Sony AC L User Manual

3-065-645-11 (3)

Vid e o Ca m e ra

Re co rd e r

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,

and retain it for future reference.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the

serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers

whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. CCD-TR

Model No. AC-L

Serial No.

CCD-TR818

CCD-TR618/TR818

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to

comply with the limits for a Class B digital

device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide

reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation. This

equipment generates, uses, and can radiate

radio frequency energy and, if not installed

and used in accordance with the instructions,

may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no

guarantee that interference will not occur in a

particular installation. If this equipment does

cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined

by turning the equipment off and on, the user

is encouraged to try to correct the interference

by one or more of the following measures:

— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

— Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/

TV technician for help.

Fo r cu st o m e rs in CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH

WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,

FULLY INSERT.

Ma in Fe a t u re s

Fu n ct io n s t o a d ju st e xp o su re (in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )

• In a dark place

NIGHTSHOT (p. 24)

• In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks,

or general night views

Sunset & moon mode (p. 34)

• Shooting backlit subjects

BACK LIGHT (p. 24)

Spotlight mode (p. 34)

• In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal

event

• In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach Beach & ski mode (p. 34)

in midsummer or on a ski slope

Fu n ct io n s t o g ive im a g e s m o re im p a ct (in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )

• Smooth transition between scenes

• Digital processing of images

• Creating a soft background for subjects

• Superimposing a title

FADER (p. 31)

PICTURE EFFECT (p. 33)

Soft portrait mode (p. 34)

TITLE (p. 38)

Fu n ct io n s t o g ive a n a t u ra l a p p e a ra n ce t o yo u r re co rd in g s

(in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )

• Preventing deterioration of picture quality in

digital zoom

D ZOOM [MENU] (p. 47)

The default setting is set to OFF.

(To zoom greater than 20×, select the digital zoom

power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)

• Focusing manually

Manual focus (p. 37)

• Shooting distant subjects

• Recording fast-moving subjects

Landscape mode (p. 34)

Sports lesson mode (p. 34)

Fu n ct io n s t o u se in e d it in g (in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )

• Watching the picture on a wide-screen TV

• Recording with the date/ time

• Enhancing old tapes

Wide mode (p. 29)

Date and time (p. 25)

ORC [MENU] (p. 49)

Fu n ct io n s t o u se a ft e r re co rd in g (in t h e p la yb a ck m o d e )

• Correcting jitter

TBC [MENU] (p. 48)

• Correcting color noise

DNR [MENU] (p. 48)

Ta b le o f co n t e n t s

Main Features .......................................... 4

Ed it in g

Dubbing a tape ...................................... 45

Qu ick St a rt Gu id e ............................... 6

Cu st o m izin g Yo u r Ca m co rd e r

Ge t t in g st a rt e d

Changing the menu settings ................ 46

Using this manual ................................... 8

Checking supplied accessories ............ 10

Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 11

Installing the battery pack ............ 11

Charging the battery pack ............ 12

Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 16

Step 2 Setting the date and time ........ 17

Step 3 Inserting a cassette ................... 19

Tro u b le sh o o t in g

Types of trouble and their solutions

........................................................... 52

Self-diagnosis display .......................... 55

Warning indicators and messages ...... 56

Ad d it io n a l In fo rm a t io n

Usable cassettes and playback modes

........................................................... 57

Re co rd in g – Ba sics

Recording a picture .............................. 20

About “InfoLITHIUM” battery ........... 58

Using your camcorder abroad ............ 59

Shooting backlit subjects

– BACK LIGHT ........................ 24

Maintenance information and

Shooting in the dark

precautions ...................................... 60

– NightShot ............................... 24

Specifications ......................................... 65

Superimposing the date and time

on pictures ................................ 25

Qu ick Re fe re n ce

Pla yb a ck – Ba sics

Identifying the parts and controls ...... 66

Index ........................................ Back cover

Connections for playback .................... 26

Playing back a tape ............................... 27

Ad va n ce d Re co rd in g

Op e ra t io n s

Using the wide mode ........................... 29

Using the fader function ...................... 31

Using special effects

– Picture effect ................................. 33

Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 34

Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 36

Focusing manually ................................ 37

Superimposing a title ........................... 38

Making your own titles ........................ 40

Using the built-in light ......................... 42

Qu ick St a rt Gu id e

This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your

camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more

information.

Co n n e ct in g t h e p o w e r co rd (p . 16)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 11).

Open the DC IN

jack cover.

Connect the plug with

its v mark facing up.

AC power adaptor (supplied)

In se rt in g a ca sse t t e (p . 19)

1Open the lid of the

2Insert a cassette

into the cassette

compartment

with its window

facing out and

the write-protect

tab on the

3Close the cassette

cassette

compartment by pressing

compartment, and

press EJECT.

The compartment

opens automatically.

the

mark on the

cassette compartment.

The cassette compartment

automatically goes down.

Close the lid of the

cassette compartment.

EJECT

cassette up.

Re co rd in g a p ict u re (p . 20)

1Remove the lens cap.

2Set the POWER switch to

POWER

CAMERA while pressing

the small green button.

The picture appears in

the viewfinder.

3Press the red button.

Your camcorder

POWER

starts recording. To

stop recording, press

the red button again.

View finder

Use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup.

The picture in the viewfinder is black and white. (CCD-TR618 only)

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. If you want to record

the date and time for a picture, set the clock setting before recording. (p. 17)

Mo n it o rin g t h e p la yb a ck p ict u re in t h e

vie w fin d e r (p . 27)

2Press m to rewind the tape.

REW

3Press N to start playback.

PLAY

1Set the POWER

POWER

switch to PLAYER

while pressing the

small green button.

NOTE

Do not pick up your camcorder by holding

the viewfinder or the battery pack.

— Ge t t in g st a rt e d

—

Usin g t h is m a n u a l

The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before

you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number

by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR818 is the model used for

illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any

differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “CCD-TR818

only.”

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in

capital letters.

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the

operation is being carried out.

Types of differences

CCD-

TR618

B/ W

TR818

Color

—

Viewfinder

Built-in light

Digital zoom

SteadyShot

450 ×

—

460 ×

z Provided

— Not provided

No t e o n TV co lo u r syst e m s

TV colour systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV,

you need an NTSC system-based TV.

Usin g t h is m a n u a l

Pre ca u t io n s o n ca m co rd e r ca re

Le n s a n d LCD scre e n /fin d e r (o n m o u n t e d m o d e ls o n ly)

• The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision

technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.

How ever, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (w hite, red,

blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.

These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the

recording in any w ay.

• Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea

water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].

• Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a

car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].

• Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD

screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause

malfunctions [c].

• Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.

Take pictures of the sun in low light coditions such as duck [d ].

[a ]

[b ]

[c]

[d ]

Ch e ckin g su p p lie d a cce sso rie s

Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10CACpow er

4 Shoulder strap(1) (p. 68)

adaptor (1), Pow er cord (1) (p. 16)

5 Lens cap (1) (p. 20, 69)

2 NP-F330 battery pack(1) (p. 11, 12)

3 A/V connecting cable(1) (p. 26)

Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not

made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly

In st a llin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck

Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.

Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.

To re m o ve t h e b a t t e ry p a ck

Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT

RELEASE down.

BATT RELEASE

St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly

Ch a rg in g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck

Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.

Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series).

See page 58 for more information about “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with

your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). Charging begins. The remaining

battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window.

The charging is completed when the remainnig battery indicator changes to u and the

FULL appears on the display window.

POWER

Aft e r ch a rg in g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck

Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly

Notes

• Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug

of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power

adaptor.

• Keep the battery pack dry.

• When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack fully,

and then use it until it fully discharges again. Do this once a year. Keep the battery

pack in a cool place.

Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time

“– – – – min” appears in the display window.

While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in

the display w indow in the follow ing cases:

– The battery pack is not installed correctly.

– Something is wrong with the battery pack.

If the pow er may go off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that

the battery pack has enough pow er to operate

Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining

indicator is correct.

St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly

Ch a rg in g t im e

Battery pack

Full charge

NP-F330 (supplied)

NP-F530/ F550

NP-F730/ F730H/ F750

NP-F930/ F950

NP-F960

150

210

300

390

420

Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack

Re co rd in g t im e

CCD-TR618

Battery pack

NP-F330 (supplied)

NP-F530

Continuous*

Typical**

140

245

280

500

580

780

900

1035

135

NP-F550

155

NP-F730

NP-F730H/ F750

NP-F930

275

320

430

NP-F950

495

NP-F960

570

CCD-TR818

Battery pack

NP-F330 (supplied)

NP-F530

Continuous*

160

Typical**

290

160

NP-F550

325

180

NP-F730

590

325

NP-F730H/ F750

NP-F930

670

370

915

505

NP-F950

1025

1200

565

NP-F960

660

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack

Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be

shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

* *Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/

stop, zooming and turning the power on/ off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly

Pla yin g t im e

CCD-TR618

Battery pack

NP-F330 (supplied)

NP-F530

145

260

295

525

610

825

930

1090

NP-F550

NP-F730

NP-F730H/ F750

NP-F930

NP-F950

NP-F960

CCD-TR818

Battery pack

NP-F330 (supplied)

NP-F530

170

305

NP-F550

340

NP-F730

625

NP-F730H/ F750

NP-F930

710

975

NP-F950

1080

1260

NP-F960

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack

The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?

