3-070-602-11 (1)

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-PC Serial No. Model No. ACSerial No.

SERIES

DCR-PC120BT

DCR-PC115/PC120BT

2001 Sony Corporation

Welcome!

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

WARNING

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

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
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 battery.
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.

Memory Stick

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 OPERAION. THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN ICES-003.
The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this Handycam is harmful to eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. Refer to servicing to qualified personnel only.

DCR-PC120BT only

Countries and areas where you can use network functions are restricted. For details, refer to the separate Network Operating Instructions.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
SONY DCR-PC120 Sony Electronics Inc. 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ07649 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 201-930-6972 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. Trade Name: Model No.: Responsible Party: Address:
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
Note: 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 digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Recording a picture from a tape as a moving picture.. 128 Recording edited pictures as a moving picture Digital program editing (on Memory Sticks). 132 Copying still images from a tape Photo save.. 135 Viewing a still image Memory photo playback.. 136 Viewing a moving picture MPEG movie playback. 139 Viewing images using computer. 141 Copying the image recorded on Memory Sticks to tapes. 147 Enlarging still images recorded on Memory Sticks Memory PB ZOOM. 148 Playing back images in a continuous loop SLIDE SHOW.. 149 Preventing accidental erasure Image protection. 150 Deleting images.. 151 Writing a print mark PRINT MARK.. 153 Using the optional printer.. 154
Using the Network function
Accessing the network.. 155

Troubleshooting

Types of trouble and their solutions.. 156 Self-diagnosis display.. 162 Warning indicators and messages. 163

Additional Information

Usable cassettes.. 165 About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack.. 167 About i.LINK.. 169 Using your camcorder abroad.. 171 Maintenance information and precautions. 172 Specifications.. 177

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls. 179 Index... 187

Quick Start Guide

This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses ( ) for more information. Pull down the Holding Grip to hold your camcorder as illustrated. Holding Grip
Connecting the power cord

(p. 15)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 12). Open the jack cover. AC power adaptor (supplied)
Connect the plug with its v mark facing up.
Inserting a cassette (p. 19) 1
Slide OPEN/ Z EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.
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.
Close the cassette compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette compartment. After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it clicks.
Recording a picture 1 Remove the lens cap.
Viewing a picture with the viewfinder Close the LCD panel, and pull out the viewfinder.

(p. 20)

2 Set the POWER
switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.

POWER LOCK

3 Press OPEN to open the
LCD panel. The picture appears on the screen.

4 Press START/STOP. Your

camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

OFF (CHG)

E ER M O RY A

M M CA

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. If you want to record the date and time for a picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 16).

Playback Basics

Playing back a tape
You can monitor the playback picture on the screen. If you close the LCD panel, you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button. Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. Press m to rewind the tape. Press N to start playback. To adjust the volume, press either of the two buttons on VOLUME. When you close the LCD panel, sound is muted.

VOLUME

To stop playback

Press x.

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 or close the LCD panel Open or close the LCD panel vertically.
To display the screen indicators Display function
Press DISPLAY. The indicators appear on the screen. To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY again. DATA CODE DISPLAY

DISPLAY

About date/time and various settings
Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code). Use the Remote Commander for this operation. 1 Set the POWER switch to VCR, then playback a tape. 2 Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander. The display changes as follows: date/time t various settings (SteadyShot, exposure, white balance, gain, shutter speed, aperture value) t no indicator Date/time

0:00:23:01

Various settings

JUL 12:05:56 AM

AUTO 60 AWB F1.8 9dB
[a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] [g]
[a] Tape counter [b] SteadyShot OFF [c] Exposure mode [d] White balance [e] Gain [f] Shutter speed [g] Aperture value Not to display various settings Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 96). The display changes as follows when you press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander: date/time y no indicator
Various settings Various settings is your camcorders information when you have recorded. In the recording mode, the various settings will not be displayed. When you use the data code function, bars (-- -- --) appear if: A blank portion of the tape is being played back. The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise. The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the date and time set.

