Sony DCR-VX9000 manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    3-858-185- 84 (1) ©1996 by Sony Corporation Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Digital Video Camera Recor der DCR-VX9000[...]

  • Page 2

    2 Welcome to digital video! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony digital camcorder. With your digital camcorder you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your digital camcorder is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that y[...]

  • Page 3

    3 – for editing/playback – Re-recording a picture in the middle of a recorded tape ........................... 58 Searching the recorded picture ............ 59 Displaying recording data .................... 61 Editing onto another tape ..................... 62 Replacing recording on a tape ............. 64 Audio dubbing .......................[...]

  • Page 4

    4 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[...]

  • Page 5

    5 Before you begin Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your digital camcorder. 12 3 4 56 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 87) 2 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 67) The lithium battery is already installed in your digital camcorder. 3 R6 (size AA) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 88) 4 A/V conne[...]

  • Page 6

    6 Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder. ( 1 ) Loosen the viewfinder release ring. ( 2 ) Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate. ( 3 ) Adjust the position of the viewfinder, then tighten the viewfinder release ring. ( 4 ) Attach the 8 pin connector to the VIEW FINDER jack on the digital camcorder. Match ridge on 8 pin con[...]

  • Page 7

    7 Getting started 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) in[...]

  • Page 8

    8 Charging and installing the battery pack Battery life Battery Continuous Typical recording pack recording time* time** NP-F730 80 (75) 50 (45) NP-F750 95 (85) 60 (55) NP-F930 120 (110) 75 (70) NP-F950 145 (130) 90 (80) Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery. Battery life will be shorter if you use the dig[...]

  • Page 9

    9 Getting started Installing the battery pack Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks. BATT To remove battery pack While pressing BATT, lift the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow. Note When you install or remove the [...]

  • Page 10

    10 Inserting a cassette Use a DV cassette with logo* only. Make sure that a power source is installed. We recommend you set the POWER switch to ON before inserting the cassette. ( 1 ) Open the cassette compartment cover. ( 2 ) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the tab upwards, and the window facing out and press down so that the cassette loads.[...]

  • Page 11

    11 Getting started To eject the cassette Open the cassette compartment cover and press 6 . After the cassette rises, take it out, then close the cover. You cannot eject the cassette while C MEMORY appears in the viewfinder because the digital camcorder is still writing information into the cassette memory. After C MEMORY disappears the cassette aut[...]

  • Page 12

    12 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 correctl[...]

  • Page 13

    13 Basic operations 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] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK, and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove th[...]

  • Page 14

    14 Camera recording Note on Standby mode If you leave the digital camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while a cassette is inserted, the digital camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up again. To start recording, press START/STOP. Note on [...]

  • Page 15

    15 Basic operations To select 16 bit [a] or 12 bit [b] recording mode Set AUDIO MODE to 16 BIT so that you can get higher sound quality. In 16 bit mode, the digital camcorder records one video sector [ c ] and one audio sector [ d ] . In the viewfinder the “16 BIT” indicator appears. Set AUDIO MODE to 12 BIT, and 1 sector is left open for audio[...]

  • Page 16

    16 When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the power zoom button to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm away in the wide-angle position. Notes [...]

  • Page 17

    17 Basic operations • You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder up for recording from a low position [ b ] . • While recording in a low position, you can use the front START/STOP button [ c ] . • You can rotate the viewfinder 120° up and 90° down. This is useful when recording in a high or low po[...]

  • Page 18

    18 Place the digital camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod Try placing the digital camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the digital camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm. [...]

  • Page 19

    19 Basic operations Checking the r ecorded pictur e Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to CAMERA. ( 2 ) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. ( 3 ) Press the Р( Π) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the rec[...]

  • Page 20

    20 Connections for playback You can use this digital camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to connect the digital camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the digital camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for power source. Connecting directly to a TV/VC[...]

  • Page 21

    21 Basic operations If your TV is already connected to a VCR Open the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the VCR by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. If your TV or VCR is a monaural type Connect only the white plug for audi[...]

  • Page 22

    22 Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the digital camcorder to a TV or VCR. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON ( 2 ) Set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. ( 3 ) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. ( 4 ) Open the cover, then press · to start p[...]

  • Page 23

    23 Basic operations Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or · . To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rewinding (skip scan) K[...]

