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Sony HVR-Z7E/Z7P Operating Manual

Digital hd video camera recorder
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Enlarged version
http://www.sony.net/
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper
using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)
-free vegetable oil based ink.
Printed in Japan
Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference
HVR-Z7E/Z7P
© 2008 Sony Corporation
3-280-848-11(1)

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Summary of Contents for Sony HVR-Z7E/Z7P

  • Page 1 VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) -free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference HVR-Z7E/Z7P © 2008 Sony Corporation 3-280-848-11(1)

  • Page 2: Read This First

    Types of cassette you can use in your camcorder Your camcorder is capable of recording in HDV, DVCAM and DV formats. When recording in HDV/DV format, Sony recommends that you use mini DV cassettes. When recording in DVCAM format, Sony recommends that you use mini DVCAM cassettes.
  • Page 3 Using the camcorder • Do not hold the camcorder by the following part. Lens hood LCD panel Viewfinder Microphone or Microphone holder Accessory shoe Memory recording adaptor unit b Notes • The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. See “About handling of your camcorder”...
  • Page 4 About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Read this first ...2 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ...8 Step 2: Attaching the supplied items ...10 Step 3: Charging the battery pack ...14 Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly ...17 Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...18 Step 6: Setting the date and time ...20 Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 6 Table of Contents (Continued) Playing the picture on a TV ... 57 Using the Menu Using the menu items ... 64 Menu items ... 66 (CAMERA SET) menu ... 69 Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/ BACK LIGHT/STEADYSHOT, etc.) (AUDIO SET) menu ...
  • Page 7 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...115 Maintenance and precautions ...116 HDV format and recording/playback ... 116 Compatibility of the DVCAM/DV formats... 117 About the “Memory Stick” ... 119 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 120 About i.LINK... 121 About x.v.Color ... 122 About handling of your camcorder ...

  • Page 8: Getting Started

    (p. 14) Large eyecup (1) (p. 19) Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 12) This lens hood is pre-mounted. Wind Screen (1), Microphone (ECM-XM1) (1) (p. 12) Accessory shoe adaptor (1) (p. 131) Accessory shoe kit (Accessory shoe (1), Accessory shoe plate (1), screws (4)) (p.
  • Page 9 Connecting cord (DK-415) (1) (p. 16) Test chart for flange focal length adjustment (1) (p. 10) CD-ROM “Manuals for Digital HD Video Camera Recorder” (1) Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

  • Page 10: Step 2: Attaching The Supplied Items

    Remote Commander to record when using a lens that does not have a lens cable. z Tips • When you attach a non-Carl Zeiss lens, Sony recommends that you adjust the black balance with the iris closed before recording. (p. 33)
  • Page 11 MANUAL SERVO ZOOM Adjusting the flange focal length automatically filter B to 1 to adjust 1 Set the brightness so that the proper video light level is obtained. 2 Place the flange focal length adjustment test chart A about 2-3 meters (7-10 feet) away.
  • Page 12 INPUT2 INPUT1 LINE LINE Attach the wind screen B to the supplied microphone A. Place the microphone A in the microphone holder C with the model name facing upward, close the cover, and shut the clamp. Connect the plug of the...
  • Page 13 pressing the PUSH (lens hood release) button. z Tips • If you attach or remove a 72mm (2 7/8 in.) PL filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood with lens cover. To open or close the shutter of the Lens hood with lens cover Move the lens cover lever up or down to open or close the lens cover.

  • Page 14: Step 3: Charging The Battery Pack

    Step 3: Charging the battery pack You can charge the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (L series) with the supplied AC Adaptor/Charger. b Notes • You cannot use batteries other than the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) (p. 120). Charge lamp Set the mode change switch to CHARGE.
  • Page 15 To remove the battery pack Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Push the BATT RELEASE (battery release) button and remove the battery pack. BATT RELEASE (battery release) button To store the battery pack If the battery pack will not be used for a while, run down the battery and store it.
  • Page 16 – The battery pack is damaged. – The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery Info only). • Sony recommends that you use an NP-F970 battery pack when you use your camcorder with the Memory Recording Unit or a video light (optional).

  • Page 17: Step 4: Turning The Power On And Holding Your Camcorder Properly

    Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly To record or play back, set the POWER switch to the respective positions. When you use your camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 20). POWER switch Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR while you press...

  • Page 18: Step 5: Adjusting The Lcd Panel And Viewfinder

    Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 180 degrees (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play back (2). 1Open 180 degrees. 290 degrees (max.) 2180 degrees (max.) TC/U-BIT DATA CODE DISPLAY/BATT INFO button z Tips...
  • Page 19 When the picture in the viewfinder is hard to see If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circumstances, use the supplied large eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch it slightly and align it with the eyecup groove in the viewfinder.