The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as

battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible

with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the

“InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the

mark.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly

Co n n e ct in g t o a w a ll o u t le t

When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a

wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN

jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

2, 3

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (wall outlet) as long as it is

connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.

Notes

• The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your

camcorder.

• The DC IN jack has “source priority”. This means that the battery pack cannot supply

any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power

cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.

• Place the AC power adaptor near a wall outlet. While using the AC power adaptor, if

any plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.

Using a car battery

Use Sony DC Adaptor/ Charger (optional).

St e p 2 Se t t in g t h e d a t e a n d t im e

Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time.

If you do not use your camcorder for about 4 months, the date and time settings may be

released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable lithium cell in your

camcorder will have been discharged.

First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.

(1) While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, press MENU to display the

menu.

(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select

, then press the dial.

(3) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial.

(4) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the desired year, then press the dial.

(5) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial and

pressing the dial.

(6) Set the minute by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by

the time signal. The clock starts to move.

(7) Press MENU to make the menu disappear. The time indicator appears.

1,7

S E T UP MENU

C L OCK S E T

AU TO DA T E

S E T UP MENU

C L OCK S E T

AU TO DA T E

S E T UP MENU

– –

– – :– –

C L OCK S E T

AU TO DA T E

L T R

Z E

L T R

Z E

L T R

Z E

2001 J AN

L ANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

RE T URN

L ANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

RE T URN

DEMO MODE

12 00 AM

[

]

[

]

[

]

END

S E T UP MENU

C L OCK S E T

AU TO DA T E

S E T UP MENU

C L OCK S E T

AU TO DA T E

J U L

2001

5:30:00 PM

L T R

Z E

2001 J U L

L T R

Z E

L ANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

RE T URN

L ANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

RE T URN

2001 J AN

30 PM

[

]

[

]

END

12 00 AM

St e p 2 Se t t in g t h e d a t e a n d t im e

To ch e ck t h e p re se t d a t e a n d t im e

Press DATE to display the date indicator.

Press TIME to display the time indicator.

Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME (or DATE) to simultaneously display the

date and time indicator.

Press DATE and/ or TIME again. The date and/ or time indicator disappears.

The year changes as follow s:

1995 T · · · · t 2001 T · · · · t 2079

Auto date function

When you use your camcorder for the first time, turn it on and reset the date and time

to your local time before you start recording (p. 17). The date is automatically recorded

for 10 seconds after you start recording (Auto date function.)This function works only

once a day.

Note on the time indicator

The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.

• 12:00 AM stands for midnight.

• 12:00 PM stands for noon.

Note on the auto date function

You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu settings.

The auto date function automatically displays the date once a day.

However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day if:

– you reset the date and time.

– you eject and insert the tape again.

– you stop recording within 10 seconds.

– you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it back to ON in the menu settings.

St e p 3 In se rt in g a ca sse t t e

When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassettes

(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 11).

(2) Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press EJECT. The cassette

compartment opens automatically.

(3) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the tab on the cassette up.

(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the

mark on the cassette

compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

(5) Close the lid of the cassette compartment.

4,5

EJECT

To e je ct a ca sse t t e

Follow the procedure above, and eject the cassette in step 3.

Note

• Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

• The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the cassette

compartment other than the

mark.

• Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the lid of the cassette compartment.

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

— Re co rd in g – Ba sics —

Re co rd in g a p ict u re

Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.

(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attach the lens

cap to the grip strap.

(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more

information (p. 11 to 19).

(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.

Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.

(4) Press START/ STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator

appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder

lights up.

To stop recording, press START/ STOP again.

The recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder during recording(CCD-TR618

only).

POWER

REC 0:00:01

40min

Camera

recording lamp

Microphone

Note

Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.

To enable smooth transition

You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene

smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.

When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).

If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 5 minutes w hile the cassette

is inserted

Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent

battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF

(CHARGE) once, then turn it to CAMERA again.

To set the counter to 0:00:00

Press COUNTER RESET (p. 69).

Re co rd in g a p ict u re

Aft e r re co rd in g

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).

(2) Eject the cassette.

(3) Attach the lens cap.

After using your camcorder (CCD-TR618 only)

Remove the battery pack from your camcorder to avoid turning on the built-in light

accidentally.

To re co rd p ict u re s w it h t h e vie w fin d e r – a d ju st in g t h e

vie w fin d e r

Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder

come into sharp focus.

Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.

Re co rd in g a p ict u re

Usin g t h e zo o m fe a t u re

Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.

“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)

“W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)

Zoom greater than 20× is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital

zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. (p. 46)

The picture quality deteriorates as the picture is processed digitally.

The right side of the bar shows the digital

zooming zone.

The digital zooming zone appears when

you select the digital zoom power in D

ZOOM in the menu settings.

When you shoot close to a subject

If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the

focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/ 8 inch)

away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/ 2 inch)

away in the wide-angle position.

Notes on digital zoom

• Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 20×.

• The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side.

Re co rd in g a p ict u re

In d ica t o rs d isp la ye d in t h e re co rd in g m o d e

The indicators are not recorded on tape.

Hi8 format indicator

This appears while playing back or recording in Hi8

format.

Recording mode indicator

STBY/REC indicator

Tape counter indicator

REC 0:00:01

40min

Remaining tape indicator

This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play

back for a while.

Remaining battery time indicator

Note on the remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battry time indicator roughly indicates the recording time. The indicator

may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording.

Re co rd in g a p ict u re

Sh o o t in g b a cklit su b je ct s – BACK LIGHT

When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a

light background, use the backlight function.

Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA mode.

The . indicator appears in the viewfinder.

To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.

BACK LIGHT

If you press EXPOSURE w hen shooting backlit subjects

The backlight function will be canceled.

Sh o o t in g in t h e d a rk – Nig h t Sh o t

The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you

can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when

you use this function.

While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.

and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash in the viewfinder. To cancel the NightShot

function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

NIGHTSHOT

OFF

NightShot Light emitter

Usin g t h e Nig h t Sh o t Lig h t

The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable the NightShot Light,

set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 46).

Re co rd in g a p ict u re

Notes

• Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This

may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

• When you keep NIGHTSHOT setting to ON in normal recording, the picture may be

recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.

• If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,

focus manually.

While using the NightShot function, you can not use the follow ing functions:

– Exposure

– PROGRAM AE

NightShot Light

NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance

using the NightShot Light is about 3 m (10 feet).

Su p e rim p o sin g t h e d a t e a n d t im e o n p ict u re s

You can record the date and/ or time displayed in the viewfinder superimposed on the

picture.

Carry out the following operations in CAMERA mode.

Press DATE to record the date.

Press TIME to record the time.

Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME (or DATE) to record the date and time.

Press DATE and/ or TIME again. The date and/ or time indicator disappears.

DATE

TIME

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. Set the date and time

to your local time before using (p. 17).

Note

The date and time indicators recorded manually cannot be deleted.

If you do not record the date and time in the picture

Record the date and time in the black screen as the background for about 10 seconds,

then erase the date and time indicators before starting actual recording.

— Pla yb a ck – Ba sics —

Co n n e ct io n s fo r p la yb a ck

Connect your camcorder to your TVwith the A/ Vconnecting cable supplied with your

camcorder towatch theplayback pictureon theTVscreen.When monitoring the

playback pictureon theTVscreen,werecommend thatyou power your camcorder

from a walloutletusing theACpower adaptor (p.16).Refer totheoperating

instructionsofyour TV.

Open thejack cover.Connect your camcorder to theTVusing theA/ Vconnecting

cable. Then, set the TV/ VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

Yellow

S VIDEO OUT

A/V OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

:Signalflow

Black

If yo u r TV is a lre a d y co n n e ct e d t o a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/ V connecting

cable supplied with your camcorder.Set the input selector on the VCRto LINE.

To co n n e ct t o a TV w it h o u t Vid e o /Au d io in p u t ja cks

Use an NTSC system RFU adaptor (optional).

Refer totheoperating instructionsofyour TVand theRFU adaptor.

If your TV has an S video jack

Connectusing an Svideocable(optional)toobtain high-quality pictures.With this

connection,you donotneed toconnecttheyellow (video)plug oftheA/ Vconnecting

cable.

ConnecttheSvideocable(optional)totheSvideojackson both your camcorder and

the TV.

Pla yin g b a ck a t a p e

YoucanmonitortheplaybackpictureonaTVscreenafterconnectingyourcamcorder

toaTVorVCR.Youcanalsomonitorthepictureintheviewfinder.

(1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape.

(2) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER while pressing the small green button.

(3) Press m to rewind the tape.

(4) Press N to start playback.

POWER

REW

PLAY

To st o p p la yb a ck

Press x.

Pla yin g b a ck a t a p e

Va rio u s p la yb a ck m o d e s

To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to PLAYER.

To vie w a st ill p ict u re (p la yb a ck p a u se )

Press X during playback. To resume playback, press X or N.

To a d va n ce t h e t a p e

Press M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.

To re w in d t h e t a p e

Press m in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.

To lo ca t e a sce n e m o n it o rin g t h e p ict u re (p ict u re se a rch )

Keep pressing m or M during playback. To resume normal playback, release the

button.

