Page
Welcome
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture
Notice
For customers in the U.S.A
and CANADA
Declaration of Conformity
Note:
Recording moving pictures or still images, and playing them back
Capturing images on the computer
Main Features
Other uses
Functions for adjusting exposure during recording
•Recording images with the flash (p. 124)
Functions for giving images more impact
Main Features
Quick Start Guide
Getting Started
Recording – Basics
Playback – Basics
Table of Contents
“Memory Stick” Operations
Viewing Images with your
Computer
Customizing your Camcorder
Connecting the power cord
Inserting the cassette
Recording a picture on the tape (p. 28)
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 42)
Inserting a “Memory Stick”
Recording still images on the “Memory Stick” (p. 120)
Monitoring a still image on the LCD screen (p. 144)
PLAY
— Getting Started —
Note on Cassette Memory
Note on TV color systems
Copyright precautions
Note on connecting other equipment
Using this manual
Precautions on camcorder care
Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only)
The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely
[d]
1AC-L15A/L15BAC Adaptor, Power cord (p. 16)
2NP-FM30rechargeable battery pack* (p. 15)
3A/V connecting cable (p. 47)
Wireless Remote Commander
5“Memory Stick” (p. 112)
Installing the battery pack
(1)
(2)
To remove the battery pack
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Charging the battery pack
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series)
(3)
(4)
Notes
When you use the AC Adaptor
PRECAUTION
Charging time
Recording time
Recording with the
Recording with the LCD screen
viewfinder
Backlighting on
Checking status of the battery pack – Battery Info
During charging
Fully charged
Battery Info
While the remaining battery time is being calculated
Using your camcorder on house current
Connecting to a wall outlet
Using as a grip belt
Using the grip belt as a wrist strap
Step 2 Adjusting the grip belt
about 3 months
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Step 3 Setting the date and time
To return to FN (Function)
Note on the time indicator
DISPLAY/BATT INFO
To return to FN
To execute settings
Step 4 Using the touch panel
To cancel settings
To make screen indicators disappear
Operation buttons on each display
When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA
When executing each item
If any items are not available
When using the viewfinder
— Recording – Basics —
3 LOCK switch
Camera recording lamp
Recording a picture
Note on recording mode
1.5 times
To enable smooth transition
During recording
Indicators displayed during recording
1Remaining battery time
2Cassette Memory
3Recording mode
4STBY/REC
Remaining battery time indicator during recording
Recording data
After recording
Adjusting the LCD screen
When monitoring on the LCD screen
Shooting with the mirror mode
Pull out the viewfinder and rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees
Picture in the mirror mode
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen
Adjusting the LCD screen backlight
LCD screen backlight
Adjusting the viewfinder
Viewfinder backlight
Even if you adjust VF B.L
Shooting using the viewfinder is recommended when:
Using the zoom feature
To use zoom greater than 10⋅
When you shoot close to a subject
Shooting backlit subjects – Back light function
BACK LIGHT
To cancel the back light function
When shooting backlit subjects
Shooting in the dark
–NightShot/Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter
Using NightShot
Infrared rays (NightShot Light) emitter
To cancel NightShot
To cancel Super NightShot
Using the NightShot Light
Using Color Slow Shutter
To cancel Color Slow Shutter
While using NightShot, you cannot use the following functions:
While using Super NightShot or Color Slow Shutter
While using Super NightShot, you cannot use the following functions:
NightShot Light
While using Color Slow Shutter, you cannot use the following functions:
End search
To cancel end search
End search
Checking recordings – End search/Edit search/Rec Review
If the tape has a blank portion between recorded portions