  • Page 20: Step 6: Setting The Date And Time

    Step 6: Setting the date and time Set the date and time when using your camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch positions.
  • Page 21 z Tips • The date and time are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during playback (DATA CODE button, p. 53). Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Select the screen language in [LANGUAGE] (p.

  • Page 22: Step 7: Inserting A Tape Or A "Memory Stick Duo

    Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” Cassette tape See page 116 for details on tapes including which tapes can be used and how to protect from overwriting tapes. Slide and hold the EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.
  • Page 23 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo slot in the right direction until it clicks. Access lamp b Notes • If you insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick Duo,” the Memory Stick Duo slot, or image data may be damaged.

  • Page 24: Recording/Playback

    Recording/Playback Recording REC START/ STOP button B Recording lamp Your camcorder records movies on tape and still images on “Memory Stick Duo.” Do the following steps to record movies. • This camcorder can record movies in HDV or DVCAM (DV) format. The factory setting is HDV format ([REC FORMAT] p.
  • Page 25 Press the REC START/STOP button A (or B). The recording lamp lights up during recording. To stop the movie recording, press the REC START/STOP button again. z Tips • When recording in HDV format, the aspect ratio is fixed to 16:9. When recording in DVCAM (DV) format, you can switch the aspect ratio to 4:3 ([DV WIDE REC] p.
  • Page 26 4300 6300 8500 12500 17000 b Notes • Specifications are for Sony “Memory Stick Duo.” The actual number of recordable pictures can vary depending on the recording environment and the type of “Memory Stick Duo.” z Tips • Image sizes of still images are as follows: –...

  • Page 27: Changing The Settings Of Your Camcorder Recordings

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings Adjusting the zoom Using the zoom lever Set the ZOOM switch E to SERVO. Move the power zoom lever D slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Wide view: (Wide angle) Close view: (Telephoto) z Tips •...

  • Page 28: Adjusting The Focus Manually

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) Adjusting the focus manually ZEBRA AE SHIFT REC REVIEW ASSIGN AUDIO LEVEL Mode B Mode A Focus ring You can adjust the focus manually for different recording conditions. Use this function in the following cases. –...
  • Page 29 adjustment, set the focus ring to mode B. You cannot use the automatic adjustment functions in mode A. Using automatic focus temporarily (One push auto focus) You can use this function only in mode B. Do steps 1 and 2 of “Adjusting focus manually in mode B”...

  • Page 30: Adjusting The Exposure

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) Adjusting the exposure GAIN WHT BAL PRESET Adjusting the iris You can manually adjust the iris to control the volume of the light entering the lens. By adjusting the iris, you can change or close the aperture of the lens, which is expressed as an F value between F1.6 and F11.
  • Page 31 z Tips • While recording a bright subject, diffraction may occur if you close the aperture further down, resulting in a fuzzy focus (this is a common phenomenon with video cameras). The ND filter D suppresses this phenomenon and gives better recording results. Adjusting the gain You can adjust the gain manually when you do not want to use the AGC (automatic gain...

  • Page 32: Adjusting To Natural Color (White Balance)

    Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) Adjusting to natural color (White balance) SHUTTER GAIN WHT BAL SPEED PRESET You can adjust and fix the white balance according to the lighting conditions of recording environment. You can store white balance values in memory A ( memory B ( B), respectively.

  • Page 33: Adjusting The Black Balance

    the dial to set the temperature. You can also set the color temperature from the menu ([WB TEMP SET] p. 70). To save the adjusted white balance value in memory A or B 1 Set the white balance memory switch to A) or B ( B) in step 3 of “Adjusting to natural color (White...
  • Page 34 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) You can customize the picture quality by adjusting picture profile items such as [GAMMA] and [DETAIL]. Connect your camcorder to a TV or monitor, and adjust the picture quality while observing the picture on the TV or monitor screen.
  • Page 35 BLACK LEVEL To set the black level. Item Description and settings [MASTER BLACK] Sets the master black level. -15 to +15 [BLACK R] Sets the black level of Rch. [MASTER BLACK] + [BLACK R] is the black level of Rch. -15 to +15 [BLACK G] Sets the black level of Gch.
  • Page 36 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) KNEE To set knee point and slope for video signal compression to reduce over-highlighting by limiting signals in high contrast area of the subject to the dynamic range of your camcorder. Item [MODE] [AUTO SET] [MANUAL SET]...
  • Page 37 COLOR DEPTH To set the color depth for each color phase. This function is more effective for deep colors and less effective for light colors. The color looks deeper as you decrease the setting value to more negative side, and lighter as you increase the value to more positive side.
  • Page 38 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) COLOR CORRCT (Continued) Item [MEM1 COLOR] [MEM1 REVISN] [MEM2 COLOR] [MEM2 REVISN] WB SHIFT To set items for the white balance shift. Item [FILTER TYPE] [LB[COL TEMP]] [CC[MG/GR]] [R GAIN] [B GAIN] Description and settings Sets colors stored in Memory 1.
  • Page 39 DETAIL To set items for the detail. Item Description and settings [LEVEL] Sets the detail level. -7 to +7 [MANUAL SET] [ON/OFF] [ON] [OFF] [V/H BALANCE] : Sets the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) balance of [B/W BALANCE]: Selects the balance of the upper DETAIL (P) and [BLACK LIMIT] : Sets the limit level of the lower DETAIL (N).
  • Page 40 Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued) SKINTONE DTL To adjust the detail of skintone areas to reduce wrinkles. Item [ON/OFF] [LEVEL] [COLOR SEL] PROFILE NAME To name the picture profiles set in [PP1] through [PP6] (p. 41). COPY To copy the settings of the picture profile to another picture profile number.

