Sony DCR-VX2000 User Manual Page 1

3-060-791-11 (1)DigitalVideo CameraRecorderOperating InstructionsBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,and retain it for futur

10Step 1 Preparing the power supplyCharging the battery packUse the battery pack after charging it.Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM

100Superimposing a titleErasing a title(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR or CAMERA.(2) Press MENU to display the menu.(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to

Editing101Making your own titlesYou can make up to two titles and store them in cassette memory. Each title canhave up to 20 characters.(1) Press TITL

102Making your own titlesTo change a title you have storedIn step 3, select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET, depending on which title you wantto change, th

Editing103Labeling a cassetteIf you use a tape with cassette memory, you can label a cassette. The label canconsist of up to 10 characters and is stor

104Labeling a cassetteTo change the label you have madeInsert the cassette to change the label, and operate in the same way as you do to make anew lab

Editing105Erasing the cassette memory dataYou can erase data stored in cassette memory, each item’s data can be erased separately.You can also erase a

106Erasing the cassette memory dataErasing all the data in cassette memory(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR or CAMERA.(2) Press MENU to display the menu

107Customizing Your Camcorder— Customizing Your Camcorder —Changing the menu settingsTo change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu

108Changing the menu settingsTo make the menu display disappearPress MENU.Menu items are displayed as the following icons: MANUAL SET CAMERA SET VCR S

109Customizing Your CamcorderChanging the menu settingsIcon/itemFRAME RECINT. RECHiFi SOUNDAUDIO MIXA/VtDV OUTLCD B. L.LCD COLORVF B.L.GUIDEFRAMEModez

11Getting startedStep 1 Preparing the power supplyUntil your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time“- - - - min” appears in the displ

110Changing the menu settingsIcon/itemCONTINUOUSQUALITYPRINT MARKPROTECTSLIDE SHOWDELETE ALLFORMATPHOTO SAVEModez OFFONMULTI SCRNz SUPER FINE(SFN)FINE

111Customizing Your CamcorderChanging the menu settingsIcon/itemCM SEARCHTAPE TITLETITLE DSPLTITLEERASEITEM ERASEERASE ALLREC MODEAUDIO MODEModez ONOF

112Changing the menu settingsIcon/itemqREMAINDATA CODEMIC LEVELCLOCK SETLTR SIZEDEMO MODEWORLD TIMEModez AUTOONz DATE/CAMDATEz AUTOMANUAL—z NORMAL2×z

113Customizing Your CamcorderChanging the menu settingsIcon/itemBEEPCOMMANDERDISPLAYREC LAMPCOLOR BARVIDEO EDITEDIT SETModez MELODYNORMALOFFz ONOFFz L

114Resetting the date and timeThe default clock setting is set to Tokyo time for the models sold in Japan, and NewYork time for other models.If you do

115“Memory Stick” Operations— “Memory Stick” Operations —Using a “Memory Stick” – introductionYou can record and play back still images on the “Memory

116Using a “Memory Stick” – introductionNotes on image data compatibility•Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick” by your camcorder conform to t

117“Memory Stick” OperationsUsing a “Memory Stick” – introductionInserting a “Memory Stick”Insert the “Memory Stick” with the Sony logo pointing towar

118Using a “Memory Stick” – introductionSelecting the image quality modeYou can select the image quality mode in still picture recording. The default

119“Memory Stick” OperationsUsing a “Memory Stick” – introductionDifferences in image quality modeRecorded images are compressed in JPEG format before

12Playing timeBattery pack Playing time Playing timeon LCD screen with LCD closedNP-F330 (supplied) 90 (80) 110 (95)NP-F530 150 (135) 190 (165)NP-F550

120Recording still images on a “MemoryStick” – Memory Photo recordingYou can record still images on a “Memory Stick.”Before operationInsert a “Memory

121“Memory Stick” OperationsRecording still images on a “Memory Stick” – Memory PhotorecordingWhile you are recording a still imageYou can neither tur

122Recording still images on a “Memory Stick” – Memory Photorecording(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK switch is set tothe r

123“Memory Stick” Operations13PHOTO2MEMORYCAMERAVCROFF(CHG)POWERRecording still images on a “Memory Stick” – Memory PhotorecordingNote on using a vide

124Superimposing a still image in a “MemoryStick” on a moving picture – MEMORY MIXYou can superimpose a still image you have recorded on a “Memory Sti

