3-862-712-11 (1) Digital Camcorder 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. DSR-200A ÀÀ ,, @@ ,, @@ ÀÀ DSR-200A ©1998 by Sony Corporation Serial No.
WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. 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. DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
Table of contents Before you begin Using this manual ................................... 4 Checking supplied accessories .............. 5 Identifying the parts ............................... 6 Attaching optional accessories ............ 17 Getting started Attaching the viewfinder ..................... 20 Charging and installing the battery pack .................................... 21 Inserting a cassette ................................ 24 Basic operations Camera recording ...............................
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. 1 2 3 4 Before you begin 5 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.11) 2 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 78) The lithium battery is already installed in your digital camcorder. 3 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 12) 4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 34) 5 S video cable (1) (p.
Identifying the parts 1 2 3 !™ !£ !¢ !∞ 4 5 6 7 8 9 !§ !¶ !• !ª 0 !¡ @º @¡ 1 Stopper (p. 20) Lift up and hold to remove the viewfinder. 2 Viewfinder (p. 20, 27, 87) 3 Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 27) 4 PUSH button (p. 87) Press and hold to raise the eyecup. 5 Viewfinder release lever (p. 32) Push forward to move the position of the viewfinder front and back. !™ Accessory shoe (p. 46) !£ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 16) !¢ Cassette compartment and cassette compartment cover (p.
Identifying the parts @™ #¡ @¢ #™ @∞ Before you begin @£ #£ @§ #¢ @¶ @• #∞ #§ @ª #º @™ Microphone holder attaching point (p. 18) @£ TALLY lamp (p. 27) Lights while recording and when the battery becomes low. @¢ CONTR knob (p. 27) Turn to adjust the viewfinder’s contrast. @∞ TALLY switch (p. 27) Set to select TALLY lamp ON/OFF. @§ Front Remote Commander sensor (p. 14) @¶ Grip (p. 31) @• Grip strap (p. 31) #º Lens hood cap (p. 26) #¡ BRIGHT knob (p. 27) Turn to adjust the viewfinder’s brightness.
Identifying the parts #¶ #• #ª $º $¡ $™ $£ $¢ $∞ #¶ #• #ª $º $¡ Eyecup VIEW FINDER jack (p. 20) S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 34) RFU DC OUT jack (p. 35) DV IN/OUT jack (p. 74) Connect DV products using the connecting DV cable. This “i.LINK” mark is a trademark of Sony Corporation and indicates that this product is in agreement with IEEE 13941995 specifications and their revisions. The DV IN/OUT jack is i.LINK compatible. $™ CH-1 LINE/MIC switch (p. 65) Set to change the audio source using a CH-1 input.
Identifying the parts Before you begin %ª ^º ^¡ ^™ ^£ ^¢ ^∞ &£ &™ ^§ ^¶ &¡ &º^ª ^• %ª SHUTTER SPEED dial and AUTO/ MANUAL switch (p. 55) ^¶ REC LEVEL dials (p. 66) ^º VF DISPLAY switch (p. 28) Set to display (ON) or erase (OFF) the indicators in the viewfinder. ^ª TC RESET button Set time code to 0:00:00:00 when you want to reset the time code while shooting. ^¡ GAIN dial and AGC/MANUAL switch (p. 58) ^™ STEADY SHOT switch (p. 68) ^£ WHT BAL (white balance) dial and ATW/MANUAL switch (p.
Identifying the parts *º *£ *¡ *™ &ª &¢ &∞ *¢ *∞ *§ *¶ &§ &¶ &• &¢ Carrying handle &∞ IRIS dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch (p. 54) &§ Shoulder pad &¶ Tripod receptacle (p. 17) &ª Cover for menu and video controls *¢ MONITOR LEVEL dial (p. 28) Turn to adjust the volume level of the headphones and built-in speaker. *º Menu buttons (p. 40) *∞ 2 (headphones) jack (p. 28) *¡ TC switch (p. 28) Set to select the drop frame or non-drop frame for time code recording.
Identifying the parts Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the digital camcorder function identically. Before you begin 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 !º !¡ 5 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the digital camcorder after turning on the digital camcorder. 2 PHOTO button (p.46) 3 DISPLAY button (p. 36) 4 SEARCH MODE/=/+ buttons (p. 71) Press SEARCH MODE to select date search or photo search. 5 AUDIO DUB button (p. 77) 7 VTR4/ID/VTR2 switch (p.
