Video Camera Recorder: CCD-TR618/TR818

3-065-645-11 (3)
Video Camera
Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
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. CCD-TR Model No. AC-L
Serial No. Serial No.
CCD-TR818
CCD-TR618/TR818
©2001 Sony Corporation

Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam® camcorder. With your
Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality.
Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use.
You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
WARNING For customers in the United

States and Canada
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
not expose the unit to rain or
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
moisture. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries
to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion
batteries in household or business trash may
be prohibited.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only)
For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium
ion battery.
For customers in the U.S.A.

This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of CAUTION
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
that may be of sufficient not expressly approved in this manual could void
magnitude to constitute a risk of your authority to operate this equipment.
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.
Never expose the battery pack to temperatures

above 60°C (140°F) such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct sunlight.
2
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
Getting started
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
— Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/
TV technician for help.
For customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
3
Main Features
Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode)
•In a dark place NIGHTSHOT (p. 24)
•In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, Sunset & moon mode (p. 34)
or general night views
•Shooting backlit subjects BACK LIGHT (p. 24)
•In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal Spotlight mode (p. 34)
event
•In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach Beach & ski mode (p. 34)
in midsummer or on a ski slope
Functions to give images more impact (in the recording mode)

•Smooth transition between scenes FADER (p. 31)
•Digital processing of images PICTURE EFFECT (p. 33)
•Creating a soft background for subjects Soft portrait mode (p. 34)
•Superimposing a title TITLE (p. 38)
Functions to give a natural appearance to your recordings

(in the recording mode)
•Preventing deterioration of picture quality in D ZOOM [MENU] (p. 47)
digital zoom
The default setting is set to OFF.
(To zoom greater than 20×, select the digital zoom
power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)
•Focusing manually Manual focus (p. 37)
•Shooting distant subjects Landscape mode (p. 34)
•Recording fast-moving subjects Sports lesson mode (p. 34)
Functions to use in editing (in the recording mode)

•Watching the picture on a wide-screen TV Wide mode (p. 29)
•Recording with the date/time Date and time (p. 25)
•Enhancing old tapes ORC [MENU] (p. 49)
Functions to use after recording (in the playback mode)

•Correcting jitter TBC [MENU] (p. 48)
•Correcting color noise DNR [MENU] (p. 48)
4
Table of contents
Main Features .......................................... 4
Editing
Dubbing a tape ...................................... 45
Quick Start Guide ............................... 6
Getting started
Customizing Your Camcorder
Getting started
Changing the menu settings ................ 46
Using this manual ................................... 8
Checking supplied accessories ............ 10
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 11
Troubleshooting
Installing the battery pack ............ 11 Types of trouble and their solutions
Charging the battery pack ............ 12 ........................................................... 52
Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 16 Self-diagnosis display .......................... 55
Step 2 Setting the date and time ........ 17 Warning indicators and messages ...... 56
Step 3 Inserting a cassette ................... 19
Additional Information
Recording – Basics Usable cassettes and playback modes
........................................................... 57
Recording a picture .............................. 20
About “InfoLITHIUM” battery ........... 58
Shooting backlit subjects
– BACK LIGHT ........................ 24 Using your camcorder abroad ............ 59
Shooting in the dark Maintenance information and
– NightShot ............................... 24 precautions ...................................... 60
Superimposing the date and time Specifications ......................................... 65
on pictures ................................ 25
Quick Reference
Playback – Basics Identifying the parts and controls ...... 66
Connections for playback .................... 26 Index ........................................ Back cover
Playing back a tape ............................... 27
Advanced Recording
Operations
Using the wide mode ........................... 29
Using the fader function ...................... 31
Using special effects
– Picture effect ................................. 33
Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 34
Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 36
Focusing manually ................................ 37
Superimposing a title ........................... 38
Making your own titles ........................ 40
Using the built-in light ......................... 42
5
Quick Start Guide
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your

camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more
information.
Connecting the power cord (p. 16)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 11).
Open the DC IN
jack cover.
Quick Start Guide
Connect the plug with

its v mark facing up.
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Inserting a cassette (p. 19)
1 Open the lid of the 2 Insert a cassette 3 Close the cassette

cassette into the cassette compartment by pressing
compartment, and compartment the mark on the
press EJECT. with its window cassette compartment.
The compartment facing out and The cassette compartment
opens automatically. automatically goes down.
the write-protect
Close the lid of the
CT
tab on the cassette compartment.
EJE
cassette up.
6
Recording a picture (p. 20)
1 Remove the lens cap. 2 Set the POWER switch to POWER
PLAYER
CAMERA while pressing
the small green button.
(CHARGE) CAMERA
OFF
The picture appears in
the viewfinder.
3 Press the red button. POWER
PLAYER
Your camcorder
(CHARGE) CAMERA
starts recording. To
OFF
stop recording, press
the red button again.
Viewfinder
Use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup.
The picture in the viewfinder is black and white. (CCD-TR618 only)
Quick Start Guide

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. If you want to record
the date and time for a picture, set the clock setting before recording. (p. 17)
Monitoring the playback picture in the

viewfinder (p. 27)
2 Press m to rewind the tape.

REW
3 Press N to start playback.

PLAY
1 Set the POWER POWER

PLAYER
switch to PLAYER
while pressing the
(CHARGE) CAMERA
OFF
small green button.
NOTE
Do not pick up your camcorder by holding
the viewfinder or the battery pack.
7
— Getting started —
Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before
you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number
by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR818 is the model used for
illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any
differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “CCD-TR818
only.”
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the
operation is being carried out.
Types of differences
CCD- TR618 TR818
Viewfinder B/W Color
Built-in light z —
Digital zoom 450 × 460 ×
SteadyShot — z
z Provided
— Not provided
Note on TV colour systems

TV colour systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV,
you need an NTSC system-based TV.
8
Using this manual
Precautions on camcorder care

Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only)
• The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.
Getting started
However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red,
blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.
These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any way.
• Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
• Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
• Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD
screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions [c].
• Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun in low light coditions such as duck [d].
[a] [b] [c]
[d]
9
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
1 2 3
4 5
1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power 4 Shoulder strap(1) (p. 68)

adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 16)
5 Lens cap (1) (p. 20, 69)
2 NP-F330 battery pack(1) (p. 11, 12)
3 A/V connecting cable(1) (p. 26)
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not

made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.
10
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.
Getting started
To remove the battery pack
Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT
RELEASE down.
BATT RELEASE
11
Charging the battery pack

Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series).
See page 58 for more information about “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with
your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). Charging begins. The remaining
battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window.
The charging is completed when the remainnig battery indicator changes to u and the
FULL appears on the display window.
4 POWER
PLAYER
(CHARGE) CAMERA
OFF
1
2
After charging the battery pack

Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
12
Notes
• Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug
of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power
adaptor.
• Keep the battery pack dry.
Getting started
• When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack fully,
and then use it until it fully discharges again. Do this once a year. Keep the battery
pack in a cool place.
Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time

“– – – – min” appears in the display window.
While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in
the display window in the following cases:
– The battery pack is not installed correctly.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.
If the power may go off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate
Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining
indicator is correct.
13
Charging time
Battery pack Full charge
NP-F330 (supplied) 150
NP-F530/F550 210
NP-F730/F730H/F750 300
NP-F930/F950 390
NP-F960 420
Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack
Recording time
CCD-TR618
Battery pack Continuous* Typical**
NP-F330 (supplied) 140 75
NP-F530 245 135
NP-F550 280 155
NP-F730 500 275
NP-F730H/F750 580 320
NP-F930 780 430
NP-F950 900 495
NP-F960 1035 570
CCD-TR818
Battery pack Continuous* Typical**
NP-F330 (supplied) 160 90
NP-F530 290 160
NP-F550 325 180
NP-F730 590 325
NP-F730H/F750 670 370
NP-F930 915 505
NP-F950 1025 565
NP-F960 1200 660
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack
* Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be
shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
* *Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/
stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
14
Playing time
CCD-TR618
Battery pack
Getting started
NP-F530 260
NP-F550 295
NP-F730 525
NP-F730H/F750 610
NP-F930 825
NP-F950 930
NP-F960 1090
CCD-TR818
Battery pack
NP-F530 305
NP-F550 340
NP-F730 625
NP-F730H/F750 710
NP-F930 975
NP-F950 1080
NP-F960 1260
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack
The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as
battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible
with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the
mark.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
15
Connecting to a wall outlet

When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a
wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN
jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
1 2, 3
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (wall outlet) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
Notes
•The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your
camcorder.
•The DC IN jack has “source priority”. This means that the battery pack cannot supply
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.
•Place the AC power adaptor near a wall outlet. While using the AC power adaptor, if
any plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.
Using a car battery

Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (optional).
16
Step 2 Setting the date and time
Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time.
If you do not use your camcorder for about 4 months, the date and time settings may be
released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable lithium cell in your
camcorder will have been discharged.
Getting started
First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.
(1) While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, press MENU to display the
menu.
(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.
(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial.
(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the desired year, then press the dial.
(5) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and
pressing the dial.
(6) Set the minute by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by
the time signal. The clock starts to move.
(7) Press MENU to make the menu disappear. The time indicator appears.
1,7 2 3
MENU
S E T U P ME NU S E T U P ME NU S E T U P ME NU
C L OC K S E T C L OC K S E T – –:– –:– – C L OC K S E T
AUTO DA T E AUTO DA T E AUTO DA T E
L TR S I ZE L TR S I ZE L TR S I ZE 2001 J AN 1
L A NGU AGE L A NGU AGE L A NGU AGE
D EMO MOD E D EMO MOD E D EMO MOD E
R E T URN R E T URN
1 2 0 0 AM
[ ME NU ] : E ND [ ME NU ] : E ND [ ME NU ] : E ND
6
4
S E T U P ME NU S E T U P ME NU
C L OC K S E T C L OC K S E T J U L 4 2001
AUTO DA T E AUTO DA T E 5:3 0:0 0 PM
L TR S I ZE 2001 J U L 4 L TR S I ZE
L A NGU AGE L A NGU AGE
D EMO MOD E D EMO MOD E
R E T URN R E T URN
2001 J AN 1 2001 J AN 1 5 3 0 PM
[ ME NU ] : E ND [ ME NU ] : E ND
1 2 0 0 AM 1 2 0 0 AM
17
Step 2 Setting the date and time
To check the preset date and time

Press DATE to display the date indicator.
Press TIME to display the time indicator.
Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME (or DATE) to simultaneously display the
date and time indicator.
Press DATE and/or TIME again. The date and/or time indicator disappears.
The year changes as follows:
1995 T · · · · t 2001 T · · · · t 2079
Auto date function

When you use your camcorder for the first time, turn it on and reset the date and time
to your local time before you start recording (p. 17). The date is automatically recorded
for 10 seconds after you start recording (Auto date function) . This function works only
once a day.
Note on the time indicator

The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.
•12:00 AM stands for midnight.
•12:00 PM stands for noon.
Note on the auto date function

You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu settings.
The auto date function automatically displays the date once a day.
However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day if:
– you reset the date and time.
– you eject and insert the tape again.
– you stop recording within 10 seconds.
– you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it back to ON in the menu settings.
18
Step 3 Inserting a cassette
When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassettes .
(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 11).
(2) Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press EJECT. The cassette
compartment opens automatically.
(3) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the tab on the cassette up.
Getting started
(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
(5) Close the lid of the cassette compartment.
2 3 4,5
T
EJEC
To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above, and eject the cassette in step 3.
Note
•Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the cassette
compartment other than the mark.
•Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the lid of the cassette compartment.
To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
19
— Recording – Basics —
Recording a picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attach the lens
cap to the grip strap.
(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more
information (p. 11 to 19).
(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.
(4) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator
appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder
lights up.
To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
The recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder during recording(CCD-TR618
only).
1 3 POWER
PLAYER
(CHARGE) CAMERA
OFF
4 POWER
PLAYER
40min REC 0:00:01

(CHARGE) CAMERA
OFF
Camera
recording lamp
2
Microphone
Note
Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.
To enable smooth transition
You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene
smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.
When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette
is inserted
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent
battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHARGE) once, then turn it to CAMERA again.
To set the counter to 0:00:00
Press COUNTER RESET (p. 69).
20
Recording a picture
After recording
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
(2) Eject the cassette.
(3) Attach the lens cap.
Recording – Basics
After using your camcorder (CCD-TR618 only)
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder to avoid turning on the built-in light
accidentally.
To record pictures with the viewfinder – adjusting the

viewfinder
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.
Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.
21
Recording a picture
Using the zoom feature

Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.
“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
“W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
W T
W T W T
Zoom greater than 20× is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. (p. 46)
The picture quality deteriorates as the picture is processed digitally.
The right side of the bar shows the digital W T

zooming zone.
The digital zooming zone appears when
you select the digital zoom power in D
ZOOM in the menu settings.
When you shoot close to a subject

If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the
focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/8 inch)
away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 inch)
away in the wide-angle position.
Notes on digital zoom

•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 20×.
•The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side.
22
Recording a picture
Indicators displayed in the recording mode

The indicators are not recorded on tape.
Hi8 format indicator

This appears while playing back or recording in Hi8
format.
Recording mode indicator
STBY/REC indicator
40min REC 0:00:01 Tape counter indicator
Remaining tape indicator

This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play
back for a while.
Remaining battery time indicator
Note on the remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battry time indicator roughly indicates the recording time. The indicator
may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording.
23
Recording a picture
Shooting backlit subjects – BACK LIGHT

When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a
light background, use the backlight function.
Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA mode.