Viewing the recording on TV
Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the video control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 15). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV. Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

AUDIO/VIDEO

S VIDEO

IN S VIDEO VIDEO

: Signal flow
If your TV is already connected to a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the white or the red plug to the audio input jack on 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. If your TV has an S video jack Pictures can be reproduced more faithfully by using an S video cable (optional). With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect the S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and the TV. This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures. To display the screen indicators on TV Set DISPLAY to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings (p. 96). Then press DISPLAY on your camcorder. To turn off the screen indicators, press DISPLAY on your camcorder again.
Advanced Recording Operations
Recording a still image on a tape Tape Photo recording
You can record an still image like a photograph. You can record about 510 images in the SP mode and about 765 images in the LP mode on a 60-minute tape. Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still images on Memory Sticks (p. 112).
(1) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still image appears. The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet. To change the still image, release PHOTO, select a still image again, and then press and hold PHOTO lightly. (2) Press PHOTO deeper. The still image on the screen is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded. The still image is displayed on the screen until recording is completed.

CAMERA SET D ZOOM 16 : 9W I DE STEADYSHOT N. S. L I GHT FRAME REC ON I NT. REC FLASH LVL RETURN [MENU] : END
CAMERA SET I NT. REC I NTERVAL REC T I ME RETURN 30SEC CAMERA SET I NT. REC I NTERVAL REC T I ME RETURN 30SEC 1M I N 5M I N 10M I N
[MENU] : END CAMERA SET I NT. REC I NTERVAL REC T I ME RETURN

STBY I NTERVAL

CAMERA SET I NT. REC I NTERVAL REC T I ME RETURN

0. 5SEC

0. 5SEC 1SEC 1. 5SEC 2SEC
To cancel the interval recording
Perform either of the following: Set INT. REC to OFF in the menu settings. Set the POWER switch to other than CAMERA.
To perform normal recording during the interval recording
You can perform normal recording only once during INTERVAL. Press START/STOP. The INTERVAL indicator flashes, and normal recording starts. To stop normal recording, press START/STOP again. On recording time There may be a discrepancy in recording time of up to +/ six frames from the selected time.
Frame by frame recording Cut recording
You can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording. To create this effect, alternately move the subject a little and make a cut recording. We recommend that you use a tripod, and operate the camcorder using the Remote Commander after step 4.
(1) In the standby mode, press MENU, then select and decide upon FRAME REC in with the control button (p. 96). (2) Select and decide upon ON with the control button. (3) Press MENU to erase the menu display. The FRAME REC indicator lights up. (4) Press START/STOP to start cut recording. The camcorder makes a recording for about six frames, and returns to recording standby. (5) Move the subject, and repeat step 4.
CAMERA SET D ZOOM 16 : 9W I DE STEADYSHOT N. S. L I GHT FRAME REC OFF ON I NT. REC FLASH LVL RETURN [MENU] : END CAMERA SET D ZOOM 16 : 9W I DE STEADYSHOT N. S. L I GHT FRAME REC ON I NT. REC FLASH LVL RETURN [MENU] : END
To cancel the cut recording
Perform either of the following: Set FRAME REC to OFF in the menu settings. Set the POWER switch to other than CAMERA. Note The proper remaining tape time is not indicated if you use this function continuously. When using the cut recording function The last recorded cut is longer than other cuts.
Advanced Playback Operations
Playing back a tape with picture effects
During playback, you can process a scene using the picture effect functions: NEG. ART, SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE.
(1) In the playback or playback pause mode, press MENU, then select and decide with the control button (p. 96). upon P EFFECT in (2) Select and decide upon the desired mode with the control button. For details of each picture effect function, see page 45.

