3-858-185-84 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
Welcome to digital video! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony digital camcorder. With your digital camcorder you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your digital camcorder 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 Attaching the viewfinder ....................... 6 Charging and installing the battery pack ..................................................... 7 Inserting a cassette ................................ 10 Basic operations Camera recording .................................. 12 Using the zoom feature .................. 15 Hints for better shooting ........
Before you begin Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the digital camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to ON. As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation. Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.
Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your digital camcorder. 2 3 5 6 7 4 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 87) 4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 20) 2 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 67) The lithium battery is already installed in your digital camcorder. 5 S video cable (1) (p. 20) 3 R6 (size AA) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 88) 7 Side cushion (2) (p. 87) Before you begin 1 6 Shoulder pad cushion (1) (p.
Getting started Attaching the viewfinder Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder. (1) Loosen the viewfinder release ring. (2) Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate. (3) Adjust the position of the viewfinder, then tighten the viewfinder release ring. (4) Attach the 8 pin connector to the VIEW FINDER jack on the digital camcorder. Match ridge on 8 pin connector to the ridge on the jack.
Charging and installing the battery pack Before using your digital camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack (not supplied). To charge the battery pack, use the AC-V615 AC power adaptor (not supplied). This digital camcorder does not interface with “InfoLITHIUM” batteries. The remaining time (minutes) indication does not appear when using “InfoLITHIUM” batteries. Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.
Charging and installing the battery pack Battery life Battery pack Continuous recording time* Typical recording time** NP-F730 80 (75) 50 (45) NP-F750 95 (85) 60 (55) NP-F930 120 (110) 75 (70) NP-F950 145 (130) 90 (80) Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery. Battery life will be shorter if you use the digital camcorder in a cold environment. * Approximate continuous recording time indoors.
Installing the battery pack Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks. Getting started To remove battery pack While pressing BATT, lift the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow. BATT Note When you install or remove the battery pack, make sure that the POWER switch is set to OFF.
Inserting a cassette Use a DV cassette with logo* only. Make sure that a power source is installed. We recommend you set the POWER switch to ON before inserting the cassette. (1) Open the cassette compartment cover. (2) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the tab upwards, and the window facing out and press down so that the cassette loads. (3) Close the cover. Notes on the cassette • Mini DV cassettes with logo cannot be used. • Do not insert a cassette by force. It may cause a malfunction.
To eject the cassette To prevent accidental erasure Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed, the beeps sound, the and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder and display window, and you cannot record. To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out, covering the red mark. Getting started Open the cassette compartment cover and press 6. After the cassette rises, take it out, then close the cover.
Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that AUTO LOCK is set to ON. When AUTO LOCK is set to ON, all settings are automatically adjusted to best suit your shooting environment. Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the digital camcorder is working correctly.
When ND ON flashes in the viewfinder Set ND FILTER to ON. To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode). To finish recording [b] [a] [b] START/STOP LOCK START/STOP START/STOP STBY 0 : 13 : 46 106 min LOCK Basic operations Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK, and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack.
Camera recording Note on Standby mode If you leave the digital camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while a cassette is inserted, the digital camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up again. To start recording, press START/STOP. Note on time code display While recording, the time code shows hours, minutes and seconds (0:00:00).
To select 16 bit [a] or 12 bit [b] recording mode Set AUDIO MODE to 16 BIT so that you can get higher sound quality. In 16 bit mode, the digital camcorder records one video sector [c] and one audio sector [d]. In the viewfinder the “16 BIT” indicator appears. Set AUDIO MODE to 12 BIT, and 1 sector is left open for audio dubbing afterwards.
Camera recording When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the power zoom button to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm away in the wide-angle position.
Hints for better shooting • You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder up for recording from a low position [b]. • While recording in a low position, you can use the front START/STOP button [c]. • You can rotate the viewfinder 120° up and 90° down. This is useful when recording in a high or low position [d]. [c] 120° [d] Basic operations [b] 90° START/STOP • You can move the viewfinder up to about 30 mm laterally.
Hints for better shooting Place the digital camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod Try placing the digital camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the digital camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm. Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of the digital camcorder.
Checking the recorded picture 1 2 POWER START/STOP Basic operations Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press the – (Œ) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion play back (Rec Review). Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the digital camcorder goes back to the scene you want.
