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Sony Handycam DCR-PC108 Operation Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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Camera
Operations Guide
Read this first
© 2004 Sony Corporation
Digital Video Camera Recorder
DCR-PC108/PC109
3-089-181-11(1)

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam DCR-PC108

  • Page 1 Camera Operations Guide Read this first Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-PC108/PC109 © 2004 Sony Corporation 3-089-181-11(1)

  • Page 2: Read This First

    Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”...

  • Page 3: Notes On Use

    – Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. – Consult a Sony dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the...
  • Page 4 • Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel, or when you adjust the angle of the LCD panel. • Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
  • Page 5 • When disconnecting the AC Adaptor from the Handycam Station, hold both the DC plug and the Handycam Station and disconnect the AC Adaptor. • Be sure to turn the power of your camcorder off before inserting it into or removing it from the Handycam Station.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Read this first ... 2 Quick Start Guide Recording movies ... 10 Recording still images ... 12 Recording/Playing back with ease ... 14 Getting started Step 1: Checking supplied items... 15 Step 2: Charging the battery pack... 16 Using an outside power source ...
  • Page 7 Adjusting the exposure... 38 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ... 38 Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter ... 38 Adjusting the exposure manually ... 39 Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc..40 Adjusting the focus...
  • Page 8 Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ...113 Warning indicators and messages ...121 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...126 Usable cassette tapes ...127 About the “Memory Stick” ...128 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...131 About i.LINK ...132 Maintenance and precautions ...133 Specification ...136...

  • Page 10: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Recording movies Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 16. Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery terminal cover. BATT (battery release) lever Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

  • Page 11: Start Recording While Checking The Subject On The Lcd Screen

    Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen. The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 22. Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. Open the LCD panel. While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch...

  • Page 12: Recording Still Images

    Recording still images Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 16. Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery terminal cover. BATT (battery release) lever Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into the camcorder.
  • Page 13 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen. The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 22. Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. Open the LCD panel. While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch...

  • Page 14: Recording/Playing Back With Ease

    Recording/Playing back with ease By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback. Press EASY when recording/ playing back. EASY lights up in blue (1) and screen font size increases (2) during Easy Handycam operation.

  • Page 15: Getting Started

    You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about half the size of a standard “Memory Stick,” in your camcorder. See page 128 for details. Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1) If you attach a Memory Stick Duo adaptor to a “Memory Stick Duo,”...

  • Page 16: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    Getting started Slide the BATT lever and remove the battery terminal cover. Attach the battery pack with its terminal side facing your camcorder as shown in the following illustration and press down the battery pack until it clicks. DC plug...
  • Page 17 With the mark on the DC plug facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder as shown in the illustration. After charging the battery The CHARGE lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
  • Page 18 25°C (77°F). Getting started With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON For DCR-PC109: Battery pack Continuous NP-FF50 NP-FF51 (supplied) NP-FF70 NP-FF71 For DCR-PC108: 100% Battery pack Continuous NP-FF50 NP-FF51 (supplied) NP-FF70 NP-FF71 With LCD BACKLIGHT set to OFF For DCR-PC109: Battery pack Continuous...

  • Page 19: Using An Outside Power Source

    LCD panel closed PRECAUTION Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor. Connect your camcorder as shown in “Charging the battery pack”...

  • Page 20: Step 3: Turning The Power On

    You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mode to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 22). LENS COVER switch POWER switch Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.

  • Page 21: Step 4: Adjusting The Lcd Panel And Viewfinder

    [LCD BL LEVEL] from the [LCD/VF SET] on the (STANDARD SET) menu (p. 85). • When you use your camcorder in bright conditions, press LCD BACKLIGHT to switch off the LCD screen backlight ( appears on the screen.).

  • Page 22: Step 5: Setting The Date And Time

    Note • If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable button-type battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable button-type battery (p.

  • Page 23: Step 6: Inserting The Recording Media

    For details on these cassettes (such as write- protection), see page 127. b Note • Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

  • Page 24: Inserting A "Memory Stick Duo

    • You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about half the size of a standard “Memory Stick,” in your camcorder (p. 128). Do not try to force any other type of “Memory Stick” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot.

