Sony DCR-VX9000 Operations Instructions Page 1

3-858-185-84 (1)©1996 by Sony CorporationOperating InstructionsBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,and retain it for future

10Inserting a cassetteUse a DV cassette with logo* only.Make sure that a power source is installed.We recommend you set the POWER switch to ON befor

11Getting startedTo eject the cassetteOpen the cassette compartment cover and press 6. After the cassette rises, take it out,then close the cover.You

12Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that AUTOLOCK is set to ON. When AUTO LOCK is set to ON, all settings ar

13Basic operationsWhen ND ON flashes in the viewfinderSet ND FILTER to ON.To stop recording momentarily [a]Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicato

14Camera recordingNote on Standby modeIf you leave the digital camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while a cassette isinserted, the digital camcor

15Basic operationsTo select 16 bit [a] or 12 bit [b] recording modeSet AUDIO MODE to 16 BIT so that you can get higher sound quality. In 16 bit mode,

16When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoomIf you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the power zoombutton to the “W

17Basic operations• You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinderup for recording from a low position [b].•

18Place the digital camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripodTry placing the digital camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitableh

19Basic operationsChecking the recorded pictureUsing EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recordedpicture in the viewfinder

2Welcome to digital video!Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony digital camcorder. With your digitalcamcorder you can capture life’s precious

20Connections for playbackYou can use this digital camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback.There are some ways to connect the digi

21Basic operationsIf your TV is already connected to a VCROpen the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on theVCR by usi

22Playing back a tapeYou can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor thepicture on a TV screen, after connecting the dig

23Basic operationsVarious playback modesTo view a still picture (playback pause)Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or ·.To locate a

24Advanced operationsUsing alternative power sourcesYou can choose any of the following power sources for your digital camcorder: batterypack and hous

25Advanced operationsCharging the attached battery packAfter connecting the AC power adaptor to the wall outlet and setting the POWERswitch on the dig

26You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features andfunctions of the digital camcorder.(1) Open the cover, then pre

27Advanced operationsSelecting the mode setting of each itemItems for both CAMERA and VTR modesCOMMANDER* <VTR4/OFF/ID/ID SET>• Normally select

28CUSTOM* <RETURN> <SET> <COLOR LEV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT><RESET>• Select RETURN to return to the menu to change other m

29Advanced operationsFade-in and fade-outYou can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance.When fading in, the picture gradually

3– for editing/playback –Re-recording a picture in the middleof a recorded tape ... 58Searching the recorded picture...

30STBY REC123FADEROVERLAPDIGITAL MODEZOOM/16:9 WIDE OVERLAPFADER/OVERLAPSTART/STOPLOCKSTANDBYPHOTOSTANDBYOVERLAPOverlapping two picturesWhen using the

31Advanced operationsUsing the wide mode functionYou can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV.[a][b][d][c]In the viewfinder bl

32Using the wide mode functionTo cancel wide modeSet 16:9 WIDE to OFF in the menu system.To watch a tape recorded in 16:9 wide mode on a wide-screen T

33Advanced operationsPhoto recordingYou can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This mode isuseful when you want to enj

34You can make a time-lapse like recording by setting the digital camcorder toautomatically record and standby sequentially. You can achieve an excel

35Advanced operationsYou can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording. Tocreate this effect, alternately move the subj

36Selecting automatic or manual modeThe digital camcorder’s automatic functions offer you worry-free operation under mostshooting conditions. But in

37Advanced operationsNotes on recording in manual mode• We recommend that you adjust the focus and white balance manually.• Depending on the shutter s

38When to use manual focusIn the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually.[a] [b] [c] [d]• Insufficient light

39Advanced operationsFocusing manuallyWhen focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset theshot length.(1) Set FOCUS t

4Before you beginUsing this manualAs you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the digital camcorder areshown in capital letters.e.g. Set

40To return to autofocus modeSet FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder disappears.Shooting in relatively dark placesShoot at wide-angle af

