2-103-201-11(1) Camera Operations Guide [GB] Camera Operations Guide Read this first Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-PC350E © 2004 Sony Corporation Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE ATTENTION The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder. 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). 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. 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. "Memory Stick" 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). N50 FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC ADAPTOR 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. 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." 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 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. Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens 2 · 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. 141). 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. 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). · 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 the camcorder · Hold the camcorder, putting your wrist through the belt and your fingers lightly on the finger rest. Touch the button on the LCD screen. · 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 ,continued 3 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. 4 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. .............................................. 40 Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 41 Adjusting the focus for an off-center subject ­ SPOT FOCUS .................................. 41 Adjusting the focus manually .................................................................................... 42 Recording a picture using various effects ................................................ 43 Fading in and out of a scene ­ FADER .............................................................. 43 Using special effects ­ Digital effect .................................................................. 44 Overlaying still images on movies on a tape ­ MEMORY MIX ................................. 46 Searching for the starting point .......................................................... 48 Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording ­ END SEARCH ............ 48 Searching manually ­ EDIT SEARCH ...................................................................... 48 Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes ­ Rec review .................................... 49 Playback Viewing movies recorded on a tape ................................................... 50 Playing back in various modes ................................................................................. 51 Viewing recordings with added effects ­ Digital effect .............................................. 52 Viewing recordings on a "Memory Stick Duo" .................................... 53 Playing back in various modes from a "Memory Stick Duo" ...................................... 54 Playing back with ease ­ Easy Handycam .............................................. 55 Making full use of Easy Handycam operation ........................................................... 56 Various playback functions ...................................................................... 57 Magnifying pictures ­ Tape playback zoom/Memory playback zoom ....................... 57 Displaying the screen indicators ............................................................................... 58 Displaying the date/time and camera settings data ­ Data code .............................. 58 Playing the picture on a TV ...................................................................... 60 Locating a scene on a tape for playback ........................................... 61 Searching quickly for a desired scene ­ Zero set memory ....................................... 61 Searching for a scene using Cassette Memory ­ Title search .... ...