Sony DCR TRV-9 Tutorial

Operations Tutorial
Here is a tutorial about the basic functions of the Sony DCR TRV-9 digital camcorder. While this tutorial doesn't aim to completely explain the camera and all its functions, it should give a pretty fair understanding of the steps necessary for basic operation. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the FITT Center. Our information is above.

Sony DCR TRV-9

Attaching/Changing the Battery
Before you can use the camera, it must have a power source. This camera has 2 options. The first option is to use the included battery. The other power source is located in the bottom of the camera bag, the external power/battery charger unit. Attaching/Changing the Battery: The battery is located at the back of the camera, under the viewfinder. Please only use batteries supplied by the FITT Center. To attach or remove a battery, the eyepiece/viewfinder must first be lifted out of the way. The viewfinder pivots where it meets the camera body. Merely rotate the viewfinder up and out of the way. If you need to remove a battery to attach a charged one, press down on the BATT button. This button is located to the right of the viewfinder, above the battery terminals. After depressing the button, lift the battery up vertically, and then pull outward from the camera. To attach a battery to the camera, the steps are basically reversed. Place the battery so that the tabs on the camera enter the notches on the battery. Then slide the battery down. There is no need to press the BATT button to attach a battery.
Attaching the External Power/Charging the Battery:
We have also provided another way to power our Sony DV camera. In the bottom compartment of the camera bag, there is an external power/battery charger. This device has the two functions of running the camera off standard AC power and serving as a charger for the batteries. Note; If powering the camera, the charger will not simultaneously charge a battery. Hooking the external power source to the camera is done in much the same way that attaching a battery is done. If these steps have not been read, please review Attaching/Changing the Battery. Running off the external power source: If there is a battery attached to the camera, it must first be removed. Then attach the part of the charger that looks like a battery to the camera. Of course, the external power source must also be plugged into a standard outlet.
Charging the battery: To charge the battery, make sure that the external power source/battery charger is plugged into an outlet and that the camera is not running of the external power. See the place where the battery goes on the charger? It looks just like the ones on the camera. Attach the battery, just as you would attach it to the camera. The lamp on the charger will light as the battery charges. When the lamp goes out, the battery is charged. Although the charger says the process will take one hour, times may vary.
Power/Camera Modes (VTR, Camera, Off):
This camera basically has three modes. VTR, Camera, and Off. Both VTR and Camera modes are ON. Switching between the modes is handled by a rotating control at the back of the camera, to the right of the battery. Notice that the main button has two other buttons within it. The main button is locked by default. To turn to other camera modes, depress the green button. While the green button is depressed, rotate the main button to the desired mode. The red button is the record toggle while in Camera mode.

VTR Controls

VTR (Video Tape Recorder) controls will be familiar to anyone who has used a VCR. While in VTR mode, the user has access to standard tracking controls; play, fastforward, rewind, pause, etc. Note that there is a record button in VTR mode. However, this record will not tape from live sources, it is for line-in functions. To record, you must switch to Camera mode. The VTR controls are located on the top of the camera, and will illuminate when in VTR mode.

Basic Camera Controls

The Sony digital video camcorder, has many built in functions, however, the average user will only need to understand and use the basic ones. Therefore, I will leave the descriptions of more advanced controls out. If you really need to know how to use them, please contact one of the FITT Staff. Record: If you want to record, first switch to Camera mode. To start recording, press the red button in the center of the Camera Modes button. Note while recording, the green STBY (standby) text in the viewfinder and LCD monitor turns to a red REC. To pause the recording just depress the red button again. The red REC readout turns back to a green STBY. Zoom/Wide Angle: The toggle control at the top of the camera, to the right of the viewfinder, is the Wide Angle/Telephoto adjustment. Basically, W (wide) zooms out from the scene and T (telephoto) zooms in. Play with these to get the hang of it.
Nightshot: When shooting in the dark, you may wish to use the Nightshot mode. When in this mode, the camera does its best to illuminate a dark scene. However, the process uses infra red and so gives a very green cast to the
shot. Try it out an see, perhaps not suitable for all things, but an interesting effect in some uses. Backlight: When your subject just has to stand between you and the light, the subject will become darker and detail will be lost. The backlight function does its best to correct this. 16:9 wide: If you like the widescreen look, use this 16 by 9 ratio. Same as theatres use. Can be cool. Note that the black bars above and below are not actually added to your video tape. It is up to the software that you use to create that effect. If done improperly, the image will have a distorted appearance. Picture effect (using "Control" roller): This camera has the ability to give certain 'artsy' looks to your video. These picture effects are enabled (toggled on and off) by pressing the Picture Effect button, under the fold out view screen. To scroll through the available picture effects, use the Control roller to the right of the Picture Effect button. While these effects may be interesting and certainly have their uses, please note that once your video is captured this way, there is no going back. Unless you reshoot the video. Many editing programs will allow you to add effects like these without damaging your original source footage. This may be a better way to go.

