2-515-268-12(1) Camera Operations Guide [US] Camera Operations Guide Read this first Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-TRV380/TRV480 TM SERIES © 2005 Sony Corporation
Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.
For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV480 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone Number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. • Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk. • When you are using the touch panel, place your hand on the back side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
Table of Contents : Features available for tape only. : Features available for “Memory Stick” only. Read this first ............................................................................................. 2 Quick Start Guide Recording movies .................................................................................... 10 Recording still images .............................................................................. 12 Recording/Playing back with ease ....................................
Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 37 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 37 Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter ........................... 38 Adjusting the exposure manually ............................................................................... 38 Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc. ....................................
Advanced operations Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Connecting to a VCR or TV ................... 89 Dubbing to another tape ................. 90 Selecting menu items ............................ 62 Recording pictures from a VCR or TV ... 91 Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – PROGRAM AE/16:9 WIDE, etc. .................................................. 64 Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick” ...............................................
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ...................................118 Warning indicators and messages .......132 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad .............136 Usable cassette tapes .........................137 About the “Memory Stick” ....................138 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...................................140 About i.LINK .........................................141 Maintenance and precautions ..............142 Specification ...................................
Quick Start Guide Recording movies 1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 16. a Lift up the viewfinder. b Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. 2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder. a Slide the OPEN/ b Insert the cassette with c Press . Close the cassette lid after EJECT lever in the its window-side facing the cassette compartment direction of the arrow up, then push the center slides back in by itself.
3 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen. The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 21. a Remove the lens cap. Quick Start Guide Lens cap is not attached when you purchase your camcorder (p. 148). b Press OPEN and open the LCD panel. c While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down to light up the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. The power turns on. d Press REC START/ START/STOP STOP. Recording starts.
Recording still images 1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 16. a Lift up the viewfinder. b Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. 2 Insert a “Memory Stick” into the camcorder. Insert it so that the b mark is at the bottom left corner. Push in until it clicks.
3 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen. The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 21. a Remove the lens cap. Quick Start Guide Lens cap is not attached when you purchase your camcorder (p. 148). b Press OPEN and open the LCD panel. c While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up. The power turns on. d Press PHOTO lightly.
Recording/Playing back with ease By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback. Press EASY when recording/ playing back. EASY lights up in blue (1) and screen font size increases (2) during Easy Handycam operation. Easy Handycam operation ON For details, see instructions for each operation.
Getting started A/V connecting cable (1) Step 1: Checking supplied items USB cable (1) Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. Getting started AC Adaptor (1) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM30 (1) CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5” (1) Camera Operations Guide (This manual) (1) Power cord (1) Lens cap (1) See page 148 on how to attach the lens cap.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack 1 Lift up the viewfinder. 2 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. 3 With the v mark on the DC plug facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder. You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series) to your camcorder. b Notes • You cannot use batteries other than the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series) (p. 140).
6 Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF. To check the remaining battery – Battery Info DISPLAY/BATT INFO The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
Charging time Approximate number of minutes required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F) recommended.) Battery pack NP-FM30 (supplied) 145 NP-FM50 150 NP-QM71D 260 NP-QM91D 360 Recording time when recording with the LCD screen on Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).
Using an outside power source Step 3: Turning the power on You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mode to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 21). PRECAUTION Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor. While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down.
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder Adjusting the LCD panel You can adjust the angle and brightness of the LCD panel to meet various recording situations. Even when there are obstructions between you and the subject, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel. Maximum 180 degrees [MENU], (STANDARD SET) menu, then touch [LCD SET] (p. 81). 3 Adjust the item with touch / , then .
To use the viewfinder during operation When you are recording on a tape or a “Memory Stick,” you can adjust the exposure (p. 37) and fader (p. 42) while checking the image on the viewfinder. Have the LCD panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the screen facing out. 1 Set the power mode to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEMORY (p. 19). 2 Close the LCD panel with the screen 3 Touch . [Set LCD off?] appears on the screen. 4 Touch [YES]. The LCD screen is turned off.
4 Step 6: Inserting the recording media Touch [MENU]. –:––:–– 60min CAMERA SET PROGRAM AE SPOT METER EXPOSURE 5 Inserting a cassette tape OK Select (TIME/LANGU.) with / , then touch . You can record on standard 8 mm , Hi8 and Digital8 cassettes in Digital8 system only. For details on these cassettes (such as write-protection), see page 137. –:––:–– 60min DISPLAY MENU ROTATE A. SHUT OFF CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE PROGRAM AE 6 OK Select [CLOCK SET] with then touch .
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side facing up. Inserting a “Memory Stick” Window-side For details on the “Memory Stick” (such as write-protection), see page 138. Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly. 3 Press Getting started b Note • When using the half-sized “Memory Stick,” the “Memory Stick Duo,” make sure you attach the Memory Stick Duo adaptor. Your camcorder may malfunction when it is inserted without an adaptor (p. 139). Access lamp .
b Notes • If you force the “Memory Stick” into the “Memory Stick” slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick” slot may be damaged. • Do not insert anything other than a “Memory Stick” into the “Memory Stick” slot. Doing so may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data from/to the “Memory Stick.” Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick,” or remove the battery pack.
5 Select the desired language with , then touch . / z Tip • Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]](simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.
Recording 3 Recording movies To record on a tape Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up, and your camcorder is set to the standby mode. You can record movies on a tape or a “Memory Stick.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 15 - p. 24). When you are recording on a tape, movies will be recorded along with stereo sound. When you are recording on a “Memory Stick,” the movie will be recorded with monaural sound.
b Note • While recording movies on a “Memory Stick,” the only menu items available will be those with short cuts on the Personal Menu. In order to use other menu items, add them to the Personal Menu. z Tip • If you do not use your camcorder for a long time, remove the cassette and store it. Indicators displayed during recording on a tape Indicators displayed during recording on a “Memory Stick” The indicators will not be recorded on the “Memory Stick.” Date/time (p.
z Tips • You can also use REC START/STOP on LCD frame to record moving pictures. It is useful when you record from a low-angle or record by yourself in the mirror mode. • To press REC START/STOP on LCD frame, support the LCD panel with your hand. • To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next, note the following. – Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be recorded continuously without a break even when you turn the power off).
