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Sony DSR-250P User Manual

Sony DSR-250P
192 pages
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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

Table of Contents

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Sony DSR-250P Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandSony
ModelDSR-250P
CategoryCamcorder
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Owner's Record

Getting Started

Using this Manual

Guidance on how to read and understand the camcorder's operation manual.

Cassette Memory Usage

Explanation of cassette memory features and their impact on camcorder operations.

Camcorder Care Precautions

TV Color System Compatibility

Information about TV color systems and requirements for viewing recordings.

Copyright Precautions

Warning regarding copyrighted materials and unauthorized recording.

Checking Supplied Accessories

Installing the Microphone

Preparing the Power Supply

Using Battery Packs

Information on using different battery models, their capacities, and charging.

Battery Pack Usage Notes

Guidance on battery performance, storage, and temperature considerations.

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack

Setting Battery Type

Using AC Adaptors

Avoiding Operation Breaks with Batteries

Inserting and Ejecting a Cassette

Cassette Insertion Precautions

Warning about potential damage from incorrect insertion of mini-size cassettes.

Using Cassettes with Memory

Guidance on utilizing cassette memory features and their impact on operations.

Preventing Accidental Erasure

Instructions on how to set the REC/SAVE switch to protect recorded content.

Recording a Picture

Controlling TALLY Lamps

Instructions for turning TALLY lamps on and off, and adjusting intensity.

Progressive Mode Usage

Recommendation for using progressive mode for PC images and potential drawbacks.

Ensuring Smooth Transitions

Tips for achieving smooth transitions between recorded scenes, including format recommendations.

Standby Mode Power Saving

Explanation of automatic head drum stop in standby to save battery and tape wear.

Using the ND Filter

Usable Cassettes

Setting Audio Reference Level

Guidance on setting audio reference levels for compatibility with editing systems.

Adjusting Viewfinder Position

Adjusting Viewfinder Screen Visibility

How to adjust contrast and peaking for better viewfinder visibility.

Eyepiece Focus Adjustment

Contrast and Brightness Adjustment

Outline Emphasis Adjustment

Using the peaking control to adjust outline emphasis for easier focusing.

Using the LCD Screen

Adjusting LCD Screen Brightness

Recording from a Low Position

Tips for recording from low angles using the viewfinder or rotated LCD panel.

After Recording Procedures

Using the Zoom Feature

How to use the power zoom lever for controlling zoom speed and focus.

Zooming with the Zoom Ring

Using Digital Zoom

Enabling and using digital zoom beyond 12x, noting potential picture quality degradation.

Recording Indicators Explained

Shooting Backlit Subjects

Battery Capacity Indicator

Correctly setting the REMAIN item for accurate battery capacity indication.

Spot Light Function

Checking Recordings

Playing Back a Tape

Monitoring on LCD Screen

How to turn the LCD panel over for monitoring during playback.

Selecting Audio Output Channels

Using the AUDIO MONITOR selector to choose audio output channels.

Controlling Screen Indicator Display

Turning screen indicators on and off using the DISPLAY switch and button.

Using the Data Code Function

Various Playback Modes

DV-Formatted Tape Playback Notes

Reverse Tape Playback

Explanation of potential horizontal noise during reverse playback.

PAL System Cassette Playback

Notes on playback of PAL system cassettes (Quasi PAL playback).

Viewing Recordings on a Monitor

Shooting with Manual Adjustment

Adjusting the Iris

Saving White Balance Settings in Memory

Saving custom white balance settings in memory A and B for quick recall.

Adjusting the Gain

Setting Gain Values for GAIN Selector

Customizing gain values for H, M, and L positions via the menu settings.

Adjusting Shutter Speed

Setting Shutter Speed Values

Selecting specific shutter speed values via the menu for precise control.

Using the Zebra Pattern

Releasing SteadyShot Function

Adjusting AE Shift

Focusing Manually

Saving White Balance Settings in Memory

Saving custom white balance settings in memory A and B for quick recall.

Recalling White Balance from Memory

Restoring saved white balance adjustments from memory A or B.

Adjusting White Balance for Changing Lighting

Readjusting white balance when lighting conditions change, or after battery replacement.