  • Page 24

    24 Advanced operations Using alternative power sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your digital camcorder: battery pack and house current. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your digital camcorder. Place Indoors Outdoors Accessory to be used AC power adaptor AC-V615 Battery pack NP-F950,[...]

  • Page 25

    25 Advanced operations Charging the attached battery pack After connecting the AC power adaptor to the wall outlet and setting the POWER switch on the digital camcorder to OFF, you can charge the battery pack in either of the following two ways: • Charging the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder Leave the battery pack attached to the d[...]

  • Page 26

    26 You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the digital camcorder. ( 1 ) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Press or to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE. ( 3 ) Press or to select the desired setting, then press EXECUTE. For some items, you may need to repea[...]

  • Page 27

    27 Advanced operations Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and VTR modes COMMANDER* <VTR4/OFF/ID/ID SET> • Normally select VTR4. • Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. • Select ID when using the Remote Commander with the ID number set. • Select ID SET when setting the ID number of the Remote Comman[...]

  • Page 28

    28 CUSTOM* <RETURN> <SET> <COLOR LEV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT> <RESET> • Select RETURN to return to the menu to change other menu items. • Select SET to set custom preset ON or OFF. • Select COLOR LEV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT to preset the color intensity (COLOR LEV), sharpness (SHARPNESS), white balance (WB SHIF[...]

  • Page 29

    29 Advanced operations Fade-in and fade-out You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from white while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to white while the sound decreases. To use fade-in and fade-out, press FADER/OVERLAP to display FADER i[...]

  • Page 30

    30 STBY REC 1 2 3 FADER OVERLAP DIGITAL MODE ZOOM/16:9 WIDE OVERLAP FADER/ OVERLAP START/STOP LOCK STANDBY PHOTO STANDBY OVERLAP Overlapping two pictur es When using the overlap function, the picture gradually fades in over a still picture of the last scene recorded. ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, set DIGITAL MODE to OVERLAP.[...]

  • Page 31

    31 Advanced operations Using the wide mode function You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV. [a] [b] [d] [c] In the viewfinder black bands appear at the top and bottom of the screen [ a ] . On a normal TV screen, the picture appears horizontally compressed [ b ] . When setting WIDE PB to ON in the menu system, you get a[...]

  • Page 32

    32 Using the wide mode function To cancel wide mode Set 16:9 WIDE to OFF in the menu system. To watch a tape recorded in 16:9 wide mode on a wide-screen TV Set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to full mode. For details, refer to the instruction manual of your TV. Notes on wide mode • When you record in 16:9 wide mode, the date and time indic[...]

  • Page 33

    33 Advanced operations Photo r ecording 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 PHO[...]

  • Page 34

    34 You can make a time-lapse like recording by setting the digital camcorder to automatically record and standby sequentially. You can achieve an excellent recording for flowering, emergence, etc., with this function. ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. ( 2 ) P[...]

  • Page 35

    35 Advanced operations You can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording. To create this effect, alternately move the subject a little and make a cut recording. Secure the digital camcorder and use the Remote Commander for effective cut recording. ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, th[...]

  • Page 36

    36 Selecting automatic or manual mode The digital camcorder’s automatic functions offer you worry-free operation under most shooting conditions. But in some circumstances, manual adjustment is better for creative recording. You can adjust focus, aperture, shutter speed, gain, and white balance automatically or manually. Here’s the overview of e[...]

  • Page 37

    37 Advanced operations Notes on recording in manual mode • We recommend that you adjust the focus and white balance manually. • Depending on the shutter speed, a screen may flicker and a color of screen may change when you record under the illumination by a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, a sodium light and a mercury lamp. In such a [...]

  • Page 38

    38 When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. [a] [b] [c] [d] • Insufficient light [ a ] • Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky, etc. [ b ] • Too much brightness behind the subject [ c ] • Horizontal stripes [ d ] • Subjects through frosted glass • Subjects bey[...]

  • Page 39

    39 Advanced operations Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. ( 1 ) Set FOCUS to MANU. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. ( 2 ) Press the power zoom button on the “T” side so that the bar in the viewfinder moves all the way to the “T” side. ( 3 ) Turn the [...]

  • Page 40

    40 To return to autofocus mode Set FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder disappears. Shooting in relatively dark places Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position. Shooting fast-moving subjects in relatively bright places Shoot at wide-angle. To record a very distant subject Push FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses[...]

