EasyManua.ls Logo

Sony Handycam DCR-PC9 User Manual

Sony Handycam DCR-PC9
192 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
3-068-331-11 (1)
©2001 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-PC9
Digital
Video Camera
Recorder
Model No. DCR-PC9 Model No. AC-
Serial No. Serial No.
SERIES
TM

Table of Contents

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Sony Handycam DCR-PC9 and is the answer not in the manual?

Sony Handycam DCR-PC9 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeDigital Camcorder
Recording MediaMiniDV
Optical Zoom10x
Digital Zoom120x
SensorCCD
ViewfinderColor
MicrophoneStereo
Image Sensor1/4 inch CCD
LCD Screen2.5 inches
InterfaceUSB, FireWire
Effective Pixels680, 000

Summary

Operating Instructions

Owner's Record

Section to record camcorder model and serial numbers for dealer reference.

Safety and Compliance

Warnings and Precautions

Important safety instructions to prevent fire, shock, and damage from heat or moisture.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity and FCC compliance statements for the device.

Canadian Compliance Notes

Specific safety and compliance notes for Canada, including plug and voltage information.

Main Features

Recording and Playback Capabilities

Overview of recording/playing moving/still images on tape and Memory Stick.

Image Capture and Editing

Features for capturing images to computer and basic editing functions.

Advanced Recording Functions

Functions for exposure, effects, focus, and special recording modes.

Post-Recording Functions

Features for searching, data codes, photo scans, and tape zoom after recording.

Checking Supplied Accessories

Included Accessories List

List and page references for all accessories supplied with the camcorder.

Getting Started

Using This Manual

Guidance on how to read the manual, button conventions, and notes on cassette memory.

Step 1: Preparing Power Supply

Instructions for installing and charging the battery pack and connecting to a power source.

Step 2: Setting Date and Time

Procedure for setting the camcorder's internal clock and date settings.

Step 3: Inserting a Cassette

Instructions on how to properly insert and eject a video cassette.

Step 4: Using the Touch Panel

Guide to operating camcorder functions using the LCD touch panel interface.

Quick Start Guide

Connecting the Power Cord

Steps to connect the AC power adapter or use the battery pack for power.

Inserting a Cassette

Visual guide for loading and closing the video cassette compartment.

Recording a Picture

Basic steps to start recording video, including lens cap removal and power settings.

Monitoring Playback on LCD

How to view recorded footage on the camcorder's LCD screen.

Camcorder Care Precautions

LCD Screen and Finder Care

Guidelines for handling the LCD screen and viewfinder, including pixel behavior and sunlight exposure.

Preparing the Power Supply

Installing the Battery Pack

Detailed steps for inserting and removing the battery pack from the camcorder.

Charging the Battery Pack

Instructions for connecting the AC adapter and charging the battery pack.

Connecting to a Wall Outlet

How to power the camcorder directly from an AC outlet using the adapter.

Setting the Date and Time

Date and Time Setup Procedure

Step-by-step guide to configure the camcorder's internal clock and date settings.

Inserting a Cassette

Cassette Insertion and Ejection

Instructions for loading, ejecting, and preventing accidental erasure of cassettes.

Using the Touch Panel

Touch Panel Operation Guide

How to navigate and operate camcorder functions using the LCD touch screen buttons.

Recording – Basics

Recording a Picture

Fundamental steps for capturing video, including power, cassette, and recording start/stop.

Adjusting the LCD Screen

How to adjust the angle and position of the LCD panel for optimal viewing.

Shooting with Mirror Mode

Using the LCD screen to view oneself while recording, often for self-shooting.

Adjusting the Viewfinder

Guide to adjusting the viewfinder's focus and brightness for clear viewing.

Using the Zoom Feature

How to operate the optical and digital zoom functions for framing shots.

Indicators Displayed in Recording Mode

Explanation of various icons and indicators shown on the screen during recording.

Shooting Backlit Subjects

Using the BACK LIGHT function to improve exposure for subjects against bright backgrounds.

Shooting in the Dark

Instructions for using NightShot and Super NightShot modes for low-light recording.

Self-Timer Recording

How to use the self-timer for delayed recording, allowing the user to be in the shot.

Checking the Recording

END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review

Functions to quickly check recorded footage or find recording start points.

Playback – Basics

Playing Back a Tape

Steps to play recorded footage from a cassette, including controls and volume adjustment.

Displaying Screen Indicators

How to toggle screen indicators like data code, time, and settings on/off.

Using the Data Code Function

Accessing recorded date, time, and various settings information from the tape.

Various Playback Modes

Using different playback controls like pause, fast forward, rewind, slow speed, and frame-by-frame.

Viewing the Recording on TV

Connecting to a TV

Guide to connecting the camcorder to a TV using A/V or S-video cables for playback.

Advanced Recording Operations

Recording a Still Image on Tape

How to capture individual still frames from video onto the tape.

Using the Wide Mode

Recording in 16:9 aspect ratio for widescreen viewing and TV compatibility.

Using the Fader Function

Applying visual transitions like fade-in/fade-out, wipes, and mosaics to recordings.