  • Page 25: Step 7: Setting The Screen Language

    • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data from/to the “Memory Stick Duo.” Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.
  • Page 26 Select the desired language with , then touch z Tip • Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options. Getting started...

  • Page 27: Recording

    Select the recording mode. To record on a tape Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up, and your camcorder is set to the standby mode. To record on a “Memory Stick Duo” – MPEG MOVIE EX POWER switch...

  • Page 28: Remaining Battery

    OFF (CHG). • In the default setting, when you do not operate the camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power will automatically turn off to prevent battery loss ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 88). To restart recording, slide...

  • Page 29: Recording For A Longer Time

    Tips • If you do not use your camcorder for a long time, remove the cassette and store it. • You can also use REC START/STOP of the LCD panel to record moving pictures.

  • Page 30: Recording In Mirror Mode

    1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)* 80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)* * The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus in that position of the lever. Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom.

  • Page 31: Using The Self-Timer

    Using the self-timer With the self-timer, you can start recording after a delay of about 10 seconds. REC START/STOP REC START/STOP Touch Touch [SELF-TIMER]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu.

  • Page 32: Recording Still Images

    Recording still images – Memory photo recording You can record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 15 to p. 25). PHOTO POWER switch z Tip • Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first time users can record easily.

  • Page 33: Selecting Image Quality Or Size

    Select the (MEMORY SET) menu, [STILL SET], then [ QUALITY] or IMAGE SIZE] (p. 72). For DCR-PC108: Select the [STILL SET], then [ The image size is set to [640 × 480]. The number of pictures you can record on a “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 34: Using The Self-Timer

    Using the self-timer With the self-timer, you can record a still image after a delay of about 10 seconds. PHOTO Touch Touch [SELF-TIMER]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU] and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu.

  • Page 35: Recording A Still Image On A "Memory Stick Duo" While Recording Movies On A Tape

    Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo” while recording movies on a tape Press PHOTO fully during tape recording. 60min 0:00:10 Recording is complete when the scrolling stops. P-MENU To record still images in standby mode Press and hold PHOTO lightly. Check the image and press it fully.

  • Page 36: Recording A Still Image

    Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up. Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button. Press EASY. The EASY lights up in blue. Easy Handycam operation Press REC START/STOP. Recording starts. [REC] appears on the LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp lights up.

  • Page 37: Making Full Use Of Easy Handycam Operation

    b Notes • You cannot turn Easy Handycam operation on or off during recording. • During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are not available: – LCD BACKLIGHT (p. 21) – BACK LIGHT (p. 38) • During Easy Handycam operation, the settings of the functions that are not displayed on the screen return to their defaults.

  • Page 38: Adjusting The Exposure

    Adjusting the exposure The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting. Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects When your subject has its back to the sun or other light, you can adjust the exposure to prevent the subject from becoming shadowed.

  • Page 39: Adjusting The Exposure Manually

    b Notes • You cannot use the Flexible spot meter together with: – NightShot plus function – Super NightShot plus function – Color Slow Shutter function • If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [AUTO]. z Tip •...

  • Page 40: Recording In Dark Places - Nightshot Plus, Etc

    Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc. You can record subjects in dark places (such as when capturing the face of your baby sleeping) with the NightShot plus, Super NightShot plus or Color Slow Shutter function. The NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus function enable you to record an image brighter and smoother.

  • Page 41: Adjusting The Focus

    • When using the Super NightShot plus or Color Slow Shutter function, the shutter speed of your camcorder changes depending on the brightness. The motion of the picture may slow down at this time. • Adjust the focus manually when it is hard to focus automatically.

  • Page 42: Adjusting The Focus Manually

    To adjust the focus automatically Follow steps 1 and 2, then touch [AUTO] in step 3. Or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 42). b Note • You cannot use the SPOT FOCUS function together with [PROGRAM AE]. z Tip • If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is automatically set to [MANUAL].

  • Page 43: Recording A Picture Using Various Effects

    Recording a picture using various effects POWER switch Fading in and out of a scene – FADER You can add the following effects to currently recording pictures. [BLACK FADER] [WHITE FADER] [MOSAIC FADER] [MONOTONE] When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color.

