Recording a picture

Note on the recording format

Your camcorder records and plays back both in the DVCAM format and in the DV format SP mode. Select the format in the menu settings.

Note on the LOCK switch

When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK switch is set to the right as a default setting. We recommend that you set the LOCK switch to the left when you record on a cassette.

Note on the progressive mode

If you intend to use the images on your PC or play the images back as still images, we recommend that you set PROG. SCAN to ON in the menu settings before shooting (p. 104). The picture quality may improve in this mode, but if you shoot a moving subject, the image may shake when it is played back.

To enable smooth transition

Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. When you use a tape with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the end search function (p. 25).

However, check the following:

•When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

•Do not mix recordings in the DVCAM format and the DV format on one tape.

The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between scenes when you change the recording format.

If you leave your camcorder in standby mode for five minutes

The head drum of the camcorder automatically stops rotating. This is to prevent the tape wear and save the battery power. To re-start recording, press the START/STOP button. It may take more time to start recording. This is not a malfunction.

Usable cassettes

You can record both on mini DVCAM cassettes and on mini DV cassettes using your camcorder. When you use a mini DV cassette, set REC MODE to DV SP in the menu settings. You can record on a tape 1.5 times longer than the DVCAM format. When you want to record in the DV format or to make longer recording, use the mini DV cassette.

Notes

•If you record in the DV format, the transition of a tape may not be smooth. We recommend that you use mini DVCAM cassettes and set REC MODE to DVCAM in the menu settings to obtain reliable clear pictures.

•You cannot record on a tape in LP mode in the DV format.

If you use a mini DV cassette without setting REC MODE to DV SP

The recordable time is 2/3 time that indicated on the cassette.

Cassettes that can be played back with your camcorder

You can play back both cassettes recorded in the DVCAM format or in the DV format, however, you cannot play back cassettes that recorded in LP mode in the DV format.

Basics – Recording

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