The . indicator appears in the viewfinder.
To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.
BACK LIGHT
If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects

The backlight function will be canceled.
Shooting in the dark – NightShot

The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you
can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when
you use this function.
While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.

and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash in the viewfinder. To cancel the NightShot
function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.
NIGHTSHOT
OFF ON
NightShot Light emitter
Using the NightShot Light

The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable the NightShot Light,
set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 46).
24
Recording a picture
Notes
• Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This
may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
• When you keep NIGHTSHOT setting to ON in normal recording, the picture may be
recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.
• If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,
focus manually.
While using the NightShot function, you can not use the following functions:
– Exposure
– PROGRAM AE
NightShot Light
NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance
using the NightShot Light is about 3 m (10 feet).
Superimposing the date and time on pictures

You can record the date and/or time displayed in the viewfinder superimposed on the
picture.
Carry out the following operations in CAMERA mode.
Press DATE to record the date.

Press TIME to record the time.
Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME (or DATE) to record the date and time.
Press DATE and/or TIME again. The date and/or time indicator disappears.
DATE TIME
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. Set the date and time
to your local time before using (p. 17).
Note
The date and time indicators recorded manually cannot be deleted.
If you do not record the date and time in the picture

Record the date and time in the black screen as the background for about 10 seconds,
then erase the date and time indicators before starting actual recording.
25
— Playback – Basics —
Connections for playback

Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your
camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the
playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder
from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 16). Refer to the operating
instructions of your TV.
Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting
cable. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
Yellow
S VIDEO OUT
IN
A/V OUT S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
: Signal flow
Black
If your TV is already connected to a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting
cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
To connect to a TV without Video/Audio input jacks

Use an NTSC system RFU adaptor (optional).
Refer to the operating instructions of your TV and the RFU adaptor.
If your TV has an S video jack

Connect using an S video cable (optional) to obtain high-quality pictures. With this
connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting
cable.
Connect the S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and
the TV.
26
Playing back a tape
You can monitor the playback picture on a TV screen after connecting your camcorder
to a TV or VCR. You can also monitor the picture in the viewfinder.
(1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape.
(2) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER while pressing the small green button.
(3) Press m to rewind the tape.
(4) Press N to start playback.
Playback – Basics
3 4 2 POWER
PLAYER
REW PLAY
(CHARGE) CAMERA
OFF
To stop playback
Press x.
27
Playing back a tape
Various playback modes

To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to PLAYER.
To view a still picture (playback pause)

Press X during playback. To resume playback, press X or N.
To advance the tape

Press M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.
To rewind the tape

Press m in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.
To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search)

Keep pressing m or M during playback. To resume normal playback, release the
button.
To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing or

rewinding the tape (skip scan)
Keep pressing m while rewinding or M while advancing the tape. To resume
rewinding or advancing, release the button.
In the various playback modes

Sound is muted.
When the playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes

Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.
When you play back a tape recorded in the LP mode

Noise may appear during playback pause mode or picture search.
28
— Advanced Recording Operations —
Using the wide mode

You can record a cinema-like picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the
16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9FULL). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV.
CINEMA
Black bands appear on the screen during recording in the CINEMA mode [a], playing
back on a normal TV [b] or a wide-screen TV [c]. If you set the screen mode of the wide-
screen TV to the zoom mode, a picture without black bands appears [d].
16:9FULL
The picture during recording in the 16:9FULL mode [e], or playing back on a normal
TV [f] or a wide-screen TV [g] is horizontally compressed. If you set the screen mode of
Advanced Recording Operations

the wide-screen TV to the full mode, you can watch pictures of normal images [h].
[b]
CINEMA
CINEMA
[a] [c] [d]
[f]
16:9FULL
16:9FULL
[e] [g] [h]
29
Using the wide mode
In CAMERA mode, set 16:9WIDE to CINEMA or 16:9FULL in in the menu settings

(p. 46).
MENU
To cancel the wide mode

Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.
If the wide mode is set to 16:9FULL (CCD-TR818 only)

The SteadyShot function does not work. If you select 16:9FULL in the menu settings
when the SteadyShot function is working, flashes and the SteadyShot function does
not function.
In the wide mode

You cannot select the bounce function with FADER.
Date or time indicator

When you record in the 16:9FULL mode, the date or time indicator will be widened on
wide-screen TVs.
During recording
You cannot change or cancel the wide mode. When you cancel the wide mode, set your
camcorder to the standby mode and then set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.
30
Using the fader function
You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance.
[a] STBY REC
FADER

M.FADER
(mosaic)
STRIPE
BOUNCE
(Fade in only)
[b] STBY REC
MONOTONE
When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color.
When fading out, the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white.
31
Using the fader function
(1) When fading in [a]

In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes.
When fading out [b]
In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes.
The indicator changes as follows:
FADER t M.FADER t STRIPE
no indicator T MONOTONE T BOUNCE
The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all.
(2) Press START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing.
After the fade in/out is carried out, your camcorder automatically returns to
the normal mode.
1
FADER FADER
To cancel the fader function

Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears.
The date, time indicator and title do not fade in or fade out
Erase them before operating the fader function if they are not needed.
While using the bounce function, you cannot use the following functions:
– Focus
– Zoom
– Picture effect
Note on the bounce function

The BOUNCE indicator does not appear in the following mode or functions:
– D ZOOM is set to the mode other than OFF in the menu settings
– Wide mode
– Picture effect
– PROGRAM AE
32
Using special effects – Picture effect
You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the
TV.
PASTEL [a] : The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an
animated cartoon.
NEG. ART [b] : The color and brightness of the picture are reversed.
SEPIA : The picture gets sepia.
B&W : The picture appears in monochrome (black-and-white).
SOLARIZE [c] : The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration.
MOSAIC [d] : The picture gets mosaic-patterned.
SLIM [e] : The picture expands vertically.

