Sony Handycam Vision CCD-TRV82 User manual

©1997 by Sony Corporation
Video Camera
Recorder
3-859-428-12 (1)
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-TRV Model No. AC-V
Serial No. Serial No.
CCD-TRV82
CCD-TRV62/TRV72/TRV82

2
Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam VisionTM camcorder. With your
Handycam Vision, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound
quality. Your Handycam Vision 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.
For the customers 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.
For the customers in CANADA
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.
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries
to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion
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 Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium
ion battery.
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.

3
Table of contents
Before you begin
Using this manual ................................... 4
Checking supplied accessories.............. 5
Getting started
Charging and installing the battery
pack .................................................... 6
Inserting a cassette ................................ 10
Basic operations
Camera recording ................................. 11
Using the zoom feature ................. 14
Selecting the START/STOP mode
.................................................... 15
Shooting with the LCD screen...... 16
Letting the subject monitor the shot... 18
Hints for better shooting ...................... 19
Checking the recorded picture............ 21
Playing back a tape ............................... 22
Searching for the end of the picture ... 24
Advanced operations
Using alternative power sources ........ 25
Using the house current ................ 25
Changing the mode settings................ 28
– for camera recording –
Fade-in and fade-out ............................ 32
Using the wide mode function............ 33
Enjoying picture effect ......................... 35
Focusing manually................................ 37
Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 39
Shooting with backlighting ................. 41
Adjusting the exposure ........................ 42
Releasing the STEADY SHOT
function ............................................ 43
Superimposing a title ........................... 44
Making your own titles ........................ 47
Recording with the date/time ............ 48
Optimizing the recording condition .. 49
– for playback/editing –
Watching on a TV screen ..................... 50
Editing onto another tape .................... 52
Recording from a VCR or TV .............. 54
Additional information
Changing the lithium battery in the
camcorder ........................................ 55
Resetting the date and time ................. 57
Usable cassettes and playback modes
........................................................... 58
Tips for using the battery pack ........... 59
Maintenance information and
precautions ...................................... 63
Using your camcorder abroad ............ 67
Trouble check ........................................ 68
Self-diagnosis function .................. 72
Specifications ......................................... 73
Identifying the parts ............................. 74
Warning indicators ............................... 82
Index ....................................................... 83

4
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-TRV82 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-TRV82 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- TRV62 TRV72 TRV82
Viewfinder B/W color color
Viewfinder Power Save — rr
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.
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
• 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.
Letting the camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this
malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
• Never leave the camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
[a] [b]

5
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
Checking supplied accessories
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not
made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
Before you begin
134
56 7 8
2
1Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 78)
2AC-V316/V316A AC power adaptor (1)
(p. 6, 25)
3NP-F530 Battery pack (1) (p. 6, 25)
4CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 55)
The lithium battery is already installed
in your camcorder.
5Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 78)
6A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 50, 54)
7Shoulder strap (1) (p. 80)
8Battery case (1) (p. 26)

6
Getting started
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.
This camcorder operates with the “InfoLITHIUM“ battery. If you use any other battery
to operate your camcorder, the camcorder may not operate or the battery life may be
shortened.
“InfoLITHIUM“ is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Charging the battery pack
Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.
(1)Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(2)Align the surface of the battery pack indicated by the zmark with the edge of
the terminal shutter of the AC power adaptor. Then fit and slide the battery
pack in the direction of the arrow. The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up.
Charging begins.
When the CHARGE lamp goes out, normal charge is completed. For full charge,
which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack in place
for approximately one hour. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet, then remove the
battery pack and install it into the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it
is completely charged.
12
Charging time
Battery pack NP-F530 (supplied) NP-F730 NP-F930
Charging time* (min.) 170 (110) 250 (190) 330 (270)
The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses.
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power
adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)