Identifying the parts To prepare 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 from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert both of the size AA (R6) 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.
Identifying the parts About the ID of the Remote Commander (1) Install a power source, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. or to select COMMANDER, then press EXECUTE. (2) Press (3) Press or to select ID SET. (4) Set VTR4/ID/VTR2 on the Remote Commander to ID. (5) Point the Remote Commander at the Remote Commander sensor on the digital camcorder and press π on the Remote Commander.
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 16 feet (about 5 m) 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.
Identifying the parts In the viewfinder ND ON T 5 6 7 8 1000 F2.8 0 dB 16:9WIDE FADER W CP DV STBY 0 :13 : 46: 05 170 m i n 48k PHOTO DV IN JUL. 4 1998 10:13:02 AM I !™ !£ !¢ !∞ !§ !¶ !• !ª 1 Manual focusing indicator (p. 53) appears when focusing far, appears when focusing close. !¡ DV indicator (p. 37) During DV-formatted cassette playback, this indicator appears. 2 ND filter indicator (p. 63) !™ Video control mode (p. 26) 3 White balance indicator (p.
Identifying the parts In the display window H M S F DVCAM min AM F 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Time code 5 Date/aperture indicator (p. 54) 2 Warning indicators (p. 95) 6 Remaining battery indicator (p. 84) 3 DVCAM indicator Lights up when using a DVCAMformatted cassette. 7 Time indicator 8 Remaining tape indicators 9 Audio level indicators (p. 66) 4 Flash indicator Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap (not supplied) to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
Attaching optional accessories Attaching digital camcorder to the tripod adaptor Use the VCT-U14 tripod adaptor (not supplied). Once the tripod adaptor has been attached to the tripod stand, then you may attach the digital camcorder. 1 2 Before you begin (1) Attach the tripod adaptor to the tripod. (2) Attach the digital camcorder to the tripod stand’s grooved surface [a], and slide it forward until you hear a click. Select a balanced and secure position for the tripod stand.
Attaching optional accessories Attaching the external microphone with XLR connector When using the ECM-672 external microphone (not supplied), attach the CAC-12 microphone holder (not supplied) to the digital camcorder. (1) Remove the screws from the top of the viewfinder. Remove the spacer from the screws. They are unnecessary when attaching the microphone holder. (2) Attach the microphone holder with the supplied washers and the screws removed in step (1).
Attaching optional accessories Attaching the battery adaptor The NPA-10000 battery adaptor (not supplied), can hold up to 3 battery packs NP-F950 or NP-F750 (not supplied). Attach the adaptor to the digital camcorder. Before you begin (1) (2) (3) (4) Release the lock and open the cover. Insert the battery packs in the direction of the z mark on the battery packs. Close the cover, then lock. Attach the battery adaptor to the digital camcorder by sliding until it clicks.
Getting started Attaching the viewfinder Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder. (1) (2) (3) (4) Loosen the viewfinder release ring. Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate. Adjust the position of the viewfinder, then tighten the viewfinder release ring. 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. (1) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
Charging and installing the battery pack Battery life Battery pack Continuous recording time1) Typical recording time2) NP-F950 150 (135) 80 (70) NP-F750 95 (85) 50 (45) NP-F950 (x3)3) 450 (405) 240 (210) 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. 1) Approximate continuous recording time indoors.
Charging and installing the battery pack 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 and clicks. Getting started To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT, lift the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow.
Inserting a cassette Use a standard DVCAM cassette with logo*. 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. Note on the cassette Mini DVCAM cassettes and Mini DV cassettes cannot be used. * is a trademark.
Inserting a cassette 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 and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder red mark exposed, the beeps sound, the 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.
Camera recording 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 START/STOP START/STOP STBY 0 : 13 : 46 : 00 170 min LOCK LOCK STANDBY STANDBY STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY LOCK Basic operations Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK, and set the POWER switch to OFF.
Camera recording To erase the indicators in the viewfinder You can erase the indicators in the viewfinder except for menu and warning indicators. Set VF DISPLAY to OFF. VF DISPLAY ON OFF Note on recording When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape by recording for about 15 seconds before you start the actual recording. This will ensure that you won’t miss any start-up scenes when you play back the tape.