  • Page 41: Adjusting The Volume

    [YES] t [ RETURN] t [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A. Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume of a microphone connected to the INPUT1/INPUT2 jack. z Tips • See page 12 for details on attaching the supplied microphone and on the REC CH SELECT switch.
  • Page 42 Set the AUDIO LEVEL switch (CH1/CH2) the manually adjusted channel to AUTO. b Notes • When you use a microphone that does not support the MIC+48V, set the INPUT1/INPUT2 switch to MIC. If you use it with the INPUT1/ INPUT2 switch set to MIC+48V, it may be damaged or the recorded sound may be distorted.

  • Page 43: Assigning The Functions To The Assign Buttons

    Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons Some functions need to be assigned to the ASSIGN buttons for use. You can assign a single function to any one of the ASSIGN 1 to 6 buttons on the body or the L1, L2 and RET buttons on the lens.

  • Page 44: Recording An Index Signal

    Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued) Select the ASSIGN button to which you want to assign a function with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A. • You can select the ASSIGN 1 through 6 buttons on the body and the L1, L2 and RET button on the lens.

  • Page 45: Reviewing The Most Recently Recorded Scenes (Rec Review)

    Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) You can view about 2 seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. This is convenient during playback of the latest scene check. Press the REC REVIEW button or the ASSIGN button to which [REC REVIEW] is assigned during standby.

  • Page 46: Using The Shot Transition

    Sony recommends that you use a tripod to avoid image blurring. You can set the following items in [SHOT TRANSITION] of the SET) menu (p.
  • Page 47 A button CHECK STORE EXEC SHOT TRANSITION/FOCUS MARKING B button Set [S.TRANS/F.MARK] of the (CAMERA SET) menu to [SHOT TRANSITION]. Press the SHOT TRANSITION/ FOCUS MARKING button C to bring up the shot transition store screen. The STORE lamp turns on. Press the A button to store the settings in SHOT-A, or the B button to store the settings in...
  • Page 48 Using the Shot transition (Continued) • If you press the following buttons during the shot transition operation, the operation will be canceled: – PICTURE PROFILE – MENU – STATUS CHECK – EXPANDED FOCUS • You can also make a transition from the SHOT- A to the SHOT-B or from the SHOT-B to the SHOT-A.

  • Page 49: Marking Focal Point On The Screen (Focus Marking)

    Marking focal point on the screen (Focus marking) You can mark a focal point, at which you set a subject in focus, on the LCD screen prior to the recording. You can use this function during the manual focus. A button CHECK STORE EXEC...

  • Page 50: Playback

    Playback SEL/PUSH EXEC dial You can play back movies as follows: Slide the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the green button. Start playing back. Press (rewind) to go to the point you want to view, then press N (play) to start playback.
  • Page 51 • You cannot play back movies recorded in HDV format on DVCAM (DV) format video cameras or mini DV players. • You can play back a DV format tape on your camcorder only when its contents are recorded in the SP mode.
  • Page 52 Playback (Continued) b Notes • Still images cannot be restored once you delete them. • You cannot delete still images when the “Memory Stick Duo” is write-protected (p. 119) or the still image is protected (p. 104). z Tips • To delete a still image in the index, move B to the still image using the VOLUME/MEMORY button, then do steps 2 and 3.

  • Page 53: Changing/Checking The Settings In Your Camcorder

    Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder TC/U-BIT DATA CODE SEL / PUSH EXEC PICTURE STATUS MENU PROFILE CHECK Changing the screen You can turn on and off the display of the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen. Press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button A.

