Sony Digital Camcorder DSR PD170 Operating Instructions

							51
Advanced Recording Operations
Adjusting the white balance
White balance adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more\
 natural
color balance for camera recording. Normally, white balance is automatic\
ally adjusted.
You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance manually wh\
en lighting
conditions change quickly or when recording outdoors: e.g., neon signs, \
fireworks.
(1 ) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position \
while
the camcorder is in standby, recording, or memory mode.
( 2 ) Press WHT BAL. The white balance indicator appears on the LCD screen or \
in
the viewfinder.
( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the appropriate white balance mode\
under the following conditions. As you turn the dial, the display change\
s as
follows:
 (One-push white balance)  y  (Outdoor)  y n  (Indoor)
Indicator
(Outdoor)
n  (Indoor)
Shooting conditions
•Adjusting the white balance according to the light source.
This operation is not available during recording. Follow the
procedure described on the next page to adjust the setting again.
• Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after sunset, just before sunrise, neon\
signs, or fireworks
• Under a color matching fluorescent lamp
• Lighting condition changes quickly
• Too bright a place such as a photography studio
• Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps
1 2
3
AUTO
LOCK
HOLD
WHT BAL 
						

							52
If you have selected  in step 3When you set the white balance to one-push white balance mode, the setti\
ng is locked
and maintained even if lighting conditions change. You can achieve recor\
ding with
natural colors without the image being affected by ambient light.
 (With the 
 indicator on the screen)
(1 ) Aim a white object such as paper fully.
( 2 ) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
The  indicator flashes quickly. When the white balance has been adjusted and\
 stored
in the memory, the indicator stops flashing. The setting will be maintai\
ned even if the
battery is detached.
To return to automatic adjustmentSet the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK or press WHT BAL. The white bala\
nce
indicator disappears from the LCD or viewfinder screen.
Notes on white balance
• When you shoot with studio lighting or video lighting, use the  n (indoor) mode.
• When you shoot with fluorescent lighting, readjust the white balance usi\
ng the 
(one-push white balance) mode , or use the automatic white balance mod\
e. If you use
the  n (indoor) mode, white balance may not be adjusted appropriately.
Shooting when lighting conditions have changed
• When lighting conditions have changed, readjust the white balance while \
the
camcorder is in standby mode.
• In automatic white balance mode, point your camcorder at a white subject\
 for about
10 seconds after setting the POWER switch to CAMERA to get a better adju\
stment
when:
– You detach the battery for replacement.
– You bring your camcorder outdoors from the interior of a house, or vice \
versa.
If the 
 indicator does not stop flashing after you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial\
The white balance cannot be set. Use the automatic white balance mode.
Adjusting the white balance 
						

							53
Advanced Recording Operations
Adjusting the recording level manually
– Sound recording level
You can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones to monitor the \
sound when
you adjust it. You can adjust the channel 1 and channel 2 separately.
Selecting the channel to be adjusted manually
(1 ) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR.
( 2 ) Press MENU to display the menu.
( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select 
, then press the dial.
( 4 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select AUDIO SET, then press the dial.
( 5 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the d\
ial.
( 6 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the setting of the item, then pres\
s the
dial.
( 7 ) Press MENU to erase the menu display.
Items to be adjusted
Item
AGC CH1
AGC CH2a)
MAN GAINa)b)
a) This is only available when connecting the external microphone to the IN\
PUT2
connector.
b) LINKED is only available when both AGC CH1 and AGC CH2 are set to OFF. Meaning
Switches the recording level adjustment of the
channel 1 from automatic (ON) and manual (OFF).
Switches the recording level adjustment of the
channel 2 from automatic (ON) and manual (OFF).
Sets the recording levels of channel 1 and channel 2
linked (LINKED) or separated (SEPARATED).
Setting
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
SEPARATED
LINKED
5,6TAPE  SET
AUD I O  SET
  AGC  CH1
  AGC  CH2
  MAN  GA
 I N
     RETURNON
OFF
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
 [
MENU ]
 :
 END
TAPE  SET
AUD I O  SET
  AGC  CH1
  AGC  CH2
  MAN  GA
 I N
     RETURNOFF
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
1
2,7
3,4
POWER
OFF
(CHG)
CAMERAMEMORY
VCR
TAPE  SET
REC  MODE
AUD I O  MODE
     REMA I N
M I C  NR
AUD I O  SET
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
 [
MENU ]
 :
 END
TAPE  SET
AUD I O  SET
  AGC  CH1
  AGC  CH2
  MAN  GA
 I N
     RETURNON
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
MENU 
						

