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Sony DSR-PD175P/PD177P Operating Manual

Sony DSR-PD175P/PD177P Operating Manual

Sony camcorder user manual
Table of Contents

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4-154-011-13(1)
Digital Camcorder
Operating Guide
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference
DSR-PD175P/PD177P
© 2009 Sony Corporation

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Sony DSR-PD175P/PD177P

  • Page 1 4-154-011-13(1) Digital Camcorder Operating Guide Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference DSR-PD175P/PD177P © 2009 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 2: Read This First

    Types of cassette you can use in your camcorder Your camcorder is capable of recording in DVCAM and DV formats. When recording in DV format, Sony recommends that you use mini DV cassettes. When recording in DVCAM format, Sony recommends that you use mini DVCAM cassettes.
  • Page 3 About the temperature of your camcorder and battery pack • Your camcorder has a protective function that disables recording or playback if the temperature of your camcorder or battery pack is beyond the safely operable range.
  • Page 4 • The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 17). • Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover ...9 Step 3: Charging the battery pack ...10 Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly ...13 Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...14 Step 6: Setting the date and time ...16 Changing the language setting ...
  • Page 6 Using the menu items ... 54 Menu items ... 56 (CAMERA SET) menu ... 59 Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/ BACK LIGHT/STEADYSHOT, etc.) (AUDIO SET) menu ... 66 Settings for the audio recording (DV AU.MODE/XLR SET, etc.) (DISPLAY SET) menu ...
  • Page 7 Compatibility of the DVCAM/DV formats... 100 About the “Memory Stick” media ... 101 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 103 About i.LINK... 104 About handling of your camcorder ... 105 Specifications ...109 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls ...113 Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder ...119...
  • Page 8: Getting Started

    A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 52, 81) Video audio cable (1) (p. 52, 81) Large eyecup (1) (p. 15) Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 9) This lens hood is pre-mounted. CD-ROM “Manuals for Digital Camcorder” Operating Guide (2)
  • Page 9: Step 2: Attaching The Lens Hood With Lens Cover

    Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover PUSH (lens hood release) button Align the marks on the lens hood to those on the camcorder, and turn the lens hood in the direction of the arrow To remove the lens hood with lens...
  • Page 10: Step 3: Charging The Battery Pack

    (p. 103). DC plug AC Adaptor Power cord (mains lead) Press the battery pack against the back of your camcorder and slide it down. DC IN jack To the wall outlet (wall socket) With the B mark on the DC plug...
  • Page 11 Battery pack NP-F570 NP-F770 NP-F970 b Notes • You cannot use the NP-F330 battery pack with your camcorder. Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. Battery pack NP-F570 NP-F770 NP-F970 Upper: When the LCD backlight turns on.
  • Page 12 Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. • Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the...
  • Page 13: Step 4: Turning The Power On And Holding Your Camcorder Properly

    Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly To record or play back, set the POWER switch to the respective positions. When you use your camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 16). POWER switch...
  • Page 14: Step 5: Adjusting The Lcd Panel And Viewfinder

    Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button for a few seconds until This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or when you want to save battery power. The recorded picture will not be affected by the setting.
  • Page 15 When the picture in the viewfinder is hard to see If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circumstances, use the supplied large eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch it slightly and align it with the eyecup groove in the viewfinder.
  • Page 16: Step 6: Setting The Date And Time

    POWER switch positions. z Tips • If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from memory. In this case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p.
  • Page 17: Changing The Language Setting

    z Tips • The date and time are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during playback (DATA CODE button, p. 48). Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Press the MENU button and select (OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
  • Page 18: Step 7: Inserting A Tape Or A "Memory Stick Duo" Media

    AC adaptor. This is not a malfunction. – Insert/eject the tape – Turn on your camcorder when the tape is in the camcorder – Change the POWER switch position when the...
  • Page 19 • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo” media, or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.
  • Page 20: Recording/Playback

    Recording/Playback Recording Recording lamp Your camcorder records movies on tape and still images on “Memory Stick Duo” media. Do the following steps to record movies. Open the shutter of the lens hood. Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the green button.
  • Page 21 The recording lamp lights up during recording. To stop movie recording, press the REC START/STOP button again. z Tips • You can switch the aspect ratio to 16:9 ([DV WIDE REC], p. 73). • You can change the screen display during recording (p. 48). •...
  • Page 22 – While using [SMTH SLW REC] – While using shot transition – When [COLOR BAR] is set to [ON] • The unique pixel array of Sony's ClearVid CMOS sensor and image processing system (Enhanced Imaging Processor) allows for still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described.
  • Page 23: Changing The Settings Of Your Camcorder Recordings