The fewer bars there are on the screen, the stronger the effect. (7) Press PHOTO deeper to start recording. The image displayed on the screen will be recorded on a Memory Stick. Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.
Press MEMORY MIX. Notes You cannot use MEMORY MIX function for moving pictures recorded on Memory Sticks. When the overlapping still image has a large amount of white, the thumbnail image of the picture may not be clear. Image data modified with your computers or shot with other equipment You may not be able to play them back with your camcorder. During recording You cannot change the mode setting. When recording images on a Memory Stick using the MEMORY MIX function The PROGRAM AE function does not work. (The indicator flashes.) The Memory Stick supplied with your camcorder stores 20 images For M. CHROM: 18 images (such as a frame) 100-0001~100-0018 For C. CHROM: two images (such as a background) 100-0019~100-0020 Sample images Sample images stored in the Memory Stick supplied with your camcorder are protected (p. 150).
Recording moving pictures on Memory Sticks MPEG movie recording
You can record moving pictures with sound on Memory Sticks. Before operation Insert a Memory Stick into your camcorder.
(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. When IMAGESIZE in the menu settings is set to 320 240, the maximum recording time is 15 seconds. However, when IMAGESIZE in the menu settings is set to 160 112, the maximum recording time is 60 seconds.

320 REC

0:[ SEC ]
[a]: Recording time can be recorded on the Memory Stick [b]: This indicator is displayed for five seconds after pressing START/STOP. This indicator is not recorded.

To stop recording

Press START/STOP. Note Sound is recorded in monaural. When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY The following functions do not work: Wide mode Digital zoom SteadyShot function SUPER NIGHTSHOT Fader Picture effect Digital effect Title Low lux of PROGRAM AE (The indicator flashes.) Sports lesson of PROGRAM AE (The indicator flashes.)
When using an external flash (optional) Turn the power of the external flash off when recording moving pictures on Memory Sticks. Otherwise, the charging sound for the flash may be recorded. Recording date/time The date/time are not displayed while recording. However, they are automatically recorded onto the Memory Stick. To display the recording date/time, press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback. Various settings cannot be recorded. During recording on Memory Stick Do not eject the cassette tape from your camcorder. During ejecting the tape, sound is not recorded on the Memory Stick. When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY The angle of view is slightly larger compared with the angle of view in CAMERA mode.

Note The may flash in the following instances. If this happens, eject and insert Memory Stick again, and record distortion-free images. When recording on a tape in a poor recording state, for example, on a tape that has been repeatedly used for dubbing When attempting to input images that are distorted due to poor radio wave reception when a TV tuner unit is in use During recording on Memory Stick Do not eject the cassette tape from your camcorder. During ejecting the tape, sound is not recorded on the Memory Stick.
Recording edited pictures as a moving picture Digital program editing (on Memory Sticks)
You can duplicate selected scenes (programs) for editing onto Memory Sticks.

Making the program

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR on your camcorder. (2) Insert the tape for playback, and a Memory Stick for recording into your camcorder. with the (3) Press MENU, then select and decide upon VIDEO EDIT in control button (p. 96). (4) Select and decide upon MEMORY with the control button. (5) Select and decide upon IMAGE SIZE with the control button. When IMAGE SIZE is set to 320 240, the maximum recording time is 15 seconds. However, when IMAGE SIZE is set to 160 112, the maximum recording time is 60 seconds. (6) Search for the beginning of the first scene you want to insert using the video operation buttons, then pause playback. You can fine-adjust one frame at a time with EDITSEARCH. (7) Press MARK on the Remote Commander, or z on the control button. The IN point of the first program is set, and the top part of the program mark changes to light blue. (8) Search for the end of the first scene you want to insert using the video operation buttons, then pause playback. (9) Press MARK on the Remote Commander, or z on the control button. The OUT point of the first program is set, then the bottom part of the program mark changes to light blue. (10) Repeat steps 6 to 9, then set the program. When one program is set, the program mark changes to light blue. You can set 20 programs in maximum.