  • Page 44: Using Special Effects - Digital Effect

    Touch the desired effect, then touch When you touch [OVERLAP], [WIPE] or [DOT FADER], the image on the tape in your camcorder is stored as a still image. (While storing the image, the screen turns to blue.) 60min STBY 0:00:00...
  • Page 45 [OLD MOVIE] You can add an old movie-type atmosphere to pictures. Your camcorder automatically records pictures in the letterbox mode for all screen size, sepia in color, and at a slower shutter speed. Slide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode.

  • Page 46: Overlaying Still Images On Movies On A Tape - Memory Mix

    Check that you have a “Memory Stick Duo” with the still image to be superimposed and a tape (only if you are recording on tape) in your camcorder. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode (when you are recording on a tape) or the CAMERA-MEM mode (when you are recording on a “Memory Stick...
  • Page 47 • You may not be able to play back pictures modified on your computer or recorded with other camcorders on your camcorder. z Tip • The supplied SPVD-012 USB Driver CD-ROM contains sample images for use in MEMORY MIX operations.

  • Page 48: Searching For The Starting Point

    END SEARCH EXECUTING The last scene of the most recent recording is played back for about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where the last recording has finished. To cancel the operation Touch [CANCEL].

  • Page 49: Reviewing The Most Recently Recorded Scenes - Rec Review

    Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode. Touch 60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT Touch once. The last few seconds of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby mode. Recording...

  • Page 50: Playback

    Playback Viewing movies recorded on a tape Make sure you have a recorded cassette inserted into your camcorder. Some of the operations are possible using the Remote Commander or using the touch panel. When you want to play back recordings on your TV, see page 60.

  • Page 51: Playing Back In Various Modes

    Indicators displayed during tape playback 60min 0:00:00:15 60min A Remaining battery B Recording mode (SP or LP) C Tape transport indicator D Time code (hour: minute: second: frame) or tape counter (hour: minute: second) E Personal Menu button (p. 63) F Video operation buttons When a “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 52: Viewing Recordings With Added Effects - Digital Effect

    Tip • You cannot record the pictures edited using special effects on the tape in your camcorder, but you can copy them to a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 96) or another tape (p. 94). DV Interface.

  • Page 53: Viewing Recordings On A "Memory Stick Duo

    When you have a lot of pictures, you can list them to search through them easily. Make sure you have a recorded “Memory Stick Duo” inserted into your camcorder. When you want to play back a recorded picture on your TV, see page 60.

  • Page 54: Playing Back In Various Modes From A "Memory Stick Duo

    Indicators displayed during “Memory Stick Duo” playback 60min 10 / 10 1152 101–0010 0:00:00 P-MENU A Remaining battery B Image size C Picture number/Total number of recorded pictures in the current playback folder D Playback folder E Playing time (movies only) F Previous/next folder icon The following indicators appear when the first or last picture of the current folder is...

  • Page 55: Playing Back With Ease - Easy Handycam

    Also screen font size increases for , then touch easy viewing. Make sure you have a recorded cassette or a recorded “Memory Stick Duo” inserted into your camcorder. EASY Open the LCD panel. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

  • Page 56: Making Full Use Of Easy Handycam Operation

    Press EASY. The EASY lights up in blue. Play back pictures. When playing back on a tape The following buttons can be operated. (play/pause)/ (fast forward)/ (stop)/ (rewind) You can operate these operations and SLOW y on the Remote Commander. When playing back on a “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 57: Various Playback Functions

    – Digital effect – Picture effect ([PICT. EFFECT]) • Pictures edited with PB zoom cannot be recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder. • You cannot magnify externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output the magnified pictures via the DV Interface.

  • Page 58: Displaying The Screen Indicators

    z Tip • If you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO during the playback zoom operation, the frame will disappear. Displaying the screen indicators You can choose to display the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen. Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO. The indicator switches on or off as you press the button.

