Sony RMT-840 User Manual

2-178-348-11(1)© 2004 Sony CorporationOperating InstructionsRead this firstDigital HD Video Camera RecorderHDR-FX1

Getting started10Getting startedStep 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The number in parenthes

Quick Reference100Quick ReferenceIdentifying parts and controlsCamcorderA SHOT TRANSITION operation buttons (p. 37)B Eyecup (p. 16)C Viewfinder releas

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference101A Hook for the shoulder strapB Zoom ring (p. 23)C Focus ring (p. 32)D FOCUS switch (AUTO/MAN (manual)/INFINITY) (p. 3

Quick Reference102A LCD screen (p. 3, 15)B IRIS dial (p. 28)C RESET buttonIf you press RESET, all settings including the clock setting (except the Per

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference103A LANC jack (blue)The LANC control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video device and peripherals

Quick Reference104A Shoe adaptorTo connect an accessory, press down and push it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To remove an accessory, loosen

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference105Remote CommanderA DISPLAY button (p. 44)B SEARCH MODE button (p. 50)C ./> buttons (p. 50)D Video control buttons (

Quick Reference106Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinderFollowing indicators will appear on the LCD screen and viewfinder to indicate the state

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference107IndexNumerics16:9 wide recording (DV WIDE REC) ...40AA/V connecting cable...47, 48, 72, 75, 78, 81AC

Quick Reference108NTSC... 90OOperation confirmation beepSee BEEPPPAL ... 90PEAKING ...

Getting startedGetting started11Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to

Printed in JapanPrinted on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

Getting started125 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.After charging the batteryThe CHG (charge) la

Getting startedGetting started13Charging timeApproximate number of minutes required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack at 25°C (77°

Getting started14• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or the battery information will not be correctly displayed in following conditions.–

Getting startedGetting started15Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinderAdjusting the LCD panelYou can adjust the angle and brightness of the LC

Getting started16When the picture in the viewfinder is hard to seeIf you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circumstances,

Getting startedGetting started173 Press MENU.4 Select the (OTHERS) menu by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.5 Select [CLOCK SET]

Getting started182 Insert a cassette with its window-side facing out.3 Press on the cassette compartment.The cassette compartment automatically slid

Getting startedGetting started195 Select [LANGUAGE] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.6 Select the desired language by turning th

2Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.WARNINGTo prevent fire or shock haza

Recording20RecordingRecording moviesYou can record movies in either the HDV or the DV format.Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started

RecordingRecording21To record from a low-angleUse the REC START/STOP button on the handle after releasing the HOLD lever.To view the picture during re

Recording22• Following functions may not work correctly with the tape recorded in the HDV format and the DV format mixed:– Zero set memory– Date searc

RecordingRecording233 Press the handle zoom lever to zoom in or out.b Note• You cannot adjust the zoom speed by pressing the handle zoom lever. Change

Recording24Displaying the recording setup information – Status checkYou can check the setup value of the following items in the standby mode or during

RecordingRecording25Adjusting the exposureThe exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting.If you want to record brighter or darker pictu

Recording26Adjusting the white balanceYou can adjust the white balance according to the light of the recording environment.The white balance adjustmen

RecordingRecording276 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.7 Set the WHT BAL switch to PRESET.8 Press WHT BAL.The white balance is set to the selected s

Recording28Adjusting the irisYou can manually adjust the light volume entering the lens.As the iris is opened (smaller aperture values), the light vol

RecordingRecording291 During recording or in the standby mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.2 Press G

3CAUTIONYou are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Recording30To restore automatic adjustmentPress SHUTTER SPEED, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.b Note• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUT

RecordingRecording31Displaying the zebra pattern to adjust the brightnessIf there is a part of the screen where brightness is over a certain level, th

Recording32Adjusting the focusThe focus is adjusted automatically in the default setting.Adjusting the focus manuallyYou can adjust the focus manually

RecordingRecording33To focus automatically temporarilyRecord the subject with PUSH AUTO pressed.If you release the button, the setting returns to manu

