Sony Handycam DCR-PC7E Operating Instructions Manual
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Sony Handycam DCR-PC7E Operating Instructions Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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See also: Service Manual , Operating Instructions Manual
3-858-632-12 (1)
Digital Video
Camera Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
DCR-PC7E
©1996 by Sony Corporation
DCR-PC7E
3-858-632-12E (E32)

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  • Page 1 3-858-632-12 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. DCR-PC7E ©1996 by Sony Corporation DCR-PC7E 3-858-632-12E (E32)
  • Page 2 WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. DCR-PC7E 3-858-632-12E (E32)

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Before you begin Using this manual ... 4 Checking supplied accessories ... 5 Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack ... 6 Inserting a cassette ... 9 Basic operations Camera recording ... 10 Using the zoom feature ... 12 Shooting with the LCD screen ...

  • Page 4: Before You Begin

    Using this manual Welcome ! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam Vision Handycam Vision, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam Vision is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use.

  • Page 5: Checking Supplied Accessories

    Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 66) 2 NP-F100 battery pack (1) (p. 6) 3 AC-V100 AC power adaptor (1) (p.6, 20) The shape of the plug varies from region to region.

  • Page 6: Getting Started

    AC power adaptor. This camcorder operates with the NP-F100/NP-F200 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Charging the battery pack (1) Connect the mains lead to the AC power adaptor.
  • Page 7 Battery life While using with viewfinder Battery pack` Continuous recording time ** NP-F100 55 (45) (supplied) NP-F200 100 (85) While using with LCD Battery Continuous recording pack time ** NP-F100 45 (40) (supplied) NP-F200 75 (70) Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normal charged battery pack. When using both the viewfinder and the LCD screen, the battery life is shorter.

  • Page 8: Installing The Battery Pack

    Charging and installing the battery pack Installing the battery pack (1) Set the BATT LOCK/RELEASE switch to RELEASE. (2) Remove the battery terminal cover. (3) Align the hooks of the battery pack with the catches of the camcorder and place the battery pack in place. (4) Set the BATT LOCK/RELEASE switch to LOCK.

  • Page 9: Inserting A Cassette

    Inserting a cassette You can use mini DV cassette with Make sure that the power source is installed. (1) Place the grip strap away from the lid of the cassette compartment to avoid damaging the lid. (2) Open the lid of the cassette compartment and push 6 EJECT inside the lid. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

  • Page 10: Basic Operations

    Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted. When you use the camcorder for the first time, turn it on and reset the date and time to your local date and time before you start recording (p. 48). Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly.
  • Page 11 • We recommend to use a Sony ME cassette. • You cannot make audio dubbing on a tape recorded in LP mode. Use the SP mode for the tape to be audio dubbed.

  • Page 12: Using The Zoom Feature

    Camera recording Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Press the power zoom switch a little for a relatively slow zoom;...

  • Page 13: Shooting With The Lcd Screen

    Shooting with the LCD screen You can also record the picture while looking at the LCD screen. When using the LCD screen, the viewfinder screen turns off automatically. You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker during recording. (1) Open the LCD panel. (2) Adjust angle of the LCD panel The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to this side and about 180 degrees to the other side.

  • Page 14: Selecting The Start/Stop Mode

    Camera recording Selecting the start/stop mode When you press START/STOP, the camcorder starts recording. When you press the button again, the camcorder stops recording. (factory setting) : As long as you keep pressing START/STOP, the camcorder records. When you release the button, the camcorder stops recording. 5SEC: When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for 5 seconds and stops.

  • Page 15: Hints For Better Shooting

    When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm (9/32 inches). Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of the camcorder.
  • Page 16 Hints for better shooting If you wear glasses You can bend back the eyecup to get a better view of viewfinder [d]. Cautions on the LCD panel and on the viewfinder • Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder or the LCD panel [e]. •...

  • Page 17: Playing Back A Tape

    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) Open the LCD panel. (3) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. The tape transport buttons light up.

  • Page 18: Various Playback Modes

    Playing back a tape To view the playback picture in the viewfinder Close the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns on automatically. When using the viewfinder, you can monitor the sound only by using headphones. To view on the LCD screen again, open the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns off automatically.

  • Page 19: Searching For The End Of The Picture

    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).

