Operating Instructions
Page 1
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. DCR-TRV17 DCR-TRV15/TRV17 ©2001 Sony Corporation Record the serial number in the space provided below. Model No. Serial No. 3-067-425-11 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this product. Serial No. AC- Owner's Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. DCR-TRV Model No.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. DCR-TRV17 DCR-TRV15/TRV17 ©2001 Sony Corporation Record the serial number in the space provided below. Model No. Serial No. 3-067-425-11 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this product. Serial No. AC- Owner's Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. DCR-TRV Model No.
Operating Instructions
Page 9
... N to rewind the tape. The picture appears on the LCD screen (p. 31) 1 Set the POWER switch to record the date and time for a picture, set to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. If you purchase your eye against its eyecup. Monitoring the playback picture on the... screen. POWER VCR OFF(CHG) CAMERA MEMORY 2 Press m to start playback. Your camcorder starts recording. When you want to VCR while pressing the small green button. Quick Start Guide Recording a picture (p. 21) 1 Remove the lens cap. 2 Set the POWER...
... N to rewind the tape. The picture appears on the LCD screen (p. 31) 1 Set the POWER switch to record the date and time for a picture, set to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. If you purchase your eye against its eyecup. Monitoring the playback picture on the... screen. POWER VCR OFF(CHG) CAMERA MEMORY 2 Press m to start playback. Your camcorder starts recording. When you want to VCR while pressing the small green button. Quick Start Guide Recording a picture (p. 21) 1 Remove the lens cap. 2 Set the POWER...
Operating Instructions
Page 10
...switch) (USB) jack Intelligent accessory shoe TRV15 - - 8 pin TRV17 z z 15 pin*2) z Provided - The functions which require different operations depending on the POWER switch is being carried out. - The DCR-TRV17 is indicated in capital letters. ...functions you can operate only with cassette memory . Getting started - Any differences in operation are for example, "DCR-TRV17 only". You see page 158. As you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the ... Cassette Memory Your camcorder is designed to CAMERA. Tapes with cassette memory.
...switch) (USB) jack Intelligent accessory shoe TRV15 - - 8 pin TRV17 z z 15 pin*2) z Provided - The functions which require different operations depending on the POWER switch is being carried out. - The DCR-TRV17 is indicated in capital letters. ...functions you can operate only with cassette memory . Getting started - Any differences in operation are for example, "DCR-TRV17 only". You see page 158. As you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the ... Cassette Memory Your camcorder is designed to CAMERA. Tapes with cassette memory.
Operating Instructions
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... or the lens to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F), such as dusk [d]. [a] [b] [c] [d] 11 Copyright precautions Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Precautions on camcorder care Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only) •The LCD screen and... red, blue or green in the sun or under direct sunlight [b]. •Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Doing so might cause your recordings on TV color systems TV color systems differ from rain and sea water. Letting your camcorder get wet....
... or the lens to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F), such as dusk [d]. [a] [b] [c] [d] 11 Copyright precautions Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Precautions on camcorder care Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only) •The LCD screen and... red, blue or green in the sun or under direct sunlight [b]. •Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Doing so might cause your recordings on TV color systems TV color systems differ from rain and sea water. Letting your camcorder get wet....
Operating Instructions
Page 13
... the DC IN jack on the display window. When the remaining battery indicator changes to use the battery longer than usual. 2 1 4 POWER VCR OFF(CHG) CAMERA MEMORY The number in the display window.
... the DC IN jack on the display window. When the remaining battery indicator changes to use the battery longer than usual. 2 1 4 POWER VCR OFF(CHG) CAMERA MEMORY The number in the display window.
Operating Instructions
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... 2 Setting the date and time Set the date and time settings when you set the date and time settings. First, set the POWER switch to CAMERA/ MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) unless you use your camcorder will be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery in your camcorder for the... displayed each time that you set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute. (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only), and then press MENU to display the menu settings. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial. (3) Turn...
... 2 Setting the date and time Set the date and time settings when you set the date and time settings. First, set the POWER switch to CAMERA/ MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) unless you use your camcorder will be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery in your camcorder for the... displayed each time that you set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute. (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only), and then press MENU to display the menu settings. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial. (3) Turn...
