User manual SONY CCD-TR516 - annexe 3

3-865-332-62 (1) Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. CCD-TR516 CCD-TR516 CCD-TR315/TR416 ©1998 by Sony Corporation Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam® camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life's precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come. 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. 2 Table of contents Before you begin Using this manual ................................... 4 Checking supplied accessories .............. 5 Making your own titles ........................ 43 Recording with the date/time ............ 44 Optimizing the recording condition .. 45 Using the built-in light (CCD-TR516 only) ................................................. 46 Before you begin Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack .................................................... 6 Inserting a cassette ................................ 10 ­ for playback/editing ­ Editing onto another tape .................... 48 Additional information Basic operations Camera recording ................................. 11 Using the zoom feature ................. 14 Selecting the START/STOP mode .......................................... 15 Hints for better shooting ...................... 16 Checking the recorded picture ............ 17 Connections for playback .................... 18 Playing back a tape ............................... 19 Changing the lithium battery in the camcorder ........................................ 49 Resetting the date and time ................. 51 Simple setting of clock by time difference ......................................... 52 Usable cassettes and playback modes ............................................... 53 Tips for using the battery pack ........... 54 Maintenance information and precautions ...................................... 57 Using your camcorder abroad ............ 62 Trouble check ........................................ 63 Self-diagnosis display ........................... 66 Specifications ......................................... 67 Identifying the parts ............................. 68 Warning indicators ............................... 75 Index ........................................ back cover Advanced operations Using alternative power sources ........ 21 Using the house current ................ 22 Changing the mode settings ................ 23 ­ for camera recording ­ Shooting with backlighting ................. 27 Using the FADER function .................. 28 Shooting in the dark (NightShot) ....... 30 Using the wide mode function ............ 31 Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 33 Focusing manually ................................ 35 Enjoying picture effect ......................... 37 Adjusting the exposure ........................ 39 Superimposing a title ........................... 41 3 Before you begin Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR516 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, "CCD-TR516 only." As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. You can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation. Types of differences CCDSystem Digital zoom Remote sensor Viewfinder Built-in light TR315 h 180× -- B/W -- TR416 h 220× -- Color -- TR516 H 330× r Color r Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV. Precaution on copyright Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws. Precautions on camcorder care ·­ CCD-TR416/TR516 only The color viewfinder is manufactured using high-precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear in the viewfinder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Over 99.99% are operational for effective use. ·Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting the camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a]. ·Never leave the camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b]. [a] [b] 4 Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 2 3 Before you begin 4 5 6 7 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 72) CCD-TR516 only 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 7, 21) 3 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 6, 21) 4 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p. 50) The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder. 5 R6 (Size AA) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 72) CCD-TR516 only 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 18) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 73) Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc. 5 Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (L series). "InfoLITHIUM" is a trademark of Sony corporation. Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely. Note on the battery pack Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack. 6 Installing and charging the battery pack Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged a little in the factory. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack with the plug`s 4 mark up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Remaining battery time is indicated by the minutes on the display window. Charging begins. When the remaining battery indicator becomes i, normal charge is completed. For full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack attached for about 1 hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Before using the camcorder with the battery pack, unplug the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack of the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is completely charged. Getting started POWER CAMERA OFF PLAYER Notes ·"--- min" appears on the display until the camcorder calculates remaining battery time. ·Remaining battery time indication in the display window roughly indicates the recording time. Use it as a guide. It may differ from the actual recording time. ·If there is a slight difference in shape between the plug of power cord and the terminal of AC power adaptor, it is ignorable for their mutual connection and power supply. ·Be sure to plug the power cord deeply into the terminal of AC power adaptor so that it is firmly locked. If there is a gap between the plug of power cord and the terminal of AC power adaptor, it does not affect the efficiency of the AC power adaptor. 