To use the zoom buttons on LCD frame Using zoom Keep W pressed to record wider range of view, and keep T pressed to record closer view. When the CAMERA-TAPE mode is selected, you can choose zoom to magnification levels greater than 20 times, and from that point activate the digital zoom ([DIGITAL ZOOM], p. 66). Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but use it sparingly for best results. b Notes • You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on LCD frame.
• The battery pack discharges quickly while the builtin light is turned on. • When you do not use your camcorder, turn the builtin light off and remove the battery pack to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally. • When flickering occurs while shooting in the mode, press LIGHT until appears. • The built-in light may turn on/off when you use the [PROGRAM AE] or backlight function while shooting in the mode.
4 Using the self-timer With the self-timer, you can start recording after a delay of about 10 seconds. Press REC START/STOP. You will hear a beep sound counting down for about 10 seconds (The count down indication begins from 8). The recording starts. To stop recording, press REC START/ STOP. REC START/STOP To cancel the count down Touch [RESET] or press REC START/STOP. To cancel the self-timer Recording Follow steps 1 and 2, then select [OFF] in step 3.
Recording still images – Memory photo 3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up. The selected recording folder is displayed. recording You can record still images on a “Memory Stick.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 15 - p. 24). Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button. PHOTO OPEN 4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly. You will hear a light beeping sound when the focus and brightness settings are adjusted.
To record moving subjects correcting jitter - FIELD/FRAME Select the (MEMORY SET) menu, [STILL SET], then [ FLD/FRAME]. Your camcorder compensates for camera-shake when recording moving subjects in the [FIELD] mode. Your camcorder records in high quality in the [FRAME] mode (p. 68). Indicators displayed during recording 60min Selecting image quality Select the (MEMORY SET) menu, [STILL SET], then [ QUALITY] (p. 68).
4 Using the self-timer With the self-timer, you can record a still image after a delay of about 10 seconds. PHOTO Press PHOTO. You will hear a beep sound counting down for about 10 seconds (The count down indication begins from 8). The image is recorded. When bars of disappears, the image is recorded on the “Memory Stick.” PHOTO To cancel the count down Touch [RESET]. To cancel the self-timer Follow steps 1 and 2, then select [OFF] in step 3. 1 Touch 2 Touch [SELF-TIMER]. .
Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick” while recording movies on a tape You can record still images on a “Memory Stick.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 15 - p. 24). PHOTO Recording with ease – Easy Handycam With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are set to automatic mode, only basic functions become available, and screen font size increases for easy viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy recording.
3 Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up. Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button. 4 Press EASY. The EASY lights up in blue. Recording a still image 1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap string down and attach it to the grip belt. 2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel. 3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up. Easy Handycam operation ON 5 Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button. Press REC START/STOP.
• During Easy Handycam operation, the settings of the functions that are not displayed on the screen return to their defaults. Previously made settings are restored when you cancel the Easy Handycam operation. Making full use of Easy Handycam operation 1 Adjusting the exposure The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting. Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects Touch [MENU].
Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background (such as subjects in the limelight on stage). z Tip • If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL]. Adjusting the exposure manually 1 Touch during recording or in the standby mode. 2 Touch [SPOT METER].
4 Adjust the exposure by touching (dim)/ (bright), then touch 60min STBY . 0:00:00 P-MENU To return the setting to automatic exposure Follow steps 1 and 2, then select [AUTO] in step 3. Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc. Recording You can record subjects in dark places (such as when capturing the face of your baby sleeping) with the NightShot plus, Super NightShot plus or Color Slow Shutter function.
2 Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON. and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear. 3 Touch . 4 Touch [SUPER NSPLUS]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu. 5 Touch [ON], then . appears. To cancel Super NightShot plus, follow steps 3 and 4, then select [OFF] in step 5. Or, set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF.
Adjusting the focus The focus is adjusted automatically in the default setting. Adjusting the focus for an offcenter subject – SPOT FOCUS 1 Touch during recording or in the standby mode. 2 Touch [SPOT FOCUS]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu. SPOT FOCUS STBY Follow steps 1 and 2, then touch [AUTO] in step 3. Or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 41).
3 Recording a picture using various effects Touch [MANUAL]. appears. 4 Touch or to sharpen focus. : To focus on close subjects. : To focus on distant subjects. 9 changes to when the focus cannot be adjusted any further. 9 changes to when the focus cannot be adjusted any closer. 60min FOCUS: STBY 0:00:00 MANUAL AUTO POWER switch MANUAL OK Tips for focusing manually • It is easier to focus on the subject when you use the zoom function.
[OVERLAP] (fade in only) 4 Touch the desired effect, then touch . When you touch [OVERLAP], [WIPE] and [DOT FADER], the image on the tape in your camcorder is stored as a still image. (While storing the image, the screen turns to blue.) [WIPE] (fade in only) 60min STBY 0:00:00 BLACK FADER [DOT FADER] (fade in only) P-MENU Recording 5 Press REC START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fade is complete. 1 2 3 Slide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode.
2 Slide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode. 3 Touch . 4 Touch [MENU]. 5 Select (PICT. APPLI.), then [ OVERLAP] by touching / and touch . The recorded image appears on the thumbnail screen. 6 Touch (previous) / (next) to select the still image to be superimposed. 7 Touch [ON], then . 8 Touch . 9 Press REC START/STOP to start recording. [M. OVRLAP] stops flashing, and disappears when fading is finished.
Items to adjust [STILL] The degree of transparency of the still image you want to superimpose on a movie. [FLASH] The interval of frame-byframe playback. [LUMI. KEY] The color scheme of the area in the still image which is to be swapped with a movie. [TRAIL] The fade time of the incidental image. [SLOW SHUTTR]* Shutter speed (1 is 1/30, 2 is 1/15, 3 is 1/8, 4 is 1/4). [OLD MOVIE] No adjustment necessary. * It is hard to adjust the focus automatically when you choose this effect.
