Sony DSR-200A User manual

3-862-712-11 (1)
©1998 by Sony Corporation
DSR-200A
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. DSR-200A Serial No.
Digital Camcorder
,,
,,
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

ÀÀ
ÀÀ

2
For the customers in the U.S.A.
WARNING
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.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
For the customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR
OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES
CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries
to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion
batteries in household or business trash may
be prohibited.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only)
For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium
ion battery.
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.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.

3
Table of contents
Before you begin
Using this manual ................................... 4
Checking supplied accessories.............. 5
Identifying the parts ............................... 6
Attaching optional accessories............ 17
Getting started
Attaching the viewfinder ..................... 20
Charging and installing the
battery pack .................................... 21
Inserting a cassette ................................ 24
Basic operations
Camera recording ................................. 26
Using the zoom feature ................. 30
Hints for better shooting ...................... 31
Checking the recorded picture............ 33
Connections for playback .................... 34
Playing back a tape ............................... 36
Advanced operations
Using alternative power sources ........ 38
Changing the mode settings................ 40
– for camera recording –
Fade-in and fade-out ............................ 43
Overlapping two pictures.................... 44
Using the wide mode function............ 45
Photo recording..................................... 46
Interval recording ................................. 47
Cut recording......................................... 48
– for manual adjustment –
Selecting automatic or manual mode
........................................................... 49
Focusing manually................................ 51
Adjusting the aperture ......................... 54
Adjusting the shutter speed ................ 55
Adjusting the gain ................................ 58
Adjusting the white balance................ 60
Using the ND filter ............................... 63
Using the zebra pattern........................ 64
Adjusting the recording sound ........... 65
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function
........................................................... 68
Making a custom preset ....................... 69
– for editing/playback –
Searching the recorded picture ........... 71
Displaying recording data ................... 73
Editing onto another tape .................... 74
Audio dubbing ...................................... 76
Additional information
Changing the lithium battery in the
digital camcorder ........................... 78
Resetting the date and time ................. 80
Compatibility of DVCAM and DV
formats ............................................. 81
Notes on video cassettes ...................... 83
Tips for using the battery pack ........... 84
Maintenance information and
precautions ...................................... 86
Using your digital camcorder abroad
........................................................... 89
Trouble check ........................................ 90
Specifications ......................................... 94
Warning indicators ............................... 95
Index ........................................ Back cover

4
Before you begin
Using this manual
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the digital camcorder are
shown in capital letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to ON.
As indicated with ≥in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your
operation.
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 digital camcorder care
• Do not let sand get into the digital camcorder. When you use the digital
camcorder on a sandy beach or in a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust.
Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this
malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
• Do not let the digital camcorder get wet. Keep the digital camcorder away from
rain and sea water. Letting the digital camcorder get wet may cause the unit to
malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [b].
• Never leave the digital camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C),
such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [c].
[b] [c][a]
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if
recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of
the digital camcorder, video tape, etc.

5
Before you begin
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your digital camcorder.
Checking supplied accessories
1234
5
1Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.11)
2CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 78)
The lithium battery is already installed
in your digital camcorder.
3Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 12)
4A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 34)
5S video cable (1) (p. 34)

6
Identifying the parts
1Stopper (p. 20)
Lift up and hold to remove the
viewfinder.
2Viewfinder (p. 20, 27, 87)
3Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 27)
4PUSH button (p. 87)
Press and hold to raise the eyecup.
5Viewfinder release lever (p. 32)
Push forward to move the position of
the viewfinder front and back.
6Focus ring (p. 52)
7FOCUS switch (p. 52)
Set to select auto or manual focus.
8ND FILTER switch (p. 63)
9PUSH AUTO button (p. 52)
Push to use automatic focus
momentarily.
!º POWER switch (p. 26)
!¡ CAMCORDER/VTR switch (p. 26)
!™ Accessory shoe (p. 46)
!£ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 16)
!¢ Cassette compartment and cassette
compartment cover (p. 24)
!∞ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 16)
!§ EJECT 6button (p. 25)
Press to eject the cassette.
!¶ Speaker (p. 28)
!• Battery mounting surface (p. 23)
!ª BATT lever (p. 23)
Press and hold to release the batteries.
@º VIDEO OUT jack (for BNC type plug)
(p. 35)
@¡ AUDIO IN jacks (p. 65)
Input external audio/microphone
signals.
1
2
3
9
8
!¡
!™
!£
!§
!¶
@¡
!¢
!ª
!∞
!•
6
4
5
7
0
@º

