Reviews

Convenience and artistry

MiniDV Camcorder

Sony DCR-PC9

by Peter Dudar

The DCR-PC9 MiniDV camcorder is Sonys update of the DCR-PC5, and to a great extent its still a PC5with expanded battery capacity, MPEG movie capability and USB connectivity. Mind you, it now weighs in at 17 ounces, four ounces less than the PC5, and also costs considerably less than its predecessor. But the guts of the system are still the same: a Carl Zeiss 10X optical zoom lens, a 1/4-inch 680K pixel CCD imager, a 180K pixel color viewfinder, and a 2.5 inch swivel screen LCD display with touchscreen controls. Both price-wise and feature-wise, the PC9 now delivers a serious counter-punch to its main rivals in the pocket cam category, the Canon Elura2 MC and the JVC GR-DVP3.

TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEM

checking the viewfinder again. If youre always going to shoot on Autono problem. Being primarily an auto cam, the PC9 provides a slew of consumer AE (auto exposure) modes and in-camera effects, but no means to explicitly set either the aperture or shutter (aside from a slow shutter mode). Manual focussing can be activated quickly via a button on the cam body.

SIGHT AND SOUND

The PC5 developed a reputation for producing pretty decent images in good light and mediocre results in low light. The PC9 has the same lens (F 1.7 - 2.2) and the same CCD imager. The CCDs HAD Technology reduces low-light video noise, but it cant realistically be expected to perform like a 3 CCD system when the light fades. This cam has a minimum illumination rating of 5 lux, versus 7.50 (Low Light program) for the Canon Elura. The PC9 performs quite nicely for its size, and will sometimes produce images beyond its ap-
parent capabilities; just dont expect to consistently get results comparable to higher end camcorders. Mini-size cams dont come with stuff like built-in neutral density filters or zebra pattern controls, so seriously consider getting UV and ND filters. Sony sells a VF30PK/S Polarizing Filter Kit for $99.99. When youre down to 0 lux, you can use the PC9s Super NightShot infrared mode. Images will be monochrome, vignetted, and strobe if the cam or subject move, but youll feel like youre on an espionage mission while shooting. And speaking of cam movement, the PC9 has a pretty decent image stabilizer. Attached microphones on DV cameras are notoriously sub-standard, and built-in mics on mini-size cams are housed right in the body, the better to pick up motor noise. The DCR-PC9 is capable of CDquality recording (48 kHz, 16-bit) and has a mic input, so if you require good location sound, invest in a decent external mic. Even so, keep in mind that the cam has no record level control, just an indicator that youre recording in 12 or 16-bit mode.
The PC9s LCD touch screen system has an upside and a downside. Menus and submenus are displayed index card style. Once you get the hang of it, cruising through the options seems more intuitive than the button-and-wheel systems employed by Canon and JVC. Spot metering can be done by simply pressing the appropriate point on the LCD image. The downside is that its hard to see anything on the LCD in bright daylight. The situation is further complicated by the lack of an exposure button on the camera body to enable quick adjustments through the viewfinder. Both Canon and JVC provide exposure buttonswith the Sony, you have to flip open the LCD (which ups battery consumption), go into submenus, guesstimate the adjustment (since the LCD image is washed out), flip the LCD shut, and then see what youve done by

60 Graphic Exchange

Use MEMORY MODE to grab MPEG sequences (up to 60 sec.) or JPEG images from tape, as above. You can also shoot stills (640 x 480) directly to the memory stick, or record MPEG movies (up to 15 seconds at 320 x 240) on the stick. Then plug into your PC or Mac via the new USB connector, and drag the files onto your drive or into an e-mail.

