Sony Handycam CCD-TR86 User manual

3-859-131-i
Video Camera
Recorder
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. CCD- Model No. AC- -
Serial No. - Serial No. -
CCD-TR96
Video 8
CCD-TR86/TR96/TR916 0
© 1997 by Sony Corporation

Welcome !
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam® camcorder. With your
Handycam,vou 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.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
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.
a This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
I \ operating and maintenance
I \ (servicing) instructions in the
• \ literature accompanying the
appliance.
RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
Ni-Cd
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve
our environment by returning your
unwanted batteries to your 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.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only).
For the Factory Sendee Center nearest you call 416-
499-SONY (Canada only).
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
nickel-cadmium batteries.
f oFMtdlto^>ers in the U.S.A.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
Note:
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.
^IB^M ?n?eirs In CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTA CLE OR
OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES
CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.

ble of contents
i
a
fore you begin
Jsing this manual.4
Checking supplied accessories.5
tting started
Charging and installing the battery
pack. 6
inserting a cassette.9
iic operations
Camera recording.10
Using the zoom feature.13
Hints for better shooting.14
Checking the recorded picture.15
Connections for playback.16
Playing back a tape. 17
vanced operations
Using alternative power sources. 19
Changing the mode settings.22
Recording with the date or time.25
Selecting the START/STOP mode.26
"'ade-in and fade-out.27
Cnjoying picture effect.28
Jsing the wide mode function.30
Reusing manually.32
Shooting with backlighting.33
Jsing the PROGRAM AE function .... 34
Jsing the built-in light.36
Superimposing a title.38
vlaking your own titles.40
Releasing the STEADY SHOT- function
(CCD-TR96 /TR916 only).42
Editing onto another tape.43
Additional information
Changing the lithium battery
in the camcorder.44
Resetting the date and time.46
Playback modes.47
Tips for using the battery pack.48
Maintenance information and
precautions.51
Using your camcorder abroad.55
Trouble check.56
Specifications.60
Identifying the parts.61
Warning indicators.70
Index. 71
3

I
Before you begin
Using this manual
The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start
reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the
bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR96 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-TR96 only".
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.
As indicated with l 1 in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your
operation.
Types of differences
CCD- Steady Shot Battery case
TR86
—
•
TR96
•
•
TR916
•
—
V color systems > -A'
OTihifej srii
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 an NTSC/PAL M
transcorder (as this is an NTSC system-based camcorder).
Television program, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the
copyright laws.
care |f
• The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using high-
precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or
bright points (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD
screen and/or in the viewfinder. These points are normal in the manufacturing
process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Over 99.99% are
operational for effective use.
• Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder away from rain and sea water.
It may cause a malfunction and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired, [a]
• Never leave the camcorder under temperatures above 140° F (60 °C), such as in a car
parked in the sun or under direct sunlight, [b]
.....
4

hecking supplied accessories
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
m
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l
1
i'" 1 '
m
a
O" s. > ■ €!!'>
«CE>i' S N f 1 |
m
m
’-• ••••
I
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 18, 65)
NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6)
CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 44)
Already installed in the camcorder.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16)
[U Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 66)
[6] Shoulder strap (1) (p. 64)
[7] AC-V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1)
(p. 6,19)
[8] Battery case (1) (p. 20)
CCD-TR86/TR96 only
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is
not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
5
Before
you
begin

Charging and installing the battery pack
Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To
charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor.
Charging the battery,pack "Jilll
Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration.
(D 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 CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging
begins.
When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Unplug the unit from the
wall outlet, and then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder.
Charging Time
Battery pack NP-33
(supplied)
NP-60D
NP-C65 NP-68
NP-78
NP-80/80D NP-98/98D
Charging time*
60 90 105
125 170 190 215
Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power
adaptor (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)

barging and installing the battery pack
Battery life
Recording time with the built-in light on is indicated in parentheses.
CCD-TR86
mattery pack
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-60D
NP-C65 NP-68 NP-78
NP-80/80D
NP-98/98D
ypical recording
50
75 90
105 135
155 175
me**
(25)
(40) (45)
(55) (75) (80)
(90)
ontinuous
95
140 165 190
250 280
320
ecording time***
(45)
(70) (85) (100)
(140) (145)
(165)
CCD-TR96/TR916
iattery pack
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-60D
NP-C65 NP-68
NP-78 NP-80/80D
NP-98/98D
ypical recording
50 75 90
100 130
150 175
ime"
(25)
(40) (45) (55)
(75)
(75)
(90)
ontinuous
95 135 160 185
240 270
315
ecording time***
(45)
(70) (85)
(100) (135)
(140) (160)
** 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.
To remove 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 AC power cord is unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.
• If the POWER lamp does not light, set the selector to VTR (DC OUT) and disconnect
the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the AC power cord and set the
selector to CHARGE again.
• You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the
battery pack.
7
Getting
started