125“Memory Stick” OperationsBefore operationInsert a recorded “Memory Stick” and a mini DV tape to be recorded into yourcamcorder.(1) Set the POWER sw

126Superimposing a still image in a “Memory Stick” on a movingpicture – MEMORY MIXItems to be adjustedM. CHROM The color (blue) scheme of the area in

127“Memory Stick” OperationsRecording an image from a mini DV tapeas a still imageYour camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a mini DV ta

128Recording an image from a mini DV tape as a still imageTitles that are already recorded on mini DV tapesYou cannot record the titles on a “Memory S

129“Memory Stick” OperationsS VIDEO LANCDVRecording an image from a mini DV tape as a still imageWhen recording the image through the DV IN/OUT jack

13Getting startedStep 1 Preparing the power supplyConnecting to a wall outletWhen you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power

130Copying still images from a mini DV tape– Photo saveUsing the search function, you can automatically take in only still images from mini DVtapes an

131“Memory Stick” OperationsCopying still images from a mini DV tape – Photo saveTo cancel copyingPress MENU.When the memory of the “Memory Stick” is

132Viewing a still picture – Memory PhotoplaybackYou can play back still images recorded on a “Memory Stick.” You can also play backsix images at a ti

133“Memory Stick” OperationsViewing a still picture – Memory Photo playbackScreen indicators during still image playbackOn data file name•When the hyp

134Viewing a still picture – Memory Photo playbackA red B mark appears above the image that is displayed before changing to the indexscreen mode.MEMOR

135“Memory Stick” OperationsCopying an image recorded on a“Memory Stick” to mini DV tapesYou can copy still images or titles recorded on a “Memory Sti

136Copying an image recorded on a “Memory Stick” to mini DV tapesNote on the index screenYou cannot record the index screen.Image data modified with p

137“Memory Stick” OperationsPlaying back images continuously– SLIDE SHOWYou can automatically play back images in sequence. This function is useful es

138Preventing accidental erasure– Image protectionTo prevent accidental erasure of important images, you can protect selected images.Before operationI

139“Memory Stick” OperationsDeleting imagesYou can delete images stored in a “Memory Stick.”Deleting selected imagesBefore operationInsert a “Memory S

14Step 2 Inserting a cassette(1) Install the power source.(2) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in thedirection of t

140Deleting imagesDeleting all the imagesYou can delete all the unprotected images in a “Memory Stick.”Before operationInsert a “Memory Stick” into yo

141“Memory Stick” OperationsDeleting imagesTo cancel deleting all the images in the “Memory Stick”Select RETURN in step 5 or 6, then press the SEL/PUS

142Writing a print mark – Print markYou can specify the recorded still image to be printed out. This function is useful forprinting out still images l

Additional Information143— Additional Information —Usable cassettesSelecting cassette typesYou can use the mini DV cassette only*. You cannot use an

144Usable cassettesAudio mode12-bit mode: The original sound can be recorded in stereo 1, and the new sound instereo 2 in 32 kHz. The balance between

Additional Information145About i.LINKYour camcorder is equipped with the DV input/output connector based on i.LINK(IEEE1394) standard.This section exp

146TroubleshootingIf you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table totroubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disco

Additional Information147TroubleshootingSymptomSome tiny white spotsappear on the LCD screen orin the viewfinder.Unknown pictures ormessages are displ

148TroubleshootingSymptomDisplaying the recordeddate, date search functiondoes not work.The new sound now beingadded, or that has beenadded to the rec

Additional Information149TroubleshootingSymptomThe cassette cannot beremoved from the holder.The % and Z indicatorsflash and no functionsexcept for ca

Recording – Basics155240minREC0:00:01POWEROFF(CHG)CAMERAMEMORYVCR3MEMORYCAMERAVCROFF(CHG)POWER14OPEN— Recording – Basics —Recording a pictureYour camc

150TroubleshootingSymptomThe photo save functiondoes not work.OthersSymptomThe title is not recorded.The cassette label is notrecorded.While editing u

Additional Information151TroubleshootingSymptomThe Remote Commandersupplied with yourcamcorder does not work.The picture from a TV orVCR does not appe

152C:21:00Self-diagnosis displayYour camcorder has a self-diagnosis displayfunction.This function displays the current condition ofyour camcorder as a

Additional Information153Warning indicators and messagesIf indicators and messages appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following:

