User manual SONY HANDYCAM DCR-VX2100

3-087-414-11 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. 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-VX2100 Serial No. Model No. ACSerial No. DCR-VX2100 ©2003 Sony Corporation Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital Handycam, you can capture life's precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital 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. "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 Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. For the customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity 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. SONY DCR-VX2100 Sony Electronics Inc. 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ07649 U.S.A Telephone No.: 201-930-6972 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. Trade Name: Model No.: Responsible Party: Address: CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. Notice If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the i.LINK cable again. 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 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. For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA CAUTION TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. 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 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ 2 Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries. Table of contents Quick Start Guide ............................................... 4 Getting Started Using this manual ............................................... 6 Checking supplied accessories ......................... 8 Step 1 Preparing the power supply ................ 9 Step 2 Setting the date and time .................... 14 Step 3 Inserting a cassette ............................... 15 Recording ­ Basics Recording a picture .......................................... 16 Shooting backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT) ................................ 23 Using the spot light function ............ 24 Self-timer recording ........................... 25 Checking the recording ­ END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review ....................... 26 Playback ­ Basics Playing back a tape ........................................... 27 Viewing the recording on TV ......................... 31 Advanced Recording Operations Recording a still image on a tape ­ Tape Photo recording ................................ 32 Shooting with all the pixels ­ PROG. SCAN ............................................... 34 Using the guide frame ..................................... 35 Using the wide mode ....................................... 36 Using the fader function .................................. 38 Using special effects ­ Picture effect .............. 40 Using special effects ­ Digital effect .............. 41 Shooting with manual adjustment ................. 44 Adjusting the white balance ........................... 50 Adjusting recording level manually ­ Sound recording level ................................ 52 Presetting the adjustment for picture quality ­ Custom preset ............................................. 54 Using the PROGRAM AE function ................ 56 Focusing manually ........................................... 59 Interval recording ............................................. 60 Frame by frame recording ­ Cut recording .. 62 Marking an Index ............................................. 63 Advanced Playback Operations Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory function ........................................... 64 Searching for a recording by index ­ Index search ................................................. 65 Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title ­ Title search ........................................... 67 Searching a recording by date ­ Date search ................................................... 68 Searching for a photo ­ Photo search/Photo scan ........................... 70 Playing back a tape with picture effects ........ 72 Playing back a tape with digital effects ......... 73 Editing Dubbing a tape .................................................. 74 Dubbing only desired scenes ­ Digital program editing ............................. 76 Using with an analog video unit and a PC ­ Signal convert function .............................. 88 Recording video or TV programs .................. 89 Inserting a scene from a VCR ­ Insert editing ............................................... 93 Audio dubbing .................................................. 95 Superimposing a title ....................................... 99 Making your own titles .................................. 103 Labeling a cassette .......................................... 105 Erasing the cassette memory data ................ 107 Customizing Your Camcorder Changing the menu settings ......................... 109 "Memory Stick" Operations Using a "Memory Stick" ­ introduction ...... 116 Recording still images on a "Memory Stick" ­ Memory Photo recording ........................ 121 Superimposing a still image in a "Memory Stick" on a moving picture ­ MEMORY MIX .......................................... 125 Recording an image from a tape as a still image ............................................................. 128 Copying still images from a tape ­ Photo save .................................................. 131 Viewing a still picture ­ Memory Photo playback .......................... 133 Copying an image recorded on a "Memory Stick" to tapes ............................................... 136 Playing back images continuously ­ SLIDE SHOW ............................................ 