Sony ccd-vx3 User manual

Ss
O
N
YY,
3-755-638-25
(1)
Video Camera Recorder Fifi
|
CCD-VX3
Operation Manual
Before operating this unit, please read this manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.
© 1992 by Sony Corporation
|
I videoHi8 Handycam PRO

Welcome to Video Fi
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.
To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose the
unit to rain or moisture.
AN
CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
CAUTION
(oe eT) OF ELEC TO SHOCR
£0 (oe eT) OPEN
O00 NOT REMOVE COVER .OR BACK:
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIEO SERVICE PERSONNEL
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom of the camcorder. Record the serial
number in the space provided on the right hand.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon
your Sony dealer regarding this product.
INFORMATION
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 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:
e Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
e Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
e 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.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
Television programs, films, video tapes and other
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such material may be contrary to the
provisions of the copyright laws.
For the customer in Canada
This apparatus complies with Class B limits for radio
noise emmissions set out in Radio Interference
Regulations.
Model No. CCD-VX3
Serial No.

Table of Contents
Before You Begin
About This Manual 4
About
This
Camcorder
5
oo
Checking
Supplied
Accessories
6
edo
Getting Started
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 8 ——
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 10 angie
Setting the Date and Time 12 Raat
Installing the Lithium Battery 12 7a
Setting the Date and Time 14
Inserting a Cassette 15
Adjusting the Viewtinder Lens 16
Hints for Better Shooting 17
Basic Operation
Camera Recording 18 mee
Using the Zoom Feature 20 ata
Recording the Date or Time 21 eae
Checking the Recorded Picture in the Viewfinder 22
Connections for Playback 23 ears
Connecting to a TV with Video/Audio input Jacks or through aVCR 23 ao
Connecting to a TV without Video/Audio Input Jacks 23 women
Playing Back a Tape 24
Advanced Operations
Using Alternative Power Sources 28
Changing the Mode Settings 29
Selecting Automatic or Manual Adjustment Modes 31
Focusing Manually 34 eee
Adjusting the White Balance 37 omen
Using Portrait Mode 39 wate
Using Sports Mode 40 setpee
Using the Aperture Priority Mode 41
Using the Shutter Priority Mode 42
Using Manual Mode 43
Fade-in and Fade-out 50 Bh
Making the Frame Recording 51 oe
Interval Recording 52 aaa
Superimposing a Title 54 a eeen
Recording with Custom Preset Function 59 ae
Using the Index Function 61
Adjusting the Playback Picture 66
Using the RC Time Code 68
Re-recording a Picture 70
Editing onto Another Tape 72
Recording from aTVorVCR 74 othe
Replacing Recording on a Tape (Insert Editing) 74 eames
Additional Information veiesd
Usable Cassettes and Recording/Playback Modes 75 eal
Maintenance Information and Precautions 76 ee HH
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 79 ee
Identifying the Parts 80
Specifications 87
Trouble Checks 88 ee
Indicators in the Display Window and the Viewfinder 91 gk
Technical Information 93 vee
Index 95 mores

If
you
want
to
shoot
as
soon
as
possible,
read
the
chapters
“Getting
Started”
and
"Basic
Operations”
first.
As
you
read
through
this
manual,
buttons
and
settings
on
the
camcorder
are
shown
in
capital
letters.
e.g.
Set
the
POWER
switch
to
CAMERA.
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.
When
you
want
to
use
a
PAL-M
system
based
TV,
you
will
need
an
NTSC/PAL-M
transcoder
(as
this
is
an
NTSC
system
based
camcorder).
Please
check
the
list
on page
79
to
see
the
TV
color
system
of
your
country.
IN CohCcMolamdatcmole]o)elit-reM slalom avets]o1cels
You
can
use
the
supplied
RFU
adaptor
only
in
the
country
where
you
bought
this
camcorder.
Since
each
country
has
its
own
electricity
and
TV
color
system,
you
may
not
be
able
to
use
the
RFU
adaptor
when
you
use
the
camcorder
abroad.
od astorcWepecelame)amexe)*)\Zalolens
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.