  • Page 41

    41 Advanced operations Adjusting the apertur e If the difference between the brightness of the subject and the background is too great, adjust the aperture manually. When the aperture opens (lowering the F value), focal point becomes smaller (reducing depth of field) so that the background will blur and the subject will be in focus [ a ] . When the[...]

  • Page 42

    42 Adjusting the shutter speed Adjust the shutter speed to control the picture quality. When recording sports events, for example, use a high speed shutter to record fast moving objects clearly. You can select from 6 different shutter speeds SLOW, 60, 100, 250, 1000 and PRESET. SLOW and PRESET have their own menus. Refer to “To adjust the SLOW SH[...]

  • Page 43

    43 Advanced operations To adjust the SLOW SHTR (shutter) or S (shutter) PRESET menu items When you want to make a dark scene look brighter or give an object the appearance of motion, use a slow shutter. Select speed from the SLOW SHTR menu. When you want to choose a shutter, select the appropriate shutter speed from the S PRESET menu. The chosen sp[...]

  • Page 44

    44 To select the Best Shutter Speed Concerning shooting conditions and brightness, refer to the following chart to adjust shutter speed accordingly. Subject Shutter speed •A golf swing or tennis match in fine weather 1/500 – 1/10000 •A landscape shot from a moving car or train •A moving roller coaster in overcast days 1/100 – 1/500 • An[...]

  • Page 45

    45 Advanced operations Adjusting the gain If the picture is too dark even with the aperture fully open, and using the slowest acceptable shutter speed, adjust the gain to make the picture as bright as necessary. When shooting night scenes in automatic setting, the picture may become dark. To brighten the picture, the digital camcorder will automati[...]

  • Page 46

    46 Adjusting the gain To adjust the G (gain) PRESET menu item When you want to choose a gain setting higher than 9, select the appropriate level from the G PRESET menu. The setting data is set into memory. When you dial another setting, (e.g. 9), then return to PRESET, the previous setting is selected automatically. ( 1 ) Open the cover, then press[...]

  • Page 47

    47 Advanced operations Adjusting the white balance White balance is the adjustment to make white subjects look white and to obtain a more natural color balance. You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance manually when lighting conditions change quickly or when recording outdoors, e.g. neon signs, fireworks. Selecting the appropria[...]

  • Page 48

    48 Adjusting the white balance Adjusting white balance manually ( 1 ) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF. ( 2 ) Set AUTO/MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to MANUAL. ( 3 ) Turn WHT BAL to select a white balance. Usually select e (indoor mode) or w (outdoor mode). To fix the white balance by using one-push white balance, select ∑ and see “ Locking the white balan[...]

  • Page 49

    49 Advanced operations Notes on the ∑ indicator in the viewfinder • The indicator means: Slow flashing: white balance is not adjusted Fast flashing: white balance is being adjusted (after you pressed WHITE BALANCE ∑ ) Lit steady: white balance has been adjusted. • If the ∑ indicator keeps flashing even when you press WHITE BALANCE ∑ , s[...]

  • Page 50

    50 Using the ND filter The digital camcorder automatically senses the need for the ND filter, in such a case, ND ON/OFF flashes in the display. Using the ND filter (to filter down to one-tenth the quantity of light), you can prevent the picture from going out of focus under bright conditions. When ND ON flashes in the viewfinder Set ND FILTER to ON[...]

  • Page 51

    51 Advanced operations Using the zebra patter n You can set the digital camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) [ a ] in the portion of the picture in the viewfinder where the brightness exceeds a certain level. The portion of the picture where the zebra pattern appears is an area of high brightness and overexposure. You can check t[...]

  • Page 52

    52 Adjusting the r ecor ding sound You can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones (not supplied) to monitor the sound when you adjust. Checking the recording level Use the level indicator in the display window. If the input level is excessive, the PEAK indicator lights. If the PEAK indicator remains lit, adjust the recording sound manuall[...]

  • Page 53

    53 Advanced operations Adjusting the recording level manually ( 1 ) Set the REC LEVEL switch to MANU. ( 2 ) Turn REC LEVEL to adjust the sound level so that the PEAK indicator does not light up. You can adjust the level of each channel separately. We recommend using headphones (not supplied) to monitor the sound when you adjust. You can use AUDIO M[...]