7
Before you begin
@™ Microphone holder attaching point
(p. 18)
@£ TALLY lamp (p. 27)
Lights while recording and when the
battery becomes low.
@¢ CONTR knob (p. 27)
Turn to adjust the viewfinder’s contrast.
@∞ TALLY switch (p. 27)
Set to select TALLY lamp ON/OFF.
@§ Front Remote Commander sensor
(p. 14)
@¶ Grip (p. 31)
@• Grip strap (p. 31)
@ª Lens hood
You can attach a wide teleconversion
lens (not supplied) by removing the lens
hood.
#º Lens hood cap (p. 26)
#¡ BRIGHT knob (p. 27)
Turn to adjust the viewfinder’s
brightness.
#™ EDITSEARCH button (p. 33)
#£ Front START/STOP button (p. 31)
#¢ FADER/OVERLAP button (p. 43, 44)
#∞ WHITE BALANCE ∑(one-push white
balance) button (p. 60)
#§ CP CHECK button (p. 70)
Press to check the custom preset
settings.
@§
@∞
@ª
#™
#º
@™
@£
@¢
@¶
@•
#¡
#£
#¢
#∞
#§
Identifying the parts

8
Identifying the parts
#¶ Eyecup
#• VIEW FINDER jack (p. 20)
#ª S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 34)
$º RFU DC OUT jack (p. 35)
$¡ DV IN/OUT jack (p. 74)
Connect DV products using the
connecting DV cable.
This “i.LINK” mark is a trademark of
Sony Corporation and indicates that this
product is in agreement with IEEE 1394-
1995 specifications and their revisions.
The DV IN/OUT jack is i.LINK
compatible.
$™ CH-1 LINE/MIC switch (p. 65)
Set to change the audio source using a
CH-1 input.
$£ CH-1 ATT switch (p. 67)
Set ON to attenuate the CH-1 input
microphone level.
$¢ CH-2 LINE/MIC switch (p. 65)
Set to change the audio source using
CH-2 input.
$∞ CH-2 ATT switch (p. 67)
Set ON to attenuate the CH-2 input
microphone level.
$§ MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (p. 28)
Connect an external mini jack type
microphone (not supplied). This jack
also accepts a “plug-in-power”
microphone. When using this jack, set
LINE/MIC to MIC FRONT.
$¶ DIRECTION SELECT switch (p. 29)
Set to change the directionality of the
built-in microphone.
$• Built-in microphone (p. 65)
$ª Microphone wind screen screw
Loosen to remove wind screen.
%º MIC switch (p. 67)
Set ATT to attenuate the built-in
microphone and external microphone
connected to MIC (PLUG IN POWER)
level.
%¡ Lens hood screw
%™ Power zoom button (p. 30)
%£ PHOTO button (p. 46)
Press to shoot in photo mode.
%¢ STANDBY (LOCK/STANDBY/PHOTO
STANDBY) switch (p. 26)
%∞ START/STOP button (p. 26)
%§ BUILT-IN MIC switch (p. 67)
If recording when there is a loud wind
using the built-in microphone, set to
WIND.
%¶ AUDIO OUT/VIDEO OUT jacks (p. 34)
%• DC IN jack (p. 38)
%¢
%∞
%§
%¶
%™
%£
%¡
%•
$•
$ª
%º
$§
$¶
#•
#¶
#ª
$º
$¡
$¢
$∞
$™
$£

