Sony Handycam DCR-PC3 Operating Instructions Manual
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Sony Handycam DCR-PC3 Operating Instructions Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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Digital
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Recorder

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DCR-PC3
Serial No.
DCR-PC3
©1999 by Sony Corporation
3-866-965-12 (1)
Model No. AC-
Serial No.

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam DCR-PC3

  • Page 1: Digital Video Camera

    Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-PC3 Serial No.

  • Page 2: Battery Pack

    Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Using the viewfinder ... 110 Usable cassettes ... 111 Troubleshooting ... 113 Self-diagnosis display ... 118 Warning indicators and messages ... 119 Using your camcorder abroad ... 121 Maintenance information and precautions ... 122 Specifications ... 127 Quick Reference Identifying the parts and controls ... 128 Quick Function Guide ...

  • Page 4: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Connecting the power cord Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 12). AC adaptor (supplied) Connecting plate DK connecting cord (supplied) Inserting a cassette Slide OPEN/ZEJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.
  • Page 5 Press OPEN to OPEN the LCD panel. NOTE Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the viewfinder, the LCD panel or the battery pack. (p. 17) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.

  • Page 6: Getting Started

    Note on Cassette Memory Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory The functions which require different operations depending on whether the tape has the cassette memory or not are: •End search (p.

  • Page 7: Precautions On Camcorder Care

    [b]. •Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD screen toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder or LCD screen may be damaged [c].

  • Page 8: Checking Supplied Accessories

    Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 RMT-811 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 133) 2 AC-VF10 power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 9) 3 NP-FS11 battery pack (1) (p. 9, 12) 4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p.

  • Page 9: Step 1 Preparing The Power Supply

    Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (S series). “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. (1) Connect the power cord to the AC adaptor. (2) Align the hooks of the battery pack with the AC adaptor. Then fit the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

  • Page 10: Recording Time

    Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery. The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. Recording with...

  • Page 11: To Remove The Battery Pack

    This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (S series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” S series battery packs have the mark. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

  • Page 12: Installing The Battery Pack

    Step 1 Preparing the power supply 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.

  • Page 13: Connecting To A Wall Outlet

    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) Connect the supplied connecting cord to the DC OUT jack on the AC adaptor.

  • Page 14: Step 2 Inserting A Cassette

    When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 111). To prevent misoperation of your camcorder Set the POWER switch to OFF when you insert and eject a cassette.

  • Page 15: Step 3 Using A Touch Panel

    Step 3 Using a touch panel Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Touch the LCD panel directly to operate each function. In the recording/playback mode (1) Prepare the power supply (p. 9). (2) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA (in the recording mode)/VTR (in the playback mode) while pressing the small green button.
  • Page 16 •If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You can control the display with DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder. •When operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment is required (CALIBRATION) (p.

  • Page 17: Recording - Basics

    (3) Pull out the viewfinder until it clicks. (4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. The power lamp under the POWER switch flashes, and then your camcorder is set to the standby mode. (It takes about five seconds.) (5) Press START/STOP.
  • Page 18 Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF.

  • Page 19: Adjusting The Viewfinder

    LCD screen (Mirror mode). When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically until it clicks, and swing it into the camcorder body. Note Shooting with the LCD screen makes battery life shorter than using the viewfinder.

  • Page 20: Adjusting The Brightness Of The Lcd Screen

    Recording a picture Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen (1) In the standby/recording mode, press FN and select PAGE2 (p. 15). (2) Press LCD BRT. The screen to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen appears. (3) Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using –/+. –...

  • Page 21: Using The Zoom Feature

    Recording a picture Using the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W”...

  • Page 22: Start/Stop Mode Setting

    ANTI GROUND SHOOTING Your camcorder records only while you press START/STOP. Use this mode to avoid recording unnecessary scenes. 5SEC: When you press use this mode to START/STOP, your camcorder records for 5 seconds and then stops automatically. Notes • You cannot use the fader function in the 5SEC or •...

  • Page 23: Shooting Backlit Subjects (Back Light)

    While your camcorder is in the standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

  • Page 24: Using The Nightshot Light

    Notes •Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction. •When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.

