3-865-972-14 (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-TRV Model No. AC- Serial No. Serial No.
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. For customers in the U.S.A.
Table of contents Quick Start Guide ............................. 4 Using this manual ................................... 6 Checking supplied accessories .............. 7 Step 1 Preparing the power supply ..... 8 Installing the battery pack .............. 8 Charging the battery pack ............... 9 Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 12 Step 2 Inserting a cassette ................... 13 Playing back a tape with picture effects ...........................................................
Quick Start Guide This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. Connecting the power cord (p. 12) Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 8). Open the DC IN jack cover. Quick Start Guide Connect the plug with its 4 mark facing up. AC power adaptor (supplied) Inserting a cassette 1 Slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow while pressing the small blue button. EJECT 4 (p.
Recording a picture (p. 14) 1 Remove the lens cap. 4 Turn STANDBY to STANDBY. The picture appears on the LCD screen. 2 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA POWER CAMERA OFF VTR CK LO STA while pressing the small green button. ND BY START/STOP 5 Press the red button. Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press the red button again. CK LO STA ND BY START/STOP while pressing OPEN. Viewfinder When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup.
— Getting started — Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the four models listed in the table below. Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV315 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, “DCR-TRV315 only.
Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 2 4 5 8 9 3 6 7 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 81) 5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 81) 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 9) 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 25) 3 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 8, 9) 4 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p. 62) The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder. Getting started 1 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. Slide the battery pack down. To remove the battery pack Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing RELEASE down. BATT BATT RELEASE After installing the battery pack Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging the battery pack Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s 4 mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF. Charging begins.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging time Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530/F550 NP-F730/F730H/F750 NP-F930/F950 Full charge (Normal charge) 150 (90) 210 (150) 300 (240) 390 (330) Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack Recording time DCR-TRV203/TRV210 Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F730H/F750 NP-F930 NP-F950 Recording with the viewfinder Continuous* Typical** 100 (90) 55 (50) 165 (150) 90 (85) 200 (180) 110 (100) 335 (300) 190 (170) 410 (365
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Playing time DCR-TRV203/TRV210 Playing time on LCD screen 80 (70) 125 (115) 155 (140) 275 (250) 325 (285) 430 (385) 495 (450) Playing time with LCD closed 95 (85) 160 (145) 195 (175) 325 (290) 395 (355) 515 (465) 610 (550) Playing time on LCD screen 70 (65) 115 (105) 145 (130) 260 (235) 295 (265) 405 (370) 465 (420) Playing time with LCD closed 95 (85) 160 (145) 195 (175) 325 (290) 395 (355) 515 (465) 610 (550) Playing time on LCD screen 80 (70) 125 (115) 155 (140) 275
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 power adaptor. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s 4 mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. 2, 3 1 WARNING The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.
Step 2 Inserting a cassette We recommend using Hi8 video cassettes H . If you use standard 8 h tape, be sure to play back the tape on this camcorder. Your camcorder records in the Digital8 system. 1 2 Getting started (1) Slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow while pressing the small blue button. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (2) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the tab on the cassette up.
— Recording – Basics — Recording a picture Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. (1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attatch the lens cap to the grip strap. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” and “Step 2” for more information (p. 8 to 13). (3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. (4) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The viewfinder automatically turns off. (5) Turn STANDBY to STANDBY.
Recording a picture Adjusting the LCD screen to dim LCD BRIGHT to brighten 210° Recording – Basics To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press either of the two buttons on LCD BRIGHT. The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 210 degrees to the lens side. indicator appears If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen (Mirror mode).
Recording a picture To record pictures with the viewfinder – 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 indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.
Recording a picture Using the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further 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) T W T W T Recording – Basics W Zoom greater than 20× is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to ON in the MENU settings. The digital zoom function is set OFF at the factory. (p. 54).
Recording a picture START/STOP MODE setting : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (factory setting). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : The camcorder records only while you press START/ STOP. Use this mode to avoid recording unnecessary scenes. 5SEC: When you press use this mode to START/STOP, your camcorder records for 5 seconds and then stops automatically.