    Close view: (Telephoto) z Tips • The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject for focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto. • The focus may not be adjusted at certain zoom positions if the subject is within 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) from your camcorder.
  • Page 24: Adjusting The Focus Manually

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) Adjusting the focus manually You can adjust the focus manually for different recording conditions. Use this function in the following cases. – To record a subject behind a window covered with raindrops.
  • Page 25: Adjusting The Image Brightness

    Using the expanded focus (Expanded focus) Assign [EXP.FOCUS] to any one of the ASSIGN buttons beforehand (p. 41). During standby, press the ASSIGN button to which [EXP.FOCUS] is assigned. [EXPANDED FOCUS] appears and the center of the screen is magnified by about 2.0 times.
  • Page 26 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) close the aperture (increasing F value). The current F value appears on the screen. (CAMERA SET) menu t 1 Select [IRIS/EXPOSURE] t [RING ASSIGN] t [IRIS] (p. 59). 2 During recording or standby, set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to MANUAL.
  • Page 27 To restore automatic adjustment Press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button I, or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO. The values next to which is displayed disappear, or appears next to those values. b Notes • When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter speed, white balance) also become automatic.
  • Page 28: Adjusting To Natural Color (White Balance)

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) z Tips • It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter speed. Manual focusing with your camcorder attached to a tripod is recommended. • The picture may flicker or change colors under fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps.
  • Page 29: Customizing The Picture Quality (Picture Profile)

    (Picture profile) You can customize the picture quality by adjusting picture profile items such as [GAMMA] and [DETAIL]. Connect your camcorder to a TV or monitor, and adjust the picture quality while observing the picture on the TV or monitor screen.
  • Page 30 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) Picture quality settings for different recording conditions are stored in [PP1] through [PP6] as default settings. Picture profile number (setting Recording condition name) Default settings the same :USER as when Picture Profile is...
  • Page 31 BLACK LEVEL To set the black level. Item Description and settings [MASTER BLACK] Sets the master black level. -15 to +15 [BLACK R] Sets the black level of Rch. [MASTER BLACK] + [BLACK R] is the black level of Rch. -15 to +15 [BLACK G] Sets the black level of Gch.
  • Page 32 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) KNEE To set the knee point and slope for video signal compression to reduce over-exposure by limiting signals in high contrast areas of the subject to the dynamic range of your camcorder. Item [MODE]...
  • Page 33 COLOR DEPTH To set the color depth for each color phase. This function is more effective for chromatic colors and less effective for achromatic colors. The color looks deeper as you increase the setting value to more positive side, and lighter as you decrease the value to more negative side.
  • Page 34 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) COLOR CORRCT (Continued) Item [MEM1 COLOR] [MEM1 REVISN] [MEM2 COLOR] [MEM2 REVISN] z Tips • Setting both memories to the same setting doubles the color correction effect. • The settings of [COLOR CORRCT] will be retained even if the power is turned off. However, if you want to correct colors that may change according to time of the day, weather, location, etc., it is recommended...
  • Page 35 WB SHIFT To set items for the white balance shift. Item Description and settings [FILTER TYPE] Selects a color filter type for the white balance shift. [LB-CC] [R-B] [LB[COL TEMP]] Sets a color temperature offset value. -9 (bluish) to +9 (reddish) [CC[MG/GR]] Sets a color correct offset value.
  • Page 36 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) SKINTONE DTL To adjust the detail of skintone areas to reduce wrinkles. Item [ON/OFF] [LEVEL] [COLOR SEL] PROFILE NAME To name the picture profiles set in [PP1] through [PP6] (p. 37). COPY To copy the settings of the picture profile to another picture profile number.
  • Page 37 To name the picture profile settings You can name picture profile1 through 6. 1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button 2 Select the picture profile that you want to name with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial 3 Select [SETTING] t [PROFILE NAME] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial 4 Select a letter with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.
  • Page 38: Attaching An Optional Microphone

