the NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus functions in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2).
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded. When recording in mirror mode, the images is not displayed in the viewfinder.

Touch (OPTION) t tab t [VOLUME], then adjust it with /
Touch / movie slowly. during pause to play back

Using PB zoom

You can magnify still images from about 1.1 to 5 times the original size. Magnification can be adjusted with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
Playing back a series of still images (Slide show)
Touch on the still image playback screen. The slide show begins from the selected image. Touch to stop the slide show. To restart, touch again.
You cannot operate playback zoom during slide show.
1 Play back the still images you want to magnify. 2 Magnify the still image with T (Telephoto). The screen is framed. 3 Touch the screen at the point you want to display in the center of the displayed frame. 4 Adjust the magnification with W (Wide angle)/T (Telephoto). To cancel, touch.
You can set continuous slide show playback using [SLIDE SHOW SET] on (OPTION) t tab. The default setting is [ON] (continuous playback).
Playing the picture on a TV
Connect your camcorder to the input jack of TV or VCR using A/V connecting cable 1 or A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO 2. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.22). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
Device without S VIDEO jack IN
Device with S VIDEO jack IN S VIDEO

(Yellow)

(White) (White)

(Red) (Red)

A/V OUT jack : Signal flow

VCRs or TVs

1 A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of the other device.
To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)
Change the setting according to the screen aspect ratio of the TV you will view pictures on.
1 Turn the POWER switch to turn on your camcorder. 2 Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [OUTPUT SETTINGS] t [TV TYPE] t [16:9] or [4:3] t. b Notes
When you connect your camcorder to a TV compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system and play back the disc, set [TV TYPE] to [16:9]. The TV switches to full mode automatically. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV. When you set [TV TYPE] to [4:3], the image quality may deteriorate. Also, when the recorded
2 A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional), higher quality pictures can be produced than with an A/V connecting cable. Connect the white and red plug (left/right audio) and the S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional). The yellow plug connection is not necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not output audio.
When your TV is connected to a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.

Deleting the movies on the disc
You can edit the images on a disc or a Memory Stick Duo (p. 50).

PLAYLIST EDIT

You can create and edit a Playlist (p. 51).

1 Touch

(OTHERS) of the (HOME) menu t [DELETE].
You can print still images on a connected PictBridge printer (p. 55).

2 Touch [ 3 Touch [

delete.

DELETE].

COMPUTER
You can connect your camcorder to a computer (p. 80).
4 Touch the image that you want to
The selected image is marked with. Press and hold the image on the LCD screen to confirm the image.

Touch screen.

to return to the previous
Deleting the still images in the Memory Stick Duo

5 Touch

t [YES] t
To delete all movies on the disc at one time
In step 3, touch [ DELETE ALL] t [YES] t [YES] t.
To delete the most recently recorded movie
4 Touch the still image that you

want to delete.

In step 3, touch [ LAST SCENE DEL] t t [YES] t.
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while editing images. It may damage the disc. If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist (p. 51), the movie is deleted also from the Playlist. Even if you delete unnecessary images from the disc, the remaining disc capacity may not increase as much as you can make additional recording. To delete all images recorded in the disc and restore the original capacity of the disc, format the disc (page 59).
The selected still image is marked with. Press and hold the still image on the LCD screen to confirm the still image. Touch to return to the previous screen.
The images recorded by this camcorder and stored onto a disc are called "original."
To delete all still images on the Memory Stick Duo
You cannot delete still images in the following cases: "Memory Stick Duo" is write-protected.
Deleting images (Continued)

Dividing the image

write-protection is set to the still images by the other device.

b Notes z Tips

To delete all images recorded on the Memory Stick Duo, format the Memory Stick Duo (p. 60). You cannot divide movies during Easy Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy Handycam operation first.
(OTHERS) of the (HOME) menu t [EDIT].
2 Touch [DIVIDE]. 3 Touch the movie that you want to
divide. The selected movie starts playing.
at the point where you want to divide the movie into the scenes. The movie pauses.

1 Touch the still image to be

printed.

The selected image is marked with Press and hold the image on the LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch screen. to return to the previous

2 Touch

(OPTION), set the following options, then touch. [COPIES]: Set number of copies of a still image to be printed. You can set up to 20 copies. [DATE/TIME]: Select [DATE], [DAY&TIME], or [OFF] (no date/time printed). [SIZE]: Select the paper size. If you do not change the setting, go to step 3.
PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA). You can print still images without using a computer by connecting a printer directly to a digital video camera or digital still camera, regardless of model or manufacturer. You can print a still image when viewing it (OPTION). using tab t [PRINT] on

3 Touch [EXEC] t [YES] t

The image selection screen appears again.