Obtaining Correct Focus

Adjusting White Balance

Using Preset White Balance Settings

Utilizing preset white balance settings (5800K, 3200K) for instant shooting.

Custom Preset for Picture Quality

Custom Preset Items to Adjust

Details on adjustable items in custom preset: color, sharpness, white balance, and AGC limit.

AGC Limit in Custom Preset

Information on the Auto Gain Control limit setting within custom presets.

Using the Guide Frame

Marking an Index

Adjusting Sound Recording Level Manually

Notes on Channel 1 Recording Level

Specific notes regarding adjusting the recording level for channel 1 inputs.

Connecting an Optional External Microphone

Fitting Other 48V Microphones

Fitting procedure for microphones other than ECM-670, noting differences in adaptor use.

Using External Audio Systems or Microphones

Backing Up Recordings to Another Tape

Using a Video Light

Superimposing Date and Time on Picture

Recording Still Images (Tape Photo)

Printing Still Images

Connecting to a video printer to print still images captured by the camcorder.

Shooting with All Pixels (PROG. SCAN)

Digital Zoom in Progressive Mode

Note that digital zoom cannot be used when PROG. SCAN is activated.

Using the Wide Mode (16:9)

Using the Fader Function

Canceling Fader Function

How to disable the fader function by pressing the FADER button again.

Using Special Effects (Digital Effect)

Digital Effect Items to Adjust

Details on adjusting parameters for STILL, FLASH, LUMI., and TRAIL effects.

Superimposing Still Image (MEMORY MIX)

MEMORY MIX Before Operation

Inserting Memory Stick and tape, setting selector to CAMERA before using MEMORY MIX.

MEMORY MIX Items to Adjust

Adjustable parameters for MEMORY MIX modes: CHROM, LUMI., and OVERLAP.

Interval Recording

Canceling Interval Recording

Steps to cancel interval recording by setting INT. REC to OFF or changing selector.

Frame-by-Frame Recording (Cut Recording)

Index Search for Recordings

Index Search Without Cassette Memory

Searching for index points on tapes without cassette memory using the remote commander.

Title Search for Tape Boundaries

Date Search for Recordings

Date Search Without Cassette Memory

Searching for dates without cassette memory using the remote commander.

Photo Search and Scan

Photo Search Without Cassette Memory

Searching for photos without cassette memory using the remote commander.

Scanning Photos

Playing back photos sequentially for about five seconds each.

Playing Back Tape with Digital Effects

Dubbing a Tape (Analog)

High-Quality Dubbing with S-Video

Using an S-video cable for higher quality DVCAM/DV format dubbing.

Dubbing with DV Connecting Cable (i.LINK)

Connecting via i.LINK cable for digital-to-digital dubbing and editing.

DV Cable Connection Limitations

Digital Program Editing (Scene Dubbing)

VCR Synchronization Adjustment for Editing

Adjusting camcorder and VCR synchronization for precise digital program editing.

Editing Error Range

Making Programs for Digital Editing

Erasing Programs

How to delete CUT-OUT marks or entire programs from the editing sequence.

Performing Digital Program Editing (Dubbing)

Erasing All Programs

Selecting ERASE ALL to cancel all programmed editing marks and settings.

Analog to Digital Signal Conversion (PC)

Analog to Digital Conversion Notes

Important notes on software, signal quality, and copyright protection during analog to digital conversion.

Recording Video or TV Programs

Monaural VCR Connection for Recording

Connecting to a monaural VCR using an audio cable for recording.

High-Quality Recording with S-Video

Using an S-video cable for higher quality recording of DVCAM/DV formats.

Digital Dubbing Quality Notes

Audio Dubbing

Notes and Limitations on Audio Dubbing

Notes on audio modes, DV IN/OUT connector, and sound quality considerations.

Audio Dubbing via AUDIO IN CH1/CH2

Audio Dubbing via MIC IN +48V

Connecting and dubbing audio using the MIC IN +48V connector.

Audio Dubbing via AUDIO IN/OUT Jacks

Connecting and dubbing audio using the AUDIO IN/OUT CH-1/CH-2 jacks.

Adding Audio to Recorded Tape

Monitoring New Recorded Sound

Adjusting audio balance between original and dubbed sound channels during dubbing.

Setting Time Values

Canceling Time Code Settings

How to cancel time code settings by selecting CANCEL.