Operating Instructions
Page 21
...(p. 12 to p. 20). (3) Set the POWER switch to the standby mode. (4) To open the LCD panel, press OPEN. The camera recording lamp located on its sides and attatch the lens cap to the grip strap. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. In... mode. Basics - Your camcorder starts recording. The viewfinder automatically turns off. (5) Press START/STOP. When you can record 1.5 times as long as in the menu settings. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. 1 3 LOCK Switch POWER VCR OFF(CHG) CAMERA MEMORY 4 Camera recording lamp Microphone 5 2 40min REC 0:00...
...(p. 12 to p. 20). (3) Set the POWER switch to the standby mode. (4) To open the LCD panel, press OPEN. The camera recording lamp located on its sides and attatch the lens cap to the grip strap. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. In... mode. Basics - Your camcorder starts recording. The viewfinder automatically turns off. (5) Press START/STOP. When you can record 1.5 times as long as in the menu settings. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. 1 3 LOCK Switch POWER VCR OFF(CHG) CAMERA MEMORY 4 Camera recording lamp Microphone 5 2 40min REC 0:00...
Operating Instructions
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...; When closing the LCD panel, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), and to the lens side. To display the recording date and time, press DATA CODE on the LOCK switch (DCR-TRV17 only) When you slide the LOCK switch to the right, the POWER switch can make the transition smooth even... the LCD screen The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to CAMERA again. This is inserted Your camcorder automatically turns off. If you record some scenes in the LP mode The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be set...
...; When closing the LCD panel, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), and to the lens side. To display the recording date and time, press DATA CODE on the LOCK switch (DCR-TRV17 only) When you slide the LOCK switch to the right, the POWER switch can make the transition smooth even... the LCD screen The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to CAMERA again. This is inserted Your camcorder automatically turns off. If you record some scenes in the LP mode The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be set...
Operating Instructions
Page 26
... which you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects The backlight function will be displayed. In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, press BACK LIGHT. Recording a picture Remaining battery time indicator The remaining battery time indicator roughly indicates the recording time. You cannot rewrite only the time code. indicator appears on the Remote Commander...
... which you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects The backlight function will be displayed. In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, press BACK LIGHT. Recording a picture Remaining battery time indicator The remaining battery time indicator roughly indicates the recording time. You cannot rewrite only the time code. indicator appears on the Remote Commander...
Operating Instructions
Page 27
In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in the menu settings (p. 97). and "NIGHTSHOT" indicators flash on the screen. LIGHT to ON. For example, you can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when you to ON. The indicator and "...Using Super NightShot The Super NightShot mode makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode. (1) In CAMERA mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to shoot a subject in normal recording, the picture may cause your camcorder to malfunction. •When you cannot use this...
In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in the menu settings (p. 97). and "NIGHTSHOT" indicators flash on the screen. LIGHT to ON. For example, you can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when you to ON. The indicator and "...Using Super NightShot The Super NightShot mode makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode. (1) In CAMERA mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to shoot a subject in normal recording, the picture may cause your camcorder to malfunction. •When you cannot use this...
Operating Instructions
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... infrared and so are invisible. Self-timer starts counting down . S . You can also use the following functions: - To stop recording, press START/STOP again. 6 START/STOP START/STOP 1,5 MENU 3 CAMERA SET SE L F T I MER OF F D ZOOM ON 1 6 : 9W I NT . Exposure - REC RETURN [ ...self-timer starts in MEMORY mode (DCR-TRV17 only) You cannot use the Super NightShot function. White balance While in 10 seconds automatically. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. Digital effect - L I GHT FRAME ...
... infrared and so are invisible. Self-timer starts counting down . S . You can also use the following functions: - To stop recording, press START/STOP again. 6 START/STOP START/STOP 1,5 MENU 3 CAMERA SET SE L F T I MER OF F D ZOOM ON 1 6 : 9W I NT . Exposure - REC RETURN [ ...self-timer starts in MEMORY mode (DCR-TRV17 only) You cannot use the Super NightShot function. White balance While in 10 seconds automatically. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. Digital effect - L I GHT FRAME ...
