Sony HDW-700 User manual

HD CAMCORDER
HDW-700
OPERATION MANUAL English
1st Edition(Revised 2)

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
For the customers in U.S.A.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual
must be used with this equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules.

For the customers in the USA and Canada
RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.
BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR
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 Service Center nearest you call 416-499-
SONY (Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking nickel-
cadmium batteries.

Table of Contents 1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
1-1 Features .....................................................................................1-1
1-1-1 Camera Features ..............................................................1-1
1-1-2 VTR Features ..................................................................1-3
1-2 Example of System Configuration ..........................................1-4
1-3 Precautions ................................................................................1-6
Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and
Controls
2-1 Power Supply ............................................................................2-1
2-2 Accessory Attachments ............................................................2-3
2-3 Audio Functions........................................................................2-5
2-4 Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions ......................2-13
2-5 Setup Menu Operating Section .............................................2-27
2-6 Time Code System ..................................................................2-29
2-7 Warnings and Indications......................................................2-35
2-8 Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel..................2-38
Chapter 3 Recording and Playback
3-1 About Cassettes.........................................................................3-1
3-1-1 Loading and Unloading a Cassette..................................3-1
3-1-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure ........................................3-4
3-2 Recording ..................................................................................3-5
3-2-1 Basic Procedure...............................................................3-5
3-2-2 Continuous Recording.....................................................3-9
3-3 Checking the Recording — Playback ...................................3-12
3-3-1 Checking the Last Three Seconds of the Recording —
Recording Review .........................................................3-12
3-3-2 Checking the Recording on the Color Video Monitor —
Playback in Color ..........................................................3-13

2Table of Contents
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for
Recording
4-1 Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance and
Correcting the White Spots .....................................................4-1
4-1-1 Adjusting the Black Balance ...........................................4-2
4-1-2 Automatic Correction of White Sports in the Image ......4-4
4-1-3 Adjusting the White Balance ..........................................4-5
4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter .................................................4-9
4-2-1 Shutter Modes .................................................................4-9
4-2-2 Selecting the Shutter Mode and Speed..........................4-10
4-3 Adjusting the Audio Level .....................................................4-13
4-4 Setting the Time Data.............................................................4-17
4-4-1 Setting the User Bits......................................................4-17
4-4-2 Setting the Time Code...................................................4-19
4-4-3 Entering the Real Time in the VITC .............................4-21
4-4-4 Synchronizing the Time Code.......................................4-23
4-5 Setup Menu Display on the Viewfinder Screen ...................4-28
4-5-1 Basic Use of the Setup Menu ........................................4-31
4-6 Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen .............................4-34
4-6-1 Layout of the Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen4-34
4-7 Setup Using the OPERATION Menu ...................................4-38
4-7-1 Finding a Page ...............................................................4-39
4-7-2 Selecting the Items for Which the '!' LED is to Light ...4-40
4-7-3 Setting the Marker Display ...........................................4-42
4-7-4 Selecting the Display Items...........................................4-43
4-7-5 Setting the GAIN Selector Values ................................4-45
4-7-6 Setting the Viewfinder ..................................................4-47
4-7-7 Setting the Automatic Iris .............................................4-48
4-7-8 Setting the Battery, D5600K Mode and Selecting the Lens
File.................................................................................4-50
4-7-9 Operator File .................................................................4-52
4-8 Paint Menu ..............................................................................4-54

Table of Contents 3
4-9 Using the Setup Card .............................................................4-64
4-9-1 Handling the Setup Card ...............................................4-64
4-9-2 Using Data on the Setup Card .......................................4-66
Chapter 5 Setting Up the Camcorder
5-1 Power Supply ............................................................................5-1
5-1-1 Using a BP-L60/L90 Battery Pack..................................5-1
5-1-2 Using a BP-90A Battery Pack .........................................5-4
5-1-3 Avoiding Breaks in Operation Due to Dead Batteries ....5-5
5-1-4 Using an AC Adaptor ......................................................5-6
5-1-5 Using the Anton Bauer Ultralight System ......................5-7
5-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder.........................................................5-8
5-2-1 Adjusting the Viewfinder Position ..................................5-8
5-2-2 Detaching the Viewfinder .............................................5-10
5-3 Mounting the Lens..................................................................5-12
5-4 Adjusting the Flange Focal Length.......................................5-13
5-5 Audio Input System ................................................................5-15
5-5-1 Using the Supplied Microphone....................................5-15
5-5-2 Using an External Microphone .....................................5-18
5-5-3 Attaching a UHF Portable Tuner (for a UHF Wireless
Microphone System) .....................................................5-23
5-5-4 Connecting Line Input Audio Equipment .....................5-27
5-6 Tripod Mounting ....................................................................5-28
5-7 Attaching the Shoulder Strap................................................5-30
5-8 Adjusting the Shoulder Pad Position ....................................5-32
5-9 Putting On the Rain Cover ....................................................5-33
5-10 Connecting the Remote Control Unit ...................................5-36

