EasyManua.ls Logo

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD301 User Manual

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD301
148 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
2-186-668-11 (1)
©2004 Sony Corporation
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.
DCR-DVD301
Digital
Video Camera
Recorder
Model No. DCR-DVD301 Model No. AC-
Serial No. Serial No.
SERIES
TM
Operating Instructions [US]

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Sony Handycam DCR-DVD301

Questions and Answers:

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD301 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandSony
ModelHandycam DCR-DVD301
CategoryCamcorder
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Operating Instructions and Owner's Record

Initial Setup and Product Information

Guidance on manual usage, initial operation, and recording product details.

Safety, Compliance, and Customer Information

Important Safety Warnings and Cautions

Covers fire/shock hazards, eye hazards, radiation exposure, and static electricity.

Key Features of Your DVD Handycam

Visual Index and Still Image Playback

Highlights features like quick scene finding via Visual Index and sequential still image playback.

Understanding DVD Media Types

DVD-R vs. DVD-RW Differences

Explains differences in recording, overwriting, and mode compatibility.

Basic Camcorder Operation Guide

Preparing, Shooting, and Playback Steps

Outlines the fundamental steps for preparing the camcorder, shooting, and playback.

Checking Supplied Accessories

Included Items Inventory

List of all accessories provided with the camcorder.

Power Source Setup: Battery Pack

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack

Step-by-step instructions for battery pack insertion and removal.

Powering On and Mode Selection

Turning Camcorder On/Off and Setting Modes

Guide to powering on/off and selecting operational modes like Movie or Still.

Display and Viewfinder Adjustment

Adjusting LCD Screen Angle and Brightness

Instructions for adjusting the LCD screen's angle, brightness, and backlight.

Setting the Date and Time

Initial Date and Time Configuration

Step-by-step guide for setting geographical area, daylight savings, date, and time.

Preparing a Disc for Recording

Disc Insertion and Preparation Steps

Instructions for inserting a new DVD-R or DVD-RW and preparing it for recording.

Shooting Movies: Initial Setup

Preparing for Movie Recording

Steps to set up the camcorder for movie recording, including lens cap removal and disc insertion.

Shooting Movies: Recording Modes

Choosing Recording Quality: HQ, SP, LP

Guide to selecting recording modes (HQ, SP, LP) for different recording times and quality.

Shooting Still Images: Initial Setup

Preparing for Still Image Capture

Steps to set up the camcorder for capturing still images, including mode dial and disc insertion.

Still Image Settings: Quality

Choosing Image Quality: FINE or STANDARD

Guide to selecting image quality settings (FINE or STANDARD) for still image recording.

Exposure Adjustment

Backlight Compensation and Manual Exposure

Covers using the backlight feature and adjusting exposure manually for different lighting conditions.

Shooting in Low Light Conditions

Using NightShot Plus and Super NightShot Plus

Instructions for using NightShot Plus and Super NightShot Plus for shooting in dark environments.

Self-Timer Recording

Using Self-Timer for Still and Movie Shots

Instructions for setting up and using the self-timer for both still images and movie recording.

Wide-Screen TV Recording

Setting Up 16:9 Wide Mode

Guide to recording in 16:9 Wide mode for viewing on wide-screen TVs.

White Balance Adjustment

Manual White Balance Settings

Instructions for manually adjusting white balance for various lighting conditions.

Shooting Techniques: PROGRAM AE

Using Scene Modes for Optimal Shooting

Explanation of PROGRAM AE scene modes like Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, etc., for specific shooting situations.

Manual Focus Operation

Adjusting Focus Manually

Guide to manually adjusting focus for specific shooting scenarios, including distant subjects.

Special Effects: Fader

Applying Fades for Professional Movies

Instructions on using the fader effect to create professional-looking movie transitions.

Special Effects: Picture and Digital Effects

Applying Picture Effects and Digital Processing

Details on applying Picture Effects (Sepia, B&W, Pastel, Mosaic) and Digital Effects (Lumi., Old Movie).

Managing Recorded Scenes

Reviewing and Deleting Last Recorded Scene

Guide to reviewing the last recorded scene and deleting it from DVD-RW discs.

Viewing Recordings on Camcorder

Navigating Recordings with Visual Index

Instructions for using the Visual Index to find and view recorded movies and still images.