Edit search
Rec Review
(3) Press
to rewind the tape
(4) Press
to start playback
Playing back a tape
To stop playback
To rewind the tape
To fastforward the tape
To view a still image (playback pause)
To display date/time and various settings
(Data code)
Date/time
[e] Gain
[f]
Various playback modes
Using the touch panel
To change the playback direction
To locate a scene while monitoring the picture (picture search)
To view the picture at slow speed (slow playback)
In the various playback modes
When you play back the tape in reverse
Slow playback
If your TV is already connected to the VCR
Viewing a recording on TV
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
If the equipment to be connected has an S video jack
To display the screen indicators on TV
— Advanced Recording Operations —
During tape recording standby
During tape recording
Press PHOTO deeper
Still images
Recording with the flash
When you press PHOTO on the Remote Commander
PHOTO
START/STOP
Recording moving pictures on a tape
Recording still images on a “Memory Stick” during recording
standby
To stop the countdown for recording on a tape
To cancel the self-timer
HOLD:
OUTDOOR ( ):
INDOOR (n):
To return to the automatic white balance
Adjusting the white balance manually
If the picture is being taken in a studio lit by TV lighting
If you record under fluorescent lighting
If you did the following in the AUTO mode:
If you did the following in the HOLD mode:
[a]
[d]
To cancel the wide mode
Using the wide mode
Pictures on a TV screen
ID-1system
ID-2system
In the wide mode
[a] STBY
NORM. FADER (normal)
MOSC. FADER (mosaic)
BOUNCE*1) *2)
OVERLAP*2)
Using the fader function
(1) When fading in [a]
When fading out [b]
To cancel the fader function
When you select OVERLAP, WIPE or DOT during recording
During BOUNCE is on, you cannot use the following functions:
Note on the BOUNCE mode
NEG. ART [a]:
SEPIA:
To cancel picture effect
SLOW SHTR (slow shutter)
OLD MOVIE
FLASH (flash motion)
LUMI. (luminance key)
TRAIL
Using special effects – Digital effect
(1) Press FN, then select PAGE2
(2) Press DIG EFFT. The screen to select a digital effect is displayed
(5) Press
OK to return to PAGE2
To cancel digital effect
Shutter speed
When recording in the SLOW SHTR mode
SPOTLIGHT*1)
PORTRAIT (soft portrait)
SPORTS (sports lesson)*1)
BEACH&SKI*1)
SUNSETMOON (sunset & moon)*2)
Using PROGRAM AE
To cancel PROGRAM AE
To return to the automatic exposure
Page
FOCUS
Focus ring
To return to the autofocus mode
Focusing manually
To focus precisely
When you shoot close to the subject
9changes as follows:
Focal distance information
To return to the autofocus
Example
Interval Recording
(10)
(11)
(12)
To cancel Interval Recording
To cancel frame recording
When using frame recording
Page
Using the viewfinder
To make the buttons on the LCD screen disappear
To operate items that do not appear
Available recording time
— Advanced Playback Operations —
Pictures processed by picture effect
Pictures processed by digital effect
To cancel tape PB ZOOM
Enlarging images recorded on tape – Tape PB ZOOM
Images enlarged by tape PB ZOOM
During tape PB ZOOM
Edge of the image
ZERO SET MEMORYDISPLAY
If the tape has a blank portion in the recorded sections
Before operation
To cancel searching
To superimpose a title
Searching for the date by using Cassette Memory
Searching for a recording by date – Date search
Searching for the date without using Cassette Memory
— Editing —
Connecting
With the A/V connecting cable
You can edit on VCRs that support the following systems
When using the A/V connecting cable
Dubbing a tape
With the i.LINK cable
About i.LINK
Pictures processed by picture effect, digital effect or PB ZOOM
When using the i.LINK cable
Dubbing
When you have finished dubbing the tape
If you record a paused playback picture
Step
Using Digital program editing on the tape recorded on other equipment
Operation
Step 1: Connecting to the VCR
Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editing (on tape)
Step 2: Setting the VCR to operate
(13)
Infrared rays emitter
Remote sensor
(14) Insert a recordable tape into the VCR, then set the VCR to record pause