Connections for playback You can use this digital camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to connect the digital camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the digital camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for power source.
If your TV is already connected to a VCR Open the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the LINE IN inputs 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 on the TV to VCR. S1 VIDEO OUT [a] VIDEO OUT [b] S (S1) VIDEO IN VIDEO IN Basic operations TV VCR AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT : Signal flow If your TV or VCR is a monaural type Connect only the white plug for audio on both the digital camcorder and the VCR or the TV.
Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the digital camcorder to a TV or VCR. (1) Set the POWER switch to ON (2) Set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. (3) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (4) Open the cover, then press · to start playback. 1 OFF 2 3 POWER ON CAMERA VTR 4 STOP REW PLAY FF PAUSE REC To stop playback, press π. To rewind the tape, press 0.
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. 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 digital camcorder: battery pack and house current. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your digital camcorder.
Charging the attached battery pack After connecting the AC power adaptor to the wall outlet and setting the POWER switch on the digital camcorder to OFF, you can charge the battery pack in either of the following two ways: • Charging the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder Leave the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder. (The NP-F950 battery pack requires about 430 minutes for a full charge and about 370 minutes for a normal charge.
Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the digital camcorder. (1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu. (2) Press or to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press or to select the desired setting, then press EXECUTE. For some items, you may need to repeat steps 2 and 3. (4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.
Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and VTR modes COMMANDER* • Normally select VTR4. • Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. • Select ID when using the Remote Commander with the ID number set. • Select ID SET when setting the ID number of the Remote Commander. CLOCK SET* Reset the date and time. Items for CAMERA mode only D ZOOM* Before turning on D ZOOM, set the DIGITAL MODE switch to ZOOM/16:9 WIDE.
Changing the mode settings CUSTOM* • Select RETURN to return to the menu to change other menu items. • Select SET to set custom preset ON or OFF. • Select COLOR LEV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT to preset the color intensity (COLOR LEV), sharpness (SHARPNESS), white balance (WB SHIFT), and brightness (AE SHIFT) of the picture. • Select RESET to restore the default settings.
Fade-in and fade-out You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from white while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to white while the sound decreases. To use fade-in and fade-out, press FADER/OVERLAP to display FADER in the viewfinder. When fading in [a] (1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER/OVERLAP. The fade indicator starts flashing.
Overlapping two pictures When using the overlap function, the picture gradually fades in over a still picture of the last scene recorded. (1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, set DIGITAL MODE to OVERLAP. (2) Press FADER/OVERLAP repeatedly until “OVERLAP” appears in the viewfinder. (3) Press START/STOP to start recording. The scene being shot gradually fades in over the still picture of the last recorded scene.
Using the wide mode function You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV. [b] [c] [a] [d] 1 3 DIGITAL MODE ZOOM/16:9 WIDE Advanced operations In the viewfinder black bands appear at the top and bottom of the screen [a]. On a normal TV screen, the picture appears horizontally compressed [b]. When setting WIDE PB to ON in the menu system, you get a cinema-like picture with a black band at the bottom of the screen [c].
Using the wide mode function To cancel wide mode Set 16:9 WIDE to OFF in the menu system. To watch a tape recorded in 16:9 wide mode on a wide-screen TV Set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to full mode. For details, refer to the instruction manual of your TV. Notes on wide mode • When you record in 16:9 wide mode, the date and time indicator will be widened on the wide-screen TV. • If you dub a tape, the tape is copied in the same mode as the original recording.
Photo recording 1 START/STOP LOCK STANDBY 2, 3 PHOTO Advanced operations You can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This mode is useful when you want to enjoy a picture such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). (1) Turn STANDBY up to PHOTO STANDBY. PHOTO appears in the viewfinder. (2) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture appears in the viewfinder.
Interval recording You can make a time-lapse like recording by setting the digital camcorder to automatically record and standby sequentially. You can achieve an excellent recording for flowering, emergence, etc., with this function. (1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. (2) Press or to select INT REC, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press or to select SET, then press EXECUTE. (4) Press or to select ON, then press EXECUTE.
Cut recording 1 MENU MENU D ZOOM OFF 16 : 9 WIDE ZEBRA COMMANDER BEEP FRAME REC INT REC 2 MENU FRAME REC [ MENU ] : END OFF ON Advanced operations You can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording. To create this effect, alternately move the subject a little and make a cut recording. Secure the digital camcorder and use the Remote Commander for effective cut recording.