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) Attaching an optional microphone It is recommended to use the Sony ECM- 673/674 microphone (optional). When you use the microphone for recording sound, do the following steps. Attach an optional wind screen B to the optional microphone A.
  • Page 39 When the CH1 switch is set to INT MIC CH2 switch Input channel and source position INT MIC Internal microphone Internal microphone INPUT1 Internal microphone (mono) XLR INPUT1 INPUT2 Internal microphone (mono) XLR INPUT2 When the CH1 is set to INPUT1 CH2 switch Input channel and source position...
  • Page 40: Adjusting The Volume

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume of an internal microphone or a microphone connected to the INPUT1/INPUT2 jack. Set the AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2) switch A of the channel to be adjusted to MAN.
  • Page 41: Assigning The Functions To The Assign Buttons

    Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons Some functions need to be assigned to the ASSIGN buttons for use. You can assign a single function to any one of the ASSIGN 1 to 7 buttons. Functions you can assign to the ASSIGN buttons The buttons in parentheses indicate that the functions are assigned to the buttons by...
  • Page 42: Recording An Index Signal

    Press the REC REVIEW button or the ASSIGN button to which [REC REVIEW] is assigned during standby. The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scenes will be played back, then your camcorder returns to standby. appears...
  • Page 43: Searching For The Last Scene Of The Most Recent Recording (End Search)

    Sony recommends that you use a tripod to avoid image blurring. You can set the items, such as transition curve and transition time, in [SHOT...
  • Page 44 Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued) Check the stored settings. 1 Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION CHECK screen. 2 Press the ASSIGN 5 button to check SHOT-A. Press the ASSIGN 6 button to check SHOT-B.
  • Page 45: Playback

    • Your camcorder automatically goes into a stopped state when it is in pause for more than 3 minutes. • You can play back a DV format tape on your camcorder only when its contents are recorded in SP mode. You cannot play back movies recorded on the DV format tape in LP mode.
  • Page 46 Playback (Continued) • Time code and user bits will not be displayed correctly when you play back a tape with no time code or user bit data, or a tape with time code that your camcorder does not support. z Tips •...
  • Page 47 z Tips • To delete a still image in the index, move B to the still image using the VOLUME/MEMORY button, then do steps 2 and 3. • To delete all still images, do [ ALL ERASE] of the (MEMORY SET) menu (p. 76).
  • Page 48: Changing/Checking The Settings In Your Camcorder

    Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder Changing the screen You can turn on and off the display of the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen. Press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button E. The screen indicators turn on (displayed) and off (not displayed) as you press the button.
  • Page 49: Displaying The Settings In Your Camcorder (Status Check)

    Check the data code that is displayed on the screen when you play back the tape on your camcorder for the accurate shutter speed. Displaying the settings in your...
  • Page 50: Locating A Scene On A Tape

    Commander. b Notes • Each day of recording must be longer than 2 minutes. Your camcorder may not detect the date if the recording of that date is short. • The date search may not work properly if a blank section exists on the tape.
  • Page 51 Notes • Recording between indexes must be longer than 2 minutes. Your camcorder may not detect the date if the recording between the indexes is short. • The index search may not work properly if a blank section exists on the tape.
  • Page 52: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    Playing the picture on a TV You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
  • Page 53 b Notes • When you set [DV WIDE CONV], or when the picture’s aspect ratio switches between 16:9 and 4:3, the image may jitter. • On some 4:3 TVs, a still image recorded in 4:3 aspect ratio may not appear in full screen. This is not a malfunction.
  • Page 54: Using The Menu

    The available menu items vary depending on the position of the power switch of your camcorder. Unavailable items will be grayed out. CAMERA SET (p. 59) AUDIO SET (p. 66) DISPLAY SET (p. 69) IN/OUT REC (p.
  • Page 55 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired setting is highlighted or to bring up the desired setting, then press the dial to confirm the setting. S T B Y 00:00:28:10 BEEP MENU : END Press the MENU button to hide the menu screen.
  • Page 56: Menu Items

