Sony DVCAM DSR-PD150P User manual

3-060-817-31(1)
Digital
Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating theunit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain itfor futurereference
DSR-PD150P
©2000 Sony Corporation

Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital camcorder.
With your Digital camcorder, you can capture life's precious moments with superior picture and
sound quality. Your Digital camcorder isloaded with advanced features, butat the same time it is
very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy foryears to come.
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIEDAC
POWER ADAPTOR FOR
CUSTOMERS INTHE UNITED
KINGDOM
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
notexpose the unitto rain or
moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not
open the cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
FortheCustomers inEurope
This product with the CE marking complies
withboth the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC)
and LowVoltage Directive (73/23/EEC)
issued by the Commission of the European
Community.
Compliance with these directives implies
conformity to the following European
standards:
•EN60065:ProductSafety(suppliedAC
Adaptor only)
•EN55103-l:Electromagnetic Interference
(Emission)
•EN55103-2:Electromagnetic Susceptibility
(Immunity)
This product isintended foruse in the
followingElectromagneticEnvironment(s):
El (residential),E2 (commercial and light
industrial), E3 (urban outdoors) and E4
(controlledEMCenvironmentex.TVstudio)
Theelectromagneticfieldsatthespecific
frequencies may influence the picture and
sound of this digital camcorder.
Amoulded plug complying with BS1363is
fitted to this equipment foryour safety and
convenience.
If the plug supplied with this equipment
has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to
attach the fuse cover afteryou change
the fuse. Never use the plug without the
fuse cover. Ifyou should losethe fuse
cover, please contact your nearest Sony
servicestation.

Tableofcontents
Quick Start Guide
Getting started
Using this manual
Checking supplied accessories
Step1 Installing the microphone
Step 2 Preparing the power supply
Step 3 Inserting a cassette
Recording - Basics
Recording a picture
Shootingbacklitsubjects(BACK
LIGHT)
Spot light
Checking the recording - END SEARCH /
EDITSEARCH / Rec Review
Playback - Basics
Playing back a tape
Viewing the recording onTV
Advanced Recording Operations
Recording a still image ona tape
-Tape Photo recording
Shooting with all the pixels
-PROG SCAN
Using the guide frame
Using the wide mode
Using the faderfunction
Using special effects- Digital effect
Shooting with manual adjustment
Adjusting the white balance
Adjusting the recording level manually
-Sound recording level
Connecting an optional external
microphone
Presetting the adjustment forpicture quality
-Custom preset
Focusing manually
Interval recording
Frame by framerecording - Cut recording
Superimposing the date and time ona
picture
Marking an Index
AdvancedPlaybackOperations
Searching fora recording by index - Index
search
Searching the boundaries ofrecorded tape
by title - Title search
Searching a recording by date
-Date search
Searching fora photo
-Photo search/Photo scan
Playing back a tape with digital effects
Editing
Dubbing a tape
Dubbing only desired scenes
-Digital program editing
Using with an analog video unit and a PC
-Signal convert function
Recording video or TV programs
Audio dubbing
Setting time values
Superimposing a title
Making your own titles
Labeling a cassette
Erasing the cassette memory data
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings
Resetting the date and time
"Memory Stick" Operations
Using a Memory Stick - introduction
Recording still images on a Memory Sticl<
-Memory Photo recording
Superimposing a still image in a Memory
Stickon a moving picture
-MEMORY MIX
Recording an image from a tape as a still
image
Copying still images from a tape
-Photo save
Viewing a still picture
-Memory Photo playback
Copying an image recorded on a Memor
Stick to tapes
Playing back images continuously
-SLIDE SHOW
Preventing accidental erasure
-Image protection
Deleting images
Writing a print mark - Print mark
Additional Information
Compatibility of DVCAM and DV
formats
Usable cassettes
About i LINK
Troubleshooting
Selfdiagnosis display
Warning indicators and messages
Using your camcorder abroad
Maintenance information and precautions
Specifications
Quick Reference
Identifying the parts and controls
Quick Function Guide
Index
4
6
8
9
10
15
16
23
24
25
26
31
32
34
35
36
37
39
42
50
52
55
56
58
59
61
62
63
64
66
67
69
71
72
74
80
81
85
89
94
98
100
102
104
112
113
118
121
124
127
129
132
134
135
136
139
140
142
144
145
151
152
154
155
160
161
170
171
3