STRETCH [f] : The picture expands horizontally.
[a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f]
(1) In CAMERA mode, select P EFFECT in in the menu settings. (p. 46).
(2) Select the desired picture effect mode in the menu settings, then press the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial.
MA N U A L S E T
P ROGR AM A E O F F
P E F F ECT PASTE L
RE T URN N EG. A R T
SEP I A
B &W
SO L A R I Z E
MOS A I C
SL IM
S T RE T CH
[ ME N U ] : E N D
MENU
To cancel the picture effect function

Set P EFFECT to OFF in the menu settings.
When you turn the power off

Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode.
33
Using the PROGRAM AE function
You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting
requirements.
Spotlight
This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white
when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater.
Soft portrait
This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as
people or flowers.
Sports lesson
This mode minimizes shake on fast-moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.
Beach & ski

This mode prevents people’s faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light,
such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.
Sunset & moon

This mode allows you to maintain atmosphere when you are recording sunsets, general
night views, fireworks displays and neon signs.
Landscape
This mode is for when you are recording distant subjects such as mountains and
prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you
are recording a subject behind glass or a screen.
34
Using the PROGRAM AE function
(1) In CAMERA mode, select PROGRAM AE in in the menu settings (p. 46).
(2) Select the desired PROGRAM AE mode in the menu settings, then press the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
MA N U A L S E T

P ROGR AM A E A U T O
P E F F ECT S PO T L I GH T
RE T URN POR T R A I T
S P OR T S
B E ACH& S K I
S U N S E T MOON
L ANDSCA P E
[ ME N U ] : E N D
MENU
To turn the PROGRAM AE function off

Set PROGRAM AE to AUTO in the menu settings.
Notes
• In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski modes, you cannot take close-ups. This
is because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.
• In the sunset & moon and landscape modes, your camcorder is set to focus only on
distant subjects.
• The bounce function with FADER does not work in the PROGRAM AE mode.
• While setting NIGHTSHOT to ON, the PROGRAM AE function does not work. (The
indicator flashes.)
If you are recording under a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium
lamp or mercury lamp
Flickering or changes in color may occur in the following modes. If this happens, turn
the PROGRAM AE function off.
– Soft portrait mode
– Sports lesson mode
35
Adjusting the exposure manually
You can manually adjust and set the exposure.
Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases:
•The subject is backlit
•Bright subject and dark background
•To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully
(1) In CAMERA mode, press EXPOSURE.

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness.
1
EXPOSURE
To return to the automatic exposure mode

Press EXPOSURE again.
Note
When you adjust the exposure manually, the backlight function does not work.
Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode:

– if you change the PROGRAM AE mode
– if you slide NIGHTSHOT to ON
36
Focusing manually
You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases:
•The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting
– subjects through glass coated with water droplets
– horizontal stripes
– subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky
•When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the
background
• Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod

(1) In CAMERA mode, press FOCUS. The 9 indicator appears.
(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to sharpen focus.
FOCUS
To return to the autofocus mode

Press FOCUS.
To focus precisely
Adjust the zoom by first focusing at the “T” (telephoto) position and then shooting at
the “W” (wide-angle) position. This makes focusing easier.
When you shoot close to the subject

Focus at the end of the “W” (wide-angle) position.
9 changes to the following indicators:

when recording a distant subject.
when the subject is too close to focus on.
37
Superimposing a title
You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 40). You can also select
the language, color, size and position of titles.
VACATION
(1) In CAMERA mode, press TITLE to display the title menu.

(3) Select the desired title in the menu settings, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial. The titles are displayed in the language you selected.
(4) Change the color, size, or position, if necessary.
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the color, size, or position, then
press the dial. The item appears.
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the
dial.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the title is laid out as desired.
(5) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial again to complete the setting.
(6) Press START/STOP to start recording.
(7) When you want to stop recording the title, press TITLE.
1 TITLE
PRESE T T I T L E
HE L LO !
H A P P Y B I R T HD A Y
H A P P Y HO L I D A Y S
CONGR A T U L A T I ON S !
OUR SWE E T B A B Y
WE DD I NG
V A C A T I ON
T H E E ND
[ T I T L E ] : E ND
2 PRESE T T I T L E
HE L LO !
PRESE T T I T L E
HE L LO !
OUR SWE E T B A B Y OUR SWE E T B A B Y
WE DD I NG WE DD I NG
V A C A T I ON V A C A T I ON
T H E E ND T H E E ND
R E T URN
[ T I T L E ] : E ND [ T I T L E ] : E ND
3 PRESE T T I T L E
HE L LO !
T I TLE
OUR SWE E T B A B Y VACATION

WE DD I NG
V A C A T I ON
T H E E ND
R E T URN
4 S I ZE
S I ZE
SMA L L
L A RGE
T I TLE
VACATION
VACATION
[ T I T L E ] : E ND
38
Superimposing a title
To superimpose the title while you are recording

Press TITLE while you are recording, and carry out steps 2 to 5. When you press the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial at step 5, the title is superimposed.
To select the language of a preset title

If you want to change the language, select before step 2. Then select the desired
language and return to step 2.
Note
Both the date and time or either of them may not be displayed depending on the size or
position of the title.

If you display the menu or title menu while superimposing a title
The title is not recorded while the menu or title menu is displayed.
To use the custom title

If you want to use the custom title, select in step 2.
Title setting
• The title color changes as follows :
WHITE y YELLOW y VIOLET y RED y CYAN y GREEN y BLUE
• The title size changes as follows :
SMALL y LARGE
You cannot input 13 characters or more in LARGE size.
• The title position changes as follows :
1y2y3y4y5y6y7y8y9
The larger the position number, the lower the title is positioned.
When you select the title size “LARGE”, you cannot choose position 9.
When you select the title size “LARGE” in the CINEMA mode, you cannot choose
position 8 nor 9.
When you are selecting and setting the title

You cannot superimpose the title displayed on the screen.
When you superimpose a title while you are recording