To finish printing

Touch on the image selection screen.
(MANAGE DISC/ MEMORY) category
This category enables you to use a disc or a Memory Stick Duo for various purposes.
Playing a disc on other devices
Finalizing a disc (p. 44) let you view movies recorded by your camcorder on other DVD devices. However, we do not guarantee proper playback on all devices. DVD+RW do not require finalization to be played back on other devices.
Do not use an 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm DVD as it may cause a malfunction. Make sure that a vertically installed device is placed in a position such as that the disc can be placed horizontally. Some discs cannot be played back, may freeze for an instant between scenes. Some functions may be disabled on some devices.

FINALIZE

You can enable discs to be played on other devices by finalizing them (p. 44).

DISC SELECT GUIDE

Your camcorder advises you of the right disc for your purpose (p. 58).

FORMAT

You can format and use the disc again (p. 59).
Devices that support subtitles can display the recording date and time where the subtitles normally appear (p. 65). Refer to the instruction manual of your device. If you have created a DVD menu (p. 47), you can select the desired scene in the menu.

LCD screen/viewfinder

The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.
Touch the LCD screen lightly. Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder (or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander for DCR-DVD308/DVD708) (p. 27).
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.
Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 105).
Images cannot be deleted.
The maximum number of images that you can delete on the index screen at one time is 100. Images cannot be deleted depending on the type and recording format of a disc (p. 15, 48).
Remaining disc space indicator is not displayed.
Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining disc space indicator (p. 65).
Refer also to Discs/"Memory Stick Duo" (p. 87). Pressing START/STOP does not record movies on the disc.
The playback screen is displayed. Set your camcorder to recording standby (p. 35). Your camcorder is recording the scene you have just shot on the disc. The disc has run out of space. Use a new disc or format the disc (DVD-RW/DVD+RW only, p. 59). Or delete the unnecessary images (p. 48). When you are using one of the following discs after finalizing it, make the disc to be able to record additional scenes (p.60). Or use a new disc. DVD-RW (VIDEO mode) DVD+RW The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place. Moisture condensation has occurred with the disc. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for about 1 hour in a cool place (p. 105).
The indicators of the disc type and the recording format on the LCD screen are grayed out.
The disc may have been created other than your camcorder. You can play back with your camcorder, but you cannot record additional scenes.
You cannot operate functions using the Memory Stick Duo.
If you use a Memory Stick Duo formatted on a computer, format it again on your camcorder (p. 60).
You cannot delete or format the Memory Stick Duo.
The maximum number of images that you can delete on the index screen at one time is 100. You cannot delete still images that have write-protection set by another device.

x Others

No further selection is possible.
You can select up to 100 images only when: deleting images editing the playlist printing still images

x Memory Stick Duo

Reinsert the Memory Stick.
Reinsert the Memory Stick Duo a few times. If even then the indicator flashes, the Memory Stick Duo could be damaged. Try with another Memory Stick Duo.

Data protected.

The disc has been protected with another device.
This Memory Stick is not formatted correctly.
Check the format, then format the "Memory Stick Duo" with your camcorder if necessary (p. 60, 101).

Cannot divide.

You cannot divided a movie that is extremely short.
Recovering data vibration.

Avoid any

Memory Stick folders are full.
You cannot create folders exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the Memory Stick Duo (p. 60), or delete them using your computer.
Your camcorder tries to recover data automatically if the data writing was not performed properly.
Cannot recover data on disc.
Writing data to the disc has failed. Attempts were made to recover the data, but they were unsuccessful.

Please wait.

This is displayed if the disc removal process takes time. Turn on the camcorder and leave it for about 10 minutes, preventing vibration.
Using your camcorder abroad

Power supply

You can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].

System Used in

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc. Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, etc. Brazil Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay. Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

AC-L200/L200B

On TV color systems
Your camcorder is an NTSC-system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback image on a TV, it must be an NTSC-system-based TV with an AUDIO/ VIDEO input jack.

PAL - M PAL - N SECAM

Setting to the local time
You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [AREA SET] and [DST SET]/[SUMMERTIME] on the HOME MENU (p. 71).