  • Page 54: Displaying The Settings In Your Camcorder (Status Check)

    Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check) You can check the settings of the following items. • Audio setup such as microphone volume level (p. 76) • Output signal setup ([VCR HDV/DV], etc.) (p. 83) • Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons (p.

  • Page 55: Locating A Scene On A Tape

    Locating a scene on a tape b Notes • See page 136 for details on how to use the Remote Commander. Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) You can search scenes by recording dates. Set the POWER switch to VCR. Press the SEARCH M.
  • Page 56 Locating a scene on a tape (Continued) To cancel the operation Press the STOP button C on the Remote Commander. b Notes • Recording between indexes must be longer than 2 minutes. Your camcorder may not detect the date if the recording between the indexes is short.

  • Page 57: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    Playing the picture on a TV Connection methods and image quality differ depending on what type of TV is connected and connectors used. Use the supplied AC Adaptor/Charger to obtain AC power (p. 14). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected. Jacks on your camcorder Open the jack cover and connect the cable.
  • Page 58 Playing the picture on a TV (Continued) Type Camcorder Component video cable (supplied) A/V connecting cable (supplied) b Notes • When you only connect a component video cable, audio signals are not outputted. An A/V connecting cable is also needed to output audio signals. Connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable to the audio input jack of your TV.
  • Page 59 Type Camcorder i.LINK cable (optional) b Notes • Your TV needs to have an i.LINK jack compatible with HDV1080i. For details, confirm the specifications of your TV. • If your TV is not compatible with HDV1080i, connect your camcorder and TV with the supplied component video cable and A/V connecting cable as illustrated in •...
  • Page 60 Playing the picture on a TV (Continued) Connecting to a 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV COMPONENT IN AUDIO To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3) Set the down-convert setting as follows: For HDV format signals: (IN/OUT REC) menu t [VIDEO OUT] t [DOWN CONVERT] For DV format signals: (IN/OUT REC) menu t [VIDEO OUT] t [DV WIDE CONV] z Tips...
  • Page 61 Type Camcorder Component video cable (supplied) A/V connecting cable (supplied) b Notes • When you only connect a component video cable, audio signals are not outputted. An A/V connecting cable is also needed to output audio signals. Connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable to the audio input jack of your TV.
  • Page 62 Playing the picture on a TV (Continued) Type Camcorder A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) b Notes • When connecting only an S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel), audio signals are not output. To output audio signals, connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable to the audio input jack of your TV.
  • Page 63 When connecting to your TV via a VCR Select the connecting method on page 94 depending on the input jack of the VCR. Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).

  • Page 64: Using The Menu

    Using the Menu Using the menu items You can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen. POWER switch SEL / PUSH EXEC SEL/PUSH EXEC dial Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR. Press the MENU button.
  • Page 65 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired setting is highlighted or to bring up the desired setting, then press the dial to confirm the setting. S T B Y 00:00:28:10 BEEP MENU : END Press the MENU button to hide the menu screen.

  • Page 66: Menu Items

    Menu items (CAMERA SET) menu (p. 69) GAIN SETUP SMOOTH GAIN HYPER GAIN AGC LIMIT BLK BALANCE WB PRESET WB OUTDR LVL WB TEMP SET ATW SENS SMOOTH WB AE SHIFT AE WINDOW AE RESPONSE AT IRIS LMT ECS FREQ. FLCKR REDUCE CNTRST ENHCR BACK LIGHT...
  • Page 67 (DISPLAY SET) menu (p. 79) ZEBRA HISTOGRAM PEAKING MARKER CAM LEVELING EXP.FOCUS TYPE CAM DATA DSP AU.LVL DISP ZOOM DISPLAY FOCUS DISP SHUTTER DISP LCD BRIGHT LCD COLOR LCD BL LEVEL VF B.LIGHT VF COLOR VF POWERMODE LETTER SIZE REMAINING DISP OUTPUT (IN/OUT REC) menu (p.
  • Page 68 Menu items (Continued) (MEMORY SET) menu (p. 89) ALL ERASE FORMAT FILE NO. NEW FOLDER REC FOLDER PB FOLDER (OTHERS) (p. 90) CAMERA PROF. ASSIGN BTN CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE PB ZOOM QUICK REC DATE REC BEEP REC LAMP[F] REC LAMP[R] REMOTE CTRL HOURS METER...