  • Page 59: Shutter Speed

    E Shutter speed F Aperture value * Appears only during tape playback b Note • Camera setting data do not appear when movies on a “Memory Stick Duo” are played back. z Tips • Exposure adjustment value (0EV) appears when a “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 60: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    When there is an S video jack on the device to be connected, connecting the S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and the device instead of using the yellow plug is recommended. The audio will not be output when you connect with the S video plug alone.

  • Page 61: Locating A Scene On A Tape For Playback

    Locating a scene on a tape for playback Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory m REW PLAY STOP DISPLAY ZERO SET MEMORY During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander at the point you want to locate later on.

  • Page 62: Searching For A Scene By Date Of Recording - Date Search

    Press STOP on the Remote Commander. b Notes • If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes. • The Date search will not function correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.

  • Page 63: Advanced Operations

    You can also touch the item directly to select it. You can scroll and see all items. The available items vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min 0:00:00:00 REMOTE CTRL: ON Select the desired setting.
  • Page 64 To use the short-cuts of the Personal Menu The available items vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. Unavailable items will be grayed out. You can customize the short-cuts (p. 90). Touch Touch the desired item.

  • Page 65: Using The (Camera Set) Menu

    The default settings are marked with G. The indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min Select this when not using PROGRAM AE.

  • Page 66: Spot Meter

    * Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. **Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects. Note • [SPORTS] (sports lesson) will not work when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA- MEM.

  • Page 67: Auto Shutter

    Tips • For better color balance adjustment when [WHITE BAL.] is set to [AUTO], aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds after setting the POWER switch to CAMERA-TAPE when: – You remove the battery pack for replacement.
  • Page 68 GNORMAL ( LOW ( Note • The setting returns to [NORMAL] when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. SUPER NSPLUS See page 40 for details. NS LIGHT When using the NightShot plus function to record, you can record clearer pictures by using the NightShot Light to emit infrared rays (invisible).
  • Page 69 With this function [ON], your camcorder offers even wider angles when you move the power zoom lever to the “W” side than recording in [OFF]. When you connect your camcorder to a TV compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system and play the tape, the TV switches to full mode automatically.
  • Page 70 Tips • The ID-1 system sends aspect ratio information (16:9, 4:3, or letter box) by inserting signals between video signals. • The ID-2 system sends a copyright protection signal with the ID-1 signals inserted between video signals in an analog connection. STEADYSHOT You can select this function to compensate for camera-shake.

  • Page 71: Using The (Memory Set) Menu

    “Memory Stick Duo.” • When it is hard to see the difference between the images recorded in [EXP. BRKTG] mode on the LCD screen, connect your camcorder to your TV or a computer. The default settings are marked with G. The indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected.

  • Page 72: Movie Set

    QUALITY GFINE ( STANDARD IMAGE SIZE For DCR-PC109: G1152 × 864 640 × 480 ( MOVIE SET IMAGE SIZE G320 × 240 160 × 112 ( REMAINING GAUTO ALL ERASE You can delete all the pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo” that are not write- protected.

  • Page 73: Using The (Edit/Play) Menu

    Touch Notes • You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 73), or delete them using your computer. • The number of pictures that can be recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” decreases as the number of folders increases on the “Memory Stick Duo.”...
  • Page 74 REC FOLDER As the default setting, pictures are saved in the 101MSDCF folder. You can select a folder to save your pictures. Create new folders from the [NEW FOLDER] menu, then select the folder to be used for recording with When you have a lot of pictures, you can search for the desired picture easily when you sort them in folders.

  • Page 75: Rec-Stl, Etc

    The default settings are marked with G. The indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min PICT.

  • Page 76: Memory Mix

    Touch [ON] or [OFF], then GON ( Touch [END]. Touch [START]. Your camcorder plays back the images recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” in sequence. Using the Menu Select to record the picture looking like a pale pastel drawing. (This effect is not available during playback.)
  • Page 77 • If movies are played in the slide show, you can adjust the volume by touching (decrease)/ FRAME REC You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately frame recording and then moving the subject a little. Operate your camcorder using the Remote Commander to prevent camera shake. GOFF ON ( Notes •...