7 Installing and charging the battery pack Charging time Battery pack (NP-) Charging time* (min.) F330 (supplied) 150 (90) F530 F550 210 (150) F730 F750 300 (240) F930 F950 390 (330) The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.) Battery life CCD-TR315 Battery pack (NP-) Continuous recording time* Typical recording time** F330 F530 (supplied) 130 (115) F550 F730 F750 F930 F950 225 (200) 260 (230) 450 (405) 530 (480) 710 (640) 815 (730) 65 (60) 115 (105) 135 (120) 235 (210) 280 (250) 375 (335) 430 (385) CCD-TR416/TR516 Battery pack (NP-) Continuous recording time* Typical recording time** F330 F530 (supplied) 135 (120) F550 F730 F750 F930 F950 235 (210) 270 (240) 475 (425) 550 (500) 745 (670) 850 (760) 70 (60) 120 (110) 140 (125) 250 (225) 290 (265) 390 (355) 450 (400) Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery. Battery life will be shorter if you use the camcorder in a cold environment. * Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C. ** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter. 8 Installing and charging the battery pack Note on remaining battery time indication during recording Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances. To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. Getting started BATT RELEASE You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p. 25). 9 Inserting a cassette Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H (CCD-TR516 only). (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (2) Insert a cassette with the window facing out. (3) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the "PUSH" mark on the cassette compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down. 1 2 3 PUSH To eject the cassette While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. To prevent accidental erasure Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed and close the cassette compartment, the beeps sound for a while. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the and 6 indicators flash, and you cannot record. To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark. 10 Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch is set to . Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording (p. 52). The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a day. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. The "REC" indicator appears. The red lamp lights up in the viewfinder (CCD-TR315 only). The camera recording/battery lamp located on the front of the camcorder also lights up. Basic operations 1 POWER CAMERA OFF PLAYER 2 CK LO 40min SP STBY 0:00:00 START/STOP STA ND BY AUTO DATE 3 CK LO STA 40min SP REC 0:00:01 ND BY JUL 4 1999 START/STOP 11 Camera recording To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The "STBY" indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette. [a] CK LO [b] STBY 0:35:20 CK LO CK LO STA STA START/STOP Note Be sure to remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using. To focus the viewfinder lens If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring [a] (CCD-TR315) or move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever [b] (CCD-TR416/TR516) so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. [a] Note on Standby mode If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted, the camcorder turns off automatically for saving battery power as well as for preventing the battery and tape from wearing down. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up again. To start recording, press START/STOP. Note on recording When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before starting the actual recording. Passing the tape lead will ensure that you will not miss any start-up scenes when you play back the tape. STA ND BY ND BY ND BY START/STOP START/STOP [b] 12 Camera recording Notes on the tape counter ·The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET. ·If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect recording time. When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter as a guide, record in same (SP or LP) mode. Note on the beep sound The beep sounds when you operate the camcorder. Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder. Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select "OFF" in the menu system. Note on the AUTO DATE feature The clock is set at the factory to Tokyo time for the models sold in Japan, and to Hong Kong, New York or Panama time for other models. You can reset the clock in the menu system. You can change the AUTO DATE settings by selecting ON or OFF in the menu system. The AUTO DATE feature shows the date automatically once a day. However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day when: ­ you reset the date and time. ­ you eject and insert the tape again. ­ you stop recording within 10 seconds. ­ you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it to ON again in the menu system. Basic operations 13 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 further away) W T W T W T Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom. When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, move the power zoom lever to the "W" side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm away in the wide-angle position. Notes on the digital zoom · More than 18× zoom is performed digitally, but the picture quality deteriorates as you move the lever toward the "T" side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set the D ZOOM function to OFF in the menu system. · The right side [a] of the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the left side [b] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to OFF, the [a] zone disappears. W [b] [a] T W T 14 Camera recording Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (factory setting). : The camcorder records only while you ANTI GROUND SHOOTING press down START/STOP so that you can avoid recording unnecessary scenes. 5SEC: When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for 5 seconds and then stops automatically. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY and press START/STOP. Recording starts. If you selected 5SEC, the tape counter disappears and five dots appear. The dots disappear at a rate of one per second as illustrated below. Basic operations 1 START/STOP MODE ANTI GROUND SHOOTING 5 SEC 2 STA CK LO CK LO STA ND BY ND BY START/STOP START/STOP STBY ····· REC ····· REC · To extend the recording time in 5SEC mode Press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about 5 seconds from the moment you press START/STOP. Note on START/STOP mode You cannot use the fader function in the 5SEC or ANTI GROUND SHOOTING mode. 15 Hints for better shooting For hand-held shots, you'll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: ·Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb [a]. ·Place your right elbow against your side. ·Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the built-in microphone. ·Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup. ·Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane. ·You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder up for recording from a low position [b]. [a] [b] Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm. Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder. Cautions on the viewfinder · Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder [c]. · Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under sunlight or by a window [d]. [c] [d] 16 Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press the ­ (OE) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion play back (Rec Review). Hold down the ­ side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Edit Search). Basic operations 1 POWER CAMERA OFF PLAYER 2 CK LO STA ND BY START/STOP 3 EDITSEARCH EDITSEARCH EDITSEARCH To stop playback Release EDITSEARCH. To begin re-recording Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. Provided you do not eject the cassette, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth. 17 Connections for playback Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source. Connecting directly to a TV/VCR with Video/Audio input jacks When connecting the A/V connecting cable, make sure you connect the plug to jacks of the same color. Open the jack cover. With using the supplied A/V connecting cable, connect the camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the TV or VCR connected to the TV. Set the TV/ VCR selector on the TV to VCR. When connecting to the VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. IN VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO AUDIO : Signal flow To connect to a TV or VCR without Video/Audio input jacks Use an NTSC type RFU adaptor (not supplied). 18 Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to PLAYER. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press 0 to rewind the tape. (4) Press ( to start playback. 1 Basic operations POWER CAMERA OFF PLAYER 2 PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE SLOW 3 REW DISPLAY 4 PLAY To stop playback, press p. To rewind the tape, press 0. To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press ). Using the remote commander ­ CCD-TR516 only You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the R6 (size AA) batteries. To display the viewfinder screen indicators on the TV ­ CCD-TR516 only Press DISPLAY on the Remote Commander. To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again. Note on the lens cover The lens cover does not open when the POWER switch is set to PLAYER. Do not open the lens cover manually. It may cause malfunction. 19 Playing back a tape Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or (. To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rewinding (skip scan) Keep pressing 0 while rewinding or ) while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback, press (. To view the picture at 1/5 speed (slow playback) ­ CCD-TR516 only Press & on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume normal playback, press (. If slow playback lasts for about 1 minute, it shifts to normal speed automatically. Notes on playback ·Noise may appear when you use the still/slow/picture search function to play back the tape recorded in LP mode. ·Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes. ·When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode. ·Horizontal noise appears at the center, or top and bottom of the screen when you play back a tape in reverse. This is normal. ·You can play back the tapes recorded in the Hi8 video system on the standard 8 mm camcorder (CCD-TR315/TR416 only). 20 Advanced operations Using alternative power sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, house current and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder. Place Indoors Outdoors In the car Power source House current Battery pack 12 V or 24 V car battery Accessory to be used Supplied AC power adaptor Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied), NP-F530, NP-F550, NP-F730, NP-F750, NP-F930, NP-F950 Sony DC adaptor/charger DC-V700 (not supplied) Advanced operations Notes on power sources ·Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or playback may damage the inserted tape. ·The DC IN jack has power source priority. This means that the battery pack cannot supply any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power cord is not plugged into the wall outlet. 21 Using alternative power sources Using the house current (1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on the camcorder. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. 1 2,3 2 3 WARNING The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop. PRECAUTION The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off. Note Keep the AC power adaptor away from the camcorder if the picture is disturbed. 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" mark. 22 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. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired icon in the left side of the menu, then press the dial to set. (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired item, then press the dial to set. (4) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial to set. If you want to change the other modes, repeat steps 3 and 4. If you want to change RETURN and press the dial, then repeat steps from 2 the other items, select to 4. icon to erase the menu display. (5) Press MENU or select Advanced operations 1 MENU CAMERA CAMERA SET D ZOOM 16 : 9WIDE STEADYSHOT N. S. LIGHT PLAYER PLAYER SET EDIT 2 CAMERA SET D ZOOM 16 : 9WIDE OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER REC LAMP [MENU] : END [MENU] : END OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER REC LAMP RETURN 0 HR 3 OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP 0 HR OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER ON REC LAMP RETURN OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER ON REC LAMP OFF RETURN 4 5 MENU OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER ON REC LAMP OFF RETURN OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP COMMANDER OFF REC LAMP RETURN Note on the menu display Depending on the model of your camcorder, the menu display may be different from that in this illustration. 23 Changing the mode settings Note on changing the mode setting Menu items differ depending on the setting of the POWER switch to PLAYER or CAMERA. Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and PLAYER modes Ò REMAIN* ·Select AUTO when you want to display the remaining tape bar: ­ for about 8 seconds after the camcorder turns on and calculates the remainder of the tape. ­ for about 8 seconds after a cassette is inserted and the camcorder calculates the remainder of the tape. ­ for the period of tape rewinding, forwarding or picture search in PLAYER mode. ­ for about 8 seconds after ( is pressed in PLAYER mode. ­ for about 8 seconds after DISPLAY on the Remote Commander is pressed to display the screen indicator. (CCD-TR516 only) ·Select ON to always display the remaining tape indicator. LTR SIZE* ·Normally select NORMAL. ·Select 2x to display selected menu item by twice size of normal. BEEP* ·Select ON so that beeps sound when you start/stop recording, etc. ·Select OFF when you do not want to hear the beep sound. COMMANDER (CCD-TR516 only) ·Select ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder. ·Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. Items for CAMERA mode only D ZOOM* ·Select ON to activate digital zooming. ·Select OFF to prevent the deterioration of the picture quality. The camcorder goes back to optical zoom. 16:9WIDE* ·Normally select OFF. ·Select CINEMA to record in CINEMA mode. ·Select 16:9FULL to record in 16:9FULL mode. N.S.LIGHT* ·Normally select ON. ·Select OFF to not use the NightShot Light function. 24 Changing the mode settings REC MODE* ·Select SP when recording in SP (standard play) mode. ·Select LP when recording in LP (long play) mode. When a tape recorded on this camcorder in LP mode is played back on other types of 8 mm camcorders or VCRs, the playback quality may not be as good as that on this camcorder. Note on the REC mode ­ CCD-TR516 only When you record tapes in LP mode, the picture is not recorded in the Hi8 system, but in the standard 8 mm system. Advanced operations ORC TO SET* Select this item to automatically adjust the recording condition to get the best possible recording. If you have already performed this function, "ORC ON" is displayed. ORC stands for "Optimizing the Recording Condition." CLOCK SET* Reset the date or time. AUTO DATE* ·Select ON to record the date for 10 seconds after recording has started. ·Select OFF to not record the date. DEMO MODE* ·Select ON to make the demonstration appear. ·Select OFF to deactivate the demonstration mode. Notes on DEMO MODE ·DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory and the demonstration starts about 10 minutes after you set the POWER switch to CAMERA without inserting a cassette. Note that you cannot select STBY of DEMO MODE in the menu system. ·You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in the camcorder. ·If you insert a cassette during the demonstration, the demonstration stops. You can start recording as usual. DEMO MODE automatically returns to STBY. ·When NIGHTSHOT is set to ON, "NIGHTSHOT" appears in the viewfinder and the demonstration does not start. To look at the demonstration at once Eject the cassette, if inserted. Select ON of DEMO MODE and erase the menu display. The demonstration will begin. When you turn off the camcorder once, DEMO MODE automatically returns to STBY. 25 Changing the mode settings WORLD TIME* Select this item to set the clock by a time difference. REC LAMP* ·Select OFF when you do not want the camera recording/battery lamp at the front of the unit to light up. ·Normally select ON. Items for PLAYER mode only EDIT ·Select ON to minimize picture deterioration when editing. ·Normally select OFF. The EDIT setting works only during playback. * These settings are retained even when the battery pack is removed, as long as the lithium battery is in place. 26 Shooting with backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder. [a] Advanced operations [b] BACK LIGHT [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation. After shooting Be sure to release this adjustment condition by pressing BACK LIGHT again. The c indicator disappears. Otherwise, the picture will be too bright under normal lighting condition. This function is also effective under the following conditions: ·A subject with a light source nearby or a mirror reflecting light ·A white subject against a white background. Especially when you shoot a person wearing shiny clothes made of silk or synthetic fiber, his or her face tends to become dark if you do not use this function. To make a fine adjustment You can adjust the exposure manually. However, when you adjust the exposure manually, you cannot operate the BACK LIGHT function. 27 Using the FADER function Selecting the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When the picture fades in, the sound gradually increases. When the picture fades out, the sound gradually decreases. [a] STBY REC FADER M.FADER (mosaic) BOUNCE (FADE IN only) [b] STBY REC 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. Note When D ZOOM in the menu system is set to ON, you cannot use the BOUNCE function. 