QuickStart Guide
This guide introduces you to the basic way of recording/playback. Seethe pages in parentheses
"()"formoreinformation.
Installthe suppliedmicrophone with themodelname (ECM-NV1) facingupward. Besure
toconnectthemicrophoneplugtothe INPUT1 connector.
to INPUT1
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 10).
Connecttheplugwithitsmark
facing toward the LCD panel side.
AC power adaptor (supplied) Open theDC INjack
cover.
While pressing r—j
the small blue fOff"
button on the
EJECTswitch,
slide it in the direction
ofthe arrow.
Push the middle
portion ofthe back of
the cassette to insert it.
Insert the cassette into
the cassette
compartment with the
window facing out
and the write-protect
tab facing upward.
Window
Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing the PUSH
mark on it.
Close the cassette lid
by pressing the
PUSH button on the
cassette lid.
PUSH
Write-protecttab

Ifthe ND1 or ND2 indicator
flashes, seepage 46.
Setthe POWER switch to
CAMERA while pressing the
small green button.
Slide OPEN
back in the ^
mark direction
to open the
LCDpanel.
Press START/
STOP.Your
camcorder
starts
recording. To
stop recording,
press START/
STOPagain.
Viewfinder____
When the LCD panel
isclosed, use the
viewfinder placing
your eye against its
eyecup.
Remove the hood cap.
NOTE
Do not pick up your camcorder by
holding the viewfinder, the LCD panel,
the batterypack, or the microphone.

Getting started
Usingthismanual
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings onyour camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
e.g.Setthe POWER switch to CAMERA.
When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep or a melody sound to indicate
that the operation isbeing carried out.
Your camcorder isbased on the DVCAM/DV format. We recommend that you use a
tape with cassette memory
The functions which require differentoperations depending onwhether or not the tape
has cassette memory are:
•Searching the end point of the recording - end search (p. 25,29)
•Searching a recording by index - index search (p. 64)
•Searching a recording by date - date search (p. 67)
•Searching fora photo - photo search (p. 69).
The functions you can operate only with cassette memory are:
•Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title - title search(p.66)
•Superimposing a title (p. 94)
•Making your own titles (p. 98)
•Labelinga cassette (p. 100).
For details, seepage 142.
B
You seethis mark in the introduction ofthe features that are operated only with
cassettememory.
Tapes with cassette memory are marked with O*/ (CassetteMemory).

Usingthis manual
TVcolour systems differfrom country to country.
To view your recordings ona TV,you need a PAL system-basedTV.
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.
•TheLCD screen and the viewfinderare manufacturedusinghigh-precision
technology.However, there may be some tinyblackpoints and/orbrightpoints
(red, blue,green orwhite)that constantly appear on the LCD screen and inthe
viewfinder.These points occur normallyinthe manufacturingprocess and do nol
affectthe recorded pictureinany way. Effectiveratio ofpixelsis 99.99% or
more.
•Do not let your camcorder getwet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder getwet 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
acar parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
•Do not place your camcorder soas to point the viewfinder or the LCD screenor lens
toward the sun. The inside ofthe viewfinder, LCD screen, or lensmay be damaged
[c].
[a] [b] [c]
Contents ofthe recording cannot be compensated ifrecording or playback isnot made due to a
malfunction ofthecamcorder, video tape, etc.

Checkingsuppliedaccessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p.167)
AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power
adaptor (1),Mains lead (1)(p.11)
NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p.10,11)
R6 (size AA) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p.168)
Memory Stick Reader/Writer (1),USB
cable(1)
"Memory Stick" (1) (p.113)
A/Vconnecting cable (1) (p.31, 72)
Hood cap (1) (p.16)
Shoulder strap (1) (p.165)
Application software: PictureGear
4.1Lite (CDROM) (1)(p.131)
Lens hood (1) (p.163)
Eyecup (large) (1) (p.20)
Microphone (1) (p.9),Wind screen (1)
(P. 9)
Operating instructions (2)

Step 1 Installingthemicrophone
Installthesuppliedmicrophone.BesuretoconnectthemicrophoneplugtotheINPUT1
connector.
(1) Attach the wind screen to the microphone.
(2) Loosen the microphone holder screw and open the cover.
(3) Place the microphone into the holder with the model name (ECM-NV1) facing
upward, closethe cover, and tighten the screw.
(4)Connect the plug ofthe microphone to the INPUT 1 connector.
(5) Setthe INPUT LEVEL selector to MIC or MIC ATT. When setto MIC ATT, you
can reduce the volume by about 20 dB. And set the +48 V switch to ON.
(6) Selectthe channel to be used, using the REC CH SELECT switch. When
recording only onthe channel 1,set it to CH1,and when recording both onthe
channels 1 and 2,set it to CH1»CH2.
1 2 3
4 5 6
When the wind is blowing hard
SetCH1orCH2ofWINDtoONinthemenusettingsaccordingtotheinput(p. 104).
When you unplug the microphone plug
UnplugitwhileholdingthePUSHbuttondown.
9