  • Page 69: (Camera Set) Menu

    (CAMERA SET) menu Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/BACK LIGHT/STEADYSHOT, etc.) The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 64 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 70 Press the MENU button t select the WB TEMP SET You can set the color temperature between 2300K and 15000K in 100K steps when you set [WB PRESET] to [MANU WB TEMP]. ATW SENS You can set the auto white balance operation under a reddish light source such as an incandescent lamp or candle, or under a blueish light source such as in outdoor...
  • Page 71 Example: TYPE 4 16:9 photometric area AE RESPONSE You can select the speed at which the automatic exposure adjustment function follows changes in the brightness of the subject. You can select the speed from [FAST], [MIDDLE] and [SLOW]. The default setting is [FAST]. AT IRIS LMT You can select the highest iris value for the automatic adjustment from [F11], [F9.6],...
  • Page 72 Press the MENU button t select the during recording of a subject under strong light, such as a stage. For example, you can prevent people's faces from over- highlighting. The default setting is [OFF]. b Notes • The spotlight function is canceled when you set [BACK LIGHT] to [ •...
  • Page 73 To cancel before starting the operation, select [OFF] in step 1. The setting will be cleared every time you press the REC START/STOP button. STBY Fading out Fading in WHITE FADER BLACK FADER b Notes • This function is automatically set to [OFF] when you turn the power off and back on.
  • Page 74 Press the MENU button t select the 1 Select [ON/OFF] t [ON] with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. 2 Perform the following step if you are changing the recording time from the default setting of [0.5sec]. If you are keeping the default recording time, go straight to step 3.
  • Page 75 S.TRANS/F.MARK You can select a function to be assigned to the SHOT TRANSITION/FOCUS MARKING button. B SHOT TRANSITION Select to assign the shot transition function to the button. FOCUS MARKING Select to assign the focus marking function to the button. x.v.Color When you set this function to [ON], you can record with the wider color range.

  • Page 76: (Audio Set) Menu

    Notes • This function is available only when you set the AUTO/MAN switch to MAN. XLR SET XLR AGC LINK You can select either linked or separate AGC (Auto Gain Control) of CH1 and CH2 when using an external microphone.
  • Page 77 • Set [INPUT TRIM] to [0dB] for the supplied microphone (ECM-XM1). • Set [INPUT TRIM] to [12dB] for the optional microphone (Sony ECM-NV1). • The INPUT TRIM function adjusts the input level from an external microphone. When using a highly sensitive microphone or recording loud sound, set this to the minus side.
  • Page 78 • Test the effect of the INPUT TRIM function according to the microphone used or the sound field of the recording site before actual recording.

  • Page 79: (Display Set) Menu

    (DISPLAY SET) menu Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/DISP OUTPUT, etc.) The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 64 for details on selecting menu items. Press the MENU button t select the (DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
  • Page 80 Press the MENU button t select the z Tips • You can focus more easily using this function in combination with the expanded focus function (p. 29). MARKER ON/OFF When you select [ON], you can display markers. The default setting is [OFF]. Markers will not be recorded on a tape or “Memory Stick Duo.”...
  • Page 81 CAM DATA DSP (Camera data display) When you set this function to [ON], you can constantly display the iris, shutter speed and gain settings on the screen. The default setting is [OFF]. 00:04:50:04 Iris value Shutter speed Gain value z Tips •...
  • Page 82 Press the MENU button t select the z Tips • Shutter speed slower than 360° are displayed in multiples of 360°, such as 360° × 2. LCD BRIGHT You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. Changes in the LCD brightness will not affect the brightness of recording images.

  • Page 83: (In/Out Rec) Menu

    rewound to the beginning. It is displayed when you start playback or recording. DISP OUTPUT You can select outputs to which display information, such as time code, is outputted. B LCD PANEL Outputs the information to the LCD screen and viewfinder. V-OUT/PANEL Outputs the information to the LCD screen and composite output.
  • Page 84 Press the MENU button t select the signals to or from the external device via HDV/DV (i.LINK) jack for recording or playback. HDV ( Plays back only HDV format sections of a tape. During the i.LINK connection, inputs or outputs only HDV signals to or from an external device via the (i.LINK) jack for recording or playback.
  • Page 85 • Image may be distorted or time code may not be properly connected between the scenes recorded in the DVCAM mode and DV SP mode. DV WIDE REC You can record a movie in an aspect ratio that matches that of a TV that you want to connect.
  • Page 86 Press the MENU button t select the i.LINK SET HDV t DV CONV When you set this function to [ON], you can convert HDV format signals to DV format signals and output the DV format signals to an external device via the HDV/DV (i.LINK) jack.

  • Page 87: (Tc/Ub Set) Menu

    (TC/UB SET) menu (TC PRESET/UB PRESET/TC LINK, etc.) The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 64 for details on selecting menu items. Press the MENU button t select the (TC/UB SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
  • Page 88 Press the MENU button t select the 1 Insert a tape to the main camcorder from which you want to generate the time code. 2 Set the POWER switches of the main and sub camcorders to CAMERA. 3 Connect the sub camcorder to the main camcorder with an i.LINK cable.