To m o n it o r t h e h ig h -sp e e d p ict u re w h ile a d va n cin g o r

re w in d in g t h e t a p e (skip sca n )

Keep pressing m while rewinding or M while advancing the tape. To resume

rewinding or advancing, release the button.

In the various playback modes

Sound is muted.

When the playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes

Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.

When you play back a tape recorded in the LP mode

Noise may appear during playback pause mode or picture search.

— Ad va n ce d Re co rd in g Op e ra t io n s —

Usin g t h e w id e m o d e

You can record a cinema-like picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the

16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9FULL). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV.

CINEMA

Black bands appear on the screen during recording in the CINEMA mode [a], playing

back on a normal TV [b ] or a wide-screen TV [c]. If you set the screen mode of the wide-

screen TV to the zoom mode, a picture without black bands appears [d].

16:9FULL

The picture during recording in the 16:9FULL mode [e], or playing back on a normal

TV [f] or a wide-screen TV [g ] is horizontally compressed. If you set the screen mode of

the wide-screen TV to the full mode, you can watch pictures of normal images [h].

[b]

CINEMA

[a]

[d]

[c]

[f]

16:9FULL

[e]

[h]

[g]

Usin g t h e w id e m o d e

In CAMERA mode, set 16:9WIDE to CINEMA or 16:9FULL in

(p. 46).

in the menu settings

To ca n ce l t h e w id e m o d e

Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.

If the w ide mode is set to 16:9FULL (CCD-TR818 only)

The SteadyShot function does not work. If you select 16:9FULL in the menu settings

when the SteadyShot function is working,

not function.

flashes and the SteadyShot function does

In the w ide mode

You cannot select the bounce function with FADER.

Date or time indicator

When you record in the 16:9FULL mode, the date or time indicator will be widened on

wide-screen TVs.

During recording

You cannot change or cancel the wide mode. When you cancel the wide mode, set your

camcorder to the standby mode and then set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.

Usin g t h e fa d e r fu n ct io n

You can fadein or outtogiveyour recording a professionalappearance.

[a ]

STBY

REC

FADER

M.FADER

(mosaic)

STRIPE

BOUNCE

(Fade in only)

[b ]

STBY

REC

MONOTONE

When fadingin,thepicturegraduallychangesfrom black-and-whitetocolor.

When fadingout,thepicturegraduallychangesfrom colortoblack-and-white.

Usin g t h e fa d e r fu n ct io n

(1) When fading in [a]

In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes.

When fading out [b]

In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes.

The indicator changes as follows:

FADER t M.FADER t STRIPE

no indicator T MONOTONE T BOUNCE

The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all.

(2) Press START/ STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing.

After the fade in/ out is carried out, your camcorder automatically returns to

the normal mode.

FADER

To ca n ce l t h e fa d e r fu n ct io n

Before pressing START/ STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears.

The date, time indicator and title do not fade in or fade out

Erasethem beforeoperatingthefaderfunction iftheyarenotneeded.

While using the bounce function, you cannot use the follow ing functions:

– Focus

– Zoom

– Pictureeffect

Note on the bounce function

TheBOUNCEindicator doesnot appear in thefollowing modeor functions:

– D ZOOM is set to the mode other than OFFin the menu settings

– Widemode

– Pictureeffect

– PROGRAM AE

Usin g sp e cia l e ffe ct s – Pict u re e ffe ct

You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the

TV.

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 are reversed.

SEPIA :

The picture gets sepia.

B&W :

The picture appears in monochrome (black-and-white).

SOLARIZE [c] : The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration.

MOSAIC [d ] : The picture gets mosaic-patterned.

SLIM [e] :

The picture expands vertically.

STRETCH [f] : The picture expands horizontally.

[a ]

[b ]

[c]

[d ]

[e ]

[f]

(1) In CAMERA mode, select P EFFECT in

in the menu settings. (p. 46).

(2) Select the desired picture effect mode in the menu settings, then press the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

MANUA L S E T

PROGRAM A E OF F

E F F EC T

RE T URN

P A S T E L

NEG

S E P

AR T

B &

SO L AR

MOS A

S L I M

Z E

S T RE T CH

[

]

END

To ca n ce l t h e p ict u re e ffe ct fu n ct io n

Set P EFFECT to OFF in the menu settings.

When you turn the pow er off

Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode.

Usin g t h e PROGRAM AE fu n ct io n

You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting

requirements.

Spotlight

This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white

when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater.

Soft portrait

This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as

people or flowers.

Sports lesson

This mode minimizes shake on fast-moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.

Beach & ski

This mode prevents people’s faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light,

such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.

Sunset & moon

This mode allows you to maintain atmosphere when you are recording sunsets, general

night views, fireworks displays and neon signs.

Landscape

This mode is for when you are recording distant subjects such as mountains and

prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you

are recording a subject behind glass or a screen.

Usin g t h e PROGRAM AE fu n ct io n

(1) In CAMERA mode, select PROGRAM AE in

in the menu settings (p. 46).

(2) Select the desired PROGRAM AE mode in the menu settings, then press the

SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial.

MANUA L S E T

PROGRAM A E AU TO

E F F EC T

RE T URN

S POT L

GH T

POR T RA

S POR T S

B E ACH& S K

SUNS E TMOON

L ANDSCA P E

[

]

END

To t u rn t h e PROGRAM AE fu n ct io n o ff

Set PROGRAM AE to AUTO in the menu settings.

Notes

• In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski modes, you cannot take close-ups. This

is because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.

• In the sunset & moon and landscape modes, your camcorder is set to focus only on

distant subjects.

• The bounce function with FADER does not work in the PROGRAM AE mode.

• While setting NIGHTSHOT to ON, the PROGRAM AE function does not work. (The

indicator flashes.)

If you are recording under a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium

lamp or mercury lamp

Flickering or changes in color may occur in the following modes. If this happens, turn

the PROGRAM AE function off.

– Soft portrait mode

– Sports lesson mode

Ad ju st in g t h e e xp o su re m a n u a lly

You can manually adjust and set the exposure.

Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases:

• The subject is backlit

• Bright subject and dark background

• To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully

(1) In CAMERA mode, press EXPOSURE.

(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness.

EXPOSURE

To re t u rn t o t h e a u t o m a t ic e xp o su re m o d e

Press EXPOSURE again.

Note

When you adjust the exposure manually, the backlight function does not work.

Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode:

– if you change the PROGRAM AE mode

– if you slide NIGHTSHOT to ON

Fo cu sin g m a n u a lly

You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases:

• The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting

– subjects through glass coated with water droplets

– horizontal stripes

– subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky

• When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the

background

• Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod

(1) In CAMERA mode, press FOCUS. The 9 indicator appears.

(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to sharpen focus.

FOCUS

To re t u rn t o t h e a u t o fo cu s m o d e

Press FOCUS.

To focus precisely

Adjust the zoom by first focusing at the “T” (telephoto) position and then shooting at

the “W” (wide-angle) position. This makes focusing easier.

When you shoot close to the subject

Focus at the end of the “W” (wide-angle) position.

9 changes to the follow ing indicators:

when recording a distant subject.

when the subject is too close to focus on.

Su p e rim p o sin g a t it le

You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 40). You can also select

the language, color, size and position of titles.

VACATION

(1) In CAMERA mode, press TITLE to display the title menu.

(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select

, then press the dial.

(3) Select the desired title in the menu settings, then press the SEL/ PUSH EXEC

dial. The titles are displayed in the language you selected.

(4) Change the color, size, or position, if necessary.

1 Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the color, size, or position, then

press the dial. The item appears.

2 Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the

dial.

3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the title is laid out as desired.

(5) Press the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial again to complete the setting.

(6) Press START/ STOP to start recording.

(7) When you want to stop recording the title, press TITLE.

PRE S E T

T L E

HE L L O

HA P P Y

R T HDA Y

DA Y S

CONGRA T U L A T ONS

E E T B A B Y

T HE END

HA P P Y HO L

TITLE

OUR

EDD

V ACA T

[

]

T L E

END

PRE S E T

T L E

PRE S E T

HE L L O

HA P P Y

T L E

HE L L O

HA P P Y

R T HDA Y

DA Y S

CONGRA T U L A T ONS

E E T B A B Y

T HE END

R T HDA Y

DA Y S

CONGRA T U L A T ONS

E E T B A B Y

HA P P Y HO L

OUR

EDD

OUR

WEDD

V ACA T

T HE END

RE T URN

[

]

[

]

T L E

END

T L E

END

PRE S E T

T L E

T I T L E

HE L L O

HA P P Y

R T HDA Y

DA Y S

CONGRA T U L A T ONS

E E T B A B Y

HA P P Y HO L

OUR

EDD

VACATION

V ACA T

T HE END

RE T URN

[

]

[

]

T L E

END

T L E

END

Z E

SMA L L

T I T L E

Z E

L ARGE

VACATION

[

]

T L E

END

Su p e rim p o sin g a t it le

To su p e rim p o se t h e t it le w h ile yo u a re re co rd in g

Press TITLE while you are recording, and carry out steps 2 to 5. When you press the

SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial at step 5, the title is superimposed.

To se le ct t h e la n g u a g e o f a p re se t t it le

If you want to change the language, select

language and return to step 2.

before step 2. Then select the desired

Note

Both the date and time or either of them may not be displayed depending on the size or

position of the title.