Step 2 Preparingthepower supply
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
(1) Liftup the viewfinder.
(2) Insert the battery pack inthe direction ofthe mark onthe battery pack. Slide
the batterypack until it islocked.
To remove thebattery pack
Lift up the viewfinder.Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE
down.
10

Step 2 Preparingthepower supply
Use the battery pack aftercharging it.
Your camcorder operates only with the 'InfoLITHIUM" battery pack ( series).
(1) Open the DC IN jackcover and connect the AC power adaptor suppliedwith
your camcorder to the DC IN jackwith the plug's A mark facing toward the
LCDpanel side.
(2) Connect the mains lead to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the mains lead to mains.
(4)Setthe POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Charging begins.
Theremaining battery time isindicated in minutes on the display window.
When the remaining battery indicator changes to , normalcharge iscompleted. To
fully charge the battery (fullcharge), leave the battery pack attached forabout one hour
after normal charge iscompleted until FULL appears on the display window. Fully
charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DCIN jack onyour camcorder.
Noteonthe remaining battery time indicator
Theremaining battery time indicator on the LCD screen/display window or inthe
viewfinder indicates the recording time using the viewfinder. The indicator may not be
correct, depending on the conditions inwhich you are recording. When you closethe
LCD panel and open it again, it takes about oneminute forthe correct remaining
battery time to be displayed.
11

Step2 Preparingthepower supply
Notes
•Preventmetallic objectsfromcomingintocontactwiththemetalpartsoftheDCplugof
the AC power adaptor. This may causea short-circuit,damaging the AC power adaptor.
•Keep the batterypack dry.
•When thebattery pack isnot to be used fora long time, charge thebatterypackonce
fully, and then use it until it fullydischarges again. Keep the batterypack ina coolplace.
Untilyour camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time
//-- - - min" appears in the display window.
While charging the battery pack, noindicator appears orthe indicatorflashes in
the display window inthe following cases:
-The batterypack isnot installed correctly.
-The AC power adaptor isdisconnected.
-Something iswrong with the battery pack.
Chargingtime
Battery pack Full charge (Normalcharge)
NP-F330(supplied)150(90)
NP-F530/F550210(150)
NP-F730/F750300(240)
NP-F930/F950390(330)
NP-F960420(360)
Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack
Recordingtime
Battery pack
NP-F330(supplied)
NP-F530
NP-F550
NP-F730
NP-F750
NP-F930
NP-F950
NP-F960
Recording with
the viewfinder
Continuous*
60 (55)
100 (90)
130 (115)
230 (205)
265 (235)
355 (320)
405 (360)
480 (430)
Typical**
30 (30)
55 (50)
70 (60)
125 (110)
145 (130)
195 (175)
225 (200)
265 (240)
Recording with
the LCDscreen
Continuous*
50 (45)
85 (75)
110 (100)
190 (170)
230 (200)
300 (270)
345 (310)
420 (375)
Typical**
25 (25)
45 (40)
60 (55)
105 (95)
125 (110)
165 (150)
190 (170)
235 (210)
Approximate minutes ofrecording time when you use a fully charged battery

Step2 Preparingthe power supply
Numbers in parentheses "()" indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
You cannot use the NP-500/510/710 battery pack onyour camcorder.
*Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C(77 °F). The battery life willbe
shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
**Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop,
zooming and turning the power on/off.The actual batterylife may be shorter.
Playing time
Battery pack
NP-F330(supplied)
NP-F530
NP-F550
NP-F730
NP-F750
NP-F930
NP-F950
NP-F960
Playingtime
onLCDscreen
70 (65)
115 (105)
145 (130)
260 (230)
305 (265)
400 (355)
465 (420)
560 (500)
Playingtime
withLCDclosed
85 (75)
145 (130)
180 (160)
295 (265)
365 (325)
460 (415)
550 (495)
660 (590)
Approximate minutes ofplaying time when you usea fully charged battery
Numbers inparentheses "()"indicate the timeusinga normally charged battery.
The battery life will be shorter ifyou useyour camcorder in a coldenvironment.
You cannot use the NP-500/510/710battery pack onyour camcorder.
Notes
•The supplied battery pack ischarged a little.
•Sometypes ofbattery packs may not be soldinyour region or country.
Whatis"InfoLITHIUM?"
The"InfoLITHIUM"isalithiumionbatterypackwhichcanexchangedatasuchas
batteryconsumptionwithcompatiblevideoequipment.Thisunitiscompatiblewiththe
"InfoLITHIUM"batterypack(Lseries).Yourcamcorderoperatesonlywiththe
"InfoLITHIUM"battery."InfoLITHIUM"batterypacks(Lseries)havethe
mark.
"InfoLITHIUM"isatrademarkofSonyCorporation.
13
Ifthecamcorder is immediatelyturned off
Even ifthe remaining battery time isenough to operate, chargethe battery pack fully
again.Thecorrect remaining timeisdisplayed.