1 2 Check that you have a “Memory Stick” with the still image to be superimposed and a tape (only if you are recording on tape) in your camcorder. Touch 4 Touch [MEMORY MIX]. Thumbnail screen OFF CAM M 101 101–0001 CHROMA 0:00:00 M CAM CHROMA 5 Touch / to select the still image to overlap. 6 Touch the desired effect. The still image is superimposed on the movie which is currently displayed on the LCD screen. 0:00:00 STBY CAM M CHROMA 101 101–0001 OK Recording 8 Touch twice. appears.
Searching for the starting point To cancel the operation Touch [CANCEL]. b Notes • The END SEARCH function will not work correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape. • For DCR-TRV480: The END SEARCH function does not work for the tapes recorded on other devices in the Hi8 / standard 8 mm system. Recording z Tip • You can do this operation also by selecting [END SEARCH] in the menu setting.
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec review You can view a few seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. 1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode. 2 Touch 60min . STBY 0:00:00 EDIT 3 Touch once. The last few seconds of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby mode.
Playback 3 Viewing movies recorded on a tape Make sure you have a recorded cassette inserted into your camcorder. Some of the operations are possible using the Remote Commander or using the touch panel. When you want to play back recordings on your TV, see page 59. Touch (rewind) to go to the point you want to view. 60min 0:00:00:00 P-MENU 4 Touch (play) to start playback. Playback To adjust the volume . 1 Touch 2 Touch [VOLUME]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / .
Indicators displayed during tape playback 60min 0:00:00:15 To play back in various modes You will not hear the recorded sound. Also, you may see mosaic-like images of the previously played picture remaining on the screen when playing back in the Digital8 system. For DCR-TRV480: Noise may appear when your camcorder plays back tapes recorded on other devices in the Hi8 /standard 8 mm system. 1 During playback or playback pause, P-MENU touch .
Viewing recordings with added effects – Digital effect You can apply [STILL], [FLASH], [LUMI. KEY], and [TRAIL] effects when viewing recorded pictures. For details on each effect, see page 44. To cancel Digital effect Follow steps 2 to 4, then select [OFF] in step 5. b Notes • You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited with digital effects via the DV Interface.
Viewing recordings on a “Memory Stick” 3 Touch . The most recently recorded picture appears on the screen. 60min 101–0001 You can view pictures one at a time on the screen. When you have a lot of pictures, you can list them to search through them easily. Make sure you have a recorded “Memory Stick” inserted into your camcorder. When you want to play back a recorded picture on your TV, see page 59. 1 / 10 101 MEMORY PLAY P-MENU 4 Touch (previous)/ select a picture.
Indicators displayed during “Memory Stick” playback 60min 101–0010 1 0 / 10 101 0:00:00 P-MENU z Tip • Once you record a picture in a folder, the same folder will be set as the default folder for playback. You can select a playback folder in the menu (p. 70). Playing back in various modes from a “Memory Stick” Using the screen in step 4 in “Viewing recordings on a “Memory Stick”” (p. 52), the following operations are available.
To return to the single display mode, touch the picture that you want to display. To view pictures in other folders in the index screen 1 Touch . 2 Touch . 3 Touch [PB FOLDER]. 4 Select a folder with / , then touch . Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam Easy Handycam operation allows easy playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for playback. Also screen font size increases for easy viewing.
4 2 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and Play back a picture. When playing back on a tape The following buttons can be operated. (play/pause)/ (fast forward)/ (stop)/ (rewind) You can operate these operations and SLOW on the Remote Commander. When playing back on a “Memory Stick” Touch . The following buttons can be operated. / / / You can control playback with the Remote Commander. Press EASY again.
4 Various playback functions Select (PICT. APPLI.), then [PB ZOOM] by touching / and . Tape playback zoom screen PB ZOOM You can magnify a small subject in a recording and display it on the screen. You can also display the recorded date and the name of the folder in which the picture is recorded. 0:00:00:00 Play back the image.
z Tip • If you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO during the playback zoom operation, the frame will disappear. 3 Touch [DATA CODE]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (STANDARD SET) menu. Displaying the screen indicators 60min DATA CODE: 0:00:00:00 OFF OFF You can choose to display the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen. Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO. The indicators appear/disappear as you press the button.
E Shutter speed F Aperture value * Appears only during tape playback b Notes • Camera setting data do not appear when movies on a “Memory Stick” are played back. • For DCR-TRV480: The data code function does not work with tapes recorded on other devices in the Hi8 /standard 8 mm system. z Tip • Exposure adjustment value (0EV) appears when a “Memory Stick” is played back.
Playing the picture on a TV Connect your camcorder to a TV using the supplied A/V connecting cable as shown in the following illustration. Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall outlet for the power supply (p. 16). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. To copy to another tape, see page 90.
Locating a scene on a tape for playback Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory m REW PLAY The playback starts from the point designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter. To cancel the operation Press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander again. b Notes • There may be a discrepancy of several seconds between the time code and the tape counter. • Zero set memory will not function correctly if there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on the Remote Commander to select a recording date. Playback starts automatically from the point where the date changes. Each time you press the button, the previous or the next date will be searched for and displayed. To cancel the operation Press STOP on the Remote Commander. Playback b Notes • If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes.
BAdvanced operations CAMERA SET (p. 64) MEMORY SET (p. 68) PICT. APPLI. (p. 71) EDIT/PLAY (p. 76) STANDARD SET (p. 79) TIME/LANGU. (p. 85) Using the Menu Selecting menu items You can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen. 60min 0:00:00:00 BURNU VCD END SEARCH TITLE REC MODE AUDIO MODE VOLUME MULTI SOUND 5 Turn on the power (p. 19). 2 Touch OK Select the desired item with then touch .
To use the short-cuts of the Personal Menu The available items vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. Unavailable items will be grayed out. You can customize the short-cuts (p. 86). 1 Touch . 2 Touch the desired item. 3 Select the desired setting, then touch . z Tips • When the PLAY/EDIT mode is selected, touch on the screen displayed after step 2 (p. 62) to display the video operation screen. Touch to return to the previous screen.
Using the (CAMERA SET) menu setting is selected. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. – PROGRAM AE/16:9 WIDE, etc. 60min You can select items listed below on the CAMERA SET menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). The default settings are marked with G.
**Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects. SPOT METER See page 38 for details. EXPOSURE See page 38 for details. AUTO SHUTTER GON Select to automatically activate the electronic shutter to adjust the shutter speed when recording in bright conditions. OFF Select when recording without using the electronic shutter. Using the Menu SPOT FOCUS See page 41 for details. FOCUS See page 41 for details. SUPER NSPLUS See page 39 for details.
SELF-TIMER See page 31, 34 for details. DIGITAL ZOOM You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 20 times while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality decreases when you are using the digital zoom. This function is useful when recording enlarged pictures of a distant subject, such as a bird. The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming zone. The zooming zone appears when you select the zooming level. GOFF Select to deactivate the digital zoom.
* Picture appears in full screen when the wide-screen TV switches to full mode. **Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in the wide mode, it appears as you have seen on the LCD screen. GOFF ON ( Standard setting (to record pictures to play back on a 4:3 TV). The recorded picture will not be wide. ) Select to record a picture to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV. The recorded picture will be played in full mode when you connect to your TV compatible with ID-1/ID-2 systems.
Using the (MEMORY SET) menu – QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc. indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min You can select items listed below on the MEMORY SET menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). The default settings are marked with G.
ON Select to always display the remaining capacity of the “Memory Stick.” ALL ERASE You can delete all the pictures on a “Memory Stick” that are not write-protected. To delete pictures one by one, see page 101. 1 Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRNT FOLDER]. ALL FILES Select to delete all the images on the “Memory Stick.” CURRNT FOLDER Select to delete all the images in the selected playback folder. 2 Touch [YES] twice. To cancel deletion of all pictures, select [NO]. 3 Touch .
NEW FOLDER You can create a new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick.” When a folder is full (a maximum of 9999 images are stored) a new folder is automatically created. 1 Touch [YES]. A newly created folder will be numbered in sequence after the last folder number. To cancel creation, select [NO]. 2 Touch . b Notes • You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick” (p. 69), or delete them using your computer.
Using the (PICT. APPLI.) menu – PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/FRAME REC/ INTERVAL REC, etc. indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min You can select items listed below on the PICT. APPLI. menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). The default settings are marked with G. The STBY 0:00:00 PICT.
MOSAIC Select to record picture appearing mosaicpatterned. (This effect is not available during playback.) b Notes • You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited with Picture effects via the DV Interface. • For DCR-TRV480: Picture effects do not work with tapes recorded on other devices in the Hi8 /standard 8 mm system. z Tip • You can copy pictures edited using picture effects to a “Memory Stick” (p. 92) or to another tape (p. 90).
z Tips • You can select the first picture for the slide show by touching / before touching [START]. • If movies are played in the slide show, you can adjust the volume by touching (decrease)/ (increase). FRAME REC You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately frame recording and then moving the subject a little. Operate your camcorder using the Remote Commander to prevent camera shake. GOFF ON ( Select to record in the standard recording mode.
GOFF To deactivate interval recording. ON ( ) To record moving pictures on a tape in the selected interval. 8 Touch . flashes on the screen. 9 Press REC START/STOP. stops flashing and the Interval recording starts. To cancel interval recording, select [OFF] in step 7. b Notes • You cannot use the Interval recording with Memory overlap. • There may be a discrepancy in recording time of up to ±6 frames from the selected time.
DEMO MODE When you remove a cassette and “Memory Stick” from your camcorder, and select the CAMERA-TAPE mode, you can view the demonstration in about 10 minutes. GON Select to see an overview of the functions available such as when you are using this camcorder for the first time. OFF Select when you do not intend to use the DEMO MODE. b Note • You cannot view the demonstration only when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to ON.
Using the (EDIT/ PLAY) menu – END SEARCH/ the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min 0:00:00:00 TITLE, etc. You can select items listed below on the EDIT/ PLAY menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). The settings you can adjust vary depending on EDIT/PLAY VAR. SPD PB REC CTRL PROG. EDIT OK VAR. SPD PB See page 50 for details. REC CTRL For recording on a tape. See page 91, 93 for details. PROG.
END SEARCH EXEC Select to activate the END SEARCH function. The most recently recorded picture is played back for about 5 seconds and then stops automatically. CANCEL Select to stop the END SEARCH function. TITLE You can insert a title when recording. You can select one of the 8 preset titles and the 2 custom titles. You can also select the color, size and position of titles.
To record the title Press REC START/STOP during recording standby. To erase the title display Touch . b Notes • When you are using your camcorder on the battery pack and do not operate it for 5 minutes, the power automatically goes off as the default setting. If you may take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters, set [A.SHUT OFF] on the (STANDARD SET) menu to [NEVER] (p. 84). The power will not be turned off. Even though the power goes off, the characters you have entered remain stored in memory.
Using the (STANDARD SET) menu – REC MODE/MULTISOUND/AUDIO MIX/USB-CAMERA, etc. You can select the items listed below on the STANDARD SET menu. To select these items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). The default settings are marked with G. The indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out.
For DCR-TRV480: Select the desired mode when you play back a Hi8 /standard 8 mm system tape recorded on other devices in a dual sound track of the AFM HiFi stereo system. GSTEREO Select to play back a stereo tape with stereo sound or dual sound track tape with main and sub sound. 1 Digital8 system: Select to play back a stereo tape with the left channel sound or a dual sound track tape with main sound.
AUDIO MIX You can adjust the audio balance between the main sound (ST1) and the sub sound (ST2) on the tape. b Notes • You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode. • Only the originally recorded sound will be heard when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. • For DCR-TRV480: You cannot adjust the balance for tapes recorded on other devices in the Hi8 / standard 8 mm system. LCD SET The recorded picture will not be affected by this setting.
A/V c DV OUT You can connect a digital device and an analog device to your camcorder and convert the signal transmitted from the connected devices to the appropriate signal on your camcorder. GOFF ON ( Select when not using the Digital convert function. ) To output analog images and sound in digital format using your camcorder. The analog signal input to the A/V jack of your camcorder will be converted and output from the DV Interface of your camcorder.
USB-PLY/EDT You can connect a USB cable (supplied) to your camcorder, and view the picture on the tape or “Memory Stick” in your camcorder on your computer. For details, refer to “First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-ROM. GSTD-USB Select to view the picture on the “Memory Stick.” PictBridge Select to connect the PictBridge compliant printer (p. 104). USB STREAM Select to view the picture on the tape. GOFF Select not to display date, time and the camera settings data during playback.