  • Page 25: End Search

    Recording a picture END SEARCH You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record. (1) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). (2) Press END SCH. The last 5 seconds of the recorded section are played back and playback stops. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones.

  • Page 26: Playback - Basics

    Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. You can control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
  • Page 27 Playing back a tape When monitoring on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out. If you leave the power on for a long time Your camcorder gets warm.

  • Page 28: Using The Data Code Function

    • The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise. • The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the date and time set. Data code When you connect your camcorder to the TV, the data code also appears on the TV screen (p. 30). DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL JUL 4 1999 F1.7...

  • Page 29: Various Playback Modes

    Press END SEARCH in the stop mode. The last 5 seconds of the recorded section plays back and stops. Control buttons Marks on your camcorder are different from those on the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. Your camcorder Remote Commander : N, X, m, M In the various playback modes Sound is muted.

  • Page 30: Viewing The Recording On Tv

    : Signal flow If your TV is already connected to a VCR Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

  • Page 31: Advanced Recording Operations

    Notes •During photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting. •During photo recording, you cannot turn your camcorder off or press the PHOTO button. •When recording a still picture, do not shake your camcorder. The picture may fluctuate.

  • Page 32: Printing The Still Picture

    Photo recording To use the photo recording function using the Remote Commander Press PHOTO on the Remote Commander. Your camcorder records a picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder immediately. To use the photo recording function during normal CAMERA recording Press PHOTO deeper.

  • Page 33: Using The Wide Mode

    16:9WIDE to OFF. Connection for a TV Pictures recorded in the 16:9WIDE mode automatically appear on the TV screen at full size when you connect your camcorder to a TV that is compatible with the video ID (ID-1/ID-2) system. ID-1 system The ID-1 system communicates the aspect ratio (16:9, 4:3 or letterbox) information of the screen by adding signals to the gaps between video signals.

  • Page 34: Using The Fader Function

    Using the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. STBY NORMAL FADER M.FADER (mosaic) BOUNCE* (Fade in only) OVERLAP (Fade in only) STBY MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white.
  • Page 35 FADER To cancel the fader function After the fade in/out is carried out : Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. Before the fade in/out is carried out : Before pressing START/STOP, press return to PAGE1/PAGE2, and press EXIT to return to FN.
  • Page 36 – NightShot +Slow shutter – Photo recording When the OVERLAP indicator appears Your camcorder automatically stores the image recorded on a tape. As the image is being stored, the OVERLAP indicator flashes fast, and the playback picture is displayed. At this stage, the picture may not be recorded clearly, depending on the tape condition.

  • Page 37: Using Special Effects - Picture Effect

    Using special effects – Picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the NEG. ART [a] : The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA : The picture is sepia. B&W : The picture is monochrome (black-and-white).
  • Page 38 You cannot select the old movie mode with DIG EFFT. When you turn the power off Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. If you select the picture effect mode in the recording mode Pictures processed by the picture effect function will be recorded.

  • Page 39: Using Special Effects - Digital Effect

    You can slow down the shutter speed. The slow shutter mode is good for recording dark pictures more brightly. OLD MOVIE You can add an old movie type atmosphere to pictures. Your camcorder automatically sets the wide mode to ON and picture effect to SEPIA. Still picture...
  • Page 40 Using special effects – Digital effect (1) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). (2) Press DIG EFFT. The screen to select a desired digital effect mode. (3) Select a desired digital effect mode. (4) Press –/+ to adjust the effect. Items to adjust STILL FLASH...
  • Page 41 Using special effects – Digital effect Notes •The following functions do not work during digital effect: – Fader – Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE – Photo recording – NightShot +Slow shutter •The following function does not work in the slow shutter mode: –...

  • Page 42: Adjusting The White Balance Manually

    When you record under fluorescent lighting Use the automatic white balance or hold mode. Your camcorder may not adjust the white balance correctly in the n indoor mode. In the automatic white balance mode Point your camcorder at white subject for about 10 seconds after setting the power switch to CAMERA to get better adjustment when: •You detach the battery for replacement.

