Sony Digital Camcorder DSR-PD1

Objective:

This job aid will assist you in setting up the Sony camera. It is recommended that all adjustments, except focus, be left at default or automatic.
 
 

Attaching the microphone (using 1 microphone)
 

  • Place the microphone in the holder with the model name (ECM-NV1) facing upward.

  • Plug the connector into INPUT 1.

  • Set INPUT LEVEL selector to MIC and set the +48 V switch to ON (switches are located in the handle next to the microphone holder).

  • Select CH1 using the REC CH SELECT.

 
 

Attaching Power Supply
 

  • If recording outside, use the battery. Lift up the viewfinder and insert the battery.

  • If recording inside, attach the power supply to the AC Adaptor (rear bottom of camera).

  • To charge the battery, insert the battery, connect the power supply, and turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
 
 

Inserting a Cassette
 

  • To insert or remove a cassette, the battery or power supply must be attached.

  • Locate the small blue EJECT switch button on the top rear of the camera and slide it in the direction of the arrow. Compartment will open.

  • To close the compartment after removing or inserting a tape, press the compartment door where the PUSH mark is located.

 
 

Camera Manual Adjustments
 

It is recommended that all adjustments be left at default or automatic. The AUTO LOCK selector is located at the rear of the camera. By setting the AUTO LOCK selector to the top most position, settings are set to automatic.

 
 

Focus
 

  • Focus switch is located on the left side of the camera just behind the focus and zoom ring.

  • Slide FOCUS to MAN and adjust using the focus ring (hand icon with a F in it appears on the LCD screen).

  • If you are manually focused on one subject and want to focus on another, you can press the PUSH AUTO button. When you release the button, manual focusing resumes.

  • To focus, zoom in on some feature of your subject (nose, chin, eye, etc.) and focus with the ring and then zoom back out.

 
 

ND Filter
 

  • Controls the amount of light entering the camera. When the ND1 or ND2 indicator flashes on the LCD screen, the ND filter is necessary.

  • ND selector switch is located on the left side of the camera towards the front, just behind the focus and zoom ring.

  • If ND 1 flashes, select ND 1, if ND 2 flashes, select ND 2.

  • When ND OFF flashes, filter is not necessary.
 
 

Recording Level

 

  • Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR and press MENU.

  • Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial at the rear of the camera to select the tape icon, then press the dial.

  • Turn the dial to select AUDIO SET and press the dial.

  • Turn the dial to select AGC CH1 to select channel 1.

  • Press the dial to change the setting - ON is automatic and OFF is manual.

  • When the setting is set to manual (OFF), adjust the recording level by first pressing the AUDIO LEVEL button at the rear of the camera - recording level adjustment display appears on the LCD screen.

  • Then turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the level for channel 1.

 
 

AE shift

 

  • Used to lighten or darken an image. Button is at the rear of the camera.

  • To set manually, press the AE SHIFT button at the rear of the camera and turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness.

  • To deactivate AE SHIFT, set the AE shift (using wheel next to button) value to 0 (AE shift value will appear on the LCD screen) or press AE SHIFT.

 
 

Zebra pattern
 

  • Places a stripped pattern on that part of the picture whose brightness exceeds a set level. It is used as a guide for adjusting the exposure and shutter speed.

  • Selector is located behind the LCD screen.

  • Leave switch on OFF.
 
 

SteadyShot function
 

  • Don’t use it in the studio when camera is on a tripod.

  • Press the MENU button (behind the LCD screen).

  • Use SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select camera icon with the C in it.

  • Turn dial to select STEADYSHOT and press dial to select OFF.

  • Press Menu to exit.

 
 

Recording a video
 

  • Prepare the camera as noted above.

  • Set POWER switch to CAMERA (rear of camera on the right side).

  • Open the LCD screen or use the view finder.

  • Press the red START/STOP button (rear of camera on the right side), or the REC button on top/front of handle next to the microphone connection, or the small silver button with a red dot on the right side above the TV connectors.

    • The REC indicator will appear in the LCD screen.

  • To stop the recording, press one of the buttons mentioned in #4 above.

 
 

Playing back a tape
 

  • Set the POWER switch (rear of camera on the right side) to VCR.

  • Have the LCD screen open for viewing.

  • Use the control buttons on the top of the camera under the handle (controls will light up with an orange light when VCR is selected).
 
 

NOTE: As accessed by the MENU button,
 

  • TAPE SET > REC MODE should be set to DV SP

  • CAMERA SET > All items set to OFF

  • MANUAL SET

    • AUTO SHTR > ON

    • PROG SCAN > OFF

  • Any questions about the other settings refer to the user manual