3-810-917-13 (1) Video Camera Recorder h CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 Operation Manual 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. CCD- Model No. AC- Serial No. Serial No.
Welcome to video h Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Table of Contents Before You Begin Using This Manual 4 Checking Supplied Accessories 5 Getting Started Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 6 Inserting a Cassette 9 Basic Operations Camera Recording 10 Using the Zoom Feature 13 Hints for Better Shooting 14 Checking the Recorded Picture 15 Connections for Playback 16 Playing Back a Tape 17 Advanced Operations Using Alternative Power Sources 19 Recording with the Date or Time 21 Using the Built-in Light 22 Using the PROGRAM AE Function 24 Shooting with Ba
Before You Begin Using This Manual The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR98 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “ CCDTR98 only”.
Checking Supplied Accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 Using This Manual/Checking Supplied Accessories 1 1 NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6) 2 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16) 3 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 51) 4 AC-V15/V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1) (p. 6, 19) 5 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 31) Already installed in the camcorder. 6 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 17, 51) 7 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p.
Getting Started Charging and Installing the Battery Pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor. Charging the Battery Pack Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration. (1) Connect the AC power adaptor to the wall outlet. (2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the line on the AC power adaptor, then slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
Battery Life Recording time with the built-in light on is indicated in parentheses.
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack Installing the Battery Pack (1) Insert the top of the battery pack into the top of the battery mounting surface. (2) Push the battery pack so that it attaches firmly. To Remove the Battery Pack Slide BATT, and then pull the lower part of the battery pack. 8 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.
Inserting a Cassette Make sure that a power source is installed. (1) While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically opens. (2) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out. (3) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette compartment automatically closes. 2 3 To Eject the Cassette While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time (p. 33) before you start recording. When you reset the date and time, the date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a day.
Note on Standby mode If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and turn it up again. To start recording, press START/STOP. To Focus the Viewfinder Lens If the viewfinder is not in focus at all or when you use the camcorder after someone else has used it, focus the viewfinder lens.
Camera Recording Note on recording When you record from the beginning of the tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before actual recording. This prevents the camcorder from missing any start-up scenes when you play back the tape. Notes on recording mode • This camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (long play) mode. The playback quality in LP mode, however, will not be as good as that in SP mode.
Using the Zoom Feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom sparingly. T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Camera Recording Zooming Speed Turn the power zoom lever fully for a high-speed zoom. Turn it lightly for a relatively slow zoom.
Hints for Better Shooting For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: [a] [b] • Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb. [a] • Place your right elbow against your side. • Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Do not cover the microphone with your fingers. • Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.
Checking the Recorded Picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press EDITSEARCH. Press the – (Œ) side momentarily, the last few seconds of the recorded portion plays back (Rec Review). Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back.
Connections for Playback You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. It is recommended to use the house current as the power source (p. 19). If a VCR is connected to a TV Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to LINE IN on the VCR by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the TV/VCR selector to VCR on the TV.
Playing Back a Tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor on the TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to the TV/VCR (p. 16). You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to PLAYER. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press (. Playback starts. Connections for Playback/Playing Back a Tape PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE To stop playback, press p.
Playing Back a Tape Various Playback Modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or (. To locate a scene (Picture Search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. To monitor the high-speed picture during fastforward or rewind (Skip Scan) Keep pressing 0 while rewinding or ) while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback, press (.
Advanced Operations Using Alternative Power Sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack (p.6), the house current, alkaline battery, and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.
Using Alternative Power Sources WARNING AC power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop. PRECAUTIONS The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off. Notes on the POWER lamp •The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged after use. This is normal. •If the POWER lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord.
To remove the battery case The battery case is removed in the same way as the battery pack (p. 8). When you replace the batteries, be sure to remove the battery case from the camcorder to prevent malfunction. Using a Car Battery Use the DCP-77 DC pack (not supplied). Connect the cord of the DC pack to the cigarette lighter socket of the car (12 V or 24 V). Connect the DC pack to the battery mounting surface of the camcorder.