Charging and installing the battery pack
to jJWBPNpwaSRSi-.-o. ■
(D Insert the top of the battery pack into the top of the battery mounting surface.
( 2 ) Push the battery pack so that it attaches firmly. Make sure that you hear clicks
twice.
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely.
Note on installing the NP-98/98D battery pack
Use the camcorder while lifting up the viewfinder slightly.
Note on the battery pack
Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.
To remove the battery pack
Slide BATT, and then pull the lower part of the battery pack.
You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder, (p. 24)

Inserting a cassette
Make sure that a power source is installed.
(D While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow.
The cassette compartment automatically opens.
( 2 ) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out.
(3) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette
compartment automatically closes.
To eject the cassette
While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow.
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed and close the cassette compartment,
the beeps sound for a while. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the Etp and
— indicators flash, and you cannot record.
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.

Camera recording
Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP
MODE switch is set to A .
When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time
to your time (p. 46) before you start recording. The date is automatically recorded for 10
seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a
day.
Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make
sure that you are using the camcorder correctly.
(D While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to
CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up. The "STBY" indicator appears in the viewfinder.
(3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording and the "STBY" indicator
changes to the "REC" indicator.
You can also select Recording mode, SP (standard play) mode or LP (long play) mode.
Set REC MODE in the menu system according to the length of your planned recording
before you start.

Camera recording
To stop recording momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP again. The "REC" indicator in the viewfinder changes to the
"STBY" indicator (Standby mode).
To finish recording [b]
Press START/STOP. Turn STANDBY down, and set the POWER switch to OFF.
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.
Notes on the recording mode
• This camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (long
play) mode.
The playback quality in LP mode, however, will not be as good as that in SP mode.
• When you record a tape in LP mode on this camcorder, we recommend you to play
the tape on this camcorder. When you play back the tape on other camcorders or
VCRs, noise may occur on a picture or sound. Noise may occur also when you play
on this camcorder the tape recorded in LP mode on other camcorders or VCRs.
Note on recording
When you record from the beginning of the tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds
before starting the actual recording. This prevents the camcorder from missing any
start-sp scenes when you play back the tape.
11
Basic
operations

!
Camera recording
To focus the viewfinder lens
If the viewfinder is not in focus at all or when you use the camcorder after someone else
has used it, focus the viewfinder lens. Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so
that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
Note on the lighting aperture
If direct sunlight enters the lighting aperture, the picture in the viewfinder appears
brighter. When this happens, colors in the viewfinder may change.
Notes 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.
• If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect
recording lime. When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter as a guide,
record in same (SP or LP) mode.
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. Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to
hear the beep sound, set BEEP to OFF in the menu system.
Note on the AUTO DATE feature
The clock is set to East Coast Standard time at the factory. You can reset the clock.
The AUTO DATE feature shows the date automatically 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.
12

Camera recording
Usrrig%K&^bffii : eatti¥® >t ' > * *• ■ »«'»**«**
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 (Variable speed zooming)
Turn the power zoom lever fully for a high-speed zoom. Turn it lightly 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, move the power zoom
lever to the "W" side until the focus is sharp.
You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 5/8 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens
surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm) in the wide-angle
position.
Notes on digital zoom
• More than 15x zoom is performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as
you go toward the " T " side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set D ZOOM
to OFF in the menu system.
• The rightside [a] of the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and
the left side [b] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set D ZOOM to OFF, the right
[a] zone disappears.
13
Basic
operations

Hints for better shooting
For hand-held shots, you'll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the
following suggestions:
• 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 record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Lift 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. When
attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than
9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of the camcorder.
Cautions on the viewfinder
• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder [c].
• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside
of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under
sunlight or by a window [d],
[C] [d]
14

