Sony Handycam CCD-TR42 User manual

SONYY.
3-758-475-22 (1)
Video Camera
Recorder
CCD-TR42/TR70/TR72/TR8O/TR82
Operation Manual
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.CCD- Model No. AC-V
Serial No. Serial No.
Photo:CCD-TR42
Video8 Handycam
©1994 by Sony Corporation

video that youcan enjoy for years to come.
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
RUSK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
OO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REOUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
0O NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
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
tisk 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.
RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM
BATTERIES
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
GY Nickel-Cadmium batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our environment by
Ni C d returning your unwanted batteries to your
is nearest Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center for collection, recycling or
proper disposal.
Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel-cadmium
batteries in household or business trash may be
prohibited.
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
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only)
For the Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
nickel-cadmium batteries.
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 tu radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference tv 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 un 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
This apparatus complies with the Class B limits for radio
noise emissions set out in Radio interference
Regulations.
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.

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Before You Begin
Checking Your Model Number 4
Checking Supplied Accessories 5
Getting Started
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 6
Inserting a Cassette 9
Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens 10
Basic Operations
Camera Recording 11
Using the Zoom Feature 13
Hints for Better Shooting 14
Checking the Recorded Picture 15
Connections for Playback 16
Connecting to a TV without Video/Audio Input Jacks 16
Connecting to a TV with Video/Audio Input Jacks or VCR 16
Playing Back a Tape 17
Advanced Operations
Using Alternate Power Sources 19
Using House Current 19
Recording with the Date or Time 20
Shooting with Backlighting 21
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 22
Fade-in and Fade-out 23
Releasing the Steady Shot Function (CCD-TR82 only) 24
Changing the Mode Settings 25
Using the World Clock 27
Editing onto Another Tape 29
Additional information
Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 30
Resetting the Date and Time 31
Playback Modes 33
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 33
Maintenance Information and Precautions 36
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 39
Trouble Check 40
Specifications 43
identifying the Parts 45
Warning Indicators 51
Index (Back cover)

Before You Begin
aero (Tale Mm Colelm i iele(-M (laalel-le
The
instructions
in
this
manual
are
for
five
models
listed
below.
Before
you
start
reading
and
operating,
check
your
model
number
by
looking
at
the
bottom
of
your
camcorder.
The
CCD-TR42
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,
“CCD-TR82”.
As
you
read
through
this
manual,
buttons
and
settings
on
the
camcorder
are
shown
in
capital
letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
Types of Differences
Model Number
| Monaural | Stereo |
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OTT
Oo
Te
jecommm
|
OT
Oo
jecome
J
CT
OT
Oe
(ace
(GEE
=
OR
(a
ae
A
«a
pee
ae
a
=
=
CCD-TR80
CCD-TR82
Note on TV Color Systems
TV color systems differ from country to country.
To
view
your
recordings
on
a
TV,
you
need
an
NTSC
system
based
TV.
When
you
want
to
use
a
PAL-M
system
based
TV,
you
will
need
a
NTSC/PAL-M
transcoder
(as
this
is
an
NTSC
system
based
camcorder).
Please
check
the
list
on
page
39
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.
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 Camcorder Care
¢
Do
no
let
sand
get
into
the
camcorder.
When
you
use
the
camcorder
on
a
sandy
beach
or
dusty
place,
protect
it
from
the
sand
or
dust.
Sand
or
dust
may
cause
the
unit
to
malfunction
and
sometimes
the
malfunction
cannot
be
repaired.
[a]
¢
Do
not
let
the
camcorder
get
wet.
Keep
the
camcorder
from
rain
or
sea
water.
It
may
cause
a
malfunction
and
sometimes
the
malfunction
cannot
be
repaired.
[b]
¢
Never
leave
the
camcorder
under
temperatures
above
140°F
(60°C),
such
as
in
a
car
parked
in
the
sun
or
under
direct
sunlight.
[c]

Checking Supplied Accessories
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
RFU-95UC
(CCD-TR72/TR80)
(1) Wireless remote commander (1) (p.17, 48)
(2) NP-SS Battery pack (1) (p.6, 33)
[3] AC-V25/V2S5A/V25B AC power adaptor (1) (p.6, 19)
{4) RFU-90UC/9SUC RFU adaptor (1) (p.16)
(5) Shoulder strap (1) (p.46)
CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p.30)
Already installed in the camcorder.
(7) Size AA (R16) Battery for Remote Commander (2) (p.48)
AN connecting cable (1) (p.16)
For CCD-TR72/TR80 onlv
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Vetting startea
Gariceliarem-lalemlaciccliiiale mcatem st-lac-lavm asta.
Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery
pack, use the supplied AC-V25/V25A/V25B AC power adaptor.
Charging the Battery Pack
Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration.
(1) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the
line on the AC power adaptor, then slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. (3) Set the '
selector to CHARGE. The POWER lamp (green) and the CHARGE lamp (orange) light up. Charging
begins.
When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Set the selector to the center position and
unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder. To \
stop charging, set the selector to the center position. |
1
Charging Time
spp)
[Charging time’ [70
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty pack using the AC-V25/V25A/V25B (Lower temperatures
require a longer charging time.)
Battery Life
CCD-TR42/TR72
Battery Pack
Typical recording time** | 45
Continuous recording time*** | 8 |
CCD-TR70/TR8O
Battery pack NP-55
Typical recording time** | 30 |
Continuous recording time*** | 6

** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and
turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
+** Approximate continuous recording time indoors.
important!
Use the battery completely before re-charging!
Before you recharge the battery, make sure the battery has been used up (discharged) completely.
Repeated charging while some capacity remains causes a lowering of battery capacity. However, the
original battery capacity can be recovered if you use the battery completely and charge it fully again.
To use up the battery, remove the cassette and slide the POWER switch to CAMERA with the battery
attached, and leave the camcorder until the €3 indicator and the red lamp flash rapidly in the
viewfinder.
Removing the Battery Pack
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
Notes on 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 selector to the center position and disconnect the power
cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord and set the selector to CHARGE again.
¢ You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack.
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installing the Battery Pack
(1)
Lift
up
the
viewfinder.
(2)
Align
the
right
side
of
the
battery
pack
with
the
white
line
on
the
camcorder,
and
slide
the
battery
pack
to
the
right.
Removing the Battery Pack
(1)
Lift
up
the
viewfinder.
(2)
While
pressing
BATT,
slide
the
battery
pack
to
the
left.

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Make sure that a power source is installed.
(1) While sliding the lid lock, lift up the lid. Then open it. (2) Press EJECT. The cassette compartment
automatically lifts up and opens. (3) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out.
(4) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette compartment
automatically goes down. (S) Close the lid until it locks.
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To Eject the Cassette
Press EJECT.
To Prevent Accidental Erasure
Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the @@ and & indicators flash in the viewfinder, and
you cannot record on the tape. To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out to cover the red mark.

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

Basic Operations
Camera Recording
Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted. The date is automatically recorded for 10
seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a day. You can
hear the beep sound to confirm your operation. Before you record one-time events, you may want to
make a trial recording to make sure that you are using the camcorder correctly.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA. (2) Turn
STANDBY up. (3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording and the “REC” indicator
apperars in the viewfinder.
Note on beep sound
As indicated with J in the illustrations, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you start
recording and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several beeps also
sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder (p.51). Note that the beep sound is not
recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select “OFF” in the menu system (p.25).
To Stop Recording Momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode).
To Finish Recording [b]
Press START/STOP. Turn STANDBY down, and set the POWER switch to OFF.
Then, eject the cassette (p.9).
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See the next page for further information. 11

Camera Recording
Note on Standby mode
If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the
camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To
resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and turn it up again. To start recording, press
START/STOP.
Note on recording
When you record from the beginning of the tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before actual
recording. This prevents the camcorder from missing any start-up scenes when you play back the tape.
You can record tapes in SP (standard play) mode only.
Note on the tape counter
The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of
several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET located below
the viewfinder. You can know the approximate remaining tape by the remaining tape indicator (p.50).
Note on the AUTO DATE feature
The clock is set to the East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock (p.31).
You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu system (p.25).
* The AUTO DATE feature works once a day. However, the date may automatically appear more than
once a day when:
- you reset the date and time.
- you eject and insert the tape again. |
- you stop recording within 10 seconds. :
- you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set to ON in the menu system. |
© Once the AUTO DATE feature turns off the date display 10 seconds after the start of recording, the date
and time are displayed as follows:
- if the date display setting has been made, the date is displayed.
- if the time display setting has been made, the time is displayed.
- if neither display setting has been made, nothing is displayed.
When moving from indoors to outdoors (or vice versa)
Turn STANDBY up and point the camcorder at a white object for about 15 seconds so that the white
balance is properly adjusted.

Using the Zoom Feature
Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more
professional-looking recordings, use the zoom sparingly.
T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zooming Speed
Press the power zoom button firmly for a high-speed zoom. Press it softly for a relatively slow zoom.
When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom
If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the W side of the power zoom
button until the focus is sharp.
You can shoot a subject that is at least 3.3 feet (about 1 m) away from the lens surface in the telephoto
position, or 1/2 inches (about 1cm) in the wide-angle position.
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13

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For hand-held shots, you'll get better results holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions:
[a]
* Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the
controls with your thumb. [a]
* Place your right elbow against your side.
¢ Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it.
* Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.
* Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.
You can also record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Turn the viewfinder up for
recording from a low position. [b]
Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod.
Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod
for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder (p.46). Make sure the tripod screw is shorter
than 9/32 in (6.5mm).
To Use the Viewfinder as a Sports Finder [c]
With the sports finder, you can monitor the picture while your eye is at a distance from the eyecup.
The sports finder is convenient when moving around to shvot scenes.
While sliding the viewfinder release knob to the left, flip open the viewfinder.
Note on the color viewfinder (for CCD-TR70/TR80)
You may find it difficult to use the color viewfinder as the sports finder for recording in light location.
Cautions on the viewfinder
* Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder. [d]
* Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder
may be deformed. Be careful in placing the camcorder under sunlight or at the window. [e]