Resetting Time Code

Resetting the time code to its default value.

Drop-Frame Mode

Continuous Time Code for Back Space Editing

Ensuring continuous time code during editing by setting TC MAKE to REGEN.

Setting User Bits Value

Switching Time Value Display

Superimposing a Title

REC/SAVE Switch and Title Superimposition

Note that title superimposition is disabled when the REC/SAVE switch is set to SAVE.

Using Custom Titles

Selecting and using custom titles for superimposition onto video.

Title Setting Options

Erasing Titles

Making Your Own Titles

Changing Stored Titles

Modifying existing stored titles by editing characters or deleting them.

Labeling a Cassette

Changing Cassette Labels

Modifying existing cassette labels by editing characters or entering spaces.

Erasing Cassette Memory Data

Canceling Erasing Operations

How to cancel erasing operations by selecting RETURN.

Erasing All Cassette Memory Data

Erasing all data, including tape titles, from cassette memory.

Changing Menu Settings

Selecting Mode Settings for Menu Items

Guide to selecting modes for items like TC PRESET, TC FORMAT, TC RUN, TC MAKE, UB TIME.

Menu Item Settings Explained

Explanation of settings for SHTR SPEED, GAIN LEVEL, AUTO SHTR, PROG. SCAN, SETUP, D ZOOM, 16:9WIDE, STEADYSHOT, FRAME REC, INT. REC.

More Menu Item Settings Explained

Explanation of settings for AUDIO MIX, A/V->DV OUT, LCD COLOR, GUIDEFRAME, CONTINUOUS, QUALITY.

Memory Stick Menu Settings Explained

Settings for PRINT MARK, PROTECT, SLIDE SHOW, DELETE ALL, FORMAT, PHOTO SAVE, CM SEARCH, TAPE TITLE, TITLE DSPL, TITLEERASE.

Recording and Audio Mode Settings

Settings for ITEM ERASE, ERASE ALL, REC MODE (DVCAM, DV SP, FS32K, FS48K), AUDIO MODE, REMAIN, DATA CODE, A REF LVL.

Clock, Size, and Beep Settings

Settings for CLOCK SET, LTR SIZE, REMAIN, LOGO INS, WORLD TIME, BEEP, COMMANDER.

Display and Control Settings

Settings for DISPLAY, EXT RECCTL, DATE REC, COLOR BAR, VIDEO EDIT, EDIT SET, HRS METER.

Resetting Date and Time

Introduction to Memory Stick Usage

Memory Stick Image Data Compatibility

Compatibility notes for image files and formatting Memory Sticks for the camcorder.

Inserting and Ejecting a Memory Stick

Instructions for inserting and ejecting the Memory Stick, and handling access lamp status.

Selecting Image Quality Mode

Image Quality Mode Notes

Notes on how image quality mode may affect image quality and memory capacity.

Approximate Images per Memory Stick

Estimated number of images recordable based on Memory Stick capacity and quality mode.

Recording Still Images (Memory Photo)

Continuous Still Image Recording

Recording multiple still images continuously in Continuous or Multi Screen modes.

Continuous Shooting Settings

Configuring continuous shooting modes (OFF, ON, MULTI SCRN) for still image capture.

Recording Tape Image as Still Image

Recording Still Image from Other Equipment

Capturing still images from external equipment via VIDEO IN/OUT or S VIDEO jacks.

Recording Still Image via DV IN/OUT Connector

Capturing still images from external equipment through the DV IN/OUT connector.

Copying Still Images from Tape (Photo Save)

Canceling Photo Copying

How to cancel the photo copying process by exiting the menu.

Viewing Still Pictures (Memory Photo Playback)

Still Image Playback Screen Indicators

Explanation of screen indicators like data file name, image number, print mark, and protect indicator.

Viewing Six Images at Once (Index Screen)

Displaying and navigating through six recorded images simultaneously on the index screen.

Files Modified by Personal Computers

Notes on files modified by PCs that may not display correctly on the index screen.

Viewing Images on a Personal Computer

Using PictureGear software to view Memory Stick images on a computer.

Copying Memory Stick Images to Tape

Index Screen Copying Note

Index screen content cannot be recorded when copying images to tape.