4Table of Contents
Chapter 6 Maintenance
6-1 Testing the Camcorder Before Shooting ................................6-1
6-1-1 Preparations for Testing ..................................................6-1
6-1-2 Testing the Camera .........................................................6-2
6-1-3 Testing the VTR ..............................................................6-6
6-2 Maintenance ............................................................................6-10
6-2-1 Cleaning the Video Heads.............................................6-10
6-2-2 Cleaning the Viewfinder ...............................................6-10
6-3 Operation Warnings...............................................................6-12
Appendix
Specifications .....................................................................................A-1
Video Camera Section ...............................................................A-2
VTR Section ..............................................................................A-3
Supplied Accessories ................................................................. A-6
Recommended Additional Equipment ...................................... A-6
Glossary ..............................................................................................A-9
Index .................................................................................................... I-1

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-1
Overview
1-1 Features
The HDW-700 HD Camcorder combines a HD color video camera,
which uses 2/3-inch FIT1) CCD2) imagers with 2,000,000 picture
elements, with an HDCAM portable videocassette recorder. Its excellent
portability and dust- and water-proof construction make it ideal as a
camcorder for ENG3) and EFP4) in the same way as the earlier DVW-
700, which is the Digital BETACAM model. The introduction of a new
method of processing HD digital signals improves the image quality
even further and simplifies setup (initialization) operations.
1-1-1 Camera Features
The features of the HDW-700 camera are described below.
• 2/3-inch FIT CCDs with 2,000,000 picture elements provide a compact
and lightweight unit with excellent image quality.
• Existing 2/3-inch lenses can be used.
• Digital signal processing has improved picture quality, stability, and
reliability.
• A setup menu enables you to control features such as status displays,
messages, and markers; to select various types of settings; to toggle
switches; and to operate a setup card.
• Blur-free shooting is ensured by a built-in, high-performance electronic
shutter that provides a variety of modes, such as ECS5) mode which
reduces flickering on the monitor screen and S-EVS6) mode which
improves vertical resolution.
• Selectable video gain ensures a noise-free image.
• A simple switch operation enables automatic adjustment of the black
set, black balance, and white balance. Memory functions make it easy
to replicate the white balance setting appropriate for the lighting
conditions.
....................................................................................................................................
1) FIT: Frame Interline Transfer
2) CCD: Charge-Coupled Device
3) ENG: Electronic News Gathering
4) EFP: Electronic Field Production
5) ECS: Extended Clear Scan
6) S-EVS: Super Enhanced Vertical definition System

1
1-2 Chapter 1 Overview
• Character display functions on the viewfinder indicate switch settings,
automatic black and white balance adjustment, status indications, and
warnings.
• The warning system uses various types of warning indicators and
sounds to inform you of VTR faults, end of tape, low battery, etc.
• The camcorder is equipped with a dual-wheel filter disk for adjusting
the filter setting to the shooting and lighting conditions.
• Override function which makes fine adjustment of the reference value
for brightness of automatic iris control is provided.
• A built-in circuit produces a color bar signal for easy adjustment of the
color monitor.
• The remote control unit controls camera functions and VTR functions.
• Setup data specified by the camera operator, including the various
marker settings, can be stored in the camcorder itself and on a setup
card as an operator file, and then can be recalled.
• Setup data specified by video engineers, including the various detail
settings, can be stored in the camcorder itself and on a setup card as a
reference file, and then can be realled. It is possible to shorten time for
setting with duplicating the stored reference file to the other cameras
through the setup card.
• Setup data specified by video engineers, including the video settings,
can be stored as a scene file. It is possible to recall the setup data
appropriate for the scene.
• Correction value to use a lens extender and for each lens can be stored
as a lens file, and then can be recalled. It is possible to shorten time for
adjustment when replacing the lens.
• A high-performance viewfinder is adjustable forward, backward, and
sideways, and has a full range of auxiliary equipment.

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-3
1-1-2 VTR Features
The VTR features of this camcorder are described below.
• Use of the HDCAM format allows high performance HD digital
recording and playback while preserving the same ease of use as
conventional camcorder equipment.
• The same cassette size (S size) as Digital BETACAM can be used to
achieve a long recording time of approximately 40 minutes.
• The recording review function, which automatically rewinds and plays
back the last approximately 3 seconds of recording on the tape, enables
you to quickly confirm recorded contents.
• No playback adaptor is needed to see the color playback image on the
monitor screen.
• The 3 times normal speed search function provides quick positioning of
the tape.
• LTC1) and VITC2) recording and LTC playback can be performed.
• The built-in time code generator can be synchronized with an external
generator.
• A lithium battery is the back-up power supply for the built-in time code
generator enabling the time code to be held for approximately 5 years
without charging the camcorder power supply.
• Optional long-life battery packs are available.
• Pressing the VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button
on the lens ensures recording continuity from the very next frame.
• Two analog audio input channels can be recorded as 16-bit digital
signals.
....................................................................................................................................
1) LTC: Longitudinal Time Code
2) VITC: Vertical Interval Time Code