41Advanced operationsAdjusting the apertureIf the difference between the brightness of the subject and the background is too great,adjust the aperture

42Adjusting the shutter speedAdjust the shutter speed to control the picture quality. When recording sports events,for example, use a high speed shut

43Advanced operationsTo adjust the SLOW SHTR (shutter) or S (shutter) PRESET menuitemsWhen you want to make a dark scene look brighter or give an obje

44To select the Best Shutter SpeedConcerning shooting conditions and brightness, refer to the following chart to adjustshutter speed accordingly.Subje

45Advanced operationsAdjusting the gainIf the picture is too dark even with the aperture fully open, and using the slowestacceptable shutter speed, ad

46Adjusting the gainTo adjust the G (gain) PRESET menu itemWhen you want to choose a gain setting higher than 9, select the appropriate level fromthe

47Advanced operationsAdjusting the white balanceWhite balance is the adjustment to make white subjects look white and to obtain a morenatural color ba

48Adjusting the white balanceAdjusting white balance manually(1) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF.(2) Set AUTO/MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to MANUAL.(3) Turn WH

49Advanced operationsNotes on the ∑ indicator in the viewfinder• The indicator means:Slow flashing: white balance is not adjustedFast flashing: white

5Before you beginChecking supplied accessoriesCheck that the following accessories are supplied with your digital camcorder.1234561 Wireless Remote Co

50Using the ND filterThe digital camcorder automatically senses the need for the ND filter, in such a case,ND ON/OFF flashes in the display.Using the

51Advanced operationsUsing the zebra patternYou can set the digital camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) [a] in theportion of the p

52Adjusting the recording soundYou can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones (not supplied) to monitorthe sound when you adjust.Checking t

53Advanced operationsAdjusting the recording level manually(1) Set the REC LEVEL switch to MANU.(2) Turn REC LEVEL to adjust the sound level so that t

54Adjusting the recording soundTo use external microphoneYou can record narration using an external microphone.Set AUDIO INPUT SELECT to MIC.Set MIC S

55Advanced operationsReleasing the STEADY SHOT functionWhen you shoot, the Ó indicator appears in the viewfinder. This indicates that theSteady Shot

56Use this menu setting to achieve consistent picture quality. This feature lets youcustomize the picture quality.Making a custom presetItemCOLOR LEV

57Advanced operationsTo turn off custom preset(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU.(2) Press or to select CUSTOM, then p

58Re-recording a picture in the middle of arecorded tapeYou can insert a scene in the middle of a recorded tape by setting the starting andending poin

59Advanced operationsWhen you use a cassette memory-mounted DV cassette ( logo*) which can storethe recorded date and time, etc., you can search the

6Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder.(1) Loosen the viewfinder release ring.(2) Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate.(3

60Notes on cassette memory search• You can search up to 6 days for date search and 43 pictures for photo search whenyou use the 4k-bit cassette memory

61Advanced operationsDisplaying recording dataYou can display the recording data (date/time or various setting when recorded) whenyou recorded (Data C

62DV jackVMC-2DVDV IN/OUTEditing onto another tapeYou can create your own video program by editing with any other DV, mini DV,h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS,

63Advanced operationsEditing onto another tapeEdición en otra cintaNotes on editing when using the DV connecting cable• You can connect one VCR only.•

64Replacing recording on a tapeYou can insert a new picture, sound, recording data/time, camera information, etc.,from a VCR onto your already recorde

65Advanced operationsAudio dubbingIf you recorded in 12 bit recording mode, you can add stereo narration or music to therecording.Making connectionsTo

66Audio dubbingRecording(1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMERA/VTR to VTR.(2) Open the cover, press ·, then ) or 0, to search for the star

Additional information67Your digital camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the batterybecomes weak or dead, the I indicator fl

68Changing the lithium battery in the digital camcorderChanging the lithium batteryWhen replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other

Additional information69MENU 1997 7 4CLOCK SET 8 00 AM[ MENU ] : ENDMENU

7Getting startedCharging and installing the battery packBefore using your digital camcorder, you first need to charge and install the batterypack (not