  • Page 89: (Memory Set) Menu

    (MEMORY SET) menu Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (ALL ERASE/FORMAT, etc.) The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 64 for details on selecting menu items. Press the MENU button t select the (MEMORY SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

  • Page 90: (Others) Menu

    Press the MENU button t select the (MEMORY SET) with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. REC FOLDER (Recording folder) You can select a folder in which you want to store still images. Select the folder with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. z Tips •...
  • Page 91 Duo” or [CAMERA] to save it in your camcorder. 3 Select [ NEW FILE ] or an existing profile name with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. 4 Select [YES] in the check screen with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The camera profile is saved. z Tips •...
  • Page 92 Press the MENU button t select the PB ZOOM (Playback zoom) When you set this function to [ON], you can enlarge movie images about 1.1 to 5 times (still images about 1.5 to 5 times) with the handle zoom lever. The default setting is [OFF].
  • Page 93 REMOTE CTRL (Remote control) When you set this function to [ON], you can use the supplied Remote Commander (p. 136). The default setting is [ON]. z Tips • Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit.

  • Page 94: Dubbing/Editing

    Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. Connecting to external devices The connection method and the image quality will differ depending on the VCR, DVD/HDD device and the connectors used.
  • Page 95 Camcorder A/V connecting cable (supplied) Pictures recorded in the DVCAM (DV) format are dubbed in the SD (standard definition) quality, regardless of the connection. When connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video jack on the device, and connect the white (left channel) or red (right channel) plug to the audio jack on the device.
  • Page 96 • When the recorder is HVR-Z7E/Z7P, set [VCR HDV/DV] to [AUTO] (p. 83). • When the player and the recorder are both HDV1080i compatible devices such as HVR-Z7E/Z7P and connected with the i.LINK cable, after pausing or stopping and then resuming the recording, the images will be a bit choppy or rough at that point.
  • Page 97 Dubbing to another device Prepare your camcorder for playback. Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch to VCR. Set [DOWN CONVERT] according to the playback device (TV, etc.) (p. 85). Prepare your VCR/DVD device for recording. When dubbing to the VCR, insert a cassette for recording.

  • Page 98: Recording Pictures From A Vcr

    Recording pictures from a VCR You can record pictures from a VCR on a tape. You can record a scene as a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo.” You can record pictures in the HDV format by connecting an HDV1080i specification compatible device.

  • Page 99: Recording Still Images

    Connect your VCR as a player to your camcorder. When an i.LINK cable is connected, the format of the input signal ( ) will be indicated on the LCD screen of your camcorder (This indicator may appear on the screen of the playback device but it will not be recorded).

  • Page 100: Copying Movies On A Tape To A Computer

    Recording pictures from a VCR (Continued) Start playing the cassette. The pictures on the VCR appear on the screen of your camcorder. Press the ASSIGN button to which [PHOTO] is assinged or the PHOTO button on the remote commander at the scene you want to record.
  • Page 101 Format for Recorded copying to Menu setting* format the computer [VCR HDV/DV] t [HDV] [i.LINK SET] t [HDV t DV CONV] t [OFF] [VCR HDV/DV] t [HDV] DVCAM [i.LINK SET] t (DV) [HDV t DV CONV] t [ON] [VCR HDV/DV] t [DV] DVCAM DVCAM...
  • Page 102 Copying movies on a tape to a computer (Continued) Step:2 Copying the movies Use the supplied AC Adaptor/Charger to obtain AC power (p. 14). 1 Prepare editing software (not provided). 2 Turn on your computer. 3 Insert a tape into your camcorder and set the POWER switch to VCR.

  • Page 103: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. • Power sources/LCD screen/Remote Commander···p. 103 • Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”···p. 104 •...
  • Page 104 Troubleshooting (Continued) The picture in the viewfinder is not clear. • Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 18). The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared. • If you change [VF POWERMODE] to [AUTO], the finder light remains off while the LCD panel is open (p.
  • Page 105 Recording The recording does not start when you press the REC START/STOP button. • Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA (p. 24). • The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette. • Set the write-protect tab of the cassette to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 116). •...
  • Page 106 Troubleshooting (Continued) End search or last scene review does not work. • Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 45). • There is nothing recorded on the cassette. • There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction. Auto focus does not function.
  • Page 107 Cannot use [TC LINK] [TC COUNTUP] [UB-DATE/TC-TIME] [WORLD TIME], [DATE REC] [x.v.Color] [ECS FREQ.] [INTERVAL REC] [DV FRAME REC] [EXT REC CTRL] Shutter speed, gain, white balance or iris cannot be adjusted manually. • Set the AUTO/MANUAL switch to MANUAL. Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.
  • Page 108 • Video head is dirty. Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 124). You cannot hear the sound recorded with 4CH microphone recording on another camcorder. • Set [DV AUDIO MIX] for the DVCAM (DV) format 4-ch recording (p. 78).
  • Page 109 The movies freeze for a while, or the sound breaks off. • This occurs if the tape or video head is dirty (p. 124). • Use the Sony mini DV cassette tape. “---” is displayed on the screen. • The tape you are playing back was recorded without setting the date and time.
  • Page 110 Troubleshooting (Continued) Connecting to TV You cannot view the picture on the TV connected with the i.LINK cable. • You cannot view the picture in the HD (high definition) quality on the TV if an i.LINK jack of the TV is not compatible with the HDV1080i specification (p. 57). Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.
  • Page 111 Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed. • You cannot zoom pictures from connected devices on your camcorder. Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected device. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p.
  • Page 112 Troubleshooting (Continued) Your computer freezes. • Set [VCR HDV/DV] correctly according to the connected device (p. 83). • Disconnect the cable from your computer and camcorder. Reboot your computer, and connect your computer and camcorder following the steps in the correct order (p. 101).

