Sony Handycam Video 8 CCD-TR86 User manual

S O N"I: _-o_-13,,
Video Camera
Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain il for fu{tlre reference.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom_ Record tile
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your _)ny dealer regarding this product.
Model No. CCD- Model N_. AC-
Serial No. Serial No.
Video8
Handgcam
CCD-TR96
CCD- TR86/TR96/TR916 []
© 1997 by Sony Corporation

Welcome !
Congratulations on your purchase tff this Sony Handycam® camcorder. With your
Handycam,you can capture life's precious moments with superior picture and sound quality.
Your Handy*'am is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use.
You wilt soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
For the S_mv .c'k!rvi¢e Center re,an'st YOUcall
1-800-222-SC)NY (United States only').
For the Factory Sere, ice Center nearest you cal1416-
499-FqONY (Canada only).
Caution: l)o not handle damag_d or leaking
nickel-cadmium batteries.
CAUTION : lO HEDUGE THE RISK OF ELEGTI_IC SHOGK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (Ot_ BACK)
NO _SE_ SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIOE
REFE_ SERVICING TO QUAL_FIEO SE_VIC_ _ERSONNEL
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to th_' prestq/cP I)f tmil/sulatl!d
"dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclostm, 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.
RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
Ni-Cd
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY,
MUST BE DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries are
re_,clable. You can help preserve
our environment by returning your
unwanted batteries to your nsarest
Sony Service Center or Factor),
S_.rvice Centt,r for collection,
recyding or proper disposal.
Note: In _me areas the disposal of nickel-
cadmium batteries in household or business
trash may be prohibited.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to _lperate this equipmtml
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
frequt, ncy energy and, if n_t 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 halTifful interfert, ilce Ill radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the u_'r is _,ncouraged 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 receive_
-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the d_'aler or an exp_rienced radio/'IV
technician for help.
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
USE THIS POI,ARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTA CLE OR
OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES
CAN BE FULIN INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.

fore you begin
Jsing this manual ................................... 4
.2becking supplied accessories .............. 5
tting started
_harging and installing the batteD-
pack ................................................... 6
inserting a cassette .................................. 9
sic operations
_amera recording ................................. 10
Using the zoom feature ................. 13
Hints for better shooting ...................... 14
Checking the recorded picture ............ 15
.'?onnections for playback .................... 16
Playing back a tape .............................. 17
vanced operations
Using alternative power sources ....... 19
._hanging the mode settings ................ 22
i_ecording with the date or time ......... 25
-;electing the START/STOP mode ...... 26
::ade-in and fade-out ............................ 27
Enjoying picture effect ......................... 28
Using the wide mode function ............ 30
;ocusing manually ................................ 32
_hooting with bacldighting ................. 33
dsing the PROGRAM AE function .... 34
_Jsing the built-in light ......................... 36
-;uperimposing a title ........................... 38
vlaking your own titles ........................ 40
_eleasing the STEADY SHOT _function
(CCD-TR96/TR916 only) .............. 42
Miting onto another tape .................... 43
Additional information
Uhanging 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

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 u_'d 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 _ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your
operation.
Types of differences
CCD- Steady Shot Battery case
TR86 -- •
TR96 • •
TR916 • --
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you
need an NrTSC system based TV.
When you want to use a PAL M system-bas_ TV, you will need an NTSC/PAI, M
transcorder (as this is an N'ISC 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.
• 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 carmot be repaired. [a]
• Never leave the camcorder under temperatures above 1400 F (60 °C), such as in a car
parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. [b]
[a] [b]
4

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
[] []
[]
m
I,
0
c
ll_l
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 18, 65)
NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6)
CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 44)
Already installed in the eamcorder.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16)
[] Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 66)
[] Shoulder strap (1) (p. 64)
[] AC-V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1)
(p. 6, 19)
_-_ 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 malfm, ction of the camcorder, video tape, etc,

Beforeusingyourcamcorder,youfirstneedtochargeandinstallthebatterypackTo
chargethebatterypack,usethesuppliedACpoweradaptor.
Chargethebatterypackonaflatplacewithoutvibration.
(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 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.
23
Charging Time
Battery pack NP-33 NP-60D NP-C65 NP-68 NP-78 NP-80/80D NP-g8/98D
(supplied)
Charging time* 60 90 105 125 170 190 215
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied ACpower
adaptor (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)