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, set it to
CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up.
(3) Press the - (©) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the
recorded portion plays back (Rec Review).
Hold down the - side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the
scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold
down the + side (Edit Search).
To stop playback
Release EDITSEARCH.
To begin re-recording
Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the last recorded point or 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.
15
Basic
operations

Connections for playback
Connect the camcorder to your VCR or TV to watch the playback picture on the TV
screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV,
we recommend you to use house current for the power source.
SrAifdioIrtpilt^k
Open the jack cover. With using the supplied A/V connecting cable, connect the
camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the TV or VCR connected to the TV. Set the TV /
VCR selector on the TV to VCR. When connecting to the VCR, set the input selector on
the VCR to LINE.
VIDEO OUT
£ AUDIO OUT
^ VIDEO IN
| - H
nnioniiT
AUDIO IN
: Signal flow
To connect to a VCR or TV without Video/Audio input jacks
Use the RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).
Hess II
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fe or dw* imtkH
... ‘ v- ■■ '
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' ■ %***» \Srvefirn\r* 1*1
Wmm
Mm
Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) having the 4 LASER LINK
mark to your TV or VCR, you can easily view the picture on your TV.
LASER LINK is a system which transmits and receives a picture and sound between
video equipment having the 4 mark by using infrared rays. LASER LINK is a
trademark of Sony Corporation.
To play back on a TV
(1) Set the POWER switch on the camcorder to PLAYER.
(2) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch
on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.
(3) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
(4) Press LASER LINK. The lamp of LASER LINK lights.
(5) Adjust the angle and direction of both the camcorder and AV cordless IR
receiver.
( 6 ) Press ► on the camcorder to start playback.
16
To release LASER LINK
Press LASER LINK again.

Playing back a tape
You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor a picture
on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR.
(D While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to
PLAYER.
( 2 ) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out.
(3) Press ► to start playback.
To stop playback, press ■ .
To rewind the tape, press
To fast-forward the tape, press
17
Basic
operations

Playing back a tape
Using the Remote Commander
You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander.
Before using the Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries.
To erase the indicators
Press DISPLAY to erase the viewfinder screen indicators on the TV. To display the
indicators, press again.
Various playback modes
To view a still picture (Playback pause)
Press II during playback. To resume playback, press II or ► .
To locate a scene (Picture Search)
Keep pressing ◄◄ or ►► during playback. To resume normal playback, release the
button.
To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rewind
(Skip Scan)
Keep pressing ◄◄ while rewinding or ►► while advancing the tape.
To resume normal playback, press ► .
Notes on playback
• Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes.
• When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes or more, the camcorder automatically
enters stop mode.
Note on the lens cover
The lens cover does not open when the POWER switch is set to PLAYER. Do not open
the lens cover manually. It may cause malfunction.
18

I
I
Advanced operations
Using alternative power sources
You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack,
the house current, alkaline battery and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate
power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.
Place Power source Accessory to be used
Indoors House current Supplied AC power adaptor
Outdoor
Battery pack
Battery pack (Ni-Cd type)
Size AA(LR6) Alkaline
battery
Supplied battery case (CCD-TR86/
TR96 only)
In the car 12 V or 24 V car battery
Sony DC pack DCP-77
Note on power sources
Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or
playback may damage the inserted tape. If this happens, restore the power supply again
immediately.
This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony
video product. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends
that you purchase accessories with this "GENUINE VIDEO
ACCESSORIES" mark.
To use the supplied AC power adaptor:
(D Connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet. Insert the top of the connecting
plate of the AC power adaptor into the top of the battery mounting surface.
Push the connecting plate so that it attaches firmly. Make sure that you hear
clicks twice.
(2) Set the selector to VTR (DC OUT).
19
Advanced
operations

Using alternative power sources
WARNING
AC power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop.
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected
to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
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 VTR (DC OUT) and disconnect
the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord.
To remove the adaptor
The adaptor is removed in the same way as the battery pack.
- CCD-TR86ATR96 only
Use the supplied battery case and six size AA (LR6) alkaline batteries (not supplied).
(D Remove the battery holder from the battery case.
( 2 ) Insert six new alkaline batteries into the battery holder, following the marking
on the holder to be sure the batteries are installed in the correct direction.
(3) Insert the battery holder with the alkaline batteries.
(4) Insert the battery case with the alkaline batteries to the battery mounting
surface of the camcorder in the same way as the battery pack.
20