Ejecting/Inserting the Tape:
This camera uses Mini DV tapes. The camera will come with one tape at checkout. Please return the tape with the camera. If you do want to keep the footage though, consider buying your own tape to record on. The tapes are available at many places, including the UO bookstore. Prices vary from about $9 to $25 a tape, so you may want to shop around. To eject the tape, slide the eject button to the right of the tape door. The outer door will open. After a moment, the inner lid will pop open. The tape can be lifted straight out of the camera. To insert the tape: Proper alignment of the tape is essential for the camera to function and so as not to cause any damage. Gently slide tape into the inner caddy. Make sure to place the sprockets facing in and the tape side facing down. With the tape firmly seated in the caddy, close the inner caddy where it says PUSH. At this point you will hear some whirring and buzzing and the outer door may be closed.

Connecting the Camera:

The Sony TRV9 has several options for input/output form the camera. Although the options will be explained briefly here, please feel free to contact the FITT Center if you have any questions. Firewire: The newest and most likely the best option for connecting the camera, is the firewire port. Of course, you have to have some sort of device that is firewire enabled. If you do, you will find that the cable transfers the information in real time without the need to transfer back and forth from digital to analog and back. Firewire connections also allow the user to control the camera from the computer. This is called Device Control. Firewire plugs directly from the camera to the device being used to capture into. S-Video: S-Video is a step up in quality from standard RCA connectors. However, most consumer VCRs will not have matching connections, as low end RCA seems to be enough for the average consumer. S-Video is just also just one cable. It runs from camera to the device you are using. RCA: Ok, if you have a stereo, you have probably seen these connectors. In this case we have a 1 to 3 plug, meaning that the information is split up into three channels, the video and left and right audio. If you are using this type of connection, you may find that your VCR has only two plugs, audio and video. A
separate cord will need to be purchased. This cord is a 2 to 1 RCA cord, and it will combine the red and white (audio left and right channels) cords into one cord. This cord attaches to the audio plug and the yellow to the video.

Notes When you open the lid immediately after you install the battery, the cassette compartment may not open. Close the lid and open it again. The cassette lid and the cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other than the mark.

To eject the cassette

Follow the procedure above and in step 2, take out the cassette.
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide and open the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the L and 6 indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, and you cannot record on the tape. To re-record on this tape, slide and close the tab to cover the red mark.

Camera recording

Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/ STOP MODE switch inside the LCD panel is set to. Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording (p. 69). (1) Remove the lens cap and pull the lens cap string to fix it. (2) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. The camcorder is set to Standby mode. (3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. REC appears in the viewfinder. The camera recording lamp on the front of the camcorder also lights up. You can also select Recording mode, SP (standard play) mode or LP (long play) mode. Set REC MODE in the menu system according to the length of your planned recording before you start.

STBY : :

ME FF R A
When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 67).

REC 0:00:00 60min 40min

To stop recording momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP. The STBY indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode).

To finish recording [b]

Press START/STOP again to stop recording. Set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack.

Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder. Cautions on the LCD panel and on the viewfinder Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder or the LCD panel. [d] Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD panel toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder or the LCD panel may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under sunlight or by a window. [e]
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) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (2) Slide OPEN in the direction of the arrow and open the LCD panel. (3) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. (4) Press 0 to rewind the tape. (5) Press start playback. to (6) Adjust the volume using VOL +/ 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.

LCD BRIGHT VOL

DISPLAY
To stop playback, press. To rewind the tape, press 0. To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press ).