The CCD-VX3 is a high picture quality Hi8 camcorder that uses the same 3CCD camera system found in
professional video camera recorders. This system employs high density three-chip precision Charge Coupled
Devices (CCDs). Each CCD image has a total of about 410,000 picture elements. An image projected by the
lens is separated into three primary colors, red(R), green (G) and blue (B). Each CCD outputs a single-color
picture signal.
As a result, the camcorder achieves remarkably high resolution, equal to that of a professional video camera. In
addition, the system provides excellent brightness and color reproduction capabilities that allow the camcorder
to record images that are faithful to the original.
Luminance signal
(brightness of the
Incident
light
subject
being
recorded)
Bursseooid jeubig
Chroma signal
(color signal)
3 primary color ccD
separation dichroic
prism
Jepsoqweyg siyL jnogy/jjenuew siy) jnoqy

[1] Wireless Remote Commander (1)(p.24, 85)
(2] NP-77H Battery pack (1)(p.8)
[3] AC-V35 AC power adaptor (1)(p.8, 28)
[4] A/V connecting cable (1)(p.23, 72)
[5] S video connecting cable (1)(p.23, 72)
[6] RFU-90UC RFU adaptor (1)(p.23)
Shoulder strap (1)(p.86)
Size AA (IEC designation R6) batteries for the Remote
Commander (2)(p.7)
CR2025 lithium battery (1)(p.12)
Hood cap (1)(p.18)
This is attached to the camcorder.
{11} Jack covers (1 set)
These are attached to the camcorder.

—
Installing
the
Batteries
into
the
Remote
Commander
Before
you
use
the
Remote
Commander,
insert
two
size
AA(R6)
batteries
with
polarity
positioned
correctly.
Note on battery
The
batteries
will
last
for
about
six
months
under
normal
operation.
If
the
Commander
will
not
be
used
for
a
long
period,
remove
the
batteries
to
avoid
possible
damage
from
battery
leakage.
seuosseaoy parjddns GunjseuD

Charging the Battery Pack
Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and then insert the battery pack. You can use the NP-
77H (supplied), NP-77HD and NP-77. Charge the battery pack with the supplied AC-V35 AC power adaptor.
(1) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wail outlet. The green POWER lamp on the adaptor lights. (2) Align the
right side of the battery pack (indicated by the B mark) with the line on the AC power adaptor. Push down and
slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. (3) Set the CHARGE/VTR switch to CHARGE. The orange
CHARGE lIamp lights and charging begins. When charging is completed, the orange lamp goes out.
Charging time and battery life
Type of battery pack | Charging time* Battery life**
NP-77H (supplied) 2 hours 20 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes
NP-77HD 2 hours 20 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes
NP-77 2 hours 1 hour 10 minutes
* — Approximate charging time to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V35 (Note that lower
temperatures require a longer charging time.)
«* Approximate continuous recording time indoors
Usable battery charger
e AC-S10, AC-V55 and AC-V30 AC power adaptor
e BC-S10, BC-55 and BC-77 portable battery charger
e DC-S10 and DC-V30 car battery charger
Never use the battery charger other than the one recommended.
Detaching the Battery Pack
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Installing the Battery Pack into the Camcorder
Align
the
right
side
of
the
battery
pack
with
the
white
line
on
the
camcorder.
Slide
the
battery
pack
to
the
right.
Removing the Battery Pack
While pressing BATT, slide the battery pack out to the left.
The switch on the battery pack
This
switch
is
provided
to
help
you
remember
the
charging
status
of
the
battery.
Set
the
switch
to
the
“no
mark”
Position
after
charging.
(When
detached
from
the
AC
power
adaptor,
expose
“no
mark”.
When
detached
from
your
camcorder,
expose
the red
mark.)
yreg Asayeg auy Guyjeysuy pue BuiGseuD

