Sony Handycam CCD-FX420 User manual

S
O
N
Y
3-756-564-24
(1)
Video Camera Recorder EI
CCD-FX420
AC Power Adaptor
AC-V25/V25A
Operation Manual
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.
3
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. 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.
Model No. CCD-FX420 Serial No.
Model No. AC-V25/V25A Serial No.
VideoS Handycam
*: 1993 by Sony Corporation

| WARNING |
To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose the unit
to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
Ars OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
00 NOT OPEN
CAUTION TO REOUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
OO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIOE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED 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.
Notice for the customers in Canada
This apparatus complies with the Class 8 limits for
radio noise emissions set out in Radio Interference
Regulations.
information on the Camcorder CCD-FX420
and the AC Power Adaptor AC-V25A
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 harmfut
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 interterence to radi
communications. However, there 1s no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. It
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radr
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 anc
receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different irom that to which the recerver 1s 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.
Information on the AC Power Adaptor
AC-V25
For the customers in the U.S.A.
WARNING
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used properly, that is. 1
strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions,
may cause interference to radio and television
reception. It has been type tested and found to compt
with the limits for a Class B computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Par
15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in a
residential installation. However, there is no guarante:
that interference will not occur in a particular installatic
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turn
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to tr
to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna
Relocate the equipment with respect to the receiv
Move the equipment-away from the receiver
Plug the equipment into a different outlet so that
equipment and receiver are on different branch
Circuits.
\f necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an
experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The user may find the following booklet
prepared by the Federal Communications Commissic
helpful:
“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interferen
Problems”.
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington. OC 20402, Stock No. 00
000-00345-4.
FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN USA AND
CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTH
OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE
FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE
EXPOSURE.

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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Before You Begin
About this manual ..........ccccceeees sagaabedibsecdsncasessess cbedsendscResvsntedesens Sosensuadeecdscaretaseae asteaaseeeses
Checking supplied accessories ..............0000 saabinsinssatuceased asduesbvedeucacosesates deesogeedsvdaveastiba 5
Before you start ............ asap sabebsedestenssasossasie ssbadedvacivevareeelvbactecseesssetalves siahasseveseactnbussecd 5
Getting Started
Charging and installing the battery pack ...................
Inserting 2 tape .........scecrceceseceees Saseuteassataesebease a
Preventing accidental erasure ibsapeeelosesaes ssaesiss .
Adjusting the viewfinder lens ..................0 i sgsdsaspcedsiasostacecs ssdsssoaeevaseeoadecon Sinsaldadnesaviseshonses oss
Using the viewfinder as a sports finder .............:.cecseee secdabensedetoteonsees sysvencensensssusseuce soe0e9
Installing the lithium battery .................. eseis :
Setting the date and time....... ‘
Storing a birth date in your camcorder ...............
seeees
Basic Camera Operation
HOW to reCOFd .......ccecsceeseeee
Using zooming features ...
Playing back a tape .......
Using the remote commander .
Getting the most out of your battery pack
Advanced Camera Operation
Connecting alternative power sources ....... sasbeisssasenscassusstacsvegestesisceasess sadsosarasepassasvasuonssorrsOe
Using HOUSE CUFTENE .........sssescsscosssssesessesescessscessesecsecesscsessescsecesscseceeescscssssssosssevevsesevsesQ2
Using car battery ......... sandabensadvenssseedecasssdsbeconessasesessosnessdtucdenssnsecsscnadscsdeiarncasseissaseestec ed
CAMEFA TOCOMGING .....iseessioseesesctssshcsnscotusesasassiedscsasesnscececscnucdedsdoceéssdsconsceceasevasanductsesesticesco 4
Recording the date OF time ........sccsccsesssessecsscsecerssecsssesssssesceessscssessssssssessesssessessvanenses 24
Putting an age on your tape........ sacssesintenagnsss ed
For low-position recording ..........sccscesscsserereeeccscseeree
Checking the last portion of a scene you just recorded (Rec Review) . “3
Checking recording in the viewfinder (EDITSEARCH) ..................0. 1400 26
Re-recording on a previously recorded portion (EDITSEARCH) .... we Ol
Helpful hints for recording .............. eeseadevesiesessaces sabesecéesdsoancessasess Seonsivusessdesasvesveaes sessersOe
Inserting a scene in the middle of a recorded tape............ Sshesdveabestsscsateuss sassedesscaccsoeien .28
Recording with an external microphone ....
Connecting a wired remote control unit ...
Manual adjustment ...........cseceeeee sadaanes
Maintaining focus ........ aaeboasatdesscedeusts eu dhswseuseewees sess candasesedceescss ari
Compensating for backlighting ...............ccc ssabstaasadhovenseads Sesnouaesse .
Using program AE (Auto Exposure) .............. dasisadacassacesseadss saaasddescchcsesradss Sebousdaseruouacassiaese 3
Selecting the PROGRAM AE mode.................. sesasseteutseswesstudes sabdastaescssvedesasss ssasviseesesen Ol
Fade-in and fade-out ......... ‘
seeeeeoee: oreceecccee
Additional information
Maintenance information ....... ere
Tips for better camera recording
Identifying the parts ................ discs
Trouble check ........... settee Guess Seebtccas
Specifications ........... asdssuseaasdeesanavess
INDOX cecsssiccclheciericeecsd Bisadeseseaesennss Sesbicvtcsctesssce sensdeckescessidassadessnessaseasessesesses ssseeee BACK COVEF

