Sony DCR-TRV16, DCR-TRV18, DCR-TRV25, DCR-TRV27 User manual

Before operating the unit, piease read this mnnual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record ihe
serial number in &hespace provided below. Refer to these nun~bers
whenever you call upon your Sonrl dealer regarding Ellis product.
Model No. h4odeINo. LE.-
SerialNo. SeriaiNo.

Congratulations on your purchaseof this SonyHandycam. With your Handycam, you cancapturelife’s
preciousmoments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loadedwith advanced
features,but at thesametime it is very easyto use.You will soonbeproducing homevideo that you can
enjoyfor yearsto come.
This symbol is intended to alert
the userto thepresenceof
uninsulated “dangerousvoltage”
within theproduct’s enclosure
that may beof sufficient
magnitude to constitute arisk of
electricshockto persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the userto the presenceof
important operating and
maintenance(servicing)
instructions in the iiterature
accompanyingtiie appfiance.
Never expose the battery pack to temperatures
above 60°C (140’F) such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct sunlight.
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning
your used rechargeable
batteries to the collection and
recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-
8837, or visit http:/ /www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
TOPREVENTELECTRICSHOCK,MATCH WIDE
BLADE OFPLUG TO WIDE SLOT.FULLY INSERT
If you haveany questionsabout this product, you
may call :
SonyCustomer Information Center l-800-222-SONY
(7660)
‘Thenumber below is ior the XC relatedmatters
Only.
Regulatory Information
/ Model No.: DCR-TRW8
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,
Bradell, NJ07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. 0peration is subject to the
following two conditions.: (I) This device
’ may not cause harmful interference, and (2)this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

r
Trade Name:
Model No.: SONY DCR-T’RV25, DCR-
TRV27
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,
Oradell, NJ07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions.: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2)this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
art 15of the FCCRules.
Operation is subjectto the following two conditions:
(1)This devicemay not causeharmful interference,
and (2)this devicemust acceptany interference
received,including interferencethat may cause
undesired operation.
oned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate
this equipment.
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
eqmpment 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.
This ClassB digital apparatuscomplies with
CanadianICES003.

- Recording on a “Memory Stick”
(except DCR-TRV16) ......................10
Using this manual .................................12
Checking supplied accessories............ 15
Step 1 Preparing the power supply.. .14
Installing the battery pack ............ 16
Charging the battery pack.. ........... 17
connectirlg to awall outlet ........... 22
Step 2 Setting the date and time ....... .23
Step 3 Inserting a cassette ...................25
Recording apicture ............................... 26
Shooting backlit subjects
- BACK LIGI-IT .,......................33
Shooting in the dark
- NightShot/Super Night-Shot/
Color Slow Shutter ......t........... 34
Self-timer recording
(except DCR-TRVl4) ....... .... 36
Checking recordings
-END SEARCH/BDITSEARCH/
Ret Review ...................................... 37
Playing back a tape ,..............................38
To display the screen indicators
- Display function ................... 39
Viewing the recording on TV .............. 42
Recording still images on a “Memory
Sticic” during recording on a tape
(except DCR-TRV16) .............. ...... 43
Recording still images on a tape
L - Tape Photo recording ................. 46
Adjusting the white balance manually
.... ....I......... I... ....I.... .. . I.. ........ 48
Using the wide mode ........................... 49
Using the fader function ...................... 51
Using special effects
- Pictme effect .......,.,................. ..... 54
Using special effects - Digital effect.. .55
Using the PROGRAM AE function.. ..58
Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 60
Focusing manually ................................ 61
Interval recording .................................62
Framebyframerecording
- Frame recordinOb ..........................44
Playing back tapes with picture effect
...........................................................
45
Playing back tapes with digital effect
...........................................................
66
Enlarging images recorded on a tape
- Tape PB ZOOM ...........................67
Quickly locating a scene
- ZERO SETMEMORY .................69
Searching the boundaries of recorded
tape by title -TITLE SEARCH ..... 70
Searching arecording by date
- DATE SEARCH ........................... 71
Searching for a photo - PHCXO
SEARCH/I?IIOTO SCAN ............. 73
Dubbing a tape ......................................
75
Dubbing only desired scenes
- Digital program editing
(on tapes) .........................................
78
Recording video or TV programs.. .....89
Inserting a scenefrom a VCR
- Insert Editing ...............................
92
Audio dubbing ......................................
94
Superimposing a title ...........................9%
Making your own titles ......................101
Labeling a cassette ..............................203
Using a “Memory Stick”
- Introduction ...............................105
Recording still images on a “Memory
Stick”
- Memory Photo recording ......... 112
Recording an image from a tape as a
still image ......................................117
Superimposing a still image in the
“Memory Stick” on an image
- MEMORY MIX .......................... 120