7
Getting started
Charging and installing the battery pack
Battery life
Upper numbers are the time when recording with the viewfinder. Lower numbers are
the time when recording with the LCD screen. Using both will further reduce recording
time.
NP-F530 (supplied)
150 (135)
85 (75)
100 (90)
55 (50)
100 (90)
NP-F730
305 (275)
175 (155)
235 (210)
135 (120)
235 (210)
NP-F930
480 (435)
275 (250)
370 (330)
210 (190)
370 (330)
CCD-TRV62/TRV72
Battery pack
Continuous recording time*
Typical recording time**
Playing time on LCD
NP-F530 (supplied)
150 (135)
85 (75)
100 (85)
55 (50)
100 (85)
NP-F730
305 (275)
175 (155)
215 (195)
120 (110)
215 (195)
NP-F930
480 (435)
275 (250)
355 (315)
205 (180)
355 (315)
CCD-TRV82
Battery pack
Continuous recording time*
Typical recording time**
Playing time on LCD
Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery.
Battery life will be shorter if you use the camcorder in a cold environment.
* Approximate continuous recording time indoors.
** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop,
zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Notes on remaining battery time indication during recording
• Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on using
conditions and circumstances.
• When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about 1 minute for the
correct remaining time to be displayed.

8
Charging and installing the battery pack
To remove the battery pack
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
Notes on charging the battery pack
• The CHARGE 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 CHARGE lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about one
minute, reconnect the power cord again.
• You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the
battery pack.
• When a fully charged battery pack is installed, the CHARGE lamp will light once,
then go out.
Installing the battery pack
(1)Lift up the viewfinder.
(2)Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $mark on the battery pack. Slide
the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks.
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely.
12
Note on installing the NP-F930 battery pack or battery case
Use the camcorder while lifting up the viewfinder slightly.
Note on the battery pack
Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.

9
Getting started
BATT RELEASE (PUSH)
You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p. 30).
To remove the battery pack
While pressing BATT RELEASE (PUSH), slide the battery pack in the direction of the
arrow.
Charging and installing the battery pack

10
PUSH
EJECT
Inserting a cassette
Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8
system, use Hi8 video cassette H.
(1)While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the
direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and
opens.
(2)Insert a cassette with the window facing out.
(3)Close the cassette compartment by pressing the “PUSH” mark on the cassette
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
1 2 3
To eject the cassette
While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it 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 and 6indicators flash, and you
cannot record.
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.

11
Basic operations
2
40 min.
AUTO DATE
JUL 4 1997
40 min.
3
REC
0:00:01
1
CAMERA
POWER
OFF
VTR
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
STBY
0:00:00
SP
Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the
START/STOP MODE switch inside the LCD panel is set to . Before you record one-
time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is
working correctly.
When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time
to your time before you start recording (p. 57). The date is automatically recorded for 10
seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once
a day.
To save battery power, the picture in the viewfinder appears only when you bring your
face close to the viewfinder with STANDBY up (Finder power save) (CCD-TRV72/
TRV82 only).
(1)While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to
CAMERA.
(2)Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY.
(3)Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator
appears. The red lamp lights up in the viewfinder (CCD-TRV62 only). The
camera recording/battery lamp located on the front of the camcorder also
lights up.
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.
Basic operations
Camera recording

12
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
STBY
0:35:20
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 again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK and set the POWER switch
to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack.
To focus the viewfinder lens
If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has
used the camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment
ring [a](CCD-TRV62) or move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever [b](CCD-
TRV72/TRV82) so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
Note on the lighting aperture
– CCD-TRV72/TRV82 only
If direct sunlight enters the lighting aperture, the picture in the viewfinder appears
brighter. When this happens, colors in the viewfinder may change.
Note on Standby mode
If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted,
the camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and
wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up again.
To start recording, press START/STOP.
Notes on 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.
[a] [b]
[a] CCD-TRV62 [b] CCD-TRV72/TRV82
Camera recording

13
Basic operations
Camera recording
Note on recording
When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before
starting the actual recording. This will ensure that you won’t miss any start-up scenes
when you play back the tape.
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 the beep sound
As indicated with ≥in the illustration, 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, select “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 in the
menu system. You can change the AUTO DATE settings by selecting ON or OFF in the
menu system. 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.
– you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it to ON again in the menu system.
Notes on finder power save
– CCD-TRV72/TRV82 only
• The recording continues even when the picture in the viewfinder disappears during
recording.
• If you set VF PW-SAVE to OFF in the menu system, the picture in the viewfinder
does not disappear even when you turn your face away from the viewfinder.
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.