OFF Select this setting in the following recording situations. The camera recording lamp will not light up during recording. • When you do not want the subject to be nervous about being recorded. • When you are recording close to the subject. • When the subject reflects the recording lamp. GMELODY Select to sound a melody when you start/stop recording, operate the touch panel, or when an unusual condition occurs on your camcorder. NORMAL Select to sound a beep instead of the melody.
Using the (TIME/ LANGU.) menu – CLOCK SET/ on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min STBY 0:00:00 WORLD TIME, etc. You can select items listed below on the TIME/ LANGU. menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). TIME/LANGU. CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE OK The settings you can adjust vary depending CLOCK SET You can set the date and time (p. 21).
Customizing Personal Menu You can add frequently used menu items to Personal Menu, or sort them in the order you like (customizing). You can customize the Personal Menu for each power mode of your camcorder. 3 60min Select the category. END OK 4 Touch Touch / to select a menu category, then touch . The available items vary depending on the power mode of the camcorder. Only the available items are displayed. 60min Select the item.
The selected menu is deleted from Personal Menu. Deleting menu – Delete 6 1 Touch . 0:00:00 60min 1/3 2 MENU EXPO– SURE FADER SPOT FOCUS SPOT METER PRGRAM AE If the desired menu is not displayed on the screen, touch / until the menu is displayed. b Note • You cannot delete [MENU] and [P-MENU SET UP]. You can sort the menus added to Personal Menu in the desired order. Touch 0:00:00 ADD DELETE SORT RESET Touch [DELETE].
4 Touch the menu item you want to move. 60min Select new location. 1 EXPO– SURE 3 4 SPOT FOCUS 6 PRGRAM AE FADER 1/3 5 5 SPOT METER 1 60min P–MENU SET UP 3 1/3 5 FADER SPOT FOCUS 4 SPOT METER EXPO– SURE 6 PRGRAM AE Touch END ADD DELETE SORT RESET OK 3 Touch [RESET]. 60min RESET END 0:00:00 Initialize CAMERA-TAPE mode's P-MENU setting? YES OK . To sort more items, repeat steps 4 to 6.
Dubbing/Editing You can record the picture from a VCR or TV to a tape or a “Memory Stick” inserted into your camcorder (p. 91). You can also create a copy of the picture recorded on your camcorder on other recording device (p. 90). Connect your camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown in the following illustration. Connecting to a VCR or TV A/V jack Connecting with an i.LINK cable i.LINK cable (optional) i.
Dubbing to another tape You can copy and edit the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (such as VCRs). 1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder as a recording device (p. 89). 2 Prepare your VCR for recording. • Insert a cassette for recording. • If your VCR has an input selector, set it to the input mode. 3 Prepare your camcorder for playback. • Insert the recorded cassette. • Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode.
Recording pictures from a VCR or TV You can record and edit pictures or TV programs from a VCR or TV on a tape or a “Memory Stick” inserted in your camcorder. You can also record a scene as a still image on a “Memory Stick.” Insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick” for recording in your camcorder. 5 The picture played on the connected device appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder. 6 Touch [REC START] at the point you want to start recording. 7 Stop recording.
Recording still images 1 2 Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Recording movies” (p. 91). Play the video, or receive the TV program you want to record. The pictures on the VCR or TV appear on the screen of your camcorder. 3 Press PHOTO lightly at the scene you want to record. Check the image and press it fully. The image is not recorded unless you press PHOTO fully. Release it if you do not want to record the scene, and select other scene as described above.
8 Touch , then . b Notes • The Data code and titles recorded on the tape cannot be recorded on the “Memory Stick.” The time and date the picture is recorded on the “Memory Stick” will be recorded. • The sound is recorded in 32kHz monaural. • While recording images from a tape as still images, they are recorded in the [FRAME] mode automatically, even if you select [FIELD] in the menu settings (p. 68).
10Touch , then . b Notes • You cannot dub the index screen. • You may not be able to dub images modified on your computer or recorded with other camcorders on your camcorder. • You cannot dub MPEG movies on the tape. Dubbing selected scenes from a tape – Digital program editing You can select up to 20 scenes (programs) and record them in the desired order to other recording device such as VCRs or to a “Memory Stick” inserted in your camcorder.
indicators and words entered on the index screen of the “Memory Stick.” 1 7 Connect your VCR to the camcorder as a recording device (p. 89). Touch / to select [PROG. EDIT], then touch . PROG. EDIT END Select the media. You can use either the A/V connecting cable or the i.LINK cable to make the connection. The dubbing procedure is easier with the i.LINK connection. 2 OTHER DEVICE 8 Prepare your VCR. 0:00:00:00 • Insert a cassette for recording.
To set the [IR SETUP] code [IR SETUP] code list When you connect with an A/V connecting cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code signal to see if your VCR can be operated by your camcorder (infrared ray emitter). The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as the default setting.) Infrared ray emitter Remote sensor VCR A/V connecting cable (supplied) Manufacturing company [IR SETUP] code Sony 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Admiral (M.
Manufacturing company [IR SETUP] code Multitech 23, 32, 80 NEC 21, 33, 35 Olympic 77, 78 Optimus 22 Orion 60 Panasonic 16, 17, 77, 78 Pentax 8, 42 Philco 26, 70, 77, 78 Philips 47, 77, 78, 83 Step 2 : Adjusting the synchronization of the VCR Follow the steps below when you are performing digital program edit for the first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip this setting if you have set up your VCR before using the following procedure.
[Completed.] appears when the recording is finished. 10Touch / to select the average number value for [CUT-OUT], then touch . 0:00:00:00 PROG. EDIT ADJ TEST The calculated stop position for recording is set. Completed. 11Touch [END] twice. 5 Rewind the tape on your VCR, then play back in slow mode. 5 opening numbers for each [IN] and closing numbers for each [OUT] appear.