Recording a picture 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. Recording – Basics Press BACK LIGHT in the recording or standby mode. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again. BACK LIGHT If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects The backlight function will be canceled.
Recording a picture Using +SLOW SHUTTER The NightShot +Slow shutter mode makes subjects more than four times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode. (1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in the standby mode. indicator appears. (2) Press +SLOW SHUTTER until the desired NIGHTSHOT indicator flashes. The indicator changes as follows: (NIGHTSHOT) n (NIGHTSHOT1) n (NIGHTSHOT2) n (NIGHTSHOT) To cancel the NightShot +Slow shutter mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.
Checking the recording – END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth. END SEARCH Recording – Basics EDITSEARCH END SEARCH You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record. Press END SEARCH in the standby mode. The last 5 seconds of the recorded section are played back and playback stops.
— Playback – Basics — Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. You can 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 VTR while pressing the small green button. The video control buttons light up. (3) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. (4) Press 0 to rewind the tape. (5) Press ( to start playback.
Playing back a tape To display the screen indicators – Display function Press DISPLAY on your camcorder or the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. The indicators appear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY again. Playback – Basics DATA CODE DISPLAY 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 function).
Playing back a tape Various playback modes To operate control buttons, set the POWER switch to VTR. To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or (. To advance the tape Press ) in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press (. To rewind the tape Press 0 in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press (. To change the playback direction Press < on the Remote Commander during playback to reverse the playback direction.
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 playback 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 power adaptor (p. 12). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR.
Viewing the recording on TV Using the AV cordless IR receiver Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) to your TV or VCR, you can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instructions of the AV cordless IR receiver. LASER LINK LASER LINK emitter (1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON. (2) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. (3) Press LASER LINK.
— Advanced Recording Operations — Photo recording You can record a still picture like a photograph. This mode is useful when you want to record a picture such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). 2 CAPTURE PHOTO 1 3 Advanced Recording Operations (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture appears. The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet.
Photo recording Printing the still picture You can print a still picture by using the video printer (not supplied). Connect the video printer using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Connect the yellow plug of the cable to the VIDEO jack and to the video input of the video printer. Refer to the operating instructions of the video printer as well.
Using the wide mode You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 WIDE). The picture with black bands at the top and the bottom on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder (DCR-TRV315 only) [a] is normal. The picture on a normal TV or in the viewfinder (DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV310 only) [b] is horizontally compressed. You can watch the picture of normal images on a wide-screen TV [c]. [a] [b] 16:9WIDE In the standby mode, set 16:9WIDE to ON in the MENU settings (p. 54).
Using the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. [a] STBY REC FADER M.FADER (mosaic) BOUNCE* (Fade in only) OVERLAP (Fade in only) [b] STBY REC MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white. * You cannot use this function when D ZOOM is set to ON in the MENU settings.
Using the fader function (1) When fading in [a] In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. When fading out [b] In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. The indicator changes as follows: FADER n M.FADER n BOUNCE n MONOTONE n OVERLAP n no indicator The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all. (2) Press START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing.
Using the Fader function Note •The overlap function works only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. •You cannot use the following functions while using the fader function. Also, you cannot use the fader function while using the following functions. – Digital effect – Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE (Overlap function only) – NightShot +Slow shutter – Photo recording When the OVERLAP indicator appears The camcorder automatically memorizes the image recorded on a tape.
Using special effects – Picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the TV. NEG. ART [a] : SEPIA : B&W : SOLARIZE [b] : SLIM [c] : STRETCH [d] : PASTEL [e] : [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] Advanced Recording Operations MOSAIC [f] : The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. The picture is sepia. The picture is monochrome (black-and-white). The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration.
Using special effects – Digital effect You can add special effects to recorded pictures using the various digital functions. The sound is recorded normally. STILL You can record a still picture so that it is superimposed on a moving picture. FLASH (FLASH MOTION) You can record still pictures successively at constant intervals. LUMI. (LUMINANCEKEY) You can swap a brighter area in a still picture with a moving picture. TRAIL You can record the picture so that an incidental image like a trail is left.