70Notes on video cassettesUsable cassettesUse a DV cassette. You cannot use any other mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, jVHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC or l

Additional information71Tips for using the battery packThis section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack.Preparing the battery

72Tips for using the battery packThe switch on the battery packThis switch is provided so that you can mark the charged battery pack. Set the switcht

Additional information73Maintenance information and precautionsMoisture condensationIf the digital camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to

742121 PrecautionsDigital camcorder operation• Operate the digital camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor).• For DC or AC opera

Additional information75Digital camcorder care• When the digital camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the powersource and remove th

76Using your digital camcorder abroadEach country has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your digitalcamcorder abroad, check the fol

77Additional informationTrouble checkIf you run into any problem using the digital camcorder, use the following table totroubleshoot the problem. Sho

78Trouble checkSymptomThe tape does not move when avideo control button is pressed.The Steady Shot function doesnot activate.The autofocusing function

79Additional informationSymptomThe image on the viewfinderscreen is not clear.A vertical band appears when asubject such as lights or a candleflame is

8Charging and installing the battery packBattery lifeBattery Continuous Typical recordingpack recording time* time**NP-F730 80 (75) 50 (45)NP-F750 95

80Trouble checkAC power adaptorSymptomThe VTR/CAMERA orCHARGE lamp does not light.The CHARGE lamp flashes.Corrective Actions• Disconnect the power cor

81Additional informationSpecificationsInput and outputconnectorsS video output4-pin mini DINLuminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75ohm, unbalancedChrominance sig

8212346978!¡50!™!£!§!¶@¡!¢!ª!∞!•@ºIdentifying the parts1 Stopper (p. 6)2 Viewfinder (p. 6, 13, 74)3 Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 13)4 PUSH button

83Additional information@™@£@§@∞@ª@¢@¶#¡#™#£#¢#∞@•#º@™ BRIGHT knob (p. 13)@£ TALLY lamp (p. 13)@¢ CONTR knob (p. 13)@∞ TALLY switch (p. 13)@§ Fron

84Identifying the parts#§$∞$º#¶#ª#•$¡$™$£$¢$§$¶%£%¢%¶ %∞%§$•$ª%º%¡%™#§ Eyecup#¶ VIEW FINDER jack (p. 6)#• S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 20)#ª RFU DC OUT jack

85Additional information^¶^•&º&¡&™&£ ^ª%• %ª ^¡ ^£ ^¢ ^∞ ^§^º ^™%• SHUTTER SPEED dial and AUTO/MANUALswitch (p. 42)%ª DIGITAL MODE

86Identifying the parts&¢&∞&§&¶&•&ª*º*¡*™*£&¢ Carrying handle&∞ IRIS dial and AUTO/MANUAL switch(p. 41)&§ Shoulder

87Additional informationRemote CommanderThe buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorderfunction identically.21345789!¡

88Identifying the partsTo prepare the Remote CommanderTo use the Remote Commander, you must insert two R6 (size AA) batteries. Use thesupplied R6 (si

89Additional informationAbout the ID of the Remote CommanderYou can avoid having the digital camcorder accidentally respond to signals from otherremot

9Getting startedInstalling the battery packInsert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide thebattery pack down unt

90Identifying the partsRemote control directionAim the Remote Commander at either of the two remote commander sensors.The range of the Remote Commande

91Additional informationIn the viewfinderTW0 :13 : 461435678!™29!¡0!¢!∞!£!•I106 m i n1 6 B I TPHOTO CPSTBYONNDAUDIO LINE!¶!§4000 F2.8

92Identifying the partsIn the display windowMEMORYHMS FminFAM1435627891 Time code2 MEMORY indicator (p. 58)Same as ZERO SET MEMORY indicator inthe vie

93Additional informationWarning indicatorsIf indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the digital camcorder flashes,check the followin

94O, POne-push white balance... 48Overlap... 30Playback pause ... 23Power sources..

95Additional information

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