9
Before you begin
Identifying the parts
%ª ^º ^™ ^¢ ^∞ ^§ ^¶^¡ ^£
&º&¡&™&£ ^ª ^•
%ª SHUTTER SPEED dial and AUTO/
MANUAL switch (p. 55)
^º VF DISPLAY switch (p. 28)
Set to display (ON) or erase (OFF) the
indicators in the viewfinder.
^¡ GAIN dial and AGC/MANUAL switch
(p. 58)
^™ STEADY SHOT switch (p. 68)
^£ WHT BAL (white balance) dial and
ATW/MANUAL switch (p. 60, 61)
^¢ DISPLAY LIGHT switch (for display
window)
Use to set the display back light switch
ON/OFF.
^∞ Display window (p. 16)
^§ PEAK indicators (L and R) (p. 66)
^¶ REC LEVEL dials (p. 66)
^• REC LEVEL switches (p. 66)
^ª TC RESET button
Set time code to 0:00:00:00 when you
want to reset the time code while
shooting.
&º AUDIO MODE switch (p. 29)
Set to select Fs 32k (12 bit) or Fs 48k
(16 bit) audio recording mode.
&¡ SPEAKER switch (p. 28)
&™ AUDIO MONITOR switch (p. 66)
&£ AUTO LOCK switch (p. 26)
Set to turn automatic settings for
aperture, shutter speed, gain, and white
balance ON/OFF.

10
Identifying the parts
&¢
&¶
&•
&ª
&§
*¡*º
*£ *™
&∞
*¢
*∞
*§
*¶
PPAUSE button (pause)
rREC switch (recording)
&SLOW button (slow speed playback)
'/7FRAME button (direction
select/frame-by-frame)
*¢ MONITOR LEVEL dial (p. 28)
Turn to adjust the volume level of the
headphones and built-in speaker.
*∞ 2(headphones) jack (p. 28)
*§ lLANC jack
lstands for Local Application Control
Bus System. The lcontrol jack is used
for controlling the tape transport of
video equipment and peripherals
connected to it. This jack has the same
function as the jack indicated as
CONTROL L or REMOTE.
*¶ Tally lamp/Rear Remote Commander
sensor (p. 27, 14)
&¢ Carrying handle
&∞ IRIS dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch
(p. 54)
&§ Shoulder pad
&¶ Tripod receptacle (p. 17)
&• Lithium battery cover (p. 79)
&ª Cover for menu and video controls
*º Menu buttons (p. 40)
*¡ TC switch (p. 28)
Set to select the drop frame or non-drop
frame for time code recording.
*™ AUDIO DUB button (p. 77)
*£ Video controls (p. 36)
πSTOP button (stop)
0REW button (rewind)
·PLAY button (playback)
)FF button (fast forward)

11
Before you begin
2
1
3
4
5
7
8
9
!¡
!º
6
Remote Commander
The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the digital
camcorder function identically.
1Transmitter
Point toward the remote sensor to
control the digital camcorder after
turning on the digital camcorder.
2PHOTO button (p.46)
3DISPLAY button (p. 36)
4SEARCH MODE/=/+buttons
(p. 71)
Press SEARCH MODE to select date
search or photo search.
5AUDIO DUB button (p. 77)
6ZERO SET MEMORY button
This button does not function.
7VTR4/ID/VTR2 switch (p. 13)
Select VTR4 or ID, the same setting as
COMMANDER in the menu system.
The VTR2 position does not function on
this digital camcorder.
8START/STOP button
9Zoom button
The zooming speed is unchangeable by
the Remote Commander.
!º DATA CODE button (p. 73)
!¡ Video control buttons
Identifying the parts

12
To prepare the Remote Commander
To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the
supplied size AA (R6) batteries.
(1)Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander.
(2)Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity.
(3)Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander.
Note on battery life
The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation.
When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work.
To avoid damage from possible battery leakage
Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for a long time.
To use the Remote Commander
Make sure that the COMMANDER is set to VTR4/ID in the menu system on the digital
camcorder.
Identifying the parts