PLAY STOP

FF PAUSE
V I D EO E D I T MA R K UNDO ERASE A L L S T ART I MAGE S I Z E TOT A L [ ME NU ] : E ND 0:0 8:5 5:1 OU T 0 SEC [
V I D EO E D I T MA R K UNDO ERASE A L L S T ART I MAGE S I Z E TOT A L [ ME NU ] : E ND 0:0 8:5 8:2 IN 15SEC ] 3 SEC [
V I D EO E D I T MA R K UNDO ERASE A L L S T ART I MAGE S I Z E TOT A L 0:1 0:0 1:4 IN 15SEC ] 13 S EC [

To stop MPEG movie playback
Press MEMORY PLAY. Note You may not be able to play back images with your camcorder: when playing back image data modified on your computers. when playing back image data shot with other equipment. To play back recorded images on a TV screen Connect your camcorder to the TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder before operation. Turn the audio volume of the TV down before operation, or noise (howling) may be output from the TV speakers. When no image is recorded on the Memory Stick The message NO FILE appears.
Viewing a moving picture MPEG movie playback Screen indicators during moving picture playback
2 / 20 MEMOR Y P L A Y 0:1 2

MO V 1

Picture number/Total number of recorded pictures Memory playback
Protect Recording date/time. (Various settings are displayed as .)
Data directory number/File number
Recording date/time To display the recording date/time, press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.
Viewing images using computer
You can view data recorded on the Memory Stick using your computer. Note Data recorded on the Memory Stick is stored in the following formats. Make sure that applications that support these file formats are installed on your computer. Still images: JPEG format Moving images/audio: MPEG format
Recommended computer environment
Recommended Windows environment OS: Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows Me or Windows 2000 Professional standard installation is required. However, operation is not assured if the above environment is upgraded OS. CPU: MMX Pentium 200 MHz or faster The USB connector must be provided as standard. An application such as RealPlayer or Windows Media Player capable of playing back MPEG picture must be installed (to play back moving pictures). Recommended Macintosh environment Macintosh computer with the Mac OS 8.5.1/8.6/9.0/9.1 or Mac OS X standard installation However, note that the update to Mac OS 9.0/9.1 should be used for the following models. iMac with the Mac OS 8.6 standard installation and a slot loading type CD-ROM drive iBook or Power Mac G4 with the Mac OS 8.6 standard installation The USB connector must be provided as standard. QuickTime 3.0 or newer must be installed (to play back moving pictures). Notes Operations are not guaranteed for either the Windows or Macintosh environment if you connect two or more USB equipment to a single computer at the same time, or when using a hub. Depending on the type of USB equipment that is used simultaneously, some equipment may not operate. Operations are not guaranteed for all the recommended computer environments mentioned above. 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.

Using the optional printer
You can use the optional printer on your camcorder to print images on the print paper. For details, refer to the operating instructions of the printer. There are various ways of printing still images. The following, however, describes how to print by selecting in the menu on your camcorder. Before operation Insert a recorded Memory Stick into your camcorder. Connect the optional printer to your camcorder as illustrated.

Printer

9PIC PRINT
PR I NT SE T 9 P I C PR I N T RE T URN D A T E / T I ME S AME RE T URN MU L T I MA R K E D

DATE/TIME

PR I NT SE T DATE 9 P I C PR I NT D A T E / T I ME O F F RE T URN DA T E D A Y & T I ME
MENU You can print nine still images on the 9-split print paper. Select the desired mode in the menu settings. SAME PICS MULTI PICS or *MARKED PICS
* Nine still images with print marks are printed together. You can make prints with the recording date and/or recording time. Select the desired mode in the menu settings. DATE DAY & TIME

4 2001

Images recorded in multi screen mode You cannot print images recorded in multi screen mode on sticker type print paper. Moving pictures recorded on Memory Stick You cannot print moving pictures. When Memory Stick has no files NO STILL IMAGE FILE appears on the screen.
When there are no files with a PRINT MARK NO PRINT MARK appears on the screen.
Using the Network function

Accessing the network

DCR-PC120BT only
You can access the Internet using a Bluetooth equipped device that is complied to the camcorder. Once the access is made, you can view a Web page, send/receive your email, etc. This section described only how to open the Network Menu.
(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. (2) Press NETWORK. (Bluetooth) lamp flashes and Network Menu appears.
For the details, refer to the Network Function Operating Instructions supplied with your camcorder.