World time difference

Time-zone differences
GMT +01:00 +02:00 +03:00 +03:30 +04:00 +04:30 +05:00 +05:30 +06:00 +06:30 +07:00 +08:00 +09:00 +09:30 +10:00

Area setting

Lisbon, London Berlin, Paris Helsinki, Cairo, Istanbul Moscow, Nairobi Tehran Abu Dhabi, Baku Kabul Karachi, Islamabad Calcutta, New Delhi Almaty, Dhaka Rangoon Bangkok, Jakarta Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing Seoul, Tokyo Adelaide, Darwin Melbourne, Sydney
+11:00 +12:00 12:00 11:00 10:00 09:00 08:00 07:00 06:00 05:00 04:00 03:30 03:00 02:00 01:00
Solomon Is. Fiji, Wellington Eniwetok, Kwajalein Midway Is., Samoa Hawaii Alaska Los Angeles, Tijuana Denver, Arizona Chicago, Mexico City New York, Bogota Santiago St. John s Brasilia, Montevideo Fernando de Noronha Azores, Cape Verde Is.
Maintenance and precautions

About the Disc

See page 14 for the details of discs which you can use with your camcorder.

symbol

Hold the disc by its edge while supporting the center hole lightly. Do not touch the recording side (the opposite of the printed side when using a single-sided disc).
Before shooting, be sure to remove dust and fingerprints from the disc with a soft cloth. Otherwise you may not be able to record or play normally in some situations using that disc. When you set the disc in your camcorder, press firmly until it clicks. When the message [C:13:ss] appears on the LCD screen, open the disc cover and set the disc again. Do not attach any adhesive material such as a sticker on the surface of a disc. If you do so, the disc may become unbalanced, and this may cause a malfunction of the disc or your camcorder.
Place the symbol facing outwards. Recording is made on the rear side.
Use of double-sided discs
Double-sided discs allow you to record both sides of a disc. x Recording on the A side Place the disc in your camcorder with the side with the symbol at the center facing outwards until it clicks.
When using a double-sided disc, take care not to smudge the surface with fingerprints. When a double-sided disc is used in your camcorder, recording/playback are performed on that side only. You cannot switch to record on or play back the other side with the disc set to the camcorder. When recording/playback of one side is complete, remove the disc and turn it over to access the other side. Perform the following operations on each side of a double-sided disc:

x On a Memory Stick PRO Duo The maximum memory capacity of a Memory Stick PRO Duo that can be used on your camcorder is 4 GB.
On image data compatibility
Image data files recorded on a Memory Stick Duo by your camcorder conform to the Design rule for Camera File system universal standard established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). On your camcorder, you cannot play back still images recorded on other devices (DCRTRV900 or DSC-D700/D770) that do not conform to the universal standard. (These models are not sold in some regions.)
If you cannot use a Memory Stick Duo that has been used with another device, format it with your camcorder (p. 60). Note that formatting erases all information on the Memory Stick Duo. You may not be able to play back images with your camcorder: When playing back image data modified on your computer. When playing back image data recorded with other devices.
To use the battery pack effectively
Battery pack performance decreases when the surrounding temperature is 10 C (50 F) or below, and the length of time you can use the battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the following to use the battery pack for a longer time. Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up, and insert it in your camcorder right before you start taking shots. Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/ NP-FH100 (optional). Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent playback, fast forward or rewind operation wears out the battery pack faster. We recommend using a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/NP-FH100. Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) when not recording or playing back on your camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed when your camcorder is in recording standby or playback pause. Have spare battery packs ready for two or three times the expected recording time, and make trial recordings using a DVD-RW/DVD+RW before making the actual recording. Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water resistant.
About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack
Your camcorder operates only with an InfoLITHIUM battery pack (H series). InfoLITHIUM H series battery packs have the mark.
What is an InfoLITHIUM battery pack?
An InfoLITHIUM battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/ charger. The InfoLITHIUM battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in minutes. With an AC Adaptor/charger, the remaining battery time and charging time appear.

About the remaining battery time indicator
When the power goes off even though the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining battery time will be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the battery indication will not be restored if it is used in high temperatures for a long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or when the battery pack is frequently used. Use the remaining battery time indication as a rough guide only. The E mark that indicates low battery flashes even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery time remaining, depending on the operating conditions or ambient temperature.
To charge the battery pack
Be sure to charge the battery pack before you start using your camcorder. We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 C to 30 C (50 F to 86 F) until the CHG (charge) lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to charge it efficiently. After charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove the battery pack.
About storage of the battery pack
If the battery pack is not used for a long time, fully charge the battery pack and use it up on your camcorder once a year to maintain proper function. To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place. To discharge the battery pack on your camcorder completely, touch (SETTINGS) t [GENERAL SET] t [A.SHUT OFF] t [NEVER] on the HOME MENU and leave your camcorder in recording standby until the power goes off (p. 72).

About battery life

Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it is probably time to replace it with a new one. Each batterys life is governed by storage, operating and environmental conditions.
About handling of your camcorder

On use and care

3-864-632-14 (2)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

Owners 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 dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-TRV900 Model No. AC-L10A Serial No. Serial No.

DCR-TRV900

1998 by Sony Corporation

Welcome !!