Operating Instructions
Page 31
...The speaker on VOLUME. If you close the LCD panel Make sure that the LCD panel is closed. 6 VOLUME 4 REW 5 PLAY 2 VCR POWER OFF(CHG) CAMERA 3 MEMORY 1 To stop playback Press x. You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to start playback. (6) To adjust the volume, press either... of the two buttons on your camcorder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button. (3) To open or close the LCD panel, you open the LCD ...
...The speaker on VOLUME. If you close the LCD panel Make sure that the LCD panel is closed. 6 VOLUME 4 REW 5 PLAY 2 VCR POWER OFF(CHG) CAMERA 3 MEMORY 1 To stop playback Press x. You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to start playback. (6) To adjust the volume, press either... of the two buttons on your camcorder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button. (3) To open or close the LCD panel, you open the LCD ...
Operating Instructions
Page 38
...mode. The still picture on "Memory Stick"s. (DCR-TRV17 only) 38 To use - while the fader function is recorded for about 765 pictures in the SP mode and ...useful when you record on the screen is set or in use the tape photo recording function using a video printer (optional). To change the mode or setting. • When recording a still picture... then recorded for about seven seconds. Advanced Recording Operations - The sound during normal CAMERA recording Press PHOTO deeper. Your camcorder records a picture on a 60-minute tape. Tape Photo recording You can record about 510...
...mode. The still picture on "Memory Stick"s. (DCR-TRV17 only) 38 To use - while the fader function is recorded for about 765 pictures in the SP mode and ...useful when you record on the screen is set or in use the tape photo recording function using a video printer (optional). To change the mode or setting. • When recording a still picture... then recorded for about seven seconds. Advanced Recording Operations - The sound during normal CAMERA recording Press PHOTO deeper. Your camcorder records a picture on a 60-minute tape. Tape Photo recording You can record about 510...
Operating Instructions
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... down from 10 with the self-timer. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. Self-timer recording is automatically cancelled when: - PHOTO 6 PHOTO 1,5 MENU 3 CAMERA SET SE L F T I MER OF F D ZOOM ON 1 6 : 9W I NT . L I GHT FRAME REC I DE S T E ADY SHOT N . S . Note The self-timer...
... down from 10 with the self-timer. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. Self-timer recording is automatically cancelled when: - PHOTO 6 PHOTO 1,5 MENU 3 CAMERA SET SE L F T I MER OF F D ZOOM ON 1 6 : 9W I NT . L I GHT FRAME REC I DE S T E ADY SHOT N . S . Note The self-timer...
Operating Instructions
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If the picture is automatically adjusted. (1) In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, select WHT BAL in in the menu settings (p.... changes quickly •Too bright place such as photography studios •Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps (OUTDOOR) : •Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after a few seconds when: •You change the PROGRAM AE mode. •You bring your...•You bring your camcorder to AUTO in a studio lit by TV lighting We recommend that you record under fluorescent lighting Use the automatic white balance or hold white balance mode Set the white balance to...
If the picture is automatically adjusted. (1) In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, select WHT BAL in in the menu settings (p.... changes quickly •Too bright place such as photography studios •Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps (OUTDOOR) : •Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after a few seconds when: •You change the PROGRAM AE mode. •You bring your...•You bring your camcorder to AUTO in a studio lit by TV lighting We recommend that you record under fluorescent lighting Use the automatic white balance or hold white balance mode Set the white balance to...
Operating Instructions
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... OFF P EFFECT NEG. SLIM [c] : The picture expands vertically. MOSAIC [f] : The picture gets mosaic-patterned. [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] (1) In CAMERA mode, select P EFFECT in in the menu settings. (p. 97). (2) Select the desired picture effect mode in monochrome (black-and-white). BOUNCE When you ... Set P EFFECT to the normal mode. 45 NEG. SEPIA : The picture gets sepia. Advanced Recording Operations Using special effects - Picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like an illustration. ART [a] : The color and brightness of the...