NETWORK

BROWSER MENU (Bluetooth) lamp

The tape does not move when a video control button is pressed.
(continued on the following page)
Types of trouble and their solutions In the recording and playback modes
Cause and/or Corrective Actions The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead. c Install a charged battery pack (p. 12, 13). The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet. c Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet (p. 15). The end search function does not The tape was ejected after recording when using a tape work. without cassette memory (p. 30). You have not recorded on the new cassette yet (p. 30). The end search function does not The tape has a blank portion in the beginning or middle work correctly. (p. 30). The battery pack is quickly The operating temperature is too low. discharged. The battery pack is not fully charged. c Charge the battery pack fully again (p. 13). The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be recharged. c Replace with a new battery pack (p. 12). The battery remaining indicator does You have used the battery pack in an extremely hot or not indicate the correct time. cold environment for a long time. The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be recharged. c Replace with a new battery pack (p. 12). The battery is not fully charged. c Install a charged battery pack (p. 12, 13). A deviation has occurred in the remaining battery time. c Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining indicator is correct (p. 13). The power goes off although the A deviation has occurred in the remaining battery time. battery remaining indicator indicates c Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication that the battery pack has enough on the battery remaining indicator is correct (p. 13).
The power does not turn on. power to operate. The cassette cannot be removed from the holder.
The % and Z indicators flash and no functions except for cassette ejection work. indicator does not appear when using a tape with cassette memory. Remaining tape indicator is not displayed.
The power source is disconnected. c Connect it firmly (p. 12, 15). The battery is dead. c Use a charged battery pack (p. 12, 13). Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least one hour to acclimatize (p. 172). The gold-plated connector of the tape is dirty or dusty. c Clean the gold-plated connector (p. 166). The q REMAIN is set to AUTO in the menu settings. c Set it to ON to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 96).

Five-digit display

C:04:ss

C:21:ss

C:22:ss

C:31:ss C:32:ss

E:61:ss E:62:ss E:91:ss
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. 15, 167). Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least one hour to acclimatize (p. 172). The video heads are dirty. c Clean the heads using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 173). A malfunction other than the above that you can service has occurred. c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your camcorder. c Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or remove the battery pack. After reconnecting the power source, operate your camcorder. A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred. c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code (example: E:61:10).
If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Warning indicators and messages
If indicators and messages appear on the screen, check the following: See the page in parentheses ( ) for more information.

Warning indicators

1000001 C:21:00
100-0001 Warning indicator as to file Slow flashing: The file is corrupted. The file is unreadable. You are trying to carry out MEMORY MIX function on moving picture (p. 121). C:21:00 Self-diagnosis display (p. 162). E The battery is dead or nearly dead Slow flashing: The battery is nearly dead. Depending on the operating conditions, environment and battery condition, the E indicator may flash, even if there are approximately five to 10 minutes remaining. Fast flashing: The battery is dead (p. 13). % Moisture condensation has occurred* Fast flashing: Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder, and leave it for about one hour with the cassette compartment open (p. 172). Warning indicator as to cassette memory* Slow flashing: No tape with cassette memory is inserted (p. 165). Warning indicator as to Memory Stick* Slow flashing: No Memory Stick is inserted. Fast flashing: The Memory Stick is not readable with your camcorder (p. 104). The image cannot be recorded on Memory Stick (p. 118).

Maintenance information and precautions

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 there is moisture inside your camcorder, the beep sounds and the % indicator flashes. When the Z indicator flashes at the same time, the cassette is inserted in your camcorder. If moisture condenses on the lens, the indicator will not appear.
If moisture condensation occurred
None of the functions except cassette ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder, and leave it for about one hour with the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be used again if the % indicator does not appear when the power is turned on again. If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this happens, the cassette sometimes is not ejected for 10 seconds after the cassette lid is opened. This is not a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected. Note on moisture condensation Moisture may condense when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a hot place as follows: You bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating device. You bring your camcorder from an air-conditioned car or room into a hot place outside. You use your camcorder after a squall or a shower. You use your camcorder in a high temperature and humidity place. How to prevent moisture condensation When you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place, put your camcorder in a plastic bag and tightly seal it. Remove the bag when the air temperature inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature (after about one hour).
Maintenance information and precautions 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 CASSETTE message appear one after another or the x indicator flashes on the screen during recording. If the above problem, [a], [b] or [c] occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-12CLD cleaning cassette (optional). Check the picture and if the above problem persists, repeat cleaning.
If the video heads get dirtier, the entire screen becomes blue [c].