138 Preventing accidental erasure ­ Image protection ....................................... 139 Deleting images .............................................. 140 Writing a print mark ­ Print mark ............... 143 Additional Information Usable cassettes ............................................... 144 About i.LINK ................................................... 146 Troubleshooting .............................................. 148 Self-diagnosis display .................................... 154 Warning indicators and messages ............... 155 Using your camcorder abroad ...................... 157 Maintenance information and precautions ................................................... 158 Specifications ................................................... 163 Quick Reference Identifying the parts and controls ................ 164 Quick Function Guide .................................... 173 Index ................................................................. 174 3 Quick Start Guide This guide introduces you to the basic way of recording/ playback. See the pages in parentheses "( )" for more information. Connecting the power cord (p. 13) Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 9). Connect the plug with its v mark facing toward the LCD panel side. AC Adaptor (supplied) Open the DC IN jack cover. 4 Quick Start Guide Inserting a cassette (p. 15) 1 While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. 2 Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert it. Insert the cassette into the cassette compartment with the window facing out and the write-protect tab facing upward. Window 3 Close the cassette compartment by pressing the PUSH mark on it. Close the cassette lid by pressing the PUSH button on the cassette lid. 4 PUSH Write-protect tab Recording a picture Viewfinder When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup. (p. 16) 1 4 OPEN Press START/ STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press START/ STOP again. POWER Open the shutter of the hood with a lens cap. For more information about attaching the hood with a lens cap, see page 167. 2 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. POWER VCR OFF CAMERA (CHG) 3 Slide OPEN back in the B mark direction to open the LCD panel. VCR OFF CAMERA (CHG) MEMORY If the ND1 or ND2 indicator flashes, see page 47. Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 27) 1 Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button. POWER VCR OFF CAMERA (CHG) MEMORY NOTE Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the viewfinder, the LCD panel, the battery pack, or the microphone. MEMORY Quick Start Guide 2 3 Press m to rewind the tape. Press N to start playback. REW PLAY 5 -- Getting Started -- Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep or a melody sound to indicate that the operation is being carried out. Note on cassette memory Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory . The functions which require different operations depending on whether or not the tape has cassette memory are: ·Searching the end point of the recording ­ end search (p. 26,30) ·Searching a recording by index ­ index search (p. 65) ·Searching a recording by date ­ date search (p. 68) ·Searching for a photo ­ photo search (p. 70). The functions you can operate only with cassette memory are: ·Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title ­ title search (p. 67) ·Superimposing a title (p. 99) ·Making your own titles (p. 103) ·Labeling a cassette (p. 105). For details, see page 144. You see this mark in the introduction of the features that are operated only with cassette memory. (Cassette Memory). Tapes with cassette memory are marked with 6 Using this manual Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ by country or region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV. Getting Started Copyright precautions 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 Lens and LCD screen/finder ·The LCD screen and the finder 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 constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way. ·Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk. ·Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a]. ·Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b]. ·Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions [c]. [a] [b] [c] Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc. 7 Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 170) 2 AC-L15A/L15B AC Adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 10) 3 NP-F330 rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 9, 10) 4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 171) 5 "Memory Stick" (1) (p. 116) 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 31, 74) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 168) 8 Hood with a lens cap (1) (p. 167) 8 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. (1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the V mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack until it clicks. Getting Started 1 2 To remove the battery pack Lift up the viewfinder. Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE down. BATT RELEASE 9 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging the battery pack Use the battery pack after charging it. Your camcorder operates only with the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (L series). (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug's v mark facing toward the LCD panel side. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Charging begins. The remaining battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window. When the remaining battery indicator changes to u, normal charge is completed. To fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about one hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears on the display window. Fully charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual. 4 1 POWER VCR OFF CAMERA (CHG) MEMORY After charging the battery pack Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder. Note on the remaining battery time indicator The remaining battery time indicator on the LCD screen/display window or in the viewfinder indicates the recording time using the viewfinder. The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording. When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about one minute for the correct remaining battery time to be displayed. Notes ·Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of the AC Adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC Adaptor. ·Keep the battery pack dry. ·When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once fully, and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool place. 10 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time "- - - - min" appears in the display window. While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in the display window in the following cases: ­ The battery pack is not installed correctly. ­ The AC Adaptor is disconnected. ­ Something is wrong with the battery pack. When using the AC Adaptor Be sure to use it near the wall outlet. If a malfunction occurs, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet. Getting Started Charging time Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F550 NP-F730/F750 NP-F960 Full charge (Normal charge) 150 (90) 210 (150) 300 (240) 420 (360) Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack Recording time Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F750 NP-F960 Recording with the viewfinder Continuous 75 (65) 150 (135) 265 (240) 315 (275) 575 (515) Typical* 40 (35) 80 (75) 145 (130) 175 (150) 320 (285) Recording with the LCD screen Continuous 60 (55) 130 (115) 230 (205) 265 (235) 480 (430) Typical* 30 (30) 70 (60) 125 (110) 145 (130) 265 (240) Approximate minutes of recording time when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses "( )" indicate the time using a normally charged battery. You cannot use the NP-500/510/710 battery pack on your camcorder. * Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter. 11 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Playing time Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F750 NP-F960 Playing time on LCD screen 90 (80) 185 (165) 305 (275) 375 (335) 680 (610) Playing time with LCD closed 110 (95) 225 (195) 385 (345) 460 (415) 830 (745) Approximate minutes of playing time when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses "( )" indicate the time using a normally charged battery. You cannot use the NP-500/510/710 battery pack on your camcorder. Notes ·The supplied battery pack is charged a little. ·Some types of the battery packs may not be sold in your region or country. ·Approximate recording time and continuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. What is "InfoLITHIUM?" The "InfoLITHIUM" is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as battery consumption with compatible video equipment. This unit is compatible with the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the "InfoLITHIUM" battery. "InfoLITHIUM" battery packs (L series) have the mark. "InfoLITHIUM" is a trademark of Sony Corporation. If the camcorder is immediately turned off Even if the remaining battery time is enough to operate, charge the battery pack fully again. The correct remaining time is displayed. 12 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Connecting to a wall outlet When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC Adaptor. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug's v mark facing toward the LCD panel side. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. Getting Started 1 2 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. Notes ·The power cord must only be changed at an authorized service shop. ·AC Adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your camcorder. ·The DC IN jack has 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 a wall outlet. Using a car battery Use the Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (optional). 13 Step 2 Setting the date and time Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. "CLOCK SET" will be displayed each time that you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY unless you set the date and time settings. If you do not use your camcorder for about four months, the date and time may be cleared from memory (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in your camcorder will have been discharged (p.160). First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Press MENU to display the menu in the standby mode. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust to the desired year, then press the dial. Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial. (6) Set the minute by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by the time signal. The clock starts to move. (7) Press MENU to erase the menu display. 