3-810-780-23 (1) Video Camera Recorder h Operation Manual 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. CCD- Model No. AC- Serial No. Serial No.
Welcome to video h Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your 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.
Table of contents Before you begin Additional information Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack ..................................................... 6 Inserting a cassette .................................. 8 Basic operations Camera recording .................................... 9 Using the zoom feature ................. 11 Shooting with the LCD screen ..... 12 Hints for better shooting ..................... 13 Checking the recorded picture ........... 15 Playing back a tape .........
Before you begin Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the six models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TRV11 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, “ CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 only”.
Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 2 3 4 5 6 7 Before you begin 1 8 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 17, 51) 5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 52) 2 NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6) 6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 49) 3 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 31) 7 AC-V15/V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1) (p. 6, 19) 8 Battery case (1) (p. 20) Already installed in the camcorder. 4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p.
Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor. Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration. (1) Connect the AC power adaptor to the wall outlet. (2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the line on the AC power adaptor, then slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 Battery pack NP-33(supplied) NP-55 NP-98/98D NP-80/80D NP-68/66H NP-66 LCD open2) While recording1) LCD close 1) 2) 3) 70 (35) 210 (110) 185 (100) 130 (70) 100 (50) 105 (55) 95 (50) 80 (40) 85 (50) 275 (155) 240 (135) 165 (95) 135 (75) 145 (80) 120 (70) 190 135 65 220 70 105 100 95 Approximate continuous recording time indoors is indicated outside of parentheses.
Charging and installing the battery pack To remove the battery pack Slide BATT, and then pull the lower part of the battery pack. 2 1 Inserting a cassette Make sure that a power source is installed. (1) While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically opens. (2) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out. (3) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette compartment automatically closes.
Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch inside the LCD panel is set to . When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time (p. 33) before you start recording. The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a day.
Camera recording Note on standby mode If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and turn it up again. To start recording, press START/STOP. Notes on the recording mode • This camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (long play) mode.
Notes on the tape counter • The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET. • If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect recording time. When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter, record in same (SP or LP) mode. Note on the AUTO DATE feature The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory.
Camera recording Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Turn the power zoom lever fully for a high-speed zoom. Turn it lightly for a relatively slow zoom. When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least 2.6 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or 1/2 inches (about 1 cm) in the wide-angle position.
Notes on the LCD panel • When closing the LCD panel, turn it vertically until it clicks [a]. • When turning the LCD panel, turn it always vertically; otherwise, the camcorder body may be damaged or the LCD panel may not close properly [b]. • Close the LCD panel completely when not in use.
Hints for better shooting • You can record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Lift the viewfinder up for recording from a low position [a]. • While recording in a low position, you can use the START/STOP button on the top of the camcorder or the power zoom button located on the front [b]. Note that you cannot change zooming speed using the front power zoom button. • You can also record in a low position or even in a high position using the LCD panel [c].
Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. You can also review the picture on the LCD screen. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Edit Search). 1 CAMERA Basic operations (2) Turn STANDBY up.
Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to PLAYER. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) While pressing PUSH OPEN, open the LCD panel. Adjust the angle of the LCD panel or the brightness of the LCD screen if necessary. (4) Press ( to start playback. (5) Adjust the volume using VOL. You can also monitor on the TV screen after connecting the camcorder to the VCR/TV.
When watching on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move back to the camcorder with the LCD screen facing out. [a] You can change the angle of the LCD panel. [b] [a] [b] Using the Remote Commander You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries. Basic operations 30˚ Note on DISPLAY button Press DISPLAY to erase the screen indicators on the LCD screen. To display the indicators, press again.
Searching for the end of the picture Playing back a tape You can go to the end of the recorded portion after you record and play back the tape to make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene smooth. The tape starts rewinding or fast-forwarding and the last 5 seconds play back if the tape was recorded in SP mode, or the last 10 seconds play back if the tape was recorded in LP mode. Then the tape stops at the end of the recorded picture (End Search).