Welcome to Video 8
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.
Nore) ej am Maltomiitclalersh
This manual shows you how to operate your camcorder. To get the most out of the
features of your Handycam, we recommend you read this manual thoroughly before using.
But if you want to shoot as soon as possible, please read the chapters, Getting Started
and Basic Camera Operation. Once you are familiar with basic operations, you may want
to proceed to the chapter, Advanced Camera Operation.
e When you are reading through this manual, please remember that buttons and settings
on the camcorder are shown in capital letters:
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
e Use “Identifying the Parts” as an index to look for a function and operation according to
the indication printed on the camcorder itself.
Note on TV Color Systems
TV color systems are different depending on the countries.
If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, you need an NTSC system based TV.
When you want to use PAL-M system based TV, you will need NTSC/PAL-M transcoder
(as this is an NTSC system based camcorder). Please check the list on page 42 to see the
TV color system of your country.
Note on the Supplied RFU adaptor
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.
Note 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.
4 Before You Begin

e
Wireless
Remote
Size
AA
(R6)
battery
for
Battery
pack
NP-55
(1)
Commander
(1)
Remote
Commander
(2)
e
AC
power
adaptor
e
Lithium
battery
e
RFU
adaptor
AC-V25/V25A
(1)
CR2025
(1)
RFU-90UC/95UC
(1)
Cc Peder
Shoulder strap (1) ¢ Lens cap (1) (attached to —e Jack cover (1) (attached to
the camcorder) the camcorder)
Before You Start
Before using your camcorder, you need to:
Charge and install the battery pack.
Insert a tape.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyes.
Install the lithium battery.
Set the date and time.
OM & ON a
This chapter takes you through these procedures step by step.
Using of the BEEP switch
¢
The
BEEP
switch
is
set
to
ON
when
you
parchase
the
camcorder.
¢
The
camcorder
will
beep
when
you
start
and
stop
recording
and
as
a
warning
of
unusual
conditions
(see
page
50).
These
beeps
will
not
be
recorded
on
the
tape.
¢
Set
the
BEEP
switch
to
OFF,
to
deactivate
the
beep.
Before You Begin 5

