2-050-779-11(1) Camera Operations Guide [US] Camera Operations Guide Read this first Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-PC350 © 2004 Sony Corporation Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking LithiumIon batteries. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. "Memory Stick" 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. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. b Notice If static electricity or electromagnetic interference causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 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-PC350 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, 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. b Note: DCR-PC350 is to be used with Handycam Station Model DCRA-C111 and AC Power Adaptor Model AC-L25A/L25B. 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. Notes on use Note on Cassette Memory Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder. Use of mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory is recommended as you can use Title search (p. 61), Date search (p. 62), [ TITLE] (p. 81), [ TAPE TITLE] (p. 83). Owner's Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No.DCR-PC350 Serial No. Model No.ACSerial No. Cassettes with Cassette Memory are marked with . Note on the type of "Memory Stick" you can use in your camcorder You can use only a "Memory Stick Duo," which is about half the size of a standard "Memory Stick," in your camcorder (p. 128). The mark is indicated on the "Memory Stick Duo." CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. b 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. 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 Notes on recording · Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems. · 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 an NTSC 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. ,continued 3 Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens · The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely high-precision 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. · Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. · Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk. · To ensure a good grip, fasten the Strap Belt as shown in the following illustration. If the Strap Belt hangs out too far, tuck it in the hand pad. · The Strap Belt can also be used as a wrist strap (p. 142). Note on connecting other device Before connecting your camcorder to other device such as a VCR or a computer with a USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. · When you are using the touch panel, place your hand on the back side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen. Notes on using this manual · The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used on this manual are captured using a digital still camera, and thus may appear different from what you see. · The on-screen displays in each local language are used in illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 24). Touch the button on the LCD screen. Notes on using the camcorder · Hold the camcorder, putting your wrist through the belt and your fingers lightly on the finger rest. · 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. Finger rest LCD panel Battery pack 4 Notes on handling the Handycam Station · When attaching your camcorder to the Handycam Station, insert your camcorder in the direction of the arrow as shown in the following illustration. Be sure to insert it all the way. · When removing your camcorder from the Handycam Station, hold both your camcorder and the Handycam Station as shown in the following illustration, and remove it from the Handycam Station. b Note · 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. · Your camcorder may not attach properly to the Handycam Station if the camcorder's DC IN jack cover is open or the Strap Belt is caught between your camcorder and the Handycam Station. · Both the camcorder and the Handycam Station have one A/V jack (for the A/V connecting cable) and one S VIDEO jack (for the S video cable). Do not connect the same cables to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station. The image might be distorted. 5 Table of Contents Quick Start Guide : Features available for tape only. : Features available for "Memory Stick Duo" only. Read this first ............................................................................................. 2 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 ................................................................................. 19 Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 19 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 20 Adjusting the LCD panel ............................................................................................ 20 Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................. 20 Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 21 Step 6: Inserting the recording media ...................................................... 22 Inserting a cassette tape ........................................................................................... 22 Inserting a "Memory Stick Duo" ................................................................................. 23 Step 7: Setting the screen language ........................................................ 24 Recording Recording movies .................................................................................... 26 Recording for a longer time ....................................................................................... 28 Using zoom ................................................................................................................ 28 Recording in mirror mode .......................................................................................... 29 Using the self-timer .................................................................................................... 29 Recording movies fit for breaking into still images ­ Progressive recording mode ............................................................................ 30 Recording still images ­ Memory photo recording............................. 31 Selecting image quality or size .................................................................................. 33 Using the flash ........................................................................................................... 33 Using the self-timer .................................................................................................... 34 Recording a still image on a "Memory Stick Duo" while recording movies on a tape ............................................................................................................. 35 Recording with ease ­ Easy Handycam .................................................. 36 6 Recording a movie ............................................................................................. 36 Recording a still image ....................................................................................... 37 Making full use of Easy Handycam operation ........................................................... 38 Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 38 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 38 Fixing the exposure for the selected subject ­ Flexible spot meter .......................... 39 Adjusting the exposure manually .............................................................................. 39 Recording in dark places ­ NightShot, etc. ............. ...