Advanced operations Using alternative power sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, the house current, alkaline battery and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.
Using alternative power sources Notes on the POWER lamp • The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged after use. This is normal. • If the POWER lamp does not light, set the selector to VTR (DC OUT) and disconnect the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord. To remove the adaptor The adaptor is removed in the same way as the battery pack.
Notes • The above battery lives are estimates. The battery life may be shorter depending on the storage condition of the battery before being purchased and temperature. • You may not use the battery case in cold environment. To remove the battery case The battery case is removed in the same way as the battery pack (p. 7). When you replace the batteries, be sure to remove the battery case from the camcorder to prevent malfunction. Use the DCP-77 DC pack (not supplied).
Letting the subject monitor the shot • While recording in mirror mode, you cannot operate the following buttons: COUNTER RESET, TITLE, DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT). [a] [b] Recording with the date or time Before you start recording or during recording, press DATE(+) or TIME(NEXT). You can record the date or time displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder with the picture. You cannot record the date and time at the same time.
Shooting with backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Advanced operations [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation. After shooting Be sure to release this adjustment condition by pressing BACK LIGHT again. The c indicator disappears.
Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select from three PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation. When you use PROGRAM AE, you can capture high-speed action or night views. Selecting the best mode Select the best mode by using the following examples.
Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has two modes besides normal start/stop mode. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) While pressing PUSH OPEN, open the LCD panel. (2) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode). (3) Turn STANDBY up and press START/STOP. Recording starts. If you selected 5 SEC, five dots appear in the viewfinder.
Superimposing a title You can select from nine preset titles to superimpose it on the picture during recording. Each time you press TITLE, the preset titles appear one by one. To superimpose from the beginning (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) While pressing PUSH OPEN, open the LCD panel. (4) Press TITLE repeatedly until the desired title appears. The title flashes. (5) Press START/STOP to start recording. (6) Press TITLE when you want to turn off the title.
Using the STEADY SHOT function – CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 only You can use the Steady Shot to compensate for camera-shake. Do not use the Steady Shot when shooting a stationary object with a tripod. (1) While pressing PUSH OPEN, open the LCD panel. (2) Set STEADY SHOT to ON. STEADY OFF SHOT Advanced operations ON CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 Notes on the steady shot • The Steady Shot will not correct excessive camera-shake. • When you switch the Steady Shot on or off, the exposure may fluctuate.
Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings to further enjoy the features and functions. (1) While pressing PUSH OPEN, open the LCD panel. You will find the mode switches. (2) Set the mode switches to the desired mode. COMMANDER BEEP D ZOOM REC MODE LCD BACK LIGHT SP BRIGHT ON OFF LP NORMAL CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 Selecting the mode setting of each item COMMANDER • Set to ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder.
Watching on a TV screen You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use the house current for the power source. While playing back on a TV screen, close the LCD panel. Otherwise, picture distortion may occur.
Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax or ¬ ED Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. Turn down the volume of the camcorder while editing. Otherwise, picture distortion may occur. After connecting the camcorder to the VCR, (1) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER. (2) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR and insert your recorded tape into the camcorder.
Additional Information Changing the lithium battery in the camcorder Your camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
Changing the lithium battery in the 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 and time. (1) Open the lid of the lithium battery compartment. (2) Push the battery in once and pull it out from the holder. (3) Install the new lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing out. (4) Close the lid. 32 CCD-TRV11/TRV19/TRV21/TRV29/TRV119/TRV211 3-810-780-23.
Resetting the date and time Reset the date and time using the DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT) buttons. (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) While pressing PUSH OPEN, open the LCD panel. (4) Press DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT) simultaneously until the year indicator flashes on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (5) Set year, month, day, time, minute by pressing DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT). Note that when you keep DATE(+) pressed, the digits advance faster.