4 Touch / to select PLAY), then touch . 60min (EDIT/ 7 Search for the beginning of the first scene that you want to dub on your camcorder, then pause playback. You can adjust the position with (frame). 0:00:00:00 D. EFFECT PICT. EFFECT PRINT / VAR. SPD PB REC CTRL PROG. EDIT OK REC CTRL 5 8 The starting point of the first program is set, and the upper part of the program mark changes to light blue. Touch / to select [PROG. EDIT], then touch .
13Touch [START]. START CANCEL 0:00:00:00 ENGAGE REC PAUSE EXEC TOTAL 0:00:00:25 SCENE 3 14Touch [EXEC]. A search for the beginning of the first program starts, then the recording starts. [SEARCH] appears during the search and [EDITING] appears during editing. SEARCH –x1 0:00:00:00 SCENE 1/3 CANCEL END When a program is recorded, the program mark changes from orange to light blue. When all programs have been recorded, the program editing operation stops automatically.
Deleting recorded pictures To delete pictures on the index screen You can easily search for the picture to be deleted by displaying 6 pictures at once. 1 Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. You can delete all or selected pictures stored on a “Memory Stick.” 1 2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Touch 60min 101–0001 . 2 / 10 101 MEMORY PLAY 2 3 4 5 6 Touch . Touch . Touch . Touch [ DELETE]. Touch the picture you want to delete.
Marking recorded images with specific information – Image 5 PROTECT protection/Print mark Make sure the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is not set to the write-protect position. Touch [PROTECT]. 101–0002 2/ 10 6 101 Touch the image that you want to protect. - appears on the PROTECT selected image. Preventing accidental erasure – Image protection 101–0002 2/ 10 You can select and mark images to prevent accidental erasure. 101 7 Touch Touch [END]. OK .
3 Touch b Note • Do not mark images on your camcorder if the “Memory Stick” already has some images with the Print mark put on other devices. This may change the information of the images with the Print mark put on the other device. . END 101–0002 2/ 10 4 Touch 101 SET . SET END 5 PRO– TECT PR I NT MARK DELETE PB FOLDER Touch [PRINT MARK]. 101–0002 2/ 10 6 Dubbing/Editing PRINT MARK 101 Touch the image that you want to print out later. appears on the selected image.
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) 6 Touch 7 Connect the USB jack (p. 150) of your camcorder to a printer using the supplied USB cable. The location of the USB jack of the printer differs depending on the model. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your printer for details on operation. With a PictBridge compatible printer, you can easily print still images recorded on the camcorder without using a computer.
3 Select the number of copies to be printed by touching / , then touch . You can set a maximum of 20 copies of one image to be printed. 4 Touch [END]. To print the date on the image 1 Touch , then [DATE/TIME]. 2 Select [DATE] or [DAY&TIME] and . The default setting is [OFF]. 5 b Notes • Do not attempt the following operations when is on the screen. The operations may not be performed properly. – Slide the POWER switch to select other power modes.
Using with your computer Features When you install the Picture Package software on a Windows computer from the supplied CDROM, you can enjoy the following operations by connecting your camcorder to your computer. Software and features available for Macintosh computers differ from those available for Windows computers. For details, refer to chapter 6 of “First Step Guide” on CD-ROM. For “First Step Guide,” see the next section. z Tip • There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to a computer.
About “First Step Guide” “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This “First Step Guide” describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software stored on the CD-ROM (supplied). After installing the CD-ROM, reading “Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer” (p. 108), start the “First Step Guide,” then follow the instructions.
For Macintosh users b Note • When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in the OS. When using ImageMixer VCD2 • OS: Mac OS X (v10.1.
For Windows 2000/Windows XP Log on as Administrators for installation. 1 Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. 2 Turn on the computer. 5 Select the language for the application to be installed, then click [Next]. 6 Click [Next]. 7 Read [License Agreement], check [I accept the terms of the license agreement] when you agree, then click [Next]. 8 Select where to save the software, then click [Next].
9 Click [Install] on the [Ready to Install the Program] screen. The installation of Picture Package starts. 13If the [Installing Microsoft (R) DirectX(R)] screen is displayed, follow the steps below to install DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step 14. 1 Read [License Agreement], then click [Next]. 10Select the language for “First Step Guide” to be installed, then click [Next]. 2 Click [Next]. Depending on the computer, this screen may not be displayed. In such a case, skip to step 12. 3 Click [Finish].
(and “First Step Guide,” if installed by steps 11-12) appear on the desktop. 15Remove the CD-ROM from the disc drive of your computer. If you have any questions about Picture Package 7 Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the folder it was copied to. 8 Double-click the unzipped [ImageMixerVCD2_Install]. 9 When the user acceptance screen is displayed, enter your name and password. The installation of ImageMixer VCD2 starts. For details on how to use ImageMixer VCD2, refer to the software’s on-line help.
Using “First Step Guide” Viewing “First Step Guide” Starting up on a Windows computer Double-click the icon on the desktop. • You can also start by selecting [Start], [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP), [Picture Package], and [First Step Guide], then start up [First Step Guide]. Starting up on a Macintosh computer Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf.” z Tip • To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is needed.
• iMac, iBook, Macintosh, Mac OS, PowerBook and PowerMac are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. • eMac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. • QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. • Roxio is a registered trademark of Roxio, Inc. • Toast is a trademark of Roxio, Inc. • Macromedia and Macromedia Flash Player are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
– USA http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/ dvimag/ – Asia Pacific Regional http://www.css.ap.sony.com/ – Korea http://scs.sony.co.kr/ – Taiwan http://vaio-online.sony.com/tw/vaio/ – China http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/vaio/ – Thailand http://www.sony.co.th/vaio/index.html – Latin America http://vaio-online.sony.com/ Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source since it takes a few hours to create a DVD. 3 Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder. 4 Connect your camcorder to a computer via an i.
z Tip • If you use a DVD-RW/+RW which has other data stored on it, the message [This is a recorded disc. Delete and overwrite?] appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder. When you touch [EXEC], the existing data is erased and new data is written. 9 – When [A/V t DV OUT] in the menu settings of your camcorder is set to on. • You may not be able to create a DVD from an 8mm tape if it contains pictures recorded in a format other than Digital8 format. Touch [NO] to finish creating a DVD.