1
1-4 Chapter 1 Overview
1-2 Example of System
Configuration
The diagram below shows a typical configuration of the camcorder for
ENG and EFP.
For more information about the fittings, connections, or use of additional
equipment and accessories, see Chapter 5 as well as the operation manuals for the
connected equipment.
Viewfinder-related equipment
Fog-proof filter
(Part No. 1-547-341-11)
BKW-401 Viewfinder
Rotation Bracket
HDVF-20 HD
Electronic Viewfinder
Video monitor for
color image check
while shooting
Remote control equipment
RCP-700 Series or
RM-B150 Remote
Control Unit
MSU-700 Master Setup
Unit and HKCF-700 HD
Master Setup Kit

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-5
Audio signal source
External microphone
C-74, etc.
CAC-12
Microphone Holder
Audio equipment
WRR-28M / 810 / 860
UHF Portable Tuner
Power source
AC power
supply
100V AC
Battery
BC-210 / 410
Battery
Charger
BC-L100
Battery
Charger
AC-550
AC Adaptor
BP-90A
Battery
Pack
BP-L60 / L90
Battery Pack
DC-L90
Battery
Adaptor

1
1-6 Chapter 1 Overview
1-3 Precautions
Use and Storage
Donotsubjectthecamcordertosevereshocks
The internal mechanism may be damaged or the body warped.
Afteruse
Always turn off the power.
Beforestoringthecamcorderforalongperiod
Remove the battery pack.
Useandstoragelocations
Store in a level, ventilated place. Avoid using or storing the camcorder
in the following places.
• Places subject to temperature extremes
• Very damp places
• Places subject to severe vibration
• Near strong magnetic fields
• In direct sunlight or close to heaters for extended periods

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-1
2
Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls
2-1 Power Supply
Power supply
1Battery attachment
Attach a BP-L60/L90 battery pack. A DC-L90 Battery Adaptor for
loading a BP-90A Battery Pack also can be attached.
2DCIN(externalpowerinput)connector(XLRtype,4-pin,male)
To operate the HDW-700 using an AC power supply, connect an AC-
550 AC Adaptor with the DC output cable supplied with the adaptor.
To use an external battery, connect its DC output cable to the DC IN
connector.
4
1
2
3

2-2 Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls
2
3BREAKER button
If excessive current flows within the unit, the breaker is tripped
automatically to shut off the power supply and protect the equipment.
After performing internal checks or adjustments, use a pointed object
such as a pen to press down lightly on this button. If there is no problem,
the power will again be supplied.
4POWERswitch
This switch turns the main power supply on and off.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-3
2
2-2 Accessory Attachments
Accessory attachments
1Shoulderstrapposts
Attach the supplied shoulder strap to these posts.
2Lightshoe
Attach an optional accessory such as a video light to this shoe.
3Lensmount(specialbayonetmount)
Use this for mounting the lens.
5
1 2
3
4
8
6
7
Lens cable clamp

2-4 Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls
2
4Lenslockinglever
After inserting the lens in the lens mount, rotate the lens mount ring with
this lever to lock the lens in position.
5Lens mount cap
Remove this cap by pushing up on the lens locking lever. For protection
from dust, always insert this cap when no lens is mounted.
6Tripodmount
When using the unit on a tripod, attach the supplied tripod adaptor.
7LENSconnector(12-pin)
Fit the lens cable to this connector. Contact your Sony representative for
more information about the lens you are using.
8Shoulderpad
You can move the shoulder pad forwards or backwards by loosening the
two screws. Do this to ensure the best balance when shooting with the
camcorder on your shoulder.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-5
2
2-3 Audio Functions
Audio functions (1)
1Microphone
This is a super-cardioid directional microphone with an external power
supply (+48 V) system. You can use it as an interview microphone by
connecting it to an extension cable (not supplied).
2MICIN(microphoneinput)connector(XLRtype,3-pin,female)
The supplied microphone connects to this connector. You can connect a
microphone other than the supplied one as long as it corresponds to an
external power supply system. The connector supplies power (+48 V) to
the microphone.
3MIC/MENUknob
This knob adjusts the audio level of the front microphone. To adjust the
front microphone level, set the VF DISP switch to ON, then push the
MENU switch to CANCEL. The audio level indication will appear on
the viewfinder screen. Note that you can do this only when the AUDIO
SELECT CH-1/CH-2 switches are set to MANUAL and the AUDIO IN
switches are set to FRONT.
2
1
3

2-6 Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls
2
Audio functions (2)
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
ADVANCE
PRESET
F-RUN
SET
DIAG
R-RUN
NDF
DF
REGEN
REAL
TIME
AUDIO IN
AUDIO SELECT
REAR
MIX
CH-1 CH-2
FRONT
SHIFT
ON
OFF
SET
MANUAL
AUTO
LEVEL
CH-1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
010
CH-2
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
010
CUE IN