1,7 MENU 2 MANUAL SET AUTO SHTR PROG. SCAN SETUP MENU CLOCK SET JAN 1 2003 12:00:00AM LTR SIZE DEMO MODE RETURN 3 SETUP MENU CLOCK SET LTR SIZE 2003 JAN 1 DEMO MODE RETURN 12 00 AM [MENU] : END [MENU] : END [MENU] : END 6 4 SETUP MENU CLOCK SET LTR SIZE 2003 JUL 4 DEMO MODE RETURN SETUP MENU CLOCK SET JUL 4 2003 5:30:00 PM LTR SIZE DEMO MODE RETURN 2003 JAN 1 2003 JAN 1 [MENU] : END 5 30 PM 12 00 AM 12 00 AM [MENU] : END The year changes as follows: 1995 1996 2003 2079 If you do not set the date and time "­ ­:­ ­:­ ­" (time) and "--- -- ----" (date) are recorded on the data code of the tape and the "Memory Stick." Note on the time indicator The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle. ·12:00 AM stands for midnight. ·12:00 PM stands for noon. 14 Step 3 Inserting a cassette (1) Install the power source. (2) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. After the cassette lid is opened, the cassette compartment automatically opens. (3) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert it. Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with the window facing out and the write-protect tab facing upward. (4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the PUSH mark on it. (5) Close the cassette lid until it clicks by pressing the PUSH button on the lid. Getting Started 2 3,4 Window 5 PUSH PUSH Write-protect tab To eject a cassette Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3. Note The cassette lid will not be closed when you press any part of the lid other than the PUSH button. When you use mini DV cassettes with cassette memory Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 144). To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to SAVE. If the grip strap prevents the cassette lid from opening fully Adjust the length of the grip strap (p. 168). If Q flashes even if the cassette has been inserted Press the PUSH button again to close the cover firmly. 15 -- Recording ­ Basics -- Recording a picture Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. (1) Open the shutter of the hood with a lens cap. For more information about attaching the hood with a lens cap, see page 167. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See "Step 1" to "Step 3" (p. 9 to 15) for more information. (3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. Your camcorder is set to the standby mode. (4) Slide OPEN in the direction of the B mark to open the LCD panel. The picture now being shot is displayed on the LCD screen, and it disappears from the viewfinder screen. (5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The "REC" indicator appears. The camera recording lamps located on the front and rear of your camcorder light up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. You can use REC START/STOP located on the handle or front instead of START/STOP on the rear. Camera recording lamps Microphone 1 3 REC START/STOP Handle REC START/STOP 2 5 POWER OPEN 4 3 40min REC 0:00:01 (CHG) LOCK POWER VCR If the ND1 or ND2 indicator flashes on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder The ND filter is necessary. Set the ND FILTER selector to 1 or 2. However, if you change the position during recording, the brightness of the picture may change or audio noise may occur. This is not a malfunction. We recommend that you check the position of the ND FILTER selector before shooting. See "Using the ND filter" on page 47. Notes ·Fasten the grip strap firmly. ·Do not touch the microphone during recording. VCR OFF CAMERA (CHG) MEMORY OFF CAMERA MEMORY 16 Recording a picture Note on the recording mode Your camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings. In LP mode, you can record 1.5 times as long as in SP mode. When you record a tape on your camcorder in LP mode, we recommend playing the tape on your camcorder. Recording ­ Basics Note on the LOCK switch When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK switch is set to the right as a default setting. We recommend that you set the LOCK switch to the left when you record on a cassette. Note on the progressive recording mode If you intend to use the images on your PC or play the images back as still images, we recommend that you set PROG. SCAN to ON in the menu settings before shooting (p. 34). The picture quality may improve in this mode, but if you shoot a moving subject, the image may shake when it is played back. To enable smooth transition Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. When you use a tape with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the end search function (p. 26). However, check the following: ·When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). ·Do not mix recordings in the SP mode and ones in the LP mode on one tape. Note on tape transition The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between scenes when: ·You change the recording mode (SP/LP). ·You record in LP mode. If you leave your camcorder in standby mode for five minutes while the cassette is inserted Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to prevent tape wear and save battery power. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), and to CAMERA again. When a cassette is not inserted, your camcorder does not turn off. 17 Recording a picture Adjusting the LCD screen The LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees and it rotates about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to the lens side. If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way in standby or recording mode, the indicator appears on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror mode). 180° 180 90° OPEN To close the LCD panel, set it vertically and swing it into the camcorder body until it clicks. Note When you open the LCD panel, the viewfinder is automatically turned off, however, it is not turned off when the LCD panel is turned over or the camcorder is in mirror mode. When you adjust the angle of the LCD panel Make sure that the LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees. When using both the LCD screen and the viewfinder during shooting The usable time of the battery pack when using both the LCD screen and the viewfinder will be shorter a little than when using the viewfinder only. Pictures in the mirror mode The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the recording picture will be normal. During recording in mirror mode ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work. Indicators in the mirror mode The STBY indicator appears as zX and REC as z. Some of the other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed. However, if you close the LCD panel with the LCD screen turned over, indicators appear normally. 