Using the Built-in Light You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 5 feet (1.5 meters). While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide LIGHT to ON. The built-in light turns on. Turn STANDBY down to turn off. To Turn On the Built-in Light Automatically Slide LIGHT to AUTO. The built-in light automatically turns on and off according to the ambient brightness.
Replacing the Bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (not supplied). Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. (1) While pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire, remove the unit. (2) Turn the bulb housing counterclockwise and detach from the built-in light unit. (3) Replace the bulb using a dry cloth. (4) Attach the bulb housing turning it clockwise, then replace the built-in light unit.
Using the PROGRAM AE Function You can select from three PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation. When you use PROGRAM AE, you can capture high-speed action or night views. Selecting the Best Mode Select the best mode by using the following examples.
Shooting with Backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears inside the viewfinder. [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation. Press BACK LIGHT again to let the c indicator go out under normal lighting condition. Otherwise, the picture will be too bright under normal lighting condition.
Selecting the START/STOP Mode Your camcorder has two modes besides normal start/stop mode. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode). : The camcorder records only while you press down START/STOP. 5 SEC : When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for about five seconds and then stops automatically.
Superimposing a Title You can select from nine preset titles to superimpose it on the picture during recording. Each time you press TITLE, the preset titles appear one by one. To Superimpose from the Beginning (1) Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press TITLE repeatedly until the desired title appears. The title flashes. (4) Press START/STOP to start recording. (5) Press TITLE when you want to turn off the title.
Using the STEADY SHOT Function — CCD-TR88/TR98 only You can use the Steady Shot to compensate for camera-shake. Do not use the Steady Shot when shooting a stationary object with a tripod. Using the STEADY SHOT Function Slide STEADY SHOT to ON. To Release the Steady Shot Slide STEADY SHOT to OFF. Notes on the Steady Shot • The Steady Shot will not correct excessive camera-shake. • When you switch the Steady Shot on or off, the exposure may fluctuate. 28 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.
Changing the Mode Settings You can change the mode settings to further enjoy the features and functions. (1) Slide the cover to the left. You will find the mode switches. (2) Set the mode switches to the desired mode. (3) Close the cover. Selecting the Mode Setting of Each Item COMMANDER • Set to ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder. • Set to OFF when not using the Remote Commander for the camcorder. BEEP • Set to ON to turn the beep sound on.
Editing onto Another Tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax or ¬ ED Betamax VCR that has video/ audio inputs. After connecting the camcorder to the VCR, (1) Slide the POWER switch to PLAYER. (2) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the recording VCR. Then insert your recorded tape into the camcorder.
Additional Information Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder Note on Lithium Battery Note that the lithium battery has a positive (+) and a negative (–) terminals as illustrated. Be sure to install the lithium battery so that terminals on the battery match the terminals on the camcorder. (+) 0 CR2 2 5 202 CR 5 (–) Editing onto Another Tape/Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder Your camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed.
Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder Changing the Lithium Battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date and time. (1) Slide the cover and align the mark of the cover to that of the body. Press down the cover. (2) Push the battery in once and pull it out from the holder. (3) Install the lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing out. (4) Align the mark of the cover to that of the body.
Resetting the Date and Time ST AN D BY Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder/Resetting the Date and Time Reset the date and time using the DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT) buttons. (1) Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT) simultaneously until the year indicator flashes in the viewfinder. (4) Set year, month, day, time, minute by pressing DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT). Note that when you keep DATE(+) pressed, the digits advance faster.
Playback Modes The playback mode is selected automatically according to the recording system (SP/LP mode) in which the tape was recorded. Note on AFM HiFi stereo When you play back a tape, the sound will be in monaural if: • You record the tape using this camcorder, then play it back on an AFM HiFi monaural video recoeder/player. • You record the tape on an AFM HiFi monaural video recorder, then play it back on this camcorder.