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam Vision camcorder. With your Handycam Vision, you can capture lifes precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam Vision is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
For the Customers in the U.S.A.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For the Customers in CANADA
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
For the Customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only). For the SONY Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only). Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.
When you use Memory Sticks (not supplied), see page 91 for details.
IBM PC/AT is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation of the U.S.A. MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks licensed to Microsoft Corporation, registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc., 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 in this manual.

Table of contents

Before you begin Using this manual... 4 Checking supplied accessories. 6 Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack. 7 Inserting a cassette.. 11 Basic operations Camera recording.. 12 Attaching the lens hood.. 14 Using the zoom feature.. 14 Selecting the start/stop mode.. 15 Shooting with the LCD screen. 16 Letting the subject monitor the shot. 17 Self-timer recording.. 18 Hints for better shooting.. 19 Checking the recorded picture.. 21 Playing back a tape.. 22 Searching for the end of the picture. 24 Advanced operations Using alternative power sources. 25 Using the house current.. 25 Using a car battery. 26 Changing the mode settings. 27 for camera recording Photo recording.. 33 Shooting with all the pixels PROG. SCAN. 35 Using the FADER function.. 36 Shooting with backlighting.. 38 Using the wide mode function.. 39 Enjoying picture effect. 40 Recording with various effects digital effect.. 42 Shooting with manual adjustment. 44 Using the PROGRAM AE function.. 54 Focusing manually.. 57 Interval recording.. 59 Cut recording... 61 Superimposing a title.. 63 Making a custom title.. 66 Labeling a cassette.. 68 for playing back/editing Watching on a TV screen.. 70 Viewing the picture with the picture effect.. 72 Viewing the picture with the digital effect.. 73 Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with date date search. 74 Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with title title search. 76 Searching for a photo photo search/photo scan.. 77 Returning to a pre-registered position. 80 Displaying recording data data code function.. 81 Editing onto another tape. 82 Editing partially on a mini DV tape DV synchro-editing. 84 Recording from a VCR or TV.. 86 Replacing recording on a tape insert editing.. 87 Audio dubbing.. 88 Memory card slot operations Using the memory card slot introduction.. 91 Recording an image from a mini DV tape as a still image.. 98 Copying still images from a mini DV tape photo save.. 100 Recording still images on PC cards (not supplied) memory photo recording. 102 Viewing a still picture memory photo playback. 105 Preventing accidental erasure PROTECT... 108 Deleting images.. 109 Copying the image recorded with the memory card slot to mini DV tapes.. 112 Playing back images in a continuous loop SLIDE SHOW.. 114 Additional information Usable cassettes and playback modes. 116 Charging the vanadium-lithium battery in the camcorder. 117 Resetting the date and time. 118 Simple setting of clock by time difference.. 119 Tips for using the battery pack.. 120 Maintenance information and precautions.. 123 Using your camcorder abroad. 126 Trouble check.. 127 Self-diagnosis function.. 132 Specifications.. 133 Identifying the parts.. 134 Warning indicators.. 143 Index... 145

5 Floppy disk adapter (1) (p. 91) 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 70, 82) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 140) 8 Lens cap (1) (p. 12) 9 Lens hood (1) (p. 14)
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.

Getting started

Installing and charging the battery pack
Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor. This camcorder operates only with the InfoLITHIUM battery pack. InfoLITHIUM is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Installing the battery pack
(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down until it is locked.
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely.
Note on installing the NP-F730/F730H/F750/F930/F950 battery pack Use the camcorder while stretching out the viewfinder. Note on the battery pack Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.
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 plugs 4 mark up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF. Remaining battery time is indicated by the minutes on the display window. Charging begins.
When the remaining battery indicator becomes , normal charge is completed. For full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack attached for about 1 hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Before using the camcorder with the battery pack, unplug the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack of the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is completely charged.

POWER MEMORY

Notes min appears on the display window until the camcorder calculates remaining battery time. Remaining battery time indication on the display window roughly indicates the recording time with the viewfinder. Use it as a guide. It may differ from the actual recording time.

VTR OFF CAMERA

Charging time
Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F750/NP-F730H** NP-F930 NP-F950 Charging time * 150 (90) 210 (150) 210 (150) 300 (240) 300 (240) 390 (330) 390 (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.) ** NP-F730H is sold only in the U.S.A.