Selecting automatic or manual mode The digital camcorder’s automatic functions offer you worry-free operation under most shooting conditions. But in some circumstances, manual adjustment is better for creative recording. You can adjust focus, aperture, shutter speed, gain, and white balance automatically or manually. Here’s the overview of each manual adjustment. See the following pages for detailed information. To focus manually Set FOCUS to MANU.
When to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and gain manually When selecting one of aperture, shutter speed, or gain to be adjusted manually and leaving the remaining two in automatic adjustment, the remaining two automatic settings adjust their values based on the value of that one manual setting. In the following cases, you should obtain better results by adjusting setting manually. [b] [a] [c] Advanced operations [a] Shooting portraits – adjust aperture manually.
Focusing manually When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. [a] [b] [c] • Insufficient light [a] • Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky, etc. [b] • Too much brightness behind the subject [c] • Horizontal stripes [d] • Subjects through frosted glass • Subjects beyond nets, etc.
Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Set FOCUS to MANU. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. (2) Press the power zoom button on the “T” side so that the bar in the viewfinder moves all the way to the “T” side. (3) Turn the focus ring to achieve a sharp focus. (4) Set the desired shot length using the power zoom button.
Focusing manually To return to autofocus mode Set FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder disappears. Shooting in relatively dark places Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position. Shooting fast-moving subjects in relatively bright places Shoot at wide-angle. To record a very distant subject Push FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on the most distant subject while FOCUS is held down. When it is released, manual focus mode is resumed.
Adjusting the aperture If the difference between the brightness of the subject and the background is too great, adjust the aperture manually. When the aperture opens (lowering the F value), focal point becomes smaller (reducing depth of field) so that the background will blur and the subject will be in focus [a]. When the aperture closes (raising the F value), focal point becomes greater (increasing depth of field) so that both background and subject will focus clearly [b].
Adjusting the shutter speed Adjust the shutter speed to control the picture quality. When recording sports events, for example, use a high speed shutter to record fast moving objects clearly. You can select from 6 different shutter speeds SLOW, 60, 100, 250, 1000 and PRESET. SLOW and PRESET have their own menus. Refer to “To adjust the SLOW SHTR (shutter) or S (shutter) PRESET menu items”. Shutter speed numbers that appear in the viewfinder are inverted. For example, “250” means 1/250 sec.
To adjust the SLOW SHTR (shutter) or S (shutter) PRESET menu items 2 SLOW SHTR MENU SLOW SHTR 3 S PRESET MENU 4 8 15 30 S PRESET [ MENU ] : END [ MENU ] : END MENU MENU ZEBRA COMMANDER BEEP FRAME REC INT REC SLOW SHTR S PRESET COMMANDER BEEP FRAME REC INT REC SLOW SHTR S PRESET G PRESET [ MENU ] : END Advanced operations When you want to make a dark scene look brighter or give an object the appearance of motion, use a slow shutter. Select speed from the SLOW SHTR menu.
Adjusting the shutter speed To select the Best Shutter Speed Concerning shooting conditions and brightness, refer to the following chart to adjust shutter speed accordingly. Subject • A golf swing or tennis match in fine weather • A landscape shot from a moving car or train • A moving roller coaster in overcast days • An athletic scene, marathon, etc. • Indoor sports • Replacement for the ND2 filter (to halve the exposure) in situations of glare a sunny beach or a snow covered mountain.
Adjusting the gain If the picture is too dark even with the aperture fully open, and using the slowest acceptable shutter speed, adjust the gain to make the picture as bright as necessary. When shooting night scenes in automatic setting, the picture may become dark. To brighten the picture, the digital camcorder will automatically turn the gain value up, and picture noise can develop. In this case, adjust the gain in accordance with the atmosphere of the subject.
Adjusting the gain To adjust the G (gain) PRESET menu item When you want to choose a gain setting higher than 9, select the appropriate level from the G PRESET menu. The setting data is set into memory. When you dial another setting, (e.g. 9), then return to PRESET, the previous setting is selected automatically. (1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu. (2) Press or to select G PRESET, then press EXECUTE. or to select a setting, then press EXECUTE.