Playing Back Images Continuously (Slide Show)

Preventing Accidental Erasure (Image Protection)

Image Protection Notes

Notes on formatting erasing protected data and write-protect tab limitations.

Deleting Images

Deleting All Images

Deleting all unprotected images from the Memory Stick.

Canceling Deleting All Images

How to cancel the operation of deleting all images from the Memory Stick.

Writing Print Marks (Print Mark)

Print Mark with Write-Protected Memory Stick

Note that print marks cannot be written on a write-protected Memory Stick.

DVCAM vs. DV Format Compatibility

Editing Compatibility via DV Connectors

How editing is defined based on recorder format when using DV connectors.

Usable Cassette Types

Copyright Signal Handling

How copyright control signals affect playback and recording of software.

Audio Mode Information

Details on Fs32K and Fs48K audio modes and their implications for sound recording.

DVCAM/DV Cassette Notes

About i.LINK (IEEE1394)

Troubleshooting in Recording Mode

Troubleshooting in Playback Mode

Troubleshooting Recording and Playback Modes

Troubleshooting Memory Stick Operations

Other Troubleshooting Issues

Remote Commander and Display Troubleshooting

Self-Diagnosis Display

Warning Indicators and Messages

Warning Messages Explained

Detailed list of warning messages including CLOCK SET, MEMORY FULL, CLEANING CASSETTE, and errors.

Using Camcorder Abroad

Moisture Condensation

Removing Dust from Viewfinder

Cleaning the Video Head

Procedure for cleaning the video heads to ensure normal recording and clear pictures.

Charging the Vanadium-Lithium Battery

Camcorder Operation Precautions

Important precautions for camcorder operation, handling, and avoiding damage.

Notes on Dry Batteries

General Specifications

Memory Stick Specifications

Specifications for Memory Stick: flash memory, operating voltage, power consumption, dimensions, and mass.

Identifying Camcorder Parts and Controls

Identifying More Camcorder Parts and Controls

Diagram and list identifying additional camcorder controls and selectors.

Identifying Camcorder Ports and Buttons

Diagram and list identifying connectors, jacks, and buttons on the camcorder body.

Identifying Camcorder Buttons and Controls (Part 2)

Diagram and list identifying buttons like MEMORY DELETE, MIX, INDEX, PLAY, and selectors.

Identifying Camcorder Controls and Jacks (Part 3)

Diagram and list identifying speaker, audio level knobs, selectors, and jacks.

Identifying Camcorder Screen and Buttons (Part 4)

Diagram and list identifying LCD screen, buttons, switches, and connectors.

Identifying Camcorder Exterior Parts

Diagram and list identifying exterior parts like OPEN button, cassette lid, LANC jack, video out, and DV/i.LINK connectors.

Removing the Lens Hood

Steps for removing the lens hood for attaching wide teleconversion lenses.

Fastening the Grip Strap

Instructions for securely fastening the grip strap.

Identifying Camcorder Buttons and Dials (Part 5)

Diagram and list identifying SPOT LIGHT, BACK LIGHT, ND FILTER, FOCUS, FADER, POWER, EDITSEARCH, LIGHT switch, MONITOR knob, battery release, selector, and dial.

Identifying Viewfinder Controls

Diagram and list identifying viewfinder lamps, knobs, controls, and connectors.

Removing and Fitting the Viewfinder

Steps for removing and reattaching the viewfinder unit from the camcorder.

Remote Commander Identification

Diagram and list identifying buttons on the remote commander and their functions.

Preparing the Remote Commander

Instructions for inserting batteries into the remote commander and notes on proper usage.

Operation Indicators Explained

Explanation of various operational indicators on the LCD and viewfinder screens.

Quick Function Guide

Functions for Exposure Adjustment

Quick guide to adjusting exposure using ND filter, backlight, and spotlight.

Functions for Image Impact

Quick guide to adding impact with FADER, PHOTO, DIGITAL EFFECT, and TITLE.

Functions for Natural Appearance

Quick guide for natural appearance using D ZOOM and manual focus.

Functions for Editing (Recording Mode)

Quick guide for editing functions like audio dubbing, wide mode, and PC viewing.

Functions After Recording (Playback Mode)

Quick guide for playback functions: digital effects, data code, title search, photo search, and scan.

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