User manual SONY DCR-DVD108E

2-319-497-11(1) Enjoying with your camcorder 10 Digital Video Camera Recorder Getting Started 19 Recording/Playback 29 Operating Guide DCR-DVD106E/DVD108E/ DVD109E/DVD306E/DVD308E/ DVD608E/DVD708E Editing Utilizing recording media Customizing your camcorder Using a Computer Troubleshooting Additional Information 46 55 60 78 83 96 GB Quick 110 Reference Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) -free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in China © 2007 Sony Corporation Read this before operating your camcorder Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. ATTENTION The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit. This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet). WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Notice If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again. CAUTION The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result. FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience. Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362 (i.e., marked with or mark) must be used. If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems) This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product. Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander (DCR-DVD306E/DVD308E/DVD708E) FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE 2 For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD608E Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD708E Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: ­ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. ­ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. ­ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. ­ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Battery pack This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Notes on use Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides. ­ "Operating Guide" (This manual) ­ "First Step Guide" for using your camcorder with the computer connected (stored on the supplied CD-ROM) CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Types of the disc you can use in your camcorder You can use the following discs only. Continued , 3 Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued) ­ 8cm DVD-RW ­ 8cm DVD+RW ­ 8cm DVD-R ­ 8cm DVD+R DL Use the discs with marks listed below. See page 12 for details. "Memory Stick PRO" compatible equipment. · Do not attach a label or the like on a "Memory Stick Duo" or a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor. When using a "Memory Stick Duo" with "Memory Stick" compatible equipment Be sure to insert the "Memory Stick Duo" into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor. Memory Stick Duo Adaptor For reliability durability of recording / playback, we recommend that you use Sony discs or discs with an *(for VIDEO CAMERA) mark for your camcorder. b Note · Using a disc other than above may cause the unsatisfactory recording/playback or you may not be able to remove the disc from your Using the camcorder · Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts. camcorder. * Depending on the place you bought, the disc has mark. Types of "Memory Stick" you can use in your camcorder You can use "Memory Stick Duo" marked with or (p. 99). "Memory Stick Duo" (This size can be used with your camcorder.) Battery Viewfinder LCD screen "Memory Stick" (You cannot use it in your camcorder.) · The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See "About handling of your camcorder" (p. 102). · To prevent discs from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p. 23) or the access lamps (p. 26, 27) is on: ­ to remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder. ­ to apply mechanical shock or vibration to the camcorder. · You cannot use any type of memory card except "Memory Stick Duo." · "Memory Stick PRO" and "Memory Stick PRO Duo" can be used only with 4 · When connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder. About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens · A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions. · The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way. problems. You cannot delete images once you record them on a DVD-R/DVD+R DL. Use a DVD-RW/DVD+RW for trial recording (p. 12). · Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc. · TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need a PAL system-based TV. · Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws. About language setting The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 24). About this manual · The LCD screens and the viewfinder images and indicators shown in this manual were taken with a digital still camera, and may look different from what you actually see. · Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice. · The illustration used in this manual are based on the model DCR-DVD308E. · Disc in this Operating Guide refers to 8cm DVD discs. Black point White, red, blue or green point · Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. · Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take images of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk. About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. Continued , On recording · Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the image and sound are recorded without any 5 Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued) MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens. About the marks used in this manual · The operations available depend on the disc used. The following marks are used to indicate the type of disc you can use for a particular operation. 