To change the playback direction
Press < on the Remote Commander for reverse direction or > on the Remote Commander for forward direction during playback. To resume normal playback, press . Notes on playback The sound is muted in the various playback modes. During playback other than normal playback, the previous recording may appear in mosaic image. This is not malfunction. When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode. To resume playback, press. Note on slow playback The slow playback can be performed smoothly on this camcorder; however, this function does not work for an output signal from the DV IN/OUT jack.
Searching for the end of the picture
You can go to the end of the recorded portion after you record and play back the tape. The tape starts rewinding or fast-forwarding and the last about 5 seconds of the recorded portion plays back. Then the tape stops at the end of the recorded picture (End Search). Open the LCD panel and press END SEARCH during recording standby. This function works when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or VTR.
Notes on End Search When you use a tape without cassette memory, the End Search function does not work once you eject the cassette after recording. When you use a tape with cassette memory, the End Search function works once you eject the cassette. When you play back a tape which has a blank portion in the beginning or between the recorded portions, the End Search function will not work correctly.
Using alternative power sources
You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, house current, and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder. Place

Indoors

Power source

House current

Accessory to be used
Supplied AC power adaptor Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied), NP-F530, NP-F550, NPF730, NP-F730H*, NP-F750, NP-F930, NP-F950 Sony DC adaptor/charger DC-V700
Outdoors Battery pack In the car 12 V or 24 V car battery
* NP-F730H is sold only in the U.S.A. Note on power sources Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or playback may damage the inserted tape. If this happens, restore the power supply again immediately.

Using the house current

To use the supplied AC power adaptor: (1) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (2) Lift up the viewfinder. (3) Slide the connecting plate down into the guides at the rear of the camcorder until it clicks.
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 power cord, even if the set itself has been turned off.

Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function
(1) While the camcorder is in recording or Standby mode, press PROGRAM AE. (2) Turn the CONTROL dial so that the symbol of the desired PROGRAM AE mode matches the indicator on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

PROGRAM AE

To return to automatic adjustment mode
Press PROGRAM AE so that the indicator disappears. Note on shutter speed The shutter speed in each PROGRAM AE mode is as follows: Soft portrait mode from 1/60 to 1/500 Sports lesson mode from 1/250 to 1/4000 Beach & Ski mode from 1/60 to 1/250

Focusing manually

When to use manual focus
In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. [a] [b] [c] [d]
Insufficient light [a] Subjects with little contrast walls, sky, etc. [b] Too much brightness behind the subject [c] Horizontal stripes [d] Subjects through frosted glass Subjects beyond nets, etc. Bright subject or subject reflecting light Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod
Focusing manually Focusing manually
When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Slide FOCUS down to MANUAL. The f indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Turn the focus ring to focus on the subject.
FOCUS AUTO INFINITY MANUAL

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 the subject faraway.
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.

Enjoying picture effect

Selecting picture effect
You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function.

PASTEL [a]

The picture is in pastel tones.

NEG. ART [b]

The color of the picture is reversed.

The picture is sepia.

B&W
The picture is monochrome (black and white).

SOLARIZE [c]

The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration.

MOSAIC [d]

The picture is mosaic.

SLIM [e]

The picture expands vertically.

STRETCH [f]

The picture expands horizontally.
Enjoying picture effect Using picture effect function
(1) While in Standby mode, press PICTURE EFFECT. (2) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the desired picture effect mode.

STRETCH SLIM MOSAIC

SOLARIZE

PICTURE EFFECT

B&W SEPIA NEG.ART PASTEL

To return to normal mode

Press PICTURE EFFECT so that the indicator disappears. Note on the picture effect When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal mode.

Adjusting the exposure

When to adjust the exposure
Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases.
[a] The background is too bright (back lighting) Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark [b] Bright subject and dark background To record the darkness faithfully
(1)Press EXPOSURE. The exposure indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2)Turn the CONTROL dial to adjust the exposure. The exposure is locked at the adjusted brightness.

EXPOSURE

To return to automatic exposure mode
Press EXPOSURE to turn off the exposure indicator. Notes The CONTROL dial does not have a stop position. If you press PROGRAM AE, the exposure comes back to automatic adjustment again. When you adjust the exposure manually, you cannot use the BACK LIGHT function.

Superimposing a title

If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can superimpose the titles while recording or after recording. When you play back the tape, the title is displayed for 5 seconds from the point where you superimposed it. You can select from eight preset titles and one original (CUSTOM TITLE) to superimpose over the picture.

Superimposing titles

(1) Press TITLE to display the titles on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the title, then press the CONTROL dial. (3) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the color, size, or position, then press the CONTROL dial. (4) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the desired item, then press the CONTROL dial. (5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the title is arranged as desired. (6) Press the CONTROL dial again to complete the setting.