18 Recording a picture Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press LCD BRIGHT + or ­. The battery life is longer when the LCD panel is closed. Use the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen to save the battery power. Recording ­ Basics LCD BRIGHT To brighten To darken On the LCD screen backlight You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings (p. 109). Even if you do the LCD screen adjustment using the LCD BRIGHT +/­ buttons, or using LCD B.L. and LCD COLOR items in the menu settings The recorded picture will not be affected. Recording in a low position You can record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Lift up the viewfinder or rotate the LCD panel with the screen facing up to record from a low position. In this case, it is useful to use the REC START/STOP located on the handle or front of the camcorder. ST A REC START/ STOP After recording (1) (2) (3) (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Close the LCD panel. Eject the cassette. Remove the battery pack. T/S REC R TOP 19 Recording a picture Adjusting the viewfinder If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the images in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder adjustment lever. Viewfinder adjustment lever To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder screen, use the VF B.L. item in the menu settings (p. 109). Even if you adjust the viewfinder screen backlight The recorded picture will not be affected. The eyecup You can attach the eyecup with the large part of it located on both left and right. See page 167 for details. 20 Recording a picture Using the zoom feature To zoom using the zoom lever/handle zoom lever Press the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Press it deeper for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. "T" side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) "W" side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) When using the handle zoom lever, you can change the zooming speed using the handle zoom switch. H: Fast L : Slow Handle zoom switch W T Recording ­ Basics W T W Notes ·When the handle zoom switch is set to OFF, you cannot operate the handle zoom lever. ·The handle zoom switch does not interlock with the zoom lever of the camcorder. When you shoot close to a subject If you cannot get a sharp focus, press the "W" side of the power zoom lever until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/8 inch) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 inch) away in the wide-angle position. To zoom using the zoom ring Using the zoom ring, you can control the zoom by your desired speed and you can make fine adjustments. During recording, turn the zoom ring to the desired speed. Zoom ring For wide-angle For telephoto Note If you turn the zoom ring quickly, the zoom may not respond to the zoom ring. Rotate the zoom ring with appropriate speed. T 21 Recording a picture Using the disital zoom ­ Zoom greater than 12× Zoom greater than 12× is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to 24× or 48× in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF as a default setting (p. 109). If you use the digital zoom function, the picture quality deteriorates. W T The right-ended portion of the bar shows the digital zooming zone. The digital zooming zone appears when you set D ZOOM to 24× or 48×. You cannot use the digital zoom: ­ When you set PROG. SCAN to ON in the menu settings (p. 109). ­ When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY. Indicators displayed during recording The indicators are not recorded on the tapes. [a] [b] [c] [d] 40min REC 0:00:01 45min [e] [f] [g] JUL 4 2003 ND1 12:05:56PM [h] [j] [i] 22 [a] Remaining battery time This appears after you turn on the power and wait for a while. [b]Cassette memory This appears when using a tape with cassette memory. [c] Recording mode [d]STBY/REC [e] Time code/Tape counter [f] Remaining tape This appears after you insert a cassette. [g]Guide frame [h]ND filter This flashes when the ND FILTER selector should be set. After you have set the ND FILTER selector, the ND FILTER position selected is indicated. (When the ND OFF position is selected, the indication disappears.) [i] Time The time is displayed about five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY. [j] Date The date is displayed about five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY. Recording a picture Time code The time code indicates the recording or playback time, "0:00:00" (hours : minutes : seconds) in CAMERA mode and "0:00:00:00" (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) in VCR mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code. Your camcorder uses the drop frame mode. Remaining tape indicator The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape. Note on recording date/time Recording date/time is not displayed during shooting, however, it is automatically recorded on the tape. You can check the recording date/time during playback by pressing DATA CODE. Recording ­ Basics Shooting backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT) When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight function. Press BACK LIGHT in standby, recording, or memory mode. The . indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again. FADER BACK LIGHT SPOT LIGHT BACK LIGHT If you press one of the following buttons when using the backlight function The backlight function will be canceled. ­ SPOT LIGHT ­ EXPOSURE When you manually adjust the exposure You cannot use the backlight function. 