  • Page 43: Using The Program Ae Function

    Landscape mode This mode is for when you are recording distant subjects such as mountains and prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you are recording a subject behind glass or a screen. Low lux mode...
  • Page 44 •In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski modes, you cannot take close-ups. This is because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. •In the sunset & moon and landscape modes, your camcorder is set to focus only on distant subjects.

  • Page 45: Adjusting The Exposure Manually

    OFF to return to PAGE1/PAGE2. Note When you adjust the exposure manually, the backlight function does not work. If you change the PROGRAM AE mode or slide NIGHTSHOT to ON Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode. EXPO– SURE MANU–...

  • Page 46: Focusing Manually

    When you press FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on and appears. When you release FOCUS, your camcorder returns to the manual focus mode. Use this mode when your camcorder focuses on near objects even though you are trying to shoot a distant object.

  • Page 47: Advanced Playback Operations

    •You cannot process externally input scenes using the picture effect function. •To record pictures that you have processed using the picture effect function, record the pictures on the VCR using your camcorder as a player. Pictures processed by the picture effect function Pictures processed by the picture effect function are not output through the DV IN/ OUT jack.

  • Page 48: Playing Back A Tape With Digital Effects

    •You cannot process externally input scenes using the digital effect function. •To record pictures that you have processed using the digital effect, record the pictures on the VCR using your camcorder as a player. Pictures processed by the digital effect function Pictures processed by the digital effect function are not output through the DV IN/ OUT jack.

  • Page 49: Quickly Locating A Scene Using The Zero Set Memory Function

    Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory function Your camcorder goes forward or backward to automatically stop at a desired scene having a tape counter value of “0:00:00”. You can do this with the Remote Commander. Use this function, for example, to view a desired scene later on during playback.

  • Page 50: Searching A Recording By Date - Date Search

    TITLE SEARCH t DATE SEARCH t PHOTO SEARCH t PHOTO SCAN t no indicator (5) Press . or > on the Remote Commander to select the date for playback. Your camcorder automatically starts playback at the beginning of the selected date. DATE SEARCH...
  • Page 51 . or >, your camcorder searches for the previous or next date. To stop searching Press x on the Remote Commander or on your camcorder. Note If one day’s 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...

  • Page 52: Searching The Boundaries Of Recorded Tape By Title - Title Search

    TITLE SEARCH t DATE SEARCH t PHOTO SEARCH t PHOTO SCAN t no indicator (5) Press . or > on the Remote Commander to select the title for playback. Your camcorder automatically starts playback of the scene having the title that you selected. TITLE SEARCH...

  • Page 53: Searching For A Photo - Photo Search/Photo Scan

    TITLE SEARCH t DATE SEARCH t PHOTO SEARCH t PHOTO SCAN t no indicator (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...

  • Page 54: Searching For A Photo Without Using Cassette Memory

    (5) Press . or > on the Remote Commander to select the photo for playback. Each time you press . or >, your camcorder searches for the previous or next photo. Your camcorder automatically starts playback of the photo.

  • Page 55: Editing

    With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect an S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the VCR. This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.

  • Page 56: Using The I.link Cable (Dv Connecting Cable)

    OUT jack. You can also use your camcorder as a recorder You can use your camcorder as a player or recorder without changing the connection. If you record playback pause picture with the DV IN/OUT jack The recorded picture becomes rough. And when you play back the picture using the other video equipment, the picture may jitter.

  • Page 57: Editing Partially On A Dv Tape - Dv Synchro-Editing

    You cannot duplicate titles, display indicators, or the contents of cassette memory. The connection is the same as on page 56. (1) Insert a recorded tape into your camcorder and insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the DV product.
  • Page 58 Editing partially on a DV tape – DV synchro-editing Notes • If you use other than Sony equipment with the DV jack, you cannot perform DV synchro-editing. • If a tape has a blank portion between recorded portions, DV synchro-editing may not work correctly.