Chapter t: Getting Started
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack
Charging the Battery Pack
Notes
Option
Before you can use this camcorder, you need to charge and install the battery pack.
(, ieee eee
(O){0)_ eae
1 Plug the AC power adaptor into a wall outlet.
2 Align the flat side of the battery pack with the lines on the AC power adaptor and the
battery pack.
3 Push down and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
4 Set the VTR (DC OUT)/CHARGE selector to CHARGE.
Required charging time:
Type of battery pack NP-55 NP-77H NP-77
(supplied) | NP-77HD
Required charging time | 70 | 160_|
(approx. minutes using AC-V25/V25A)
When charging is finished, the charge indicator will go out.
Important!
Use the battery completely before recharging!
Before you recharge the battery, make sure the battery has been used (discharged)
completely. Excessive charging may reduce the charging capacity of the battery.
To use up the battery, remove the video cassette and set the POWER switch to
CAMERA with the battery attached, and leave the camcorder until the CXJ indicator
appears blinking and a red lamp blinks in the viewfinder.
e Video equipment cannot be operated while charging the battery pack.
¢ The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and the power cord
is unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.
¢ If the POWER lamp does not light, set the VTR (DC OUT)/CHARGE selector to OFF and disconnect
the power cord. After about one minute, reonnect the power cord and set the VTR (DC OUTy
CHARGE selector to CHARGE again.
AC-S10 AC power adaptor:
This adaptor has a function which allows you to confirm that the battery is completely discharged and
ready to be recharged to its full capacity.
Installing the Battery Pack
When you have finished charging the battery, install the battery pack as follows:
6 Getting Started

1 Align the flat side of the battery pack with the white line on the camcorder.
2 Make sure that the arrow on the battery pack is close to the top of the camcorder.
3 Push down and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
Notes
¢ Make sure the battery is securely installed so that it does not fall off. If the battery is not
installed properly, the camcorder will not record accurately.
¢ You can use the AC power adaptor as a power source when recording indoors.
Removing the battery pack
Slide the BATT switch in the direction of the arrow, and at the same time, slide out the
battery pack to the left.
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Battery life and remaining capacity
A fully charged battery pack lasts for:
Type of battery pack NP-55 NP-77H/ NP-77
(supplied) | NP-77HD
[Batteryiwe «| 60s ~=—ste0=C«|«SCta0 | =o SYS CS
(approx. minutes, continuous recording when used indoors)
To check the remaining battery capacity, set the POWER switch to CAMERA, set the
STANDBY switch up and press TAPE/BATT CHECK.
Battery life
TAPE/BATT CHECK indicator
The decreasing black bar indicates decreasing
battery power. After the black bar disappears the
{X] indicator will appear and blink and a red | {a
lamp will also blink in the viewfinder. When they ee
blink rapidly, replace the battery pack.
34
rae
Notes The battery life indicator of the camcorder may indicate a different remaining capacity from that of
the NP-77HD battery pack.
Charge the battery pack when the black bar of the battery life indicator decreases quickly.
Getting Started 7

Inserting a Tape
Make sure that the battery pack or another power source is attached.
1 Press the small blue button
on the EJECT switch and
simultaneously slide EJECT
in the direction of the arrow.
The cassette compartment
automatically lifts up and opens
toward you.
insert a tape with the
window facing outside.
Close the cassette holder by
pressing the area on the
cassette compartment
marked “PUSH”.
Preventing Accidental Erasure
Slide the red tab closing the window to prevent accidental recording. To re-record on the
tape, slide the tab opening the window.
If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the O@ and & indicators flash in the
viewfinder and beeps sound for about 5 seconds.
Notes on handling tapes
Don't insert anything in the smail holes on the rear of the cassette. These holes are used to sense the
type and thickness of tape. or if the red mark is exposed or covered, etc. Store tapes in their cases
and keep them in an upright position to prevent intrusion of dust and uneven winding.
8 Getting Started