Step 2 Preparingthepowersupply
When you use your camcorder fora long time, we recommend thatyou power it from
mains using the AC power adaptor.
(1) Open the DCIN jackcover andconnect the AC poweradaptortotheDC IN
jack on your camcorder with theplug's A mark facing towardtheLCD panel
side.
(2) Connect the mains lead to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the mains lead to mains.
Precaution
The set isnot disconnected from the AC power source (mains)aslongasitisconnected
to the mains, evenifthe setitselfhas beenturned off.
Notes
•Themains leadmust onlybechangedat an authorized serviceshop.
•AC power adaptor can supply power evenifthe battery pack isattached to your
camcorder.
•TheDC INjackhas sourcepriority. Thismeans that thebattery pack cannot supply
any power if the mains leadisconnected to the DCINjack, evenwhen the mains lead
isnot plugged into themains.
Usinga carbattery
Use the SonyDCAdaptor/Charger (not supplied).
14

Step3 Insertinga cassette
(1) Install the power source (p. 10).
(2) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slideitinthe
direction ofthe arrow. Afterthe cassette lidisopened,the cassette
compartment automatically opens.
(3) Push the middle portion ofthe back ofthe cassetteto insert it.
Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with
the window facing out and the write-protect tab facing upward.
(4)Close the cassette compartment by pressing the PUSH mark on it.
(5) Closethe cassette liduntil it clicks by pressing the PUSH button on the lid.
2 5 3.4
Window
Write-protect tab
To eject a cassette
Followtheprocedureabove,andtakeoutthecassetteinstep3.
Notes
•Thecassette lidwillnotbeclosedwhenyoupressanypartofthelidotherthanthe
PUSH button.
•Do not catch your ringer inthe cassette lid.
When you usecassettes with cassette memory
Read the instruction about cassette memory to usethisfunction properly (p. 142).
To prevent accidental erasure
Slidethewrite-protecttabonthecassettetotheprotectposition.
Ifthe grip strap prevents the cassette lidfrom opening fully
Adjust the length of the grip strap (p. 165).
If^ flashes even ifthe cassette has beeninserted
Press the PUSH button again to closethe coverfirmly.
15

—Recording - Basics —
Recordinga picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses foryou.
(1) Remove the hood cap and pull the hood cap string to fix it.
(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See"StepT'and "Step3" for
more information (p. 10to 15).
(3) Setthe POWER switch to CAMERA while pressingthe smallgreenbutton.
Your camcorder issetto the standby mode.
(4)Slide OPEN in the direction ofthe > mark to openthe LCD panel.
The picture now being shot isdisplayed ontheLCD screen,anditdisappears
fromthe viewfinder screen.
(5) Press START/STOP. Yourcamcorder starts recording. The "REC" indicator
appears. The camera recording lamps located onthe frontand rear ofyour
camcorder light up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
Youcan use REC START/STOP located onthe frontinstead ofSTART/STOP
on the rear.
Camera recording lamps Microphone
1
RECSTART/STOP
5
3
LOCK
Ifthe ND1 or ND2 indicator flashes on the LCD screen or inthe viewfinder
The ND filterisnecessary. Setthe ND FILTER selector to 1 or 2. However, if you change
thepositionduringrecording,thebrightnessofthepicturemaychangeoraudionoise
may occur. This isnot a malfunction. We recommend that you check the position ofthe
ND FILTER selectorbefore shooting. See"Usingthe ND filter7' on page 46.
Note
Fastenthegripstrapfirmly.
16