(15) Select IR TEST, then press EXEC
(16) Select EXECUTE, then press EXEC
Set CONTROL to IR in the menu settings of your camcorder
About the IR SETUP code
Brand
IR SETUP code
Note on the IR SETUP code
When the VCR does not operate correctly
Step 3: Adjusting the synchronization of the VCR
Page
Operation 1: Making a Program
To finish making programs
On a blank portion of the tape
To erase the program you have set
To cancel erasing
To erase all programs
Operation 2: Performing Digital program editing (Dubbing the
tape)
To cancel dubbing during editing
To end Digital program editing
When the program has not been set
Connecting a VCR or TV
Recording video or TV programs
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
Selecting a video jack
To finish dubbing
[A]
[b][c]
[B]
[C]
Inserting a scene from a VCR – Insert editing
To change the insert end point
To insert a scene without setting the insert end point
Preparing for audio dubbing
Dubbing with the built-inmicrophone
Connecting the microphone (optional) to the MIC jack
MIC (PLUG IN
POWER)
Audio dubbing
Connecting the microphone (optional) to the intelligent accessory shoe
Connecting the A/V connecting cable to the AUDIO/VIDEO jack
Adding audio to a recorded tape
To add new sound to previously recorded sections more precisely
Monitoring the new recorded sound
VACATION
Superimposing a title on a cassette with Cassette Memory
To use the custom title
The titles superimposed with your camcorder
To not display title
Title setting
Erasing a title
To cancel erasing
To change the title you have stored
To erase the character
To enter a space
To erase the label you have made
To change the label you have made
If you have superimposed titles in the cassette
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— “Memory Stick” Operations —
Recording/Playback
File format for still images: Exif *4) Ver.2.2
Still image (JPEG)
Moving picture (MPEG)
Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction
To prevent accidental erasure of images
Rear side of the “Memory Stick”
Notes on the “Memory Stick”
On handling
On “Memory Stick Duo” (optional)
On “Memory Stick PRO”
A “Memory Stick” formatted by a computer
Notes on image data compatibility
Inserting the “Memory Stick”
Removing the “Memory Stick”
If “MEMORY STICK ERROR” appears
Selecting still image quality
Image quality settings
Setting
Meaning
Selecting image quality and size
Selecting the still image size
Memory capacity of still images
1152 ⋅ 864 image size
Image quality
Selecting the moving picture size
Approximate number of still images and time of moving pictures
recordable on a “Memory Stick”
Still images
FINE
STANDARD
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Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick”
–Memory photo recording
When you press PHOTO lightly in step
If you record still images when the POWER switch is set to MEMORY
Recording images continuously
NORMAL [a] ( )
EXP BRKTG [b] ( )
The number of still images in continuous shooting
During continuous recording of images
When shooting with the self-timeror the Remote Commander
If remaining capacity on the “Memory Stick” is less than for 3 images
The effect of EXP BRKTG
Recording images with the flash
Flash lamp
(flash) button
t t
During recording images continuously
Sound recorded on the tape
Recording date/time
Recording an image from a tape as a still image
Recording a still image from other equipment
M. CHROM (Memory Chroma key)
M. LUMI (Memory Luminance key)
C. CHROM (Camera Chroma key)
M. OVERLAP (Memory Overlap)
M. CHROM
Superimposing a still image in a “Memory Stick” on an image
–MEMORY MIX
Sample images
Image data modified on a computer or recorded with other equipment
Recording a superimposed image to the tape
To change the still image to be superimposed
To cancel MEMORY MIX
When you select M. OVERLAP
Recording a superimposed image to the “Memory Stick” as a still
image
To cancel Interval Photo Recording
Press START/STOP
Recording a moving picture on a “Memory Stick”
–MPEG MOVIE recording
When using an external flash (optional)
Recording still images
Recording moving pictures