Cleaning the LCD screen

If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, we recommend using a LCD Cleaning Kit (optional) to clean the LCD screen.
Removing dust from inside the viewfinder
(1) Pull out the viewfinder in the direction of the arrow 1. Remove the two screws in the direction of the arrow 2 with a screwdriver (optional). Remove the eyecup in the direction of the arrow 3.
(2) Remove dust from inside the eyecup and viewfinder with a commercially available blower. (3) In the reverse way of (1), attach the eyecup. Then replace the screws in the direction of the arrow 2.
Caution Do not remove any other screws. You may remove only the screw to remove the eyecup. Notes Do not drop or bend the eyecup shaft. Be careful when handling the eyecup.
Maintenance information and precautions Charging the built-in rechargeable battery
Your camcorder is supplied with a built-in rechargeable battery installed so as to retain the date and time, etc., regardless of the setting of the POWER switch. The built-in rechargeable battery is always charged as long as you are using your camcorder. The battery, however, will get discharged gradually if you do not use your camcorder. It will be completely discharged in about three months if you do not use your camcorder at all. Even if the built-in rechargeable battery is not charged, it will not affect the camcorder operation. To retain the date and time, etc., charge the battery if the battery is discharged. Charging the built-in rechargeable battery: Connect your camcorder to house current using the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder, and leave your camcorder with the power switch turned off for more than 24 hours. Or install the fully charged battery pack in your camcorder, and leave your camcorder with the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more than 24 hours.

Precautions

Camcorder operation
Operate your camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor). For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this operating instructions. If any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens. Keep the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) when you are not using your camcorder. Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside. Keep your camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration. Do not touch the LCD screen with your fingers or a sharp-pointed object. If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction. While using your camcorder, the back of the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a malfunction.

DuoCam Camcorder
Panasonic Panasonic, PV-DV53, Mini DV Camcorder, 700x Digital Zoom, i.Link PhotoVu Link, DUAL Digital Electronic PV-DV53
Image Stabilization (Record &. $629.00

Sony DCRTRV255E

PAL/DCR-TRV255E DIGITAL-8 CAMCORDER
Panasonic PANASONIC PVGS55 MiniDV Digital Camcorder MAY NOT BE U.S. MODEL PVGS55

$699.95

Canon XL1S

$3895.00

Canon, XL1S, MiniDV, Camcorder pt# XL1S
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DCR-DVD300 DVD Handycam Camcorder pt# Sony DCR-DVD300 DCRDVD300 $899.00

Samsung SC-D103

$459.00
Samsung SC-D103 Digital Camcorder
Sony DCRPC55 MiniDV Handycam® Camcorder with Sony DCRPC55 3" Hybrid Touch Panel LCD Silve 12 vendors have this product for sale from $575.00 - $699.95

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Sony DCR-PC120E

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4 vendors have this product for sale from $1099.00 - $1199.00

for $1199.00

Panasonic SVAV50
2 vendors have this product for sale from $299.95 - $325.00

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for $325.00

Sony, DCR-TRV17, Mini DV Camcorder, 3.5" Sony DCRTRV17 SwivelScreen, 10X optical/120X digital zoom, Super SteadyShot, USB Interface, MPEG Movie Mode $429.00
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Sony DCRPC108E

$865.00
DCR PC108E PAL CAMCORDER (MINI DV)
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Panasonic SV-AV20