Camera recording To change the directionality of the built-in microphone Set DIRECTION SELECT on the back of the microphone to the desired position (0°/ 90°/120°). When the microphone has Connect to Set LINE/MIC to Mini-plug MIC (PLUG IN POWER) MIC FRONT XLR connector AUDIO IN (CH-1/CH-2) MIC REAR Basic operations To record through an external microphone Connect a microphone (not supplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack or AUDIO IN input jacks.
Camera recording Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) T T W W T W Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Press the power zoom button a little for a slower zoom, press it more for a faster zoom.
Hints for better shooting When shooting with the digital camcorder on your shoulder, you’ll get better results by holding the digital camcorder according to the following suggestions: •Place the digital camcorder on your shoulder and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb. •To adjust the grip, loosen the grip screw [a] with a coin, rotate the grip, and then tighten the screw. Set the grip to one of the three different position marks.
Hints for better shooting •You can move the viewfinder up to about 1 3/16 inches (30 mm) laterally. Turn the lock ring to release the viewfinder, and then move it. Turn back the lock ring to fix the viewfinder in place [e]. •You can move the viewfinder up to about 1 3/16 inches (30 mm) lengthwise. Turn the lock lever under the viewfinder to release it, and then move the viewfinder. Turn back the lock lever to fix the viewfinder in place [f].
Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. 1 2 POWER START/STOP Basic operations (1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMCORDER/VTR to CAMCORDER. (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 monitor for playback. There are some ways to connect the digital camcorder to monitor. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the digital camcorder to monitor, we recommend you to use house current for power source.
Connections for playback If your monitor 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 monitor/VCR selector on the monitor to VCR.
Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a monitor screen, after connecting the digital camcorder to a monitor or VCR. (1) (2) (3) (4) 1 Set the POWER switch to ON. Set CAMCORDER/VTR to VTR. Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. Open the cover, then press · to start playback. OFF 2 3 POWER ON CAMCORDER VTR 4 STOP REW PLAY FF PAUSE REC To stop playback, press π. To rewind the tape, press 0.
Playing back a tape Note on DV-formatted tapes You can play back DV-formatted tapes on this digital camcorder if the tape is recorded in SP mode. “DV” appears in the viewfinder during playback. You cannot play back DV-formatted tapes recorded in LP mode. Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. Basic operations Press P during playback.
Advanced operations Using alternative power sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your digital camcorder: battery pack and the house current. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your digital camcorder.
Using alternative power sources Charging the attached battery pack After connecting the power cord 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 (not supplied) requires about 390 minutes for a full charge and about 330 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. or to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE. (2) Press (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.
Changing the mode settings Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMCORDER and VTR modes TC IND* •Normally select ON. •Select OFF to erase the time code indicator. BEEP* •Select ON so that beeps sound when you start/stop recording, etc. •Select OFF when you do not want to hear the beep sound. CLOCK SET* Reset the date and time. Advanced operations COMMANDER* •Normally select VTR4. •Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander.
Changing the mode settings SLOW SHTR* <4/8/15/30> Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to SLOW. Select a slow shutter speed. S PRESET* <60/100/250/500/1000/2000/4000/10000> Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to USER PRESET. Select a shutter speed. G PRESET* <–3dB/0dB/3dB/6dB/9dB/12dB/15dB/18dB> Before setting, turn the GAIN dial to USER PRESET. Select a gain level. AGC LIMIT* •Normally select OFF. •Select ON when shooting a bright subject on a dark background.
Fade-in and fade-out When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black 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. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops 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, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. or to select DIGITAL F, then press EXECUTE. (2) Press or to select OVERLAP, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press (4) Press MENU to erase the menu display. (5) Press FADER/OVERLAP repeatedly until “OVERLAP” appears in the viewfinder.
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) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. or to select DIGITAL F, then press EXECUTE. (2) Press or to select ZOOM/WIDE, then press EXECUTE. (3) Press or to select 16:9WIDE, then press EXECUTE. (4) Press or to select ON, then press EXECUTE. (5) Press (6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.
Photo recording 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. To change the still picture, release PHOTO, select a still picture again, and then press and hold PHOTO lightly.
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.
Cut recording 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. (1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. or to select FRAME REC, then press EXECUTE. (2) Press or to select ON, then press EXECUTE.
