Sony Digital HD Video Camera Recorder HVR-Z1U/Z1N Operating Instructions

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder          HVR-Z1U/Z1N
© 2005 Sony Corporation
2-514-606-11(1)
Digital HD Video 
Camera Recorder
HVR-Z1U/Z1N
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, 
and retain it for future reference. 

2
Read this first
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not 
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
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.
For customers in...

3
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.HVR-                                   
Serial No.                                                            Model No.AC-                                                     Serial No.                                                            
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any...

4
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.
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.
Connecting...

5
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...

6
Customizing the picture quality – PICTURE PROFILE ............................  34
Customizing the sound.............................................................................  37
Adjusting the audio recording level – Microphone volume level  ................................ 37
Connecting external audio sources  ........................................................................... 38
Selecting the recording channel...

7
Advanced operations
Using the Menu
Selecting menu items ......................... 57
Using the   (CAMERA SET) menu 
– STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC, 
etc. ............................................... 58
Using the   (AUDIO SET) menu
 
– INT MIC SET/XLR SET, etc.  ..... 64
Using the   (LCD/VF SET) menu
 
– LCD COLOR, etc.  ..................... 68
Using the   (IN/OUT REC) menu
 
– REC FORMAT/DOWN CONVERT, 
etc. ............................................... 70
Using the   (TC/UB SET) menu
 
– TC MAKE, etc....

Quick Start Guide8
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies
1Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.
To charge the battery, see page 11.
2Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
Press the battery pack and slide it down.
aSlide the OPEN/
EJECT  lever in 
the direction of the 
arrow to open the lid.
The cassette compartment 
comes out automatically.
bInsert the cassette with 
its window-side facing 
out, then push the center 
of the back of the 
cassette.cPress  on the 
cassette 
compartment.
Close the...

Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide
9
3Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.
The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 16.
The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in the default setting. To record in the DVCAM or 
DV format, see page 20. 
4View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.
aOpen the hood shutter.
bOpen the LCD panel and 
adjust the angle.
cWhile pressing the green 
button, set the POWER 
switch to CAMERA.
dPress REC...

Getting started10
Getting started
Step 1: Checking 
supplied items
Make sure you have following items supplied 
with your camcorder.
The number in parentheses indicates the number 
of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor/charger (1)
Power cord (1)
Connecting cord (DK-415) (1)
Lens hood (1)
This is attached to your camcorder.
bNote
 If you attach an optical filter (optional) or so, remove 
the lens hood.
Large eyecup (1)
To attach it to your camcorder, see page 16.
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
A/V connecting...