The beep does not sound.
39
Making your own titles
You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder. Each title can have up
to 20 characters.
(1) In CAMERA or PLAYER mode, press TITLE.
(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the first line (CUSTOM1 SET) or
second line (CUSTOM2 SET), then press the dial.
(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the column of the desired character,
then press the dial.
(5) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired character, then press the
dial.
(6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have selected all characters and completed the
title.
(7) To finish making your own titles, turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select
[SET], then press the dial. The title is stored in memory.
(8) Press TITLE to make the title menu disappear.
1 2 T I T L E SET
CU S T OM 1 S E T
CU S T OM 2 S E T
T I T L E SET
CU S T OM 1 S E T
CU S T OM 2 S E T
R E T URN
TITLE
PRESE T T I T L E
HE L LO !
3 T I T L E SET
CU S T OM 1 S E T
CU S T OM 2 S E T
R E T URN
T I T L E SET P1
____________________
A B CD E 1 2 3 4 5 $ F ¥ DM £
¿iø” :
OUR SWE E T B A B Y F GH I J 6 7 8 9 0
WE DD I NG K L MNO À È Ì Ò Ù [ C ]
V A C A T I ON PQR S T Á É Í Ó Ú [ cP 2 ]
T H E E ND U VWX Y Â Ê Î ÆŒ [ SET ]
Z& ? ! Ã Õ Ñ ç ß
[ T I T L E ] : E ND ’ . , / – Ä Ï ÖÜ Å
4 T I T L E SET P1
____________________
A B CD E 1 2 3 4 5 $ F ¥ DM £
T I T L E SET P1
____________________
A B CD E 1 2 3 4 5 $ F ¥ DM £
F GH I J 6 7 8 9 0 ¿iø” : F GH I J 6 7 8 9 0 ¿iø” :
K L MNO À È Ì Ò Ù [ C ] K L MNO À È Ì Ò Ù [ C ]
6
PQR S T Á É Í Ó Ú [ cP 2 ] PQR S T Á É Í Ó Ú [ cP 2 ]
U VWX Y Â Ê Î ÆŒ [ SET ] U VWX Y Â Ê Î ÆŒ [ SET ]
Z& ? ! Ã Õ Ñ ç ß Z& ? ! Ã Õ Ñ ç ß
’ . , / – Ä Ï ÖÜ Å ’ . , / – Ä Ï ÖÜ Å
T I T L E SET P1 T I T L E SET P1
____________________ S___________________
A B CD E 1 2 3 4 5 $ F ¥ DM £ A B CD E 1 2 3 4 5 $ F ¥ DM £
F GH I J 6 7 8 9 0 ¿iø” : F GH I J 6 7 8 9 0 ¿iø” :
K L MNO À È Ì Ò Ù [ C ] K L MNO À È Ì Ò Ù [ C ]
PQR S T Á É Í Ó Ú [ cP 2 ] PQR S T Á É Í Ó Ú [ cP 2 ]
U VWX Y Â Ê Î ÆŒ [ SET ] U VWX Y Â Ê Î ÆŒ [ SET ]
Z& ? ! Ã Õ Ñ ç ß Z& ? ! Ã Õ Ñ ç ß
’ . , / – Ä Ï ÖÜ Å ’ . , / – Ä Ï ÖÜ Å
40
Making your own titles
To change a title you have stored

In step 3, select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET, depending on which title you want
to change, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select [C], then press the dial to delete the title. The last character is erased. Enter the
new title as desired.
If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters in the standby mode while a
cassette is in your camcorder
The power automatically turns off. The characters you have entered remain stored in
memory. Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) once, and turn it to CAMERA
again, then proceed from step 1.

We recommend setting the POWER switch to PLAYER or removing the cassette so that
your camcorder does not automatically turn off while you are entering title characters.
If you select [ ]
The menu for selecting alphabet and Russian characters appears. Select [ ] to return
to the previous screen.
To delete the title

Select [C]. The last character is erased.
To enter a space
Select [ Z& ? ! ], then select the blank part.
41
Using the built-in light
– CCD-TR618 only
You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended
distance between the subject and camcorder is about 1.5 m (5 feet).
Press LIGHT until the indicator appears in the viewfinder while your
camcorder is in CAMERA mode. The built-in light turns on.
If you turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE), the built-in light turns off
simultaneously. You cannot turn the built-in light on by turning the POWER switch to
CAMERA again.
To turn on the built-in light again, press LIGHT again in CAMERA mode.
LIGHT
CCD-TR618
To turn off the built-in light

Press LIGHT until no indicator appears in the viewfinder.
To turn on the built-in light automatically

Press LIGHT until the indicator appears in the viewfinder.
The built-in light automatically turns on and off according to the ambient brightness.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the lighting section, because the plastic window and
surrounding surfaces are hot while the light is on. It remains hot for a while after
the light is turned off.
DANGER
Not to be handled by children.
Emits intense heat and light.
Use with caution to reduce the risk of fire or injury to persons.
Do not directly light at persons or materials from less than 4 feet (1.22 m) during
use and until cool.
Turn the built-in light off when not in use.
42
When you press LIGHT

The indicator changes as follows:
no indicator
Notes
• The built-in light turns off automatically in the following cases:
– When it stays on in the AUTO mode for more than 5 minutes
– When you leave it on for more than 5 minutes with no cassette inserted or after the
tape has run out.

To turn the built-in light on again, press LIGHT again.
• The battery pack is quickly discharging while the built-in light is turned on. Turn it off
when not in use.
• When you do not use your camcorder, turn the built-in light off and remove the
battery pack to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally.
• When flickering occurs while shooting in the AUTO mode, press LIGHT until the
indicator appears.
• The built-in light may turn on/off when you use the PROGRAM AE or backlight
function while shooting in the AUTO mode.
• The built-in light may be turned off when inserting or ejecting a cassette.
• When you use the conversion lens (optional), light from the built-in light is blocked
and may not illuminate the subject properly.
43
Replacing the bulb

Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (optional). The supplied halogen lamp is not on the
market. Purchase the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp.
Remove the power source before replacing the bulb.
(1) Remove the built-in light unit while pushing the hole under the built-in light
unit using a wire.
(2) Turn the bulb housing counterclockwise and detach from the built-in light
unit.
(3) Replace the bulb using a dry cloth.
(4) Attach the bulb housing turning it clockwise, then replace the built-in light
unit.
2 3
CAUTION
•When replacing the bulb, use only the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (optional) to reduce
the risk of fire.
•To prevent possible burn hazard, disconnect the power source before replacing and
do not touch the bulb until the bulb becomes cool enough to handle (for about 30
minutes or more).
Note
To prevent the bulb from being smudged with finger prints, handle it with a dry cloth,
etc. If the bulb is smudged, wipe it completely.
44
— Editing —
Dubbing a tape
Using the A/V connecting cable
Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with
your camcorder.
You can record and edit a picture with the connected VCR by using your camcorder as
a player.
( 1 )Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert
the recorded tape into your camcorder.
( 2 )Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
Refer to the operating instructions of your VCR for more information.
( 3 )Set the POWER switch to PLAYER.
( 4 )Play back the recorded tape on your camcorder.
Editing
( 5 )Start recording on the VCR.
Refer to the operating instructions of your VCR for more information.
Yellow
S VIDEO OUT
IN
A/V OUT S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
Black
: Signal flow
When you have finished dubbing a tape

Press xon both your camcorder and the VCR.
To prevent deterioration of pictures when dubbing

Set EDIT to ON in the menu settings before dubbing.
You can edit on VCRs that support the following systems

8 mm, Hi8, Digital8, VHS, S-VHS, VHSC, S-VHSC,
Betamax, ED Betamax, mini DV or DV
Connect using an S video cable (optional) to obtain high-quality pictures

With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V
connecting cable.
Connect an S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the
VCR.
45
— Customizing Your Camcorder —
Changing the menu settings

To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon,
then the menu item and then the mode.
(1) In CAMERA or PLAYER mode, press MENU.