To stop the countdown for recording moving picture
When self-timerrecording is finished
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Recording a picture from a tape as a moving picture
Titles
If the “ AUDIO ERROR” indicator appears
Data code recorded on the tape
Recording a moving picture from other equipment
Making the program
Recording edited pictures from a tape as a moving picture
–Digital program editing (on a “Memory Stick”)
If there is a blank portion between IN and OUT on the tape
While making a program
Performing the program (Dubbing onto a “Memory Stick”)
Dubbing cannot be carried out in the following cases:
When the available recording time of the “Memory Stick” is not enough
When the program has not been set
Creating a new folder
To cancel creating a new folder
Changing the recording folder
Selecting the recording folder
To stop memory photo playback
When no file is in the folder
Viewing a still image – Memory photo playback
Screen indicators during still image playback
Notes on the file name
When the “Memory Stick” contains multiple folders
Playing back 6 recorded images at a time (index screen)
Press INDEX to display the index screen
To return to the normal playback screen (single screen)
To stop MPEG MOVIE playback
Viewing a moving picture – MPEG MOVIE playback
Playing back a picture from a particular segment
Screen indicators during moving picture playback
Current playback folder
To cancel memory PB ZOOM
Enlarging a still image recorded on a “Memory Stick”
–Memory PB ZOOM
During memory PB ZOOM
Moving pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick”
sss
To cancel slide show
To pause slide show
To start slide show from a particular image
-MARK
Deleting selected images
DELETE
To cancel deleting an image
DEL
Deleting all the images
To cancel deleting all the images in the “Memory Stick”
While the DELETING indicator is displayed
Even if all images are deleted
MARK
To change still images
Memory capacity when resizing
Image size
— Viewing Images with your Computer —
Camcorder
Computer
Connection
Environment
Viewing images with a computer – Introduction
When connecting to a computer with the DV port
Capturing images with “ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony”
Viewing images recorded on the “Memory Stick”
When connecting to a computer without the USB port
Notes on using your computer
Software
Communications with your computer
install a USB driver
System requirements when connecting with the USB cable and
viewing tape pictures on a computer
OS:
CPU:
Connecting your camcorder to a computer using the USB cable (For Windows users)
System requirements when connecting with USB cable and
viewing the “Memory Stick” images on a computer
Installing the USB driver
Start the following operation without connecting the USB cable to the computer
Page
Installing Image Transfer
Installing ImageMixer
(7) Windows 2000 and Windows XP only:
MEMORY MIX Album
Replacing WinASPI
Making the computer recognize your camcorder
For Windows 2000 and Windows XP users
If you cannot install the USB driver
Step 1: Uninstall the incorrect USB driver
Windows XP:
Windows 2000:
Windows 98SE/Windows Me:
Windows 98SE
Windows
Windows XP
Step 2: Install the USB driver on the supplied CD-ROM
Other OS:
Page
Viewing pictures recorded on a tape on a computer
–USB Streaming (For Windows users)
Viewing pictures live from your camcorder
Capturing still images
Capturing moving pictures
To close “ImageMixer”
If image data cannot be transferred by the USB connection
If any trouble occurs
Carry out the following operations after quitting the application:
Making Video CDs – Easy Video CD
Capturing images recorded on a tape onto a CD-R
Capturing images live from your camcorder onto a CD-R
Playing back Video CDs
Created Video CDs
Seeing the on-linehelp (operating instructions) of ImageMixer
To close on-linehelp
If you have any questions about ImageMixer
Page
Viewing images recorded on a “Memory Stick” on a computer (For Windows users)
Viewing images without Image Transfer
Image file storage destinations and image files
ssss
Example: For Windows Me users
(The drive recognizing your camcorder is [F:].)