  • Page 78: Interval Rec

    INTERVAL REC. You can record pictures on a tape at a selected interval, when you record flowers blooming, etc. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation. a: [REC TIME] b: [INTERVAL] Touch Touch [INTERVAL].

  • Page 79: Demo Mode

    – When a cassette or “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted. – When a mode other than CAMERA-TAPE is selected. • If [A.SHUT OFF] is set to [5 min] when the camcorder is used on the battery pack, the power will be turned off after approximately 5 minutes (p. 88).

  • Page 80: Title

    See page 95 and 96 for details. BURN DVD When your camcorder is connected to a Sony VAIO series personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape on a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) using this command. See the supplied “Computer Applications Guide”...
  • Page 81 SEARCH TITLE Any titles you have superimposed using this camcorder can only be viewed on a video cassette device with the index titler function. If you superimpose a title, you will be able to search for it using Title search. You can superimpose up to about 20 titles (about 5 letters per title) on a cassette with Cassette Memory.
  • Page 82 • When you are using your camcorder on the battery pack and do not operate it for 5 minutes, the power automatically goes off as the default setting. If you may take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters, set [A.SHUT OFF] on the...
  • Page 83 Tips • To erase the label you have created, touch touch • To change the label you have created, insert the cassette into your camcorder and go through the procedure from step 1. ALL ERASE You can delete all data such as date, title, and cassette label saved in the Cassette Memory at one time.

  • Page 84: Using The (Standard Set) Menu

    Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette. Select to increase the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play). The use of Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassette is recommended to get the most out of your camcorder.
  • Page 85 Notes • You can play back a dual sound track cassette on this camcorder. However, you cannot record a dual sound track on this camcorder. • The setting returns to [STEREO] when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

  • Page 86: Data Code

    • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during recording. A/V c DV OUT You can connect a digital device and an analog device to your camcorder and convert the signal transmitted from the connected devices to the appropriate signal on your camcorder.

  • Page 87: Remote Ctrl

    • When the subject reflects the recording lamp. Select to sound a melody when you start/stop recording, operate the touch panel, or when an unusual condition occurs on your camcorder. Select to sound a beep instead of the melody. Select to cancel the melody, the beep sound, the shutter sound or touch panel operation confirmation beep.
  • Page 88 GLCD PANEL V-OUT/PANEL Note • You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO while [V-OUT/PANEL] is selected. MENU ROTATE You can select the scrolling direction (up or down) of the menu items on the LCD...

  • Page 89: Etc

    You can set the date and time (p. 22). WORLD TIME You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the time difference by touching with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time.

  • Page 90: (Time/Langu.) Menu

    EDIT/PLAY STANDARD SET TIME/LANGU. Touch to select a menu category, then touch The available items vary depending on the power mode of the camcorder. Only the available items are displayed. 60min STBY 0:00:00 Select the item. PROGRAM AE SPOT METER EXPOSURE WHITE BAL.
  • Page 91 Deleting menu – Delete Touch 60min STBY STBY 0:00:00 EXPO– MENU SURE FADER FOCUS SPOT SPOT FOCUS METER Touch [P-MENU SET UP]. If the desired menu is not displayed on the screen, touch until the menu is displayed. 60min STBY 0:00:00 P–MENU SET UP DELETE...
  • Page 92 Touch the menu item you want to move. 60min STBY 0:00:00 Select new location. EXPO– MENU SURE FOCUS FADER SPOT SPOT FOCUS METER Touch to move the menu item to the desired place. 60min 0:00:00 STBY Select new location. MENU FADER SPOT FOCUS...

  • Page 93: Dubbing/Editing

    When there is an S video jack on the device to be connected, connecting the S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and the device instead of using the yellow plug is recommended. The audio will not be output when you connect with the S video plug alone.

  • Page 94: Dubbing To Another Tape

    When the dubbing is finished, stop your camcorder and the VCR. b Notes • When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via DV Interface, you cannot record the title, indicators, information for the Cassette Memory, and words entered on the index screen of the “Memory Stick Duo.”...

  • Page 95: Recording Pictures From A Vcr Or Tv

    VCR or TV on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted in your camcorder. You can also record a scene as a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” for recording in your camcorder.