Tips for Using the Battery Pack
Note on Charging
Brand-new
battery
pack
is
not
charged.
Before
using
the
battery
pack,
charge
it
sufficiently.
Before
recharging
a
used
battery
pack, make sure
to
use
it
up.
Charging
the
still
usable
battery
causes
a
lowering of battery
capacity.
However,
the
original
battery
capacity
can
be
recovered
if
you
fully
discharge
and
fully
charge
the
battery
again.
If
recording
is
completed
before
the
battery
indicator
appears
inside
the
viewfinder.
you
should
remove
the
tape,
slide
the POWER
switch
to CAMERA,
slide
the
STANDBY
switch
up,
and
leave
the
camcorder
until
the
battery
indicator
flashes
rapidly.
You
should
charge
batteries
at
temperatures
trom
10°C
to
30°C (from
50°F
to
85°F).
Lower
temperatures
require
a longer
charging
time.
Preparing the Battery Pack
Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned.
Battery life is measured by continuous camcorder recording time, at a room temperature using a fully-charged
battery. Keep in mind that battery is also used by the camcorder when:
e You insert or eject a tape.
e You set the camcorder to standby mode.
e You set the POWER switch to VTR.
To
save
battery
power
when
not
recording,
push
the
STANDBY
switch
down
to
cover
the
START/STOP
button.
A
smooth
recording
can
be made
even
if
recording
is stopped and started
again.
Battery life is shortened in a cold environment
Battery
efficiency
is
decreased
and
the
battery
wears
out
more
quickly
in
cold
weather.
Notes on the Battery Pack
Notes
e Do not allow any metal surfaces to touch the metal parts, or short circuiting may occur. Carry the battery
pack attaching to the terminal cover.
¢ Keep the battery pack away from fire, as it may explode.
e Do not attempt to open nor convert the battery pack.
e Do not expose the battery pack to rain or moisture.
e Avoid any mechanical shock.
Battery heat up is norma!
During
charging
or
recording,
the
battery
pack
heats
up.
This
is
caused
by
energy
that
has
been
generated
and
a chemical change that has occurred inside the battery pack. This is not cause for concern.
The life of the battery pack
The
battery
pack
can
be
fully
charged
and
discharged
about
500
times
under
normal
temperatures.
If
the
indicator
flashes
rapidly
just
after
turning
on
the
camcorder
with
a
fully
charged
battery
pack,
the
battery
pack
should
be replaced
with
a
new
fully
charged
one.
Note on the terminals
If the terminals (metal parts on the back) are not clean, the battery duration will be shortened. When the
terminals are not clean or when the battery pack has not been used for a long time, install and remove the
battery
pack
from
time
to
time.
This
improves
the
contact
condition.
Also,
wipe
the
+
and
—
terminals
with
soft
cloth or paper.

| 2
:
sh eer eee a |
Battery Remaining Indicator
You can check the remaining battery capacity by looking at the dm indicator in the viewfinder. The decreasing
black bar indicates decreasing battery power. Note that the indicator shows an approximate amount of
remaining battery capacity. The amount may vary with the type of battery packs.
ae) > aamal>f aad
When to replace the battery pack
You can check the remaining battery capacity by looking at the battery life indicator in the viewfinder. When the
CX] indicator and the battery tamp in the viewfinder change from slow to rapid flashing, replace the battery
pack. Set the POWER switch to OFF, and replace the battery pack. Leave the tape in the camcorder in order to
obtain a smooth transition when you begin recording again.
yoeg Aeyeg oy) Buyjeysu) pue SuibseyD
11

Fare itare m colem eidelielamstsha(1a'7
To keep a titie in the camcorder's memory, as well as to activate the clock, you must first install a lithium
battery. (1) Push to open the lithium battery compartment lid at the bottom of the camcorder. (2) Install the
supplied battery with the positive (+) terminal facing up. (3) Close the battery compartment lid.
To change the lithium battery, push the battery in the direction of the arrow and pull it out to remove.

The lithium battery lasts for about one year under normal operation. When the battery becomes weak or dead,
the
&
indicator
and
the
date
or
time
indicator
flash
six
times
inside
the
viewfinder
and
the
tape
counter,
or
the
date
or
time
indicator
keeps
flashing
in
the
display
window
when
you
set
the
POWER
switch
to
CAMERA.
Replace
the
battery
with
the
Sony
CR2025
or
Duracell
DL-2025
lithium
battery.
Using
another
battery
may present a risk of fire or explosion.
—<—
LO
7 a
While
replacing
the
battery,
keep
the
battery
pack
or
other
power
source
attached.
Otherwise,
you
will
need
to
reset
the
date,
time
and
title.
WARNING
The
battery
may
explode
if
mistreated.
Do
not
recharge,
disassemble,
or
dispose
of
in
fire.
Caution
Keep
the
lithium
battery
out
of
the
reach
of
children.
If
the
battery
is
swallowed,
consult
a
doctor
immediately.
Lithium Battery Life
awiy pue a7eq au) Bumeg
13