TITLE MODE

TITLEERASE 1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 WEDDING 3 HELLO
MENU ERASE? 1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 WEDDING 3 HELLO

[ EXEC ] :ERASE

[ MENU ] :END
Note If you use a cassette tape set to prevent accidental erasure, you cannot erase the title. Slide the protect tab so that the red portion is not visible.

Making a custom title

If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can make one title of up to 20 characters and store it in memory. (1) Press TITLE to display the titles on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Turn the CONTROL dial to select CUSTOM TITLE, then press the CONTROL dial. (3) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the column of the desired character, then press the CONTROL dial. (4) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the desired character, then press the CONTROL dial. (5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you finish the title. (6) Turn the CONTROL dial to select [ ], then press the CONTROL dial.

CUSTOM TITLE

AB CD E F GH I J K L MNO PQR S T UVWXY Z& ? ! ,. / [ ] [ ]
HAPPY HOLIDAYS CONGRATULATIONS! OUR SWEET BABY WEDDING VACATION THE END CUSTOM TITLE [ TITLE ] : END

[ TITLE ] : END

M AB CD E F GH I J K L MNO PQR S T UVWXY Z& ? ! ,. / [ ] [ ]
MUSIC AB CD E F GH I J K L MNO PQR S T UVWXY Z& ? ! ,. / [ ] [ ]

To erase a character

In step 3, turn the CONTROL dial to select [ M ] then press the CONTROL dial. The last character is erased.
To change the title you have made
In step 2, turn the CONTROL dial to select CUSTOM TITLE, then press the CONTROL dial. Erase characters one after another, then make the new title again. If it takes more than 5 minutes to make a title If the Standby mode lasts for more than 5 minutes with a cassette inserted, the power will be turned off automatically. If the power is turned off while you are making a title, set the POWER switch to OFF once, then to CAMERA. The title you have made remains stored in memory.

Labeling a cassette

If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can label a cassette. The label can consist of up to 10 characters and is stored in cassette memory. When you insert the labeled cassette and turn the power on, the label is displayed on the LCD screen, in the viewfinder, or on the TV screen. (1) Insert the cassette you want to label. (2) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (3) Press MENU to display the menu. (4) Turn the CONTROL dial to select TAPE TITLE, then press the CONTROL dial. (5) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the column of the desired character, then press the CONTROL dial. (6) Turn the CONTROL dial to select the desired character, then press the CONTROL dial. (7) Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you finish the label. (8) Turn the CONTROL dial to select [ ], then press the CONTROL dial.

The insert editing stops automatically near the counter's zero point. Press to set the camcorder to stop mode.

To change the end point

Press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander so that the ZERO SET MEMORY indicator disappears and begin from step 3. Note on the inserted picture The picture may be distorted at the end of the inserted portion when it is played back.

Audio dubbing

You can record an audio sound to add to the original sound on a tape by connecting audio equipment or a microphone. If you connect the audio equipment, you can add a sound on your recorded tape by specifying starting and ending points. The original sound will not be erased.
Dubbing with the AUDIO/VIDEO jack

Audio equipment

LINE OUT L R
AUDIO L AUDIO/ VIDEO A/V connecting cable

AUDIO R

Do not connect the video (yellow) plug.
Note The picture is not output from the AUDIO/VIDEO jack. Check the recorded picture in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, as well as check the recorded sound by using a speaker or headphones.
Connecting with the MIC jack

MIC (PLUG IN POWER)

AUDIO L RK-G128 connecting cable (not supplied)
microphone (not supplied) Note You can check the recorded picture and sound connecting the AUDIO/VIDEO jack to a TV. The recorded sound is not output from a speaker. Check the sound by using TV or headphones.
Notes on audio dubbing A new sound cannot be recorded on a tape already recorded in the 16-bit mode (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz). When an external microphone is not connected, the recording will be made through the built-in microphone of the camcorder. A new sound cannot be recorded on a tape already recorded in the LP mode. If you add a new sound on a tape recorded with another camcorder (including DCRTRV9), the sound quality may become worse. When you record a playback pause picture with the DV jack, you cannot add audio to that portion of the tape. You cannot add audio with the DV jack.
Adding an audio sound on a recorded tape
(1) Insert your recorded tape into the camcorder. (2) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. (3) On the camcorder, locate the point where the recording should begin by pressing 0 or ). Then press P to set it to playback pause mode. (4) Press AUDIO DUB on the Remote Commander. (5) Press P on the Remote Commander and at the same time start playing back the audio you want to record. The new sound will be recorded in stereo 2. The recorded sound in stereo 1 is not heard. (6) Press p on the Remote Commander at the point where you want to stop recording.

