Important Notes On Operation; Phenomena Specific To Ccd Image Sensors - Sony HDC-X300 Operation Manual

Important Notes on
Operation
Do not subject the unit to excessive shock
Bumping or dropping the unit will damage it.
Operation and storage
Avoid storing or operating the unit in the following
conditions.
• In excessive heat or cold (operating temperature range:
-10ºC to +45ºC (14ºF to 113ºF), storage temperature
range: -20ºC to +60ºC (-4ºF to +140°F)
• In damp or dusty locations
• Locations where the unit may be exposed to rain
• Locations subject to severe vibration
• Locations near strong electromagnetic fields
Connection with peripheral equipment
Before attaching/detaching peripheral equipment to/from
the camera, be sure to turn off the camera.
Otherwise, the camera may not function properly.
Care of the unit
• Remove dust and dirt from the surfaces of the lenses or
optical filters, using a blower.
• If the body of the camera is dirty, clean it with a soft, dry
cloth.
• In extreme cases, use a cloth slightly dampened with
diluted natural detergent, then wipe dry.
• Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol or thinner, as
these may cause discoloration or other damage to the
finish of the unit.
In the event of operating problems
If you should experience problems with the unit, contact
your supplier or Sony service representative.
Notes on the lens (supplied with the HDC-
X300K/X310K)
• This lens is not water-tight. Apply sufficient measures to
shield the lens from water droplets, snowflakes, etc.
• If you attach or remove the lens in a damp or dusty
location, take sufficient care e.g. by shielding the lens
mount opening so that dust will not enter the inside of the
product.
• If there is a rapid change in ambient temperature, the
inside of the lens may become fogged, making shooting
impossible for a certain period of time. To avoid such
trouble, take sufficient fogproofing measures.
• Fingerprints or stains on the surface must be removed
using a soft, clean cotton cloth lightly moistened with
commercially available lens cleaner or lens paper (such
as a Silbon sheet). Wipe in a spiral pattern from the
center outward.
• While the period may depend on the conditions,
frequency, and circumstances of usage, periodic
inspection at least once a year is recommended. When
necessary, ask service personnel for overhaul of the unit.
• If the unit becomes moistened with mist or droplets,
immediately wipe with a dry cloth. Then seal up the unit
in a plastic bag with a desiccating agent (one fresh as
possible) to completely remove the moisture inside the
unit.
Phenomena specific to CCD image
sensors
The following phenomena that may appear in images are
specific to CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensors.
They do not indicate malfunctions.
White flecks
Although the CCD image sensors are produced with high-
precision technologies, fine white flecks may be generated
on the screen in rare cases, caused by cosmic rays, etc.
This is related to the principle of CCD image sensors and
is not a malfunction.
The white flecks especially tend to be seen in the following
cases:
• when operating at a high environmental temperature
• when you have raised the master gain (sensitivity)
• when operating in Slow-Shutter mode
This product has a compensation function and the
phenomenon may be improved by performing automatic
adjustment of the black balance (see page 15).
Vertical smear
When an extremely bright object, such as a strong spotlight
or flashlight, is being shot, vertical tails may be produced
on the screen.
Aliasing
When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they may
appear jagged or flicker.
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Important Notes on Operation