USB, JPEGS, MPEGS

With the PC9s newfound USB connectivity, Mac users can finally retrieve files from Sony memory sticks, and PC users can forget about using torturously slow serial interfaces. (Canons cam predates the Sony and JVC modelsits users need an accessory to connect via USB.) In Fine mode, the PC9 produces 640 x 480 pixel JPEGsat 1/6 compression, with a resulting file size of about 100 KB. That means you can get around 40 images max on the supplied 4MB memory stick, versus about 1300 on the maximum available size of 128 MB. (The JVC can output 1024 x 768 stills.) Besides shooting directly to the stick, you can also freeze and capture images internally from miniDV tapes; or from external devices by using the input connector. For action sequences, you can automatically shoot nine stills sequentially (0.5 second intervals) and display them contact sheet style. So just how fine are PC9 still imageswell, they may be good enough for Web use, but you wont be framing them for gallery display. You record an MPEG sequence to the memory stick as you would to tape, only with the cam set to Memory mode. The sound, in this case, is mono. And as with stills, you can also record movie data from tape or external sources. The cam shoots up to 60 seconds of video in E-mail mode (160 x 112 resolution), or up to 15 seconds in Presentation mode (320 x 240). And it can convert up to 60 seconds from tape. Captured at a frame rate of 25 FPS and at 320 x 240 resolution (a pretty standard size for high- and med-res movie trailers on the Web), these movies are quite acceptable for online use. The PC9s JPEGs and MPEGs are compact enough to email as isits a delight to shoot and then send them off within minutes. Figure youll get up to 40 seconds at 320x240 on the supplied 4MB memory stick, versus 21 min. 20 sec. on a 128 MB stick.
Note: the progressive shutter system on this cam works only with stills. You can use the LCD to click through your assets six at a timein this mode, the index displays the first frame of each MPEG.
To compete in the consumer arena, manufacturers tend to shortchange you on accessories. Like Canon, Sony no longer supplies an AC adapter/charger with the cam, just an AC adapter. This means battery packs have to be charged on the camcorder, rendering the cam unusable while doing so. Sony charges $249.99 for a charger. Since one hour tapes are the standard, I figure cams should come with a battery that actually lasts one hour. The new NPFM30 InfoLithium battery on the DCRPC9 has 30 percent more capacity than the one supplied with the PC5. Using the same artificial yardstick as other manufacturers, Sony estimates that you can shoot up to 115 minutes with this battery. Itll never happen. In real world shooting conditions, expect the NP-FM30 to last less than an hour. That said, seeing as this cam is primarily a mobile device, youll want more batteries anyway. The NP-FM 50 should get you over the one hour mark. The FM 70 and FM91 provide more capacity, but add bulk to one side of the cam. So you have to decide if size or duration is your priority.

CONVENIENCE AND ARTISTRY

SONY DCR- PC9 Specifications
MiniDV Recording Advanced HAD CCD (1/4" - 680k pixel gross) Horizontal Video Resolution: up to 500 Lines Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens (F: 1.7 - 2.2) 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom 2.5" Precision SwivelScreen LCD Display (211k pixels) Touch Screen System; Exposure Touch Pad (24 steps) Precision Color Viewfinder (180k pixels) Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization Minimum Illumination 5 Lux Super NightShot Lux Infrared System Memory Mode with Memory Stick Digital Storage Media; MPEG-1 Movie; VGA 640 x 480 Still Image Resolution 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM Digital Stereo with Audio Dub InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System Stamina Power Management System (using optional NP-FM91) i.LINK DV Interface (IEEE-1394): bi-directional Video actual 340K pixels; Still actual 340K pixels f (Focal Distance) 3.3-33mm Shutter Speeds: 1 / / 4000 (in AE mode) Filter Diameter 30mm 16:9 Wide Mode Analog Recording Input Power Consumption (VF/LCD/VF+LCD): 2.7W/3.5W/3.8W Dimensions (WxHxD): 2-3/8" x 4-1/8" x 3-7/8" Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz. Supplied Accessories: AC-L10 AC Adapter, NP-FM30 InfoLithium battery, Wireless remote control RMT814, Stereo A/V cable, Lens cap, 4MB Memory Stick Digital Media, USB Cable, MGI PhotoSuite software (Windows/Mac), Video Wave software (Windows)
The DCR-PC9 may be intended as a convenience for the upscale consumer or business person, and that it is. And maybe its a vital lifestyle accessory. But having a capable DV device always on standby can also give you a creative jolt. You probably see things in passing that should be put on tapethat you know will be gone tomorrow. Or maybe you get flashes of insightideas that absolutely have to be tried out now. Just grab the cam, and do it. After all, masterworks can be built from small ideas.