Full charge: Charging for about 1 hour after the charge lamp of the AC power adaptor goes off. Normal charge: Charging just until the charge lamp of the AC power adaptor goes off.
Tips for using the battery pack Notes on charging

A brand-new battery pack

A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Before using the battery pack, charge it completely.
Recharge the battery pack whenever you like
You do not have to discharge it before recharging. If you charged the battery pack fully but you did not use it for a long time, it becomes discharged. Then recharge the battery pack before use.

Notes on the terminals

If the terminals (metal parts on the back) are not clean, the battery charge duration will be shortened. When the terminals are not clean or when the battery pack has not been used for a long time, repeatedly install and remove the battery pack a few times. This improves the contact condition. Also, wipe the +, and C terminals with a soft cloth or paper.
Be sure to observe the following
Keep the battery pack away from fire. Keep the battery pack dry. Do not open nor try to disassemble the battery pack. Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.
Maintenance information and precautions

Moisture condensation

If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the camcorder may not operate correctly. To prevent possible damage under these circumstances, the camcorder is furnished with moisture sensors. Take the following precautions.

Inside the camcorder

If there is moisture inside the camcorder, the beep sounds and the { indicator flashes. If this happens, none of the function except cassette ejection will work. Open the cassette compartment, turn off the camcorder, and leave it about 1 hour. When 6indicator flashes at the same time, the cassette is inserted in the camcorder. Eject the cassette, turn off the camcorder, and leave also the cassette about 1 hour.

On the lens

If moisture condenses on the lens, no indicator appears, but the picture becomes dim. Turn off the power and do not use the camcorder for about 1 hour.

How to prevent moisture condensation
When bringing the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, put the camcorder in a plastic bag and allow it to adapt to room conditions over a period of time. (1) Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing the camcorder. (2) Remove the bag when the air temperature inside it has reached the temperature surrounding it (after about 1 hour).

Video head cleaning

To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. The video heads may be dirty when: mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture playback pictures do not move playback pictures are hardly visible playback pictures do not appear the vindicator and CLEANING CASSETTE message appear one after another or the vindicator flashes on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder
If [a] or [b] happens, clean the video heads with the Sony DVM12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied). Check the picture and if the above problem persists, repeat the cleaning. (Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times in one session.)
Note If the DVM12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied) is not available in your area, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Precautions

Camcorder operation
Operate the camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor). Should any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by 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 when not using the camcorder. Do not wrap up the camcorder and operate it since heat may build up internally. Keep the camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration.

On handling tapes

Do not insert anything in the small holes on the cassette. Do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape. Avoid touching or damaging the terminals. To remove dust, clean the terminals with a soft cloth.

Camcorder care

When the camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the power source and remove the tape. Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes. Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are fingerprints on the lens, remove them with a soft cloth. Clean the camcorder body with a dry soft cloth, or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent which may damage the finish. Do not let sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or in a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.

C:31: C:32:

E:61: E:62:
If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Specifications