  • Page 54

    54 Adjusting the recording sound To use external microphone You can record narration using an external microphone. Set AUDIO INPUT SELECT to MIC. Set MIC SELECT to NORM so that you can record with an external microphone but the built-in microphone will be disabled. Set MIC SELECT to DUAL so that the external microphone records on the L channel and [...]

  • Page 55

    55 Advanced operations Releasing the STEADY SHOT function When you shoot, the Ó indicator appears in the viewfinder. This indicates that the Steady Shot function is working and the digital camcorder compensates for camera- shake. When you attach the digital camcorder to a tripod, you need not worry about camera- shake. Release the Steady Shot func[...]

  • Page 56

    56 Use this menu setting to achieve consistent picture quality. This feature lets you customize the picture quality. Making a custom pr eset Item COLOR LEV SHARPNESS WB SHIFT AE SHIFT* Adjusts Color intensity Sharpness White balance Brightness Adjustment value Decreases color intensity ˜ Increases color intensity Softer ˜ Sharper Bluish ˜ Reddis[...]

  • Page 57

    57 Advanced operations To turn off custom preset ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU. ( 2 ) Press or to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE. ( 3 ) Press to select SET, then press EXECUTE. ( 4 ) Press to select OFF, then press EXECUTE. goes off in the viewfinder. ( 5 ) Press MENU to erase the menu display. To turn on custo[...]

  • Page 58

    58 Re-r ecording a pictur e in the middle of a r ecor ded tape You can insert a scene in the middle of a recorded tape by setting the starting and ending points. The previous recorded portion will be erased. ( 1 ) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, keep pressing the + (forward playback) or – (reverse playback) side of EDITSEARCH, and[...]

  • Page 59

    59 Advanced operations When you use a cassette memory-mounted DV cassette ( logo*) which can store the recorded date and time, etc., you can search the recorded picture with the date or time using the Remote Commander ( Cassette memory search ). You can also search the photo-recorded pictures only, or the recorded picture in the backward and forwar[...]

  • Page 60

    60 Notes on cassette memory search • You can search up to 6 days for date search and 43 pictures for photo search when you use the 4k-bit cassette memory. • Make sure that the lithium battery is installed if using cassette memory. Searching the recorded picture without using cassette memory ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON, then set CAMERA/VTR [...]

  • Page 61

    61 Advanced operations Displaying r ecording data You can display the recording data (date/time or various setting when recorded) when you recorded ( Data Code ), on the TV during playback or editing. The Data Code is also displayed in the viewfinder and the display window. Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander while playing back. Each time you p[...]

  • Page 62

    62 DV jack VMC-2DV DV IN/OUT Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other DV, mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC, or l Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. You can edit with little deterioration of picture and sound quality when using the DV connecting cable (not supplied). Be[...]

  • Page 63

    63 Advanced operations Editing onto another tape Edición en otra cinta Notes on editing when using the DV connecting cable • You can connect one VCR only. • Connect the l LANC jacks when controlling this digital camcorder from another VCR for editing. • If you recorded the playback pauses picture via the DV jack, the recorded picture becomes[...]

  • Page 64

    64 Replacing r ecording on a tape You can insert a new picture, sound, recording data/time, camera information, etc., from a VCR onto your already recorded tape by specifying the starting and ending points. Connection is the same as in “To use the DV connecting cable” on page 62. ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. [...]

  • Page 65

    65 Advanced operations Audio dubbing If you recorded in 12 bit recording mode, you can add stereo narration or music to the recording. Making connections To use additional audio line in Connect the LINE OUT jacks of an audio source to the rear AUDIO IN jacks of the digital camcorder using an audio connecting cord (not supplied) and then set AUDIO I[...]

  • Page 66

    66 Audio dubbing Recording ( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to VTR. ( 2 ) Open the cover, press · , then ) or 0 , to search for the start and end points of the recording. ( 3 ) Press P at the start point of the recording. ( 4 ) Press AUDIO DUB . ( 5 ) Adjust the recording volume. ( 6 ) Press P . Audio dubbing begins. If you[...]

  • Page 67

    Additional information 67 Your digital camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the digital camcorder to CAMERA mode with the POWER switch ON. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithi[...]