Adjusting the white balance White balance is the adjustment to make white subjects look white and to obtain a more natural color balance. You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance manually when lighting conditions change quickly or when recording outdoors, e.g. neon signs, fireworks.
Adjusting the white balance Adjusting white balance manually (1) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF. (2) Set AUTO/MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to MANUAL. (3) Turn WHT BAL to select a white balance. Usually select e (indoor mode) or w (outdoor mode). To fix the white balance by using one-push white balance, select ∑ and see “Locking the white balance setting”. 2 AUTO MANUAL 3 1 WHT BAL ON AUTO LOCK OFF To return to automatic white balance mode Set AUTO/MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to AUTO.
Notes on the ∑ indicator in the viewfinder • The indicator means: Slow flashing: white balance is not adjusted Fast flashing: white balance is being adjusted (after you pressed WHITE BALANCE ∑) Lit steady: white balance has been adjusted. • If the ∑ indicator keeps flashing even when you press WHITE BALANCE ∑, shoot in automatic white balance mode. Set AUTO LOCK to ON and slide AUTO/ MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to AUTO.
Using the ND filter The digital camcorder automatically senses the need for the ND filter, in such a case, ND ON/OFF flashes in the display. Using the ND filter (to filter down to one-tenth the quantity of light), you can prevent the picture from going out of focus under bright conditions. When ND ON flashes in the viewfinder Set ND FILTER to ON [a]. The flashing indicator disappears, and the ND indicator remains. When ND OFF flashes in the viewfinder Set ND FILTER to OFF [b]. The indicator disappears.
Using the zebra pattern 1 MENU MENU D ZOOM OFF 16 : 9 WIDE ZEBRA COMMANDER BEEP FRAME REC INT REC Advanced operations You can set the digital camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) [a] in the portion of the picture in the viewfinder where the brightness exceeds a certain level. The portion of the picture where the zebra pattern appears is an area of high brightness and overexposure. You can check the picture level of a subject by displaying the zebra pattern.
Adjusting the recording sound You can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones (not supplied) to monitor the sound when you adjust. Checking the recording level Use the level indicator in the display window. If the input level is excessive, the PEAK indicator lights. If the PEAK indicator remains lit, adjust the recording sound manually. PEAK REC LEVEL Adjusting the recording level automatically Set the REC LEVEL switch to AUTO.
Adjusting the recording level manually (1) Set the REC LEVEL switch to MANU. (2) Turn REC LEVEL to adjust the sound level so that the PEAK indicator does not light up. You can adjust the level of each channel separately. We recommend using headphones (not supplied) to monitor the sound when you adjust. You can use AUDIO MONITOR to monitor the L, R, or stereo sound. Advanced operations 2 1 10 REC LEVEL AUTO 0 MANU 10 5 L REC LEVEL 0 R 5 To attenuate the recording level Set the MIC switch to ATT.
Adjusting the recording sound To use external microphone You can record narration using an external microphone. Set AUDIO INPUT SELECT to MIC. Set MIC SELECT to NORM so that you can record with an external microphone but the built-in microphone will be disabled. Set MIC SELECT to DUAL so that the external microphone records on the L channel and the built-in microphone records on the R channel. Respectively, the sound is in monaural.
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function When you shoot, the Ó indicator appears in the viewfinder. This indicates that the Steady Shot function is working and the digital camcorder compensates for camerashake. When you attach the digital camcorder to a tripod, you need not worry about camerashake. Release the Steady Shot function. Set STEADY SHOT to OFF. ON OFF Advanced operations STEADY SHOT To activate the Steady Shot function again Set STEADY SHOT to ON.
Making a custom preset Use this menu setting to achieve consistent picture quality. This feature lets you customize the picture quality. Item COLOR LEV Adjusts Color intensity SHARPNESS WB SHIFT AE SHIFT* Sharpness White balance Brightness Adjustment value Decreases color intensity ˜ Increases color intensity Softer ˜ Sharper Bluish ˜ Reddish Darker ˜ Brighter * When the aperture, shutter speed and gain are set manually, AE SHIFT level does not change.
To turn off custom preset (1) (2) (3) (4) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU. Press or to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE. Press to select SET, then press EXECUTE. to select OFF, then press EXECUTE. Press goes off in the viewfinder. (5) Press MENU to erase the menu display. To turn on custom preset again While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU. Press or to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE. Press to select SET, then press EXECUTE.