    Menu items (CAMERA SET) menu (p. 59) PROG.SCAN IRIS/EXPOSURE GAIN SETUP HYPER GAIN AGC LIMIT MINUS AGC WB PRESET ATW SENS AE SHIFT AE RESPONSE AT IRIS LMT FLCKR REDUCE CNTRST ENHCR BACK LIGHT SPOTLIGHT STEADYSHOT AF ASSIST FOCUS MACRO HANDLE ZOOM SPEED ZOOM D.EXTENDER...
  • Page 57 (DISPLAY SET) menu (p. 69) ZEBRA HISTOGRAM PEAKING MARKER EXP.FOCUS TYPE CAM DATA DSP AU.LVL DISP ZOOM DISPLAY LCD BRIGHT LCD COLOR LCD BL LEVEL VF B.LIGHT VF COLOR VF POWERMODE LETTER SIZE REMAINING DISP OUTPUT (IN/OUT REC) menu (p. 73) DV REC MODE DV WIDE REC DV WIDE CONV...
  • Page 58 Menu items (Continued) (OTHERS) menu (p. 78) CAMERA PROF. ASSIGN BTN CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE PB ZOOM DATE REC BEEP REC LAMP REMOTE CTRL HOURS METER Position of POWER switch: CAMERA – – –...
  • Page 59: (Camera Set) Menu

    (CAMERA SET) menu Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/BACK LIGHT/STEADYSHOT, etc.) The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 54 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 60: Agc Limit

    The dynamic (CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. range of your camcorder is not reduced when you set [MINUS AGC] to [ON]. B ON Enables minus gain control during automatic gain control, as required.
  • Page 61 • Flickering may not be reduced for certain light sources. CNTRST ENHCR When you set this function to [ON], your camcorder detects high contrast images, such as backlit scenes, and automatically improves underexposed images. The default setting is [OFF]. b Notes •...
  • Page 62 WIDE CONV. This item is provided for a wide conversion lens (optional), and is especially effective for the Sony wide conversion lens. AF ASSIST When you set this function to [ON], you can temporarily focus manually using the focus ring during the auto focus adjustment.
  • Page 63 2 Press the REC START/STOP button. The fader indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fading is complete. To cancel before starting the operation, select [OFF] in step 1. The setting will be cleared every time you press the REC START/STOP button. STBY Fading out Fading in...
  • Page 64 That type of animation uses a technique of changing the subject, such as a doll or a toy’s position and recording it at each different position while your camcorder sits still. Use the Remote Commander to reduce camera shake. B OFF Not use this function.
  • Page 65: Shot Transition

    This function helps you to adjust colors when you view movies recorded with your camcorder on a TV or a monitor. The default setting is [OFF]. b Notes • This function is automatically set to [OFF] when you turn the power off and back on.
  • Page 66: (Audio Set) Menu

    Press the MENU button t select (CAMERA SET) with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. TYPE 2 TYPE 3 TYPE 4 (75% brightness of TYPE 3) TONE Outputs audio tone signals (1 kHz: full bit -18 dB) when you set [TONE] to [ON]. The default setting is [OFF].
  • Page 67 INT MIC SET INT MIC NR You can reduce noise from the internal microphone. B ON Reduces noise from the internal microphone. appears on the status check screen. Does not reduce noise from the internal microphone. INT MIC SENS You can set recording sensitivity of the internal microphone.
  • Page 68 • -48dBu is set as 0dB in your camcorder. • Set [INPUT TRIM] to [+6dB] for the optional microphone (Sony ECM-673/674), or [+12dB] for the optional microphone (Sony ECM-NV1). • The INPUT TRIM function adjusts the input level from an external microphone. When using a highly sensitive microphone or recording loud sound, set this to the minus side.
  • Page 69: (Display Set) Menu

    Outputs the combined sound of the sound recorded in CH1 and CH2 during recording and the sound dubbed in CH3 and CH4. CH3,CH4 Outputs only the sound dubbed in CH3 and CH4. (DISPLAY SET) menu Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/DISP OUTPUT, etc.) The default settings are marked with B.
  • Page 70 Press the MENU button t select B OFF Does not display a histogram. NORMAL Displays a histogram. ADVANCE Displays a histogram, and a bar that indicates an average of the brightness levels around the center of an image (within the marker) on the histogram. Average Darker Brighter...
  • Page 71 GUIDEFRAME When you select [ON], you can display frame markers that help you to check horizontal and vertical positions of a subject. The default setting is [OFF]. b Notes • You cannot output display information, such as the time code, to an external device via the external output jacks when [MARKER] is set to [ON].
  • Page 72: Lcd Bright

    Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [LCD BL LEVEL] is automatically set to [BRIGHT]. • When you select [BRIGHT], recordable time with the battery is slightly reduced.
  • Page 73: (In/Out Rec) Menu

    DISP OUTPUT You can select outputs to which display information, such as time code, is outputted. B LCD PANEL Outputs information to the LCD screen and viewfinder. V-OUT/PANEL Outputs information to the LCD screen, viewfinder and composite output. b Notes •...
  • Page 74 [DV WIDE CONV] to [LETTER BOX] or [EDGE CROP]. EXT REC CTRL You can connect your camcorder to a DVCAM/DV compatible device (digital video camera recorder, hard disc recorder, etc.) with an i.LINK cable, and record...
  • Page 75: (Tc/Ub Set) Menu

    This function is useful for editing movies recorded by multiple camcorders. 1 Insert a tape into the main camcorder from which you want to generate the time code. 2 Set the POWER switches of the main and sub camcorders to CAMERA.
  • Page 76: (Memory Set) Menu

    SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The message [Synchronize TC with connected device?] appears. 6 Select [YES] to synchronize the time code of the sub camcorder with that of the main camcorder. Disconnect the i.LINK cable from your camcorders when synchronization is completed. You can record with the synchronized time codes using those camcorders.
  • Page 77 Notes • You cannot delete a new folder once you have created it on your camcorder. Format the “Memory Stick Duo” media (p. 76) or delete it on your computer. • The number of recordable pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 78: (Others) Menu

    Notes • You cannot load camera profile that has been saved by a different model of camcorder or edited on a computer. To save a camera profile 1 Select [SAVE] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
  • Page 79: World Time

    SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. 3 Select [MEMORY STICK] or [CAMERA] for a “Memory Stick Duo” media or your camcorder as a copy destination of the camera profile. 4 Select [NEW FILE] or an existing profile name with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
  • Page 80 When you set this function to [ON], you can use the supplied Remote Commander (p. 118). The default setting is [ON]. z Tips • Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit. HOURS METER...
  • Page 81: Dubbing/Editing

    Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).
  • Page 82 Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (Continued) b Notes • When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack, and the red (right channel) or the white (left channel) plug to the audio input jack on the device.
  • Page 83: Recording Pictures From A Vcr

    • Your camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device to be attached. • Your camcorder can only record from a PAL source. For example, French video or TV programs (SECAM) cannot be recorded correctly.
  • Page 84: Recording Still Images

    – If you pause or stop the recording and restart it, the picture may not be recorded smoothly. • If video signals input to your camcorder via the DV jack experience the phenomenon of jittering (variation in frequency), that jittering is contained in the video signals output from the A/V Remote Connector.
  • Page 85: Copying Movies On A Tape To A Computer

    Notes • The DV jack of your camcorder does not have a power-supply function. • When you connect your camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK cable, make sure that the terminals of the i.LINK cable are placed the...
  • Page 86 Use the supplied AC Adaptor to obtain AC power (p. 10). 1 Prepare editing software (not provided). 2 Turn on your computer. 3 Insert a tape into your camcorder and set the POWER switch to VCR. 4 Copy images to the computer with your software.
  • Page 87: Copying Still Images To A Computer

    A Folder containing image files recorded by other camcorders without the folder creation function (for playback only). B Folder containing image files recorded by your camcorder when no new folders have been created, only [101MSDCF] is displayed. C Folder containing movie data recorded...
  • Page 88: Troubleshooting