Pricing

MSRP $1899.99 Sony Telephone 1-877-899-7669 Web www.sony.ca

Graphic Exchange

Additional Information

Using the viewfinder.. Usable cassettes.. About i.LINK.. Troubleshooting.. Self-diagnosis display.. Warning indicators and messages. Using your camcorder abroad. Maintenance information and precautions.. Specifications.. 144
Advanced Playback Operations
Playing back a tape with picture effects.. 49 Playing back a tape with digital effects. 50 Enlarging recorded images PB ZOOM. 51 Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory function. 52 Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title Title search.. 53 Searching a recording by date Date search.. 54 Searching for a photo Photo search/Photo scan.. 56

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls. 145 Quick Function Guide.. 153 Index.. 154
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 3 4

Getting started

1 RMT-811 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 150) 2 AC-VF10 power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 10) 3 DK-115 Connecting cord (1) (p. 14) 4 NP-FS11 battery pack (1) (p. 10, 12)
7 Memory Stick (1) (p. 96) 8 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 31) 9 Lens cap (1) (p. 18) 0 Application software: PictureGear 4.1 Lite (CD-ROM) (1) (p. 116) qa Battery terminal cover (1) (p. 12)
5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 151) 6 PC serial cable (1) (p. 116)
qs Cleaning cloth (1) (p. 140)

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. 14)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 12).
AC adaptor (supplied) Quick Start Guide Connecting plate DK connecting cord (supplied) Remove the battery terminal cover. And then attach the connecting plate to your camcorder.
Slide the BATT RELEASE lever to remove the connecting plate from your camcorder.
Inserting a cassette (p. 15) 1 Slide OPEN/Z
EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

2 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.

3 Close the cassette

compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette compartment.

4 After the cassette

compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it clicks.
Recording a picture 1 Remove the lens cap.

(p. 18)

3 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA
while pressing the small green button. The power lamp lights up.

2 When the

LCD panel is closed, pull out the viewfinder until it clicks. Use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup.

Installing the battery pack
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
(1) While sliding BATT RELEASE in the direction of the arrow 1, slide the battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow 2. (2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
To remove the battery pack
The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.
After installing the battery pack Do not carry your comcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder. Note on the remaining battery time indicator The remaining battery time indicator on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder roughly indicates the recording time. The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording. When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about 1 minute for the correct remaining battery time to be displayed. Note on the battery terminal cover To protect the battery terminals, install the battery terminal cover after the battery pack is removed.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Connecting to a wall outlet
When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC adaptor.

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

Connect the supplied connecting cord to the DC OUT jack on the AC adaptor. Slide the connecting plate in the direction of the arrow. Connect the power cord to the AC adaptor. Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
To remove the connecting plate
The connecting plate is removed in the same way as the battery pack. WARNING The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop. PRECAUTION The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off. Using a car battery Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).
Step 2 Inserting a cassette
You can use mini DV cassette with * is a trade mark. logo* only.
(1) Install the battery pack, or connect the AC adaptor for the power supply (p. 10 to 14). (2) Slide OPEN/Z EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (3) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert. Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with the window facing out. mark on the cassette (4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down. (5) After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it clicks.

OPEN/Z EJECT

To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3. Notes Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction. The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other than the mark. When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 125). To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

DATE SEARCH

SEP / 5 / SEP / 6 / DEC / / J AN / 1 / F EB / / A PR / / 0 1
Searching a recording by date Date search Searching for the date without using cassette memory
(1) (2) (3) (4) Set the POWER switch to VCR. Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 16). to OFF in the menu settings (p. 89). Press MENU, then set CM SEARCH in Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the date search indicator appears. The indicator changes as follows: TITLE SEARCH t DATE SEARCH t PHOTO SEARCH t PHOTO SCAN (5) Press. on the Remote Commander to search for the previous date or press > on the Remote Commander to search for the next date. Your camcorder automatically starts playback at the point where the date changes. Each time you press. or >, your camcorder searches for the previous or next date.
Press x on the Remote Commander or on your camcorder. Note If one days recording is less than two minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes. In the mark The bar in the The mark in the
mark indicates the present point on the tape. indicates the actual point you are trying to search.
If a tape has a blank portion between recorded portions The date search function may not work correctly. Cassette memory The tape cassette memory can hold six recording date data. If you search the date among seven or more data, see Searching for the date without using cassette memory.
Searching for a photo Photo search/Photo scan
You can search for a still picture you have recorded on a mini DV tape (photo search). You can also search for still pictures one after another and display each picture for five seconds automatically regardless of cassette memory (photo scan). Use the Remote Commander for these operations. Use this function to check or edit still pictures.
Searching for a photo by using cassette memory
(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR. (2) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 16). to ON in the menu settings (p. 89). (3) Press MENU, then set CM SEARCH in Default setting is ON. (4) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the photo search indicator appears. The indicator changes as follows: TITLE SEARCH t DATE SEARCH t PHOTO SEARCH t PHOTO SCAN (5) Press. or > on the Remote Commander to select the date for playback. Your camcorder automatically starts playback of the photo having the date that you selected.

