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Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam Vision camcorder. With your Handycam Vision you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam Vision is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use.
Table of contents Using the PROGRAM AE function ..38 Before you begin Focusing manually ........ 40 Using this manual ........4 Enjoying picture effect ......42 Checking supplied accessories ....5 Adjusting the exposure ......44 Superimposing a title ......46 Getting started Making your own titles ......
Before you begin Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. You can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation. Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to country.
Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) 5 R6 (size AA) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 80) (p. 79) 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 52) 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p.
Installing and charging the battery pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Installing the battery pack (1) Lift up the viewfinder.
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Installing and charging the battery pack Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged a little in the factory. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack with the plug’s 4 mark up.
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Installing and charging the battery pack Charging time Battery NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530/F550 NP-F730/F750 NP-F930/F950 pack Charging time* (min.) (90) (150) (240) (330) The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power adaptor.
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Installing and charging the battery pack To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. BATT RELEASE You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p. 30).
Inserting a cassette Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H. (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow.
Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch inside the LCD panel is set to . Before you record one- time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly.
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Camera recording To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette. STBY 0:35:20 START/STOP START/STOP...
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Camera recording 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 for saving battery power as well as for preventing the battery and tape from wearing down. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up again.
Camera recording Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom.
Camera recording Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel. (2) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode).
Camera recording Shooting with the LCD screen You can also record the picture while looking at the LCD screen. When using the LCD screen, the viewfinder turns off automatically. You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker during recording. (1) While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel. (2) Adjust the angle of the LCD panel.
Camera recording Notes on the LCD panel •When closing the LCD panel, turn it vertically until it clicks [a]. •When turning the LCD panel, turn it always vertically; otherwise, the camcorder body may be damaged or the LCD panel may not close properly [b]. •Close the LCD panel completely when not in use.
Hints for better shooting For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: •Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb. •Place your right elbow against your side.
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When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm. Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder.
Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA.
Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. The video control buttons light up. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel.
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Playing back a tape When monitoring on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move back to the camcorder with the LCD screen facing out [a]. You can adjust the angle of the LCD screen by turning the LCD screen up to 15 degrees [b].
Playing back a tape Various playback modes You can enjoy clear pictures on the LCD screen during still, slow and picture search. (Crystal-clear still/slow/picture search) To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or (. To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback.
Searching for the end of the picture You can go to the end of the recorded portion after you record and play back the tape to make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene smooth. The tape starts rewinding or fast-forwarding and the last 5 seconds (10 seconds in LP mode) of the recorded portion play back.
Battery case EBP-L7 Alkaline battery In the car 12 V or 24 V car battery Sony car battery charger DC-V515A Notes on power sources •Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or playback may damage the inserted tape.
Using alternative power sources Using a car battery Use Sony DC-V515A car battery charger (not supplied). Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Refer to the operating instructions of your car battery charger.
Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. (1) Press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired icon in the left side of the menu, then press the dial.
• Select ON to always display the remaining tape indicator. AUTO TV ON* <ON/OFF> You can use this feature only with Sony TVs. • Select ON to turn on the TV automatically when using the LASER LINK function. • Select OFF not to turn on the TV.
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Changing the mode settings LTR SIZE* <NORMAL/2x> •Normally select NORMAL. •Select 2x to display selected menu item by twice size of normal. LANGUAGE* <ENGLISH/ESPAÑOL/ /PORTUGUÊS> Select the language of information indications. Indications to be displayed in a selected language are as follows: REC, STBY, min, OVER, END, SEARCH, VOL and BRT.
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Changing the mode settings ORC TO SET* Select this item to automatically adjust the recording condition to get the best possible recording. If you have already performed this function, “ORC ON” is displayed. CLOCK SET* Reset the date or time. AUTO DATE* <ON/OFF>...
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Changing the mode settings Items for VTR mode only HiFi SOUND <STEREO/1/2> •Normally select STEREO. •Select 1 or 2 to play back a dual sound track tape. EDIT <ON/OFF> •Select ON to minimize picture deterioration when editing. •Normally select OFF. TBC* <ON/OFF>...
Shooting with backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. BACK LIGHT [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight.
Using the FADER function Selecting the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When the picture fades in, the sound gradually increases. When the picture fades out, the sound gradually decrease. STBY FADER M.FADER (mosaic)
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Using the FADER function Using the fader function When fading in [a] (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing. When fading out [b] (1) During recording, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes.
Shooting in the dark (NightShot) The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. You can achieve a satisfactory recording of the ecology of nocturnal animals for observation with this function. This function may record picture nearly in monochrome. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.
Using the wide mode function Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). CINEMA CINEMA 16:9 FULL 16:9 FULL CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder or LCD screen [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide.
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Using the wide mode function Using the wide mode function You can select the wide mode (OFF, CINEMA, 16:9FULL) in the menu system (p. 27). To cancel wide mode Select OFF in the menu system. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to zoom mode.
Using the PROGRAM AE function Selecting the best mode You can select one of six PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following. Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event. a Soft Portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto mode, or for a subject behind an obstacle such as a screen.
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Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function (1) Press PROGRAM AE. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. PROGRAM To turn off program AE Press PROGRAM AE. Notes on focus setting •In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach & Ski modes, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.
Focusing manually When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. •Insufficient light [a] •Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky, etc. [b] •Too much brightness behind the subject [c] •Horizontal stripes [d] •Subjects through frosted glass •Subjects beyond nets, etc.
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Focusing manually Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. (2) Move the power zoom lever to the end of the “T” side in the optical zoom zone.
Enjoying picture effect Selecting picture effect You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function. PASTEL [a] The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG. ART [b] The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA The picture is sepia.