Video camera recorder

System

Video recording system Two rotary heads, Helical scanning system Audio recording system Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12bits (Fs 32kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16bits (Fs 48kHz, stereo) Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette Mini DV cassette with logo printed Tape speed SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s Recording/playback time SP mode: 1 hour (DVM60) LP mode: 1.5 hours (DVM60) Fastforward/rewind time Approx. 2 min. 30 s (DVM60) Image device CCD (Charge Coupled Device 1/4) Viewfinder Electric viewfinder (color) Lens Combined power zoom lens, 180x (Digital), 15x (Optical) Focal distance f =5/32 to 2 1/2 in. (3.4 to 51 mm) (1 3/4 to 26 in. (44 to 660 mm) when converted into a 35 mm still camera) F 1.8 2.4 TTL autofocus system inner focus wide macro system Color temperature Auto Minimum illumination 4 lux at F 1.lux when using NightShot Illumination range 4 to 100,000 lux Recommended illumination More than 100 lux Total dot number 184,580 (839 x 220) Mass Approx. 1 lb 11 oz (780g) excluding the battery pack and the cassette Approx. 1 lb 15 oz (860g) including the battery pack NP-F330, lithium battery and cassette DVM60 Approx. 1 lb 15 oz (890g) including the battery pack NP-F550, lithium battery and cassette DVM60 Approx. 2 lb 3 oz (1kg) including the battery pack NP-F730, lithium battery and cassette DVM60 Approx. 2 lb 3 oz (1kg) including the battery pack NP-F730H, lithium battery and cassette DVM60 Approx. 2 lb 3 oz (1kg) including the battery pack NP-F750, lithium battery and cassette DVM60 Approx. 2 lb 7 oz (1.1kg) including the battery pack NP-F950, lithium battery and cassette DVM60 Microphone Electret condenser microphone, Stereo type Speaker Dynamic-speaker Supplied accessories See page 6.
Input and output connectors
S video input/output 4-pin mini DIN Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced, sync negative Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced Audio/Video input/output AV MINI JACK, 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced, sync negative 327 mV, (at output impedance more than 47 kilohms) Output impedance with less than 2.2 kilohms/Stereo minijack ( 3.5mm) Input impedance more than 47 kilohms DV input/output 4-pin special connector Headphones Stereo minijack ( 3.5 mm) MIC input Stereo minijack ( 3.5mm):0.388mV, DC2.5V Input impedance 6.8 kilohms lLANC jack Stereo miniminijack ( 2.5 mm)

Power requirements* 110 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz Power consumption 25 W Output voltage DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.9 A in operating mode Battery charge terminal: 8.4 V, 1.4 A in charge mode Application Sony battery pack NP-F330, NPF530, NP-F550, NP-F730, NPF730H, NP-F750, NP-F930, NP-F950 lithium ion type Operating temperature 32F to 104F (0C to 40C) Storage temperature 4F to 140F (20C to 60C) Dimensions (Approx.) 3 1/4 x 1 13/16 x 6 1/2 in. (w/h/d) (81 x 45 x 163 mm) Mass (Approx.) 7 oz (190 g) * Canadian Standard Association (CSA) certifies 120V AC only. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

LASER LINK

Video/audio IR space transmission system according to EIAJ (Electric Industries Association of Japan) standards Audio carrier wave Lch : 4.3MHz Rch : 4.8MHz

General

Power requirements 7.2 V (battery insertion input) Average power consumption 4.0 W during camera recording using viewfinder 5.0 W during camera recording using LCD screen 5.4 W during playback using LASER LINK (when viewfinder is on and LCD is off) Operating temperature 32F to 104F (0C to 40C) Storage temperature 4F to 140F (20C to 60C) Dimensions Approx. 3 1/2 x 4 1/8 x 6 7/8 in. (w/ h/d) (87 x 104 x 173.2mm)

LCD screen

Picture 3.5 inches measured diagonally 2 7/8 to 2 in. (72.4 x 50.4 mm) On-screen display TN LCD/TFT active matrix method

Identifying the parts

1 FOCUS switch (p. 37) 2 OPEN switch (p. 20) 3 PROGRAM AE button (p. 35) 4 EXPOSURE button (p. 40) 5 CONTROL dial (p. 24)
6 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 12) 7 PHOTO button (p. 31) 8 BATT (battery release) button (p. 9) 9 POWER switch (p. 11, 20) 0 START/STOP button (p. 11) ! Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 90)

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! Tape transport buttons (p. 20) STOP (stop) 0 REW (rewind) PLAY (playback) ) FF (fastforward) P PAUSE (pause) r REC (record) ! EDITSEARCH button (p. 19) ! LASER LINK button (p. 51) ! Intelligent accessory shoe ! Remote sensor ! Recording/battery lamp ! Microphone
! Viewfinder (p. 12) @ BACK LIGHT button (p. 28) @ FADER button (p. 29) @ NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 30)
Note on the intelligent accessory shoe Supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light or microphone. The intelligent accessory shoe is linked to the POWER switch, allowing you to turn on and off the power supplied by the shoe. Refer to the operating instruction of the accessory for further information. To connect an accessory, press down and push it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To remove an accessory, loosen the screw, and then press down and pull out the accessory.
Identifying the parts # #