Using special effects – Digital effect (1) While your camcorder is in the standby or recording mode, press DIGITAL EFFECT. The digital effect indicator appears. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired digital effect mode. The indicator changes as follows: STILL ˜ FLASH ˜ LUMI. ˜ TRAIL ˜ SLOW SHTR ˜ OLD MOVIE (3) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The indicator lights up and the bars appear. In the STILL and LUMI. modes, the still picture is stored in memory.
Using special effects – Digital Effect Notes •The following functions do not work during digital effect: – Fader – Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE – Photo recording – NightShot +Slow shutter •The following functions do not work in the slow shutter mode: – Exposure – PROGRAM AE •The following functions do not work in the old movie mode: – Exposure – Wide mode – Picture effect – PROGRAM AE When you turn the power off The digital effect will be automatically canceled.
Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting requirements. Spotlight mode This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white when shooting subjects lit by strong light at weddings or in the theater. a Soft portrait mode This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as people or flowers, and faithfully reproduces skin color.
Using the PROGRAM AE function (1) Press PROGRAM AE in the standby mode. The PROGRAM AE indicator appears. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. The indicator changes as follows: 1 PROGRAM 2 A To turn the PROGRAM AE function off Press PROGRAM AE. Notes •In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski modes, you cannot take close-ups. This is because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.
Adjusting the exposure manually You can manually adjust and set the exposure. When you turn your camcorder on, it will automatically be in the automatic exposure mode. This mode works to record subjects so that they are recorded slightly brighter than they actually are. Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: • The subject is backlit • Bright subject and dark background • To record dark pictures (e.g.
Focusing manually You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases: •The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting – subjects through glass coated with water droplets – horizontal stripes – subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky •When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the background •Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod (1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL in the standby or recording mode.
Inserting a scene You can insert a scene in the middle of a recorded tape by setting the start and end points. The previously recorded frames between these start and end points will be erased. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. [a] [b] Advanced Recording Operations (1) While your camcorder is in the standby mode, keep pressing EDITSEARCH, and release the button at the insert end point [b]. (2) Press ZERO SET MEMORY. The ZERO SET MEMORY indicator flashes and the tape counter resets to zero.
— Advanced Playback Operations — Playing back a tape with picture effects During playback, you can process a scene using the picture effect functions: NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE. During playback, press PICTURE EFFECT and turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired picture effect indicator (NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W or SOLARIZE) flashes. For details of each picture effect function, see page 33. PICTURE EFFECT NEG. ART To cancel the picture effect function Press PICTURE EFFECT.
Playing back a tape with digital effects During playback, you can process a scene using the digital effect functions: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL. (1) During playback, press DIGITAL EFFECT and turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired digital effect indicator (STILL, FLASH, LUMI. or TRAIL) flashes. (2) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The digital effect indicator lights up and the bars appear. In the STILL or LUMI.
Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory function Your camcorder goes forward or backward to automatically stop at a desired scene having a tape counter value of “0:00:00”. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Use this function, for example, to view a desired scene later on during playback. (1) In the playback mode, press DISPLAY. (2) Press ZERO SET MEMORY at the point you want to locate later. The tape counter shows “0:00:00” and the ZERO SET MEMORY indicator flashes.
Searching a recording by date You can automatically search for the point where the recording date changes and start playback from that point (Date search). Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Use this function to check where recording dates change or to edit the tape at each recording date. JUL 4 1999 JUL 5 1999 V [b] V [c] (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the date search indicator appears.
Searching a recording by date Notes on the date seach mode •The date search works only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. •If one day’s recording is less than one minute, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes. If a tape has a blank portion in the recorded portions The date search function will not work correctly.
Searching for a photo – Photo search/ Photo scan You can search for the recorded still picture (photo search). You can also search for still pictures one after another and display each picture for five seconds automatically (photo scan). Use the Remote Commander for these operations. Searching for a photo (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the photo search indicator appears.
Searching for a photo – Photo search/Photo scan Scanning photo (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the photo scan indicator appears. The indicator changes as follows: DATE SEARCH n PHOTO SEARCH n PHOTO SCAN n no indicator (3) Press = or +. Each photo is played back for about 5 seconds automatically. 2 SEARCH MODE PHOTO 3 = 00 SCAN + To stop scanning Press p.