154Warning indicators and messages100-0001 “(Warning indicators) Memory Stick” file error*Slow flashing:•File is broken.•File has no compatibility. “M

Additional Information155Using your camcorder abroadUsing your camcorder abroadYou can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power ada

156Maintenance information andprecautionsMoisture condensationIf your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture maycon

Additional Information157Maintenance information and precautionsRemoving Dust from Inside the ViewfinderBefore cleaning, remove the sticker below the

158Maintenance information and precautionsCharging the vanadium-lithium battery in your camcorderYour camcorder is supplied with a vanadium-lithium ba

Additional Information159Maintenance information and precautions•Do not let sand get into your camcorder. When you use your camcorder on a sandybeach

16Recording a pictureNote on the recording modeYour camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (longplay) mode. Select SP o

160If batteries are leaking•Wipe off the liquid in the battery compartment carefully before replacing the batteries.•If you touch the liquid, wash it

Additional Information161SpecificationsVideo camerarecorderSystemVideo recording system2 rotary headsHelical scanning systemAudio recording systemRot

162— Quick Reference —Identifying the parts and controls1 INDEX MARK button (p. 62)2 Zoom ring (p. 20)3 Focus ring (p. 58)4 ND FILTER selector (p. 46)

163Quick ReferenceIdentifying the parts and controlsqh Speakerqj LCD screen (p. 17)qk LCD BRIGHT buttons (p. 18)ql VOLUME buttons (p. 26)w; MEMORY PLA

164ehegejekelr;raRECSTOP PLAYREW FF PAUSESLOWAUDIO DUBeg Video control buttons (p. 26, 29, 83)C SLOW (slow playback) AUDIO DUB (dubbing)x STOP (stop)m

165Quick ReferenceIdentifying the parts and controlsrsrdrfrgrhtatstdtftgthtjtktly;yarjrkrlt;Fastening the grip strapFasten the grip strap firmly.rs Ho

166Identifying the parts and controlsys Carrying handleyd Remote sensoryf Camera recording lamp (p. 15)yg CUSTOM PRESET button (p. 53)yh Viewfinder ad

167Quick ReferenceIdentifying the parts and controlsRemote CommanderThe buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on your camcorderfu

168Identifying the parts and controlsTo prepare the Remote CommanderInsert two size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and – polarities on the batte

169Quick ReferenceIdentifying the parts and controlsOperation indicators1 Cassette memory indicator (p. 143)2Remaining battery time indicator (p. 21)3

Recording – Basics17Recording a pictureAdjusting the LCD screenThe LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees and it rotates about 90 degrees to theviewfind

170Quick Function GuideFunctions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode)•In insufficient light•In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, orge

171Quick ReferenceIndexA, BA/V connecting cable... 30, 73, 87AC power adaptor... 10Adjusting shutter speed .

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan

18LCD BRIGHTAdjusting the brightness of the LCD screenTo adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press LCD BRIGHT + or –.The battery life is longer w

Recording – Basics19Recording a pictureAdjusting the viewfinderIf you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder

2Welcome!Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your DigitalHandycam, you can capture life’s precious moments

20WTTWTWRecording a pictureUsing the zoom featureTo zoom using the zoom leverPress the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Press it deeper fo

Recording – Basics21Recording a pictureUsing the disital zoom – Zoom greater than 12×Zoom greater than 12× is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM t

22Recording a pictureTime codeThe time code indicates the recording or playback time, “0:00:00” (hours : minutes :seconds) in CAMERA mode and “0:00:00

Recording – Basics23Recording a pictureUsing the spot light functionThis function prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively whi

24Recording a pictureSelf-timer recordingYou can make a recording with the self-timer. This recording is useful when you wantto record yourself. You c

Recording – Basics25END SEARCHEDITSEARCHChecking the recording– END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec ReviewYou can use these buttons to check recorded pictur

26— Playback – Basics —Playing back a tapeYou can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel,you can monitor the playb

27Playback – BasicsPlaying back a tapeWhen monitoring on the LCD screenYou can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the

28Playing back a tapeUsing the data code functionYour camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also therecording data (date/tim

29Playback – BasicsPlaying back a tapeVarious playback modesTo operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR.To view a still picture (pla

3Table of contentsQuick Start Guide ... 4Getting startedUsing this manual...