28 Using the FADER function Using the fader function When fading in [a] (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing. When fading out [b] (1) During recording, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to stop recording. The fade indicator stops flashing, and then recording stops. The fading mode selected last is indicated first of all. Advanced operations 1 FADER FADER M.FADER BOUNCE MONOTONE 2 CK LO START/STOP STA ND BY When you use the BOUNCE function Set D ZOOM to OFF in the menu system. Note on the BOUNCE function When you use the following functions, "BOUNCE" indicator does not appear. ­ Wide mode ­ Functions using the PICTURE EFFECT button ­ Functions using the PROGRAM AE dial To cancel the fader function Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears. When the date or time indicator and title are displayed The date or time indicator and title do not fade in or fade out. When the START/STOP MODE switch is set to 5SEC or ANTI GROUND SHOOTING You cannot use the fader function. Note on the fader function While using the BOUNCE function, you cannot use the following functions. ­ Exposure ­ Focus ­ Zoom 29 Shooting in the dark (NightShot) The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. You can achieve a satisfactory recording of the ecology of nocturnal animals for observation with this function. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. and "NIGHTSHOT" indicators flash. NightShot light emitter To cancel the NightShot function Slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF. Using the NightShot light When you set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu system, the picture will be more clear. NightShot Light rays are infrared and are therefore invisible. The maximum limit of NightShot light is about 3 m. Notes on the NightShot · Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction. · The following functions are not operable when using the NightShot function. ­ PROGRAM AE ­ Exposure · When you keep setting NIGHTSHOT to ON in normal recording, picture may be recorded in incorrect/unnatural color. · If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function, use manual focus. 30 ON OFF Using the wide mode function Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). [b] CINEMA CINEMA [a] Advanced operations [c] [e] 16:9 FULL 16:9 FULL [d] [f] CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide. You can also watch the picture without black bands on a wide-screen TV [c]. 16:9 FULL The picture in the viewfinder [d] or on a normal TV [e] is horizontally compressed. You can watch the picture of normal images on a wide-screen TV [f]. 31 Using the wide mode function Using the wide mode function You can select the wide mode (OFF, CINEMA, 16:9FULL) in the menu system (p. 24). To cancel wide mode Select OFF in the menu system. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to zoom mode. To watch the tape recorded in 16:9 FULL mode, set it to full mode. For details, refer to the operating instruction of your TV. Note that the picture recorded in 16:9 FULL mode looks compressed on a normal TV. Notes on wide mode ·In wide mode, you cannot select the BOUNCE function with FADER. ·When you record in 16:9 FULL mode, the date or time indicator will be widened on the wide-screen TV. ·If you dub a tape, the tape is copied in the same mode as the original recording. ·When recording, you cannot change the mode. 32 Using the PROGRAM AE function Selecting the best mode You can select one of six PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following. Advanced operations Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event. a Soft Portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto mode, or for a subject behind an obstacle such as a screen. Creates a soft background for subjects such as people or flowers, and faithfully reproduces skin color. A Sports Lesson mode For recording fast-moving subjects such as in tennis or golf games. Beach & Ski mode For people or faces in strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope. Sunset & Moon mode For recording subjects in dark environments such as sunsets, fireworks, neon signs, or general night views. Landscape mode For distant subjects such as mountains or when recording a subject behind an obstacle such as a window or screen. 33 Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. To turn off PROGRAM AE Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to the r position. Notes on focus setting ·In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach & Ski modes, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. ·In the Sunset & Moon and Landscape modes, the camcorder is set to focus only on distant subjects. Note on PROGRAM AE Flickering or changes in color may occur in the following modes if recording is carried out under a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp or mercury lamp. If this happens, turn off PROGRAM AE. ­ Soft Portrait mode ­ Sports Lesson mode Note When using the NightShot function, the PROGRAM AE indicator flashes to indicate that it will not operate with this function. 34 AUTO Focusing manually When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. [a] [b] [c] [d] Advanced operations ·Insufficient light [a] ·Subjects with little contrast ­ walls, sky, etc. [b] ·Too much brightness behind the subject [c] ·Horizontal stripes [d] ·Subjects through frosted glass ·Subjects beyond nets, etc. ·Bright subject or subject reflecting light ·Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod 35 Focusing manually Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. (2) Move the power zoom lever to the "T" side in the optical zoom zone until the lever reaches the end. (3) Turn the NEAR/FAR dial to achieve a sharp focus. (4) Set the desired shot length using the power zoom lever. 1 AUTO MANUAL INFINITY 2W T W T FAR NEAR 3 4 W T W T To return to autofocus mode Set FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder disappears. Shooting in relatively dark places Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position. To record a very distant subject Push FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on the most distant subject while FOCUS is held down. When it is released, manual focus mode is resumed. Use this function when shooting through a window or a screen, to focus on a most distant subject. Note on manual focusing The following indicators may appear: when recording a very distant subject. when the subject is too close to focus on. 36 Enjoying picture effect Selecting picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the TV. [a] [b] [c]