23 Recording a picture Using the spot light function This function prevents people's faces, for example, from appearing excessively white when shooting subjects lit by strong light, such as in the theater. Press SPOT LIGHT in standby, recording, or memory mode. The indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To cancel, press SPOT LIGHT again. FADER BACK LIGHT SPOT LIGHT SPOT LIGHT If you press one of the following buttons when using the spot light function The spot light function will be canceled. ­ BACK LIGHT ­ EXPOSURE When you manually adjust the exposure You cannot use the spot light function. You cannot use the spot light mode while in the following settings: ­ Shutter speed value of 1/30 or smaller ­ Old movie ­ Low lux mode of the PROGRAM AE function 24 Recording a picture Self-timer recording You can make a recording with the self-timer. This recording is useful when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander. (1) Press (self-timer) in standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Press START/STOP. Self-timer starts counting down from 10 seconds with a beep sound. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. START/STOP Recording ­ Basics 2 1 (self-timer) POWER VCR OFF CAMERA (CHG) MEMORY To stop the self-timer before recording Press START/STOP again. Use the Remote Commander for convenience. To record still pictures on tapes using the self-timer Press PHOTO in step 2 (p. 33). To record still pictures on a "Memory Stick" using the selftimer Press (self-timer), then press PHOTO in memory mode (p. 124). To cancel self-timer recording Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from the LCD or viewfinder screen while your camcorder is in standby mode. Note The self-timer recording is automatically canceled when: ­ Self-timer recording is finished. ­ The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR. 25 Checking the recording ­ END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review You can use these buttons to check recorded pictures or shoot so that the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you will record is smooth. END SEARCH EDITSEARCH Searching the end point of the recording -- END SEARCH You can easily go to the end of the last recorded portion. Press END SEARCH in standby mode. The camcorder rewinds or fast-forwards the tape and the last five-second recorded picture is played back. After playback the camcorder turns to standby mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones. Changing the next recording start point -- EDITSEARCH You can change the next recording start point in standby mode. Hold down the +/­ side of EDITSEARCH in standby mode. The recorded picture is played back. +: to go forward ­ : to go backward Release EDITSEARCH to stop playback. If you press START/STOP, re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. You cannot monitor the sound. Checking the last recorded picture -- Rec Review You can check the last recorded portion. Press the ­ 7 side of EDITSEARCH momentarily in standby mode. The last few-seconds of picture is played back and the camcorder returns to standby. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones. End search function When you use a tape without cassette memory, the end search function does not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. If you use a tape with cassette memory, the end search function works even once you eject the cassette. If there is a blank portion at the beginning or between the recorded portions, the end search function may not work correctly (p. 144). 26 -- Playback ­ Basics -- Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel, you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button. The video control buttons light up. (3) Slide OPEN in the direction of the B mark to open the LCD panel. (4) Press m to rewind the tape. (5) Press N to start playback. (6) To adjust the volume, press either of the VOLUME +/­ buttons . Playback ­ Basics 4 REW 5 PLAY 2 POWER VCR OFF CAMERA (CHG) 6 VOLUME MEMORY 31 To stop playback Press x. 27 Playing back a tape When monitoring on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out. When you close the LCD panel You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker. However, when the LCD panel is turned over to view on the LCD screen, you can monitor the sound from the speaker. To control the display of the screen indicators Press DISPLAY on the camcorder or on the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. The indicators appear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY again. DISPLAY DATA CODE DISPLAY DATA CODE 28 Playing back a tape Using the data code function Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code). Press DATA CODE on the camcorder or on the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder in playback mode. The display changes as follows: date/time t various settings (SteadyShot, white balance, gain, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure mode) t no indicator Date/time Various settings Playback ­ Basics JUL 4 2003 12:05:56 AM AUTO 60 AWB F1.6 0dB [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] SteadyShot OFF Exposure mode/PROGRAM AE mode White balance Gain Shutter speed Aperture value To not display the various settings Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 109). The display changes as follows: date/time