Playback Modes and Controls

Movie and Still Image Playback Functions

Details on various playback modes, including pause, forward/backward, and still image navigation.

Playback Display Information

Showing Date/Time and Recording Settings

Instructions for displaying and changing date/time and other recording settings during playback.

Playback Zoom Functionality

Using PB ZOOM to Magnify Images

Guide to using the playback zoom feature to magnify recorded images during playback.

Automatic Still Image Playback

Creating and Viewing Slide Shows

Instructions for setting up and viewing automatic slide shows of recorded still images.

Viewing Recordings on TV

Connecting Camcorder to TV for Playback

Step-by-step guide for connecting the camcorder to a TV using the A/V cable for viewing.

Disc Finalization

Preparing Discs for Playback on Other Players

Instructions on how to finalize discs to ensure compatibility with other DVD players.

Disc Title Management

Setting and Editing Disc Titles

Instructions for changing the title of a disc, including character limits and deletion.

Playing Discs on External Devices

DVD Player and VR Mode Disc Playback

Guide to playing back discs recorded in VIDEO and VR modes on DVD players.

Disc Playback on Computers

Playing Movies and Still Images on PC

Instructions for playing back movies and still images from discs on a computer with a DVD drive.

Recording on Finalized Discs

Unfinalizing DVD-RWs for New Recordings

Procedure to unfinalize DVD-RW discs to allow new recordings in VIDEO mode.

Formatting Used Discs

Formatting DVD-RWs for Re-use

Instructions for formatting DVD-RW discs to erase data and prepare them for new recordings.

Using Discs in VR Mode

Playlist: Selecting Playback Order

Guide to creating and editing a playlist to change the playback order of scenes in VR mode.

Converting Still Images to Movies

Creating Photomovies from Still Images

Instructions for saving still images as a single movie file (Photomovie) for easier playlist registration.

Playlist Editing: Erasing Scenes

Removing Unnecessary Scenes from Playlist

Guide to erasing unwanted scenes from the playlist without affecting the original disc data.

Playlist Editing: Changing Scene Order

Rearranging Scenes in the Playlist

Instructions for changing the order of scenes within the playlist to customize playback sequence.

Playlist Editing: Dividing Movies

Splitting Movies into Scenes in Playlist

Instructions for dividing a movie into two scenes within the playlist for editing purposes.

Playing the Playlist

Executing Playlist Playback and Navigation

Instructions for playing back the playlist, navigating scenes, and pausing/canceling playback.

Editing Original Disc Data

Dividing Movies in Original Data

Instructions for dividing original movie data on the disc into scenes for editing.

Deleting Original Disc Data

Deleting Movies and Still Images

Instructions for deleting movies and still images from the disc, with notes on playlist deletion.

Connecting to Computer: Introduction

System Requirements for Connection

Details on the necessary system requirements for connecting the camcorder to a computer.

Computer Connection: USB Driver Installation

Installing the USB Driver Software

Step-by-step guide for installing the USB driver required for camcorder-computer communication.

Computer Connection: Software Installation

Installing ImageMixer and WINASPI Software

Instructions for installing the ImageMixer software and WINASPI for disc writing.

Connecting Your Camcorder to PC

Connecting for Windows XP Users

Step-by-step guide for connecting the camcorder to a PC running Windows XP.

Disconnecting from Computer

Safely Removing the USB Cable

Instructions for safely disconnecting the USB cable from the computer and camcorder.

Troubleshooting PC Connection

USB Driver Installation Issues and Online Help

Steps to resolve USB driver installation problems and access online help for software.

Viewing Recordings on Computer

Connecting and Viewing Disc Scenes via PC

Instructions for connecting the camcorder and viewing recorded scenes on the computer.

Making Disc Copies

Disc Duplicating Procedure

Step-by-step guide for duplicating recorded discs using the camcorder and computer.

Editing and Saving Movies

Combining Scenes and Saving to Computer

Instructions for editing movies by combining scenes and saving the edited movie to the computer.

Creating Original DVDs

Making a DVD Menu

Guide to creating a DVD menu, selecting backgrounds, and adding scenes as content.

Recording Content to DVD

Writing Content to a Blank Disc

Steps for writing edited content to a blank disc and making additional copies.

Connecting to TV and VCR

Dubbing Disc Content to VHS Tape

Instructions for connecting the camcorder to a VCR for dubbing disc content onto VHS tape.