  • Page 113: Warning Indicators And Messages

    You can fix some problems associated with the symptoms yourself. If the problem persists even after you have tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis display) C:04:ss •...
  • Page 114 Warning indicators and messages (Continued) Warning messagess If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions.

  • Page 115: Additional Information

    Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor/ Charger supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. On TV color systems Your camcorder is PAL system, so its picture can only be viewed on a PAL system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input...

  • Page 116: Maintenance And Precautions

    Maintenance and precautions HDV format and recording/ playback Your camcorder is capable of recording in HDV/DVCAM/DV formats. It is recommended to use a cassette with the mark to record in the HDV/ DVCAM/DV format. It is recommended to use a cassette with the mark to record in the DVCAM format.

  • Page 117: Compatibility Of The Dvcam/Dv Formats

    If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may not show correctly. Gold-plated connector On Sony HDV1080i compliant TVs An HDV format compatible TV with the component input jack is required to view playback pictures recorded in the HDV format.
  • Page 118 Maintenance and precautions (Continued) Mini DVCAM and mini DV cassettes The recording format of the picture is defined according to the recorder’s format as described below. Recorder’s Cassette’s format format DVCAM DVCAM DVCAM b Notes • This camcorder complies with the DVCAM format.Though mini DV cassettes can be used for recording, we recommend you use mini DVCAM cassettes to get the most out of the...

  • Page 119: About The "Memory Stick

    b Notes • If you use tapes as in 1) to 3) above for editing, the functions may be limited regardless of the format of players and recorders. Limitations on editing You may find the following limitations when editing a tape produced by dubbing or editing using the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK) jack: •...

  • Page 120: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    Maintenance and precautions (Continued) – Places with extremely high humidity or subject to corrosive gases. On the Memory Stick Duo adaptor • When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with a “Memory Stick” compliant device, make sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory Stick Duo adaptor.

  • Page 121: About I.link

    battery pack outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to charge it efficiently. To use the battery pack effectively • Battery pack performance decreases when the surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or below, and the length of time you can use the battery pack becomes shorter.

  • Page 122: About X.v.color

    • i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations. • IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

  • Page 123: Moisture Condensation

    • If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. • Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product.
  • Page 124 Such a freezing point cannot be recovered if it was created while recording. To prevent such a problem, use the Sony mini DV cassette. • If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony cleaning cassette (optional).
  • Page 125 – Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or vinyl objects for a long period of time. About care and storage of the lens • Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: –...

  • Page 126: Specifications

    Specifications System Video recording system (HDV) 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Video recording system (DVCAM (DV)) 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Still image recording system Exif Ver. 2.2* Audio recording system (HDV) Rotary heads, MPEG-1 Audio Layer-2, Quantization: 16 bits Fs48kHz (stereo) transfer rate: 384 kbps Audio recording system (DVCAM (DV))
  • Page 127 **Still image resolution is obtained by the unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor and image processing system (new Enhanced Imaging Processor). Output connectors...
  • Page 128 2.8 kg (6 lb 3 oz) including the battery pack (NP-F570), cassette (PHDVM- 63DM), Carl Zeiss lens (VCL- 412BWH), lens hood with lens cover and microphone (ECM-XM1) * When the HVR-MRC1 is used, the average power consumption increases about 2.5 W. AC Adaptor/Charger AC-VQ1050...
  • Page 129 • Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. • HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. • HDMI, HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