If you display the menu or title menu w hile superimposing a title

The title is not recorded while the menu or title menu is displayed.

To use the custom title

If you want to use the custom title, select

in step 2.

Title setting

• The title color changes as follows :

WHITE y YELLOW y VIOLET y RED y CYAN y GREEN y BLUE

• The title size changes as follows :

SMALL y LARGE

You cannot input 13 characters or more in LARGE size.

• The title position changes as follows :

1 y 2 y 3 y 4 y 5 y 6 y 7 y 8 y 9

The larger the position number, the lower the title is positioned.

When you select the title size “LARGE”, you cannot choose position 9.

When you select the title size “LARGE” in the CINEMA mode, you cannot choose

position 8 nor 9.

When you are selecting and setting the title

You cannot superimpose the title displayed on the screen.

When you superimpose a title w hile you are recording

The beep does not sound.

Ma kin g yo u r o w n t it le s

You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder. Each title can have up

to 20 characters.

(1) In CAMERA or PLAYER mode, press TITLE.

(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select

, then press the dial.

(3) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the first line (CUSTOM1 SET) or

second line (CUSTOM2 SET), then press the dial.

(4) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the column of the desired character,

then press the dial.

(5) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired character, then press the

dial.

(6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have selected all characters and completed the

title.

(7) To finish making your own titles, turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select

[SET], then press the dial. The title is stored in memory.

(8) Press TITLE to make the title menu disappear.

T L E S E T

CUS TOM1 S E T

CUS TOM2 S E T

CUS TOM1 S E T

CUS TOM2 S E T

RE T URN

TITLE

[

]

[

]

T L E

END

T L E

END

PRE S E T

T L E

T L E S E T

P 1

HE L L O

HA P P Y

CUS TOM1 S E T

CUS TOM2 S E T

RE T URN

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

R T HDA Y

DA Y S

CONGRA T U L A T ONS

E E T B A B Y

T HE END

HA P P Y HO L

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Ma kin g yo u r o w n t it le s

To ch a n g e a t it le yo u h a ve st o re d

In step 3, select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET, depending on which title you want

to change, then press the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to

select [C], then press the dial to delete the title. The last character is erased. Enter the

new title as desired.

If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters in the standby mode w hile a

cassette is in your camcorder

The power automatically turns off. The characters you have entered remain stored in

memory. Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) once, and turn it to CAMERA

again, then proceed from step 1.

We recommend setting the POWER switch to PLAYER or removing the cassette so that

your camcorder does not automatically turn off while you are entering title characters.

If you select [

]

The menu for selecting alphabet and Russian characters appears. Select [

to the previous screen.

] to return

To delete the title

Select [C]. The last character is erased.

To enter a space

Select [ Z& ? ! ], then select the blank part.

Usin g t h e b u ilt -in lig h t

– CCD-TR618 o n ly

You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended

distance between the subject and camcorder is about 1.5 m (5 feet).

Press LIGHT until the

indicator appears in the viewfinder while your

camcorder is in CAMERA mode. The built-in light turns on.

If you turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE), the built-in light turns off

simultaneously. You cannot turn the built-in light on by turning the POWER switch to

CAMERA again.

To turn on the built-in light again, press LIGHT again in CAMERA mode.

LIGHT

CCD-TR618

To t u rn o ff t h e b u ilt -in lig h t

Press LIGHT until no indicator appears in the viewfinder.

To t u rn o n t h e b u ilt -in lig h t a u t o m a t ica lly

Press LIGHT until the

indicator appears in the viewfinder.

The built-in light automatically turns on and off according to the ambient brightness.

CAUTION

Be careful not to touch the lighting section, because the plastic w indow and

surrounding surfaces are hot w hile the light is on. It remains hot for a w hile after

the light is turned off.

DANGER

Not to be handled by children.

Emits intense heat and light.

Use w ith caution to reduce the risk of fire or injury to persons.

Do not directly light at persons or materials from less than 4 feet (1.22 m) during

use and until cool.

Turn the built-in light off w hen not in use.

Usin g t h e b u ilt -in lig h t

When you press LIGHT

The indicator changes as follows:

no indicator

Notes

• The built-in light turns off automatically in the following cases:

– When it stays on in the AUTO mode for more than 5 minutes

– When you leave it on for more than 5 minutes with no cassette inserted or after the

tape has run out.

To turn the built-in light on again, press LIGHT again.

• The battery pack is quickly discharging while the built-in light is turned on. Turn it off

when not in use.

• When you do not use your camcorder, turn the built-in light off and remove the

battery pack to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally.

• When flickering occurs while shooting in the AUTO mode, press LIGHT until the

indicator appears.

• The built-in light may turn on/ off when you use the PROGRAM AE or backlight

function while shooting in the AUTO mode.

• The built-in light may be turned off when inserting or ejecting a cassette.

• When you use the conversion lens (optional), light from the built-in light is blocked

and may not illuminate the subject properly.

Usin g t h e b u ilt -in lig h t

Re p la cin g t h e b u lb

Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (optional). The supplied halogen lamp is not on the

market. Purchase the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp.

Remove the power source before replacing the bulb.

(1) Remove the built-in light unit while pushing the hole under the built-in light

unit using a wire.

(2) Turn the bulb housing counterclockwise and detach from the built-in light

unit.

(3) Replace the bulb using a dry cloth.

(4) Attach the bulb housing turning it clockwise, then replace the built-in light

unit.

CAUTION

• When replacing the bulb, use only the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (optional) to reduce

the risk of fire.

• To prevent possible burn hazard, disconnect the power source before replacing and

do not touch the bulb until the bulb becomes cool enough to handle (for about 30

minutes or more).

Note

To prevent the bulb from being smudged with finger prints, handle it with a dry cloth,

etc. If the bulb is smudged, wipe it completely.

— Ed it in g —

Du b b in g a t a p e

Usin g t h e A/V co n n e ct in g ca b le

Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/ V connecting cable supplied with

your camcorder.

You can record and edit a picture with the connected VCR by using your camcorder as

a player.

( 1 )Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert

the recorded tape into your camcorder.

( 2 )Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

Refer to the operating instructions of your VCR for more information.

( 3 )Set the POWER switch to PLAYER.

( 4 )Play back the recorded tape on your camcorder.

( 5 )Start recording on the VCR.

Refer to the operating instructions of your VCR for more information.

Yellow

S VIDEO OUT

A/V OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

Black

: Signal flow

Wh e n yo u h a ve fin ish e d d u b b in g a t a p e

Press xon both your camcorder and the VCR.

To p re ve n t d e t e rio ra t io n o f p ict u re s w h e n d u b b in g

Set EDIT to ON in the menu settings before dubbing.

You can edit on VCRs that support the follow ing systems

8 mm,

Betamax,

Hi8, Digital8,

ED Betamax,

VHS,

S-VHS,

VHSC,

S-VHSC,

mini DV or

Connect using an S video cable (optional) to obtain high-quality pictures

With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/ V

connecting cable.

Connect an S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the

VCR.

— Cu st o m izin g Yo u r Ca m co rd e r —

Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s

To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon,

then the menu item and then the mode.

(1) In CAMERA or PLAYER mode, press MENU.

(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired icon, then press the dial to

set.

(3) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the dial to

set.

(4) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial

to set.

(5) If you want to change other items, select

RETURN and press the dial, then

repeat steps from 2 to 4.

For details, see “Selecting the mode setting of each item”(p. 47).

MANUA L S E T

PROGRAM AE

CAMERA

PLAYER

E F F EC T

OT HERS

OR L D

BEEP

REC L AMP

MANUA L S E T

PROGRAM A E

E F F EC T

P L A Y ER S E T

I ME

T BC

DNR

[

]

[

]

END

OT HERS

OR L D

BEEP

I ME

REC L AMP

RE T URN

OT HERS

OR L D

BEEP

I ME

OT HERS

OR L D

BEEP

I ME

REC L AMP

RE T URN

OT HERS

OR L D

I ME

BEEP

REC L AMP

RE T URN

OF F

OT HERS

OR L D

I ME

BEEP

REC L AMP

RE T URN

OF F

OT HERS

OR L D

I ME

BEEP

REC L AMP

RE T URN

OF F

To m a ke t h e m e n u d isp la y d isa p p e a r

Press MENU.

Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s

Menu items are displayed as the follow ing icons:

MANUAL SET

CAMERA SET

PLAYER SET

VF SET (CCD-TR818 only)

TAPE SET

SETUP MENU

OTHERS

Depending on your camcorder model

The menu display may be different from that in this illustration.

Se le ct in g t h e m o d e se t t in g o f e a ch it e m

z is the default setting.

Menu items differ according to the position of the POWER switch.

The viewfinder screen shows only the items you can operate at the moment.

POWER

sw itch

Icon/item

Mode

Meaning

To suit your specific shooting requirement (p. 34) CAMERA

PROGRAM AE ——

P EFFECT

D ZOOM

——

To add special effects like those in films or on the

TV to images (p. 33).

CAMERA

z OFF

If you set to OFF, digital zoom is deactivated and

up to 20× is carried out.

If you set to 40×/450×, digital zoom is activated

and more than 20× to 40×/ 450× is performed

digitally. (p. 22)

CAMERA

40×

450×

(CCD-TR618 only)

z OFF

If you set to OFF, digital zoom is deactivated and

up to 20× is carried out.