  • Page 59: Recording Video Or Tv Programs

    Use your camcorder as a recorder. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into your camcorder. If you are recording a tape from the VCR, insert a recorded tape into the VCR.
  • Page 60 With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect an S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the VCR. This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.
  • Page 61 (8) Press REC START at the scene where you want to start recording. When you have finished dubbing a tape Press x on both your camcorder and the VCR. Using the Remote Commander In the step 6 press z REC and the button on its right simultaneously, then immediately press X.
  • Page 62 You can also use your camcorder as a player You can use your camcorder as a player or recorder without changing the connection. If you record playback pause picture with the DV IN/OUT jack The recorded picture becomes rough. And when you play back the picture using your camcorder, the picture may jitter.

  • Page 63: Inserting A Scene From A Vcr

    Inserting a scene from a VCR Replacing recording on a tape – Insert Editing You can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifying the insert start and end points. Use the Remote Commander for this operation.
  • Page 64 (2) On the VCR, locate just before the insert start point [a], then press X to set the VCR to the playback pause mode. (3) On your camcorder, locate the insert end point [c] by pressing m or M. Then press X to set it to the playback pause mode.

  • Page 65: Audio Dubbing

    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 sound to your recorded tape by specifying starting and ending points. The original sound will not be erased.

  • Page 66: Dubbing With The Audio/Video Jack

    Audio dubbing Dubbing with the AUDIO/VIDEO jack AUDIO/ VIDEO : Signal flow Note The picture is not output from the AUDIO/VIDEO jack. Check the recorded picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, as well as check the recorded sound by using a speaker or headphones.

  • Page 67: Adding An Audio Sound On A Recorded Tape

    The new sound is recorded in stereo 2 (ST2) during playback. During recording new sound, the red (6) Press x on your camcorder or on the Remote Commander at the point where you want to stop recording. AUDIO DUB...
  • Page 68 You cannot record on a tape. Slide the write-protect tab to release the write protection. We recommend that you add new sound on a tape recorded with your camcorder If you add new sound on a tape recorded with another camcorder (including other DCR-PC3), the sound quality may become worse.

  • Page 69: Superimposing A Title

    Superimposing a title If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can superimpose the title while recording or after recording. When you play back the tape, the title is displayed for five seconds from the point where you superimposed it. You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p.
  • Page 70 You cannot superimpose a title on the tape. If the tape has a blank portion in the middle of the recorded parts The title may not be displayed correctly. The titles superimposed with your camcorder • They are displayed by only the DV function.

  • Page 71: Erasing A Title

    Superimposing a title Erasing a title (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press to FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). (3) Press MENU to display the menu. (4) Select with r/R, and then EXEC. (5) Select TITLEERASE with r/R, and then EXEC. The screen to erase a title appears.

  • Page 72: Making Your Own Titles

    Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in Cassette Memory. Each title can have up to 20 characters. (1) In the standby/playback/playback pause mode, press FN, and select PAGE2 (p. 15). (2) Press TITLE. (3) Select (4) Select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET with r/R, and press EXEC.

  • Page 73: To Change A Title You Have Stored

    Set the POWER switch to OFF once and then to CAMERA again, then complete your title. We recommend setting the playback or playback pause mode or removing the cassette so that your camcorder does not automatically turn off while you are entering title characters. To erase the title Press C.

  • Page 74: Labeling A Cassette

    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 set the POWER switch to VTR, the label is displayed for about 5 seconds.
  • Page 75 Labeling a cassette To return to FN Press EXIT. To erase a character Select C in step 6. The last character is erased. To change the label you have made Insert the cassette to change the label, and operate in the same way to make a new label. If you set the write-protect tab of the tape to lock You cannot label the tape.