Battery life

While using with viewfinder
Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F750/NP-F730H*** NP-F930 NP-F950 Continuous recording time * 75 (70) 120 (110) 150 (135) 270 (245) 315 (275) 420 (375) 485 (440) Typical recording time ** 40 (35) 60 (55) 75 (70) 140 (130) 165 (145) 220 (195) 255 (230)

While using with LCD

Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 Continuous recording time * 60 (50) 95 (85) 120 (105) 210(190) Typical recording time ** 30 (25) 50 (45) 65 (55) 115 (105) 140 (120) 180 (165) 210 (185) Playing time with LCD 75 (70) 120 (110) 150 (135) 270 (245) 315 (275) 420 (375) 485 (440)
NP-F750/NP-F730H*** 250 (220) NP-F930 NP-F(295) 375 (335)
Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery. Battery life will be shorter if you use the camcorder in a cold environment. * Approximate continuous recording time indoors. ** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter. *** NP-F730H is sold only in the U.S.A.
Notes on remaining battery time indication during recording Remaining battery time is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances. When you close the LCD panel or open it, it takes about 1 minute for the correct remaining time to be displayed.
To remove the battery pack
Lift up the viewfinder. While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

BATT RELEASE

Inserting a cassette
You can use mini DV cassette with logo* only. Make sure that the power source is installed.
(1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically opens. (2) Insert a cassette with the window facing out. (3) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment.

* is a trademark.

Checking the recorded picture
Using the EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Press the side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion plays back (Rec Review). Hold down the side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Edit Search).

EDITSEARCH

EDITSEARCH EDITSEARCH

END SEARCH

To stop playback

Release EDITSEARCH.

To go back to the last recorded point (END SEARCH)
Press END SEARCH. The last recorded point is played back for about 5 seconds and stops. Note that when you use a tape without cassette memory, this function does not work once you eject the cassette after recording.

To begin re-recording

Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. Provided you do not eject the tape, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel. While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. Press 0 to rewind the tape. Press to start playback. Adjust the volume using VOLUME +/ and the brightness of the LCD screen using LCD BRIGHT +/.
You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR.

REW PLAY FF

VOLUME DISPLAY To stop playback, press. To rewind the tape, press 0. To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press ).
Using the Remote Commander
You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries. To display the LCD screen/viewfinder screen indicators Press DISPLAY. To erase the indicators, press again. Notes on screen indicators The screen indicator disappears when the title is displayed. When you play back a tape using a InfoLITHIUM battery, B indicates the remaining battery capacity. The remaining battery time in minutes is not displayed. Using headphones Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack. You can adjust the volume of the headphones using VOLUME +/.
To view the playback picture in the viewfinder Close the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns on automatically. When using the viewfinder, you can monitor the sound only by using headphones. To view on the LCD screen again, open the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns off automatically. When you cannot see the LCD screen clearly Pull out the stand at the bottom to adjust the angle.

MANUAL INFINITY

PUSH AUTO

To focus in infinity

Slide FOCUS to INFINITY. indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. This function is useful when the nearer subject is focused automatically, and you want to focus on a faraway subject.
To shoot with auto focusing momentarily
Press PUSH AUTO. The auto focus functions while you are pressing PUSH AUTO. Use this button to focus on one subject and then another with smooth focusing. When you release PUSH AUTO, manual focusing resumes.
To return to the autofocus mode
Slide FOCUS up to AUTO to turn off f or indicator. To shoot in relatively dark places or to shoot the subject moving quickly outside Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position. If lights up Subject is too close.

Interval recording

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.
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select Turn the control dial to select INT.REC, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select SET, then press the dial. Set INTERVAL and REC TIME. 1 Turn the control dial to select INTERVAL, then press the dial. 2 Turn the control dial to select the desired waiting time, then press the dial. The time: 30SEC 1MIN 5MIN 10MIN. 3 Turn the control dial to select REC TIME, then press the dial. 4 Turn the control dial to select the desired recording time, then press the dial. The time: 0.5SEC 1SEC 1.5SEC 2SEC. RETURN, then press the dial. 5 Turn the control dial to select (7) Turn the control dial to select ON, then press the dial. (8) Press MENU to erase the menu display. The interval recording indicator flashes. (9) Press START/STOP to start interval recording. The interval recording indicator lights up.

I NTERVA L

CAMERA S E T I NT. REC I NTERVA L REC T I ME RE TURN SEC CAMERA S E T I NT. REC I NTERVA L REC T I ME RE TURN SEC 1M I N 5M I N 1 0M I N
CAMERA S E T D Z OOM : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC CAMERA S E T [ M E N U ] D EZ OOM : ND : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC OF F RE TURN [ MENU ] : END

Connecting directly to a TV or VCR with Audio/Video input jacks
Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to the inputs on the TV by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. Turn down the volume of the camcorder. To get higher quality pictures in DV format, connect the camcorder to your TV using the S video connecting cable (not supplied). If you are going to connect the camcorder using the S video connecting cable (not supplied) [a], you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b].