Dubbing TV Programs or Tapes to Disc

Connecting for TV/VCR Input

Instructions for connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR to record programs or tapes onto a disc.

Camcorder Customization

Navigating the SETUP Display

Overview of how to change default settings using the camcorder's SETUP display.

Customizing Settings: Options

Understanding Menu Item Options and Modes

Detailed table explaining options for various setup items and their corresponding mode dial settings.

Customizing Settings: Camera Functions

Configuring Self-Timer, Zoom, and Burst Modes

Guide to configuring camera settings like self-timer, digital zoom, 16:9 Wide, and burst shooting.

Customizing Display Settings

Adjusting LCD and Viewfinder Brightness/Color

Instructions for adjusting LCD and viewfinder brightness, color, and backlight settings.

Customizing Video and Disc Settings

Configuring Video Input and Disc Modes

Guide to setting video input options and disc modes like HQ, SP, LP, and Finalize.

Customizing System and Demo Modes

Setting Date/Time, Auto Shutoff, and Demo Mode

Instructions for setting date/time, auto shutoff, menu display size, USB speed, and demo mode.

Customizing Other Settings

Configuring Data Display, Beep, and Recording Lamp

Guide to configuring data display, beep sounds, remote commander, display output, and recording lamp.

Troubleshooting: Overall Operations

Common Operational Problems and Solutions

Lists common operational issues like power, vibration, and indicator errors with corrective actions.

Troubleshooting: Power Source Issues

Battery and Charging Problems and Solutions

Addresses battery discharge, charging issues, and power indicator problems with solutions.

Troubleshooting: Disc and Display Issues

Disc Recognition, Ejection, and Display Problems

Covers issues related to disc recognition, ejection, and problems with the LCD or viewfinder.

Troubleshooting: During Recording

Recording Failures and Auto Power Off Issues

Addresses issues like recording failures, auto power off, SteadyShot, and autofocus problems.

Troubleshooting: Playback Issues

Camcorder Playback Problems and Solutions

Covers disc playback errors, distorted playback, sound issues, and playback control problems.

Troubleshooting: Disc Playback and Editing

External Player Playback and Editing Errors

Addresses issues with disc playback on other players and errors encountered during editing.

Troubleshooting: Other Issues

Disc Title, Conversion, and USB Connection Problems

Covers problems with disc titles, image conversion, PC connection, and error messages.

Self-Diagnosis Display

Interpreting Error Codes and Corrective Actions

Guide to understanding self-diagnosis error codes (C:xx:xx, E:xx:xx) and their solutions.

Warning Indicators

Understanding Indicator Lights and Messages

Explanation of various warning indicators like file errors, disc errors, battery status, and temperature.

Warning Messages

Interpreting On-Screen Messages and Solutions

List of warning messages displayed by the camcorder and their corresponding corrective actions.

Additional Information: Disc Care

Usable Discs and Proper Handling

Information on usable discs (DVD-R/RW) and guidelines for handling, cleaning, and storing discs.

InfoLITHIUM Battery Pack Information

Battery Usage, Charging, and Storage

Details on the InfoLITHIUM battery, its functions, charging, effective use, and storage.

International Usage and TV Systems

Using Camcorder Abroad and TV Color Standards

Guidance on using the camcorder internationally and information on NTSC, PAL, and SECAM TV systems.

Maintenance and Precautions

Moisture Condensation and Camcorder Operation

Information on preventing moisture condensation and precautions for camcorder operation.

Camcorder Care and Cleaning

Lens, LCD, and Casing Maintenance

Instructions for cleaning the pickup lens, LCD display, and camcorder casing.

Camcorder Specifications

Technical Details of Video Camera Recorder

Comprehensive list of technical specifications including system, lens, image device, and connectors.

Camcorder Parts and Controls

Identifying External Components

Diagram and list identifying key external parts of the camcorder, labeled 1 through 10.

Remote Commander Identification

Identifying Remote Control Buttons

Diagram and list identifying all buttons on the remote commander, such as PHOTO, PLAY, and SETUP.

Index

Alphabetical List of Topics and Page Numbers

An alphabetical index to quickly find topics and their corresponding page numbers within the manual.

Trademarks

List of Registered Trademarks

Lists trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned in the manual, including Sony, Microsoft, and Intel.

Related product manuals