  • Page 68

    68 Changing the lithium battery in the digital camcorder Changing the lithium battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date, time and other items in the menu system retained by the lithium battery. ( 1 ) Loosen the two screws under the shoulder pad. ( 2 )[...]

  • Page 69

    Additional information 69 MENU 1997 7 4 CLOCK SET 8 00 AM [ MENU ] : END MENU 1997 7 4 CLOCK SET 8 00 AM [ MENU ] : END MENU 1997 7 4 CLOCK SET 12 00 AM [ MENU ] : END MENU 1997 7 4 CLOCK SET 12 00 AM [ MENU ] : END MENU 1997 7 1 CLOCK SET 12 00 AM [ MENU ] : END MENU 1997 7 1 CLOCK SET 12 00 AM [ MENU ] : END MENU D ZOOM OFF 16 : 9 WIDE ZEBRA COMM[...]

  • Page 70

    70 Notes on video cassettes Usable cassettes Use a DV cassette. You cannot use any other mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC or l Betamax cassette. We recommend using an ME cassette You can get the highest quality pictures with this digital camcorder using an ME cassette which is the highest quality cassette. You may not get [...]

  • Page 71

    Additional information 71 Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment Battery efficiency[...]

  • Page 72

    72 Tips for using the battery pack The switch on the battery pack This switch is provided so that you can mark the charged battery pack. Set the switch to the “green mark” position when charging is completed. (When removed from the charging adaptor, the switch exposes the green mark. When removed from your digital camcorder, no mark is indicate[...]

  • Page 73

    Additional information 73 Maintenance information and pr ecautions Moisture condensation If the digital camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the digital camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the unit may[...]

  • Page 74

    74 2 1 2 1 Precautions Digital camcorder operation • Operate the digital camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this manual. • Should any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug the digital camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before op[...]

  • Page 75

    Additional information 75 Digital camcorder care • When the digital camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the power source and remove the tape. Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes. • Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are fingerp[...]

  • Page 76

    76 Using your digital camcor der abroad Each country has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your digital camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your digital camcorder in any country with the AC-V615 AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Difference in color systems This digital camcord[...]

  • Page 77

    77 Additional information Tr ouble check If you run into any problem using the digital camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Digital camcorder Power Cause and/or Corrective Action • The batte[...]

  • Page 78

    78 Trouble check Symptom The tape does not move when a video control button is pressed. The Steady Shot function does not activate. The autofocusing function does not work. The microphone does not work while recording. Built-in microphone sound does not record in stereo when monitoring by headphone or line out jacks. Audio dubbing does not work. Ex[...]

  • Page 79

    79 Additional information Symptom The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. A vertical band appears when a subject such as lights or a candle flame is shot against a dark background. A vertical band appears when shooting a very bright subject. The picture is “noisy” or hardly visible. v indicator flashes in the viewfinder. Battery remain[...]

  • Page 80

    80 Trouble check AC power adaptor Symptom The VTR/CAMERA or CHARGE lamp does not light. The CHARGE lamp flashes. Corrective Actions • Disconnect the power cord. After about 1 minute, reconnect the power cord. • See the following chart. When the CHARGE lamp flashes Check through the following chart. Remove the battery pack from the AC power adap[...]

  • Page 81

    81 Additional information Specifications Input and output connectors S video output 4-pin mini DIN Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75ohm, unbalanced Video output Phono jack, 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced Audio output Phono jacks (2: stereo L and R) 327 mV, (at load impedance 47 kilohm) impedance less than 2[...]

  • Page 82

    82 1 2 3 4 6 9 7 8 !¡ 5 0 !™ !£ !§ !¶ @¡ !¢ !ª !∞ !• @º Identifying the parts 1 Stopper (p. 6) 2 Viewfinder (p. 6, 13, 74) 3 Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 13) 4 PUSH button (p. 74) 5 Viewfinder release lever (p. 17) 6 Focus ring (p. 39) 7 FOCUS switch (p. 39) 8 ND FILTER switch (p. 50) 9 PUSH AUTO button (p. 39) !º POWER switch (p. [...]

  • Page 83

    83 Additional information @™ @£ @§ @∞ @ª @¢ @¶ #¡ #™ #£ #¢ #∞ @• #º @™ BRIGHT knob (p. 13) @£ TALLY lamp (p. 13) @¢ CONTR knob (p. 13) @∞ TALLY switch (p. 13) @§ Front Remote Commander sensor (p. 90) @¶ Grip (p. 16) @• Grip strap (p. 16) @ª Lens hood You can attach a wide teleconversion lens (not supplied) by removing [...]