13
Before you begin
MENU
DIGITAL F ZOOM/WIDE
D ZOOM
16:9WIDE
ZEBRA
TC IND
DATE/TIME
COMMANDER
[ MENU ] : END
MENU
COMMANDER VTR4
OFF
ID
ID SET
[ MENU ] : END
MENU
COMMANDER VTR4
OFF
ID
ID SET
COMMANDER [ STOP ] : ID SET
MENU
ID
VTR 4
STOP
4
1
5
2
3
VTR 2
About the ID of the Remote Commander
You can avoid having the digital camcorder accidentally respond to signals from other
remote commanders by setting the VTR4/ID/VTR2 switch to ID. Use the supplied
Remote Commander when you set the switch to ID. When you use the Remote
Commander for the first time, register the ID following the procedure below. Once you
have registered the ID, you do not need to do so again.
(1)Install a power source, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu
in the viewfinder.
(2)Press or to select COMMANDER, then press EXECUTE.
(3)Press or to select ID SET.
(4)Set VTR4/ID/VTR2 on the Remote Commander to ID.
(5)Point the Remote Commander at the Remote Commander sensor on the digital
camcorder and press πon the Remote Commander.
After the beep sound, the ID of the Remote Commander is registered, and the
COMMANDER is set to ID in the menu system.
(6)Press MENU to erase the menu display.
Identifying the parts

14
Identifying the parts
Remote control direction
Aim the Remote Commander at either of the two remote commander sensors.
The range of the Remote Commander is about 16 feet (about 5 m) indoors. Use the
Remote Commander as close to flat as possible, otherwise it may not work.
Notes on the Remote Commander
•Keep the Remote Commander sensor away from strong light sources such as direct
sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective.
•Be sure that there is no obstacle between the Remote Commander sensor on the digital
camcorder and the Remote Commander.
•This digital camcorder works in commander mode VTR 4 or ID. The commander
modes (VTR 4 and ID) are used to distinguish this digital camcorder from other Sony
VCRs. If you use another Sony VCR at commander mode ID, we recommend that you
change the commander mode or cover the Remote Commander sensor of the VCR
with black paper.
•You do not need to store the ID again, after having done so once. Set COMMANDER
to ID in the menu system, and set the VTR4/ID/VTR2 switch on the Remote
Commander to ID.
•The stored ID is not erased even if you replace the lithium battery.
Remote Commander Sensors

15
Before you begin
T
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0 :13 : 46: 05
1
4
3
5
6
7
8
2
I
170 m i n
48k
PHOTO
CP DV
1 0 0 0
F 2 . 8
0 dB
STBY
ONND
DV IN
!£
9
!¡
0
!∞
!§
!¢
!ª
!•
!¶
!™
16:9WIDE
FADER
JUL. 4 1998
10:13:02 AM
Identifying the parts
1Manual focusing indicator (p. 53)
appears when focusing far,
appears when focusing close.
2ND filter indicator (p. 63)
3White balance indicator (p. 60)
4Steady shot indicator (p. 68)
5Zoom indicator (p. 30, 52)
6Manual setting data/wide mode/
fader or overlap/AGC LMT indicators
(p. 54, 55, 58, 45, 43, 44)
If not set, the indicator disappears, and
all indicators below rise 1 row.
7Data code indicators (p. 73)/Date and
Time indicators (p. 41)
8Lithium battery indicator (p. 78)
9Recording/battery indicator (p. 26)
0Custom preset indicator (p. 69)
In the viewfinder
!¡ DV indicator (p. 37)
During DV-formatted cassette playback,
this indicator appears.
!™ Video control mode (p. 26)
!£ Time code
!¢ Remaining tape indicator
!∞ Audio mode indicator (p. 29)
!§ INTERVAL/FRAME REC/PHOTO/
C MEMORY/date search/Photo search
indicator (p. 47, 48, 46, 25, 71)
!¶ DV IN indicator (p. 74)
!• Remaining battery indicator (p. 84)
!ª Warning indicators (p. 95)