Recording moving pictures on a
“Memory Stick”
- MPEG movie recording ............ 125
Recording pictures from a tape as a
moving picture ............................. 128
Recording edited pictures from a
tape as a moving picture
- Digital program editing
(on “Memory Stick”s) ......_...........132
Copying still images from a tape
- PHOTO SAT7E...... .... ................ 135
Viewing still images
- Memory Photo playback .......... 137
Viewing moving pictures
- MPEG movie playback ............. 140
Copying images recorded on
“Memory Sticlc”s to a tape .......... 143
Enlarging still images recorded on a
“Memory §tick”
- Memory PB ZOOM ................... 145
Playing back images in a continuous
loop - SLlDE SHOW ..............I..... 147
Preventing accidental erasure
- Image protection ........................ 148
Deleting images - DELETE ............... 149
Writing a print mark
- PRINT MARK ..........._................
151
Using the optional printer ................. 152
Viewing images with your computer
- Introduction ......_........................154
Connecting your camcorder to your
computer using the USB cable
- For Windows users . ................. 157
Viewing images recorded on a tape
with your computer
- For Windows users ... ............... 165
Viewing images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” with your
computer
-For Windows users
(except DCR-TRV16) ... .... .... .... 169
Connecting your camcorder to your
computer using the USB cable
- For Macintosh users
(except DCR-TRV16) ..........._...._...
171
Viewing images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” with your
computer
- For Macintosh users
(except DCR-TRV 16)....................173
Capturing images from an analog
video unit on your computer
- Signal convert function ............. 174
Changing the menu settings.. ............ 175
how to correct
trouble ............................................185
Self-diagnosis display.. .......................191
Warning indicators and messages.... 1512
---
Usable cassettes...................................194
About the “InfoLITHILJM” battery
pack ................................................197
About i.LINK .......................................199
Using your camcorder abroad ..........201
Maintenance information and
precautions ....................................202
Specifications .......................................207
Identifying parts and controls.. .........209
Index ..................................................... 219

This chapter introduces you to the basic features to record on a
tape of your earncorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for
more information.
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 16).
---- Connect the plug with its
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Slide OPEN /
EJECT in the direction
of the arrow and open
the lid.
Push the center of the
cassette back to insert
the cassette.
Insert the cassette
straight as far as
possible into the
cassette compartment
with the window
facing up.
Close the cassette
pressing iPUSHl
on the
compartment.
After the cassette

Remove the lens cap. Set the POWER switch
to CAMERA while
pressing the small
green button.
camcorder starts
Views er I~ -,;1-.-.--Y”,
When
with your eye against the eyecup.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 29).
When ~OLI 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 before recording (p. 23).
Set the POWER
switch to VCR while
pressing the small
green button.
Press to rewind the tape.
Press to start playback.

This chapter introduces you to the basic features to record on a
“Memory Stick” of your camcorder. Seethe page in parentheses
“( )” for more information.
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 16).
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Connect the plug
mark facing up. with its
Insert a “Memory Stick“ in the “Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go with the
facing up as illustrated.
n-we-
When ejecting the “Memory
Stick”, press the “Memory
Sticl<” once lightly.

pressing OPEN.
~~~~
Set the POWER switch to
MEMORY while pressing
the small green button.
Make sure that the LOCK
switch is set to the Ieft
(unlock) position.
LOCI< switch
~i@~~i~~~~ =--------=
When the LCD panel is closed, use the
viewfinder with your eye against the eyecup.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight
(P. 29).
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock se u wan1 to record the date
and time for a picture, set the clock before recording (p. 23).
Set the POWER
MEMORY or VCR
small green button.
*-v-*~ssevsAe~-~~
,AY. The last recorded

The instructions in this manual are for the four 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 DCR-TRV27 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, “DCR-TRV27
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 to indicate that the operation is
being carried out.
~~~~s of ~i~~~~~~c~~
DCR- TRW6 TRV18 TRV25 TRV27
MEMORY mark”‘)
(on the BOWER
switch) -
Intelligent
8 pin
accessory shoe 15pin”z) 15 pin”*)
15 pi&
LCD screen
6.2 cm (2.5 type) 6.2 cm (2.5 type) 6.2 cm (2.5 type) 8.8 cm (3.5
type)
___
Provided
- Not provided
*I) The model with MEMORY marked on the POWER switch is provided with memory functions.
Seepage 105 for details.
*z)‘This intelligent accessory shoe is designed to use a printer (optional) (p. 152).

Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can use only mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory ~~~~.
Functions that require different operations depending on whether or not the tape has a F
g,
cassette memory are: z
-END SEARCH (p. 37)
-DATE SEARCH (p. 71) ri
-PHOTO SEARCH (p. 73) 2
II
Functions that you can operate only with the cassette memory are:
-TITLE SEARCH (p. 70)
-Superimposing a title (p. 98)
-Labeling a cassette (p. 103)
For details of cassette types, seepage 194.
You see this mark in the introduction of features that are operated only with
cassette memory.
Cassettes with cassette memory are marked by 111(Cassette Memory).
TV color systems differ depending on the country or region. To view your recordings
on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to copyright laws.

do
* Do not let your camcorder become wet. Keep your camcorder away from ram and sea
water. Letting your camcorder become wet may cause your camcorder to
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
eNever leave your camcorder exposed to tempera es above 60 “C (140 “F), such as in
a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [
0Decareful 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].
eDo not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your cam
Take pictures of the SLUT in low light conditions such as dusk [

Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
~#rnrnaR~~~ (2) (p. 216) (except DCR-TRV16)
!3l
a& (1) (p. 16,17)
: DCR-TRVlO/TRV18
NP-FMSO: DCR-TRV25/TRV27 (p. 159)
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.
I -

(1) Lift up the viewfinder.
) Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.
down. irection of the arrow while pressing BATT
BATT release
If you inst& the ~P-FM7O/QM7l/FM9~/~9l/QM91 battery pack on your camcorder,
extend its viewfinder.

) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
) Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.
) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Charging begins. The remaining battery
time is indicated in minutes on the display window.
When the remaining battery indicator changes to e&%8,pommel
fully charge the battery (&.~ll~~~~~~~, leave the battery pack at
after normal charge is complete! until FULL appears in the display window. Fully
charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.
The number in the illustration of the display window may differ from that on your
camcorder.
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
ate
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.

ing battery time indicator in the display window indicates the approximate
recording time when recording using the viewfinder.
~~~~ you 8x32the AC power @aptor
Place the AC power adaptor near a wall outlet.
While using the AC power adaptor, if any trouble occurs with this unit, disconnect the
plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.
Battey pack
__-____-.
NP-FM30”’ Full charge (Normal charge) 145(851
NP-FM70 240 (180)
NPQM71 260(200)
NP-FM90 330 (270) -
NP-FMYl/QM91 360(300)
Approximate minutes at 25°C (77°F) to charge an empty battery pack.
The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low
because of the ambient temperature.
*I) DCR-TRVlG/TRV18 supplied
*B DCR-TRV25/TRV27 supplied

Recording with Re g with
fakery back
the viewfinder th screen
--.-
Continuous Typical* C~ntifluous T~~ica~* 4
-. !3
NP-FM30 (supplied) 125 65 90 45 5
--- _--_ a
NP-FM50 200 105 150 75 3
-.-__
NP-FM70 415 220 310 165 5.
L--..
NP-QM71 4% 255 365 190 iii.
NP-FM90 630 340 475 255
--Nl=‘-FMYl/QM91 725 390 550 290
---
Recording with Recordifl~ with
5atte~ pack
NP-FM.50 (supplied)
NP-FM70
NP-QM71
the ~~ew~i~der the LCD Green
CoI~t~nuous Typical* Continuous - Typical*
---.-.-
14.5 75 115 60
-_-“_-.--
305 170 245 135
-~.-
355 195 285 160
NP-FM90 460 255 370 210
NE’-FM91 /QM91 535 295 430 240
--
attery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied)
W-FM70
NP-QM71
Recording with
the viewfinder
Continuous Typical*
145 75
305 170
---
355 195
111
Recording with
the LCD screen
continuou5 Typical* -
105 55
---.
220 125
--...-- --_.
255 140
W-FM90 -460 255 340 190
._-.
NP-Fi%91/QM91 535 295 390 220
Approximate minutes %vhen >~OUuse a fully charged battery
* 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.

battery pack Playing time
on LCDscreen Playing time with LCDclosed
-”
NP-FM30 (supplied)
NP-FM50 100 135
160 220
--..-” _.”
NP-FM70 335 450
-.....
NP-QM71 390 530
NP-FM90 505 685
-NE’-FM91/QM91 585 785
fakery pack
-“._
NP-FM50 (supplied)
NIT-FM70
~iaying time ~iayit~g time
on LCDscreen with LCDclosed
150 200
310 415
NP-OM71 365 485
NP-FM90 475 630
NJ?-FM91/OM91 550 725
attery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied)
NP-FM70
NP-QM71
NP-FM90
=%M91/QM91
-.-
~iaying time Playing time
on LCDscreen with LCDclosed
135 200
275 415
325 485
425 630
490 725
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery