How to Use the Sony DCR-DVD7 DVD Handycam Camcorder
The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD7 is a digital camcorder that uses mini DVDs as its recording medium. As with Sony's other camcorders, it is a versatile camera with a number of features and options and the ability to connect to other devices to display and transfer digital videos and photos. Still, the concepts involved with operating the DCR-DVD7 are largely the same as with camcorders of other formats, and Sony has designed it to be used with minimum hassle.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Recordable mini DVDs
- Camera-to-computer USB cable (included with camera)
- DV to composite RCA A/V cable (included)
- Picture Package Software (included)
Instructions
-
Recording Videos or Photos
-
1
Slide the "Open" switch forward to open the disc cover and load a recordable mini DVD label side out and close the cover. Turn the power switch on and set the recording mode on the touch LCD screen to either "Video" or "VR" mode ("VR" mode offers more options, but the disc can only be played in other DVD players that also have "VR" mode).
-
2
Slide the "Power" switch to the right until the "Film" icon lights up to record video, or the "Camera" icon for photos. Also press and light up the "Easy" button to enter Easy Handycam mode, though only default settings can be used in that mode.
-
-
3
Press the "Rec Start/Stop" button to begin recording video, and press it again to stop. Utilize the various keys to adjust the zoom and other options when necessary. To take photos, press the "Rec Start/Stop" button lightly to adjust the focus, and press it fully to take the photo. A shutter sound will be heard when the photo is taken. Repeat this step to continue to record additional videos or photos.
-
4
Set the camcorder in a stable position and press "Setup" and then "Finalize" on the LCD screen to finalize the disc when finished to view it in other DVD players. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the finalization process.
Playback
-
5
Slide the "Power" switch to the right until the "Play/Edit" icon is lit up. Select the "Film" or "Camera" tab at the bottom of the LCD screen to view the available selections from that format. Press the "Up Arrow" key on the left-hand side to view previous selections.
-
6
Touch the selection on the screen you wish to view, and for videos, press "Play" to begin playback. Touch the other on-screen keys to stop, pause, fast-forward or rewind, or move on to another selection. Touch "P-Menu" and then "Volume" to adjust the playback volume. For photos, touch the selection to view it, and touch the "Previous" or "Next" key to view another.
-
7
Connect the supplied cable from the A/V jack of the camcorder to a composite RCA input on a TV (or VCR connected to a TV) to display videos and photos on the TV, using the same playback process. Set the TV to that input setting for viewing.
-
8
Eject the disc and load it onto the DVD tray of a DVD player (with mini DVD adapter, when necessary) or the DVD-ROM drive of a computer to play the contents of the disc in either of those devices, after the disc has been finalized. Or, connect the supplied cable from the camera to a USB input on your computer to view or transfer video and photos, once you have installed the accompanying software.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use the AC adaptor or ensure that your battery is well charged before operating for a period of time.
Press "P-Menu" and select "Clock Set" to set the date and time during initial set-up. This feature should be shown in the LCD screen when you power the camera on if it has not already been set.
Consult your owner's manual or visit Sony's support website for more detailed operating instructions and advanced menu and set-up options for your camera.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cam controls image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