y no indicator Recording data Recording data is your camcorder's information when you have recorded something. In CAMERA mode, the recording data will not be displayed. When you use the data code function, "--- -- ----" (date) or "-- : -- : --" (time) appears if: ­ A blank portion of the tape is being played back. ­ The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise. ­ The tape was recorded by the camcorder without the date and time set. Data code When you connect your camcorder to the TV, the data code also appears on the TV screen (p. 31). Note on the date/time indicator Recording date/time is not displayed during shooting, however, it is automatically recorded on the tape. You can check the recording date/time during playback by pressing DATA CODE. If the exposure adjustment is set to minimum "CLOSE" is displayed at the location of the aperture value. 29 Playing back a tape Various playback modes To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR. To view a still picture (playback pause) Press X during playback. To resume normal playback, press N or X. To advance the tape Press M in stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N. To rewind the tape Press m in stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N. To change the playback direction Press on the Remote Commander during playback to reverse the playback direction. To resume normal playback, press N. To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search) Keep pressing m or M during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. To monitor the picture at high-speed while advancing or rewinding the tape (skip scan) Keep pressing m while rewinding or M while advancing the tape. To resume rewinding or advancing, release the button. To view the picture at slow speed (slow playback) Press y during playback. For slow playback in the reverse direction, press Remote Commander, then press y. To resume normal playback, press N. on the To view the picture at double speed Press ×2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the reverse direction, press , then press ×2 on the Remote Commander. To resume normal playback, press N. To view the picture frame-by-frame Press C on the Remote Commander in playback pause mode. For frame-by-frame playback in the reverse direction, press c. To resume normal playback, press N. To search the last scene recorded (END SEARCH) Press END SEARCH in stop mode. The last five seconds of the recorded portion plays back and stops. In various playback modes ·Sound is muted. ·The previous picture may remain as a mosaic image during playback. When the playback pause mode lasts for five minutes Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N. Slow playback Slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder, however, this function does not work for a signal output through the DV Interface. When you play back a tape in reverse Horizontal noise may appear at the center, or the top and bottom of the screen. This is not a malfunction. If you insert the cassette recorded in a PAL system The camcorder automatically identify the system, and playback starts. You can only view the picture on your camcorder. (Quasi PAL playback) 30 Viewing the recording on TV Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the video control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the LCD screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC Adaptor (p. 13). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR. Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. Playback ­ Basics S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO L/R (optional) Yellow AUDIO L/R White : Signal flow Red IN S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO If your TV is connected to a VCR Connect your camcorder to the line input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. If your TV or VCR is a monaural type Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and only the white plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. The red plugs are not used. If your TV or VCR has an S video jack Connect using an S video cable (optional) to obtain high-quality pictures. With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect the S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and the TV or the VCR. This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures. When you adjust the TV screen If you monitor the shooting picture, not the playback picture, set COLOR BAR to ON in the menu settings (p. 109). The color bar is displayed on the TV screen. 31 -- Advanced Recording Operations -- Recording a still image on a tape ­ Tape Photo recording You can record still images on tapes with all the pixels in the progressive recording mode. See page 34 for details. This mode is useful when you print images using a video printer (optional). Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still images on a "Memory Stick" (p. 121). (1) In standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a picture freezes. The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet. To change the image, release PHOTO, select an image again, and then press and hold PHOTO lightly. (2) Press PHOTO deeper. The still image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded. The still image is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder until recording is completed. 