  • Page 76: 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) In the standby, VTR, or MEMORY mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). (2) Press MENU to display the menu.
  • Page 77 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 appears. Your camcorder prevents excessive POWER switch CAMERA MEMORY...
  • Page 78 Changing the menu settings Icon/item Mode HiFi SOUND z STEREO AUDIO MIX LCD B. L. z BRT NORMAL LCD COLOR VF BRIGHT Notes on LCD B.L. When you use power sources other than the battery pack, “BRIGHT” is automatically selected. Note on NP-F10/FS11 battery pack You cannot select BRIGHT in LCD B.L.
  • Page 79 Changing the menu settings Icon/item Mode CONTINUOUS z OFF MULTI SCRN QUALITY z FINE STANDARD FLD./FRAME z FIELD FRAME SLIDE SHOW DELETE ALL FORMAT PHOTO SAVE CM SEARCH z ON TITLEERASE TITLE DSPL z ON TAPE TITLE ERASE ALL Meaning Not to record continuously To record 3 or 4 pictures continuously (p.
  • Page 80 When you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs, noise may occur in pictures or sound. • When you record in the LP mode, we recommend using a Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassette so that you can get the most out of your camcorder. Noise may occur in pictures and sound when you record image on other than a Sony Excellence/ Master mini DV cassette.
  • Page 81 When recording a close subject When REC LAMP is set to ON, the red camera recording lamp on the front of the camcorder may reflect on the subject if it is close. In this case, we recommend you set REC LAMP to OFF.

  • Page 82: Resetting The Date And Time

    Resetting the date and time The default clock setting is set to East Coast Standard Time. If you do not use your camcorder for about three months, the date and time settings may be released (bars may appear) because the vanadium-lithium battery installed in your camcorder will have been discharged.

  • Page 83: Memory Stick" Operations

    You can record and play back still images on a “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder. You can easily play back, record or delete still images. You can format “Memory Stick”s. You can also protect still images and write print marks on still images in “Memory Stick”s.
  • Page 84 • If you cannot use a “Memory Stick” that has been used on other equipment, format the “Memory Stick” on your camcorder following the steps on page 89. Note that all images on the “Memory Stick” will be deleted if you format it.
  • Page 85 Slide MEMORY RELEASE in the direction of the arrow. When the ACCESS lamp is lit or flashing Never shake or strike your camcorder. Do not turn the power off , eject a “Memory Stick” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur.

  • Page 86: Using A Touch Panel

    Using a “Memory Stick”–introduction Using a touch panel Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Press the LCD panel directly to operate each function. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position.

  • Page 87: Selecting Image Quality Mode

    •If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You can control the display with DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder. •When operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment (CALIBRATION) is required (p.

  • Page 88: Image Quality Settings

    Using a “Memory Stick”–introduction Note In some cases, changing the image quality mode may not affect the image quality, depending on the types of images you are shooting. Image quality settings Setting FINE (FINE) STANDARD (STD) Differences in image quality mode Recorded images are compressed in JPEG format before being stored into memory.
  • Page 89 Using a “Memory Stick” Formatting (initializing) a “Memory Stick” Your camcorder can format (initialize) a “Memory Stick”. If you format a “Memory Stick”, all data stored in the “Memory Stick” will be deleted. This function is convenient when you want to delete all data including protected images.

  • Page 90: Recording Still Images On "Memory Stick"S - Memory Photo Recording

    Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s – Memory photo recording You can select the FIELD or FRAME mode in still picture recording. Your camcorder compensates for camera-shake when recording moving subjects in the FIELD mode. Your camcorder records still images in high quality in the FRAME mode. Select the FIELD or FRAME in the menu settings (p.

  • Page 91: Recording Images Continuously

    When you are recording a still image You can neither turn off the power nor press 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 images continuously You can record still pictures continuously.
  • Page 92 (2) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 86). (3) Press MENU, then set CONTINUOUS to ON in Continuous shooting settings Setting MULTI SCRN Your camcorder shoots 9 still images at about 0.3 sec intervals and To return to FN Press EXIT. Number of images in continuous shooting The number of images you can shoot continuously varies depending on the image quality mode.

  • Page 93: Superimposing A Still Picture In A "Memory Stick" On A Moving Picture - Memory Mix

    Superimposing a still picture in a “Memory Stick” on a moving picture – MEMORY MIX You can superimpose a still picture you have recorded on a “Memory Stick” on top of the moving picture you are recording. M. CHROM (Memory chromakey) You can swap a blue area of a still picture such as an illustration or a frame with a moving picture.
  • Page 94 Superimposing a still picture in a “Memory Stick” on a moving picture – MEMORY MIX Before operation Insert a recorded “Memory Stick” on your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. (2) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15).
  • Page 95 – For M. CHROM: 26 images (such as a frame) DSC00001~DSC00026 – For C. CHROM: 4 images (such as a background) DSC00027~DSC00030 Sample images Sample images stored in the “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder are protected (p. 105). If you format the “Memory Stick”...