PHOTO SEARCH

SEP / 5 / SEP / 6 / DE C / / J AN / 1 / F EB / / APR / / 0 1

: : : : : :

SEP / 5 / SEP / 6 / DE C / / J AN / 1 / F EB / / APR / / : : : : : : 11 45
Searching for a photo Photo search/Photo scan Searching for a photo without using cassette memory

Dubbing only desired scenes Digital program editing Step 2: Setting the VCR to operate with the A/V connecting cable
To edit using the VCR, send the control signal by infrared ray to the remote sensor on the VCR. When you connect using the A/V connecting cable, follow the procedures below, (1) ~ (4), to send the control signal correctly.
(1) Setting the IR SETUP code
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR on your camcorder. 2 Turn the power of the connected VCR on, then set the input selector to LINE. When you connect a video camera recorder, set its POWER switch to VCR/ VTR. 3 Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 16). in the menu settings (p. 89). 4 Select EDIT SET in Then press EXEC. 5 Select CONTROL, then press EXEC. 6 Select IR, then press EXEC. 7 Select IR SETUP, then press EXEC. 8 Select the IR SETUP code of your VCR, then press EXEC. See the following page about the IR SETUP code.
EXIT OTHERS MELODY BEEP COMMANDER D I SPLAY V I DEO ED I T ED I T SET
EXIT OTHERS ED I T SET IR CONTROL i. L I NK ADJ TEST CUT - I N CUT -OUT I R SETUP PAUSEMODE I R TEST EXEC RET.
OTHERS ED I T SET IR CONTROL ADJ TEST CUT - I N CUT -OUT I R SETUP PAUSEMODE I R TEST

EXEC EXIT

OTHERS ED I T SET CONTROL ADJ TEST CUT - I N CUT -OUT I R SETUP PAUSEMODE I R TEST
OTHERS ED I T SET CONTROL ADJ TEST CUT - I N CUT -OUT I R SETUP 3 PAUSEMODE I R TEST
About the IR SETUP code The IR SETUP code is stored in the memory of your camcorder. Be sure to set the correct code, depending on your VCR. Default setting is code number 1.
Brand Sony Admiral (M. Wards) Aiwa Audio Dynamic Bell & Howell (M. Wards) Brocsonic Canon Citizen Craig Curtis Mathis Daewoo DBX Dimensia Emerson Fisher Funai General Erectric Goldstar Hitachi Instant Repley JC Penny JVC Kenwood LXI (Sears) Magnavox Marantz Marta Memorex Minolta
IR SETUP code 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 80 21, 70, 82 77, 78, 73, 47 08, 80, 77 26, 40, 77 21, 33, 26, 82, 59, 48, 70, 81 36, 45, 37, 87, 08, 77, 32*, 94* 47 78, 08, 42 77, 78 77, 42, 08, 36, 21, 33, 35 12, 13, 14, 33, 35 21, 33, 47, 35 80, 47, 42, 44, 45, 36, 37 83, 78, 77 21, 33, 77, 37 42, 08
Brand Mitsubishi/MGA Multitech NEC Olympic Panasonic Pentax Philco Philips Pioneer Quasar RCA/PROSCAN Realistic Sansui Singer Samsung Sanyo Scott Sharp Shintom Signature 2000 (M. Wards) Sylvania Symphonic Tashiro Tatung Teac Technics Toshiba Wards Yamaha Zenith
IR SETUP code 21, 28, 22, 23, 24 23, 80, 32 21, 33, 35 77, 78 16, 17, 78, 77, 96 42, 08 78, 77 83, 78, 78, 77, 16, 17 08, 42, 16, 77, 83, 07, 40, 41, 78* 77, 73 94, 41, 32, 32*, 94*, 24* 36, 37 40, 41, 32, 37, 28, 22, 23, 24 89, 80, 89 83, 78, 77, 47 21, 33, 35 21, 33, 80, 35 77, 78 40, 07 89, 88, 37, 95, 47 36, 21, 33, 35 95
* TV/VCR component Note on the IR SETUP code The Digital program editing does not work if the VCR is not corresponed to IR SETUP codes.
(2) Setting the modes to cancel the recording pause on the VCR