Re-recording a picture in the middle of a recorded tape You can insert a scene in the middle of a recorded tape by setting the starting and ending points. The previous recorded portion will be erased. (1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, keep pressing the + (forward playback) or – (reverse playback) side of EDITSEARCH, and release the button where you want to end the insertion [b]. The digital camcorder enters Standby mode again. (2) Press ZERO SET MEMORY. The counter is reset to “0:00:00”.
Searching the recorded picture When you use a cassette memory-mounted DV cassette ( logo*) which can store the recorded date and time, etc., you can search the recorded picture with the date or time using the Remote Commander (Cassette memory search). You can also search the photo-recorded pictures only, or the recorded picture in the backward and forward direction from the present position without cassette memory. * is a trademark.
Searching the recorded picture Notes on cassette memory search • You can search up to 6 days for date search and 43 pictures for photo search when you use the 4k-bit cassette memory. • Make sure that the lithium battery is installed if using cassette memory. Searching the recorded picture without using cassette memory (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Set the POWER switch to ON, then set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. Open the cover, press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. Set CM SEARCH to OFF in the menu system.
Displaying recording data You can display the recording data (date/time or various setting when recorded) when you recorded (Data Code), on the TV during playback or editing. The Data Code is also displayed in the viewfinder and the display window. Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander while playing back.
Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other DV, mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC, or l Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. You can edit with little deterioration of picture and sound quality when using the DV connecting cable (not supplied). Before editing Connect the digital camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable or the VMC-2DV connecting cable (not supplied).
Notes on editing when using the DV connecting cable • You can connect one VCR only. • Connect the l LANC jacks when controlling this digital camcorder from another VCR for editing. • If you recorded the playback pauses picture via the DV jack, the recorded picture becomes rough. • You can use this digital camcorder as a recorder.
Replacing recording on a tape You can insert a new picture, sound, recording data/time, camera information, etc., from a VCR onto your already recorded tape by specifying the starting and ending points. Connection is the same as in “To use the DV connecting cable” on page 62. (1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. (2) On the VCR, search for the start point to be inserted for playback, then set it to playback pause mode.
Audio dubbing If you recorded in 12 bit recording mode, you can add stereo narration or music to the recording. Making connections To use additional audio line in Connect the LINE OUT jacks of an audio source to the rear AUDIO IN jacks of the digital camcorder using an audio connecting cord (not supplied) and then set AUDIO INPUT SELECT to LINE. Use the built-in microphone or connect an external microphone (not supplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack, then set AUDIO INPUT SELECT to MIC.
Audio dubbing Recording (1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. (2) Open the cover, press ·, then ) or 0, to search for the start and end points of the recording. (3) Press P at the start point of the recording. (4) Press AUDIO DUB . (5) Adjust the recording volume. (6) Press P. Audio dubbing begins. If you are using an audio source system, press P on the stereo at the same time.
Additional information Changing the lithium battery in the digital camcorder Your digital camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the digital camcorder to CAMERA mode with the POWER switch ON. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
Changing the lithium battery in the digital 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, time and other items in the menu system retained by the lithium battery. (1) Loosen the two screws under the shoulder pad. (2) Slide the shoulder pad toward the back of the camera. (3) Open the lid of the lithium battery compartment.
Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. (1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu. (2) Press to select CLOCK SET, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press or to select the desired year, then press EXECUTE. Set the day, month, hour, and minutes by pressing / and then pressing EXECUTE. (4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.
Notes on video cassettes Usable cassettes Use a DV cassette. You cannot use any other mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC or l Betamax cassette. We recommend using an ME cassette You can get the highest quality pictures with this digital camcorder using an ME cassette which is the highest quality cassette. You may not get as good quality with lesser quality cassettes.
Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment Battery efficiency is decreased, and the battery will be used up more quickly, if you are recording in a cold environment. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK when not recording to save battery power.
Tips for using the battery pack The switch on the battery pack This switch is provided so that you can mark the charged battery pack. Set the switch to the “green mark” position when charging is completed. (When removed from the charging adaptor, the switch exposes the green mark. When removed from your digital camcorder, no mark is indicated.
Maintenance information and precautions Moisture condensation If the digital camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the digital 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 digital camcorder is furnished with moisture sensors. Please, take the following precautions.