  • Page 96: Dubbing Pictures From A Tape To A "Memory Stick Duo

    “Memory Stick Duo.” Make sure you have a recorded tape and a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted into your camcorder. Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Search and record the scene you want to record.

  • Page 97: Dubbing Still Images From A "Memory Stick Duo" To A Tape

    You can record still images on a tape. Make sure you have the “Memory Stick Duo” with the images and a tape inserted into your camcorder. Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Search for the point where you want to...

  • Page 98: Dubbing Selected Scenes From A Tape

    VCR that does not support [IR SETUP] codes. • The operating signal for the Digital program editing cannot be transferred via the LANC jack. Connect your VCR to the camcorder as a recording device (p. 93). You can use either the A/V connecting...
  • Page 99 Prepare your VCR. • Insert a cassette for recording. • Set the input selector to input mode if your VCR has one. Prepare your camcorder (playing device). • Insert a cassette for editing. • Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode.
  • Page 100 When recording fails to start, select another [IR SETUP] code and try again. Dubbing/Editing [IR SETUP] code list The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as the default setting.) Manufacturing company Sony Admiral (M.
  • Page 101 VCR before using the following procedure. You can adjust the synchronization of your camcorder and the VCR to avoid not recording the starting scene. Remove the cassette from your camcorder. Prepare a pen and paper to take notes.
  • Page 102 When you are recording on a tape, insert a cassette for recording into your VCR. When you are recording on a “Memory Stick Duo,” insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder. Touch Touch [MENU]. 60min 0:00:00:00 MEMORY SET...
  • Page 103 TOTAL 0:00:00:12 SCENE Repeat steps 7 to 10 and create programs. Set your VCR to recording pause. Skip this step if your camcorder is connected via an i.LINK cable or recording on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Touch [START]. START 0:00:00:00...
  • Page 104 To end Digital program editing Touch [END]. To save a program without using it to record Touch [END] in step 11. The program is stored in memory until the cassette is ejected. To erase programs Follow steps 1 to 6 in “Recording the selected scenes as programs”...

  • Page 105: Dubbing Sound To A Recorded Tape

    A/V jack. Check the picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder. • When you use an external microphone (optional) to record additional audio, you can check the picture and the sound by connecting your camcorder to a TV Microphone (optional) Audio L (white) Audio R (red)

  • Page 106: Recording Sound

    • You can only record additional audio over a tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape recorded on other camcorders (including other DCR-PC108/ PC109 camcorders). X mark appears on the LCD...

  • Page 107: Deleting Recorded Pictures

    Checking and adjusting the recorded sound Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio in “Recording sound” (p. 106). Touch Touch [MENU]. Touch to select (STANDARD SET), then touch 60min 0:00:00:00 TITLE DEL TAPE TITLE ALL ERASE REC MODE AUDIO MODE VOLUME MUL TI SOUND...

  • Page 108: Marking Recorded Images With Specific Information

    To delete pictures on the index screen You can easily search for the picture to be deleted by displaying 6 pictures at once. Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Touch Touch Touch Touch [ DELETE]. Touch the picture you want to delete. appears on the image to be deleted.

  • Page 109: Print Mark

    Selecting still images for printing – Print mark You can mark images that you want to print out while viewing them on your camcorder. (You cannot specify the number of printouts.) The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard is used to select images for printing on your camcorder.

  • Page 110: Printing Recorded Images (Pictbridge Compliant Printer)

    Note • Do not mark images on your camcorder if the “Memory Stick Duo” already has some images with the Print mark put on other devices. This may change the information of the images with the Print mark put on the other device.
  • Page 111 Notes • We cannot guarantee the operation of models that are not PictBridge compatible. • You cannot connect your camcorder to the printer if [USB-PLY/EDT] in the menu settings is not set to [PictBridge]. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
  • Page 112 • Some printer models may not support the date printing function. Refer to your printer’s operating instructions for details. • We cannot guarantee the printing of images recorded with a device other than your camcorder. Dubbing/Editing...