Dubbing only desired scenes Digital program editing Operation 2: Performing a Digital program edit (Dubbing a tape)
Make sure your camcorder and the VCR are connected, and that the VCR is set to recording pause. (When you use the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable), you dont need to set the VCR to recording pause mode.) When you use a video camera recorder, set its POWER switch to VCR.
(1) Select VIDEO EDIT. Then press START. (2) Press EXEC. Search for the beginning of the first program, then start dubbing. The SEARCH indicator appears during search, and the EDITING indicator appears during edit on the LCD screen. The program mark changes to light blue after the dubbing is complete. When the dubbing ends, your camcorder and the VCR automatically stop.
To stop dubbing during editing

Press CANCEL.

To finish the Digital program editing function
Your camcorder stops when the dubbing is complete. Then the display returns to VIDEO EDIT in the menu settings. Press END to end the video edit function. You cannot record on the VCR when: The cassette is not inserted. The tape has run out. The write-protect tab is set to expose the red mark. The IR SETUP code is not correct. (When IR is selected.) The button to cancel recording pause is not correct when IR is selected (p. 61). The program to operate the Digital program editing has not been made. i.LINK is selected but the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) is not connected. The power of the connected VCR is not turned on.
Using with analog video unit and personal computer Signal convert function
You can convert analog video signals into digital video signals via your camcorder connected to a personal computer and analog video unit. Analog video signals t Digital video signals You can capture images and sound from an analog video unit connected to a personal computer which has the i. LINK jack (DV jack) to your camcorder.
Set the POWER switch to VCR. Press FN to display PAGE1 (p.16). Set A/V t DV OUT to ON in the menu settings (p. 89). Start playback on the analog video unit slightly ahead of the point from which you want to start capturing images. (5) Start capturing procedures on your personal computer. The operation procedures depend on your personal computer and the software which you use. For details on how to capture images, refer to the instruction manual of your personal computer and the software.

Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings
To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with r/R dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode.

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

In CAMERA/VCR /MEMORY mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 16). Press MENU to display the menu. Press r/R to select a desired icon, and press EXEC. Press r/R to select a desired item, and press EXEC. Press r/R to select a desired setting. RET. to Repeat steps from 3 to 5 if you want to change other items. Press return to step 3.
For details, see Selecting the mode setting of each item (p. 90).

CAMERA

MANUAL SET PROGRAM AE P EFFECT WHT BAL AUTO SHTR

MANUAL SET P EFFECT

MANUAL SET PROGRAM AE P EFFECT
OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER DISPLAY REC LAMP
MANUAL SET PROGRAM AE WHT BAL

EXIT 0 HR

OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP

EXIT 0 HR EXIT

OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER ON DISPLAY REC LAMP
OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER ON OFF DISPLAY REC LAMP
OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER OFF DISPLAY REC LAMP
Menu items are displayed as the following icons: MANUAL SET CAMERA SET VCR SET LCD SET MEMORY SET CM SET TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS
Selecting the mode setting of each item
z is the default setting.
Menu items differ depending on the position of the POWER switch. The LCD screen shows only the items you can operate at the moment.
Icon/item PROGRAM AE P EFFECT WHT BAL AUTO SHTR D ZOOM z ON OFF z OFF 16:9WIDE STEADYSHOT z OFF ON z ON OFF Mode Meaning To suit your specific shooting requirement (p. 44) To add special effects like those in films or on the TV to images (p. 40) To adjust the white balance (p. 35) To adjust the shutter speed automatically To fix the shutter speed To deactivate the digital zoom. Up to 10 zoom is carried out. To activate the digital zoom. More than 10 to 20 zoom is performed digitally (p. 22). To activate the digital zoom. More than 10 to 120 zoom is performed digitally (p. 22). To record a 16:9 wide picture (p. 36) To compensate for camera-shake To cancel the SteadyShot function. Natural pictures are produced when shooting a stationary object with a tripod. To use the NightShot Light function (p. 24) To cancel the NightShot Light function CAMERA MEMORY CAMERA CAMERA CAMERA POWER switch CAMERA MEMORY VCR CAMERA CAMERA MEMORY CAMERA