Using the A/V connecting cable (supplied) and an i.LINK cable (optional), you can convert an analog signal output from an analog device such as a VCR to a digital signal and transfer it to a digital device, such as a computer, via your camcorder. Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder — Digital convert function A/V jack i.LINK cable (optional) i.
4 Start playback on the analog video unit. 5 Start capturing procedures on your computer. Regarding operation, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the software or the on-line help. After capturing images and sound, stop capturing procedures on your computer, and stop playback on the analog video unit. After capturing images and sound Stop capturing procedures on your computer, and stop playback on the analog video unit.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, remove the power source and contact your Sony dealer. If “C:ss:ss” is displayed on the LCD screen or the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis display function is activated. See page 132 for details. Overall operations 118 Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The power does not turn on.
Batteries/Power sources Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged. cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the lamp still does not light up, then it indicates that no power is supplied from the wall outlet. • The battery charge is completed. (p. 16) The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem the battery pack is being charged.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. cSet [ REMAINING] to [ON] on the (STANDARD SET) menu to always display the remaining tape indicator. (p. 83) LCD screen/viewfinder Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions An unknown language appears on the cSee page 24. screen. 120 An unknown picture appears on the screen. • The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE].
Recording If you are using a “Memory Stick” for recording, refer also to the “Memory Stick” section. (p. 123) Cause and/or Corrective Actions The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP. cSlide the POWER switch to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. (p. 19) cThe tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette. cSet the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette. (p. 137) cThe tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions END SEARCH does not work correctly. • There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction. The built-in light does not function. cPress LIGHT repeatedly to select . cIf the problem persists, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Playback If you are playing back the pictures stored on a “Memory Stick,” refer also to the “Memory Stick” section. (p.
“Memory Stick” Cause and/or Corrective Actions Cannot operate functions using the “Memory Stick.” cSet the POWER switch to the CAMERA-MEMORY or PLAY/EDIT mode. (p. 19) c Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (p. 23) • The “Memory Stick” was formatted on a personal computer. cFormat it on your camcorder (Note that all recorded data will be deleted). (p. 69) Cannot record on the “Memory Stick.” cRelease the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick.” (p. 138) cThe capacity is full.
Dubbing/Editing Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions Pictures from connected devices are not displayed on the LCD screen or the viewfinder. cSet [DISPLAY] to [LCD PANEL] in the menu. (p. 84) (STANDARD SET) Still pictures cannot be dubbed from a • You cannot record or a distorted picture may be recorded if the tape has tape to a “Memory Stick.” been used repeatedly for recording. Movies cannot be dubbed from a tape • You cannot record or a distorted picture may be recorded in the to a “Memory Stick.
Connecting to a computer Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The computer does not recognize your camcorder. cDisconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again firmly. cDisconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. cDisconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect them again correctly.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The “Memory Stick” icon ([Removable Disk] or [Sony MemoryStick]) does not appear on the computer screen. cSlide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode on your camcorder. cInsert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. cDisconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. cSet [USB-PLY/EDT] to [STD-USB] in the (STANDARD SET) menu. (p.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when using the USB cable. cThe USB driver has been registered incorrectly as the computer was connected to your camcorder before the installation of the USB driver was completed. Follow the procedure below to install the USB driver correctly. For Windows 98*/Windows 98SE/Windows Me * When copying or playing the pictures on a tape using a computer, the operation is not guaranteed on Windows 98.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when using the USB cable. For Windows 2000 Log on as Administrators. 1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer. 2 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties]. The [System Properties] screen appears. 3 4 5 6 Click the [Hardware] tab. Click [Device Manager]. Click [View], then click [Devices by type].
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when using the USB cable. For Windows XP Log on as Administrators. 1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer. 2 Click [Start]. 3 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties]. The [System Properties] screen appears. 4 5 6 7 Click the [Hardware] tab. Click [Device Manager]. Click [View], then click [Devices by type].
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions You cannot copy pictures to the Windows computer. cDisplay pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick” with the following procedures: 1 Double-click [My Computer]. 2 Double-click the icon for the newly recognized drive [Removable Disk (F:)] (For Windows XP, [Sony Memory Stick]). It may take some time until the drive is recognized. If the computer does not recognize it, the USB driver may be installed incorrectly. 3 Double-click the desired image file.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions “First Step Guide” is not displayed correctly. cRefer to “First Step Guide” in PDF. For copying the PDF file, see page 112.
Warning indicators and messages Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators If indicators appear on the screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details. Indication Cause and/or Corrective Actions C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Selfdiagnosis display) Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Indication Cause and/or Corrective Actions (Warning indicator pertaining to “Memory Stick” formatting)* • The “Memory Stick” data is damaged. • The “Memory Stick” is not formatted correctly (p. 69). (Warning indicator pertaining to incompatible “Memory Stick”)* • An incompatible “Memory Stick” is inserted. Q (Warning indicator pertaining to the tape) Slow flashing: • There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape. • No cassette is inserted.
Warning messages If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details. Subjects Indications Corrective Actions/References Battery Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. cSee page 140. Battery level is low. cCharge the battery (p. 16). Old battery. Use a new one. cSee page 140. Moisture condensation Cassette/tape Z Re-attach the power source. – % Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette. cSee page 143. % Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.
Subjects Indications Corrective Actions/References “Memory Stick” Memory Stick folders are full. • You cannot create folders exceeding 999MSDCF. • You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick” (p. 69), or delete them using your computer. Cannot record still images on Memory Stick. – Cannot record Memory Stick movie on a tape. – Check the connected device.
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 AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b]. AC-L15A/L15B [a] [b] On TV color systems Your camcorder is an NTSC system-based camcorder.
Usable cassette tapes You can use standard 8 mm and Hi8 , Digital8 video cassettes on your camcorder. Digital8 system This video system has been developed to enable digital recording to Hi8 /Digital8 video cassette. The recording time when you use your Digital8 system camcorder on Hi8 / standard 8 mm tape is half of the recording time when using the conventional Hi8 / standard 8 mm system camcorder. (120 minutes of recording time becomes 60 minutes in the SP mode.
About the “Memory Stick” The “Memory Stick” is a new light and small recording media which, despite its size, can store more data than a floppy disk. You can use following types of “Memory Stick” on your camcorder. However, appearance on the list does not guarantee the operation of all types of “Memory Stick” on your camcorder.
• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the “Memory Stick.” • Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick.” • Do not let the “Memory Stick” get wet. • Do not insert any objects other than a compliant “Memory Stick” into the “Memory Stick” slot. It may cause a malfunction. On location for use Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick” in the following locations. – Places subject to extremely high temperature, such as a car parked outside in the summer. – Places under direct sunlight.
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the mark. • • TM SERIES What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack? The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithiumion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/charger.
About storage of the battery pack • If the battery pack is not used for a long time, fully charge the battery pack and use it on your camcorder once a year to maintain proper function. To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place. • To discharge the battery pack on your camcorder completely, set [A. SHUT OFF] to (STANDARD SET) [NEVER] on the menu and leave your camcorder in tape recording standby until the power goes off (p. 84).
About i.LINK Baud rate i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according to the device. There are three types. S100 (approx. 100Mbps*) S200 (approx. 200Mbps) S400 (approx. 400Mbps) The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of each piece of device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK interface on some device. The baud rate may differ from the indicated value when the unit is connected to device with a different maximum baud rate.
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside. • When disconnecting the power cord, pull by the plug and not the cord. • Do not damage the power cord such as by placing anything heavy on it. • Keep metal contacts clean. • Keep the Remote Commander and buttontype battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound breaks off. – [x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.] appears on the screen during recording. For DCR-TRV480: When you play back in the Hi8 /standard 8 mm system Dirty video head. Use a cleaning – [x cassette.] appears on the screen during recording. – Playback pictures contain noise. – Playback pictures are hardly visible. – Playback pictures do not appear. LCD screen • Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage.
• To prevent molds periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended you operate your camcorder about once a month to keep it in an optimum state for a long time. Specification Video camera recorder To charge the pre-installed rechargeable battery Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and other settings even when the POWER switch is set to (CHG) OFF.
Focal length 2.5 - 50 mm (1/8 - 2 in.) When converted to a 35 mm still camera In CAMERA-TAPE: 42 - 840 mm (1 11/16 - 33 1/8 in.) In CAMERA-MEMORY: 42 - 840 mm (1 11/16 - 33 1/8 in.) Color temperature Auto Minimum illumination 4 lx (lux) (F 1.6) 0 lx (lux) (during the NightShot plus function)*2 *2 Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can be shot with infrared lighting.
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FM30) Maximum output voltage DC 8.4 V Output voltage DC 7.2 V Capacity 5.0 Wh (700 mAh) Dimensions (approx.) 38.2 × 20.5 × 55.6 mm (1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) Mass (approx.) 65 g (2.
Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls Camcorder A EASY button (p. 14, 35, 54) N Battery pack (p. 16) B DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (p. 17) O “Memory Stick” slot (p. 23) C Lens cap (p. 26, 32) P BACK LIGHT button (p. 37) The BACK LIGHT button is not available during Easy Handycam operation. (z mark on the camcorder) D Speaker E LCD/Touch panel screen (p. 3, 20) F OPEN button (p. 20) G REC START/STOP button on LCD frame (p. 26) H Zoom buttons on LCD frame (p.
A Power zoom lever (p. 29) F POWER switch (p. 19) B BATT (battery) release button (p. 17) G Grip belt (p. 4) C Hooks for shoulder strap H REC START/STOP button (p. 26) D PHOTO button (p. 32) I DC IN jack (p. 16) E CAMERA-TAPE, CAMERAMEMORY, PLAY/EDIT mode lamps (p. 19) To attach the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
A A/V (audio/video) jack (p. 59, 89) F Lens B G Built-in light (p. 29) C DV Interface (p. 89, 141) D Jack cover H Remote sensor/Infrared ray emitter (p. 96) E NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (p. 39) I Camera recording lamp (p. 26) (USB) jack J Microphone A Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 20) B Eyecup C Cassette compartment (p. 22) D OPEN/ EJECT lever (p. 22) E Tripod receptacle Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).
Remote Commander Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander. To remove the insulation sheet Insulation sheet To change the button-type battery 1 While pressing on the tab, inset your fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery case. Tab A PHOTO button (p. 32) B Memory control buttons (Index*, –/+, Memory playback) (p. 52) C SEARCH M. button* (p. 60) 2 Remove the button-type lithium battery. D ./> buttons* (p.
WARNING Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. b Notes on the Remote Commander • A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used in the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries other than CR2025.
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder Following indicators will appear on the LCD screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of your camcorder. Indicators vary depending on your camcorder model. Indicators Outputting analog images and sound in digital format (p. 82) Example: Indicators in the CAMERA-TAPE mode DV input (p. 91) Zero set memory (p. 60) Time code (p. 27)/Tape counter (p. 27)/ Self-diagnosis (p. 132)/Picture number (p. 53) 60min STBY Meanings NightShot plus (p.
Index Numeric 16:9 WIDE mode .............. 66 D BACK LIGHT (camera).... 37 Battery Battery Info................. 17 Battery pack................ 16 Remaining battery time .............. 27, 140 BEEP ........................... 20, 84 BLACK FADER ............... 42 Built-in light ...................... 29 BURN DVD ...................... 76 BURN VCD ...................... 76 Button-type battery Remote Commander........ 151 Data code (DATA CODE) .....57, 83 Date search.........................60 Date/time.
LCD brightness (LCD BRIGHT) ..........20 LCD COLOR .....................81 LCD screen ..........................4 LCD SET ...........................81 LP (Long Play) See Recording mode (REC MODE) Luminance key (LUMI. KEY)..............44 M N NEW FOLDER ..................70 REMOTE CTRL ........ 83 Remote sensor................. 150 RESET ............................ 148 Review ........................ 26, 32 O S OLD MOVIE..................... 44 On-line help .....
V Video head ...................... 143 Viewfinder......................... 20 Volume (VOLUME) ... 49, 52 W Warning indicators .......... 132 Warning messages........... 132 WHITE FADER................ 42 Wide angle See Zoom Windows ................. 107, 108 WIPE ................................. 43 WORLD TIME ................. 85 Write-protect tab ..... 137, 138 Z Zero set memory ............... 60 Zoom .................................