Bo re it 2
Setting the Date and Time
Before setting the clock, make sure a power source and lithium battery are installed. (1) While pressing the
small green button on the POWER switch and slide it to CAMERA or OFF. (2) Press DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT)
simultaneously until “1.1.93” flashes in the display window. (3) Adjust the flashing digits for the year, month, day
and hour by pressing DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT). To set the year to 1993, there is no need to press DATE(+) in
step 3-@. Note that when you keep DATE(+) pressed, the digits advance faster.
To Correct the Date and Time Setting
Repeat steps 2 and 3.
To Check the Preset Date and Time
Press DATE(+) to display the date indicator in the display window. Press TIME(NEXT) to display the time
indicator. When you press the same button again, the indicator goes out.

40
iC
Make
sure
that
a
power
source
is
installed.
(1)
While
pressing
the
small
blue
button
on
the
EJECT
knob,
slide
it
in
the
direction
of
the
arrow.
The
cassette
compartment
automatically
lifts
and
opens.
(2)
Insert
a
cassette
(not
Supplied)
with
the
window
facing
out.
(3)
Press
the[PUSH]
mark
on
the
cassette
compartment
cover
to
close
it.
To
eject
the
cassette,
slide
the
EJECT
knob
while
pressing
the
smal!
blue
button
on
it.
Ratha
ayesseg & Gumesujeuy pue ayeg ey) Bumes
15

Before you use the camcorder for the first time (or after someone else has used it), focus the viewfinder lens.
Make sure that the power source is connected to the camcorder. (1) While pressing the small green button on
the POWER switch. slide it to CAMERA. (2) Slide the STANDBY switch up. (3) Turn the viewfinder lens
adjustment ring so that the “STBY" indicator in the viewfinder comes into sharp focus.

meee POOLE
ott, Lae pice anes ee
aa
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]. To adjust the grip strap, hold the camcorder against your body [b].
e Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it.
¢ This camcorder is equipped with a Sports Finder. You can look through the viewfinder without touching your
eye to it [ce]. To do so, turn the viewfinder adjustment ring clockwise completely.
e Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.
To record in a low position
You can also record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Push the RELEASE knob in the
direction of the arrow to lift up the viewfinder. It can be turned up to 90° degrees. To start and stop recording,
press REC START/STOP.
Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod for stable shooting
Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a
still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder (p.82). To avoid damaging the camcorder, make sure the
tripod screw is shorter than 6.5 mm (9/32 in).
Bunooys seneg 40) sjuiH/sue7 sepuymelA out Bunsnipy - =.

Make sure that a power source is installed and a cassette is inserted. You can obtain a worry-free camera
recording
with
the
camcorder's
full-automatic
functions.
Before
you
record
one-time
events,
you
may
want
to
make a test recording to make sure that you are using the camcorder correctly. (1) Slide the AUTO LOCK
Switch
up
to
the
topmost
(green)
position
for
automatic
adjustment
(p.31).
(2)
Set
the
FOCUS
switch
to
AUTO.
(3) Remove the hood cap by squeezing its tabs and hook it to the cap holder on the grip strap. (4) While
pressing
the
small
green
button
on
the
POWER
switch,
slide
the
POWER
switch
to
CAMERA.
(5)
Slide
the
STANDBY
switch
up
until
it
snaps
into
STANDBY.
(6)
Press
START/STOP.
The
camcorder
starts
recording.
the
“REC”
indicator
appears
in
the
viewfinder,
and
the
recording
lamps
light
up
inside
the
viewfinder
and
on
the
camcorder.
POWER
= OFF
ND FILTER
FOCUS
AUTO
J MANUAL
Jt. PUSH AUTO
To Stop Recording Momentarily
Press
START/STOP
again.
The
“STBY”
indicator
appears
in
the
viewfinder
(standby
mode).
To Finish Recording
Push
the
STANDBY
switch
down
to
cover
the
START/STOP
button
and
slide
the
POWER
switch
to
OFF.
If
you
do not expect to continue shooting, eject the tape. (p.15)
Note on the internal NO filter
Although
the
camcorder
may
be
set
for
automatic
use,
the
ND
filter
is
still
controlled
manually.
We
recommend
that
you
use
the
internal
ND
filter
when
the
“ND
ON”
indicator
flashes
upper
left
corner
inside
the
viewfinder.
If
the
“ND
OFF”
indicator
flashes.
using
the
ND
filter
is
not
recommended.
See
page
19
for
details
about
the
ND
FILTER switch.
Note on standby mode
If you leave the camcorder in standby mode for five minutes or more with a cassette inserted, the camcorder
automatically
switches
off.
This
prevents
wear
on
the
battery
and
the
tape.
To
resume
standby
mode,
slide
the
|8
STANDBY
switch
down
once
and
slide
it
up
again.
To
start
recording,
press
START/STOP.

