Sony Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-TRV900 Operating Instructions

11
Getting started
Inserting a cassette
You can use mini DV cassette with  logo* only.
Make sure that the power source is installed.
(1)While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction
of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically opens.
(2)Insert a cassette with the window facing out.
(3)Close the cassette compartment by pressing the ÒPUSHÓ mark on the cassette
compartment.
*   is a trademark.
To eject the cassetteWhile pressing the small blue button on the...

12
Basic operations
Camera recording
Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/
STOP MODE selector inside the LCD panel is set to. Before you record one-time events,
you had better make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly.
When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to
your time before you start recording (p. 118).
(1)Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and...

13
Basic operations
To focus the viewfinder lensIf you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used the
camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the
indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
Note on Standby mode
If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted, the
camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out
the tape. To...

14
Note on the beep sound
Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep
sound, select OFF in the menu system.
Note on remaining tape indicator
The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape. Though the indicator
does not appear at the time of recording, it will appear in a few seconds.
Attaching the lens hood
To record fine pictures, we recommend you to attach the lens hood, no matter where you
shoot. You can also attach the lens cap when...

15
Basic operations
Camera recording
Zooming of more than 12x Ð digital zoom¥ If you set the D ZOOM function to ON in the menu system, you can perform zooming of
more than 12x performed digitally. It is set to OFF at the factory.
¥ You cannot use the digital zoom when you set PROG. SCAN to ON in the menu system.
¥ The right side [a] of the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the left
side [b] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to ON, the [a]
zone appears....

16
Shooting with the LCD screen
You can also record the picture while looking at the LCD screen.
When using the LCD screen, the viewfinder turns off automatically except in mirror mode.
You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker during recording.
(1)While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel.
(2)Adjust angle of the LCD panel.
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to this side and about 180 degrees to the
other side.
To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press LCD BRIGHT + or Ð.
The battery life is...

17
Basic operations
Camera recording
Letting the subject monitor the shot
You can turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way and you can let the subject
monitor the shot while shooting with the viewfinder.
Turn the LCD panel up vertically. When you turn the LCD panel 180 degrees, the 
indicator appears on the LCD screen (mirror mode) and the time code and remaining tape
indicators disappear.
You can also use the Remote Commander.
To cancel mirror mode
Turn the LCD panel down toward the...

18
Self-timer recording
You can make a recording with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to record
yourself.
(1) Press  (self-timer) to display  (self-timer) on the LCD screen or in the
viewfinder while the camcorder is in Standby mode.
(2) Press START/STOP.
Self-timer starts counting down to 10 with a beep sound. In the last two seconds of
the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically at
the time you set.
To stop self-timer recordingPress START/STOP.
Use...

19
Basic operations
Hints for better shooting
For hand-held shots, you will get better results by holding the camcorder according to the
following suggestions:
¥ Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily
manipulate the controls with your thumb. [a]
¥ Place your elbows against your side.
¥ Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it.
¥ Place your eye against the viewfinder eyecup.
¥ Be sure not to touch the built-in microphone.
¥ Use the LCD panel frame...

20
Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod
Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you
have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder. When attaching a
non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch
(6.5 mm). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the
camcorder.
Cautions on the LCD panel and on the viewfinder
¥ Do not pick up the camcorder by...