@ @ @ @ @

@ Speaker @ LCD Screen (p. 15, 20) @ LCD BRIGHT button (p. 15, 20) @ VOL (volume) button (p. 20) @ DATA CODE button (p. 60) @ DISPLAY button (p. 20) @ START/STOP MODE switch (p. 14) # 16:9WIDE button (p. 33) # END SEARCH button (p. 19) # TITLE button (p. 41, 44) # MENU button (p. 24) # RESET button (p. 81) # PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 39)

# # # #

# # # # $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
# Power zoom switch (p. 13) # LANC l control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it. This jack has the same function as the jack indicated as CONTROL L or REMOTE. # 2 headphones jack (p. 21) # Cassette lid (p. 10) $ Grip strap (p. 17) $ Tripod receptacle (p. 18) Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder.
$ EJECT switch (p. 10) $ S VIDEO jack (p. 32, 50, 62) $ Focus ring (p. 37) $ MIC jack (PLUG IN POWER) (p. 65) Connect an external microphone (not supplied). This jack also accepts a plug-inpower microphone. $ Laser Link emitter (p. 51) /NightShot Light emitter (p. 30) $ AUDIO/VIDEO jack (p. 50, 62) $ DV IN/OUT jack (p. 61) This i.LINK mark is a trademark of Sony Corporation and indicates that this product is in agreement with IEEE 1394-1995 specifications and their revisions. The DV IN/OUT jack is i.LINK compatible.
Identifying the parts Remote Commander
The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically.

! ! ! 7

8 DATA CODE button (p. 60) 9 Power zoom button (p. 13) ! START/STOP button (p. 11) ! Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the camcorder. ! ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 59)
1 PHOTO button (p. 31) 2 DISPLAY button (p. 20) 3 SEARCH MODE button (p. 52, 55, 56) 4 =/+ buttons (p. 52, 55, 56) 5 Tape transport buttons (p. 20) 6 REC button (p. 64) 7 AUDIO DUB button (p. 66)
To prepare the Remote Commander
To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the supplied size AA (R6) batteries. (1) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity. (3) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander.

Identifying the Parts

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

Remote control direction

Aim the Remote Commander to the remote sensor. The operative range of the Remote Commander is about 16.4 feet (5 m) indoors. Depending on the angle, Remote Commander may not activate the camcorder. Notes on the Remote Commander Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective. Be sure that there is no obstacle between the remote sensor on the camcorder and the Remote Commander. This camcorder works in commander mode VTR 2. The commander modes (1,2 and 3) are used to distinguish this camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in commander mode VTR 2, we recommend you change the commander mode or cover the remote sensor of the VCR with black paper.
Attaching the shoulder strap
Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
Identifying the Parts Operation indicators

9 ! ! !

1 Mirror mode indicator (p. 16)
W M FADER 16:9WIDE SOLARIZE
STBY 0:12:34 40min ZERO SET MEMORY PHOTO REC END SEARCH T

! ! ! ! ! ! ! @ @ @ @ @

NIGHT SHOT VOL

DV IN 16BIT 50min

2 Zoom indicator (p. 13) /Exposure indicator (p. 40) 3 Video flash indicator 4 Manual focus/Infinity indicator (p. 37) 5 PROGRAM AE indicator (p. 34) 6 SteadyShot indicator (p. 49) 7 BACK LIGHT indicator (p. 28) 8 FADER indicator (p. 29) 9 16:9WIDE indicator (p. 33) 0 PICTURE EFFECT indicator (p. 38) ! Warning indicators (p. 93) ! BRT (bright) indicator (p. 15, 20) /VOL (volume) indicator (p. 20) ! NightShot indicators (p. 30) ! Cassette Memory indicator (p. 4) ! Recording mode indicator (p. 11)
! Recording standby mode indicator (p. 11) /Tape transport mode indicator ! Time code indicator (p. 12) /Self diagnosis indicator (p. 83) ! Remaining tape indicator (p. 13) ! ZERO SET MEMORY indicator (p. 59) /Photo capture indicator (p. 31) @ END SEARCH indicator (p. 19) @ PHOTO REC indicator (p. 31) @ DV IN indicator (p. 61) @ Audio mode indicator (p. 67) @ Remaining battery indicator (p. 70) /Remaining time in minutes indicator
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. NIGHTSHOT should be set to ON to start demonstration. 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. Note on demo mode When you set NIGHTSHOT to ON in the menu system, NIGHTSHOT indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. At this time, you cannot select DEMO MODE in the menu system.