(not supplied)

IN S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO [a]

S VIDEO

AUDIO/VIDEO
: Signal flow If your VCR or TV is a monaural type Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the VCR or the TV. If you connect the white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R (right) signal. When you adjust the TV screen Set COLOR BAR to ON in the menu system. The color bar is displayed on the TV screen.
Watching on a TV screen Using the AV cordless IR receiver LASER LINK
Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) having the LASER LINK mark to your TV or VCR, you can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instruction of the AV cordless IR receiver. LASER LINK is a system which transmits and receives a picture and sound between video mark by using infrared rays. equipment having the To play back on a TV (1) Set the POWER switch on the camcorder to VTR.
(2) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON. (3) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. (4) Press LASER LINK. The lamp of the LASER LINK button lights up. (5) Press on the camcorder to start playback. (6) Adjust the angle and direction of both the camcorder and AV cordless IR receiver. To cancel the LASER LINK function Press LASER LINK. If you use a Sony TV You can turn on the TV automatically when you press LASER LINK or. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu system and turn the TVs main switch on, then do either of the following; Point the LASER LINK emitter towards the TVs remote sensor and press LASER LINK. Turn on the LASER LINK button and press. You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON and TV INPUT to the same video input (1, 2, 3) in the menu system. With some models, however, the picture and sound may be disconnected momentarily when the video input is switched. The above features may not work with some TV models. Notes on LASER LINK When LASER LINK is activated (the LASER LINK button is lit), the camcorder consumes power. Press and turn off the LASER LINK button when it is not needed. When the conversion lens (not supplied) is installed, the transmission of infrared rays may be blocked. You can use LASER LINK in the following situations: The POWER switch is set to VTR. The POWER switch is set to CAMERA without cassette inside (For demonstration at stores).

Playback starts from the beginning of the selected date automatically.

DA T E SEARCH

SEARCH MODE

SEP SEP DEC J AN FEB APR

/ 5 / 9 / 6 / 9 / 24 / 9 / 1 / 9 / 11 / 9 / 29 / 9
DA T E SEARCH SEP SEP DEC J AN FEB APR / 5 / 9 / 6 / 9 / 24 / 9 / 1 / 9 / 11 / 9 / 29 / 9 CM S E T CM S E A R C H ON T I T L EERASE OF F T I T L E DSP L TAPE T I TLE ERASE A L L RE TURN
To stop searching Press p. Notes The interval of the boundaries between the dates needs more than two minutes. The camcorder may not search if the beginning of the recorded date is too close to the next one. The black cursor on the screen indicates the date that was selected previously. If a tape has a blank portion in the beginning or between recorded portions, the date search function will not work correctly. Up to six date data can be stored in a cassette memory.
Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with date date search Searching for the date without using cassette memory
If you use the tape without cassette memory, skip steps 3 and 4.
Set the POWER switch to VTR. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select CM SEARCH in Turn the control dial to select OFF, then press the dial. Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the date search indicator appears. (6) When the current position is [b], press = to search towards [a] or press + to search towards [c]. Each time you press = or +, the camcorder searches for the previous or next date.
Playback starts automatically when date changed.

JUL.4.1999

JUL.5.1999

DEC.31.1999

CM S E T CM S E A R C H ON T I T L EERASE T I T L E DSP L TAPE T I TLE ERASE A L L RE TURN CM S E T CM S E A R C H ON T I T L EERASE OF F T I T L E DSP L TAPE T I TLE ERASE A L L RE TURN
To stop searching Press p.
Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with title title search
You can search for the boundaries of recorded tape with title Title Search function. If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can select the title displayed on the LCD screen. You can only operate with the Remote Commander.
Searching for the title by using cassette memory
Set the POWER switch to VTR. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select CM SEARCH in Turn the control dial to select ON, then press the dial. Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the title search indicator appears. (6) Press = or + to select the title for playback.

Starting editing

(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and 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 press P to set the camcorder in playback pause mode. (3) On the VCR, locate the recording start point and set the VCR in recording pause mode. (4) Press P on the camcorder and VCR simultaneously to start editing.

To edit more scenes

Repeat steps 2 to 4.

To stop editing

Press on both the camcorder and the VCR.
Editing partially on a mini DV tape DV synchro-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. Since the camcorder exchanges digital signals, you can edit with little audio and video deterioration. You cannot duplicate titles, display indicators or the contents of cassette memory. The connection is the same as on page 83.
(1) Insert a recorded tape into the camcorder and insert a blank tape into the DV product. (2) Set the POWER switch of the camcorder to VTR. (3) Set the input selector to DV input on the DV product. If the DV product is another DV camcorder, set its POWER switch to VTR. (4) Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. (5) Turn the control dial to select (6) Turn the control dial to select DV EDITING, then press the dial. (7) Using the tape transport buttons, locate the point where you want to start editing, then press P to set the camcorder in playback pause mode. (8) Press the control dial or MARK on the Remote Commander to set DV EDITING IN. (9) Using the tape transport buttons, locate the point where you want to end editing, then press P to set the camcorder in playback pause mode. (10) Press the control dial or MARK on the Remote Commander to set DV EDITING OUT. The editing process starts. When the process ends, the camcorder and the DV product automatically set to pause mode.