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired icon, then press the dial to
set.
(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the dial to
set.
(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial
to set.
(5) If you want to change other items, select RETURN and press the dial, then
repeat steps from 2 to 4.
For details, see “Selecting the mode setting of each item”(p. 47).
1 CAMERA PLAYER 2 MA NU A L S E T
P ROGR AM A E
P E F F ECT
OTHERS
MA NU A L S E T P L AYER SE T WOR L D T I ME
MENU P ROGR AM A E
P E F F ECT
ED I T
T BC
BEEP
DNR
R E C L AMP
[ ME NU ] : E ND [ ME NU ] : E ND
OTHERS
WOR L D T I ME 0 HR
BEEP
R E C L AMP
R E T URN
3 OTHERS
WOR L D T I ME
BEEP
0 HR
OTHERS
WOR L D T I ME
BEEP
R E C L AMP ON
R E T URN
OTHERS
WOR L D T I ME
BEEP
R E C L AMP ON
R E T URN OF F
4 OTHERS
WOR L D T I ME
BEEP
R E C L AMP
R E T URN
ON
OF F
OTHERS
WOR L D T I ME
BEEP
R E C L AMP OF F
R E T URN
To make the menu display disappear

Press MENU.
46
Menu items are displayed as the following icons:

MANUAL SET
CAMERA SET
PLAYER SET
VF SET (CCD-TR818 only)
TAPE SET
SETUP MENU
OTHERS
Depending on your camcorder model
The menu display may be different from that in this illustration.
Selecting the mode setting of each item z is the default setting.
Menu items differ according to the position of the POWER switch.

The viewfinder screen shows only the items you can operate at the moment.
POWER
Icon/item Mode Meaning switch
PROGRAM AE —— To suit your specific shooting requirement (p. 34) CAMERA
P EFFECT —— To add special effects like those in films or on the CAMERA
TV to images (p. 33).
D ZOOM z OFF If you set to OFF, digital zoom is deactivated and CAMERA
up to 20× is carried out.
40× If you set to 40×/450×, digital zoom is activated
450× and more than 20× to 40×/450× is performed
digitally. (p. 22)
(CCD-TR618 only)
z OFF If you set to OFF, digital zoom is deactivated and
up to 20× is carried out.
40× If you set to 40×/460×, digital zoom is activated
460× and more than 20× to 40×/460× is performed
digitally. (p. 22)
(CCD-TR818 only)
16:9WIDE z OFF — CAMERA
CINEMA To record in the CINEMA mode (p. 29)
16:9FULL To record in the 16:9FULL mode
STEADYSHOT* z ON To compensate for camera-shake CAMERA
OFF To cancel the SteadyShot function. Natural
pictures are produced when shooting a stationary
object with a tripod.
N.S.LIGHT z ON To use the NightShot Light function (p. 24) CAMERA
OFF To cancel the NightShot Light function
* CCD-TR818 only
Notes on the SteadyShot function (CCD-TR818 only)
•The SteadyShot function will not correct excessive camera-shake.
•Attachment of a conversion lens (optional) may influence the SteadyShot function.
•SteadyShot does not operate in the 16:9FULL mode. If you set STEADYSHOT to ON
in the menu settings, the indicator flashes.
If you cancel the SteadyShot function (CCD-TR818 only)
The SteadyShot off indicator appears. Your camcorder prevents excessive
compensation for camera-shake.
47
POWER
EDIT z OFF — PLAYER
ON To minimize picture deterioration when editing
TBC z ON To correct jitter PLAYER
OFF To not correct jitter. Set TBC to OFF when
playing back a tape on which you have dubbed
over and recorded the signal of a TV game or
similar machine.
TBC stands for “Time Base Corrector”.
DNR z ON To reduce picture noise PLAYER
OFF To reduce a conspicuous afterimage when the
picture has a lot of movement
DNR stands for “Digital Noise Reduction”.
VF B.L.* z BRT NORMAL To set the brightness in the viewfinder normal PLAYER
BRIGHT To brighten the viewfinder screen CAMERA
* CCD-TR818 only
In more than 5 minutes after removing the power source

The “EDIT” items are returned to their default settings.
The other menu items are held in memory even when the battery is removed.
Note on VF B.L. (CCD-TR818 only)

When you use power sources other than the battery pack, “BRIGHT” is automatically
selected.
48
POWER
REC MODE z SP To record in SP (Standard Play) mode CAMERA
LP To increase the recording time to twice the SP
mode
ORC TO SET —— To automatically adjust the recording condition to CAMERA
get the best possible recording. Press START/
STOP to start adjustment. Your camcorder takes
about 10 seconds to check the tape condition and
then returns to the standby mode.
ORC stands for “Optimizing the Recording Condition”.
qREMAIN z AUTO To display the remaining tape bar: PLAYER
• for about 8 seconds after your camcorder is CAMERA
turned on and calculates the remaining amount

of tape
• for about 8 seconds after a cassette is inserted
and your camcorder calculates the remaining
amount of tape
• for about 8 seconds after N is pressed in
PLAYER mode
• for the period of tape rewinding, forwarding or
picture search in PLAYER mode
ON To always display the remaining tape bar
Notes on the LP mode

• When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing
back the tape on your camcorder. When you play back the tape on other camcorders
or VCRs, noise may occur in pictures or sound.
• Noise may occur also when you play on your camcorder tapes recorded in the LP
mode on other camcorders or VCRs.
• When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, recording is carried out in
the standard 8 mm system.
Notes on ORC setting

• Each time you eject the cassette, the ORC setting will be canceled. If necessary, reset
the setting.
• You cannot use this setting on a tape with the red mark on the cassette exposed.
(i. e. the tape is write-protected)
• When you set ORC TO SET, a non-recorded section of about 0.1 seconds appears on
the tape. However, note that this non-recorded section disappears from the tape when
you continue recording from this section.
• To check if you have already set the ORC setting, select ORC TO SET in the menu
settings. “ORC ON” is displayed if ORC TO SET is already set.
49
POWER
CLOCK SET —— To set the date or time (p. 17) CAMERA
AUTO DATE z ON To record the date for 10 seconds after CAMERA
recording has started
OFF To cancel the auto date function
LTR SIZE z NORMAL To display selected menu items in normal size PLAYER
2× To display selected menu items at twice the CAMERA
normal size
LANGUAGE z ENGLISH To display the following information indicators PLAYER
in English: REC, STBY, min and VOL CAMERA
FRANÇAIS To display the information indicators in French
ESPAÑOL To display the information indicators in
Spanish
PORTUGUÊS To display the information indicators in
Portuguese
To display the information indicators in
Chinese
DEMO MODE z ON To make the demonstration appear CAMERA
OFF To cancel the demonstration mode
Notes on DEMO MODE