  • Page 96: Recording An Image From A Mini Dv Tape As A Still Image

    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”.

  • Page 97: Recording A Still Image From Other Equipment

    With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect an S video cable (not supplied) to the S (S1) video jacks of both your camcorder and the VCR/TV. This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.

  • Page 98: Copying Still Images From A Mini Dv Tape - Photo Save

    Before operation • Insert a recorded mini DV tape and rewind the tape. • Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR while pressing the small green button. (2) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 86).
  • Page 99 “Memory Stick” and repeat the procedure from step 2. When the ACCESS lamp is lit or flashing Never shake or strike your camcorder. As well do not turn the power off, eject a “Memory Stick” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur.

  • Page 100: Viewing A Still Picture - Memory Photo Playback

    PLAY 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 the LCD screen, the image quality may appear to have deteriorated.
  • Page 101 Viewing a still picture – Memory photo playback Screen indicators during still image playback Image quality mode FINE DSC00006 MEMORY PLAY – INDEX Data file name The image quality mode indicator The indicator may show a mode different to the one in which you recorded. This is not a malfunction.
  • Page 102 (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 the Remote Commander to display the index screen. A red B mark appears above the image that is displayed before changing to the index screen mode.
  • Page 103 Viewing a still picture – Memory photo playback Viewing the recorded images using a personal computer The image data recorded with your camcorder is compressed in the JPEG format. If you use the application software, “PictureGear 3.2Lite” supplied with your camcorder, you can see images recorded on a “Memory Stick”...

  • Page 104: Playing Back Images In A Continuous Loop - Slide Show

    Select the desired image using MEMORY –/+ buttons before step 3. To view the recorded images on TV Connect your camcorder to a TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder before operation. If you change the “Memory Stick” during operation The slide show does not operate.

  • Page 105: Preventing Accidental Erasure - Image Protection

    (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press INDEX on your camcorder or the Remote Commander to display the index. (3) Press “- MARK.” The screen to protect the image appears.

  • Page 106: Deleting Images

    Deleting selected images on the single screen Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position.

  • Page 107: Deleting Selected Images On The Index Screen

    (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press INDEX on your camcorder or the Remote Commander to display the index. (3) Press DEL. Then press the image you want to delete. The number of the selected image is highlighted.

  • Page 108: Deleting All The Images

    You can delete all the unprotected images in a “Memory Stick”. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position.

  • Page 109: Writing A Print Mark - Print Mark

    (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press INDEX on your camcorder or the Remote Commander to display the index. (3) Press MARK.

  • Page 110: Additional Information

    (1) Pull out the viewfinder until it clicks, and then turn the LCD panel over and move it back to your camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out (p. 19). The same display as the LCD screen appears in the viewfinder. The LCD screen is turned off.

  • Page 111: Usable Cassettes

    The IC memory is built in the cassette with cassette memory. Using this IC memory, you camcorder can read, write, and search data such as the date of recording or titles. The functions using the cassette memory require successive signals recorded on the tape.

  • Page 112: Audio Mode

    HiFi Sound Mode STEREO You cannot record dual sound programs on your camcorder. Notes on the mini DV cassette When affixing a label on the mini DV cassette Be sure to affix a label only on the locations as illustrated below [a] so as not to cause malfunction of your camcorder.

  • Page 113: Troubleshooting

    If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. If “C:ss:ss” appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis display function has worked. See page 118.
  • Page 114 • The television’s video channel is not adjusted correctly. c Adjust it. (p. 30) • The video head may be dirty. c Clean the heads using the Sony DVM12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 123) • The volume is turned to minimum.
  • Page 115 Use a charged battery pack. (p. 12, 13) • Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 122) • The gold-plated connector of the tape is dirty or dusty.
  • Page 116 Troubleshooting When operating using the “Memory Stick” Symptom The “Memory Stick” does not function. Recording does not function. The image cannot be deleted. You cannot format the “Memory Stick”. Deleting all the images cannot be carried out. You cannot protect the image. You cannot write a print mark on the still image.
  • Page 117 • The input selector on the VCR is not set correctly. c Set the selector to DV input position. If you use another DV camcorder, set the power switch to VTR. • The camcorder is connected to DV equipment of other than Sony. c Operate normal editing.

