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3-861-898-14 (1)
Video Camera
Recorder
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. Serial No.
CCD-TR940/TR917
CCD-TR940/TR917
CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87/TR97
1
©1998 by Sony
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Welcome! R Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come. For the customers in the U.S.A. WARNING CAUTION To prevent fire or shock hazard, do You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expose the un
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Table of contents Adjusting the exposure (CCD-TR97/ Before you begin TR917/TR940 only) ........................ 42 Using this manual ................................... 4 Superimposing a title ........................... 44 Checking supplied accessories .............. 6 Making your own titles ........................ 46 Recording with the date/time ............ 47 Optimizing the recording condition .. 48 Using the built-in light (CCD-TR67/ Getting started TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only) . 49 Install
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Before you begin Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the six models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR917/TR940 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-TR917/TR940 only.” As you read through this manual, but
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Before you begin Using this manual Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV. Precaution on copyright Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws. Precautions on camcorder care •The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using high- precision technolo
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Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 2 3 1 45 6 7 * or 8 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) 5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote (p. 76) Commander (2) (p. 76) CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only only 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 19) (1), Power cord (1) (p. 8, 23) *for stereo model 3 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p. 7, 23) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 77) 4 CR2025 Lithium Batter
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Getting started Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony corporation. Installing the battery pack (1) While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the lower battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow. (2) Install the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the batte
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Installing and charging the battery pack Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged a little in the factory. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack with the plug's 4 mark up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Remaining battery time is indicated by the minutes on the display wind
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Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack Charging time Battery NP-F330 NP-F530 NP-F730 NP-F930 pack (supplied) NP-F550 NP-F730H/F750 NP-F950 Charging 150 210 300 390 time* (min.) (90) (150) (240) (330) The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.) Battery life CCD-TR57/TR67 Battery NP-F330 NP-F730H NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-
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Installing and charging the battery pack Note on remaining battery time indication during recording Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances. To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. BATT RELEASE You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p. 28). 10
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Getting started Inserting a cassette Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H (CCD-TR917/TR940 only). (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (2) Insert a cassette with the window facing out. (3) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the “PUSH” mark on the cassette compartment. The cassette compartme
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S S T T A A N N D D B B Y Y K K Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch is set to . Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording (p. 57). The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds
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Basic operations S S S T T T A A A N N N D D D B B B Y Y Y K K K Camera recording To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette. [a] [b] STBY 0:35:20 START/STOP START/STOP START/STOP Note There is a little wear on the battery pack which is installed with camcorder. However, for getting rem
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Camera recording Notes on the tape counter •The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET. •If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect recording time. When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter as a guide, record in same (SP or LP) mode. Note on the beep sound The beep sounds when you operate the
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Basic operations Camera recording Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) W T W T W T Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom. When you shoot a subject using
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S S T T A A N N D D B B Y Y K K Camera recording Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : The camcorder records only while you press down START/STOP so that you can avoid recording unnecessary scenes. 5SEC: When you press START/STO
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Basic operations Hints for better shooting For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: •Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb [a]. •Place your right elbow against your side. •Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the built- in microphone. •Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup. •Use the viewf
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S T A N D B Y K Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press the – (Î) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion play back (Rec Review). You can monitor the sound from headphones (CCD-TR917/TR940 only). Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the cam
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Basic operations Connections for playback Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source. Connecting directly to a TV/VCR with Video/Audio input jacks When connecting the A/V connecting cable, make sure you connect the plug to jacks of the same color. Open the jack cover. With using the supplied A/V connecting cable, conn
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Connections for playback If your TV or VCR is a monaural type – CCD-TR917/TR940 only Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV or the VCR. With this connection, the sound is monaural even in stereo model. To connect to a TV or VCR without Video/Audio input jacks Use an RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied). Using the AV cordless IR receiver – CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) having the LASER LINK mark to your T