Formatting the supplied Memory Stick
Formatting with this camcorder is not required. The Memory Stick has been formatted in the FAT-format at factory. Memory Stick supplied with your camcorder Sample images are recorded in the Memory Stick (p. 109). Note that these images will be deleted if you format the Memory Stick. Stick the supplied label on the labeling position to prevent the accidental erasure. As for the labeling position, see the illustration on the previous page.
Memory Sticks formatted by a computer
Memory Sticks formatted by Windows OS or Macintosh computers do not have a guaranteed compatibility with this camcorder. Notes on image data compatibility Image data files recorded on Memory Sticks by your camcorder conform with the Design Rules for Camera File Systems universal standard established by the JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association). On your camcorder, you cannot play back still images recorded on other equipment (DCR-TRV890E/TRV900/TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that does not conform to this universal standard. (These models are not sold in some areas.) If you cannot use the Memory Stick that is used with other equipment, format it with this camcorder (p. 92). However, formatting erases all information on the Memory Stick. Memory Stick and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. 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 a Memory Stickintroduction Inserting a Memory Stick
Insert a Memory Stick in the Memory Stick compartment as far as it can go with the v mark facing up.
Access lamp Memory Stick compartment

Ejecting a Memory Stick

Slide MEMORY RELEASE in the direction of the arrow.

MEMORY RELEASE

While the access lamp is lit or flashing Never shake or strike your camcorder because your camcorder is reading the data from the Memory Stick or recording the data on the Memory Stick. Do not turn the power off , eject a Memory Stick or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur. If MEMORYSTICK ERROR is displayed The Memory Stick is corrupted or the file in the Memory Stick is unreadable. If this occurs, use another Memory Stick.

Recording an image from a mini DV tape as a still image
Your camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a mini DV tape and record it as a still image on a Memory Stick. Your camcorder can also take in moving picture data through the input connector and record it as a still image on a Memory Stick. Before operation Insert a recorded mini DV tape and a Memory Stick into your camcorder.
(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR. The picture recorded on the mini DV tape is played back. (2) Press (3) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until the picture from the mini DV tape freezes. CAPTURE appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. Recording does not start yet. (4) Press PHOTO deeper. The image displayed on the screen will be recorded on a Memory Stick. Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

1 / 40 CAPTURE

When the access lamp is lit or flashing Never shake or strike the unit. As well do not turn the power off , eject a Memory Stick or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur. If appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder The inserted Memory Stick is incompatible with your camcorder because its format does not comform with your camcorder. Check the format of the Memory Stick. If you press PHOTO lightly in the playback mode Your camcorder stops momentarily. Sound recorded on a mini DV tape You cannot record the audio from a mini DV tape. Titles which have already been recorded on mini DV tapes You cannot record the titles on Memory Sticks. The title does not appear while you are recording a still picture with PHOTO. When you press the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander Your camcorder immediately records the image that is on the screen when you press the button.
Recording an image from a mini DV tape as a still image Recording a still image from other equipment
(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR and set DISPLAY in to LCD in the menu settings. (2) Set A/V t DV OUT in to OFF in the menu settings. (3) Play back the recorded tape, or turn the TV on to see the desired program. The image of the other equipment is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (4) Follow the steps 3 and 4 on page 110.

Viewing a still picture Memory photo playback
You can play back still images recorded on a Memory Stick. You can also play back 6 images at a time by selecting the index screen. Before operation Insert a Memory Stick into your camcorder.
(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press PLAY (p. 99). The last recorded image is displayed. (3) Press /+ on your camcorder or the Remote Commander to select the desired still image. : to see the previous image + : to see the next image
To stop memory photo playback
Press CAM. Notes on the file name The directory is not displayed if the structure of the directory does not conform to the DCF98 standard. - DIRECTORY ERROR may appear on the LCD screen if the file does not conform to the DCF98 standard. While this message appears, you can play back images but cannot record them on the Memory Stick. The file name flashes on the LCD screen if the file is corrupted or the file is unreadable. 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 the operation. When operating memory photo playback on a TV or on the LCD screen, the image quality may appear to have deteriorated. This is not a malfunction. The image data is as good as ever. Turn the audio volume of the TV down before operation, or noise (howling) may be output from the TV speakers. The message NO FILE appears when no image is recorded on the Memory Stick. Recording date When you operate DATA CODE on the LCD screen or on the Remote Commander, you can see the recording date. However, you cannot see the various settings. Image data modified with personal computers or shot with other equipment You may not be able to play them back with your camcorder. Still image You can select still images also with /+ on PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
Viewing a still picture Memory photo playback Screen indicators during still image playback
Image number/Total number of recorded images