30S VIDEOVIDEODV IN/OUTAUDIO L/RS VIDEOVIDEOAUDIOINAUDIOL/RViewing the recording on TVConnect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting

31Advanced Recording Operations— Advanced Recording Operations —Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recordingYou can record still images on

32Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recordingSelf-timer tape photo recordingYou can make a tape photo recording with the self-timer. This

33Advanced Recording OperationsRecording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recordingPrinting the still imageYou can print a still image by using a

34Shooting with all the pixels – PROG. SCANWhen you handle the digital images on your PC, set PROG. SCAN to ON beforeshooting. You can record the imag

35Advanced Recording OperationsUsing the guide frameYou can easily make the picture be on a horizontal line using the guide frame. Theguide frame is n

36Using the wide modeYou can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE).Black bands appear on the LCD screen or in the vi

37Advanced Recording OperationsUsing the fader functionYou can fade the picture in or out to give your recording a professional appearance.MONOTONEWhe

38Using the fader function(1) When fading in [a]In standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes.When fading out [b]In recording

39Advanced Recording OperationsUsing special effects – Picture effectYou can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or

4Quick Start GuideQuick Start GuideThis guide introduces you to the basic way of recording/playback. See the pages in parentheses “( )” for moreinfor

40Using special effects – Digital effectYou can add special effects to recorded pictures using the various digital functions. Thesound is recorded nor

41Advanced Recording OperationsUsing special effects – Digital effect(1) In standby or recording mode, press DIGITAL EFFECT. The digital effectindicat

42Using special effects – Digital effectNotes•The following functions do not work in digital effect mode:–Fader–Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE–Tape Photo

43Advanced Recording OperationsShooting with manual adjustmentUnder normal conditions, this unit automatically makes various adjustments as itshoots.

44Shooting with manual adjustmentAdjusting exposureAdjust the exposure manually under the following cases.[a]•The background is too bright (back light

45Advanced Recording OperationsAdjusting the shutter speed(1) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position whilethe camcorder

46Using the ND filterUsing the ND filter (the ND filter 1 setting corresponds to 1/4 of the quantity of lightand the ND filter 2 setting corresponds t

47Advanced Recording OperationsShooting with the zebra patternYou can set the camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) in the portion o

48Releasing the SteadyShot functionWhen the SteadyShot function is working, the camcorder compensates for camera-shake.You can release the SteadyShot

49Advanced Recording OperationsAdjusting the white balanceWhite balance adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more naturalcolor balanc

5Quick Start GuideRecording a picture (p. 15)ViewfinderWhen the LCD panelis closed, use theviewfinder placingyour eye against itseyecup.1 Remove the h

50If you have selected in step 3When you set the white balance to one-push white balance mode, the setting is lockedand maintained even if lighting

51Advanced Recording OperationsAdjusting recording level manually – Soundrecording levelYou can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones to mo

52Notes on the manual adjustment•The recording level setting is retained for about five minutes after removing thebattery.•The recording level indicat

53Advanced Recording OperationsPresetting the adjustment for picturequality – Custom presetYou can preset the camcorder to record the picture with the

54Presetting the adjustment for picture qualityItems to be adjustedItemCOLOR LVLSHARPNESSWB SHIFTAE SHIFTAGC LIMITRESETTo cancel using the custom pres

55Advanced Recording OperationsUsing the PROGRAM AE functionYou can select from five PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shootingsituation,

56Using the PROGRAM AE functionUsing the PROGRAM AE function(1) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position whilethe camcord

57Advanced Recording OperationsNotes•In sports lesson mode, you cannot take close-ups. This is because your camcorder isset to focus only on subjects

58Focusing manuallyYou can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases:•The autofocus mode is not effective when shooti

59Advanced Recording OperationsInterval recordingYou can make a time-lapse recording bysetting the camcorder to automatically recordand standby sequen

6— Getting started —Using this manualAs you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown incapital letters.e.g. Set the

60Interval recording(6) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select ON, then press the dial.(7) Press MENU to erase the menu display. The interval recording

61Advanced Recording OperationsFrame by frame recording – Cut recordingYou can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording

62Marking an IndexIf you mark an index at the scene you want to search for, you can easily search for thescene later (p. 64).In recording mode [a]:Pre

63Advanced Playback Operations— Advanced Playback Operations —Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory functionUsing the zero set memory fun

64Searching for a recording by index– Index searchYou can automatically search for the point where an index is marked and start playbackfrom that poin