Playback modes The playback mode (SP/LP) is selected automatically according to the recording system in which the tape has been recorded. The quality of the recorded picture in LP mode, however, will not be as good as that in SP mode. Recording mode When you play back a tape recorded in LP mode, the LP indicator lights up in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Foreign 8 mm video You cannot play back tapes recorded on a different TV color system.
Tips for using the battery pack When to replace the battery While you are using your camcorder, the remaining battery indicator in the viefinder or on the LCD screen decreases gradually as battery power is used up. Note on the remaining battery indicator The remaining battery indicator of the camcorder may indicate a different remaining capacity from that of the battery pack with its own indicator (not supplied). The indicator on the battery pack is more accurate.
Tips for using the battery pack Notes on charging A brand-new battery A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Before using the battery pack, charge it completely. After long storage Recharge the battery pack after a long period of storage. If the battery pack is charged fully but not used for a long time (about 1 year), it becomes discharged. Charge it again, but in this case the battery life will be shorter than normal.
Notes on the Battery Case Notes on Alkaline Batteries To avoid possible damage from battery leakage or corrosion, observe the following. • Be sure to insert the batteries in the correct direction. • Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable. • Do not use a combination of new and old batteries. • Do not use different types of batteries. • The batteries slowly discharge while not in use. • Do not use a battery that is leaking.
Maintenance information and precautions Moisture condensation If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the unit may not operate correctly. To prevent possible damage under these circumstances, the camcorder is furnished with moisture sensors. Please take the following precautions.
Removing dust from inside the viewfinder (1) Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). Then, while sliding the RELEASE knob, turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow and pull it out. (2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower. 1 2 Additional information To reattach the eyecup (1) Align the groove on the eyecup with the • mark on the barrel. (2) Turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow. Then, replace the screw. 1 2 Caution Do not remove any other screws.
Maintenance information and precautions Precautions Camcorder operation • Operate the camcorder using 6.0 V (battery pack), or 7.5 V (AC power adaptor). • Should any solid object or liquid fall into the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by your nearest Sony dealer before operating it any further. • Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens. • Keep the POWER switch set to OFF when not using the camcorder.
AC power adaptor Charging • Attach the battery pack firmly. • Place the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration during charging. Additional information Others • Unplug the unit from the wall outlet when not in use for a long time. To disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself. • Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped or damaged. • Do not bend the AC power cord forcibly, or put a heavy object on it.
Using your camcorder abroad Each country or area has its own electricity and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points: Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 110 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b]. AC-V15/V16/V16A [a] [b] Difference in color systems This camcorder is an NTSC system-based camcorder.
Trouble check If you run into any problem using the 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. Camcorder Power Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is not installed. m Attach the battery pack firmly by pushing the lower part of the battery pack. (p. 7) • The battery is dead. m Use a charged battery pack. (p.
Trouble check Cause and/or Corrective Actions Symptom The date or time indicator disappears. • Reset the date and time. (p. 33) Recording stops in a few seconds. • START/STOP MODE switch is set to m Set it to . (p. 25) or 5 SEC. Picture Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. • The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p.
AC power adaptor Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The POWER lamp does not light. • Set the selector to VTR (DC OUT) and disconnect the power cord. After about one minute, try again. (p. 7) The CHARGE lamp flashes. • See the following chart. When the CHARGE lamp flashes Check through the following chart. $ $ When the CHARGE lamp flashes again Install another battery pack. Additional information Remove the battery pack from the AC power adaptor. Then install the same battery pack again.
Specifications Video camera recorder System 46 Video recording system Two rotary heads, Helical scanning, FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8 mm video format cassette (standard 8 mm) Recording/Playback time SP mode: 2 hours (P6-120) LP mode: 4 hours (P6-120) Fastforward/rewind time Approx. 5 min.
Identifying the parts STOP REW PLAY FF PAUSE Additional information 1 Tape transport buttons (p. 16, 17) p STOP 0 REW (rewind) ( PLAY (playback) ) FF (fast forward) P PAUSE These buttons will function in PLAYER mode. 7 Built-in microphone 2 EDITSEARCH button (p. 15) !£ LCD panel (p. 12) 3 Recording lamp !¢ BACK LIGHT button (p. 23) 8 POWER switch (p. 9, 16) 9 Power zoom lever (p. 11) 0 Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 10) !¡ Viewfinder (p. 10, 39, 54) !™ PROGRAM AE dial (p.