PLAY REC

VTR OFF

7,9 5,6

OTHERS BEEP C O MM A N D E R D I SPLAY DV ED I T I NG

Front edge of the memory slot connector Note Unless you press any memory operating buttons after inserting another floppy disk, the indicator may not disappear from the screen.
Using the memory card slot introduction Selecting the image quality mode
You can select one of three image quality modes in still picture recording. If you do not make any selection, the unit automatically records in SUPER FINE mode.
(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the lock knob is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select (4) Turn the control dial to select QUALITY, then press the dial. (5) Turn the control dial to select desired image quality, then press the dial. (6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

Setting image quality

Setting Meaning SUPER FINE (SFN) This is the highest image quality in this camcorder. The number of still images you can record is less than FINE. The image is compressed to about 1/4. FINE (FIN) Use this mode when you want to record high quality images. The image is compressed to about 1/6.
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y SUPER F I NE PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T RE TURN
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y S T ANDARD PROT EC T F I NE S L I D E S H OW S U P E R F I N E DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T RE TURN
STANDARD (STD) This is the standard image quality. The image is compressed to about 1/10.
The difference in image quality mode A recorded image is compressed in JPEG format before stored into memory. The memory capacity allotted to each image varies depending on the selected quality mode. Details are shown in the table below. (The number of pixel is 640 x 480, regardless of image quality mode. Data volume before compression is about 600 KB.) Image quality mode SUPER FINE FINE STANDARD Memory capacity About 150 KB About 100 KB About 60 KB

Approximate numbers of images you can record on a floppy disk The number of images you can record is different depending on which image quality mode you select and the complexity of the subject. SUPER FINE (SFN) about 7 to 8 images FINE (FIN) about 14 to 16 images STANDARD (STD) about 23 to 27 images Note In some cases, changing image quality mode may not affect the image quality, depending on the types of images you are shooting.
Formatting (initializing) a PC card or a floppy disk
(1) When you format a floppy disk, insert a disk into the floppy disk adapter. When you format a PC card, insert the card into the memory card slot. (2) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the lock knob is set to the right (unlock) position. (3) Press MENU to display the menu. (4) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. (5) Turn the control dial to select FORMAT, then press the dial. (6) Turn the control dial again to select OK, then press the dial. The display shows EXECUTE. (7) Press the control dial again. The display shows FORMATTING, and formatting procedure begins. When formatting is finished, the display shows COMPLETE.
M E MO R Y S E T C O N T I N U O US O F F QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T READY

RE T URN

M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T RE TURN OK RE T URN
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T EXECUT E
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T F ORMA T T I NG
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T C OM P L E T E
Notes on formatting Formatting erases all information on the floppy disk or PC card, including the protected image data. Check the contents of the disk or card before formatting. Be sure that the battery is fully charged when formatting a floppy disk or PC card. Formatting takes about three minutes maximum. Do not turn the POWER switch or press any button while the display shows FORMATTING.

Attaching the shoulder strap
Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
Identifying the parts Operation indicators ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
0 min + ST I LL P ROG. S C A N NEG. ART. F1. 6 AE A
0:1 2:min Z ERO S E T M E MO R Y END SEARCH