  • Page 118: Self-Diagnosis Display

    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 and inform them of the 5-digit code. (example: E:61:10) C:21:00...

  • Page 119: Warning Indicators And Messages

    The indicators and messages are displayed in yellow. Warning indicators The video heads are dirty Slow flashing: •You need to clean the heads using the Sony DVM12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied) (p. 123). The battery is dead or nearly dead Slow flashing: •The battery is nearly dead.

  • Page 120: Warning Messages

    Warning indicators and messages Warning messages • CLOCK SET • For “InfoLITHIUM” Use an “InfoLIHIUM” battery pack (p. 11). BATTERY ONLY • CLEANING CASSETTE • FULL • • 16BIT • REC MODE • TAPE • “i.LINK” CABLE i.LINK cable is connected (p. 68).* You cannot dub new sound. •...

  • Page 121: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    Using your camcorder abroad Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC adaptor supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].

  • Page 122: Maintenance Information And Precautions

    Moisture condensation If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may not operate correctly.
  • Page 123 LCD screen or in the viewfinder. If the above problem, [a] or [b] occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied). Check the picture and if the above problem persists, repeat cleaning.
  • Page 124 POWER switch. The vanadium- lithium battery is always charged as long as you are using your camcorder. The battery, however, will get discharged gradually if you do not use your camcorder. It will be completely discharged in about three months if you do not use your camcorder at all.
  • Page 125 •Keep your camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration. •Do not touch the LCD screen with a sharp-pointed object. •If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction.

  • Page 126: Battery Pack

    •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 problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.

  • Page 127: Specifications

    Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads Helical scanning system Audio recording system Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo) Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette Mini DV cassette with the mark printed...

  • Page 128: Quick Reference

    6 LOCK (p. 18) 7 POWER switch (p. 17) 8 START/STOP button (p. 17) This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video products. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES”...
  • Page 129 The lens for your camcorder was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation. It adopts the MTF* measurement system for video camera and offers a quality as the Carl Zeiss lens. * MTF is an abbreviation of Modulation Transfer Function/Factor.
  • Page 130 Identifying the parts and controls DV IN/OUT jack (p. 56) 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.
  • Page 131 DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL button (p. 28) wj OPEN/Z EJECT lever (p. 14) wk ACCESS lamp (p. 85) wl MEMORY RELEASE lever (p. 85) e; RESET button (p. 117) ea i (headphones) jack When you use headphones, the speaker on your camcorder is silent.
  • Page 132 Tripod receptacle 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 your camcorder. ra BATT (battery) RELEASE lever (p. 12)

  • Page 133: Remote Commander

    •Your camcorder works in the commander mode VTR 2. Commander modes 1, 2 and 3 are used to distinguish your camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in the Commander mode VTR 2, we recommend changing the commander mode or covering the sensor of the VCR with black paper.

  • Page 134: Operation Indicators

    Identifying the parts and controls Operation indicators 1 Cassette memory indicator (p. 111) 2 Remaining battery time indicator (p. 22) 3 Zoom indicator (p. 21)/Exposure indicator (p. 45)/Data file name indicator (p. 83) 4 Digital effect indicator (p. 40)/ MEMORY MIX indicator (p. 94) 5 FLD./FRAME indicator (p.

  • Page 135: Quick Function Guide

    Quick Function Guide Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) •In a dark place •In insufficient light •In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, or general night views •Shooting backlit subjects •In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event •In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope...

  • Page 136: Index

    Full charge ... 9 Grip strap ... 132 Heads ... 123 Headphone jack ... 131 HiFi SOUND ... 78 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan I, J, K, L i.LINK ... 130 Image protection ... 105 Image quality mode ... 87 INDEX (Multiple) display ...

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