16
Identifying the parts
DVCAM
HMSF
min
AM
F
143562789
In the display window
1Time code
2Warning indicators (p. 95)
3DVCAM indicator
Lights up when using a DVCAM-
formatted cassette.
4Flash indicator
5Date/aperture indicator (p. 54)
6Remaining battery indicator (p. 84)
7Time indicator
8Remaining tape indicators
9Audio level indicators (p. 66)
Attaching the shoulder strap
Attach the shoulder strap (not supplied) to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
123

17
Before you begin
Attaching optional accessories
Attaching digital camcorder to the tripod adaptor
Use the VCT-U14 tripod adaptor (not supplied). Once the tripod adaptor has been
attached to the tripod stand, then you may attach the digital camcorder.
(1)Attach the tripod adaptor to the tripod.
(2)Attach the digital camcorder to the tripod stand’s grooved surface [a], and
slide it forward until you hear a click.
Select a balanced and secure position for the tripod stand.
12
[a]
Note on tripod attachment pin
If the tripod attachment pin [c] does not return after removing the digital camcorder,
press the red button on the release lever, and while holding, move the lever in the
direction of the arrow and the pin returns to its original position. If the pin is not set in
its original position you will not be able to reattach the digital camcorder.
[c]
To remove the digital camcorder from the tripod
Press the red button on the release lever [b], and while holding, move the lever in the
direction of the arrow to release the lock.
[b]

18
Attaching the external microphone with XLR connector
When using the ECM-672 external microphone (not supplied), attach the CAC-12
microphone holder (not supplied) to the digital camcorder.
(1)Remove the screws from the top of the viewfinder.
Remove the spacer from the screws. They are unnecessary when attaching the
microphone holder.
(2)Attach the microphone holder with the supplied washers and the screws
removed in step (1).
(3)Loosen the microphone holder screw and open the cover.
(4)Place the microphone into the holder, close the cover, and tighten the screw.
(5)Connect the microphone to the AUDIO IN jacks of the digital camcorder, then
set LINE/MIC to MIC REAR.
Attaching optional accessories
13
2
5
4
AUDIO IN
LINE/
MIC

19
Before you begin
[d]
CHECK
Attaching the battery adaptor
The NPA-10000 battery adaptor (not supplied), can hold up to 3 battery packs NP-F950
or NP-F750 (not supplied). Attach the adaptor to the digital camcorder.
(1)Release the lock and open the cover.
(2)Insert the battery packs in the direction of the zmark on the battery packs.
(3)Close the cover, then lock.
(4)Attach the battery adaptor to the digital camcorder by sliding until it clicks.
1234
1
3
2
1
2
3
To remove the battery adaptor [a]
While pressing BATT, lift the battery adaptor out in the direction of the arrow.
To remove the battery pack [b]
Open the cover, press and hold the release lever, and slide the battery pack out in the
direction of the arrow.
Checking the remaining battery indicator [c]
Press CHECK on the battery adaptor.
If there is still power left in the batteries, the lamp [d]lights.
[c][a] [b]
Attaching optional accessories
BATT

20
VIEW
FINDER
Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder.
(1)Loosen the viewfinder release ring.
(2)Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate.
(3)Adjust the position of the viewfinder, then tighten the viewfinder release ring.
(4)Attach the 8 pin connector to the VIEW FINDER jack on the digital camcorder.
Match ridge on 8 pin connector to the ridge on the jack.
1
3
Note on the VIEW FINDER jack
This VIEW FINDER jack is specially designed for this digital camcorder. Do not connect
anything else to this VIEW FINDER jack.
To remove the viewfinder
Loosen viewfinder release ring. Then pull stopper [a]up, and while holding, slide
viewfinder off the attaching plate.
Getting started
Attaching the viewfinder
2
4
[a]