							54
Adjusting the recording level manually– Sound recording level
To adjust the recording level automaticallySet AGC CH1 to ON when you automatically adjust the recording level of t\
he channel 1. And
set AGC CH2 to ON when you automatically adjust the recording level of t\
he channel 2.
When the recording level is adjusted manually
The recording level indicator appears at the lower-right on the LCD scre\
en or in the
viewfinder.
The sound input through the AUDIO CH1/CH2 jacks or 
 DV Interface
You cannot adjust the recording level.
Adjusting the recording level
( 1 ) Press AUDIO LEVEL to display the recording level adjustment display in
standby or recording mode.
( 2 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the recording level of the channel\
 1,
then press the dial. The cursor moves to “CH2,” and you can adjust\
 the
recording level of the channel 2.
( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the recording level of the channel\
 2.
[a] Recording level meter
[b] Decreases the recording level
[c] Increases the recording level
To clear the recording level adjustment displayPress AUDIO LEVEL again.
When AGC CH1 or AGC CH2 is set to ON
You can see the recording level adjustment display, however, you cannot \
adjust the
recording level of the channel that the item above is set to ON.
When MAN GAIN is set to LINKED
The recording level adjustment display is changed as follows.
3
1,2
[a]
[b] [c]AUDIO
LEVEL30 20 12 0 dBCH1
CH2
CH1
CH2
30 20 12 0 dB
CH1
CH2
CH1
CH2
30 20 12 0 dB
CH1
CH2
CH1,2 
						

							55
Advanced Recording Operations
Connecting an optional external
microphone
You can get your desired audio quality, connecting multiple microphones \
or an
optional microphone to your camcorder.
(1 ) Loosen the microphone holder screw and open the cover.
( 2 ) Detach the supplied microphone and unplug the cable from the camcorder.
( 3 ) Connect the microphone (optional) to the INPUT1 or INPUT2 connector.
( 4 ) Select the channel to be used, using the REC CH SELECT switch. Used
channels according to the position of the REC CH SELECT switch are as
follows:
Audio input through The position of the REC CH The audio is recorded onSELECT switch
INPUT1 CH1 Channel 1
CH1•CH2 Channels 1/2
INPUT2 CH1 Channel  2
CH1•CH2 —
(5 ) Set the following settings.
When connecting a microphone
Set the INPUT LEVEL selector to MIC or MIC ATT. When set to MIC ATT, you\
can reduce the volume by about +20 dB. And set the +48V switch to ON if \
the
microphone is powered through its cable.
When connecting audio equipment
Set the +48 V switch to OFF and set the INPUT LEVEL selector to LINE.
1,2
4,5 3
CH1CH2
REC CH
SELECT INPUT
LEVEL +48VINPUT
LEVEL +48V
CH1 LINEMIC
ONOFFLINE
MIC
ATT MIC
ATTMIC ONOFF
INPUT1 INPUT2
REC CH
SELECT INPUT
LEVEL +48V
INPUT2
REC CH SELECT+48 V
INPUT LEVEL 
						

							56
Connecting an optional external microphone
When the wind is blowing hard
Set CH1 or CH2 of WIND to ON in the menu settings according to the input\
 (p. 105).
We recommend that you set MIC NR to OFF in the menu settings in the foll\
owing
cases:
•When you use the external microphone at a distance from the camcorder.
• When the REC CH SELECT switch is set to CH1 and you will not record any \
audio via
the INPUT2 connector.
• When you set the INPUT LEVEL selector to LINE.
When you unplug the microphone plug
Unplug it while holding the PUSH button down.
Notes
• When you use an external microphone, make sure that the wind screen does\
 not
appear on the screen, using an underscan monitor.
• If you use equipment other than a 48-V microphone with the +48V switch s\
et to ON, a
malfunction of the equipment may occur. When you connect equipment other\
 than a
48-V microphone, set it to OFF. 
						

							57
Advanced Recording Operations
Presetting the adjustment for picture
quality – Custom preset
You can preset the camcorder to record the picture with the desired pict\
ure quality.
When presetting, adjust the picture by shooting a subject and checking t\
he picture
displayed on a TV using the menu settings.
(1 ) Press CUSTOM PRESET to display the CUSTOM PRESET menu in standby or
memory mode.
( 2 ) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select SET, then press the dial.
( 4 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select ON, then press the dial.
( 5 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the d\
ial.
( 6 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the selected item, then press the \
dial.
( 7 ) Press CUSTOM PRESET.
The CUSTOM PRESET menu disappears and the indicator 
 appears on the
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
1
CUSTOM PRESET
2-4
5,6CUSTOM  PRESET
  [
CP ]
 :
 END
CUSTOM  PRESET STBY
 [
CP ]
 :
 END CUSTOM  PRESET STBY
SET
COLOR  LVL
SHARPNESS
WB  SH
 I FT
AGC  LIMIT
RESET
   RETURN OFF
 
[
CP ]
 :
 END
CUSTOM  PRESET STBY
SET
COLOR  LVL
SHARPNESS
WB  SH
 I FT
AGC  LIMIT
RESET
   RETURN OFF
ON
 
[
CP ]
 :
 END
CUSTOM  PRESET STBY
SET
COLOR  LVL
SHARPNESS
WB  SH
 I FT
AGC  LIMIT
RESET
   RETURN ON
 
[
CP ]
 :
 END
CUSTOM  PRESET STBY
SET
COLOR  LVL
SHARPNESS
WB  SH
 I FT
AGC  LIMIT
RESET
   RETURN
  [
CP ]
 :
 END
CUSTOM  PRESET STBY
COLOR  LVL
 [
CP ]
 :
 END
SET
COLOR  LVL
SHARPNESS
WB  SH
 I FT
AGC  LIMIT
RESET
OFF
OFF
7
CUSTOM PRESET 
						