If you set to 40×/460×, digital zoom is activated

and more than 20× to 40×/ 460× is performed

digitally. (p. 22)

40×

460×

(CCD-TR818 only)

16:9WIDE

z OFF

—

CAMERA

CINEMA

16:9FULL

To record in the CINEMA mode (p. 29)

To record in the 16:9FULL mode

To compensate for camera-shake

STEADYSHOT* z ON

OFF

To cancel the SteadyShot function. Natural

pictures are produced when shooting a stationary

object with a tripod.

N.S.LIGHT

z ON

To use the NightShot Light function (p. 24)

To cancel the NightShot Light function

CAMERA

OFF

* CCD-TR818 only

Notes on the SteadyShot function (CCD-TR818 only)

• The SteadyShot function will not correct excessive camera-shake.

• Attachment of a conversion lens (optional) may influence the SteadyShot function.

• SteadyShot does not operate in the 16:9FULL mode. If you set STEADYSHOT to ON

in the menu settings, the

indicator flashes.

If you cancel the SteadyShot function (CCD-TR818 only)

The SteadyShot off indicator

appears. Your camcorder prevents excessive

compensation for camera-shake.

Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s

POWER

sw itch

Icon/item

EDIT

Mode

z OFF

Meaning

—

PLAYER

To minimize picture deterioration when editing

To correct jitter

TBC

z ON

OFF

PLAYER

To not correct jitter. Set TBC to OFF when

playing back a tape on which you have dubbed

over and recorded the signal of a TV game or

similar machine.

TBC stands for “Time Base Corrector”.

DNR

z ON

To reduce picture noise

PLAYER

OFF

To reduce a conspicuous afterimage when the

picture has a lot of movement

DNR stands for “Digital Noise Reduction”.

VF B.L.*

BRT NORMAL

BRIGHT

To set the brightness in the viewfinder normal

To brighten the viewfinder screen

PLAYER

CAMERA

* CCD-TR818 only

In more than 5 minutes after removing the pow er source

The “EDIT” items are returned to their default settings.

The other menu items are held in memory even when the battery is removed.

Note on VF B.L. (CCD-TR818 only)

When you use power sources other than the battery pack, “BRIGHT” is automatically

selected.

Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s

POWER

sw itch

Icon/item

REC MODE

Mode

z SP

Meaning

To record in SP (Standard Play) mode

CAMERA

To increase the recording time to twice the SP

mode

ORC TO SET

——

To automatically adjust the recording condition to CAMERA

get the best possible recording. Press START/

STOP to start adjustment. Your camcorder takes

about 10 seconds to check the tape condition and

then returns to the standby mode.

ORC stands for “Optimizing the Recording Condition”.

qREMAIN

z AUTO

To display the remaining tape bar:

• for about 8 seconds after your camcorder is

turned on and calculates the remaining amount

of tape

PLAYER

CAMERA

• for about 8 seconds after a cassette is inserted

and your camcorder calculates the remaining

amount of tape

• for about 8 seconds after N is pressed in

PLAYER mode

• for the period of tape rewinding, forwarding or

picture search in PLAYER mode

To always display the remaining tape bar

Notes on the LP mode

• When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing

back the tape on your camcorder. When you play back the tape on other camcorders

or VCRs, noise may occur in pictures or sound.

• Noise may occur also when you play on your camcorder tapes recorded in the LP

mode on other camcorders or VCRs.

• When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, recording is carried out in

the standard 8 mm system.

Notes on ORC setting

• Each time you eject the cassette, the ORC setting will be canceled. If necessary, reset

the setting.

• You cannot use this setting on a tape with the red mark on the cassette exposed.

(i. e. the tape is write-protected)

• When you set ORC TO SET, a non-recorded section of about 0.1 seconds appears on

the tape. However, note that this non-recorded section disappears from the tape when

you continue recording from this section.

• To check if you have already set the ORC setting, select ORC TO SET in the menu

settings. “ORC ON” is displayed if ORC TO SET is already set.

Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s

POWER

sw itch

Icon/item

CLOCK SET

Mode

——

Meaning

To set the date or time (p. 17)

CAMERA

AUTO DATE

z ON

To record the date for 10 seconds after

recording has started

OFF

z NORMAL

2×

To cancel the auto date function

LTR SIZE

To display selected menu items in normal size

PLAYER

CAMERA

To display selected menu items at twice the

normal size

LANGUAGE

z ENGLISH

To display the following information indicators PLAYER

in English: REC, STBY, min and VOL

CAMERA

FRANÇAIS

ESPAÑOL

To display the information indicators in French

To display the information indicators in

Spanish

PORTUGUÊS To display the information indicators in

Portuguese

To display the information indicators in

Chinese

DEMO MODE

z ON

OFF

To make the demonstration appear

To cancel the demonstration mode

CAMERA

Notes on DEMO MODE

• You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in your camcorder.

• DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory and the demonstration starts

about 10 minutes after you have set the POWER switch to CAMERA without a

cassette inserted.

To cancel the demonstration, insert a cassette, set the POWER switch to other than

CAMERA, or set DEMO MODE to OFF.

• When NIGHTSHOT is set to ON, the “NIGHTSHOT” indicator appears in the

viewfinder and you cannot select DEMO MODE in the menu settings.

Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s

POWER

sw itch

Icon/item

WORLD TIME

Mode

——

Meaning

To set the clock to the local time. Turn the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial to set a time difference. The

clock changes by the time difference you set

here. If you set the time difference to 0, the

clock returns to the originally set time.

CAMERA

BEEP

z MELODY

To output the melody when you start/ stop

recording or when an unusual condition occurs

on your camcorder

PLAYER

CAMERA

NORMAL

To output the beep sound instead of the

melody

OFF

To cancel the melody and beep sound

REC LAMP

z ON

To light up the camera recording lamp at the

front of your camcorder

CAMERA

OFF

To turn the camera recording lamp off so that

the subject is not aware of the recording

— Tro u b le sh o o t in g

—

Typ e s o f t ro u b le a n d t h e ir so lu t io n s

If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to

troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and

contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C:ss:ss”

appears in the viewfinder or the display window, the self-diagnosis display function

has worked. See page 55.

In t h e re co rd in g m o d e

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

START/ STOP does not operate.

• The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHARGE) or PLAYER.

c Set it to CAMERA. (p. 20)

• The tape has run out.

c Rewind the tape or insert a new one. (p. 19, 27)

• The write-protect tab is set to expose the red mark.

c Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 19)

• The tape is stuck to the drum (moisture condensation).

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 60)

The power goes off.

• While being operated in CAMERA mode, your camcorder

has been in the standby mode for more than 5 minutes.

c Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) and then to

CAMERA again.

• The battery pack is dead or nearly dead.

c Install a fully charged battery pack. (p. 11, 12)

The image on the viewfinder screen

is not clear.

• The viewfinder lens is not adjusted.

c Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 21)

The SteadyShot function does not

work.

(CCD-TR818 only)

• STEADYSHOT is set to OFF in the menu settings.

c Set it to ON. (p. 46)

• The SteadyShot function does not work when the wide

mode is set to 16:9FULL.

The autofocusing function does not

work.

• FOCUS is set to MANUAL.

c Set it to AUTO. (p. 37)

• Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus.

c Set FOCUS to MANUAL to focus manually. (p. 37)

The x indicator flashes in the

• The video heads may be dirty.

viewfinder.

c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning

cassette (optional). (p. 61)

A vertical band appears when you

shoot a subject such as lights or a

candle flame against a dark

background.

• The contrast between the subject and background is too

high. This is not a malfunction.

A vertical band appears when you

shoot a very bright subject.

• This is not a malfunction.

An unknown picture is displayed in

the viewfinder.

• If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to

CAMERA or DEMO MODE is set to ON in the menu

settings without a cassette inserted, your camcorder

automatically starts the demonstration.

c Insert a cassette and the demonstration stops.

You can also cancel DEMO MODE. (p. 50)

Typ e s o f t ro u b le a n d t h e ir so lu t io n s

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The picture is recorded in incorrect

or unnatural colors.

• NIGHTSHOT is set to ON.

c Set it to OFF. (p. 24)

The picture appears too bright, and

the subject does not appear in the

viewfinder.

• NIGHTSHOT is set to ON in a bright place.

c Set it to OFF, or use the NightShot function in a dark

place. (p. 24)

• The backlight function is working.

c Cancel it. (p. 24)

In t h e p la yb a ck m o d e

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The tape does not move when a

video control button is pressed.

• The POWER switch is set to CAMERA or OFF (CHARGE).

c Set it to PLAYER. (p. 27)

• The tape has run out.

c Rewind the tape. (p. 27)

The playback picture is not clear or

does not appear.

• The television’s video channel is not adjusted correctly.

c Adjust it. (p. 26)

• EDIT is set to ON in the menu settings.

c Set it to OFF. (p. 46)

• The video head may be dirty.

c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning

cassette (optional). (p. 61)

In t h e re co rd in g a n d p la yb a ck m o d e s

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The power does not turn on.

• The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead.

c Install a charged battery pack. (p. 11, 12)

• The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.

c Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 16)

The battery pack is quickly

discharged.

• The operating temperature is too low.

• The battery pack is not fully charged.

c Charge the battery pack fully again. (p. 12)

• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be

recharged.

c Replace with a new battery pack. (p. 11)

The remaining battery time indicator • You have used the battery pack in an extremely hot or

does not indicate the correct time.

cold environment for a long time.

• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be

recharged.

c Replace with a new battery pack. (p. 11)

• The battery is not fully charged.

c Charge the battery pack fully again. (p. 12)

• A deviation has occured in the remaining battery time.

c Charge the battery pack fully again. (p. 12)

The power goes off although the

remaining battery time indicator

indicates that the battery pack has

enough power to operate.

• A deviation has occured in the remaining battery time.

c Charge the battery pack fully again. (p. 12)

(Continued on the following page)

Typ e s o f t ro u b le a n d t h e ir so lu t io n s

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The cassette cannot be removed from • The power source is disconnected.

the holder.

c Connect it firmly. (p. 11, 16)

• The battery is dead.

c Use a charged battery pack. (p. 11, 12)

The % and Z indicators flash and no

functions except for cassette ejection

work.

• Moisture condensation has occurred.

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 60)

Ot h e rs

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The date or time indicator does not

appear, and the bars “--:--:--” appear.

• Reset the date and time. (p. 17)

The melody or beep sounds for 5

seconds.

• Moisture condensation has occurred.

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 60)

• Some troubles have occurred in your camcorder.

c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate

your camcorder.

No funciton works though the power • Disconnect the connecting plate of the AC adaptor or

is on.

remove the battery, then reconnect it in about 1 minute.

Turn the power on (p. 11, 16). If the functions still do not

work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed

object. (If you press the RESET button, all the settings

including the date and time return to the default.) (p. 68)

While charging the battery pack, no

indicator appears or the indicator

flashes in the display window.

• The AC power adaptor is disconnected.

c Connect it firmly. (p. 16)

• Something is wrong with the battery pack.

c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony

service facility.

You cannot charge the battery pack

installed to your camcorder.

• The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHARGE).

c Set it to OFF (CHARGE).

Se lf-d ia g n o sis d isp la y

Your camcorder has a self-diagnosis display

function.

Vie w f in d e r

This function displays the current condition of

your camcorder as a 5-digit code (a combination of

a letter and figures) in the viewfinder or the

display window. If a 5-digit code is displayed,

check the following code chart. The last two digits

(indicated by ss) will differ depending on the

state of your camcorder.

C:21:00

Self-diagnosis display

• C:ss:ss

You can service your camcorder

yourself.

• E:ss:ss

Contact your Sony dealer or local

authorized Sony service facility.

Five-digit display

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

• You are using a battery pack that is not an

C:04:ss

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

c Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 58)

C:21:ss

• Moisture condensation has occurred.

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 60)

C:22:ss

• The video heads are dirty.

c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning

cassette (optional). (p. 61)

C:31:ss

• A malfunction other than the above that you can service

has occurred.

C:32:ss

c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate

your camcorder.

c Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or

remove the battery pack. After reconnecting the power

source, operate your camcorder.

E:61:ss

• A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred.

c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony

service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code.

(example: E:61:10)

E:62:ss

If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times,

contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Wa rn in g in d ica t o rs a n d m e ssa g e s

If indicators and messages appear in the viewfinder or on the display window, check the

following:

See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information.

Wa rn in g in d ica t o rs

The video heads are dirty

Slow flashing:

• You need to clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD

cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 61).

The battery is dead or

nearly dead

Slow flashing:

Self-diagnosis display (p. 55)

Moisture condensation has

occurred*

Fast flashing:

• Eject the cassette, turn off

your camcorder, and leave it

for about 1 hour with the

cassette compartment open

(p. 60).

• The battery is nearly dead.

Depending on conditions,

the environment or the

battery pack, the warning

indicator may flash, even if

there are 5 to 10 minutes

battery remaining.

C:21:00

Fast flashing:

You need to eject the

cassette

Slow flashing:

• The write-protect tab on the

cassette is out (red) (p. 19).*

• The battery is dead (p. 12).

• The battery is completely

dead, and cannot be

recharged.

Fast flashing:

• Moisture condensation has

occurred (p. 60).

• The tape has run out.*

• The self-diagnosis display

function is activated (p. 55).*

Warning indicator as to tape

Slow flashing:

• The tape is near the end.

• No tape is inserted.*

• The write-protect tab on the

cassette is out (red) (p. 19).*

Fast flashing:

• The tape has run out.*

Warning indicator as to tape

or battery (CCD-TR618 only)

Slow flashing:

• The battery is nearly dead.

• The tape is near the end.

Fast flashing:

• The battery is dead.

• The tape has run out.*

Wa rn in g m e ssa g e s

• CLOCK SET

Set the date and time (p. 17).

• For “InfoLITHIUM”

BATTERY ONLY

Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 58).

•

CLEANING CASSETTE

The video heads are dirty (p. 61).

• START/ STOP KEY

Press the START/ STOP button to activate the ORC

setting. This message is displayed in white (p. 49).

• ORC

The ORC setting is working. This message is

displayed in white (p. 49).

• Q NO TAPE

Insert a cassette tape.*

• Q TAPE END

The tape has reached the end of the tape.*

* You hear the melody or beep sound.

— Ad d it io n a l In f o r m a t io n

—

Usa b le ca sse t t e s a n d p la yb a ck m o d e s

Se le ct in g t h e ca sse t t e t yp e

You can useboth Hi8and standard 8mm video cassetteson your camcorder.When you

usea Hi8video cassette,recording and playback arecarried out in theHi8system.

When you usea standard 8mm videocassette,recording and playback arecarried out

in thestandard 8mm system.

However,ifyou record on a Hi8video cassette in the LP mode,recording is carried out

in thestandard 8mm system.

Ifyou play back a taperecorded on a differentvideorecorder on your camcorder,the

playbackmodeisautomaticallyselected accordingtotheformatin which thetapehas

beenrecorded.

ThisHi8system isan extension ofthestandard 8mm system,and wasdeveloped to

producehigher qualitypictures.

You cannot playback a taperecorded in theHi8system correctly on video recorders/

playersother than a Hi8video recorder/ player.

Wh e n yo u p la y b a ck

Theplayback mode(SP/ LP)isautomatically selected according to therecording system

in which thetapehasbeen recorded.Thequality oftherecorded picturein theLP

mode,however,willnotbeasgood astheSPmode.

Fo re ig n 8 m m vid e o

BecauseTVcolor systemsdiffer from country tocountry,you may not beabletoplay

backforeign pre-recorded tapes.Refer to“Usingyour camcorder abroad”tocheckthe

TVcolor systemsused in foreign countries.

Ab o u t “ In fo LITHIUM” b a t t e ry

Wh a t is t h e “ In fo LITHIUM” b a t t e ry?

The “InfoLITHIUM” battery is a lithium-ion battery that has functions for

communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder

and an AC power adaptor.

The “InfoLITHIUM” battery calculates the power consumption according to the

operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in

minutes.

Ch a rg in g t h e b a t t e ry

• Be sure to charge the battery before you start using your camcorder.

• We recommend charging the battery in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C

until the remaining battery indicator changes to u and the FULL appears on the

display window, indicating that the battery is fully charged. If you charge the battery

outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to effectively charge the

battery.

• After charging is completed, either disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your

camcorder or remove the battery.

Effe ct ive u se o f t h e b a t t e ry

• Battery performance drops in low-temperature surroundings. So, the time that the

battery can be used is shorter in cold places. We recommend the following to ensure

care-free, longer use:

– Put the battery in a pocket close to your body to warm it up, and insert it in your

camcorder immediately before you start taking shots.

– Use the high-power battery (NP-F730/ F730H/ F750/ F930/ F950/ F960, optional).

• Frequently operating playback, fast forward or rewind wears out the battery faster.

We recommend using the high-power battery (NP-F730/ F730H/ F750/ F930/ F950/

F960, optional).

• Be certain to turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) when not taking shots or

playing back on your camcorder. The battery also wears out when your camcorder is

in the standby mode or playback is paused.

• Have spare batteries handy for two or three times the expected shooting time, and

take test shots before taking the actual shots.

Re m a in in g b a t t e ry t im e in d ica t o r

• If the power goes off although the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the

battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again so that

the indication on the remaining battery time indicator is correct. Note, however, that

the correct battery indication sometimes will not be restored if it is used in high

temperatures for a long time or left in a fully charged state, or the battery pack is

frequently used. Regard the remaining battery time indication as the approximate

shooting time.

• The E mark indicating there is little remaining battery time sometimes blinks

depending on the operating conditions or ambient temperature and environment even

if the remaining battery time is 5 to 10 minutes.

Ho w t o st o re t h e b a t t e ry

• Even if the battery is not used for a long time, store it in a low humidity, cool place

after fully charging it once per year and then using the battery up on your camcorder.

This is to maintain the battery's functions.

• To use the battery up on your camcorder, leave your camcorder in the shooting mode

until there is no more battery power left without a cassette inserted.

Ba t t e ry life

• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use it more and

more, and as time passes. When the available battery time is shortened considerably, a

probable cause is that the battery has reached the end of its life. Buy a new battery.

• The battery life varies according to how it is stored and operating conditions and

environment for each battery pack.

Usin g yo u r ca m co rd e r a b ro a d

You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power adaptor

supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz.

When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a ], if

necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b ].

AC-L10A/L10B/L10C

[b ]

[a ]

Your camcorder is an NTSC system based camcorder. If you want to view the playback

picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC system based TV with VIDEO/ AUDIO input jack.