  • Page 113: Troubleshooting

    (p. 16) cUse the AC Adaptor to connect to the wall outlet. (p. 19) • Your camcorder is not inserted to the Handycam Station correctly. cInsert your camcorder to the Handycam Station correctly. (p. 5) cDisconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.

  • Page 114: Cassette Tapes

    If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. (p. 16) • The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.
  • Page 115 REC. (p. 127) Cause and/or Corrective Actions cSee page 25. • The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE]. (The [DEMO MODE] is automatically displayed when you leave the camcorder for 10 minutes after selecting CAMERA-TAPE without inserting a cassette and “Memory Stick Duo.”)
  • Page 116 REC or insert a new cassette. (p. 127) cThe tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette. (p. 134) •...
  • Page 117 Symptom The external flash (optional) does not work. The flash level cannot be changed. Flickering or changes in color occurs. cThis occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium END SEARCH does not work. END SEARCH does not work correctly.
  • Page 118 Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder. (p. 24) • The “Memory Stick Duo” was formatted on a personal computer. cFormat it on your camcorder (Note that all recorded data will be deleted). (p. 73) cWhen you are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab, release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.”...
  • Page 119 • Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not conform to the universal standard. • The file is damaged. • The file format is not supported on your camcorder. (p. 128) • The file is damaged. • The file format is not supported on your camcorder. (p. 128)
  • Page 120 VCR correctly, then check the connection between your camcorder and the VCR. (p. 93) cWhen your camcorder is connected to a DV device that is not a Sony product via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step11 of “Step 1: Preparing your camcorder and VCR for operation”...

  • Page 121: Warning Indicators And Messages

    “Memory Stick Duo”) Cause and/or Corrective Actions Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:04:ss cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.
  • Page 122 Indication (Warning indicator pertaining to “Memory Stick Duo” formatting)* (Warning indicator pertaining to incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)* Q (Warning indicator pertaining to the tape) Z (Eject cassette warning)* - (Warning indicator pertaining to image deletion)* - (Warning indicator pertaining to the write-protect of the “Memory Stick Duo”) (Warning indicator pertaining to the flash (optional))

  • Page 123: Warning Messages

    “Memory Stick Duo.” – cInsert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.” cThe type of “Memory Stick Duo” incompatible with your camcorder is inserted (p. 128). cCheck the format, then format the “Memory Stick Duo” as necessary (p. 73). cDelete unnecessary images (p. 107).
  • Page 124 Duo” Memory Stick folders are full. Cannot record still images on Memory Stick. PictBridge Check the connected device. compliant printer Connect the camcorder to a PictBridge Compatible printer. Check the printer. Error-Cancel the task. Cannot print. Check the printer. FLASH Charging…...
  • Page 125 A/V connecting cables from either your camcorder or the Handycam Station. • When the A/V connecting cable is connected only to your camcorder, your camcorder is not attached to the Handycam Station correctly. cAttach the Handycam Station correctly. Troubleshooting...

  • Page 126: Additional Information

    Power supply You can use your camcorder in any countries/ regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].

  • Page 127: Usable Cassette Tapes

    IC memory is mounted on this type of cassette. Your camcorder can read and write data such as dates of recording or titles from/to this memory. The functions using the Cassette Memory require successive signals recorded on the tape.

  • Page 128: About The "Memory Stick

    When labeling the cassette Be sure to place the label only on the locations as shown in the following illustration so as not to cause malfunction of your camcorder. Labeling position After using the cassette Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid distortion of the picture or the sound.
  • Page 129 The position or the shape of the write-protect tab may differ depending on the “Memory Stick Duo” you use. * The “Memory Stick Duo” supplied with your camcorder is not equipped with the write-protect tab. When using the supplied “Memory Stick Duo,” be careful not to edit or delete data by mistake.
  • Page 130 (MagicGate/Parallel Transfer) • The maximum memory capacity of a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” that can be used on your camcorder is up to 512 MB, and that of a “Memory Stick Duo” (MagicGate/Parallel Transfer) is up to 128 MB. • This unit does not support high speed data transfer.

  • Page 131: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    • After charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder, remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station or remove the battery pack.