16B I T

1 Cassette memory indicator (p. 116) 2 Remaining battery indicator (p. 120)
! Recording mode indicator (p. 30) ! Standby/Recording indicator (p. 12)/Tape transport mode indicator (p. 22)/Image quality mode indicator (p. 95) ! Warning indicators (p. 143) ! Time code indicator (p. 13) /Self diagnosis indicator (p. 132)/Image number indicator (p. 106) @ Remaining tape indicator (p. 142)/Memory playback indicator (p. 106) @ ZERO SET MEMORY indicator (p. 80) @ END SEARCH indicator (p. 24) @ Gain indicator (p. 81) @ Audio mode indicator (p. 30) @ Microphone level indicator (p. 48) @ Continuous mode indicator (p. 104) @ ND filter indicator (p. 49) @ Video flash ready indicator (p. 33) @ Self-timer indicator (p. 18)
3 Zoom indicator (p. 14) /Exposure indicator (p. 44)/ Data file name indicator (p. 92) 4 Digital effect indicator (p. 42) 5 PROG.SCAN indicator (p. 35)/ 16:9WIDE indicator (p. 39) 6 Picture effect indicator (p. 40) 7 White balance indicator (p. 46) 8 Gain shift indicator (p. 53) 9 AE shift indicator (p. 52) 0 Shutter speed indicator (p. 45) ! Aperture indicator (p. 55) ! Program AE indicator (p. 54) ! Back light indicator (p. 38) ! Steady shot OFF indicator (p. 51) ! Manual focus/Infinity indicator (p. 57)
Identifying the parts Display window
1 Remaining time in minutes indicator (p. 8) / Tape counter (p. 78) / Memory counter (p. 106) / Time code indicator (p. 12) 2 FULL charge indicator (p. 8) 3 Remaining battery indicator (p. 8, 120)
To watch the demonstration
You can watch a brief demonstration of pictures with special effects. If the demonstration appears when you turn on the camcorder for the first time, exit the demo mode to use your camcorder. To enter demo mode (1) Eject the cassette and set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) While holding down , set the POWER switch to CAMERA. The demonstration starts. The demonstration stops when you insert the cassette. Note that once you enter demo mode, this mode is retained as long as the vanadium rechargeable battery is in place. Therefore, demonstration starts automatically 10 minutes later every time you set the POWER switch to CAMERA, and after you eject the cassette. To exit demo mode (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) While holding down , set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

Warning indicators

If indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder or warning messages appear on the screen, check the following: : You can hear the beep sound when BEEP is set to MELODY or NORMAL in the menu system.

C : 21: 10

1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. Depending on conditions, the i indicator may flash, even if there are 5 to 10 minutes remaining. 2 The tape is near the end. The flashing is slow. 3 The tape has run out. The flashing becomes rapid. 4 No tape has been inserted. 5 The tab on the tape is out (red). 6 Moisture condensation has occurred. (p. 123) 7 The video heads may be contaminated. (p. 123)
8 The clock is not set. When this message appears though you set the date and time, the vanadium-lithium battery is discharged. Charge the vanadiumlithium battery. (p. 117) 9 Some other trouble has occurred. Use the self-diagnosis function (p. 132). If the display does not disappear, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Warning indicators ! !

MVC0001
0 The battery is not the InfoLITHIUM type. ! The tape has no cassette memory. (p. 4) ! The file cannot be read properly. ! The image data file is protected. The flashing is slow. ! The tape has no memory left or cannot use the memory. ! The protect tab is set to prevent accidental erasure.
Audio mode.. 30 AUTO SHTR. 28 Battery release.. 10 BEEP.. 31
Manual adjustment. 44 Manual focus.. 57 Memory card.. 91 Memory card slot.. 91 Memory Stick.. 91 Menu system.. 27 Microphone level.. 48 Mirror mode. 17 Moisture condensation. 123 Normal charge.. 8

W, X, Y, Z

Wide TV mode.. 39 Zebra pattern.. 50 ZERO SET MEMORY. 80 Zoom.. 14
Car battery.. 26 Cassette memory.. 4 Charging battery pack. 8 Charging vanadium-lithium battery. 117 Cleaning video heads. 123 Clock set. 118 Color TV system. 4, 126 Connection.. 70, 82 Continuous. 103 COPY INHIBIT. 116

O, P, Q

PHOTO.. 33 Photo scan.. 79 Photo search. 77 Playback on a TV.. 70 Playback pause.. 23 Power sources.. 25 Power zoom.. 14 PROGRAM AE.. 54 Progressive.. 35 PROG. SCAN.. 35
Data Code.. 81 Date search.. 74 Demo... 142 DISPLAY.. 22 Digital zoom. 15 DV connecting cable. 83 DV format.. 116 DV IN/OUT. 83 Editing... 82 EJECT.. 11, 93, 94 END SEARCH.. 21, 24 Exposure.. 44
Remaining battery indicator. 120 Remaining tape indicator. 142 Remote Commander.. 139
Self-diagnosis function. 132 Self-timer recording. 18 Slide show.. 114 SP mode.. 13 Standby mode.. 12 START/STOP MODE selector.. 15 SteadyShot.. 51 Still image.. 98

F, G, H

Fade-in/fade-out.. 36 FADER.. 36 Floppy disk.. 91 Floppy disk adapter. 91 Format... 96 FOCUS... 57 Full charge. 8

T, U, V

Time code. 13 Title (making).. 66 Title (superimposition). 63 Title search.. 76 Tripod mounting.. 20 VOLUME. 22

I, J, K, L

i.LINK.. 138 Image quality mode. 95 INDEX (Multiple) display. 106 InfoLITHIUM.. 121 LASER LINK.. 71 Lens hood.. 14 LCD BRIGHT.. 16, 22 LP mode.. 13

Sony Corporation

Printed in Japan