$369.95
e-wear SD Multi AV Device, Silver pt# SV-AV20

Canon 9478A001

$576.00
Canon Elura 70 DV Camcorder
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Samsung SCD5000

$1159.00
SCD-5000 Mini DV Camcorder
Panasonic Panasonic, PV-L552, VHS-C Palmcorder, 4.0" Color LCD, 26x Hi-Definition/780x Digital Zoom, Digital Electronic PV-L552
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Sony, DCR-TRV18, MiniDV Camcorder,2.5" Sony DCR-TRV18 SwivelScreen, 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom, MemoryStick Media, 1/4" Advanced HAD CCD. pt# DCR-TRV18 $429.00

Panasonic VDR-M30

$1399.00
VDR-M30 DVD Camcorder pt# VDRM30

Canon Optura 300

Optura 300 MiniDV Camcorder pt# 9048A001AA
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CANON ZR85 MiniDV Digital Camcorder MAY NOT Canon 9382A001AA BE U.S. MODEL $409.00

Canon XL2E

$4399.95
XL2 24P 16:9 3CCD DV PAL CAMCORDER
HITACHI DZMV580E DVD Camcorder - For Europe Use Hitachi DZMV580E Only $897.97
Panasonic PANASONIC 2.5 INCH LCD CAMCR MAGC PIX/8MB NIC MARCH PVL453
Archos Technology KIT-VIDEO AV140 W/DVR100 MODULE W/DIG STILL CAMERA CAMCORDER 500507KIT

Canon 9479A001AA

CANON Elura 65 Mini DV Digital Camcorder

Canon 9539A003AA

CANON Optura 500 Digital Video Camcorder

Canon zr80

$404.00
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Panasonic PANASONIC PV-L454 VHS-C Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder PV-L454

$414.95

AG-DV2500 Panasonic DV2500DVC7H PACKAGE/VTR/AGDVC7/CCH15/MIC $2849.95
Panasonic Panasonic NV-GS120EN PAL Mini DV Camcorder (for GS120EN International use)

$849.00

Panasonic PVGS55PKG
PV-GS55 Camcorder with Additional Accessory Kit
Sharp, VLAH150U, Hi8 Camcorder, 3" High Color LCD, Sharp VL-AH151U 16x Optical Zoom/400x Digital Zoom $267.00

Panasonic AGDVC32EN

$2599.95
AG-DVC32E 1/4-Inch 3-CCD PAL Camcorder
Sharp, VL-AH60U Hi-8 Viewcam, 3.5" Color LCD Sharp VLAH60U Viewscreen,16X Optical Zoom/400X Digital, $309.95
Sharp, VLAH30U 16x Optical Zoom, Digital Image Sharp VLAH30U Stabilization, Digital Picture Effects, 3 LCD Display $279.95
Sony, DSR-PD100A, DVCAM Camcorder featuring Sony DSRPD100A three 1/4" IT CCD's, 500 TV lines horizontal resolution, 4 lux minimum illumination. $1979.00
Sharp, VL-A10U, Hi8 Camcorder, 3" Color LCD, 16X Optical Sharp VLA10U Zoom,Titler with 8-Preset Titles, Remote Control, Fader Function $269.95

Canon GL1KIT

Sony DCRVX2000PRO

$2295.00

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Sharp, VLAH150U, Hi-8 Viewcam, 3" Color LCD, 400x Sharp VLAH150U Digital Zoom, Virtual Twin Mode, Image Stabilizer , 4Mode Auto Exposure $264.95
Sony, DSR-PD150P, three newly developed 1/3 inch Sony DSR-PD150PAL 380K pixel CCDs that allow two scanning modes 480 progressive (for still) or. pt# DSRPD150P $2899.00
Canon, XL1s Canon Video CAMCORDER , Separate CCD Canon 7046A001 for each primary color $3895.00

Canon 7196A001

Canon 7196A001 XL1s Canon Video CAMCODER
Canon Canon, Elura 10, MiniDV Camcorder, 2.5" Color LCD, RGB Elura10 Primary Color Filter, 7.5 lx Using the Low-Light Program