    The CHG lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 10). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.
  • Page 89 – Insert/eject the tape – Turn on your camcorder when the tape is in the camcorder – Change the POWER switch position when the tape is in the camcorder The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared. • If you change [VF POWERMODE] to [AUTO], the finder light remains off while the LCD panel is open (p.
  • Page 90 • The “Memory Stick Duo” media is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” media (p. 46). • Format the “Memory Stick Duo” media on your camcorder (p. 76) or insert another “Memory Stick Duo” media (p. 19).
  • Page 91 [HYPER GAIN] is set to [ON]. [BACK LIGHT] is set to [ON]. No tape is inserted. Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder. The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to SAVE. Continued ,...
  • Page 92 [PROG.SCAN] is set to [25]. [DATE REC] is set to [ON]. AC power source is being used. Your camcorder is not connected to an external device via an i.LINK cable. Date and time are not set. [REC CTL MODE] of [EXT REC CTRL] is set to [EXT ONLY].
  • Page 93 The data file name is displayed incorrectly, or flashing. • The file is damaged. • The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 99). • Only the file name is displayed if the folder structure does not conform to the universal standard.
  • Page 94 • The tape you are playing was recorded with [HYPER GAIN] set to [ON]. Noises appear and • The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is not a malfunction. Date Search does not work correctly.
  • Page 95 • You need editing software (optional) to copy a movie recorded on a tape to your computer (p. 85). Your computer freezes. • Disconnect the cable from your computer and camcorder. Reboot your computer, and connect your computer and camcorder following the steps in the correct order (p. 86).
  • Page 96: Warning Indicators And Messages

    You can fix some problems associated with the symptoms yourself. If the problem persists, even after you have tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis display) C:04:ss •...
  • Page 97: Warning Messages

    Q (Warning indicators pertaining to the tape) Slow flashing: • There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape. • No cassette is inserted.* • The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 99).* Fast flashing: •...
  • Page 98: Additional Information

    Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. On TV color systems Your camcorder is PAL system, so its...
  • Page 99: Maintenance And Precautions

    Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function. Playback • Your camcorder can play back pictures in the DVCAM (DV) format. To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape Go to the end of the recorded section using [END SEARCH] (p.
  • Page 100: Compatibility Of The Dvcam/Dv Formats

    Recorder’s format DVCAM b Notes • This camcorder complies with the DVCAM format. Though mini DV cassettes can be used for recording, we recommend you use mini DVCAM cassettes to get the most out of the high reliability of the DVCAM format.
  • Page 101: About The "Memory Stick" Media

    Compatibility on editing using DV jacks When this camcorder is connected to other digital video equipment using an i.LINK cable, the recording format of edited tapes is defined according to the source tape and the recorder’s format as described below.
  • Page 102 – If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo” media, turn the power off on your camcorder, or remove the battery pack for replacement while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 103: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    “Design rule for Camera File system” universal standard established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). • On your camcorder, you cannot play back still images recorded on other devices (DCR- TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that do not conform to the universal standard. (These models are not sold in some regions.)
  • Page 104: About I.link

    • i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations. • IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Page 105: About Handling Of Your Camcorder

    DV Interface, see page 81. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video devices. Some i.LINK compatible video devices, such as Digital Televisions, DVD, MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are not compatible with DV devices.
  • Page 106 (after about one hour). Video head • If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with a Sony cleaning cassette (optional). – Playback pictures do not move. – Playback pictures do not appear.
  • Page 107 • The video heads will be worn after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette (optional), the video heads may be worn out. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video heads replaced.
  • Page 108 (2). • The lever may be difficult to move when you use the camcorder in low temperatures. Remove dust inside the eye piece and viewfinder with a blower.
  • Page 109: Specifications

    Specifications System Video recording system (DVCAM (DV)) 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Still image recording system Exif Ver. 2.2* Audio recording system (DVCAM (DV)) Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits Fs32kHz (channel 1/2 stereo), Quantization: 16 bits Fs48kHz (channel 1/2 stereo) Video signal PAL color, CCIR standards Usable cassette...
  • Page 110 Industries Association). Files in this format can have additional information such as your camcorder’s setting information at the time of recording. **The unique pixel array of Sony's ClearVid CMOS sensor and image processing system (Enhanced Imaging Processor) allows for still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described.
  • Page 111 AC Adaptor AC-L100/AC-L100C Power requirements AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz Current consumption 0.35 A - 0.18 A Power consumption 18 W Output voltage DC 8.4 V* Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) Storage temperature -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F) Dimensions (approx.)
  • Page 112 Duo,” “ PRO Duo,” “ “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,” “ Micro,” “MagicGate,” “ “MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
  • Page 113: Quick Reference

    Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A Hook for shoulder strap (116) B BATT RELEASE button (11) C Zoom lever (23) D ASSIGN 7/PHOTO button (22) E Cable holder (52) For securing the A/V connecting cable or other cables F Access lamp (19) G “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 114 Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A Front recording lamp (79) The recording lamp flashes if the remaining tape or battery is low. B Internal microphone (38) C Front remote sensor (80) D FOCUS switch (24) E ND filter (28) F PUSH AUTO button (24) G ASSIGN 1 button/ZEBRA button (41) H ASSIGN 2 button/AE SHIFT button* (41)
  • Page 115 A ASSIGN 4 button (41) B ASSIGN 5 button* (41) C ASSIGN 6 button (41) DV jack (81) E A/V Remote Connector (52) (headphones) jack For stereo mini-jack headphones G DC IN jack (10) H REC START/STOP button (20) I INPUT2 jack (38) J INPUT1 jack (38) K INPUT2 switch (38) L INPUT1 switch (38)
  • Page 116 Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A Handle zoom lever (23) B Hook for shoulder strap (116) C Handle zoom switch (23) D Lens cover lever (9) E Focus ring (24) F Zoom ring (23) G Iris ring (25) H GAIN button (27) I WHT BAL button* (28) J SHUTTER SPEED button (25) OPEN/EJECT lever (18)
  • Page 117 A TC/U-BIT button Switches between time code and user bit to display on the LCD screen. B DATA CODE button (48) C Video control buttons (STOP/REW/ PLAY*/FF/PAUSE/REC/SLOW) (45) D VOLUME/MEMORY button* (45) E MEMORY/DELETE button (45) F MEMORY/INDEX button* (45) G MEMORY/PLAY button (45) H DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (48) I RESET button...
  • Page 118: Remote Commander

    Remote Commander may shorten, or the Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
  • Page 119: Indicators For The Lcd Screen And Viewfinder

    Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. The indicators will not be recorded on the tape during recording. Recording movies A Recording format ( (73) B Remaining battery (approx.) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D During recording: Tape counter (hour: minute: second:...
  • Page 120 Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder (Continued) Viewing movies L Tape transport indicator Recording mode (DVCAM or DV SP) appears when a tape recorded in the DVCAM or DV SP format is played back. Viewing still images M Data file name N Picture number/Total number of recorded pictures in the current playback folder...
  • Page 121 Indicators when you make changes Upper left Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning Recording format (73) DV WIDE REC (73) DV FRAME REC (64) ND filter (28) INTERVAL REC (64) Upper right Indicator Meaning INDEX MARK (42) DV input (83) DV output (81) i.LINK connection (81, 83) LCD backlight off (14)
  • Page 122: Index

    Index Access lamp...19 ADVANCE ...70 AE RESPONSE...61 AE SHIFT...61 AE SHIFT button ...41 AF ASSIST...62 AGC LIMIT ...60 ALL ERASE...76 ALL FILES...76 ASPECT ...70 ASSIGN 7/PHOTO button ...22, 41 ASSIGN BTN...79 ASSIGN buttons...41 AT IRIS LMT...61 ATW SENS ...60 AUDIO CH SEL ...68 AUDIO LEVEL (CH1) dial ...40 AUDIO LEVEL (CH1/CH2)
  • Page 123 FADER ...62, 91 FILE NO. (File number) ...77 FLCKR REDUCE ...61 Focus...24 FOCUS MACRO...62 Focus ring ...24 FOCUS switch ...24 Folder NEW FOLDER ...77 PB FOLDER (Playback folder) ...77 REC FOLDER (Recording folder) ...77 FORMAT...76 FREE RUN ...75 FS32K ...66 FS48K ...66 Gain ...27 GAIN button ...27...
  • Page 124 Index (Continued) Menu items ...56 Microphone ...38 Microphone fixing clamper ...38 Microphone holder ...38 MIC+48V ...39 MIX ...69 Moisture condensation ...106 ND filter ...28 NEW FOLDER ...77 NORMAL...70 NTSC...98 NUMBER...71 One push button...29 OPEN/EJECT lever...18 OPERATION ...80 OTHERS menu...78 OUTDOOR ...29 Outdoor...29 Outside power source ...12 PAL ...94, 98...
  • Page 125 Troubleshooting...88 TV ...52 TV color systems ...98 UB PRESET ...75 UB TIME REC ...76 Using the menu items ...54 Using your camcorder abroad ...98 VF B.LIGHT ...72, 92 VF COLOR...72 VF POWERMODE ...72 Video control buttons ...118 Video head ...106 Viewfinder ...14...
  • Page 128 Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) -free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan...

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