							58
Presetting the adjustment for picture quality
Items to be adjusted
Item
COLOR LVL
SHARPNESS
WB SHIFT
AGC LIMIT
RESET
To cancel using the custom presetSelect OFF in step 4, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
To return to the standard settingSelect OK from the RESET item in step 5, then press  the SEL/PUSH EXEC d\
ial. To
cancel, select RETURN, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
To check the custom preset settingPress CUSTOM PRESET while the camcorder is in standby, recording or memo\
ry
mode.
The custom preset setting appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder\
.
About the AGC limit
When adjusting the gain manually, the level of the gain is up to 18 dB (\
OFF).
When you preset the desired picture quality in CAMERA or memory mode
The preset is only available in each mode you preset. If you want to use\
 a preset both in
CAMERA and memory modes, you have to preset in each mode.Meaning
Color intensity
Sharpness
White balance
Auto Gain-limit
Sets items above to the default
settings.
Adjustment value
Decreases color intensity 
y
Increases color intensity
Softer  y Sharper
Bluish  y Reddish
6 dB/12 dB/OFF 
						

							59
Advanced Recording Operations
Focusing manually
You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the follo\
wing cases:
•The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting–subjects through glass coated with water droplets
– horizontal stripes
– subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky
•When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground t\
o a subject in the
background
• Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod
(1 ) Slide FOCUS down to MANUAL. The  9 indicator appears on the LCD screen
or in the viewfinder in recording, standby, or memory mode.
( 2 ) Turn the focus ring to sharpen the focus.
To return to the autofocus modeSlide FOCUS up to AUTO to turn off the  9 or  indicator.
To focus in infinitySlide FOCUS to INFINITY. The  indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the
viewfinder. This function is useful when the nearer subject is focused a\
utomatically,
even though you want to focus on a faraway subject.
To shoot with auto focusing momentarilyPress PUSH AUTO.
The auto focus functions while you are pressing PUSH AUTO.
Use this button to focus on one subject and then another with smooth foc\
using.
When you release PUSH AUTO, manual focusing resumes.
To obtain the correct focusFirst, focus on a subject manually with the zoom set toward the “T”\
 (telephoto) side, then
adjust the zoom by pressing the “W” side of the lever gradually.
When you shoot close to the subject
Focus at the end of the “W” (wide-angle) position.
9  changes as follows:
 when recording a distant subject. when the subject is too close to focus on.
2
PUSH AUTO
FOCUS
MAN
AUTO
INFINITY
1 
						

							60
Interval recording
You can make a time-lapse recording by
setting the camcorder to automatically record
and standby sequentially. You can achieve an
excellent recording for flowering, emergence,
etc., with this function.
[a ]Recording time
[ b ]Waiting time
(1 ) Press MENU to display the menu in standby mode.
( 2 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select 
, then press the dial.
( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select INT. REC, then press the dial.
( 4 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select SET, then press the dial.
( 5 ) Set INTERVAL and REC TIME.
1  Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select INTERVAL, then press the dial.
2  Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired interval time, then
press the dial.
The time: 30SEC  y 1MIN  y 5MIN  y 10MIN
3  Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select REC TIME, then press the dial.
4  Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired recording time, then
press the dial.
The time: 0.5SEC  y 1SEC  y 1.5SEC  y 2SEC
5  Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select 
 RETURN, then press the dial.
1
5
2-4
12
34
CAMERA  SET
D  ZOOM
16 : 9W I DE
STEADYSHOT
FRAME  REC
 I NT. REC
W I ND
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
CAMERA  SET
D  ZOOM
16 : 9W I DE
STEADYSHOT
FRAME  REC
 I NT. REC
W I ND
   RETURN OFF
 
[
MENU ]
 :
 END
CAMERA  SET I NT. REC
    I NTERVAL
      REC  T I ME
      RETURN   30SEC
 
[
MENU ]
 :
 END CAMERA  SET
 I NT. REC
    I NTERVAL
      REC  T I ME
      RETURN   30SEC
  1M I N
  5M I N
10M I N
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
CAMERA  SET
 I NT. REC
    I NTERVAL
      REC  T I ME
      RETURN   0 . 5SEC
 
[
MENU ]
 :
 END CAMERA  SET
 I NT. REC
    I NTERVAL
      REC  T I ME
      RETURN   0 . 5SEC
     1SEC
1 . 5SEC
     2SEC
 [
MENU ]
 :
 END
CAMERA  SET
D  ZOOM
16 : 9W I DE
STEADYSHOT
FRAME  REC
 I NT. REC
W I ND
   RETURN ON
OFF
SET
 
[
MENU ]
 :
 END
MENU
10 min
10 min
1 s 1 s
9 min 59 s 9 min 59 s
[a ][ a]
[ b ][ b]
Example