Sony DSR-250 User Manual

3-064-678-12 (1)
Digital
Camcorder
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. DSR-250 Serial No.
DSR-250
©2000 Sony Corporation
DSR-250

Sony DSR-250 Specifications

General

Filter Diameter	72 mm
Recording Media	MiniDV Tape
Type	Professional Camcorder
Recording System	Digital
Tape Format	DVCAM
Image Sensor	3 CCD
Lens	12x optical zoom, f1.6, with optical image stabilizer
Viewfinder	Color LCD Viewfinder
Audio Recording	2-channel PCM digital audio (16-bit/48kHz or 12-bit/32kHz)
Input/Output	Composite, S-Video, i.LINK (IEEE1394)
Weight (without tape, battery)	1.9 kg

Summary

Safety Warnings and Precautions

General Safety Warnings

Instructions to prevent fire or shock hazard and avoid moisture exposure.

Getting Started

Preparing the Power Supply

Recording – Basics

Recording a Picture

Basic steps for recording video footage with the camcorder.

Using the Zoom Feature

Instructions on how to use the camcorder's zoom functions.

Shooting Backlit Subjects (BACK LIGHT)

Spot Light

Checking the Recording

Using END SEARCH, EDITSEARCH, and Rec Review to check recordings.

Playback – Basics

Playing Back a Tape

Instructions for operating the camcorder in playback mode.

Viewing the Recording on a Monitor

Advanced Recording Operations

Shooting with Manual Adjustment

Guide to manually adjusting various shooting parameters.

Adjusting the Iris

Procedure for manually adjusting the iris for depth of field control.

Adjusting the Gain

Steps for setting the gain level manually.

Adjusting the Shutter Speed

Instructions on how to adjust the shutter speed manually.

Shooting with the Zebra Pattern

Focusing Manually

Guide to manual focusing for improved image sharpness.

Adjusting the White Balance

Steps for adjusting white balance manually for accurate color reproduction.

Presetting the Adjustment for Picture Quality

How to save custom picture quality settings in memory.

Adjusting the Recording Level Manually

Procedure for manually adjusting audio input levels.

Connecting an Optional External Microphone

Recording a Still Image on a Tape

Procedure for recording still images onto tape (Tape Photo recording).

Shooting with All the Pixels – PROG. SCAN

Using the Fader Function

Using Special Effects – Digital Effect

Superimposing a Still Image in a “Memory Stick” on a Moving Picture

Interval Recording

Frame by Frame Recording – Cut Recording

Advanced Playback Operations

Searching for a Recording by Index – Index Search

Searching the Boundaries of Recorded Tape by Title – Title Search

Searching a Recording by Date – Date Search

Searching for a Photo – Photo Search/Photo Scan

Editing

Dubbing a Tape

Instructions for dubbing video content to another tape.

Dubbing Only Desired Scenes – Digital Program Editing

How to duplicate selected scenes for editing without VCR operation.

Using with an Analog Video Unit and a PC

Recording Video or TV Programs

Audio Dubbing

How to add new audio sounds to recorded tapes.

Setting Time Values

Procedure for setting time code and user bits.

Superimposing a Title

Making Your Own Titles

Erasing the Cassette Memory Data

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the Menu Settings

Guide to navigating and changing camcorder settings via the menu.

Resetting the Date and Time

Memory Stick™ Operations

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Selecting the Image Quality Mode

Recording Still Images on a “Memory Stick”

Procedure for recording still images onto a Memory Stick.

Recording an Image from a Tape as a Still Image

Copying Still Images from a Tape – Photo Save

Viewing a Still Picture – Memory Photo Playback

How to play back still images stored on a Memory Stick.

Copying an Image Recorded on a “Memory Stick” to Tapes

Playing Back Images Continuously – SLIDE SHOW

Preventing Accidental Erasure – Image Protection

How to protect selected images from accidental deletion.

Deleting Images

Additional Information

Compatibility of DVCAM and DV Formats

Usable Cassettes

About i.LINK

Troubleshooting

Guidance for resolving common problems encountered with the camcorder.

Self-diagnosis Display

Warning Indicators and Messages

Explanation of warning indicators and messages displayed on the screen.

Maintenance Information and Precautions

Important information on maintaining the camcorder and preventing issues.

Quick Reference

Identifying the Parts and Controls

Diagrams and labels identifying all external buttons and connectors.

Operation Indicators

Quick Function Guide

A quick reference guide to common functions and their page numbers.