  • Page 20: Advanced Operations

    DC OUT jack on the AC power adaptor using the supplied connecting cord. (2) Connect the mains lead to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the mains lead to mains. Accessory to be used Supplied AC power adaptor Battery pack NP-F100 (supplied), NP-F200 Sony car battery charger DC-V515 DCR-PC7E 3-858-632-12E (E32)

  • Page 21: Using A Car Battery

    Using a car battery Use a car battery charger such as Sony DC-V515 (not supplied). Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Connect the car battery charger and the camcorder using the supplied DK-626 connecting cord.

  • Page 22: Changing The Mode Settings

    Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. (1) Press MENU to display the menu on the LCD screen. (2) Press v or V to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE. Only the selected item is displayed.

  • Page 23: Selecting The Mode Setting Of Each Item

    Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA/PHOTO and VTR modes COMMANDER <VTR4/OFF/ID/ID SET> • Select VTR4 when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder. • Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. • Select ID when using the Remote Commander set to the ID number. •...
  • Page 24 Changing the mode settings Items for VTR mode only AUDIO MIX* Select this item and adjust the balance between the stereo 1 and stereo 2 by pressing v or V. DATA CODE <DATE/CAM or DATE> • Select DATE/CAM to display date and recording data during playback. •...

  • Page 25: Letting The Subject Monitor The Shot

    Letting the subject monitor the shot You can turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way and you can let the subject monitor the shot while shooting with the viewfinder. Turn the LCD panel up vertically. When you turn the LCD panel 180 degrees, the indicator appears on the LCD screen (mirror mode) and the time code and remaining tape indicators disappear.

  • Page 26: Shooting Scenery In Several Short Takes

    Shooting scenery in several short takes Long, continuous shots of scenery tend to be dull, and have to be edited to make an interesting video. With 5SEC. REC (5-second recording) mode, the camcorder records for only 5 seconds and then switches to Standby mode, so that you will automatically take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video.

  • Page 27: Fade-In And Fade-Out

    Fade-in and fade-out You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black while the sound decreases. When fading in [a] (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER.

  • Page 28: Photo Recording

    Photo recording You can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This mode is useful when you want to enjoy a picture such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). You can record about 510 pictures on a 60- minute tape.
  • Page 29 Printing the still picture You can print a still picture by using the video printer (not supplied). Connect the video printer using the supplied S video connecting cable. Refer to the instruction manual of the video printer as well. Video printer LINE IN VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIO VIDEO OUT/2...

  • Page 30: Using The Wide Mode Function

    Using the wide mode function You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE). The picture with black bands at the top and the bottom on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder [a] is normal. The picture on a normal TV [b] is horizontally compressed. You can watch the picture of normal images on a wide-screen TV [c].

  • Page 31: Releasing The Steadyshot Function

    Releasing the SteadyShot function When you shoot, the indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. This indicates that the SteadyShot function is working and the camcorder compensates for camera-shake. You can release the SteadyShot function when you do not need to use the SteadyShot function.

  • Page 32: Using The Program Ae Function

    Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select from three PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation. When you use PROGRAM AE, you can get a capture high-speed action, record night views, etc. Selecting the best mode Select a proper PROGRAM AE mode reffering to the discription on each PROGRAM AE mark in the viewfinder or the PROGRAM AE mode indication on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
  • Page 33 Using the PROGRAM AE function (1) While the camcorder is in recording or Standby mode press MENU to display the menu on the LCD screen. (2) Press v or V to select PGM AE, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press v or V to select the desired mode, then press EXECUTE. If you want to change the other modes, repeat steps 2 and 3.

  • Page 34: Adjusting The White Balance

    Adjusting the white balance White balance adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more natural colour balance for camera recording. Normally white balance is automatically adjusted. You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance manually when lighting conditions change quickly or when recording outdoors: e.g., neon signs, fireworks.

  • Page 35: Setting The White Balance

    Setting the White Balance (1) Press MENU to display the menu on the LCD screen during recording or Standby mode. (2) Press v or V to select WHT BAL, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press v or V to select the appropriate white balance mode, then press EXECUTE.

  • Page 36: Focusing Manually

    Focusing manually 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] •...

