Camera recording
To focus the viewfinder lens
If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used the camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
Note on Standby mode
If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted, the camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, while pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to OFF once, and then to CAMERA. To start recording, press START/STOP.
Note on Recording mode
This camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu system. In LP mode, you can record 1.5 times as long as in SP mode.
Notes on LP mode
•We recommend to use this camcorder to play back a tape recorded on this camcorder. If a tape recorded on other camcorder is played back on this camcorder, or vice versa, mosaic- pattern noise may appear.
•When you record in SP and LP modes on one tape or you record some scenes in LP mode, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between scenes.
•When you record in LP mode, we recommend you to use a Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassette so that you can get the most out of your camcorder.
•You cannot make audio dubbing on a tape recorded in LP mode. Use the SP mode for the tape to be audio dubbed.
Notes on the time code
•The time code indicates the recording or playback time, “0:00:00” (hours : minutes :
seconds) in CAMERA mode and “0:00:00:00” (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) in VTR mode.
•Be sure not to make a blank portion when recording, because the time code will start from “0:00:00:00” again.
•This camcorder uses the drop frame mode.
Note on the beep sound
As indicated with 
in the illustrations, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you start recording, and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder.
Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select OFF in the menu system.
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