  • Page 84

    84 Identifying the parts #§ $∞ $º #¶ #ª #• $¡ $™ $£ $¢ $§ $¶ %£ %¢ %¶ %∞ %§ $• $ª %º %¡ %™ #§ Eyecup #¶ VIEW FINDER jack (p. 6) #• S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 20) #ª RFU DC OUT jack (p. 21) $º DV IN/OUT jack (p. 62) $¡ l LANC jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlli[...]

  • Page 85

    85 Additional information ^¶ ^• &º &¡ &™ &£ ^ª %• %ª ^¡ ^£ ^¢ ^∞ ^§ ^º ^™ %• SHUTTER SPEED dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch (p. 42) %ª DIGITAL MODE switch (p. 16, 30, 31, 44) ^º GAIN dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch (p. 45 ) ^¡ STEADY SHOT switch (p. 55) ^™ WHT BAL (white balance) dial and AUTO/ MANUAL switch (p. 4[...]

  • Page 86

    86 Identifying the parts &¢ &∞ &§ &¶ &• &ª *º *¡ *™ *£ &¢ Carrying handle &∞ IRIS dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch (p. 41) &§ Shoulder pad (p. 17) &¶ Tripod receptacle (p. 18) &• Lithium battery cover (p. 68) &ª Shoulder pad screws (p. 17) *º Cover for menu and video controls *¡ Menu[...]

  • Page 87

    87 Additional information Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. 2 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 !¡ !º 6 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the digital camcorder after turning on the digital camcorder. 2 PHOTO button (p. 33) 3 DISPLAY button (p. 22) 4 SEARCH MODE[...]

  • Page 88

    88 Identifying the parts To prepare the Remote Commander To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two R6 (size AA) batteries. Use the supplied R6 (size AA) batteries. ( 1 ) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. ( 2 ) Insert both of the R6 (size AA) batteries with correct polarity. ( 3 ) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote C[...]

  • Page 89

    89 Additional information About the ID of the Remote Commander You can avoid having the digital camcorder accidentally respond to signals from other remote commanders by setting the VTR4/ID/VTR2 switch to ID. Use the supplied Remote Commander when you set the switch to ID. When you use the Remote Commander for the first time, register the ID follow[...]

  • Page 90

    90 Identifying the parts Remote control direction Aim the Remote Commander at either of the two remote commander sensors. The range of the Remote Commander is about 5m indoors. Use the Remote Commander as close to flat as possible, otherwise it may not work. Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the Remote Commander sensor away from strong light s[...]

  • Page 91

    91 Additional information In the viewfinder T W 0 :13 : 46 1 4 3 5 6 7 8 !™ 2 9 !¡ 0 !¢ !∞ !£ !• I 106 m i n 1 6 B I T PHOTO CP STBY ON ND AUDIO LINE !¶ !§ 4000 F2.8 0 dB 16 : 9 WIDE FADER 1 Manual focusing indicator (p. 40) appears when focusing far, appears when focusing close. 2 ND filter indicator (p. 50) 3 White balance indicator (p[...]

  • Page 92

    92 Identifying the parts In the display window MEMORY HM S F min F AM 14 35 6 27 8 9 1 Time code 2 MEMORY indicator (p. 58) Same as ZERO SET MEMORY indicator in the viewfinder. 3 Warning indicators (p. 93) 4 Flash indicator 5 Date/aperture indicator (p. 69, 41) 6 Remaining battery indicator (p. 71) 7 Time indicator (p. 69) 8 Remaining tape indicato[...]

  • Page 93

    93 Additional information Wa r ning indicators If indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the digital camcorder flashes, check the following: ≥ : you can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON. 12 3 4 56 7 8 90 5min C MEMORY 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is d[...]

  • Page 94

    94 O, P One-push white balance ........... 48 Overlap ....................................... 30 Playback pause ......................... 23 Power sources ........................... 24 Power zoom .............................. 15 PEAK .......................................... 52 Q, R Rec review ................................. 19 Recording mode [...]

  • Page 95

    95 Additional information[...]

  • Page 96

    Sony Corporation Printed in Japan[...]