Using Special Effects – Picture Effect

Applying digital image filters like Sepia, B&W, Solarize, and Mosaic to footage.

Using Special Effects – Digital Effect

Adding effects like STILL, FLASH MOTION, LUMI., TRAIL, SLOW SHUTTER, and OLD MOVIE.

Using the PROGRAM AE Function

Selecting automatic exposure modes (Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, etc.) for different shooting scenarios.

Adjusting White Balance Manually

Setting manual white balance for indoor, outdoor, or specific lighting conditions.

Adjusting Exposure Manually

Steps to manually adjust exposure for backlit subjects, bright/dark scenes, or night shots.

Flexible Spot Meter

Measuring exposure for a specific point on the screen to fix its brightness.

Focusing Manually

Guide to manually adjusting focus for challenging subjects or precise control.

Interval Recording

Configuring the camcorder for automatic sequential recording and standby for time-lapse.

Cut Recording

Instructions for creating stop-motion effects using cut recording.

Using the Viewfinder

How to use the viewfinder for camera control and touch panel operations.

Advanced Playback Operations

Playing Back with Picture Effects

Applying picture effects during playback for enhanced viewing.

Playing Back with Digital Effects

Applying digital effects like STILL, FLASH, LUMI., and TRAIL during playback.

Tape PB ZOOM

How to zoom in on specific areas of recorded footage during playback.

Zero Set Memory Function

Using the remote to mark and return to a specific tape counter position.

Title Search

Locating recorded scenes using titles stored on cassette memory.

Date Search

Finding footage based on the date it was recorded, using cassette memory.

Photo Search / Photo Scan

Locating and scanning still images recorded on tape.

Editing

Dubbing a Tape

Instructions for copying footage from the camcorder to a VCR using A/V or S-Video cables.

Dubbing a Tape via i.LINK

Copying footage digitally using an i.LINK (DV) cable for high-quality editing.

Digital Program Editing

Creating programmed edits by selecting scenes and dubbing them to tape.

Signal Convert Function

Converting analog video signals from external units to digital format via the camcorder.

Recording Video or TV Programs

Instructions for recording video from VCRs or TV programs onto the camcorder tape.

Insert Editing

Adding new scenes from a VCR into existing recordings using insert editing.

Audio Dubbing

Adding external audio via microphone or A/V jack to recorded tapes.

Superimposing a Title

Superimposing preset or custom text titles onto video recordings.

Making Your Own Titles

Steps to create and store custom text titles for video recordings.

Labeling a Cassette

Adding text labels to cassettes stored in memory for identification.

Deleting Cassette Memory Data

Procedure to delete all data, including titles and labels, from cassette memory.

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing Menu Settings

Guide to navigating and modifying camcorder settings via the menu system.

Selecting Mode Settings

Explanation of various menu items and their modes based on the power switch position.

Menu Item Configurations

Details on settings for FRAME REC, INT. REC, EDITSEARCH, HiFi SOUND, AUDIO MIX, A/V t DV OUT, LCD B.L., LCD COLOR, VF B.L.

STILL SET and MOVIE SET Options

Configuration options for still image quality and moving picture sizes.

Memory Stick Operations Menu

Options for SLIDE SHOW, DELETE ALL, FORMAT, PHOTO SAVE, TITLEERASE, TITLE DSPL, CM SEARCH, TAPE TITLE, ERASE ALL.

REC MODE and AUDIO MODE Settings

Adjusting recording modes (SP/LP) and audio modes (12-bit/16-bit).

“Memory Stick” Operations

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Overview of Memory Stick file formats, naming conventions, and basic usage.

Inserting and Ejecting Memory Stick

Procedures for physically inserting and removing the Memory Stick from the camcorder.

Using the Touch Panel with Memory Stick

Operating Memory Stick functions via the camcorder's touch panel interface.

Selecting Still Image Quality Mode

Choosing between FINE and STANDARD quality for still images, affecting compression.

Selecting Moving Picture Size

Choosing between 320x240 and 160x112 resolutions for moving pictures.

Image Size Settings Table

Details on image sizes, meanings, indicators, and recording times for Memory Stick.

Recording Still Images on Memory Stick

Capturing still images directly onto the Memory Stick.

Continuous Still Image Recording

Recording multiple still images in sequence using the multi-screen mode.

Self-Timer Memory Photo Recording

Using the self-timer to capture still images on the Memory Stick.

Recording Image from Tape as Still Image

Saving moving images from tape as individual still images onto a Memory Stick.

Recording Moving Pictures on Memory Stick

Recording video clips directly onto the Memory Stick in MPEG format.

Recording Picture from Tape as Moving Picture

Saving moving images from tape as video clips onto a Memory Stick.

Superimposing Still Image on Moving Picture

Combining still images with moving pictures using chromakey or overlap effects.

Recording Superimposed Image to Tape

Creating and recording combined video and still images onto tape.

Recording Superimposed Image to Memory Stick

Saving combined video and still images onto a Memory Stick as a still image.

