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Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam can capture life’s 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.
Usable cassettes and playback modes ... 57 Tips for using the battery pack ... 58 Maintenance information and precautions ... 61 Using your camcorder abroad ... 65 Trouble check ... 66 Self-diagnosis display ... 69 Specifications ... 70 Identifying the parts ... 71 Warning indicators ...
Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “CCD-TR940 only.” As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters.
Over 99.99% are operational for effective use. •Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting the camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 76) CCD-TR413/TR414/TR940 only 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 8, 23) 3 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p. 7, 23) 4 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p.
Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony corporation. Installing the battery pack (1) While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the lower battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow.
1 hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Before using the camcorder with the battery pack, unplug the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack of the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is completely charged. POWER...
Installing and charging the battery pack Notes •“--- min” appears on the display until the camcorder calculates remaining battery time. •Remaining battery time indication in the display window roughly indicates the recording time. Use it as a guide. It may differ from the actual recording time.
To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p. 27). NP-F330 NP-F530...
Inserting a cassette Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H (CCD-TR940 only). (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow.
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. 56). The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature).
If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used the camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring [a] (CCD-TR311) or move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever [b] (CCD-TR413/TR414/ TR940) so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
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(SP or LP) mode. Note on the beep sound The beep sounds when you operate the camcorder. Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder. Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select “OFF”...
Notes on digital zoom •More than 16x (CCD-TR311/TR413/TR414) or 18x (CCD-TR940) zoom is performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set the D ZOOM function to OFF in the menu system.
Camera recording Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode).
When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm. Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder.
(Rec Review). You can monitor the sound from headphones (CCD-TR940 only). 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).
Open the jack cover. With using the supplied A/V connecting cable, connect the camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the TV or VCR connected to the TV. Set the TV/ VCR selector on the TV to VCR. When connecting to the VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
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If your TV or VCR is a monaural type – CCD-TR940 only Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV or the VCR. With this connection, the sound is monaural even in stereo model.
You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR (CCD-TR940) or PLAYER (CCD-TR311/TR413/TR414).
LP mode. •Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes. •When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode. •You can play back the tapes recorded in the Hi8 video system on the standard 8 mm...
Advanced operations Using alternative power sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, house current , alkaline battery source depending on where you want to use your camcorder. Place Power source Indoors House current...
Using alternative power sources Using a car battery Use Sony DC-V515A car battery charger (not supplied). Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Refer to the operating instructions of your car battery charger.
[MENU] : END MENU Note on the menu display Depending on the model of your camcorder, the menu display may be different from that in this illustration. Note on changing the mode setting Menu items differ depending on the setting of the POWER switch to VTR/PLAYER or CAMERA.
When a tape recorded on this camcorder in LP mode is played back on other types of 8mm camcorders or VCRs, the playback quality may not be as good as that on this camcorder. In PLAYER mode, this item is not displayed in the menu (CCD-TR311/TR413/TR414 only). Ò REMAIN* <AUTO/ON>...
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Changing the mode settings Items for CAMERA mode only D ZOOM* <ON/OFF> •Select ON to activate digital zooming. •Select OFF to not use the digital zoom. The camcorder goes back to 16x (CCD-TR311/TR413/TR414) or 18x (CCD-TR940) zoom. 16:9WIDE* <OFF/CINEMA/16:9FULL> •Normally select OFF.
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Changing the mode settings WORLD TIME* Select this item to set the clock by a time difference. REC LAMP* <ON/OFF> •Select OFF when you do not want the camera recording/battery lamp at the front of the unit to light up. •Normally select ON.
Shooting with backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder. [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation.
Using the FADER function – CCD-TR940 only Selecting the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When the picture fades in, the sound gradually increases. When the picture fades out, the sound gradually decreases. FADER M.
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Using the FADER function Using the fader function When fading in [a] (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing. When fading out [b] (1) During recording, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes.
This function may record picture nearly in monochrome. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash.