Tips for Using the Battery Pack When the remaining battery indicator reaches the lowest point, the i indicator appears and starts flashing in the viewfinder. When the i indicator in the viewfinder disappears and the battery lamp flashes rapidly, turn the POWER switch to OFF on the camcorder and replace the battery pack. Leave the tape in the camcorder to obtain smooth transition between scenes after the battery pack has been replaced.
Tips for Using the Battery Pack Notes on Charging A Brand-new Battery A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Before using the battery pack, charge it completely. After Long Storage Recharge the battery pack after a long period of storage. If the battery pack is charged fully but not used for a long time (about 1 year), it becomes discharged. Charge it again, but in this case the battery life will be shorter than normal.
Notes on the Battery Case • Use only with alkaline batteries. You cannot use the battery case with manganese batteries or size AA rechargeable NiCd batteries. • Battery life is remarkably shorter in a cold environment (lower than 50°F/10°C). • Keep the metal part clean. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth. • Do not disassemble or convert the battery case. • Do not expose the battery case to any mechanical shock. • During recording, the battery case heats up. This is not cause for concern.
Maintenance Information and Precautions Moisture Condensation If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the unit may not operate correctly. To prevent possible damage under these circumstances, the camcorder is furnished with moisture sensors. Please, take the following precautions.
Video Head Cleaning To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. When v appears in the viewfinder in CAMERA mode or playback pictures are “noisy” or hardly visible, the video heads may be contaminated. [b] [a] Slightly contaminated [b] Critically contaminated If this happens, clean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLH cleaning cassette (not supplied). After checking the picture, if it is still “noisy”, repeat the cleaning.
Maintenance Information and Precautions Removing Dust from inside the Viewfinder — CCD-TR78/TR88 only (1) Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). Then, while sliding the RELEASE knob, turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow and pull it out. (2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower. 1 2 To Reattach the Eyecup (1) Align the groove on th eyecup with the • mark on the barrel. (2) Turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow. Then, replace the screw.
Precautions Camcorder Operation • Operate the camcorder using 6.0 V (battery pack), or 7.5 V (AC power adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use only the recommended accessories. • Should any solid object or liquid fall into the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by your nearest Sony dealer before operating it any further. • Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens. • Keep the POWER switch set to OFF when not using the camera.
Maintenance Information and Precautions • The unit becomes warm while in use. This is normal. • Do not place the unit in locations that are: – Extremely hot or cold – Dusty or dirty – Very humid – Vibrating If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer. Using Your Camcorder Abroad Each country has its own electricity and TV color systems.
Trouble Check If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Power Symptom The power is not on. The power goes off. The battery pack is quickly discharged. Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is not attached or not attached firmly.
Trouble Check Symptom The date or time indicator is flashing. The date or time indicator disappears. Recording stops in a few seconds. The built-in light turns off while in use. The built-in light turns on and off repeatedly. The built-in light does not turn on when LIGHT is set to ON. Cause and/or Corrective Actions • You pressed DATE and TIME together for more than 2 seconds. m The camcorder is not malfunctioning. You may start recording.Flashing will stop soon. m Reset the date and time. (p.
AC Power Adaptor Symptom The POWER lamp does not light. The CHARGE lamp flashes. Cause and/or Corrective Actions m Set the selector to VTR (DC OUT) and disconnect the AC power cord. After about one minute, try again. (p.7) • See the following chart. When the CHARGE Lamp Flashes Check through the following chart. Remove the battery pack from the AC power adaptor. Then install the same battery pack again.
Specifications Video Camera Recorder System Video recording system Two rotary heads, Helical scanning, FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8 mm video format cassette (standard 8 mm) Recording/Playback time SP mode: 2 hours (P6-120) LP mode: 4 hours (P6-120) Fastforward/rewind time Approx. 5 min.
AC power adaptor Specifications Power requirements 110 – 240 V AC, 50/60Hz Power consumption AC-V15 : 18W AC-V16: 20 W AC-V16A: 22 W Output voltage DC OUT in operation mode AC-V15 : 7.5V, 1.6A AC-V16/V16A: 7.5 V, 1.8 A Battery charge terminal 10 V, 1.