65Advanced Playback OperationsSearching for a recording by index – Index searchIn the mark•The bar in the mark indicates the present point on the

66Searching the boundaries of recordedtape by title – Title searchIf you use a tape with cassette memory, you can search for the boundaries ofrecorded

67Advanced Playback OperationsSearching a recording by date– Date searchYou can automatically search for the point where the recording date changes an

68Searching a recording by date – Date searchNoteIf one day’s recording is less than two minutes, your camcorder may not accurately findthe point wher

69Advanced Playback OperationsSearching for a photo – Photo search/Photo scanYou can search for a still picture you have recorded on a mini DV tape (p

7Getting startedUsing this manualNote on TV color systemsTV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, youneed an

70Searching for a photo – Photo search/Photo scanSearching for a photo without using cassette memory(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.(2) Set CM SEARCH

71Advanced Playback OperationsPlaying back a tape with picture effectsDuring playback, you can process a scene using the picture effect functions: NEG

72Playing back a tape with digital effectsDuring playback, you can process a scene using the digital effect functions: STILL,FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL.(1

Editing73— Editing —Dubbing a tapeUsing the A/V connecting cableConnect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied withyour cam

74Dubbing a tapeConnect using an S video cable (not supplied) to obtain high-quality picturesWith this connection, you do not need to connect the yell

Editing75Dubbing only desired scenes – Digitalprogram editingYou can duplicate selected scenes (programs) for editing onto a tape without operatingthe

76Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingPreparation 2: Setting the VCR to operate by infrared raysemitterTo edit using the VCR, send th

Editing77Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingAbout the IR SETUP codeThe IR SETUP code is stored in the memory of your camcorder. Be

78Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingSetting the buttons to cancel the recording pause on the VCR(1)Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to s

Editing79Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingConfirming the VCR operation(1) Insert a recordable tape into the VCR, then set it to re

8Checking supplied accessoriesMake sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.12 34567890qa1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)(p

80Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingPreparation 2: Setting the VCR to operate with an i.LINK cable(DV connecting cable)When you con

Editing81Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingPreparation 3: Adjusting the synchronization of the VCRYou can adjust the synchronizatio

82Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editing(10) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select “CUT-IN,” then press the dial.(11) Turn the SEL/PUSH

Editing83Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingIf the VCR does not operate correctlyMake sure the IR SETUP code is correct; reset if ne

84Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editing(6)Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, or MARK on the Remote Commander.The CUT-IN point of the first

Editing85Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editingTo cancel erasing all programsSelect RETURN in step 2, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

86Using with an analog video unit and a PC– Signal convert functionYou can convert the analog input signal to the digital signal and output it from th

Editing87Recording video or TV programsUsing the A/V connecting cableYou can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/a

88Recording video or TV programsIf your VCR is a monaural typeConnect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video output jack and thewhit

Editing89Recording video or TV programsUsing an i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable)Simply connect the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied)

9Getting startedStep 1 Preparing the power supplyInstalling the battery packInstall the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.(1) Lift up the v

90Recording video or TV programsYou can connect only one VCR using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable)When you dub a picture in digital formThe col

Editing91Inserting a scene from a VCR – InserteditingYou can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape byspecifying the insert

92Inserting a scene from a VCR – Insert editingTo change the insert end pointPress ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander again after step 5 to erase

Editing93LINE OUTLRMIC LINEAudio dubbingYou can record an audio sound to add to the original sound on a tape by connectingaudio equipment or a microph

94LINE OUTLRAUDIOL/R: Signal flowAudio equipment(not supplied)AUDIO LAUDIO RDo not connect thevideo (yellow) plug.Connecting the microphone with the i

Editing95Audio dubbingAdding an audio sound on a recorded tape(1) Insert the recorded tape into your camcorder.(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR on your

96Audio dubbingNotes•New sound cannot be recorded on a tape already recorded in the 16-bit mode (p. 111).•New sound cannot be recorded on a tape alrea

Editing97Superimposing a titleIf you use a tape with cassette memory, you can superimpose the title whilerecording or after recording. When you play b

98Superimposing a title(5) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial again to complete the setting.In playback, playback pause, or recording mode:The “TITLE SAVE”

Editing99Superimposing a titleTitle setting•The title color changes as follows:WHITE y YELLOW y VIOLET y RED y CYAN y GREEN y BLUE•The title size chan