•You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in your camcorder.
•DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory and the demonstration starts
about 10 minutes after you have set the POWER switch to CAMERA without a
cassette inserted.
To cancel the demonstration, insert a cassette, set the POWER switch to other than
CAMERA, or set DEMO MODE to OFF.
•When NIGHTSHOT is set to ON, the “NIGHTSHOT” indicator appears in the
viewfinder and you cannot select DEMO MODE in the menu settings.
50
POWER
WORLD TIME —— To set the clock to the local time. Turn the SEL/ CAMERA
PUSH EXEC dial to set a time difference. The
clock changes by the time difference you set
here. If you set the time difference to 0, the
clock returns to the originally set time.
BEEP z MELODY To output the melody when you start/stop PLAYER
recording or when an unusual condition occurs CAMERA
on your camcorder
NORMAL To output the beep sound instead of the
melody
OFF To cancel the melody and beep sound
REC LAMP z ON To light up the camera recording lamp at the CAMERA

front of your camcorder
OFF To turn the camera recording lamp off so that
the subject is not aware of the recording
51
— Troubleshooting —
Types of trouble and their solutions

If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and
contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C:ss:ss”
appears in the viewfinder or the display window, the self-diagnosis display function
has worked. See page 55.
In the recording mode
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

START/STOP does not operate. • The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHARGE) or PLAYER.
c Set it to CAMERA. (p. 20)
• The tape has run out.
c Rewind the tape or insert a new one. (p. 19, 27)
• The write-protect tab is set to expose the red mark.
c Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 19)
• The tape is stuck to the drum (moisture condensation).
c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at
least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 60)
The power goes off. • While being operated in CAMERA mode, your camcorder
has been in the standby mode for more than 5 minutes.
c Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) and then to
CAMERA again.
• The battery pack is dead or nearly dead.
c Install a fully charged battery pack. (p. 11, 12)
The image on the viewfinder screen • The viewfinder lens is not adjusted.
is not clear. c Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 21)
The SteadyShot function does not • STEADYSHOT is set to OFF in the menu settings.
work. c Set it to ON. (p. 46)
(CCD-TR818 only) • The SteadyShot function does not work when the wide
mode is set to 16:9FULL.
The autofocusing function does not • FOCUS is set to MANUAL.
work. c Set it to AUTO. (p. 37)
• Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus.
c Set FOCUS to MANUAL to focus manually. (p. 37)
The x indicator flashes in the • The video heads may be dirty.
viewfinder. c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning
cassette (optional). (p. 61)
A vertical band appears when you • The contrast between the subject and background is too
shoot a subject such as lights or a high. This is not a malfunction.
candle flame against a dark
background.
A vertical band appears when you • This is not a malfunction.
shoot a very bright subject.
An unknown picture is displayed in • If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to
the viewfinder. CAMERA or DEMO MODE is set to ON in the menu
settings without a cassette inserted, your camcorder
automatically starts the demonstration.
c Insert a cassette and the demonstration stops.
You can also cancel DEMO MODE. (p. 50)
52

The picture is recorded in incorrect • NIGHTSHOT is set to ON.
or unnatural colors. c Set it to OFF. (p. 24)
The picture appears too bright, and • NIGHTSHOT is set to ON in a bright place.
the subject does not appear in the c Set it to OFF, or use the NightShot function in a dark
viewfinder. place. (p. 24)
• The backlight function is working.
c Cancel it. (p. 24)
In the playback mode

The tape does not move when a • The POWER switch is set to CAMERA or OFF (CHARGE).
video control button is pressed. c Set it to PLAYER. (p. 27)
• The tape has run out.
c Rewind the tape. (p. 27)
Troubleshooting
The playback picture is not clear or • The television’s video channel is not adjusted correctly.
does not appear. c Adjust it. (p. 26)
• EDIT is set to ON in the menu settings.
c Set it to OFF. (p. 46)
• The video head may be dirty.
c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning
In the recording and playback modes

The power does not turn on. • The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead.
c Install a charged battery pack. (p. 11, 12)
• The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.
c Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 16)
The battery pack is quickly • The operating temperature is too low.
discharged. • The battery pack is not fully charged.
c Charge the battery pack fully again. (p. 12)
• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be
recharged.
c Replace with a new battery pack. (p. 11)
The remaining battery time indicator • You have used the battery pack in an extremely hot or
does not indicate the correct time. cold environment for a long time.
• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be
recharged.
c Replace with a new battery pack. (p. 11)
• The battery is not fully charged.
• A deviation has occured in the remaining battery time.
The power goes off although the • A deviation has occured in the remaining battery time.
remaining battery time indicator c Charge the battery pack fully again. (p. 12)
indicates that the battery pack has
enough power to operate.
(Continued on the following page) 53


The cassette cannot be removed from • The power source is disconnected.
the holder. c Connect it firmly. (p. 11, 16)
• The battery is dead.
c Use a charged battery pack. (p. 11, 12)
The % and Z indicators flash and no • Moisture condensation has occurred.
functions except for cassette ejection c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at
work. least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 60)
Others

The date or time indicator does not • Reset the date and time. (p. 17)
appear, and the bars “--:--:--” appear.
The melody or beep sounds for 5 • Moisture condensation has occurred.
seconds. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at
• Some troubles have occurred in your camcorder.
c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate
your camcorder.
No funciton works though the power • Disconnect the connecting plate of the AC adaptor or
is on. remove the battery, then reconnect it in about 1 minute.
Turn the power on (p. 11, 16). If the functions still do not
work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed
object. (If you press the RESET button, all the settings
including the date and time return to the default.) (p. 68)
While charging the battery pack, no • The AC power adaptor is disconnected.
indicator appears or the indicator c Connect it firmly. (p. 16)
flashes in the display window. • Something is wrong with the battery pack.
c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility.
You cannot charge the battery pack • The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHARGE).
installed to your camcorder. c Set it to OFF (CHARGE).
54
Self-diagnosis display
Your camcorder has a self-diagnosis display
function. Viewfinder
This function displays the current condition of
C:21:00
your camcorder as a 5-digit code (a combination of
a letter and figures) in the viewfinder or the
display window. If a 5-digit code is displayed,
check the following code chart. The last two digits
(indicated by ss) will differ depending on the
state of your camcorder.
Self-diagnosis display
•C:ss:ss
You can service your camcorder
yourself.
•E:ss:ss
Contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility.
Troubleshooting
Five-digit display Cause and/or Corrective Actions
C:04:ss • You are using a battery pack that is not an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
c Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 58)
C:21:ss • Moisture condensation has occurred.
c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at
C:22:ss • The video heads are dirty.
c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning
C:31:ss • A malfunction other than the above that you can service
C:32:ss has occurred.
c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate
your camcorder.
c Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or
remove the battery pack. After reconnecting the power
source, operate your camcorder.
E:61:ss • A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred.
E:62:ss c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code.
(example: E:61:10)
If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times,
contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
55
Warning indicators and messages
If indicators and messages appear in the viewfinder or on the display window, check the
following:
See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information.
Warning indicators
The video heads are dirty
Slow flashing:
•You need to clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD
cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 61).
The battery is dead or Self-diagnosis display (p. 55)

