Sony Handycam DCR-DVD810

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document describes the Sony DCR-DVD610/DVD710/DVD810 Digital Video Camera Recorder, an NTSC-system-based camcorder designed for recording and playing back video and still images.

Function Description

The camcorder records movies in MPEG2-PS format and still images in Exif Ver.2.2 (JPEG) format. It supports various media types including 8cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD+R DL discs, and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” cards. The DCR-DVD810 model also features internal memory for recording.

Important Technical Specifications

Video Compression Format: MPEG2/JPEG (Still images)
Audio Compression Format:
- DCR-DVD610: Dolby Digital 2ch, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator
- DCR-DVD710/DVD810: Dolby Digital 2/5.1ch, Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator
Video Signal: NTSC color, EIA standards
Internal Memory (DCR-DVD810): 8 GB (1 GB = 1 billion bytes, with a portion used for data management)
Usable Discs: 8cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD+R DL
Still Image Recording Format: Exif Ver.2.2
Viewfinder: Electric viewfinder (color)
Image Device:
- DCR-DVD610: 2.25 mm (1/8 type) CCD (Charge Coupled Device)
  - Gross pixels: Approx. 680,000
  - Effective pixels (Movie, 16:9): Approx. 410,000
  - Effective pixels (Still, 16:9): Approx. 250,000
  - Effective pixels (Still, 4:3): Approx. 340,000
- DCR-DVD710/DVD810: 3 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge Coupled Device)
  - Gross pixels: Approx. 1,070,000
  - Effective pixels (Movie, 16:9): Approx. 670,000
  - Effective pixels (Still, 16:9): Approx. 750,000
  - Effective pixels (Still, 4:3): Approx. 1,000,000
Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
Optical Zoom:
- DCR-DVD610: 40× (Digital: 80×, 2000×)
- DCR-DVD710/DVD810: 25× (Digital: 50×, 2000×)
Filter Diameter: 30 mm (1 3/16 in.)
Focal Length:
- DCR-DVD610: F 1.8 - 4.1, f = 1.9 - 76 mm (3/32 - 3 in.)
- DCR-DVD710/DVD810: F 1.8 - 3.2, f = 2.5 - 62.5 mm (1/8 - 2 1/2 in.)
Color Temperature: [AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5800 K)
Minimum Illumination:
- DCR-DVD610: 6 lx (AUTO SLW SHUTTR ON), 0 lx (NightShot plus)
- DCR-DVD710/DVD810: 8 lx (AUTO SLW SHUTTR ON), 0 lx (NightShot plus)
Power Requirements: DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack), DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)
Average Power Consumption (LCD screen/viewfinder with normal brightness):
- DCR-DVD610: LCD 2.9 W, Viewfinder 2.7 W
- DCR-DVD710: LCD 3.3 W, Viewfinder 2.9 W
- DCR-DVD810: LCD 2.9 W, Viewfinder 2.5 W
Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Storage Temperature: -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)
Dimensions (Approx.): 55 × 89 × 130 mm (2 1/4 × 3 5/8 × 5 1/8 in.) (w×h×d)
Mass (Approx.):
- DCR-DVD610: 390 g (13 oz) main unit only, 440 g (15 oz) with NP-FH40 and disc
- DCR-DVD710: 400 g (14 oz) main unit only, 450 g (15 oz) with NP-FH40 and disc
- DCR-DVD810: 400 g (14 oz) main unit only, 445 g (15 oz) with NP-FH40 and disc
LCD Screen: 6.7 cm (2.7 type), aspect ratio 16:9, 123,200 pixels (560 × 220)
Battery Pack (NP-FH40): Maximum output 8.4 V, Output 7.2 V, Capacity 4.9 Wh (680 mAh), Li-ion type.

Usage Features

Media Selection: Users can select different media (internal memory, disc, or “Memory Stick PRO Duo”) for movies and still images.
Easy Handycam Operation: Simplifies recording and playback by automating most settings and enlarging screen fonts.
Recording Modes: Offers HQ (high quality), SP (standard quality), and LP (long play) modes for movies.
Zooming: Features optical and digital zoom, adjustable via a power zoom lever or LCD buttons.
Audio Recording: DCR-DVD710/DVD810 models support 5.1ch surround sound recording, which is converted to 2ch for camcorder playback. Users can select between 5.1ch Surround and 2ch Stereo.
Quick ON: Reduces power consumption (sleep mode) when not actively recording, allowing for quick startup.
NightShot Plus: Enables recording in dark places using infrared light.
Backlight Compensation: Adjusts exposure for backlit subjects.
Mirror Mode: Allows recording with the LCD panel rotated 180 degrees, displaying a mirror image of the subject.
Playback Features: Includes Visual Index, Film Roll Index, Face Index, Date Index for searching, PB zoom for still images, and Slide Show for continuous playback of still images.
Finalizing Discs: Makes recorded discs compatible with other DVD devices and computer DVD drives. Users can select DVD menu styles.
Editing: Offers functions like deleting images, capturing still images from movies, dubbing/copying images between media, dividing movies, creating Playlists, and printing still images via PictBridge.
Computer Connectivity: Can be connected to a Windows computer via USB for importing images, viewing, creating DVDs, and copying discs using the "Picture Motion Browser" software.
Remote Commander: DCR-DVD710/DVD810 models are supplied with a Wireless Remote Commander for controlling camcorder functions.
Active Interface Shoe: Provides power and connectivity for optional accessories like video lights, flashes, or microphones.

Maintenance Features

Battery Charging: The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack can be charged while attached to the camcorder using the supplied AC Adaptor. The CHG (charge) lamp indicates charging status.
Battery Information: The DISP/BATT INFO button displays remaining battery time and recording capacity.
Pre-installed Rechargeable Battery: Retains date, time, and other settings even when the camcorder is off. It recharges when the AC Adaptor is connected or a battery pack is attached.
Disc Handling: Instructions for proper handling, cleaning, and storage of discs to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” Handling: Guidelines for inserting, removing, and storing “Memory Stick PRO Duo” cards to prevent data loss or malfunction.
LCD Screen Care: Recommendations for cleaning the LCD screen with a soft cloth.
Touch Panel Calibration: A calibration function ([CALIBRATION]) is available to ensure correct touch panel operation.
Lens Care: Instructions for cleaning the lens surface and storing the camcorder in a dust-free, well-ventilated area.
Viewfinder Cleaning: Steps to remove dust from inside the viewfinder.
Moisture Condensation Prevention: Advice on how to prevent and handle moisture condensation when moving the camcorder between environments with different temperatures or in humid conditions.
General Care: Avoid exposing the camcorder to extreme temperatures, strong magnetic fields, mechanical vibration, sand, dust, or liquids. Do not disassemble or modify the product.
Image Database File Repair: A function ([REPAIR IMG.DB F.]) is available to check and repair inconsistencies in the image database file on internal memory or “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”
Preventing Data Recovery (DCR-DVD810): The [ EMPTY] function allows writing unintelligible data to the internal memory to make original data recovery more difficult before disposing of or transferring the camcorder.