— Editing on Other Equipment — Dubbing a tape Using the A/V connecting cable or S video connecting cable (not supplied) Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the recorded tape into your camcorder. (2) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (3) Play back the recorded tape on your camcorder.
Dubbing a tape Using the i.LINK cable Simply connect the VMC-IL4415/IL4435/2DV/4DV i.LINK cable (not supplied) to DV IN/OUT and to DV IN/OUT of the DV products. With digital-to-digital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for high-quality editing. You cannot dub the screen indicators. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the recorded tape into your camcorder. (2) Set the POWER switch to VTR.
Recording video or TV programs You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/ audio outputs. Use your camcorder as a recorder. Turn down the volume of your camcorder. Otherwise, the picture may be distorted. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into your camcorder. If you are recording a tape from the VCR, insert a recorded tape into the VCR. (2) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (3) Set DISPLAY to LCD in the MENU settings (p. 54).
Inserting a scene from a VCR Replacing recording on a tape – Insert Editing You can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifying the insert start and end points. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Connections are the same as in “Recording video or TV programs” on page 51. Insert a cassette containing the desired scene to insert into the VCR.
Inserting a scene from a VCR (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) On the VCR, locate just before the insert start point [a], then press P to set the VCR to the playback pause mode. (3) On your camcorder, locate the insert end point [c] by pressing 0 or ). Then press P to set it to the playback pause mode. (4) Press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander. The ZERO SET MEMORY indicator flashes and the end point of the insert is stored in memory.
— Customizing Your Camcorder — Changing the MENU settings To change the mode settings in the MENU settings, select the menu items with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The factory settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode. (1) In the standby or VTR mode, press MENU. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired icon, then press the dial to set. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the dial to set.
Changing the MENU settings Note When you let the subject monitor the shot (Mirror mode), the menu display does not appear. Menu items are displayed as the following six icons: CAMERA SET VTR SET LCD SET (DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV310 only) LCD/VF SET (DCR-TRV315 only) TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS Depending on your camcorder model The MENU display may be different from that in this illustratron. r is the factory setting. Menu items differ according to whether the POWER switch is set to VTR or CAMERA.
Changing the MENU settings Icon/item HiFi SOUND Meaning r STEREO To play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with main and sub sound 1 To play back dual sound track tape with main sound 2 To play back a dual sound track tape with sub sound AUDIO MIX To adjust the balance between the stereo 1 and stereo 2 ST1 PB MODE r AUTO H/h LCD B. L.
Changing the MENU settings Icon/item AUDIO MODE Mode Meaning r 12BIT To record or play back in the 12-bit mode (two stereo sounds) 16BIT To display the remaining tape bar: • for about 8 seconds after your camcorder is turned on and calculates the remaining amount of tape • for about 8 seconds after a cassette is inserted and your camcorder calculates the remaining amount of tape • for about 8 seconds after ( is pressed in VTR mode • for about 8 seconds after DISPLAY is pressed to display the screen i
Changing the MENU settings Icon/item Mode WORLD TIME BEEP r MELODY COMMANDER INDICATOR To output the melody when you start/stop recording or when an unusual condition occurs on your camcorder VTR CAMERA To output the beep instead of the melody To cancel the melody and beep sound r LCD V-OUT/LCD REC LAMP CAMERA OFF r ON r ON To activate the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder VTR CAMERA To deactivate the Remote Commander to avoid remote control misoperation caused by other VCR’s r
Resetting the date and time The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. The date and time are held in memory by the lithium battery. If you replace the lithium battery with the battery pack or other power source connected, you need not reset the date and time. You must reset the date and time when the lithium battery becomes dead with no power source installed. First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.
— Additional Information — Digital8 system, recording and playback What is the “Digital8 system”? This video system has been developed to enable digital recording to Hi8 video cassette H. Usable cassette tapes We recommend using Hi8 video cassettes H. The recording time when you use your Digital8 system camcorder on Hi8 H/standard 8 h tape is half the recording time when using the conventional Hi8 H/standard 8 h system camcorder. (120 minutes of recording time becomes 60 minutes.