Folder
When connecting to a computer with the USB cable
System requirements
For Mac OS 8.5.1/8.6/9.0 users
For Mac OS 9.1/9.2/Mac OS X (v10.0/v10.1/v10.2)
Viewing images
For Mac OS X (v10.0) users
Page
Capturing images from an analog video unit on a computer
–Signal convert function
After capturing images and sound
If the computer has a USB port
Page
Copying images to DVD with VAIO
Completion screen
To cancel creating a DVD
To exit the DVD creating function
If you use a DVD-RWthat already has data stored
— Customizing your Camcorder —
MENU
Changing the menu settings
Menu items are displayed as the following icons:
MANUAL SET
CAMERA SET
VCR SET
Notes on SteadyShot
•SteadyShot may not correct excessive camera-shake
If you cancel SteadyShot
(continued on the following page)
ST1
ST2
Low intensity
High intensity
Notes on LCD B.L. and VF B.L
When you select image quality
*The folder name is displayed in the sss
Notes on formatting
•Do not do any of the following while the FORMATTING indicator appears:
–Turn the POWER switch to another position
–Operate buttons
Page
Notes on the LP mode
Notes on AUDIO MODE
Notes on DEMO MODE
When recording a close subject
After 5 minutes of removing the power source
Other menu items are held in memory even when the power source is removed
— Troubleshooting —
During recording
Symptom
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
• The smear phenomenon is occurring. This is not a
malfunction
green appear on the screen.activated. This is not a malfunction
CAMERA or DEMO MODE is set to ON in the menu
During playback
During recording and playback
cInstall a charged battery pack (p. 15, 16)
•The AC Adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet
cConnect the AC Adaptor to a wall outlet (p. 16)
•You have not recorded on the new cassette yet (p. 40)
When operating using the “Memory Stick”
Page
Others
c Set it correctly (p. 194)
• Moisture condensation has occurred
• Some troubles have occurred in your camcorder
c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate
your camcorder
LCD screen or Viewfinder
Self-diagnosisdisplay
5-digitdisplay
101-0001 Warning indicator as to file
C:21:00 Self-diagnosisdisplay (p. 209)
EThe battery pack is dead or nearly dead
%Moisture condensation has occurred* Fast flashing:
Warning indicator for Cassette
Page
Warning messages
— Additional Information —
Selecting cassette types
mark on the cassette
Usable cassettes
Copyright signal
When you play back
When you record
Audio mode
Notes on the cassette
To prevent accidental erasure
When affixing a label on the cassette
After using the cassette
When the Cassette Memory function does not work
What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
Effective use of the battery pack
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
Remaining battery time indicator
How to store the battery pack
Battery life
Disposal of the battery pack
What is i.LINK
About the name “i.LINK”
i.LINK baud rate
*What is Mbps
About i.LINK
i.LINK functions on this unit
Required i.LINK cable
Using your camcorder abroad
[a][b]
NTSC system
PAL system
PAL-Msystem
Moisture condensation
If moisture condensation has occurred
Note on moisture condensation
How to prevent moisture condensation
Maintenance information and precautions
Maintenance information
Cleaning the video head
Note on the video head
Cleaning the LCD screen
Removing dust from inside the viewfinder
Caution
Charging the built-inrechargeable battery
Charging the built-inrechargeable battery
Adjusting the LCD screen (CALIBRATION)
Precautions
Camcorder operation
On handling a tape
Camcorder care
AC Adaptor
About care and storage of the lens
Rechargeable battery pack
Notes on the button type lithium battery
If the battery is leaking
Video camera
recorder
Specifications
AC-L15A/L15B
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM30
Camcorder
Identifying parts and controls
qd RESET button (p. 208)
qf Speaker
qg Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 34)
qk Cassette lid (p. 8)
wf Remote sensor
wg Infrared rays (NightShot Light) emitter (p. 37, 89)
wh Camera recording lamp (p. 28)
DV Interface
Note on the Carl Zeiss lens
ea Microphone (p. 28)
ed Intelligent accessory shoe (p. 103)
ef DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (p. 19, 43)
eg BACK LIGHT button (p. 36)
Notes on the intelligent accessory shoe
eh NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 37)
AUDIO/VIDEO jack
el (LANC) jack (blue)
r; Grip belt (p. 8, 21)
ra Power zoom lever (p. 35, 78)
6q;
2Memory Control buttons (p. 144)
3SEARCH M. button (p. 81, 82)
buttons
5Video control buttons (p. 46)
Replacing the button type lithium battery
WARNING
Notes on the Remote Commander
Operation indicators
LCD screen and Viewfinder
1Cassette Memory (p. 12, 213)
2 Remaining battery time (p. 30)
3Zoom (p. 35)/Exposure (p. 66)/ Data file name (p. 145)
A, B
C, D
F, G, H
I, J, K, L
M, N
A/V connecting cable (supplied)
VIDEO
AUDIO
DV Interface
: Signal flow