6 Table of Contents Read this before operating your camcorder .................................... 2 Subject examples and solutions ...................................................... 9 Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) (DCR-DVD306E/DVD308E/DVD708E) ....................................................... 35 Playback .....................................37 Using PB zoom ............................. 39 Playing back a series of still images (Slide show) .................................. 39 Enjoying with your camcorder What you can do with your camcorder .................................. 10 Choosing a disc .......................... 12 Using your camcorder ................ 14 " HOME" and " OPTION" - Taking advantage of two types of menus ........................................ 16 Playing the picture on a TV ....................................................40 Making the disc compatible with playback on other devices or DVD drives (Finalizing) .......................42 Editing (OTHERS) category .............46 Deleting images ..........................46 Dividing the image ......................48 Creating the Playlist ...................49 Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders ....................................52 Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) ....................................................53 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items .................................................... 19 Step 2: Charging the battery pack .................................................... 20 Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time ............ 23 Changing the language setting ....................................................... 24 Utilizing recording media (MANAGE DISC/MEMORY) category ......................................55 Playing a disc on other devices ....................................................55 Finding the right disc (DISC SELECT GUIDE) ........................56 Deleting all scenes on the disc (Formatting) ................................57 Recording additional scenes after finalizing ....................................58 Step 4: Preparing for recording .................................................... 25 Step 5: Inserting a disc or a "Memory Stick Duo" ................... 26 Recording/Playback Recording and playing back with ease (Easy Handycam) .............. 29 Recording ................................... 32 Zooming ........................................ 34 Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCRDVD109E/DVD306E/DVD308E/ DVD708E) ..................................... 34 Recording in dark places (NightShot plus) .............................................. 35 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ........................................ 35 Recording in mirror mode ............. 35 Customizing your camcorder What you can do with the (SETTINGS) category of the HOME MENU .............................60 Using the HOME MENU ................ 60 Continued , 7 Table of Contents (Continued) List of the (SETTINGS) category items .............................................. 61 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ......................... 83 Warning indicators and messages .................................................... 92 MOVIE SETTINGS .................... 62 (Items for recording movies) PHOTO SETTINGS ................... 64 (Items for recording still images) VIEW IMAGES SET ................... 65 (Items to customize the display) SOUND/DISP SET .................... 67 (Items to adjust beep and the screen) OUTPUT SETTINGS ................. 68 (Items for when connecting other devices) CLOCK/ LANG ........................ 69 (Items to set clock and language) GENERAL SET .......................... 70 (Other setup items) Activating functions using the OPTION MENU ..................... 71 Using the OPTION MENU ............. 71 Recording items on the OPTION MENU ............................................ 72 Viewing items on the OPTION MENU ....................................................... 72 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad .................................................... 96 Maintenance and precautions .................................................... 98 Specifications ........................... 106 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls .................................................. 110 Indicators displayed during recording/playback ................... 114 Glossary ................................... 117 Index ........................................ 118 Functions set in the OPTION MENU .................................................... 73 Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer .................................... 78 Installing the "First Step Guide" and software ..................................... 79 Viewing "First Step Guide" .................................................... 81 Using a Macintosh computer .................................................... 82 8 Subject examples and solutions Shooting Flowers in close-up A child on the stage under a spot light B PORTRAIT ...................................... 75 B FOCUS............................................ 