Setting the viewtinder to the sports finder position
Returning from the sports finder position to the normal
viewfinder position
When storing your camcorder
Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens
Before using your camcorder for the first time or after another person used it, adjust the
viewfinder lens to best fit your eyesight. Make sure that a battery pack or another power
source is attached to the camcorder.
1 2
1 Press the smail green button on POWER and eorn||
set the POWER switch to CAMERA. POWE
Insert a tape.
(See page 8.)
Set the STANDBY switch up.
Turn the viewfinder
adjustment ring around the
viewfinder lens until the >
“STBY” indicator displayed in
the viewfinder screen comes
into sharp focus.
Using the viewfinder as a sports finder
Your camcorder is equipped with a Sports Finder.
You can use the viewfinder as the sports finder by
turning the viewfinder adjustment ring.
What is a sports finder?
Since this finder has a long focal length, you can
monitor the picture while your eye is at a distance
from the eyecup. The sports finder is convenient
when moving around to shoot scenes.
Turn the viewfinder adjustment ring clockwise
completely.
Turn the adjustment ring counterclockwise until the
word “STBY” that appears in the viewfinder comes
into sharp focus.
Turn the viewfinder barrel to the front.
Getting Started QO
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Taksicclifiaremtatcm miealeleem orsle(cay
To keep birth dates in the camcorder's memory and to activate the clock, the lithium
battery must be installed.
1 Remove the lithium battery holder
located at the bottom of the
camcorder.
2 Install the supplied CR2025
lithium battery with the + side
facing down.
3 Put the lithium battery holder into the camcorder.
Lithium battery life
The battery will last for approximately 1 year in normal operation.
When the lithium battery becomes weak, the & indicator will blink in the viewfinder screen
for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace
the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025. Use of any other battery may
present a risk of fire or explosion.
When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached.
Otherwise, resetting the date, time and birth dates will be necessary.
Changing the lithium battery
Remove the lithium battery holder from the camcorder, and pull out the lithium battery and
insert a new one.
WARNING The battery may explode if mistreated.
Do not recharge. disassemble, or dispose of it in fire.
Cautions Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of children.
Should the battery be swallowed, immediately consult a doctor.
¢ Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers, otherwise a short-circuit may occur.
10 Getting Startea

You need to set your camcorder's date and time to be able to superimpose the date and
time onto your video.
Make sure that the power source and lithium battery are attached.
1
2
Usa
MOWER
1 Press the small green button on the
POWER switch and slide the POWER
switch to CAMERA.
Set the STANDBY switch
up.
Press DATE (+) and TIME (NEXT)
simultaneously for a few
seconds until the date indicator
appears in the viewfinder. t
x
The DATE button now functions as + aL ER haw 1 £ og
(to advance numbers) and the TIME
button functions as NEXT (to set).
4 adjust the blinking digits of 0 & I>
the year, month, day, and sams app
hour by using DATE (+}, and
by pressing TIME (NEXT). e OATES > TENE XT)
Notes Gr ia : Oy
e When you keep DATE (+)
pressed, the digits advance
DATES+) xn
faster. © =>
e
The
year
starts
at
1993
and
Ne
proceeds
as
follows:
aOtAst
es
1993---+1999-»2000---2020
t
J
TEI+}
sl
73 30:00PM
OATECe)
5 Adjust the blinking digits of minute by s! ..d
pressing DATE (+).
DATEIe) TUMEINEXT
Temes
6 press TIME (NEXT) to set the second to “00”. =v
The clock starts operating.
Correcting the date and time settings
Repeat steps 3 to 6.
Getting Started 1 1
aul, pure ajyeg au} Buljjas
j/uepeg wniyyy ayy Suijeisul

rs) Ce) alaje WM =J1 nam O)-1(o ame (elem Or-ltalere)cel-s
When you preset your child's birth date in your camcorder, you can put your child's age in
years and months on your tape. You can also preset the date of an event. Once you enter
the birth date of your child, the clock inside your camcorder will automatically update age
of your child. You can superimpose the age anytime on your recording. You can preset up
to three birth dates or events.
Before you begin
Before you store a birth date in your camcorder, make sure that power source is
connected, that the lithium battery is installed and that the date is correctly set.
How to store birth date
To store a birth date in your camcorder, see the following example and procedure.
Example: Store “Aug. 3, 1987” in memory 2.
DATE(+) TIME(NEXT) AGE/EVENT
Press the small green button on the
POWER switch and slide the POWER
switch to CAMERA.
Set the STANDBY switch up.
Press TIME (NEXT) and AGE/EVENT
simultaneously for a few seconds until the
“(i] BIRTHDAY--- --1900” indicator appears
in the viewfinder.
Press DATE (+) to select [2].
Each time you press DATE (+), the display in the
viewfinder changes as follows:
(7) BIRTHDAY = [2] BIRTHDAY
T__ BB] EVENT+__
* Although “EVENT” is displayed on [3], you can
use it for age as well.
(0) and [2) can also be used to record event
dates in memory.
Press TIME (NEXT).
The “1900” indicator blinks.
Wemntaon
see 67900
(continued)
12 Getting Staned