Identifying the parts CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 !∞ Recording lamp !§ DATE (+) button (p. 22) !¶ TIME (NEXT) button (p. 22) !• LCD screen (p. 16, 54) !ª Lithium battery compartment (p. 32) @º DISPLAY button (p. 17) @¡ COUNTER RESET button (p. 11) @™ END SEARCH button (p. 18) @£ Speaker @¢ Mode switches (p. 28) @∞ LANC l control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus system. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it.
Additional information #¡ START/STOP button (p. 14) Use this button when recording in a low position. #§ Battery mounting surface (p. 7) #¶ START/STOP button (p. 9) #• STANDBY switch (p. 9) #™ Tripod receptacle (p. 14) #ª Hooks for shoulder strap #£ PUSH OPEN button (p. 12, 16) $º BATT (battery release) knob (p. 8) #¢ LCD BRIGHT dial (p. 12) #∞ Eyecup (p. 13, 39) Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
Identifying the parts $¡ Cassette compartment (p. 8) $§ RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC out) jack $™ EJECT knob (p. 8) $¶ AUDIO OUT jack (p. 29) $£ Eyecup release knob (p. 39) $• MIC (microphone) jack Connect an external microphone (not supplied). This jack also accepts a “plugin-power” microphone. $¢ Grip strap (p. 13) $∞ VIDEO OUT jack (p. 29) $ª Jack cover 50 CCD-TRV11/TRV19/TRV21/TRV29/TRV119/TRV211 3-810-780-23.
Remote commander Using the Remote Commander Make sure that the COMMANDER mode is set to ON (p. 28). The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. Additional information T W 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the camcorder. 4 START/STOP button 5 Power zoom button The zooming speed is unchangeable on the Remote Commander. 2 Tape transport buttons (p. 16) 3 Size AA (R6) battery holder (p.
Identifying the parts To prepare the remote commander To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the supplied size AA (R6) batteries. (1) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity. (3) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander. 1 2 3 Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation.
Remote control direction Aim the Remote Commander to the remote sensor within the range as shown below. 15˚ 5m(16ft) 30˚ 15˚ Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective. • Be sure that there is no obstacle between the remote sensor on the camcorder and the Remote Commander. • This camcorder works at commander mode VTR 2.
Identifying the parts In the viewfinder and on the LCD screen CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 1 Power zoom indicator (p. 12) (CCD-TRV21/TRV29/TRV211 only) 2 Back light indicator (p. 23) 3 Warning indicator (p. 55) 7 Recording in LP mode (p. 9) 8 Tape transport mode (p. 9) 9 Tape counter (p. 11) 0 AUTO DATE indicator (p. 9) 4 Lithium battery indicator (p. 31) !¡ Remaining battery indicator (p. 35) 5 Recording lamp/battery lamp (p. 9) (in the viewfinder) 6 Mirror mode indicator (p.
Warning indicators If indicators flash in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, or a caution lamp on the camcorder flashes, check the following: ≥: You can hear the beep sound when BEEP is set to ON (p. 28). 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. 2 The tape is near the end. 3 The tape has run out. 4 No tape has been inserted. 5 The tab on the tape is out (red) (p. 8). 6 Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 38).
Index A F, G, H S Adjusting viewfinder ........ 10 AUTO DATE ...................... 11 Fast-forward ....................... 16 5 sec. recording .................. 25 High-speed shutter mode . 24 House current ..................... 19 Shoulder strap .................... 49 Sports mode ........................ 24 STANDBY ....................... 9, 10 Standby mode .................... 10 STEADY SHOT .................. 27 Supplied accessories ............ 5 B BACK LIGHT ..................... 23 BEEP .....