Copying Still Images from Tape

Automatically copying selected still images from tape to Memory Stick.

Viewing a Still Image

Playing back still images stored on the Memory Stick.

Playing Back 6 Recorded Images at a Time

Viewing multiple images simultaneously in an index format for quick searching.

Viewing a Moving Picture

Playing back video clips stored on the Memory Stick.

Viewing Images Using Your Computer

System requirements for Windows and Macintosh computers to view camcorder files.

Installing the USB Driver

Guide to installing the necessary USB driver for computer connectivity.

Troubleshooting USB Connection

Procedures to fix issues with incorrect USB driver registration or installation.

Viewing Images on Windows

Steps to access and view image files on a Windows computer via USB connection.

Enlarging Still Images on Memory Stick

Zooming in on still images stored on the Memory Stick for closer viewing.

Playing Back Images in Continuous Loop

Automatically playing back images in a sequence, useful for presentations.

Preventing Accidental Erasure

Protecting selected images from accidental deletion or formatting.

Deleting Images

Process for removing specific images from the Memory Stick.

Deleting Selected Images on Index Screen

Deleting images directly from the index screen view.

Deleting All Images

Removing all unprotected images from the Memory Stick at once.

Writing a Print Mark

Marking still images for printing according to DPOF standards.

Troubleshooting

Types of Trouble and Solutions

A comprehensive guide to diagnosing and resolving common issues encountered with the camcorder.

Recording/Playback Mode Issues

Troubleshooting common problems related to power, tape, battery, and cassette handling during recording/playback.

Memory Stick Operation Issues

Solutions for problems encountered when using the Memory Stick, including function, recording, deletion, and playback errors.

Other Troubleshooting Issues

Addressing issues with title recording, cassette labeling, digital editing, remote commander, and TV output.

Power and Connection Issues

Troubleshooting problems related to power, charging, touch panel, indicators, and USB data transfer.

Self-Diagnosis Display

Interpreting Self-Diagnosis Codes

Understanding the 5-digit error codes displayed by the camcorder for self-diagnosis.

Warning Indicators and Messages

File and Memory Stick Warnings

Explanations for warning indicators related to file errors, Memory Stick status, and formatting.

Tape and Battery Warnings

Meanings of indicators for tape status, battery level, moisture, and flash errors.

Warning Messages Reference

List of warning messages and their corresponding causes and recommended actions.

Additional Information

Usable Cassettes

Information on compatible cassette types, including mini DV and cassette memory features.

Copyright Signal

Notes on recording and playing back tapes with copyright protection signals.

Audio Modes and Cassette Notes

Details on audio modes, dual sound track playback, and mini DV cassette handling.

About the "InfoLITHIUM" Battery Pack

Information on InfoLITHIUM battery technology, charging, effective use, and storage.

About i.LINK

Explanation of the i.LINK interface for digital video data transfer and baud rates.

Using Your Camcorder Abroad

Information on NTSC, PAL, and SECAM TV systems and camcorder compatibility.

Setting Clock by Time Difference

How to adjust the camcorder's clock for different time zones.

Moisture Condensation

How to prevent and handle moisture condensation issues inside the camcorder.

Cleaning Procedures

Instructions for cleaning the video heads, LCD screen, and viewfinder.

Charging Built-in Battery & LCD Calibration

Maintaining the internal battery and calibrating the touch panel for optimal performance.

General Camcorder Precautions

Safety guidelines for camcorder operation, handling tapes, and general care.

AC Power Adaptor Precautions

Safety and maintenance guidelines for the AC power adapter.

Lens Care and Battery Notes

Instructions for cleaning the lens, battery pack handling, and notes on dry batteries.

Specifications

Video Camera Recorder Specifications

Technical details of the camcorder's system, inputs/outputs, lens, and general features.

AC Power Adaptor Specifications

Technical details of the AC power adapter, including power requirements and dimensions.

Battery Pack Specifications

Technical details for the NP-FM30 battery pack, including voltage, capacity, and temperature range.

Memory Stick Specifications

Technical details for the Memory Stick, including memory type, voltage, and dimensions.

Quick Reference

Identifying Camcorder Parts and Controls

Labeled diagram identifying major camcorder components and their functions.

Camcorder Jacks and Buttons

Identification of various ports (MIC, A/V, LANC, S VIDEO) and controls (FOCUS).

Holding Grip Usage

Proper way to hold the camcorder using the attached grip strap.

Camcorder Features and Ports

Identification of lens, viewfinder, lights, and connection ports (DV, USB, DC IN).

Carl Zeiss Lens Information

Details about the camcorder's lens quality and MTF measurement system.

Camcorder Controls and Indicators

Identification of switches, buttons, speaker, and grip strap on the camcorder.

Memory Stick Slot and Viewfinder Adjustments

Location of Memory Stick slot, viewfinder adjustment, cassette lid, and tripod mount.

Remote Commander Identification

Labeled diagram of the remote control and explanation of button functions.

Operation Indicators

Comprehensive list and explanation of all operational indicators displayed on the LCD and viewfinder.

Related product manuals