Maintenance information and precautions Removing dust from inside the viewfinder (1) While pressing PUSH , open the viewfinder. (2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower. (3) Close the viewfinder until it clicks. 1 2 2 1 Precautions Digital camcorder operation • Operate the digital camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this manual.
Digital camcorder care • When the digital camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the power source and remove the tape. Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes. • Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are fingerprints on it, remove them with a soft cloth. • Clean the digital camcorder body with a dry soft cloth, or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution.
Using your digital camcorder abroad Each country has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your digital camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your digital camcorder in any country with the AC-V615 AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Difference in color systems This digital camcorder is an NTSC system based digital camcorder. If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC system based TV. Check the following list.
Trouble check If you run into any problem using the digital 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. Digital camcorder Power Symptom The power is not on. The battery pack is quickly discharged. Additional information The power goes off. Cause and/or Corrective Action • The battery pack is not installed. m Install the battery pack. (p.
Trouble check Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Action The tape does not move when a • CAMERA/VTR is set to CAMERA. m Set it to VTR. (p. 22) video control button is pressed. • The tape has run out. m Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 22) • The digital camcorder is updating the cassette memory data (only for DV cassettes with cassette memory). m Eject the cassette after the C MEMORY indicator disappears. (p. 11) • STEADY SHOT is set to OFF. The Steady Shot function does m Set STEADY SHOT to ON. (p.
Picture Additional information Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Action The image on the viewfinder • The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. screen is not clear. m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 13) A vertical band appears when a • When the contrast between the subject and background is too subject such as lights or a candle high, vertical band appears, the digital camcorder is not flame is shot against a dark malfunctioning. background. m Change locations. A vertical band appears when • This is a “smear”.
Trouble check AC power adaptor Symptom Corrective Actions The VTR/CAMERA or • Disconnect the power cord. After about 1 minute, reconnect CHARGE lamp does not light. the power cord. The CHARGE lamp flashes. • 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. $ When the CHARGE lamp flashes again Install another battery pack.
Specifications System Input and output connectors S video output 4-pin mini DIN Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75ohm, unbalanced Video output Phono jack, 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced Audio output Phono jacks (2: stereo L and R) 327 mV, (at load impedance 47 kilohm) impedance less than 2.2kilohm RFU DC OUT Special minijack, DC 5V Headphone jack Stereo minijack (ø 3.5 mm) LANC control jack Stereo mini-minijack (ø 2.5 mm) MIC jack Stereo minijack, 0.
Identifying the parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 !™ !£ !¢ !∞ !§ !¶ !• !ª !¡ @º @¡ 1 Stopper (p. 6) 2 Viewfinder (p. 6, 13, 74) 3 Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 13) 4 PUSH button (p. 74) 5 Viewfinder release lever (p. 17) 6 Focus ring (p. 39) 7 FOCUS switch (p. 39) 8 ND FILTER switch (p. 50) 9 PUSH AUTO button (p. 39) !º POWER switch (p. 12) !¡ CAMERA/VTR switch (p. 12, 22) 82 !™ Accessory shoe (p. 33) !£ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 92) !¢ Cassette compartment and cassette compartment cover (p.
@™ @£ @¢ @∞ #¡ @§ @¶ @• @ª #º @™ BRIGHT knob (p. 13) @£ TALLY lamp (p. 13) @¢ CONTR knob (p. 13) @∞ TALLY switch (p. 13) @§ Front Remote Commander sensor (p. 90) @¶ Grip (p. 16) @• Grip strap (p. 16) @ª Lens hood You can attach a wide teleconversion lens (not supplied) by removing the lens hood. To remove the lens hood, loosen the lens hood screw %º, and unscrew the lens hood counterclockwise. #£ #¢ #∞ Additional information #™ #º Lens hood cap (p. 12) #¡ EDITSEARCH button (p.
Identifying the parts $∞ $§ #§ #¶ #• #ª $º $¡ $™ $£ $¶ $• $ª %º %¡ %™ %£ %¢ %∞ %§ %¶ $¢ #§ Eyecup #¶ VIEW FINDER jack (p. 6) #• S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 20) #ª RFU DC OUT jack (p. 21) $º DV IN/OUT jack (p. 62) $¡ lLANC jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it. This jack has the same function as the jack indicated as CONTROL L or REMOTE. $™ 2 (headphones) jack (p.