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Enjoying picture effect Using picture effect function (1) Press PICTURE EFFECT. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode. PICTURE EFFECT PASTEL NEG. ART SEPIA B & W SOLARIZE MOSAIC SLIM STRETCH To turn off picture effect Press PICTURE EFFECT.
Adjusting the exposure When to adjust the exposure Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases. •The background is too bright (back lighting) •Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark •Bright subject and dark background •To record the darkness faithfully Adjusting the exposure (1) Press EXPOSURE.
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Adjusting the exposure Shooting with the sun behind you If the light source is behind your subject, or in the following situations, the subject will be recorded too dark. •The subject is indoors and there is a window behind the subject. •Bright light sources are included in the scene.
Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles. You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. Superimposing titles (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial.
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Superimposing a title Notes on superimposing a title •If you have not given any custom title, “– – – – ...” appears on the display. •The FADER function works while the title is displayed, however, the title does not fade. •If you display the menu or title menu while superimposing a title, the title is not recorded while the menu or title menu is being displayed.
Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. We recommend to set the POWER switch to VTR or eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 20 characters. (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu.
Making your own titles Note You can not enter over 20 characters title. If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters while a cassette is in the camcorder The power goes off automatically. Characters you have entered remain. Turn STANDBY down once and then up again, then proceed from step 1.
Optimizing the recording condition Use this feature to check the tape condition before recording, so that you can get the best possible picture (ORC). (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select Ò, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select ORC TO SET, then press the dial.
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function When the Steady Shot function is working, the camcorder compensates for camera- shake. You can release the Steady Shot function when you do not need to use it. The “ ” indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Do not use the Steady Shot function when shooting a stationary object with a tripod.
Watching on a TV screen Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source. While playing back on a TV screen, close the LCD panel.
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LASER LINK is a system which transmits and receives a picture and sound between video equipment having the mark by using infrared rays. LASER LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation. To play back on a TV (1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.
Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC or l Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. Before editing Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available.
Recording from a VCR or TV You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/ audio outputs. Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV using the supplied A/V cable. Turn down the volume of the camcorder while editing. Otherwise, picture distortion may occur.
I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
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Changing the lithium battery in the camcorder Changing the lithium battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date, time and other items in the menu system retained by the lithium battery.
Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial.
Simple setting of clock by time difference You can easily set the clock for a local time by a time difference in the menu system. (1) While the camcorder is the standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial.
Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting cassette types This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed to realize higher picture quality. You can use either Hi8 or standard 8 mm video cassette for this camera. When you use a Hi8 video cassette, the recording is made in the Hi8 system.
Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned.
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Tips for using the battery pack Notes on the rechargeable battery pack Caution Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. The battery pack heats up During charging or recording, the battery pack heats up.
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“InfoLITHIUM“ is a trademark of Sony Corporation. * The indication may not be accurate depending on the condition and environment which the equipment is used under.
Maintenance information and precautions Moisture condensation If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the unit may not operate correctly.
(Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times in one session.) Caution Do not use a commercially available wet-type cleaning cassette. It may damage the video heads. Note If the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette is not available in your area, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
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•For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this manual. •Should any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. •Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens.
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•If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water. •If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a doctor. If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Using your camcorder abroad Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
Trouble check If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Camcorder Power...
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Trouble check Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The START/STOP MODE switch is set to 5SEC or Recording stops in a few seconds. m Set it to . (p. 15) • The battery is dead. The cassette cannot be removed from the holder.
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Set it to OFF. (p. 27) • The video heads may be dirty. The picture is “noisy”. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 65) The picture does not appear in the • The LCD panel is open.
E:62:ππ occurred. m Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility and inform them of the five digits. (example: E:61:10) If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Specifications Video camera LCD screen General recorder Picture Power requirements 4 inches measured diagonally 7.2 V (battery pack) System 80.7 x 58.9 mm 8.4 V (AC power adaptor) On-screen display Average power consumption Video recording system TN LCD/TFT active matrix (when using the battery pack) 4 rotary heads method...
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Identifying the parts $£ $¢ $• $∞ $ª $§ %º $¶ $£ EJECT switch (p. 10) $∞ Cassette compartment (p. 10) $¢ LANC l control jack $§ Grip strap (p. 18) l stands for Local Application Control $¶ RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output) Bus System.
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Identifying the parts %™ %£ %¡ %¢ %∞ %¡ MIC jack (PLUG IN POWER) %£ LASER LINK emitter (p. 53)/NightShot Light emitter (p. 35) Connect an external microphone (not supplied). This jack also accepts a “plug- %¢ Remote sensor (p. 79) in-power”...
•This camcorder works in commander mode VTR 2. The commander modes (1, 2 and 3) are used to distinguish this camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in commander mode VTR 2, we recommend you change the commander mode or cover the remote sensor of the VCR with black paper.
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Identifying the parts To prepare the Remote Commander Insert two R6 (size AA) batteries by matching the + and – on the batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment. Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work.
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Identifying the parts Operation indicators Viewfinder Display window !¢ @¡ !∞ @£ STBY 0:00:00 M.FADER !§ SEARCH CINEMA SEPIA !¶ @™ !• AUTO DATE !ª „ 12:00:00AM @º @¡ !¡ !™ !£ 1 Recording mode indicator (p. 28)/ !¢ Video control mode (p. 11) Mirror mode indicator (p.
2 The tape is near the end. Use the self-diagnosis function (p. 72). The flashing is slow. If the display does not disappear contact your Sony dealer or local authorized 3 The tape has run out. Sony service facility. The flashing becomes rapid.
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