  • Page 132: About I.link

    Tips • i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations. • IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

  • Page 133: Maintenance And Precautions

    Interface, see page 93, 94. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible device made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video device. Before connecting this unit to your computer,...
  • Page 134 • If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-12CLD cleaning cassette (optional). – Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
  • Page 135 Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video head replaced. LCD screen • Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage. • If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen.

  • Page 136: Specification

    The button-type battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all.
  • Page 137 Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 1/2 in.) 10 × (Optical), 120 × (Digital) For DCR-PC109: F = 1.8 ~ 2.3 For DCR-PC108: F = 1.7 ~ 2.3 Focal length For DCR-PC109: 3.2 - 32 mm (5/32 - 1 5/16 in.)
  • Page 138 Handycam Station DCRA-C111 S video input/output Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced 4-pin mini DIN Audio/Video input/output AV MINIJACK Input/output auto switch Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 unbalanced, sync negative Audio signal: 327 mV, (at output impedance more than 47 kΩ...

  • Page 139: Quick Reference

    Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls Camcorder A LCD/Touch panel screen (p. 4, 21) B LCD BACKLIGHT button* (p. 21) C REC START/STOP button (p. 27, 51) D BATT (battery release) lever (p. 16) E Eyecup F Viewfinder (p. 4, 21) G Access lamp (p.
  • Page 140 Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens which can reproduce fine images. The lens for your camcorder was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality as fine as a Carl Zeiss lens.
  • Page 141 A MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (red) (p. 105) This jack works as an input jack for an external microphone as well as a power- supply jack for a plug-in-power microphone. When the external microphone is connected, it takes precedence. B Jack cover (LANC) jack (blue) LANC control jack is used for...
  • Page 142 D OPEN/ZEJECT lever (p. 23) Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap This is useful for carrying your camcorder. Slide and hold the belt lock release lever in the direction of the arrow 1, then move the Strap Belt attachment in the direction of the arrow 2.
  • Page 143 To attach the Strap Belt Insert the Strap Belt attachment to your camcorder and move it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks and is locked. b Note • The Strap Belt may detach accidentally if not attached properly.
  • Page 144 Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop, Slow) (p. 51) F ZERO SET MEMORY button* (p. 61) G Transmitter After turning on your camcorder, point towards the remote sensor to control your camcorder. H REC START/STOP button (p. 31) I Power zoom button (p. 29) J DISPLAY button (p.
  • Page 145 (optional). • When you are operating with the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder, your VCR may also operate. In that case, select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR, or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.

  • Page 146: Indicators For The Lcd Screen And Viewfinder

    Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder Following indicators will appear on the LCD screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of your camcorder. Indicators vary depending on your camcorder model. Example: Indicators in the CAMERA-TAPE mode Time code (p. 58)/Tape counter (p. 58)/Self- diagnosis (p.

  • Page 147: Index

    Battery pack ...16 Remaining battery ...28, 131 BEEP...21, 87 BLACK FADER...43 BURN DVD...80 BURN VCD ...81 Burst (BURST) ...32, 71 Button-type battery Camcorder ...136 Remote Commander ...144 CALIBRATION ...135 Camera Chroma key (CAM T M CHROMA) ...46 Camera settings data display ...58 Cassette ...23...
  • Page 148 Intelligent accessory shoe ... 105, 140 Interval photo recording (INT. REC-STL)... 79 Interval recording (INTERVAL REC)... 78 JPEG... 128 LANC ... 141 LANGUAGE... 89 Language (LANGUAGE) ... 25 LCD back light (LCD BL LEVEL)... 85 LCD BACKLIGHT button ... 21, 139 LCD brightness (LCD BRIGHT)...
  • Page 149 Strap Belt ...4, 142 Sub sound See MULTI-SOUND Super NightShot plus ...40 Tape counter ...28 Telephoto See Zoom Time code ...28 Title (Cassette Memory) TAPE TITLE...83 TITL ERASE ...82 TITLE...81 TITLE DISP ...82 Title search...61 TRAIL...44 TV color systems ...126 USB jack ...143 USB ON/OFF switch ...143 USB Streaming ...86...
  • Page 152 Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan...

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