6 Enter the birth date.
First adjust the blinking digits by
pressing DATE (+), and then press
TIME (NEXT).
The age (year and month) appears
when all the items are adjusted.
TEN+)
OA @Moyrtnoay
AUGer 1987
“ll >
oF Weigtyoar
AUGE3 7987,
if you missed the correct number with DATE (+)
Keep pressing DATE (+).
The indicator changes as follows:
Year: 1900 — 1901 - ---—» Current year
T
Current year — (minus) 99
Month: JAN. > FEB. - - - — DEC. > ---
{a ee ee |
Day: 1 >2---3931
| ee
Correcting/changing the setting
Follow the procedures from step 1 again.
Advancing the digits faster
Keep DATE (+) pressed.
Presetting the year before 1900
1 After step 5 on page 12, keep pressing DATE (+) until the current year is displayed.
2 Press DATE (+) again.
The year goes back 99 years.
(example: 1993 > 1894)
3 Go to step 6 above.
When in 2000
*.-- -- 1901" is displayed in step 3 on page 12. After that, it advances every year as “1902,
1903, .....".
Now it’s ready for recording!
Getting Stared 13

Chapter 2: Basic Camera Operation
How to Record
Before you record one-time events, make a trial recording to make sure that your
camcorder is working properly.
Keep the lens clean, or the focus cannot be adjusted properly.
It is very easy to start recording scenes.
Hold the camcorder by putting your
hand through the grip belt so that
your thumb can easily press the red
START/STOP button.
By pressing the release on the lens
cap, remove and attach it to the grip
belt.
Press the small green button on the
POWER switch and slide the POWER alts
switch to CAMERA. OFFAPLAYER
This puts the camcorder in the camera
recording mode.
Set the PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure)
switch to the green position.
Set the STANDBY switch up.
“STBY’ appears in the viewfinder. Now,
you can see through the viewfinder.
Press START/STOP (red button)
once.
The camera is recording when the word
“REC” appears on the viewfinder screen
and the red lamp lights in the viewfinder.
You can also confirm the start of recording
with beep sound when you have the BEEP
switch turned on.
In the viewfinder you can see a black and white picture of what you are recording and
information that indicates what the camcorder is now doing.
1 4 Basic Camera Operation

Automatic recording
With the PROGRAM AE switch set to the green position, all the camera functions are on
automatic (i.e. auto iris, auto white balance, auto focus) and the shutter speed is set at
normal (1/60 second).
Note about covering the camcorder
Do not use marine packs, sports packs, or rain jackets to cover the camcorder. The camcorder will
focus on the front glass of the packs or transparent plate of the jacket.
To stop recording momentarily
Press
START/STOP
again.
“STBY”
appears
in
the
viewfinder.
The
camcorder
beeps
twice
when you have BEEP turned on.
When you have finished recording
Turn the STANDBY switch down and slide the POWER switch to OFF.
Ejecting the tape
Make sure that you have attached the battery pack or other power source to the
camcorder.
1
Press
the
smail
blue
button
on
the
EJECT
switch,
and
at
the
same
time
push
EJECT
in
the
direction
of
the
arrow.
2 Take out the tape.
3 Close the cassette holder by pressing the area marked PUSH on the cassette
compartment.
Caution!
Please
remember
that
you
can
only
use
8-mm
format
video
tapes
with
this
camcorder.
You will be able to record tapes in SP (standard play) mode only and play back tapes in both SP
and LP (long play) modes.
Checking the time remaining on the tape
Press TAPE/BATT CHECK.
Tape length indicator
TAPE/BATT CHECK
After
pressing
TAPE/BATT
CHECK,
the
time
remaining
may
not
be
indicated
for
about
20
seconds.
When
the
time
remaining
is
less
than
about
5
minutes,
the
indicator
displays
the
minutes
remaining.
Sl----- JE -------> SE. ae» 5min 7
Omin <—_———. - bmin~ <«---------- amin
7tin
When “5 min” lights, the GJ indicator appears in the viewfinder and blinks.
Note on the tape length indicator
The
camcorder
must
be
in
the
recording
or
playback
mode
when
the
TAPE/BATT
CHECK
is
pressed to find out the time remaining. In the playback mode, however, the indicator does not
indicate the minutes remaining.
The tape length indicator does not change while using EDITSEARCH.
Basic Camera Operation 1 5