Shooting close subjects
lf
you
cannot
get
a
sharp
focus,
press
the
W
side
of
the
power
zoom
button
until
the
focus
sharpens.
Note on recording
When
you
record
from
the
beginning
of
the
tape,
run
the
tape
for
about
15
seconds
before
actual
recording.
This
prevents
the
camcorder
from
missing
any
start-up
scenes
when
you
play
back
the
tape.
You can record tapes in SP (standard play) mode only.
Note 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.
Note on the indicators inside the viewfinder
The remaining tape and remaining battery indicators are always displayed in the viewfinder to help you to
check
the
approximate
amount
of
the
tape
left
and
the
remaining
battery
capacity.
For
the
remaining
battery
indicators, see page 11.
if the battery touches your nose
While pressing the SLIDE switch, slide the viewfinder towards you.
To monitor the sound to be recorded while recording
Connect headphones (not supplied) to the jack.
Using the Internal ND Filter
You can shoot a bright scene clearly with the internal ND filter.
If
the
“ND
ON?”
indicator
flashes
in
the
viewfinder
while
recording,
slide
the
ND
FILTER
switch
in
the
direction
of
the arrow. The internal ND filter automatically activates and the indicator stops flashing.
Buipiosey BIoWeQ 3
ND FILTER
When
the
“ND
ON”
indicator
turns
off
and
the
“ND
OFF”
indicator
flashes
in
the
viewfinder
This
indicates
that
the
lighting
condition
does
not
need
the
ND
filter.
Slide
the
ND
FILTER
switch
again
so
that
the
indicator
disappears.
Note
Before
sliding
the
ND
FILTER
switch,
set
the
camcorder
to
standby
mode.
If
you
switch
during
recording,
the
picture may shake momentarily and the switching noise may be recorded.
Shooting under fluorescent, sodium, or mercury lamps
The
recorded
picture
may
flicker
or
color
of
the
picture
may
vary.
In
such
case,
set
the
ND
SHUTTER
mode
to
OFF in the menu system. (p.48)
ND shutter feature
in
addition
to
the
ND
FILTER
switch,
this
camcorder
incorporates
the
ND
shutter
feature.
See
“Using
an
Optional ND (Neutral Density) Filter” on page 48 for details.
ND (Neutral Density) filter
This
is
a
filter
that
reduces
the
amount
of
incident
light
without
affecting
the
color.
The
internal
ND
filter
of
this
camcorder reduces the amount of incident light to one-tenth.
19

Using the Zoom Feature
Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. You can also use
zoom to focus manually or to decide on a shooting angle before you start recording. For more professional-
looking recordings, use the zoom sparingly.
T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zooming speed
Press the power zoom button firmly for a high-speed zoom. Press it softly for a relatively slow zoom.
Manual zooming
You can also zoom using the manual zoom lever. Manual zooming enables you to control zooming speed
precisely. Turn the manual zoom lever upward for telephoto shots and downward for wide-angle shots.
When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom
If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the W side of the power zoom button
until the focus sharpens.
You can shoot a subject that is at least 1.2 m (about 4 feet) away from the lens surface in the telephoto
position, or 1 cm (about 1/2 inch) in the wide-angle position.
Manual focusing in macro
You can also shoot with manual focus while doing close-ups (p.36).