  • Page 37: Locking The Exposure

    Locking the exposure When to lock the exposure Lock the exposure by pressing the AE LOCK under the following cases. • The background is too bright (backlighting) • Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark • Bright subject and dark background •...

  • Page 38: Watching On A Tv Screen

    Watching on a TV screen You can use the camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to connect the camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use the mains for the power source.

  • Page 39: Displaying The Recording Data - Data Code Function

    Displaying recording data – data code function You can display recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder during playback (Data Code). The Data Code is also displayed on the TV. (1) Press MENU to display the menu on the LCD screen. (2) Press v or V to select DATA CODE, then press EXECUTE.

  • Page 40: Returning To A Pre-Registered Position

    Returning to a pre-registered position Using the Remote Commander, you can easily go back to the desired point on a tape after playback. (1) During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY at the point you later want to locate. The counter shows “0:00:00” and “ZERO SET MEMORY” appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

  • Page 41: Locating The Beginning Of Each Scene

    Locating the beginning of each scene You can search the beginning of the recorded picture with the date using the Remote Commander. You can also search the photo-recorded pictures only in the backward and forward direction from the preset position. (1) Make sure that the POWER switch is set to VTR.

  • Page 42: Editing Onto Another Tape

    Editing onto another tape You can create your own video programme by editing with any other DV, mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VCR that has audio/video inputs. You can edit with little deterioration of picture and sound quality when using the DV connecting cable.

  • Page 43: Starting Editing

    Starting editing (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert your recorded tape into the camcorder. (2) Play back the recorded tape on the camcorder until you locate the point where you want to start editing, then press P to set the camcorder in playback pause mode.

  • Page 44: Replacing Recording On A Tape - Insert Editing

    Replacing recording on a tape – insert editing You can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifying starting and ending points. Connection is the same as in “Using the DV connecting cable” on page 42. In recording and recording pause mode, DV IN/OUT jack automatically works as input jack.

  • Page 45: 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 use the VMC-LM7 adaptor (not supplied) to connect the audio equipment, you can add a sound on your recorded tape by specifying starting and ending points.
  • Page 46 Audio dubbing Recording 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, press · to set it to playback mode, and then locate the point where the recording ends by pressing 0 or ).

  • Page 47: Additional Information

    Additional information Charging the vanadium-lithium battery in the camcorder Your camcorder is supplied with a vanadium-lithium battery installed so as to retain the date and time, etc., regardless of the setting of the POWER switch. The vanadium- lithium battery is always charged as long as you are using the camcorder. The battery, however, will get discharged gradually if you do not use the camcorder.

  • Page 48: Resetting The Date And Time

    Resetting the date and time The date and time are set at the factory. Set the time according to your local time. If you do not use the camcorder for about a year, the date and time settings may be released (bars may appear) because the vanadium-lithium battery installed in the camcorder will have been discharged.

  • Page 49: Usable Cassettes And Playback Modes

    Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting cassette types You can use the mini DV cassette only. You cannot use any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, When you play back Copyright signal When you play back Using this camcorder, you cannot play back a tape that has recorded a copyright control signals for copyright protection of software.
  • Page 50 Usable cassettes and playback modes Notes on the mini DV cassette To prevent accidental erasure Slide out the protect tab on the cassette so that the red portion is visible. [a] When affixing a label on the mini DV cassette Be sure to affix a label on only the location as illustrated below so as not to cause malfunction of the camcorder.

  • Page 51: Tips For Using The Battery Pack

    Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned.
  • Page 52 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium battery pack which can exchange data with compatible video equipment about its battery consumption. Sony recommends that you use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack with video equipment having the mark. When you use this battery pack with video equipment having the video equipment will indicate the remaining battery time in minutes.* However, if you...
  • Page 53 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.

  • Page 54: Maintenance Information And Precautions

    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.
  • Page 55 • Do not place the unit in locations that are: – Extremely hot or cold – Dusty or dirty – Very humid – Vibrating If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer. DCR-PC7E 3-858-632-12E (E32)

  • Page 56: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    Using your camcorder abroad Each country has its own electric and TV colour systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Difference in colour systems This camcorder is a PAL system-based camcorder.