Battery life
Recording time with the built-in light on is indicated in parentheses.
CCD-TR86
;attery pack NP-33 NP-60D NP-C65 NP-68 NP-78 NP-80/80D NP-98/98D
(supplied)
ypical recording 50 75 90 105 135 155 175
me** (25) (40) (45) (55) (75) (80) (94))
ontinuous 95 140 165 190 250 280 320
ecording time*** (45) (70) (85) (100) (140) (145) (165)
CCD-TR96/TR916
;artery pack NP-33 NP-60D NP-C65 NP-68 NP-78 NP-80/80D NP-98/98D
(supplied)
ypical recording 50 75 90 100 130 150 175
=me** (25) (40) (45) (55) (75) (75) (90)
"ontinuous 95 135 160 185 240 270 315
ccording 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 ind_×_rs.
To remove the battery pack
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
mmm
;1
D.
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

i n_,talliria l_6_tt_d_ v_ _ _ _ _:_ _,__ _,_.
(1) 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 view finder slightly.
Note on the battery pack
Do not carry" the camcorder by grasph_g the battery pack.
To remove the battery pack
Slide BATF, and then pull the lower part of the battery pack.
You can look at the demonstration of the functioos available with this camcorder. (p. 24)
8

Make sure that a power source is installed.
(1) 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.
r
I EJECT 2
To eject the cassette
While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction ofthe 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 L4_3and
A indicators flash, and you cannot record.
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.
IIIIIII
63
to
_=.
_a
.=

Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted and that the STAKF/STOP
MODE switch is set to ._.
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 rtx:orded fur 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.
(1) 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 aecx_rding to the length of your planned recording
before you start.
÷
10

[a]
To stop recording momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP again. "lhe "REC" indicator in the viewfinder changes to the
"STBY" indicator (Standby mode),
To finish recording [b]
Press START/STOP. Turn SFANDBY down, and set tile POWER switch to OFF.
Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack.
0:35:20
[b]
=ram
==
0
_o
Note on standby mode
If you leave the cameorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette irtserted in Standby
mode, the camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the batteT_,_
and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once an_t
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 I,P mode, however, will not be as good as that in SP mode.
• When you record a tape in LP mode on this eameordor, 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, ron the tape for about 15 seconds
before starting the actual recording. This prevents the eamcorder from missing any
start-_p scenes when you play back the tape.
11

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 view finder 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 time. 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 ._ 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

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)
mm
o
O
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 I 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 right-side [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.
wl I I IT
1131 [a]
13

For hand-held shots, you'll get be_ter results by holding the cazncorder according to the
following suggestions:
[al [b]
•Hold the eamcorder 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 atable top or an3,"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 rrm/). Otherwise, the _rew may damage the inner parts of the camcorder.
Cautions on the viewfinder
• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder [€].
• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward tile sun. Tire inside
of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under
sunlight or by a window [d].
[c] [d]
14

Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded
picture m the viewfinder.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to
CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up.
(3) Press the - (1_) side of EDIT_EARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the
re_orded 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).
m
o
"D
o
3
III I
....""11111[_ + ED{TSEARCH -
T() 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 trm_sition between the
last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.
15

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.
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 IV/
VCR selector on the 'IV to VCR. When connecting to the VCR, set the input selector on
the VCR to LINE.
VIDEO OUT
AUDIO OUT
VIDEO IN
AUDIO IN
IN
O VIDEO
O AUDIO VCR
: Signal flow
To connect to a VCR or TV without VideolAudio input jacks
Use the RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).
Once you connect _le AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) having the & 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 L mark by using infrared rays. I,ASER 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 I_ on the camcorder to start playback.
To release LASER LINK
Press LASER LINK again.
16

You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also moz'dtor a picture
on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR.
(1) 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 I_ to start playback.
2i
stop REW_--PLAY--÷FF PAUSE]_'
o
To stop playback, press II.
'To rewind the tape, press .,I.II.
To fast-forward the tape, press P'_.
17

Using the Remote Commander
You call 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 _reen 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 I_.
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 I_.
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 eamcorder automatically
enters stop mode.
Note on the lens cover
The lens cover does not open when the POWER switch is set to PLA_R. Do not open
the lens cover manually. It may cause malfunction.
18

You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack,
the house current, alkaline batte D, 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
Out&_r Battery pack Battery pack (Ni-Cd type)
Size AA(LR6) Alkaline Supplied battery case (CCD-TR86!
battery TR96 oz_ly)
In the car 12 V or 24 V car battery Sony DC pack DCP-77
Note on power sources
Discormecting 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.
o
iii!iiiiill
To use the supplied AC power adaptor:
(1} 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
dicks twice.
(2} Set the selector to VTR (DC OUT).
1 2
1
19

WARNING
AC power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop.
PRECAUTION
The _t 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 remahl 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 _,rl'R (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-TR86/TR96 only
Use the supplied battery case and six size AA (LR6) alkaline batteries (not supplied).
(1) 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.
3
2
2O