Recording a picture
Note on the recording format
Your camcorder records and plays back both inthe DVCAM format and inthe DV
formatSPmode. Selectthe format in the menu settings.
Note on the LOCK switch
When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, thePOWER switchcan no longerbe setto
MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK switch issetto the right asa default setting.We
recommend that you set the LOCK switch to the left when you record ona cassette.
Note on the progressive mode
Ifyou intend to use the images onyour PCorplay the imagesback asstillimages, we
recommend that you set PROG. SCAN toON inthe menu settingsbefore shooting (p.
104).The picture quality may improve inthis mode, but ifyou shoota moving subject,
the image may shake when it isplayed back.
Toenable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next sceneissmooth aslong as
you do not eject the cassette even ifyou turnoff your camcorder. When you use a tape
with cassette memory, however, you can make thetransition smooth evenafter ejecting
the cassette if you use the end search function (p.25).
However, check the following:
•When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
•Do not mix recordings in the DVCAM formatand the DV format on one tape.
The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes when you change the recording format.
Ifyou leave yourcamcorder instandby mode forfive minutes
The head drum ofthe camcorder automatically stops rotating. This isto prevent the
tape wear and save the batterypower. To re-start recording, press the START/STOP
button. It may take more time to start recording. This isnot a malfunction.
You can record both onmini DVCAM cassettes and onmini DV cassettes using your
camcorder. When you use a mini DV cassette, set REC MODE to DV SPin the menu
settings. You can record on a tape 1.5times longer than the DVCAM format.When you
want to record inthe DV format or to make longer recording, use the mini DV cassette.
Notes
•Ifyou record inthe DV format, the transition ofa tape may not be smooth. We
recommend that you useminiDVCAM cassettesand setREC MODE to DVCAM in
the menu settingsto obtainreliable clear pictures.
•You cannot record ona tape inLP mode in the DV format.
Ifyou use a miniDV cassette without setting REC MODE to DVSP
The recordable time is2/3time that indicated on the cassette.
Cassettes that can beplayed back with your camcorder
You can play back both cassettes recorded in the DVCAM format orinthe DV format,
however, you cannot play back cassettes that recorded in LP mode inthe DV format.
17

Recording a picture
The LCD panel isopened up to 90degrees and it rotates about 90degreesto the
viewfinder side and about 180degrees to the lensside.
Ifyou turn the LCD panel over sothat it faces the other way instandby orrecording
mode, the 0 indicator appears onthe LCD screen and intheviewfinder (Mirror
mode).
OPEN
Toclosethe LCD panel, setitvertically and swingitintothe camcorder body until it
clicks.
Note
When openingthe LCD panel,the viewfinder isautomatically turned off, however,itis
not turned off when the LCD panel isturned overorthecamcorder isinmirror mode.
When you usetheLCDscreenoutdoors indirectsunlight
TheLCD screenmay be difficult to see.Ifthishappens, we recommend that you usethe
viewfinder.
When you adjust the angle of the LCDpanel
Make sure that the LCD panel isopened up to 90degrees.
When using boththe LCDscreen and the viewfinder during shooting
The usable time of the battery pack when using both the LCD screen and the viewfinder
will be shorter a little than when using the viewfinder only.
Pictures inthe mirror mode
The picture on the LCD screen isa mirror-image. However,the recording picture will
be normal.
18

Recording a picture
Toadjust the brightness of the LCD screen, pressLCD BRIGHT + or-.
Thebattery life islonger when the LCD panel isclosed.Use the viewfinder insteadof
the LCD screen to save the battery power.
•Tobrighten
-Todarken
Onthe LCD screen backlight
You can change thebrightness ofthebacklight.SelectLCDB.L. inthemenusettings
(p.104).
Even ifyou do the LCDscreen adjustment using the LCD BRIGHT +7-buttons,or
using LCD B.L. and LCDCOLOUR items inthe menu settings
The recorded picture will notbe affected.
You can record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Liftup the
viewfinder or rotate the LCD panel with the screen facing up to record from a low
position. In this case, it isuseful to use the REC START/STOP button located onthe
front or the camcorder.
19

Recording a picture
(1) Setthe POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
(2) Close the LCD panel.
(3) Eject the cassette.
(4)Remove the battery pack.
Ifyou record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder.
Adjust the viewfinder lensto your eyesight sothat the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.
Lift up the viewfinder and move theviewfinder lensadjustment lever.
Toadjust the brightness ofthe viewfinder screen,usethe VF B.L.iteminthe menu
settings(p.104).
Even ifyou adjust the viewfinder screen backlight
Therecordedpicturewill notbe affected.
When the shooting conditions are too bright
Use the supplied large eyecup. Fit it onto the camcorder by stretchingthe corners a
little. You can attach it with the large partof it located onboth left and right.