Digital8 system, recording and playback When you playback a dual sound track tape When you use tapes recorded in the Digital8 system When you play back a Digital8 system tape which is dubbed from a dual sound track tape recorded in the DV system, set “HiFi SOUND” to the desired mode in the MENU settings (p. 54).
Changing the lithium battery in your camcorder 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 settings hold in memory by the lithium battery. Insert the battery with the positive (+) side facing out. When the battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
Changing the lithium battery in your camcorder Changing the lithium battery (1) Open the LCD panel and open the lid of the lithium battery compartment. (2) Push the lithium battery down once and pull it out from the holder. (3) Install a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing out. (4) Close the lid.
Troubleshooting If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C:ππ:ππ” appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis display function has worked. See page 68. In the recording mode Symptom START/STOP does not operate. Recording stops in a few seconds. The power goes off.
Troubleshooting Symptom A vertical band appears when you shoot a subject such as lights or a candle flame against a dark background. Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The contrast between the subject and background is too high. Your camcorder is not a malfunction. • Your camcorder is not a malfunction. Some tiny white spots appear in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. • Slow shutter, low lux or NightShot +Slow shutter mode is activated. This is not a malfunction.
Troubleshooting In the recording and playback modes Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead. m Install a charged battery pack. (p. 8, 9) • The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet. m Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 12) The end search function does not •The tape was ejected after recording. work. •You have not recorded on the new cassette yet. The battery pack is quickly • The operating temperature is too low.
Troubleshooting Others Symptom The Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder does not work. The picture from a TV or VCR does not appear even when your camcorder is connected to outputs on the TV or VCR. The melody or beep sounds for 5 seconds. • Moisture condensation has occurred. m Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 71) • Some troubles has occurred in your camcorder. m Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your camcorder.
Self-diagnosis display Your camcorder has a self-diagnosis display function. This function displays the current condition of your camcorder as a 5-digit code (a combination of a letter and figures) in the viewfinder, on the LCD screen or in the display window. If a 5-digit code is displayed, check the following code chart. The last two digits (indicated by ππ) will differ depending on the state of your camcorder.
Warning indicators and messages If indicators and messages appear in the viewfinder, on the LCD screen or in the display window, check the following: See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. • The warning messages do not appear in the mirror mode. • The indicators and messages are displayed in yellow. Warning indicators The video heads are dirty Fast flashing: •You need to clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied) (p. 72).
Using your camcorder abroad Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b]. AC-L10A/L10B/L10C [a] [b] Your camcorder is an NTSC system based camcorder.
Maintenance information and precautions Moisture condensation If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your 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 your camcorder may not operate correctly. If there is moisture inside your camcorder, the beep sounds and the { indicator flashes.
Maintenance information and precautions Maintenance information Cleaning the video head To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. The video head may be dirty when: • mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture. • playback pictures do not move. • playback pictures are hardly visible. • playback pictures do not appear. • the v indicator and “ CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another or the v indicator flashes on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Maintenance information and precautions Precautions Camcorder operation •Operate your 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 operating instructions. •If any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. •Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens.
Maintenance information and precautions AC power adaptor • Unplug the unit from the wall outlet when you are not using the unit for a long time. To disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the power cord itself. • Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped or damaged. • Do not bend the power cord forcibly, or place a heavy object on it. This will damage the cord and may cause fire or electrical shock.
Specifications Video camera recorder System S video input/output 4-pin mini DIN Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced Video input/output Phono jack, 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced Audio input/output Phono jacks (2: stereo L and R) 327 mV, (at output impedance 47 kilohms) impedance less than 2.2 kilohms RFU DC OUT Special minilack, DC 5V DV input/output 4-pin connector Headphone jack Stereo minijack (ø 3.
— Quick Reference — Identifying the parts and controls Camcorder 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 !¡ !™ 3 !£ !¢ 4 DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV310 1 POWER switch (p. 14) 8 Power zoom lever (p. 17) 2 LCD BRIGHT buttons (p. 15) 9 PHOTO button (p. 27) 3 OPEN button (p. 14) 0 BATT RELEASE lever (p. 8) 4 VOLUME buttons (p. 22) !¡ STANDBY switch (p. 14) 5 Eyecup (p. 72) !™ START/STOP button (p. 14) 6 Eyecup RELEASE knob (DCR-TRV203/ TRV210/TRV310 only) (p. 72) !£ Hook for shoulder strap (p.
Identifying the parts and controls !∞ !§ !¶ @¢ !• @∞ @§ !ª @¶ @• !∞ Video control buttons (p. 22, 24, 44, 51, 53) p STOP (stop) 0 REW (rewind) ( PLAY (playback) ) FF (fastforward) P PAUSE (pause) r REC (recording) The control buttons light up when you set the POWER switch to VTR. @º Infrared rays emitter (p. 19, 26) !§ EDITSEARCH buttons (p. 21) @¶ Remote sensor (p. 81) !¶ LASER LINK button (p.
Identifying the parts and controls @ª #£ #º #¢ #∞ #§ #¡ #¶ #• #™ @ª START/STOP MODE switch (p. 18) #¢ BACK LIGHT button (p. 19) #º Speaker #∞ PROGRAM AE button (p. 38) #¡ LCD screen (p. 15) #§ EXPOSURE button (p. 39) #™ Lithium battery compartment (p. 63) #¶ SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 33) #£ FADER button (p. 31) #• MENU button (p. 29, 54) Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
Identifying the parts and controls #ª $º $£ $¡ $¢ $™ $™ DIGITAL EFFECT button (p. 35, 43) $º DATA CODE button (p. 23) $£ END SEARCH button (p. 21) $¡ DISPLAY button (p. 23) $¢ PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 33, 42) Quick Reference #ª Intelligent accessory shoe Notes on the intelligent accessory shoe • The intelligent accessory shoe supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light or microphone.
Identifying the parts and controls %º $∞ $§ $¶ $• %¡ $ª %™ %£ %¢ %∞ $∞ Viewfinder (p. 16) $§ EJECT switch (p. 13) $¶ LANC l control jack LANC stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and other peripherals connected to the video equipment. This jack has the same function as the jack indicated as CONTROL L or REMOTE. $• Cassette compartment (p. 13) $ª Grip strap %º S VIDEO jack (p.
Identifying the parts and controls Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on your camcorder function identically to the buttons on your camcorder. 7 1 2 8 3 4 5 9 1 PHOTO button (p. 27) 2 DISPLAY button (p. 23) 3 SEARCH MODE button (p. 45, 47, 48) 4 =/+ buttons (p. 45, 47, 48) 5 Tape transport buttons (p. 24) 6 DATA CODE button (p. 23) 7 ZERO SET MEMORY button (p.
Identifying the parts and controls Operation indicators Viewfinder 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 !¡ Display window !¢ @¢ !∞ 40min W SP 0:00:00 T M.FADER 16:9WIDE SEPIA ac STBY ZERO SET MEMORY DATE 01 SEARCH DV IN 1 6 BIT f @§ 3 @¡ @™ !™ !£ @£ 1 Tape speed mode indicator This indicator appears while playing back in the Hi8/standard 8 system. /Mirror mode indicator (p. 15) 2 Format indicator (p. 60) , H or h indicator appears. 3 Remaining battery time indicator (p. 18) 4 Exposure indicator (p.
Quick Function Guide Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) •In a dark place •In insufficient light •In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, or general night views •Shooting backlit subjects •In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event •In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope NIGHTSHOT (p. 19) Low lux mode (p. 37) Sunset & moon mode (p. 37) BACK LIGHT (p. 19) Spotlight mode (p. 37) Beach & ski mode (p.
Index A, B I, J, K, L S Adjusting viewfinder ............. 16 AC power adaptor .................... 9 AFM HiFi Sound .................... 61 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING ................................................ 18 A/V connecting cable .............................. 25, 28, 49, 51 BACK LIGHT .......................... 19 Battery pack ............................... 8 Beep .......................................... 58 BOUNCE .................................. 30 i.LINK .................................