  • Page 130: Quick Reference

    Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A Accessory shoe mount (130) B Microphone holder (12) C Microphone fixing clamper (12) D Zoom lever (27) E EXPANDED FOCUS/L2 button (43) F IRIS switch (30) To mount the accessory shoe Mount the accessory shoe on the accessory shoe mount as illustrated.
  • Page 131 To mount the accessory shoe adaptor Mount the accessory shoe adaptor on the accessory shoe mount as illustrated. To remove the accessory shoe adaptor Do the reverse procedure to mounting the accessory shoe adaptor to remove it. Continued ,...
  • Page 132 Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A Front remote sensor (93) B Front recording lamp (92) The recording lamp flashes if the remaining tape or battery is low. C ND filter (30) D ASSIGN buttons 1-3* (43) E GAIN button (31) F ASSIGN 4 button/ZEBRA button (43) G ASSIGN 5 button/AE SHIFT button*(43)
  • Page 133 HDV/DV jack (57) B COMPONENT OUT jack (57) C A/V OUT jack (57) D LANC jack The LANC control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video device and peripherals connected to it. (headphones) jack F INPUT2 switch (12) G INPUT1 switch (12) H REC CH SELECT switch (12) I INPUT2 jack (12)
  • Page 134 Identifying parts and controls (Continued) CHECK STORE EXEC SHOT TRANSITION/FOCUS MARKING A Hook for shoulder strap (134) B Handle zoom lever (27) C REC START/STOP button (24) D Handle zoom switch (27) E Rear remote sensor (93) F Rear recording lamp (92) The recording lamp flashes if the remaining tape or battery is low.
  • Page 135 1 2 3 4 MANUAL ZOOM A Lens cover lever (13) B Focus ring (28) C Zoom ring (27) D Iris ring (30) E ZOOM switch (27) F DIGITAL EXTENDER/L1 button (43) G LCD screen (18) H TC/U-BIT button Switches between time code and user bit to display on the LCD screen.

  • Page 136: Remote Commander

    Remote Commander may shorten, or the Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

  • Page 137: Indicators For The Lcd Screen And Viewfinder

    Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. The indicators will not be recorded on the tape during recording. Recording movies 00:04:50:04 HDV1080i A Recording format ( ) (83) B Remaining battery (approx.) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D During recording:...

  • Page 138: Viewing Movies

    Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder (Continued) Viewing movies HDV1080i J Tape transport indicator Recording mode (DVCAM or DV SP) appears when a tape recorded in the DVCAM or DV SP format is played back. Viewing still images 00:04:50:04 K Data file name L Picture number/Total number of recorded pictures in the current...
  • Page 139 Indicators when you made changes Upper left 00:00:00:00 Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning Recording format (83) DV WIDE REC (85)* QUICK REC (92)** DV FRAME REC (74)* ND filter (30) INTERVAL REC (73) EXT REC CTRL (86) REC TYPE SCAN TYPE (84) Upper right Indicator Meaning...

  • Page 140: Index

    Index Numeric 21-pin adaptor...63 A button...46 Access lamp...23 Accessory shoe ...130 Accessory shoe adaptor ...131 Accessory shoe kit...8 Accessory shoe mount...130 Accessory shoe plate ...130 ADVANCE ...79 AE RESPONSE...71 AE SHIFT...70, 106 AE SHIFT button ...43 AE WINDOW ...70 AF ASSIST...72 AGC LIMIT ...69 ALL ERASE...89 ALL FILES...89...
  • Page 141 DV PROGRE...84 DV REC MODE (Recording mode) ...84 DV SP ...84 DV WIDE CONV...85 DV WIDE REC ...84, 85 DVCAM ...84 D.EXTENDER (Digital Extender) ...72, 106 ECS FREQ...71, 107 ECS (Extended clear scan) ...31 End search...45 END TRIGGER...73 Expanded focus...29 EXPANDED FOCUS button ...29, 43 EXP.FOCUS TYPE...80...
  • Page 142 Using the menu... 64 MENU button ... 20 Menu items ... 66 Microphone... 10, 12 Microphone fixing clamper ... 12 Microphone holder... 10, 12 MIC+48V... 41 MIX... 78 Mode A ... 28 Mode B ... 28 Moisture condensation ... 123 MPEG2 ...
  • Page 143 RELAY ...86 REMAINING ...82 Remaining battery...54 Remote Commander ...136 REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)...93 RESET ...40, 87 RESET button ...135 RET button ...43 S VIDEO jack ...57, 94 SAFETY ZONE ...80 SCAN TYPE...84 SEARCH M ...55 Self-diagnosis display...113 SEL/PUSH EXEC dial ...20 SEPARATE ...77 SHOT TRANSITION...75 Shot transition ...46...
  • Page 144 Index (Continued) Zoom ring ...27 ZOOM switch...27 ZOOM TRANS ...46...

This manual is also suitable for:

Hvr-z7uHdv hvr-z7eHdv hvr-z7p3-280-847-11(1)

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