The following shows TV color systems used overseas.

NTSC system

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica,

Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela,

etc.

PAL system

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great

Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal,

Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, etc.

PAL-M system

Brazil

PAL-N system

Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

SECAM system

Bulgaria, France, Guyana, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

Sim p le se t t in g o f clo ck b y t im e d iffe re n ce

You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference. Select WORLD

TIME in the menu settings. See page 51 for more information.

Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d

p re ca u t io n s

Mo ist u re co n d e n sa t io n

If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may

condense inside your 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 your camcorder may

not operate correctly. If there is moisture inside your camcorder, the beep sounds and

the % indicator flashes. When the Z indicator flashes at the same time, the cassette is

inserted in your camcorder. If moisture condenses on the lens, the indicator will not

appear.

If m o ist u re co n d e n sa t io n o ccu rs

None of the functions except cassette ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your

camcorder, and leave it for about 1 hour with the cassette compartment open. Your

camcorder can be used again if the % indicator does not appear when the power is

turned on again.

Note on moisture condensation

Moisture may condense when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm

place (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a hot place as follows:

• You bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating

device

• You bring your camcorder from an air-conditioned car or room into a hot place

outside

• You use your camcorder after a squall or a shower

• You use your camcorder in a high temperature and humid place

How to prevent moisture condensation

When you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place, put your

camcorder in a plastic bag and tightly seal it. Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature (after about 1 hour).

Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d p re ca u t io n s

Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n

Cle a n in g t h e vid e o h e a d

Toensurenormalrecording and clear pictures,clean thevideoheads.Thevideohead

may bedirty when:

• The xindicator and “

CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another

or the xindicator flashesin theviewfinder.

• Playbackpicturescontain noise.

• Playback picturesarehardly visible.

• Playbackpicturesdonotappear.

Ifthishappens,clean thevideoheadswith theSony V8-25CLDcleaning cassette

(optional).

[a]

[b]

[a] Slightly dirty

[b] Very dirty

Note on video heads

When theplayback picturesstillcontain noiseeven ifyou havecleaned thevideoheads

with a cleaning cassette,thevideoheadsmay haveworn down duetolong use.Ifthisis

thecase,they mustbereplaced with new heads.Contactyour Sony dealer or local

authorized Sonyservicefacility.

Ab o u t ca re a n d st o ra g e o f t h e Le n s

• Wipethesurfaceofthelensclean with asoftcloth in thefollowinginstances:

– When therearefingerprintson thelenssurface

– In hot or humid locations

– When thelensisused in environmentssusceptibletosaltsuch astheseaside

• Storethelensin a well-ventilated location subjecttolittledirtor dust

Topreventmold from occurring,periodically perform theabove.

Werecommend turningon and operatingyour camcorder aboutonceper month to

keep your camcorder in an optimum statefor a long time.

Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d p re ca u t io n s

Re m o vin g d u st fro m in sid e t h e vie w fin d e r (CCD-TR618 o n ly)

(1) 1 Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). 2 Then, while

holding the RELEASE knob up, 3 turn the eyecup in a counterclockwise

direction and pull it out.

(2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower for a still camera.

(3) Turn the eyecup in a clockwise direction, then replace the screw.

Caution

Donotremoveany other screws.You may removeonly thescrew toremovethe

eyecup.

Ch a rg in g t h e b u ilt -in re ch a rg e a b le lit h iu m ce ll

Your camcorder issupplied with a built-in rechargeablelithium cellsoastoretain the

dateand time,etc.,regardlessofthesettingofthePOWERswitch.Therechargeable

lithium cellisalwayscharged aslong asyou areusing your camcorder.Thecell,

however,willget discharged gradually ifyou do not useyour camcorder.It willbe

completely discharged in about 4monthsifyou do not useyour camcorder at all.Even

iftherechargeablelithium cellisnotcharged,itwillnotaffectthecamcorder operation.

Toretain thedateand time,etc.,chargethecellifthecellisdischarged.

Charging the rechargeable lithium cell:

• Connectyour camcorder tohousecurrentusing theACpower adaptor supplied with

your camcorder,and leaveyour camcorder with thePOWERswitch turned offfor

morethan 24hours.

• Or installthefully charged battery pack in your camcorder,and leaveyour camcorder

with thePOWERswitch turned offfor morethan 24hours.

Pre ca u t io n s

Ca m co rd e r o p e ra t io n

• Operateyour camcorder on 7.2V(battery pack)or 8.4V(AC power adaptor).

• For DCor ACoperation,usetheaccessoriesrecommended in thisoperating

instructions.

• Ifany solid object or liquid get insidethecasing,unplug your camcorder and haveit

checked byaSonydealerbeforeoperatingitanyfurther.

• Avoid rough handling or mechanicalshock.Beparticularly carefulofthelens.

• Keep the POWER switch set to OFF (CHARGE) when you are not using your

camcorder.

• Donotwrap your camcorder with a towel,for example,and operateit.Doing so

mightcauseheattobuild up inside.

• Keep your camcorder awayfrom strongmagneticfieldsor mechanicalvibration.

Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d p re ca u t io n s

Bu ilt -in lig h t

– CCD-TR618 only

• Do not knock or jolt thebuilt-in light whileit isturned on asit may damagethebulb

orshorten thelifeofthebulb.

• Donotleavethebuilt-in lighton whileitisresting on or againstsomething;itmay

causea fireor damagethebuilt-in light.

On h a n d lin g t a p e s

Donotinsertanythingintothesmallholeson therear ofthecassette.Theseholesare

used tosensethetypeand thicknessofthetapeand iftherecording tab isin or out.

Ca m co rd e r ca re

• When your camcorder isnot to beused for a long time,removethebattery (CCD-

TR818only).

• Removethetape,and periodically turn on thepower,operatetheCAMERA and

PLAYERsectionsand play back a tapefor about 5minuteswhen your camcorder is

nottobeused for a long time.

• Clean thelenswith a softbrush toremovedust.Iftherearefingerprintson thelens,

removethem with asoftcloth.

• Clean thecamcorder body with a dry softcloth,or a softcloth lightly moistened with

a mild detergentsolution.Donotuseany typeofsolventwhich may damagethe

finish.

• Do not let sand get into your camcorder.When you useyour camcorder on a sandy

beach or in a dusty place,protect it from thesand or dust. Sand or dust may cause

yourcamcordertomalfunction,and sometimesthismalfunction cannotberepaired.

AC p o w e r a d a p t o r

• Unplug theunit from a walloutlet when you arenot using theunit for a long time.To

disconnect thepower cord,pullit out by theplug.Never pullthepower cord itself.

• Donotoperatetheunitwith a damaged cord or iftheunithasbeen dropped or

damaged.

• Do not bend thepower cord forcibly,or placea heavy object on it.Thiswilldamage

thecord and may causefireor electricalshock.

• Preventmetallicobjectsfrom comingintocontactwith themetalpartsofthe

connecting section.Ifthishappens,a shortmay occur and theunitmay bedamaged.

• Alwayskeep metalcontactsclean.

• Donotdisassembletheunit.

• Do not apply mechanicalshock or drop theunit.

• Whiletheunit isin use,particularly during charging,keep it away from AM receivers

and videoequipment.AM receiversand videoequipmentdisturb AM reception and

videooperation.

• Theunit becomeswarm during use.Thisisnot a malfunction.

• Donotplacetheunitin locationsthatare:

–Extremely hot or cold

– Dusty or dirty

– Very humid

–Vibrating

Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d p re ca u t io n s

Ba t t e ry p a ck

• Useonlythespecified charger or videoequipmentwith thechargingfunction.

• Topreventan accidentalshortcircuit,donotallow metalobjectstocomeintocontact

with thebatteryterminals.

• Keep thebatterypackawayfrom fire.

• Never exposethebattery pack totemperaturesabove60°C(140°F),such asin a car

parked in thesun or under direct sunlight.

• Keep thebatterypackdry.

• Donotexposethebatterypacktoanymechanicalshock.

• Donotdisassemblenor modifythebatterypack.

• Attach thebatterypacktothevideoequipmentsecurely.

• Chargingwhilesomecapacityremainsdoesnotaffecttheoriginalbatterycapacity.

If batteries are leaking

• Wipeofftheliquid in thebatterycompartmentcarefullybeforereplacingthe

batteries.

• Ifyou touch theliquid,wash itoffwith water.

• Iftheliquid getintoyour eyes,wash your eyeswith a lotofwater and then consulta

doctor.

Ifany problem occurs,unplug your camcorder and contactyour nearestSony dealer.

Sp e cifica t io n s

Ou t p u t co n n e ct o rs

Vid e o ca m e ra

re co rd e r

AC p o w e r a d a p t o r

S video output

4-pin mini DIN

Pow er requirements

100 - 240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz

Pow er consumption

23 W

Output voltage

DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.5 A in operating

mode

Operating temperature

0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)

Storage temperature

–20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)

Dimensions (approx.)

125 × 39 × 62 mm

(5 × 1 9/ 16 × 2 1/ 2 in.) (w/ h/ d)

excluding projecting parts

Mass (approx.)

Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p,

75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced

Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p,

75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced

Audio/Video output

AV MINIJACK, 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω

(ohms), unbalanced, sync negative

327 mV, (at output impedance

more than 47 kΩ (kilohms))

Output impedance with less than

2.2 kΩ (kilohms)/ Monaural

minijack (ø 3.5 mm)

Syst e m

Video recording system

2 rotary heads

Helical scanning FM system

Audio recording system

Rotary heads, FM system

Video signal

NTSC color, EIA standards

Usable cassette

8 mm video format cassette

Hi8 or standard 8

Recording/playback time (using

120 min. cassette)

SP mode: 2 hours

RFU DC OUT

Mini-mini jack (ø 2.5 mm), DC 5V

LP mode: 4 hours

280 g (9.8 oz)

excluding power cord

Fastforw ard/rew ind time (using

120 min. cassette)

Ge n e ra l

Pow er requirements

7.2 V (battery pack)

8.4 V (AC power adaptor)

Average pow er consumption

(w hen using the battery pack)

During camera recording

CCD-TR618: 2.3 W

CCD-TR818: 2.0 W

Operating temperature

0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)

Recommended charging

temperature

10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F)

Storage temperature

–20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)

Dimensions (approx.)

CCD-TR618:

Approx. 5 min.

View finder

Electric viewfinder:

• monochrome (CCD-TR618 only)

• color (CCD-TR818 only)

Image device

CCD-TR618:

3 mm (1/ 6 type) CCD (Charged

Coupled Device)

Approx.270 000 pixels (Effective:

Approx. 250 000 pixels)

CCD-TR818:

4.5 mm (1/ 4 type) CCD (Charged

Coupled Device)

Approx. 320 000 pixels (Effective:

Approx. 200 000 pixels)

Lens

Combined power zoom lens

Filter diameter 37 mm (1 7/ 16 in.)

CCD-TR618:

Ba t t e ry p a ck

Maximum output voltage

DC 8.4 V

Output voltage

DC 7.2 V

Capacity

5.0 Wh (700 mAh)

Dimensions (approx.)

38.4 × 20.6 × 70.8 mm

(1 9/ 16 × 13/ 16 × 2 7/ 8 in.)

(w/ h/ d)

Mass (approx.)

70 g (2.5 oz)

Operating temperature

0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)

Type

104 × 105 × 223 mm

(4 1/ 8 × 4 1/ 4 × 9 1/ 8 in.)

(w/ h/ d)

Lithium ion

20× (Optical), 450×(Digital)

CCD-TR818:

Design and specifications are

subject to change without notice.

20× (Optical), 460×(Digital)

Focal length

3.6 - 72 mm (5/ 32 - 2 7/ 8 in.)

When converted to a 35 mm still

camera

CCD-TR618:

51.8 - 1 036 mm (2 - 40 6/ 8 in.)

CCD-TR818:

41 - 820 mm (1 5/ 8 - 32 3/ 8 in.)

Color temperature

Auto

Minimum illumination

CCD-TR618:

1 lx (lux) (F 1.4)

104 × 105 × 197 mm

(4 1/ 8 × 4 1/ 4 × 7 7/ 8 in.)

(w/ h/ d)

Mass (approx.)

CCD-TR618:

780 g (1 lb 11 oz)

CCD-TR818:

760 g (1 lb 10 oz)

excluding the battery pack,

cassette and shoulder strap

CCD-TR618:

930 g (2 lb)

CCD-TR818:

910 g (2 lb)

CCD-TR818:

including the battery pack

NP-F330, cassette and shoulder

strap

Supplied accessories

See page 8.

0.4 lx (lux) (F 1.4)

0 lx (lux) (in the NightShot mode)*

* Objects unable to be seen due to

the dark can be shot with

infrared lighting.

— Qu ick Re fe re n ce —

Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls

Ca m co rd e r

CCD-TR618

1 Eyecup RELEASE knob

6 BATT RELEASE lever (p. 11)

7 POWER sw itch (p. 20)

(CCD-TR618 only) (p. 62)

2 FOCUS button (p. 37)

8 START/STOP button (p. 20)

9 Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 68)

0 DC IN jack (p. 12, 16)

3 Eyecup

4 View finder lens adjustment lever

(p. 21)

5 Pow er zoom lever (p. 22)

This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony

video products.

When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you

purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES”

mark.

Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls

qa Video control buttons (p. 27, 28)

x STOP (stop)

qg Display w indow (p. 71)

qh Camera recording lamp (p. 20)

m REW (rewind)

N PLAY (playback)

M FF (fastforward)

X PAUSE (pause)

qj Tripod receptacle (base)

Make sure that the length of the tripod

screw is less than 6.5 mm (9/ 32 inch).

Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod

securely and the screw may damage

your camcorder.

qs Microphone

qd Infrared rays emitter (p. 24)

qf NIGHTSHOT sw itch (p. 24)

Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls

qk BACK LIGHT button (p. 24)

ql FADER button (p. 31)

w; RESET button (p. 54)

wa EXPOSURE button (p. 36)

ws SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 30, 46)

wd MENU button (p. 46)

Attaching the shoulder strap

Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder

strap.

Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls

CCD-TR618

wf DATE button (p. 25)

wg TIME button (p. 25)

wh TITLE button (p. 40)

wj LIGHT button (CCD-TR618 only)

(p. 42)

wk View finder (p. 21)

wl COUNTER RESET button (p. 20)

Attaching the lens cap

Attach the lens cap to the grip strap as illustrated.

Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls

e; EJECT button (p. 19)

ea Cassette compartment (p. 19)

es Grip strap

ed S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 26)

ef A/V OUT jack (p. 26)

eg RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output)

(p. 26)

Fastening the grip strap

Fasten the grip strap firmly.

Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls

Op e ra t io n in d ica t o rs

Vie w fin d e r

Disp la y w in d o w

40min

STBY 0:00:00

. FADER

C I NE

S E P I A

JUL 4 2001

12:00:00

1 Recording mode indicator (p. 49)

qd STBY/REC indicator (p. 23)/ Video

control mode indicator (p. 28)

2 Hi8 format indicator

qf Tape counter indicator (p. 23)/Self-

3 Remaining battery time indicator

diagnosis display indicator (p. 55)

(p. 23)

qg Remaining tape indicator (p. 23)

4 Exposure indicator (p. 36)/Zoom

indicator (p. 22)

qh NIGHTSHOT indicator (p. 24)

5 Fader indicator (p. 32)

qj AUTO DATE indicator (p. 18)/Date

indicator (p. 17, 25)

6 Wide mode indicator (p. 29)

7 Picture effect indicator (p. 33)

8 PROGRAM AE indicator (p. 34)

9 Backlight indicator (p. 24)

qk Time indicator (p. 17, 25)

ql Warning indicators (p. 56)

w; Recording lamp

(CCD-TR618 only) (p. 20)

0 SteadyShot off indicator

wa Date or time indicator (p. 17, 25)/Tape

counter indicator (p. 23)/Self-diagnosis

display indicator (p. 55)/Remaining

battery time indicator (p. 12)

(CCD-TR818 only) (p. 47)

qa Manual focusing indicator (p. 37)

qs Built-in light indicator

ws FULL charge indicator (p. 12)

(CCD-TR618 only) (p. 42)

In d e x

A, B

I, J, K, L

AC power adaptor .................. 12

Adjusting viewfinder ............. 21

A/ V connecting cable ...... 26, 45

BACK LIGHT .......................... 24

Battery pack ............................. 11

Beep .......................................... 51

BOUNCE.................................. 31

“InfoLITHIUM” battery ........ 58

Infrared rays emitter .............. 24

LP mode ................................... 49

Self-diagnosis display ............ 55

Shoulder strap ......................... 68

Skip scan .................................. 28

Standard 8 mm system .......... 57

STEADYSHOT ........................ 47

STRIPE...................................... 31

Superimposing the date and

M, N

Manual focus ........................... 37

Menu settings .......................... 46

Moisture condensation .......... 60

MONOTONE .......................... 31

Mosaic fader ............................ 31

NIGHTSHOT .......................... 24

NTSC system ........................... 59

time ........................................ 25

S VIDEO OUT jack ................. 26

C, D

Charging battery ..................... 12

Charging the built-in

T, U, V

rechargeable lithium cell .... 62

Clock set ................................... 17

DEMO ....................................... 50

DNR .......................................... 48

Dubbing a tape ........................ 45

Tape counter ............................ 23

TBC ........................................... 48

Telephoto ................................. 22

Title ........................................... 38

Transition ................................. 20

TV color systems ..................... 59

O, P, Q

Operation indicators .............. 71

ORC .......................................... 49

Picture effect ............................ 33

Picture search .......................... 28

Playback pause ........................ 28

Power zoom ............................. 22

PROGRAM AE....................... 34

W, X, Y, Z

EDIT.......................................... 48

Exposure .................................. 36

Warning indicators ................. 56

Wide-angle .............................. 22

Wide mode .............................. 29

WORLD TIME......................... 51

Write-protect tab ..................... 19

Zoom ........................................ 22

F, G, H

Fade in/ out .............................. 31

FADER ..................................... 31

FOCUS...................................... 37

Grip strap ................................. 70

Heads ........................................ 61

Hi8 system ............................... 57

Recording and playback

systems .................................. 57

Recording mode ...................... 49

Recording time ........................ 14

Remaining battery time

indicator ................................ 23

Remaining tape indicator ...... 23

RESET ....................................... 54

RFU adaptor ............................ 26

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