Sony DVCAM DSR-PD170P User Manual

Recording – Basics
19
Recording a picture
Note on the recording format
Your camcorder records and plays back both in the DVCAM format and in the DV
format SP mode. Select the format in the menu settings.
Note on the LOCK switch
When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to
MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK switch is set to the right as a default setting. We
recommend that you set the LOCK switch to the left when you record on a cassette.
Note on the progressive recording mode
If you intend to use the images on your PC or play the images back as still images, we
recommend that you set PROG. SCAN to ON in the menu settings before shooting (p.
105). The picture quality may improve in this mode, but if you shoot a moving subject,
the image may shake when it is played back.
To enable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as
you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. When you use a tape
with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition smooth even after ejecting
the cassette if you use the end search function (p. 27).
However, check the following:
•When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
•Do not mix recordings in the DVCAM format and the DV format on one tape.
The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes when you change the recording format.
If you leave your camcorder in standby mode for five minutes
The head drum of the camcorder automatically stops rotating. This is to prevent the
tape wear and save the battery power. To re-start recording, press the START/STOP
button. It may take more time to start recording. This is not a malfunction.
Usable cassettes
You can record both on mini DVCAM cassettes and on mini DV cassettes using your
camcorder. When you use a mini DV cassette, set REC MODE to DV SP in the menu
settings. You can record on a tape 1.5 times longer than the DVCAM format. When you
want to record in the DV format or to make longer recording, use the mini DV cassette.
Notes
•If you record in the DV format, the transition of a tape may not be smooth. We
recommend that you use mini DVCAM cassettes and set REC MODE to DVCAM in
the menu settings to obtain reliable clear pictures.
•You cannot record on a tape in LP mode in the DV format.
If you use a mini DV cassette without setting REC MODE to DV SP
The recordable time is 2/3 time that indicated on the cassette.
Cassettes that can be played back with your camcorder
You can play back both cassettes recorded in the DVCAM format or in the DV format,
however, you cannot play back cassettes that recorded in LP mode in the DV format.

Sony DVCAM DSR-PD170P Specifications

General

Brand	Sony
Model	DVCAM DSR-PD170P
Category	Camcorder
Language	English

Summary

Operating Instructions

Getting Started

Basic setup steps for the camcorder, including microphone installation and power connection.

Recording – Basics

Fundamental techniques for capturing video, covering recording a picture and usable cassettes.

Playback – Basics

Instructions on how to review recorded video content, including playing back a tape.

Advanced Recording Operations

Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording

Capturing still images onto a tape, useful for printing via video printer.

Shooting with manual adjustment

Fine-tuning camera settings like iris, gain, and shutter speed for optimal recording.

Advanced Playback Operations

Searching for a recording by index – Index search

Locating recorded scenes using index marks for easy searching.

Searching a recording by date – Date search

Finding recorded content based on the date it was captured.

Editing

Dubbing a tape

Copying video content from one tape to another using A/V or i.LINK connections.

Audio dubbing

Adding or replacing audio tracks on recorded tapes.

Setting time values

Setting the time code value

Configuring time code recording methods for shooting conditions.

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings

Adjusting various camcorder functions and modes via the menu system.

“Memory Stick” Operations

Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction

Overview of Memory Stick types, formats, and basic usage.

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo recording

Capturing still images onto a Memory Stick for later use.

Viewing a still picture – Memory Photo playback

Reviewing still images stored on a Memory Stick.

Preventing accidental erasure – Image protection

Safeguarding important images on a Memory Stick from accidental deletion.

Troubleshooting

In the recording mode

Solutions for common problems encountered during recording.

In the playback mode

Solutions for common problems encountered during playback.

Maintenance information and precautions

Moisture condensation

Addressing and preventing issues caused by moisture condensation.

Cleaning the video head

Procedures for cleaning video heads to ensure picture quality.

Specifications

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls

Visual guide to the camcorder's buttons, connectors, and features.