  • Page 57: Trouble Check

    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.
  • Page 58 The camcorder is not malfunctioning. m Change locations. • The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony DVM12CL (not supplied) cassette. (p. 54) • The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony DVM12CL (not supplied) cleaning cassette.
  • Page 59 Picture Cause and/or corrective actions Symptom • Remove the DV connecting cable, and connect it again. While editing using the DV connecting cable, recording picture cannot be monitored. Others Symptom Cause and/or corrective actions • If the power of the cammcorder is on for a long time, it The camcorder becomes warm.

  • Page 60: When The Charge Lamp Flashes

    The problem is with the AC power adaptor. Please contact your nearest Sony dealer in connection with the product with the problem. * If you use a battery pack which you have just bought or which has been left unused for a long time, the CHARGE lamp may flash at the first charging.

  • Page 61: Specifications

    DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.8 A in operating mode Battery charge terminal: 8.4 V, 1.4 A in charge mode Application Sony battery pack NP-F100, NP- F200 lithium ion type 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.)

  • Page 62: Identifying The Parts

    Identifying the parts 1 Lens cap (p. 10) 2 LCD screen (p. 13) 3 START/STOP MODE swtich (p. 14, 26) 4 CHARGE lamp (p. 6, 21) 5 Battery terminal cover (p. 8) Remove the cover to install the battery back. 6 AE LOCK button (p.
  • Page 63 !¢ !∞ !§ !¢ Cassette compartment (p. 9) !∞ 6 EJECT button (p. 9) !§ Cassette compartment lid (p. 9) !¶ RESET button (p. 57) !¶ DCR-PC7E 3-858-632-12E (E32)
  • Page 64 Identifying the parts !• !ª @º @¡ @™ @£ @¢ !• LCD BRIGHT button (p.13, 17) !ª VOLUME button (p. 17) @º Speaker @¡ DISPLAY botton (p.17) @™ 26-pin connector (p. 20) @£ S VIDEO jack (p. 38, 42) @¢ AUDIO VIDEO OUT/2 (headphones) jack (p.
  • Page 65 #™ #£ #¢ #™ Viewfinder lens adjustment dial (p. 11) #£ Zoom switch (p. 12) #¢ Grip strap (p. 15) #∞ FOCUS/(INFINITY) button (p. 36) #§ Focus ring (p. 36) #¶ Lens #• Recording lamp (p. 10) #ª Remote sensor Aim the Remote Commander here for remote control.
  • Page 66 Identifying the parts Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. 1 PHOTO button (p. 28) 2 DISPLAY button (p. 17) 3 SEARCH MODE button (p. 41) 4 =/+ buttons (p. 41) 5 Tape transport buttons (p.
  • Page 67 To prepare the Remote Commander To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two R6 (size AA) batteries. Use the supplied R6 (size AA) batteries. (1) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert both of the R6 (size AA) batteries with correct polarity. (3) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander.
  • Page 68 Identifying the Parts About the ID of the Remote Commander You can avoid misoperation from other remote commanders by setting the VTR4/ID/ VTR2 selector to ID. Use the supplied Remote Commander when you set the selector to ID. When you use the Remote Commander for the first time, register the ID following the procedure below.
  • Page 69 • This camcorder works at commander mode VTR4 or ID. The commander modes (VTR4 or ID) are used to distinguish this camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR at commander mode ID, we recommend you change the commander mode or cover the remote sensor of the VCR with black paper.
  • Page 70 Identifying the parts Operation indicators !º 1 Manual focus/infinity indicator (p. 36) 2 PROGRAM AE indicator (p. 33) 3 White balance indicator (p. 34) 4 SteadyShot indicator (p. 31) 5 AE LOCK indicator (p. 37) 6 16:9 WIDE indicator (p. 30) 7 FADER indicator (p.

  • Page 71: Warning Indicators

    If the clock is not set when you press START/STOP button in the CAMERA mode, the message appears for 5 seconds. 9 Some other trouble has occurred. Disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized facility. DCR-PC7E 3-858-632-12E (E32)

  • Page 72: Index

    Power zoom ... 12 PROGRAM AE ... 32 Editing ... 42 EJECT ... 9 END SEARCH ... 19 Exposure ... 37 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan Remaining battery indicator ... 51 Remaining tape indicator .. 11 Remote Commander ... 66 Skip scan ...

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