2-514-606-11(1) Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. HVR-Z1U/Z1N HVR-Z1U/Z1N © 2005 Sony Corporation Read this first For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA WARNING HVR-Z1U only RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. 2 For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-686SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HVR-Z1U Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 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.HVRSerial No. Model No.ACSerial No. CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. b Note: • This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. – Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that into which the receiver is connected. – Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The interface cable supplied must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Notes on use Your camcorder is capable of recording in HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats. When recording in HDV/DV format, it is recommended to use mini DV cassettes. When recording in DVCAM format, it is recommended to use mini DVCAM cassettes. The HDV standards • Digital high-definition (HD) video signals are recorded and played back on a DV format cassette. • HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 format, which is adopted in BS (broadcast satellite) digital and terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings and in Blu-ray disc recorders. z Tip • Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i specification, which utilizes 1080 effective scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and records pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps. The i.LINK Interface is adopted as the digital interface enabling a digital connection with TVs and personal computers compatible with the HDV format. Recording • Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems. • Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on the country/ region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV. • Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws. The LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens • The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/ or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way. • Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause ,continued 3 malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. • Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk. • Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts. Playing back HDV tapes on other devices A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot be played back on a device that is not compatible with the HDV format. Check the contents of tapes by playing them back on this camcorder prior to playing them back on other devices. Viewfinder Connecting other devices LCD panel Before connecting your camcorder to other device such as a VCR or a computer with an i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. Using this manual • The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used on this manual are captured using a digital still camera, and thus may appear different from what you see. • The illustrations of the screen are those of when [50i/ 60i SEL] on the (OTHERS) menu is set to 60i. Battery pack Microphone Using the camcorder • To ensure a good grip, fasten the grip belt as shown in the following illustration. Jack holder • You can change the language to be used for screen display on your camcorder (p. 19). 4 Table of Contents Read this first . 2 Quick Start Guide Recording movies . 8 Getting started Step 1: Checking supplied items. 10 Step 2: Charging the battery pack. 11 Using an outside power source . 13 Step 3: Turning the power on. 14 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder. 15 Adjusting the LCD panel . 15 Adjusting the viewfinder . 15 Step 5: Setting the date and time. 16 Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape. 18 Step 7: Setting the screen language . 19 Recording Recording movies . 20 Usable cassettes . 22 Using zoom . 22 Recording in mirror mode . 24 Displaying the recording setup information – Status check . 24 Adjusting the exposure. 25 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects . 25 Recording the subject lit by strong light – SPOTLIGHT . 26 Adjusting the white balance . 26 Recording using manual adjustments . 28 Adjusting the iris . 28 Adjusting the gain . 29 Adjusting the shutter speed . 30 Adjusting the volume of light – ND FILTER . 30 Displaying the zebra pattern to adjust the brightness . 31 Adjusting the focus. 32 Adjusting the focus manually . 32 Enhancing the outline to focus – PEAKING.