73 B TELE MACRO ................................. 73 B SPOTLIGHT.....................................75 Focusing on the dog on the left side of the screen B FOCUS............................................ 73 B SPOT FOCUS.................................. 73 Fireworks with all its splendor B FIREWORKS....................................74 B FOCUS ............................................73 Getting a good shot of a ski slope or beach B BACK LIGHT ................................... 35 B BEACH............................................ 75 B SNOW ............................................ 75 A sleeping child under dim light B NightShot plus ................................35 B COLOR SLOW SHTR .......................76 Checking your golf swing B SPORTS ......................................... 75 9 Enjoying with your camcorder What you can do with your camcorder Your camcorder records image data on 8cm DVD*. It is more convenient than video tape and far more versatile. Taking beautiful shots easily No rewinding to start recording (p.29, 32) Recorded images are stored in empty areas on the disc so there is no risk that valuable recordings are accidentally overwritten. Since no rewinding is necessary prior to recording, you can start shooting any time you desire. b Notes · Still images can be recorded only on "Memory Stick Duo." You can find a scene quickly using a VISUAL INDEX screen (p.30, 37) The VISUAL INDEX screen allows you to check recorded at a glance. All you have to do is touch the scene you want to view. The disc does not wear out no matter how many times you play it back. The precious moments you have captured on disc last for a long time. Records widescreen format and 5.1ch surround sound (p.34, 35) You can record high quality widescreen images on a wide LCD screen that shows the same 16:9 angle of view as a wide TV. Realistic 5.1ch surround sound can also be directly recorded onto the disc. b Notes · Some models may not support wide screen and 5.1 ch surround recording. * DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is a high-capacity optical disc. 10 A recorded disc can be played back on a variety of devices Playback on a DVD device or DVD drive (p.42) You can play back recorded and finalized** discs on a home DVD device, DVD recorder or DVD drive of a computer that supports 8cm disc. When finalizing the disc, you can create DVD menus to enable quick access to scenes you want to view. Enjoying with your camcorder Playback on widescreen TV and home theater (p.40) Images recorded in widescreen format can be played back on a wide TV with complete panoramic effect. Discs are also recorded with 5.1ch surround sound to provide full sound on a home theater. b Notes · Some models may not support wide screen and 5.1 ch surround recording. Connecting camcorder to a computer High-speed image transfer (p.78) Image data can be quickly transferred to a computer without requiring playback. Computers with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) provide even faster image transfer. Using the supplied software to edit and copy (p.78) Picture Motion Browser, the software supplied with your camcorder allows you to edit movies or still images stored in your computer to create your original DVD. Copying discs could not be easier enabling you to share your precious moments with family and friends. ** Finalizing: a process to make it possible to play back recorded DVD on other DVD devices (p.42). 11 Choosing a disc Your camcorder is compatible with 8cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD+R DL. It does not support 12cm discs. Recording time Expected recordable time on one side of the disc. The recordable time varies depending on type of discs or recording mode. Apporoximate recordable time ( ) : the minimum recording time Recording mode 9M (HQ) (high quality) 6M (SP) (standard quality) 3M (LP) (long play) z Tips 20 (18) 30 (18) 60 (44) 35 (32) 55 (32) 110 (80) · Figures such as 9M and 6M in the table show the average bit rate. M stands for Mbps. · If you use a double-sided disc, you can record on both sides of the disc (p.98). Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of a disc. Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recordedat a higher bit rate, and this reduces the overall recording time. Recording format for DVD-RW When you use a DVD-RW, you can choose the recording format from VIDEO mode or VR mode. In this manual, VIDEO mode is indicated as and VR mode as . A recording format that is compatible with most DVD devices, especially after finalizing. In VIDEO mode, only the most recent image can be erased. A recording format that enables editing with your camcorder (deleting and rearranging the order of images). A finalized disc can be played back in DVD devices that support VR mode. VIDEO mode and VR mode Glossary (p.117) 12 Disc format features Disc types and symbols Figures in parentheses ( ) indicate page numbers. DVD-RW DVD+RW DVD-R DVD+R DL Enjoying with your camcorder Symbols used in this manual Both 16:9 (wide) and 4:3 movie can be recorded on the same disc (35) Deleting the most recent recording (47) Deleting or editing recordings on your camcorder z z ­ z z z ­ z z z z *1z*1 ­ z ­ z *1­*3 z ­ ­ ­ z z ­ z ­ ­ ­ z z z (46) Using a disc repeatedly even if the disc becomes full by formatting*2 (57) Finalizing required to play on other devices (42) Creating the DVD menu when you finalize the disc (45) Making longer recordings on a side of a disc ­ ­ z ­ *1 Refer to the instruction manual of your DVD device to see whether it supports the VR mode of DVD-RW. *2 Formatting deletes all recordings and returns the recording medium to its original empty state (p.57). Even when using a new disc, format it with your camcorder (p.26). *3 Finalizing is required to play the disc in a DVD drive on a computer. A DVD+RW that is not finalized may cause the computer to malfunction. 