Checking the Recorded Picture
Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the
viewfinder.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press EDITSEARCH. Press the - (@)) side momentarily, the last few seconds
of the recorded portion plays back (Rec Review).
Keep pressing EDITSEARCH to play back the last recorded portion (Edit Search).
+ side: to view the forward playback picture
- side: to view the reverse playback picture
To Stop Playback
Release EDITSEARCH.
To Begin Re-recording
Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. Provided you do
Not eject the tape, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will
be smooth.
Monitoring the Sound While Viewing the Playback Picture in the Viewfinder
Connect
earphone/headphones
(not
supplied)
to
the
@/?)
jack.
Play
back
the
tape
in
PLAYER
mode
(0.17).
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Connections for Playback
You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to
connect your camcorder as shown below. It is recommended to use the house current as the power
source (p.19).
Connecting to a TV without Video/Audio Input Jacks
Connect the camcorder to the TV using the supplied RFU adaptor. Set the channel selector on the RFU
adaptor and your TV channel to VHF channel CH3 or CH4, whichever is not active in your area. With
this connection, the sound is monaural.
3CH/4CH
a. Signal flow
Connecting to a TV with Video/Audio Input Jacks or VCR
For Stereo Models (CCD-TR72/TR80)
Connect the camcorder to your TV by using the supplied connecting cable. Set the TV/VCR selector to
VCR on the TV, When connecting the camcorder to VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
—.: Signal flow
If your TV or VCR is monaural type, connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and
the TV or the VCR. With this connection, the sound is monaural.

For Monaural Models (CCD-TR42/TR70/TR82)
Connect the camcorder to your TV by using a monarual A/V connecting cable (not supplied). Set the
TV/VCR selector to VCR on the TV. When connecting the camcorder to VCR, set the input selector on
the VCR to LINE.
—_: Signal flow
Playing Back a Tape
You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor on the TV screen, after
connecting the camcorder to the TV/VCR (p.16). You can control playback using the supplied Remote
Commander (p.49).
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to PLAYER. (2) Insert the
recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press &. Playback starts.
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at
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See the next page for further information. 17

Playing Back a Tape
To stop playback, press 0.
To rewind the tape, press 44.
To advance the tape rapidly, press PP.
Various Playback Modes
To view a still picture (playback pause)
Press §1 during playback. To resume playback, press Hl or >.
To locate a scene (Picture Search)
Keep pressing << or B® during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.
To monitor the high-speed picture during fastforward or rewind (Skip Scan)
Keep pressing <4 while rewinding or B® while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback,
press >.
To view the picture in a sequence of stop-motion images
Press EDITSEARCH in playback pause mode. If you keep pressing EDITSEARCH, you can view the
picture playback in the forward (+) or reverse (-) direction.
To view the picture at 1/5 speed (Slow Playback) (only with the Remote Commander)
Press B> on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume normal playback, press >. If slow
playback lasts for about 1 minute, it shifts to normal speed automatically.
Note on playback
¢ Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes.
¢ When still picture mode lasts for 5 minutes or more, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode.
To display the viewfinder screen indicators on the TV
Press DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.
To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again.
To select the monitor sound - For stereo models (CCD-TR72/TR80)
Change the” HiFi SOUND” mode setting in the menu system (p.25)

aavancea vperauuns
Using Alternate Power Sources
You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack (P.6), house
current, and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to
use your camcorder.
Aecesory tobe used
AC power adaptor AC-V25/V25A/V25B
(supplied), AC-S10, AC-V55
Battery pack NP-55 (supplied), NP-80, NP-80D,
Batiety pack NP-77H, NP-66H, NP-60D, NP-5SH
12 V or 24 V car battery DC pack DCP-77
Using House Current
To use the supplied AC-V25/A25A/V25B AC power adaptor:
(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet. Connect the bottom of the
AC power adaptor to the battery mounting surface of the camcorder. (3) Set the selector to VTR (DC
OUT).
fe fo)
Notes on the POWER lamp
¢ The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged after use. This is normal.
¢ If the POWER lamp does not light, set the selector to the center position and disconnect the power
cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord and set the selector to VTR (DC OUT) again.
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To remove the adapter
The adaptor is removed in the same way as the battery pack. (p.8)
19

Using Alternate Power Sources
Using a Car Battery
Use the DCP-77 DC pack (not supplied). Connect the cord of the DC pack to the cigarette lighter socket
of a car (12 V or 24 V). Connect the DC pack to the battery mounting surface of the camcorder.
To remove the DC pack
The DC pack is removed in the same way as the battery pack. (p.8)
Options for Charging the Battery Pack
¢ AC-S10 AC power adaptor:
You can charge a battery pack whether it is used up or not with this adaptor because it has a
discharging function.
¢ BC-S10 portable battery charger ( ideal for travel):
You can charge a battery pack on 100 — 240 V AC current.
Recording with the Date or Time
Before you start recording, press DATE or TIME. You can record the date or time displayed in the
viewfinder with the picture. You cannot record the date and time at the same time. Except for the date or
time indicator, no indicator in the viewfinder is recorded.
The clock is set tu the East Coast Standard Time at the factory.
To Stop Recording with the Date or Time
Press DATE or TIME again. Recording continues.