Using Zooming Features
You can create a professional-looking home video using these sepcial effects; zoom,
close-up, fade-in and fade-out.
rAoxelaiiiate|
Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene.
Use “Zoom-in (telephoto)” for dramatic close-ups, and “zoom-out (wide-angle)” for
panoramic long shots. You can also use zooming to focus manually or to decide on a
shooting angle. For more professional-looking recordings, use zooming sparingly.
W(Wide-angle) T(Telephoto)
To zoom
Telephoto
Two-level Speed Zooming
The camcorder's power zoom button offers two-level speed zooming. Press it firmly for
high speed zooming and softly, for relatively slow zooming.
Press the T side of the power zoom button for telephoto (subject appears closer) and the
W side for wide-angle (subject appears farther away).
l sroreut-Jiale Mlamitcleiae)
Even small subjects such as flowers, insects, and images in photographs, can literally fill
the screen using focus in macro.
1 Bring the camcorder as close as necessary to obtain the desired subject size.
2 Press the W side of the power zoom button until the indicator in the viewfinder
stops at the W end.
Note You can shoot a subject that is at least 1 m (about 39°/s iches) away from lens surface in the telephoto
position.
1 6 Basic Camera Operation

Playing Back a Tape
You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it directly to your TV for playback.
After
you
connect
this
camcorder
to
your
TV,
use
the
Remote
Commander
for
convenient
control of the camcorder.
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Use the supplied RFU adaptor to connect your camcorder to your TV. Before connecting,
make sure that the TV is turned off to prevent speaker damage. If your TV has audio/
video inputs, see page 33.
VIDEO OUT
RFU DC OUT
AUDIO OUT
2,4
RFU-90UC
3CH‘4CH
Channel selector
VIDEO OUT
RFU DC OUT
AUDIO OUT
95UC
“
RFU-95UC
3CH/4CH
Channel selector
«<> : Signal flow
To connect your camcorder to a TV that is already connected to a regular TV (VHF)
antenna, you need to:
1 Unplug the antenna cable from your TV first.
Plug in the tail end of the RFU adaptor marked OUT to the antenna input of your TV.
Re-wire the antenna cable you unplugged to the RFU adaptor jack marked ANT. This
way, you can switch between TV broadcasting and your home video playback without
re-wiring.
Connect the supplied RFU adaptor to the camcorder. Either RFU-90UC or RFU-95UC
is supplied.
Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet.
Set the channel selector on the RFU adaptor (and your TV channel) to 3 CH or 4 CH of
the VHF channel, whichever is not active (vacant) in your area.
Attach the AC power adaptor to the camcorder.
Make sure the VTR (DC OUT)/CHARGE selector on the AC power adaptor is set to
VTR (DC OUT) position.
Note When you want to switch to a regular TV program, set the VTR (DC OUT)CHARGE selector to OFF
or turn off the power to the camcorder.
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Notes on the AC power adaptor
e Video equipment cannot be operated unless the VTR (DC OUT)/CHARGE selector is changed to
VTR (DC OUT) position.
» Keep the adaptor away from video equipment if video operation is disturbed.
Basic Camera Operation 1 7
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Playing Back a Tape
How to Play Back a Tape
<> : Signal flow
1 Press the small green button on the
POWER switch and set the POWER
switch to PLAYER.
2 Insert a tape. (See page 8.)
3 Turn on the TV and select the channel to which
you adjusted the RFU adaptor (3 CH or 4 CH).
If you are connecting with audio/video inputs, set your
TV's TV/VIDEO selector to VIDEO.
4 Press [> (PLAY).
To stop playback, press 0 (STOP).
To rewind the tape, press <4<4 (REW).
To advance the tape rapidly, press B® (FF).
When you have finished playback
1 Eject the tape, see page 15.
2 Slide the POWER switch to OFF.
3 Set the VTR (DC OUT)/CHARGE selector on the AC power adaptor to OFF.
1 8 Basic Camera Operation