/ 40 MEMORY PLAY

Print mark Protect indicator

Data file name

Playing back 6 recorded images at a time (index screen)
You can play back 6 recorded images at a time. This function is especially useful when searching for a particular image.
(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press INDEX on your camcorder or on the Remote Commander to display the index screen.

The title is not recorded. picture cannot be monitored. Digital program editing does not function.
The Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder does not work.
The picture from a TV or VCR does not appear even when your camcorder is connected to outputs on the TV or VCR.
The input selector on the VCR is not set correctly. c Set the selector correctly, and check the connection between the VCR and your camcorder (p. 58, 59). The camcorder is connected to DV equipment of other than Sony using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable). c Keep the connection, and follow the procedure on page 61 to 64. Setting program on a blank portion of the tape is attempted. c Set the program again on a recorded portion (p. 68). The syncronicity of your camcorder and the VCR is not adjusted. c Adjust the syncronicity of the VCR (p. 66). COMMANDER is set to OFF in the menu settings. c Set it to ON (p. 89). Something is blocking the infrared rays. c Remove the obstacle. The batteries are inserted in the battery holder with the + polarities incorrectly matching the + marks. c Insert the batteries with the correct polarity (p. 151). The batteries are dead. c Insert new ones (p. 151). DISPLAY is set to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings. c Set it to LCD (p. 89).
(continued on the folowing page)
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize (p. 139). Some troubles have occurred in your camcorder. c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your camcorder. No function works though the power Disconnect the Connecting plate of the AC adaptor or is on. remove the battery, then reconnect it in about 1 minute. Turn the power on (p. 12, 14). If the functions still do not work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button, all the settings including the date and time return to the default.) (p. 148) The DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL button is pressed. The buttons do not appear on the touch panel. c Press the LCD screen lightly. c Press the DISPLAY button on your camcorder or the Remote Commander (p. 28). c Adjust the screen (CALIBRATION) (p. 141). The buttons on the LCD screen do
not work. The indicators appear mirrorreversed in the viewfinder or on the TV screen. While charging the battery pack, the CHARGE lamp flashes.
The melody or beep sounds for 5 seconds.
The mirror mode is activated. This is not a malfunction. Remove the battery pack and install it again. Something is wrong with the battery pack. c Please cannot your Sony dealer or local authorzed Sony service facility.

Self-diagnosis display

Your camcorder has a self-diagnosis display function. This function displays the current condition of your camcorder as a 5-digit code (a combination of a letter and figures) in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. If a 5-digit code is displayed, check the following code chart. The last two digits (indicated by ss) will differ depending on the state of your camcorder. Viewfinder or LCD screen

C:21:00

C:ss:ss You can service your camcorder yourself. E:ss:ss Contact your Sony dealer.

Five-digit display

C:04:ss

C:21:ss

C:22:ss

C:31:ss C:32:ss

E:61:ss E:62: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. 12). Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize (p. 139). The video heads are dirty. c Clean the heads using the Sony DVM12CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied) (p. 139). 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 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 in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, check the following: See the page in parentheses ( ) for more information. The indicators and messages are displayed in yellow.