... OFF P EFFECT NEG. SLIM [c] : The picture expands vertically. MOSAIC [f] : The picture gets mosaic-patterned. [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] (1) In CAMERA mode, select P EFFECT in in the menu settings. (p. 97). (2) Select the desired picture effect mode in monochrome (black-and-white). BOUNCE When you ... Set P EFFECT to the normal mode. 45 NEG. SEPIA : The picture gets sepia. Advanced Recording Operations Using special effects - Picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like an illustration. ART [a] : The color and brightness of the...
Operating Instructions
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Digital effect (1) In CAMERA mode, select D EFFECT in in the menu settings (p. 97). (2) Select the desired digital effect mode in the following modes: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. The...are on the moving picture TRAIL The time until the incidental image vanishes SLOW SHTR Shutter speed. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 3 [ MENU ] : END To cancel the digital effect function Set D EFFECT to adjust the effect, then press the dial. TRA I L S LOW SHT R O L D MOV I E ..., the slower the shutter speed. Advanced Recording Operations Using special effects - MANUA L SET D EFFECT OFF ST I LL F L ASH L UM I .
Digital effect (1) In CAMERA mode, select D EFFECT in in the menu settings (p. 97). (2) Select the desired digital effect mode in the following modes: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. The...are on the moving picture TRAIL The time until the incidental image vanishes SLOW SHTR Shutter speed. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 3 [ MENU ] : END To cancel the digital effect function Set D EFFECT to adjust the effect, then press the dial. TRA I L S LOW SHT R O L D MOV I E ..., the slower the shutter speed. Advanced Recording Operations Using special effects - MANUA L SET D EFFECT OFF ST I LL F L ASH L UM I .
Operating Instructions
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...following functions do not work in the PROGRAM AE mode: - OLD MOVIE - Digital effect - Overlap - Slow shutter - Wipe - Low lux - Even if...; While shooting in the following modes: - Dot • While setting the NIGHTSHOT to focus only on distant subjects in MEMORY mode (DCR-TRV17 only), the following mode: - MENU 2-4 MANUA L SET PROGRAM AE AUTO P EF FECT SPOT L I GHT D EF FECT... [ MENU ] : END To turn the PROGRAM AE function off Set PROGRAM AE to AUTO in CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial (p....
...following functions do not work in the PROGRAM AE mode: - OLD MOVIE - Digital effect - Overlap - Slow shutter - Wipe - Low lux - Even if...; While shooting in the following modes: - Dot • While setting the NIGHTSHOT to focus only on distant subjects in MEMORY mode (DCR-TRV17 only), the following mode: - MENU 2-4 MANUA L SET PROGRAM AE AUTO P EF FECT SPOT L I GHT D EF FECT... [ MENU ] : END To turn the PROGRAM AE function off Set PROGRAM AE to AUTO in CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial (p....
Operating Instructions
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... exposure manually, the backlight function does not work. If you slide NIGHTSHOT to the automatic exposure mode Press EXPOSURE again. night scenes) faithfully (1) In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, press EXPOSURE. Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode: - Note When you change the PROGRAM AE mode. - Bright subject...
... exposure manually, the backlight function does not work. If you slide NIGHTSHOT to the automatic exposure mode Press EXPOSURE again. night scenes) faithfully (1) In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, press EXPOSURE. Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode: - Note When you change the PROGRAM AE mode. - Bright subject...
Operating Instructions
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...is not effective when shooting - subjects through glass coated with backgrounds such as follows: when recording a distant subject. subjects with little contrast with water droplets - To record distant subjects When you release FOCUS, your camcorder focuses on near objects even though you want... mode is easier to shoot a distant object. Use this mode when your camcorder returns to turn off the indicator. Advanced Recording Operations Focusing manually You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the background •Shooting a stationary subject when using...
...is not effective when shooting - subjects through glass coated with backgrounds such as follows: when recording a distant subject. subjects with little contrast with water droplets - To record distant subjects When you release FOCUS, your camcorder focuses on near objects even though you want... mode is easier to shoot a distant object. Use this mode when your camcorder returns to turn off the indicator. Advanced Recording Operations Focusing manually You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the background •Shooting a stationary subject when using...