Using the Remote Commander
By using the Remote Commander, you can be in the picture with your friends and family,
or conveniently control the playback of your tape from a distance.
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries with
the + and — ends properly
positioned.
Set the B REMOTE COMMANDER
switch on the battery mounting surface |o=-e'
of the camcorder.
If the battery is attached, remove it.
Reattach the battery after setting the
REMOTE COMMANDER ON/OFF switch.
Set the POWER switch on the camcorder as follows:
— When camerarecording, 1) press the small green button on the POWER switch
and slide it to CAMERA, 2) set the STANDBY switch up.
— When playing back, slide the POWER switch to PLAYER.
Aim the Commander at the remote c
sensor on the camcorder and 2m(66 fis?
press the appropriate button on ee
the Commander.
(Approximate maximum distance and angles for remote control)
Note on the Remote Commander
¢ Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination.
Remote control with the Commander may not function properly under such circumstances.
« The command mode of the Commander is VTR2. Avoid using the Sony VCRs with the same
command mode at the same time.
Getting familiar with some buttons
HOLD switch
When you slide the switch in the direction of the
arrow, all the buttons will become inoperable to
prevent any misoperation should you
accidentally press the buttons.
b> SLOW and DATA SCREEN buttons
You can use the functions of these buttons only
with the Commander.
Battery life In normal operation, batteries last up to six months. If the camcorder does not
operate properly, the batteries might be exhausted. Replace both batteries with new ones.
To avoid damage from possible battery leakage
Remove the batteries when you will not use the Commander for a long time.
When you connect the receiver of a remote control kit
When you connect the receiver of a remote control kit (not supplied) to the REMOTE ¢
control connector, be sure to set the Hl REMOTE COMMANDER switch on the battery
mounting surface of the camcorder to OFF. Basic Camera Operation | 9

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Set the STANDBY switch of the camcorder down when not
recording to save battery power.
A smooth transition between scenes can be made even if
recording is stopped and started again.
While positioning the subject or selecting an angle, or
looking through the viewtinder lens, the lens moves
automatically inside the camcorder and the battery is used.
The battery is also used when a tape is inserted or removed.
When the Rechargeable Battery Pack Should Be Replaced
When the CX) indicator and red lamp in the viewfinder change from
slow blinking to rapid blinking while you are recording.
Turn off the power switch of the camcorder and replace the
battery pack.
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Before using the battery pack, charge it sufficiently.
A brand-new battery pack is not charged.
Make sure you use up the battery before recharging.
¢ If recording is completed before the CX] indicator appears in
the viewfinder, it is recommended that you remove the tape,
set the POWER switch to CAMERA. turn the STANDBY
switch up, and leave the camcorder on until the CX indicator
blinks rapidly.
« When you use the AC-S10 AC power adaptor. the DC-S10
car battery charger or BC-S10 portable battery charger, you
can discharge the battery with their discharging function.
© Repeated charging without using up the battery may
cause lowering of battery capacity. However, the original
battery capacity can be recovered if you fully discharge
(use up) and charge the battery again.
Recharge the battery pack after long storage.
Hf the battery pack is fully charged but not used for a long time {about 1 year), it becomes discharged.
Charge it again but in this case the battery life will be shorter than normal. After several charging and
discharging cycles, the battery life will recover its original capacity.
20 Basic Camera Operation