Using the wide mode function Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). CINEMA CINEMA 16:9 FULL 16:9 FULL CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide.
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Using the wide mode function Using the wide mode function You can select the wide mode (OFF, CINEMA, 16:9FULL) in the menu system (p. 25). To cancel wide mode Select OFF in the menu system. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to zoom mode.
Using the PROGRAM AE function Selecting the best mode You can select one of six PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following. Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event. a Soft Portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto mode, or for a subject behind an obstacle such as a screen.
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•In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach & Ski modes, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. •In the Sunset & Moon and Landscape modes, the camcorder is set to focus only on...
Focusing manually – CCD-TR940 only When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. •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.
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Focusing manually Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. (2) Move the power zoom lever to the “T” side in the optical zoom zone until the lever reaches the end.
Enjoying picture effect Selecting picture effect You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function. PASTEL [a] The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG. ART [b] The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA The picture is sepia.
PICTURE EFFECT To turn off picture effect Press PICTURE EFFECT. The indicator in the viewfinder goes out. Note on the picture effect When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal mode. PASTEL NEG. ART SEPIA B & W...
Adjusting the exposure – CCD-TR940 only When to adjust the exposure Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases. •The background is too bright (back lighting) •Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark •Bright subject and dark background •To record the darkness faithfully Adjusting the exposure (1) Press EXPOSURE.
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We recommend you to use the built-in light or a video light (not supplied). To get the best color, you must maintain a sufficient light level. When you adjust the exposure manually •BACK LIGHT does not work. •If you change the setting of PROGRAM AE mode, the camcorder automatically returns to automatic exposure mode.
Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles. You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. The title are displayed in the language you selected for the display language (p.26). Superimposing titles (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu.
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Superimposing a title To superimpose the title from beginning After step 7, press START/STOP to start recording. To superimpose the title while you are recording After pressing START/STOP to start recording, start from step 1. In this case, beep is not heard.
Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. We recommend to set the POWER switch to VTR/PLAYER or eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 20 characters.
You can not enter over 20 characters title. If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters while a cassette is in the camcorder The power goes off automatically. Characters you have entered remain. Turn STANDBY down once and then up again, then proceed from step 1.
(3) Turn the control dial to select ORC TO SET, then press the dial. “START/STOP KEY” flashes. (4) Press START/STOP. The camcorder takes about 5 - 10 seconds to check the tape condition and then returns to Standby mode. MENU Each time you insert the cassette Perform the above procedures.
•The battery pack is quickly discharging while the built-in light is turned on. Slide LIGHT to OFF when not in use. •When you do not use the camcorder, slide LIGHT to OFF and remove the battery pack to avoid turning on the built-in light.
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Using the built-in light Replacing the bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (not supplied). The supplied halogen lamp is not on the market. Purchase the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp. Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. (1) While pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire, remove the unit.
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function – CCD-TR414/TR940 only When the Steady Shot function is working, the camcorder compensates for camera- shake. You can release the Steady Shot function when you do not need to use the Steady Shot function. The not use the Steady Shot function when shooting a stationary object with a tripod.
(3) On the VCR, locate the recording start point and set the VCR in recording pause mode. (4) First press P on the camcorder, and after few seconds press P of the VCR to start editing. To edit more scenes Repeat steps 2 to 4.
Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV using the supplied A/V cable. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. (2) Press r REC and the button on the right together on the camcorder at the point where you want to start recording.
I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
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Changing the lithium battery in the camcorder Changing the lithium battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date, time and other items in the menu system retained by the lithium battery.
Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial.
Simple setting of clock by time difference You can easily set the clock for a local time by a time difference in the menu system. (1) While the camcorder is the standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select WORLD TIME, then press the dial.
– CCD-TR940 only When you play back a tape, the sound will be in monaural if: •You record the tape using this camcorder, then play it back on an AFM HiFi monaural video recorder/player. •You record the tape on an AFM HiFi monaural video recorder, then play it back on this camcorder.