14
T
W
T
W
[a][b]
WT
T
WT W
Camera recording
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 function sparingly.
“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
“W” side:for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming)
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster 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) away 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 the
D ZOOM function 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 the D ZOOM function to
OFF, the [a]zone disappears.

15
Basic operations
2
1
3
STBY
0:00:00 REC
• • • • •
REC
•
5SEC
ANTI
GROUND
SHOOTING
START/STOP MODE
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
Camera recording
To extend the recording time in 5SEC mode
Press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about
5 seconds from the moment you press START/STOP.
Notes on START/STOP mode
• If you have turned off the indicators on the LCD screen, the dots do not appear.
• You cannot use FADER in 5SEC or mode.
Selecting the START/STOP mode
Your camcorder has two modes besides normal start/stop mode. These modes enable
you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video.
(1)While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel.
(2)Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode.
: Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you
press it again (normal mode).
ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : The camcorder records only while you
press down START/STOP so that you can avoid recording unnecessary scenes.
5SEC: When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for 5 seconds and
then stops automatically.
(3)Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY and press START/STOP. Recording starts.
If you selected 5SEC, the remaining tape indicator disappears and five dots appear. The
dots disappear at a rate of one per second as illustrated below.

16
200°
90°
90°
LCD
BRIGHT
21
Camera recording
12
Backlighting the LCD screen
If the LCD screen is insufficiently illuminated even after adjusting LCD BRIGHT, select
LCD B. L. in the menu system and set to BRIGHT. You can select LCD B. L. only while
using the battery pack as a power source.
Shooting with the LCD screen
You can also record the picture while looking at the LCD screen.
When using the LCD screen, the viewfinder turns off automatically. You cannot
monitor the sound from the speaker during recording.
(1)While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel.
(2)Adjust the angle of the LCD panel.
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to this side and about 200 degrees to
the other side.
To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press LCD BRIGHT.
+ side: to brighten the LCD screen
– side: to dim the LCD screen
The battery life is longer when the LCD panel is closed. Use the viewfinder instead of
the LCD screen to save the battery power.

17
Basic operations
1
2
Camera recording
[a] [b]
Notes on the LCD panel
• When closing the LCD panel, turn it vertically until it clicks [a].
• When turning the LCD panel, turn it always vertically; otherwise, the camcorder
body may be damaged or the LCD panel may not close properly [b].
• Close the LCD panel completely when not in use.

18
1
2
Letting the subject monitor the shot
You can turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way and you can let the
subject monitor the shot while shooting with the viewfinder.
Turn the LCD panel vertically first until it clicks, then turn it over. The indicator
appears on the LCD screen (Mirror mode) and the date and remaining tape indicators
disappear.
To Cancel Mirror Mode
Turn the LCD panel back toward the viewfinder.
Notes on mirror mode
• When you turn the LCD panel about 135 degrees to 200 degrees, the camcorder
enters mirror mode.
• Using the mirror mode, you can record yourself while watching yourself on the LCD
[a].
• The picture on the LCD looks as a mirror-image while recording in mirror mode [b].
The STBY indicator appears as rP and REC as r. The other indicators may not
appear in mirror mode.
• While recording in mirror mode, you cannot operate the following buttons: TITLE,
DATE, TIME and MENU.
• The date appears in reverse when the AUTO DATE feature is turned on. When
recorded it will be normal.
[a] [b]

19
Basic operations
3
2
1
• Place your right elbow against your side.
• Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the
built-in microphone.
• 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 angle. Lift the viewfinder
up for recording from a low position [a].
• You can also record in a low position or even in a high position using the LCD panel
[b].
• When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight, the LCD screen may be
difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the viewfinder.
[a] [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, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the
screw may damage the camcorder.
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.

20
Hints for better shooting
[c] [d]
Cautions on the viewfinder and the LCD
• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder or by the LCD panel [c].
• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD screen toward
the sun. The inside of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the
camcorder under sunlight or by a window [d].