Recording34Customizing the picture quality or soundCustomizing the picture quality – PICTURE PROFILEYou can customize the picture quality by adjusting

RecordingRecording356 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other items.7 Select [ RETURN] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.8 Select [O

Recording364 Select [COPY] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.5 Select the number of the picture profile to be copied to by turnin

RecordingRecording37Recording a picture using various featuresDeveloping scenes smoothly – Shot transitionYou can register the settings of focus, zoom

Recording38Recording using the Shot transition function1Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC repeatedly to turn on the EXEC lamp.2 Press REC START/STOP.3 Press the

RecordingRecording392 Press REC START/STOP.The FADER indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fade is complete.To cancel the operationPress th

4• 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.P

Recording40Recording in 16:9 wide rec mode You can display pictures recorded in the DV format on the entire TV screen by setting [DV WIDE REC] on the

RecordingRecording41Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec ReviewYou can view a few seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped t

Playback42PlaybackViewing moviesMake sure you have a recorded cassette inserted into your camcorder.Some of the operations are possible using the Remo

PlaybackPlayback43b Note• When playing back a tape recorded in the HDV and DV formats, and the signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture and sou

Playback44Various playback functionsYou can locate the end of the last recording, or display the date of recording and camera settings data.Searching

PlaybackPlayback45Camera settings data displayIn the date/time data display, the date and time is displayed in the same area.If you record the picture

Playback46Playing the picture on a TVTV connections differ depending on the type of TV.Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall outlet for the powe

PlaybackPlayback47format is played back, an equivalent signal with [480i] is output, even if [1080i/480i] is selected.• Only video signals are output

Playback48Viewing the picture on a 16:9 TV or a 4:3 TVConnect your camcorder and your TV or VCR using either cables described below.To connect the TV

PlaybackPlayback49When your TV is connected to a VCRConnect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the inp

5Read this first ... 2Quick Start GuideRecording movies ...

Playback50To cancel the operationPress ZERO SET MEMORY again.b Note• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds between the time code and the tape

Using the MenuUsing the Menu51BAdvanced operationsUsing the MenuSelecting menu itemsYou can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using

Using the Menu52Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC, etc.You can select the items listed below on the CAMERA SET menu. For details

Using the MenuUsing the Menu53SHOT TRANSSelect this setting to set the transition duration and time. See page 37 for details on using the shot transit

Using the Menu54STEADYSHOTb Note• The SteadyShot function does not work well when a wide conversion lens other than VCL-HG0872 (optional) is attached

Using the MenuUsing the Menu55Speeds 1 through 8 are available. The larger the number, the faster the zoom speed.3 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH

Using the Menu56Using the (AUDIO SET) menu – AUDIO MIX, etc.You can select the items listed below on the AUDIO SET menu. For details on how to selec

Using the MenuUsing the Menu57WINDMIC/LINE INGON Standard setting.OFF Select when you want to record the sound as it is without reducing the noise cau

Using the Menu58Using the (LCD/VF SET) menu – LCD COLOR, etc.You can select the items listed below on the LCD/VF SET menu. For details on how to sel

Using the MenuUsing the Menu59Using the (IN/OUT REC) menu – REC FORMAT/TV TYPE, etc.You can select the items listed below on the IN/OUT REC menu. Fo

6Adjusting the focus... 32Adjusting the focus manually ...

Using the Menu60REC FORMATSelects a recording format when the POWER switch is set at CAMERA. The format lamp of the selected format will light up duri

Using the MenuUsing the Menu61• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting [i.LINK CONV]. Otherwise, the connected video device may not be able to rec

Using the Menu62Using the (OTHERS) menu – CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME, etc.You can select the items listed below on the OTHERS menu. For details on how to

Using the MenuUsing the Menu63REC LAMPFORMAT LAMPb Note• The format lamp lights up according to the format of the playback or of an input signal from

Using the Menu64REMAINING DISP OUTPUTb Note• You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO while [V-OUT/PANEL] is selecte