1 2 CAPTURE PHOTO ······· PHOTO The number of still images recordable on a mini DV cassette You can record about 510 images in SP mode and about 765 images in LP mode on a 60minute cassette. Notes ·During tape photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting. ·The PHOTO button does not work: ­ While the fader function is set or in use. ­ While the digital effect function is set or in use. ·Do not shake the camcorder during tape photo recording. The recorded image may be blurred. To do tape photo recording using the Remote Commander Press PHOTO on the Remote Commander. Your camcorder immediately records an image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. When you do tape photo recording during normal CAMERA recording You cannot check an image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder by pressing PHOTO lightly. Press PHOTO deeper. The still image is then recorded for about seven seconds and your camcorder returns to standby mode. When shooting a moving object in Tape Photo recording When playing back the image by another unit, the image may be blurred. This is not a malfunction. 32 Recording a still image on a tape ­ Tape Photo recording Self-timer tape photo recording You can make a tape photo recording with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander. (1) Press (self-timer) in standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Press PHOTO deeply. Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. PHOTO Advanced Recording Operations 2 PHOTO 1 To cancel self-timer recording Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from the LCD or viewfinder screen while your camcorder is in standby mode. You cannot cancel the self-timer recording using the Remote Commander. Note The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when: ­ Self-timer tape photo recording is finished. ­ The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR. 33 Shooting with all the pixels ­ PROG. SCAN To import moving images to your PC to view still images, we recommend you record in progressive recording mode. To use progressive recording mode, follow the procedure below. Still images produced this way are more stable than those recorded on tapes in normal mode, and thus are more suitable for analyzing high-speed action such as sports scenes. (Since this camcorder takes in an image every 1/15 of a second in progressive recording mode, moving images recorded in this mode may be subject to too much jitter. To view moving images, we recommend recording in normal mode.) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Press MENU to display the menu in standby mode. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select PROG. SCAN, then press the dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select ON, then press the dial. Press MENU to erase the menu display. The PROG. SCAN indicator lights up. 1 5 MENU 2-4 MANUAL SET AUTO SHTR PROG. SCAN MANUAL SET AUTO SHTR PROG. SCAN RETURN OFF ON PROG. SCAN [MENU] : END MANUAL SET AUTO SHTR PROG. SCAN RETURN [MENU] : END ON MENU [MENU] : END To return to normal recording mode Select OFF in step 4, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Note on the progressive recording mode A normal TV broadcast divides the screen into two finer fields and displays them in turns every 1/60 of a second (Interlace format). Thus, the actual image displayed in an instant covers only half of the apparent image area. Displaying the whole image simultaneously on a full screen is called displaying with all the pixels. In this mode, the resolution of the still picture is clearer than in the normal mode. This camcorder takes in an image every 1/15 of a second, which may cause the image of a moving object to go out of focus. This camcorder is originally programed to record in the normal TV format. When shooting under fluorescent light When shooting in progressive recording mode under fluorescent light or light bulbs, a rare phenomenon may happen in which the screen lights up brightly (Flicker phenomenon). This is not a malfunction. If you want to stop this phenomenon, set PROG. SCAN to OFF in the menu settings. In the progressive recording mode You cannot use the following operations: ­ Digital zooming ­ Wide mode 34 Using the guide frame You can easily make the picture be on a horizontal line using the guide frame. The guide frame is not recorded. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Press MENU to display the menu in standby, recording, or memory mode. , then press the dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select GUIDEFRAME, then press the dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select ON, then press the dial. Press MENU to erase the menu display. The guide frame is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. Advanced Recording Operations 1 5 MENU 2-4 LCD / VF SET LCD B. L. LCD COLOR VF B. L. GU I DEFRAME LCD / VF SET LCD B. L. LCD COLOR VF B. L. GU I DEFRAME OFF [MENU] : END ON RETURN LCD / VF SET LCD B. L. LCD COLOR VF B. L. GU I DEFRAME ON [MENU] : END RETURN MENU [MENU] : END To clear the guide frame Select OFF in step 4, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial or simply press DISPLAY. Note The guide frame indicates only a rough level. The size and position of the guide frame do not affect the setting of the camcorder. If you set GUIDEFRAME to ON The other screen indicators are also displayed on the LCD screen. 35 Using the wide mode You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE). Black bands appear on the screen during recording in the 16:9WIDE mode [a]. The picture during playing back in the 4:3 mode on a wide-screen TV [b] or a normal TV [c]* is compressed in the widthwise direction. If you set the screen mode of the widescreen TV to the full mode, you can watch pictures of normal images [d]. * Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in the wide mode, it appears as you have seen on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder [a]. [a] 16:9WIDE [b] [d] [c] In standby mode, set 16:9WIDE to ON in in the menu settings (p. 109).