Identifying the Parts 1 POWER switch (p. 10, 17) 2 TIME(NEXT) button (p. 21, 33) 3 DATE(+) button (p. 21, 33) 4 COUNTER RESET button (p. 12) 5 TITLE button (p. 27) 6 STEADY SHOT mode switch (p. 28) CCD-TR88/TR98 only 7 Eyecup (p. 14) 8 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 11) CCD-TR98 only 9 Battery mounting surface (p. 8) 0 LANC l control jack Connect the LANC l connecting cable to a wired remote control unit such as an editing controller. In this case, set the COMMANDER mode to OFF (p. 29).
!£ Power zoom lever (p. 13) @¡ Cassette compartment (p. 9) !¢ EJECT knob (p. 9) @™ RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC out) jack !∞ Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 11) CCD-TR78/TR88 only @£ VIDEO/AUDIO jacks (p. 16) !§ Eyecup release knob (p. 40) CCD-TR78/TR88 only @∞ LIGHT switch (p. 22) @¢ Built-in light unit release hole (p. 23) !¶ Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 51) @§ Jack cover !• START/STOP button (p. 10) @¶ MIC (microphone) jack Connect an optional external microphone.
Identifying the Parts @ª Tape transport buttons (p. 17, 18) p STOP 0 REW (rewind) ( PLAY (playback) ) FF (fast forward) P PAUSE These buttons will function in PLAYER mode. #º EDITSEARCH button (p. 15) #¡ Built-in light (p. 22) #™ Lens cover #£ Built-in microphone #§ DEW lamp (p.38) #¶ Lighting aperture CCD-TR98 only #• Viewfinder (p. 11) #ª BACK LIGHT button (p. 25) $º PROGRAM AE dial (p. 24) $¡ START/STOP MODE switch (p. 10, 11, 26) $™ Mode switches (p. 29) $£ Lithium battery compartment (p.
Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap (!¶ on page 49). 1 2 3 Remote Commander Identifying the Parts The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander and on the camcorder function identically. T W 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the POWER switch on the camcorder. 2 Tape transport buttons (p.
Identifying the Parts Preparing the Remote Commander To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the supplied size AA (R6) batteries. (1) Remove the battery cover the Remote Commander. Identifying the from Parts (2) Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity. (3) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander. 1 2 3 Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation.
Remote Control Direction Aim the Remote Commander to the remote sensor within the range as shown below. 16ft (5m) Identifying the Parts Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective. • Be sure that there is no obstacle between the remote sensor on the camcorder and the Remote Commander. • This camcorder works at commander mode VTR 2.
Identifying the Parts Operation Indicators The indicators appear in CAMERA mode only. LP REC 1 Power zoom indicator (p. 13) 7 Tape transport mode (p. 10) 2 Backlight indicator (p. 25) 8 Tape counter (p. 12) 3 Warning indicator (p. 55) 9 AUTO DATE indicator (p. 10) 4 Lithium battery indicator (p. 31) 0 Remaining battery indicator (p. 34) 5 Recording lamp/battery lamp (p. 10) 6 Recording in LP mode (p. 10) !¡ Date, Time or Title (p. 21, 27) 54 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.
Warning Indicators All indicators appear only when you use the camcorder in CAMERA mode. If indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the camcorder flashes, check the following: ≥: You can hear the beep sound when BEEP is set to ON (p. 29). 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Battery Remaining Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. Identifying the Parts/Warning Indicators 1 2 The tape is near the end. 3 The tape has run out. 4 No tape has been inserted.
Index A E Q, R Adjusting viewfinder ........... 11 AFM HiFi stereo .................... 34 AUTO DATE .......................... 10 Editing ..................................... 30 EDITSEARCH ........................ 15 EJECT ........................................ 9 B F, G, H REC MODE ............................ 29 Rec. Review ............................ 15 Remote control jack (LANC) ... 48 Rewind .................................... 17 BACK LIGHT ......................... 25 Battery pack .......
