Getting Ready To Record - Sony PD 150 Shooting Manual

PD 150 shooting guide
Bear in mind that you or your camera could attract unwarranted attention - DV cameras are worth money, and you are a
member of the dreaded media.
4. THE PD 150 TOUR - INTRODUCTION
This guide starts with a tour of the PD 150, and a reminder of how to get the camera up and running. Refer to the index if
you are interested in a specific subject.
For more detailed information on recording pictures and audio successfully you should refer to the picture and lighting
section and the audio section of the guide.
5. POWER
The PD 150 can take different battery sizes, from a lightweight one-hour capacity, to a heavier six-hour version. The arrow
on top of the battery indicates which end goes in downwards. Slide the battery into the slot at the back of the camera until it
clicks. To release, press the catch at the top of the battery compartment. If they're old or you're using them in extreme
temperatures they won't last as long as usual.
If you need to power the camera from the mains, remember that if your power supply and lead has been electrically tested
and has stickers to prove it, you can plug it directly in. If it has not been tested you MUST plug into the mains via an RCD,
which prevents any risk of shock. Look at the back of the camera and peel up the rubber cover at the lower left to reveal the
DC in socket. Plug the power supply lead in here.
6. TAPE STOCK
You can use any mini-DV or small DV Cam tape in the PD 150. The camera can record in either the DV or the
DVCam format, so the length of tape will depend on this. You'll get about 64 minutes in DV, or 43 minutes in DV
Cam. If you use a different branded tape than the camera mode, you will not get the length indicated on the tape
box. The choice of format is up to you, but with DV Cam you get reliable (but fiddly to use) timecode and in theory
a more durable recording. However, many people are happy with the simplicity and low cost of the DV format, so
consider this option for your programme.
To insert a blank tape, press down the 'eject' button to the left of the cassette compartment at the camera right hand side,
and after it has fully opened insert the tape - with the writing on the tape facing outwards and downwards. Gently push the
inner cassette housing in, and then the outer door where indicated, until it clicks shut. It needs a good push to click shut.

7. GETTING READY TO RECORD

To prepare to record, look at the back of the camera, press the little green button, and rotate the power switch to 'camera'.
Just in front of the main switch is a little black slider switch. Make sure it's towards you, to stop the power switch going into
'memory mode'. The camera is now ready to record. To record press the red button, and to stop press it again. The front
red light will light when recording unless it has been disabled in the 'others' section of the camera menu.
If the camera is on standby for a few minutes it will switch off just the motor, to preserve battery power and reduce
wear. This is different from previous handycam machines that switched off the whole camera. This means it will
take a little longer to start recording as the motor starts up again, if you've not done any recording for over five
minutes or so.
When you press record allow a few seconds run up time before beginning interviews etc.
8. VIEWFINDER AND LCD SCREEN
The PD 150 has the feature of a colour flip-out screen as well as an LCD black and white viewfinder and you can use
either to monitor your recordings. The viewfinder does not show more detail or make it easier to focus. It should be
used in bright conditions when the screen is washed out, but of course you won't be able to monitor colour issues. A hood
can be bought to shield the screen if it's sunny. The screen has brightness buttons at the lower left. Press these to ensure