%ª ^º ^¡ ^™ ^£ ^¢ &£ %• SHUTTER SPEED dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch (p. 42) %ª DIGITAL MODE switch (p. 16, 30, 31, 44) ^º GAIN dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch (p. 45 ) ^¡ STEADY SHOT switch (p. 55) ^™ WHT BAL (white balance) dial and AUTO/ MANUAL switch (p. 48) ^£ DISPLAY LIGHT switch (for display window) &™ ^∞ ^§ Additional information %• &¡ &º^ª ^•^¶ ^¢ Display window (p. 92) ^∞ PEAK indicators (L and R) (p. 52) ^§ REC LEVEL dials (p. 53) ^¶ REC LEVEL switch (p. 53) ^• MIC SELECT switch (p.
Identifying the parts *£ *¡ *™ &¢ *º &∞ &§ &¶ &• &ª &¢ Carrying handle &∞ IRIS dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch (p. 41) &§ Shoulder pad (p. 17) &¶ Tripod receptacle (p. 18) &• Lithium battery cover (p. 68) &ª Shoulder pad screws (p. 17) *º Cover for menu and video controls *¡ Menu buttons (p. 26) *™ Video controls (p.
Attaching the side cushion We recommend you to attach the side cushion to shoot with stable position. Additional information Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. 1 2 3 4 5 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the digital camcorder after turning on the digital camcorder. 2 PHOTO button (p. 33) 3 DISPLAY button (p. 22) 4 SEARCH MODE/=/+ buttons (p.
Identifying the parts To prepare the Remote Commander To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two R6 (size AA) batteries. Use the supplied R6 (size AA) batteries. (1) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert both of the R6 (size AA) batteries with correct polarity. (3) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander. Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation.
About the ID of the Remote Commander 1 MENU MENU D ZOOM OFF 16 : 9 WIDE ZEBRA COMMANDER BEEP FRAME REC INT REC 2 MENU COMMANDER [ MENU ] : END Additional information You can avoid having the digital camcorder accidentally respond to signals from other remote commanders by setting the VTR4/ID/VTR2 switch to ID. Use the supplied Remote Commander when you set the switch to ID. When you use the Remote Commander for the first time, register the ID following the procedure below.
Identifying the parts Remote control direction Aim the Remote Commander at either of the two remote commander sensors. The range of the Remote Commander is about 5m indoors. Use the Remote Commander as close to flat as possible, otherwise it may not work. Remote Commander sensors Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the Remote Commander sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective.
In the viewfinder 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 4000 F2.8 0dB 16 : 9 WIDE FADER W 1 Manual focusing indicator (p. 40) appears when focusing far, appears when focusing close. 2 ND filter indicator (p. 50) 3 White balance indicator (p. 48) 4 Steady shot indicator (p. 55) 5 Zoom indicator (p. 15, 39) 6 Manual setting data/ wide mode/ fader or overlap indicators (p. 41, 42, 45, 31, 29, 30) If not set, the indicator disappears, and all indicators below rise 1 row. 7 Data code indicators (p.
Identifying the parts In the display window H M S F MEMORY min AM F 1 2 34 5 6 1 Time code 2 MEMORY indicator (p. 58) Same as ZERO SET MEMORY indicator in the viewfinder. 3 Warning indicators (p. 93) 4 Flash indicator 7 8 9 5 Date/aperture indicator (p. 69, 41) 6 Remaining battery indicator (p. 71) 7 Time indicator (p. 69) 8 Remaining tape indicators 9 Audio level indicators (p. 52) Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap (not supplied) to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
Warning indicators If indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the digital camcorder flashes, check the following: ≥: you can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON. 1 2 3 4 7 8 5min 6 9 0 Additional information 5 C MEMORY 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. 2 The tape is near the end. The flashing is slow. 3 The tape has run out. The flashing becomes rapid. 4 No tape has been inserted.
Index A, B O, P Adjusting viewfinder ............... 13 AE SHIFT ................................... 56 AUDIO MODE .......................... 15 AUDIO MONITOR ................... 53 Auto focus ................................. 39 AUTO LOCK ............................. 36 BEEP ........................................... 14 BUILT-IN MIC ........................... 53 One-push white balance ........... 48 Overlap ....................................... 30 Playback pause .........................
Additional information 95
Sony Corporation Printed in Japan