Warning indicators

The still image is protected Slow flashing: The still image is protected (p. 119).* Warning indicator as to file Slow flashing: The file is corrupted. The file is unreadable.
Self-diagnosis display (p. 135)

1000021

Warning indicator as to Memory Stick Slow flashing: No Memory Stick is inserted (p. 98).* Fast flashing: The Memory Stick is not readable with your camcorder (p. 92).* Warning indicators as to Memory Stick Fast flashing: The Memory Stick is corrupted (p. 96).* The Memory Stick is not formatted correctly (p.92).* Memory Stick that is not acceptable size is inserted. The battery is dead or nearly dead Slow flashing: The battery is nearly dead. The battery is dead (p. 10). Depending on conditions, the E indicator may flash, even if there are 5 to 10 minutes remaining. * You hear the melody or beep sound.
Moisture condensation has occurred* Fast flashing: Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder, and leave it for about 1 hour with the cassette compartment open (p. 139). You need to eject the cassette Slow flashing: The write-protect tab on the cassette is out (red) (p. 15).* Fast flashing: Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 139). The tape has run out (p. 15, 29).* The self-diagnosis display function is activated (p. 135).*

AC adaptor.. 10 Adjusting viewfinder. 19 Audio dubbing. 78 AUDIO MIX.. 91 Audio mode.. 93 AUTO SHTR.. 90 A/V connecting cable. 31, 58 BACK LIGHT. 23 Battery pack.. 10 Beep.. 94 BOUNCE.. 37 Heads.. 139 Headphone jack.. 148 HiFi SOUND.. 91 Holding Grip. 18, 149
Recording time. 11 Remaining battery time indicator.. 23 Remaining tape indicator. 23 Remote commander. 150 Remote control jack (LANC)... 147 Remote sensor.. 146 RESET.. 148

I, J, K, L

i.LINK.. 127 Image protection. 119 Image quality mode. 101 INDEX (Multiple) display. 115 InfoLITHIUM battery. 12 Infrared rays emitter. 24 JPEG.. 96 Labeling a cassette. 87 (LANC). 147 LCD screen.. 20 LUMINANCEKEY.. 41
S VIDEO jack. 34, 58 Self-diagnosis display.. 135 Self-timer recording. 25, 106 Skip scan.. 30 Slide show.. 118 Slow playback.. 30 SLOW SHUTTER.. 41 STEADYSHOT. 90 Stereo tape.. 126 STILL.. 41 Sub sound.. 126 SUPER NIGHTSHOT. 24
Camera chromakey. 107 Carl Zeiss lens.. 146 Cassette memory. 8, 125 Charging battery. 10 Charging manganese-lithium battery.. 140 Clock set.. 95 Connection (viewing on TV). 31 (dubbing a tape). 58 Continuous.. 104 Data code.. 28 Date search.. 54 DEMO.. 94 DIGITAL EFFECT. 41, 50 DIGITAL I/O. 116 Digital program editing. 60 DISPLAY.. 28 DOT.. 37 Dual sound track tape.. 126 Dubbing a tape. 58 DV connecting cable.. 59
Main sound.. 126 Manual focus.. 48 Memory chromakey. 107 Memory luminancekey. 107 Memory mix. 107 Memory overlap. 107 Memory PB zoom.. 117 Memory Stick.. 96 Menu settings. 89 Mirror mode.. 20 Moisture condensation. 139 MONOTONE. 37 Mosaic fader.. 37 NIGHTSHOT. 24 Normal charge. 10 NORM. FADER.. 37 NTSC system.. 138

T, U, V

Tape counter.. 52 Tape Photo recording. 32 Telephoto.. 22 Time code.. 23 Title.. 81, 85 Title search. 53 Touch panel.. 16, 99 TRAIL.. 41 Transition.. 19 TV color systems. 138
END SEARCH. 26, 30 Exposure.. 46 External microphone (not supplied). 147

O, P, Q

OLD MOVIE.. 41 Operation indicators. 152 OVERLAP.. 37 PB ZOOM. 51, 117 Photo scan.. 57 Photo search.. 56 PICTURE EFFECT. 40, 49 Picture search. 30 Playback pause. 29 Power sources (house current). 14 (car battery). 14 (battery pack).. 12 Power zoom.. 22 Print mark.. 123 PROGRAM AE.. 44

W, X, Y, Z

Warning indicators.. 136 White balance. 35 Wide-angle.. 22 Wide mode.. 36 WIPE... 37 WORLD TIME.. 94 Write-protect tab. 15 Zero set memory. 52 Zoom.. 22

F, G, H

Fade in/out.. 37 FLASH MOTION.. 41 Flexible Spot Meter.. 47 FOCUS.. 48 Format.. 92 Full charge. 10 Grip strap. 149

Sony Corporation

Printed in Japan