13 Using your camcorder 1Preparing (See page 19 to 28.) Select the disc that best suits your needs. Do you want to delete or edit images on your camcorder? Yes No Do you want to delete images and reuse the disc? Yes No For long recording * Select the recording format and format the disc on your camcorder (p.26). z Tips · You can select the disc from [DISC SELECT GUIDE] (p.56). 2Recording, playback, editing (See pages 32, 37, and 46.) What you can do with your camcorder depends on the type of disc (p.13). 3Viewing on your camcorder (See pages 30 and 37) You can also connect it to a TV for viewing (p.40). Continued on the next page 14 4Viewing on another DVD device (See pages 42, 55.) To view a disc recorded on your camcorder on other DVD devices, you need to finalize it first. Enjoying with your camcorder Finalize DVD device / DVD recorder b Notes · The less the recording volume of the disc is, the more it takes time to finalize the disc. The features of a finalized disc depend on disc type. DVD drive Finalize Finalize Like commercially sold DVD, this disc can be played back in most DVD devices after finalizing. Recordings cannot be added even if there is free space left. Unfinalizing allows you to add recordings (p.58). Finalize Finalize The disc can be played back in a device compatible with the DVD-RW VR mode. Recordings can be added without unfinalizing. The disc can be played back without finalizing. But finalizing is required in some cases. For details, see page 42. Playback compatibility Playback compatibility with any DVD device is not guaranteed. Refer to the instruction manual supplied with your DVD device or consult your dealer. 15 " HOME" and " OPTION" - Taking advantage of two types of menus " HOME MENU" - the starting point for operations with your camcorder (HELP) Displays a description of the item (p. 17) Category B Categories and items of the HOME MENU (CAMERA) category Items MOVIE* PHOTO* Page 33 33 (MANAGE DISC/MEMORY) category Items FINALIZE* DISC SELECT GUIDE FORMAT* FORMAT* UNFINALIZE DISC INFO Page 42 56 57 58 58 55 (VIEW IMAGES) category Items VISUAL INDEX* PLAYLIST Page 37 49 (OTHERS) category Items DELETE* EDIT PLAYLIST EDIT PRINT COMPUTER Page 46 48 49 53 78 (SETTINGS) category To customize your camcorder (p. 60). * You can also set these items during Easy Handycam operation (p. 29). For items available in the (SETTINGS) category, see page 61. 16 Using the HOME MENU Example: [EDIT] 1 Turn the POWER switch to turn on your camcorder. Enjoying with your camcorder 5 Continue operation by following the guidance on the screen. To hide the HOME MENU screen Touch . 2 Press (HOME) A (or B). When you want to know something about the function of each item on the HOME MENU - HELP 1 Press (HOME). (HOME) B The HOME MENU appears. (HOME) A 2 Touch (HELP). The bottom of the turns orange. (HELP) button 3 Touch the category you want to use. Example: (OTHERS) category 4 Touch the item you want to use. Continued , 17 " HOME" and " OPTION" (Continued) 3 Touch the item you want to know the content. MOVIE Records a movie. Activate? YES NO When you touch an item, its explanation appears on the screen. To apply the option, touch [YES], otherwise, touch [NO]. To deactivate the HELP Touch (HELP) again in step 2. Using the OPTION MENU Just a touch on the screen during recording or playback displays the functions available at that moment. You will find it easy to make various settings. See page 71 for further details. (OPTION) 18 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) (p. 20) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH40 (1) (p. 20) CD-ROM "Handycam Application Software" (1) (p. 78) Operating Guide (This manual) (1) Mains lead (1) (p. 20) Getting Started A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 40, 52) USB cable (1) (p. 53) Wireless Remote Commander (DCRDVD306E/DVD308E/DVD708E) (1) (p. 113) A button-type lithium battery is already installed. 19 Step 2: Charging the battery pack POWER switch 2 1 3 DC IN jack Jack cover Battery DC plug 4 4 Mains lead To the wall socket CHG (charge) lamp AC Adaptor You can charge the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (H series) (p. 101) after attaching it to your camcorder. b Notes · You can use only "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack H series. 4 Connect the mains lead to the AC Adaptor and the wall socket. The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. 1 Turn the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to OFF (CHG) (The default setting). 5 Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder. 2 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. b Notes · Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. 3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your camcorder. Open the jack cover, and connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor. Match the v mark on the DC plug with the v mark on your camcorder. To remove the battery pack Turn the POWER switch to OFF(CHG). Slide the BATT (battery) release lever and remove the battery pack. 20