Using the MenuUsing the Menu65Customizing Personal MenuThe available items vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder.Unavailable items will b

Using the Menu664 Select a menu category by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.5 Select a menu item by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

Using the MenuUsing the Menu67Arranging the order of menus displayed on Personal Menu – SortYou can sort the menus added to Personal Menu in the desir

Using the Menu683 Select [RESET] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.4 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press t

Using the MenuUsing the Menu69by turning SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.[ASSIGN1] through [ASSIGN3] are available. [------] is displayed at t

7Advanced operationsUsing the MenuSelecting menu items ...51Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC, etc. ...

Dubbing/Editing70Dubbing/EditingDubbing to another tapeYou can copy a picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (such as VCRs).

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing71To dub to a DV deviceConnect your camcorder to a VCR using an i.LINK cable (optional).To select the video format to be

Dubbing/Editing72To dub to an AV deviceConnect your camcorder to a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (supplied).* When there is an S video jack on th

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing73Dubbing to another tape1 Connect the recording device to your camcorder (p. 70).2 Prepare the recording device.• Inser

Dubbing/Editing74Recording pictures from a VCR or TVYou can record pictures or TV programs from a VCR or TV on a tape inserted in your camcorder.Conne

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing75To record from a DV/AV deviceYou can record and edit pictures or TV programs from a VCR or TV. Use your camcorder as a

Dubbing/Editing76Recording moviesInsert a cassette for recording in your camcorder before the following operations.1 Connect your TV or VCR to your ca

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing77Connecting to a computerTo use your camcorder by connecting it to a computer using an i.LINK cable, the computer must

Dubbing/Editing78Dubbing sound to a recorded tape You can record additional audio to the original sound on a tape recorded in the DV format. You can a

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing79– On blank sections of the tape.– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set to SAVE.– On the tape recorded on

Quick Start Guide8Quick Start GuideRecording movies1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.To charge the battery, see page 11.2 Insert a ca

Dubbing/Editing805 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the balance between the original sound (ST1) and the sound recorded afterwards (ST2), then pr

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing81Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder – Signal conversion functionConnect an analog video device

Dubbing/Editing82Importing a picture to the computer1 Turn on the analog device.2 Set the POWER switch to VCR.Use the AC Adaptor (supplied) as the pow

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting83TroubleshootingTroubleshooting If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troublesho

Troubleshooting84Cassette tapesThe CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correct

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting85LCD screen/viewfinderRecordingSymptom Cause and/or Corrective ActionsAn unknown language appears on the screen.cSee pa

Troubleshooting86PlaybackA vertical band appears when recording a bright subject.• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfuncti

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting87DubbingCannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the component video cable.cSet [COMPONENT] o

Troubleshooting88Warning indicators and messagesSelf-diagnosis display/Warning indicatorsIf indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder,

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting89Warning messagesIf messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.* Appea

Quick Start GuideQuick Start Guide93 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.The date and time is not set up in the default setti

Additional Information90Additional InformationUsing your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any country/regions using the AC Ad

Additional InformationAdditional Information91HDV format and recording/playbackYour camcorder is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats. You

Additional Information92When cleaning the gold-plated connectorGenerally, clean the gold-plated connector on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after

Additional InformationAdditional Information93– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up, and insert it in your camcorder right before you start

Additional Information94About i.LINKThe i.LINK Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-compliant Interface. This section describes the i.LINK standard and

Additional InformationAdditional Information95Maintenance and precautionsOn use and care• Do not use or store the camcorder and accessories in the fol

Additional Information96This is not a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.Note on moisture condensationMoisture m

Additional InformationAdditional Information97• To prevent molds periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended you operate your ca

Additional Information98SpecificationSystemVideo recording system (HDV)2 rotary heads, Helical scanning systemVideo recording system (DV)2 rotary head

Additional InformationAdditional Information99GeneralPower requirementsDC 7.2 V (battery pack)DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)Average power consumption (when usi