When the i indicator changes from slow flashing to rapid flashing while you are recording, set the POWER switch to OFF on the camcorder and replace the battery pack. Leave the tape in the camcorder to obtain a smooth transition between scenes after the...
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•Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock. The life of the battery pack If the battery indicator flashes rapidly just after turning on the camcorder with a fully charged battery pack, the battery pack should be replaced with a new fully charged one.
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How the battery consumption is displayed The power consumption of the camcorder changes depending on its use, such as how the autofocusing is working. While checking the condition of the camcorder, the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack measures the battery consumption and calculates the remaining battery power.
(Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times in one session.) Caution Do not use a commercially available wet-type cleaning cassette. It may damage the video heads. Note If the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette is not available in your area, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
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Maintenance information and precautions Removing dust from inside the viewfinder – CCD-TR311 only (1) Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). Then, while sliding the RELEASE knob, turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow and pull it out.
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•For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this manual. •Should any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug the 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.
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•If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water. •If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a doctor. If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Difference in color systems This camcorder is an NTSC system based camcorder.
Trouble check If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Camcorder Power Symptom The power is not on.
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Use a charged battery pack or the AC power adaptor. (p. 8, 23) • Moisture condensation has occurred. m Remove the cassette and leave the camcorder for at least 1 hour. (p. 61) • You pressed DATE and TIME together for more than 2 seconds.
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Set it to OFF. (p. 25) • The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 61) • If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to...
Five-digit display C:21:ππ C:22:ππ C:23:ππ C:31:ππ C:32:ππ E:61:ππ E:62:ππ If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Viewfinder Self-diagnosis display •C:ππ:ππ You can service the camcorder yourself. •E:ππ:ππ Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony facility.
Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) Storage temperature –20°C to +60°C (–4°F to +140°F) Dimensions (Approx.) CCD-TR311: 107 x 107 x 209 mm (4 1⁄4 4 1⁄4 8 1⁄4 in.) CCD-TR413/TR414/TR940: 107 x 107 x 193 mm (4 1⁄4 4 1⁄4...
!¡ Tripod receptacle (p. 17) Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder. !™ Lithium battery compartment (p. 54) !º !¡...
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Identifying the parts !£ !¢ !∞ !§ !¶ !£ LASER LINK button (CCD-TR414/ TR940 only) (p. 20) !¢ Remote sensor (CCD-TR413/TR414/ TR940 only) (p. 76) Aim the Remote Commander here for remote control. !∞ LASER LINK emitter (CCD-TR414/ TR940 only) (p. 20) Nightshot Light emitter (CCD-TR940 only) (p.
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Identifying the Parts @£ @¢ @∞ @§ @¶ @• @£ Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (CCD-TR413/TR414/TR940 only) (p. 13) @¢ Viewfinder (p. 13) @∞ DATE button (p. 46) @§ TIME button (p. 46) @¶ TITLE button (p. 43) @• PROGRAM AE dial (p. 36) @ª...
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Identifying the Parts $£ $¢ $∞ $§ $¶ $• $£ EJECT switch (p. 11) $¢ 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 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.
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.
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!¶ AUTO DATE indicator (p. 12)/Date indicator (p. 46) !• Time indicator (p. 46) !ª Warning indicators (p. 79) @º Recording lamp (CCD-TR311 only) (p. 12) @¡ Date or time indicator (p. 46)/Tape counter indicator (p. 14)/Self-diagnosis functions indicator (p. 69)/Remaining battery time indicator (p.
8 Some other trouble has occurred. Use the self-diagnosis function (p. 69). If the display does not disappear contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. 9 The lithium battery is weak or is not installed. 0 The source tape has copyright control signal.
DISPLAY ... 21 DNR ... 28 EDIT ... 28 Editing ... 51 EDITSEARCH ... 18 Exposure ... 41 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan F, G, H FADER ... 30 House current ... 23 I, J, K, L LANC ... 75 LASER LINK ...