nearly dead
Slow flashing: Moisture condensation has
•The battery is nearly dead. occurred*
Fast flashing:
Depending on conditions,
C:21:00 •Eject the cassette, turn off
the environment or the
your camcorder, and leave it
battery pack, the warning
for about 1 hour with the
indicator may flash, even if
cassette compartment open
there are 5 to 10 minutes
(p. 60).
battery remaining.
Fast flashing:
•The battery is dead (p. 12). You need to eject the
•The battery is completely cassette
dead, and cannot be Slow flashing:
recharged. •The write-protect tab on the
cassette is out (red) (p. 19).*
Warning indicator as to tape Fast flashing:
Slow flashing: •Moisture condensation has
•The tape is near the end. occurred (p. 60).
•No tape is inserted.* •The tape has run out.*
•The write-protect tab on the •The self-diagnosis display
cassette is out (red) (p. 19).* function is activated (p. 55).*
Fast flashing:
•The tape has run out.* Warning indicator as to tape
or battery (CCD-TR618 only)
Slow flashing:
•The battery is nearly dead.
•The tape is near the end.
Fast flashing:
•The battery is dead.
Warning messages •The tape has run out.*
•CLOCK SET Set the date and time (p. 17).
•For “InfoLITHIUM” Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 58).
BATTERY ONLY
• CLEANING CASSETTE The video heads are dirty (p. 61).
•START/STOP KEY Press the START/STOP button to activate the ORC
setting. This message is displayed in white (p. 49).
•ORC The ORC setting is working. This message is
displayed in white (p. 49).
•Q NO TAPE Insert a cassette tape.*
•Q TAPE END The tape has reached the end of the tape.*
* You hear the melody or beep sound.

56
— Additional Information —
Usable cassettes and playback modes

Selecting the cassette type
You can use both Hi8 and standard 8 mm video cassettes on your camcorder. When you
use a Hi8 video cassette, recording and playback are carried out in the Hi8 system.
When you use a standard 8 mm video cassette, recording and playback are carried out
in the standard 8 mm system.
However, if you record on a Hi8 video cassette in the LP mode, recording is carried out
in the standard 8 mm system.
If you play back a tape recorded on a different video recorder on your camcorder, the
playback mode is automatically selected according to the format in which the tape has
been recorded.
This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed to
produce higher quality pictures.
You cannot playback a tape recorded in the Hi8 system correctly on video recorders/
players other than a Hi8 video recorder/player.
When you play back
The playback mode (SP/LP) is automatically selected according to the recording system
in which the tape has been recorded. The quality of the recorded picture in the LP
mode, however, will not be as good as the SP mode.
Foreign 8 mm video
Because TV color systems differ from country to country, you may not be able to play
back foreign pre-recorded tapes. Refer to “Using your camcorder abroad” to check the
TV color systems used in foreign countries.
57
About “InfoLITHIUM” battery
What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery?
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery is a lithium-ion battery that has functions for
communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder
and an AC power adaptor.
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery calculates the power consumption according to the
operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in
minutes.
Charging the battery
•Be sure to charge the battery before you start using your camcorder.
•We recommend charging the battery in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C
until the remaining battery indicator changes to u and the FULL appears on the
display window, indicating that the battery is fully charged. If you charge the battery
outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to effectively charge the
battery.
•After charging is completed, either disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your
camcorder or remove the battery.
Effective use of the battery

• Battery performance drops in low-temperature surroundings. So, the time that the
battery can be used is shorter in cold places. We recommend the following to ensure
care-free, longer use:
– Put the battery in a pocket close to your body to warm it up, and insert it in your
camcorder immediately before you start taking shots.
– Use the high-power battery (NP-F730/F730H/F750/F930/F950/F960, optional).
• Frequently operating playback, fast forward or rewind wears out the battery faster.
We recommend using the high-power battery (NP-F730/F730H/F750/F930/F950/
F960, optional).
• Be certain to turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) when not taking shots or
playing back on your camcorder. The battery also wears out when your camcorder is
in the standby mode or playback is paused.
• Have spare batteries handy for two or three times the expected shooting time, and
take test shots before taking the actual shots.
Remaining battery time indicator

•If the power goes off although the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the
battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again so that
the indication on the remaining battery time indicator is correct. Note, however, that
the correct battery indication sometimes will not be restored if it is used in high
temperatures for a long time or left in a fully charged state, or the battery pack is
frequently used. Regard the remaining battery time indication as the approximate
shooting time.
•The E mark indicating there is little remaining battery time sometimes blinks
depending on the operating conditions or ambient temperature and environment even
if the remaining battery time is 5 to 10 minutes.
How to store the battery

•Even if the battery is not used for a long time, store it in a low humidity, cool place
after fully charging it once per year and then using the battery up on your camcorder.
This is to maintain the battery's functions.
•To use the battery up on your camcorder, leave your camcorder in the shooting mode
until there is no more battery power left without a cassette inserted.
Battery life
•The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use it more and
more, and as time passes. When the available battery time is shortened considerably, a
probable cause is that the battery has reached the end of its life. Buy a new battery.
•The battery life varies according to how it is stored and operating conditions and
58 environment for each battery pack.
Using your camcorder abroad
Using your camcorder abroad
You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power adaptor
supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if
necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].
AC-L10A/L10B/L10C
[a] [b]
Your camcorder is an NTSC system based camcorder. If you want to view the playback
picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC system based TV with VIDEO/AUDIO input jack.
The following shows TV color systems used overseas.
NTSC system
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica,
Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela,
etc.
PAL system
Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great
Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal,
Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, etc.
PAL-M system
Brazil
PAL-N system
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
SECAM system
Bulgaria, France, Guyana, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, etc.
Simple setting of clock by time difference

You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference. Select WORLD
TIME in the menu settings. See page 51 for more information.
59
Maintenance information and
precautions
Moisture condensation
If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may
condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this
condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may
not operate correctly. If there is moisture inside your camcorder, the beep sounds and
the % indicator flashes. When the Z indicator flashes at the same time, the cassette is
inserted in your camcorder. If moisture condenses on the lens, the indicator will not
appear.
If moisture condensation occurs

None of the functions except cassette ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your
camcorder, and leave it for about 1 hour with the cassette compartment open. Your
camcorder can be used again if the % indicator does not appear when the power is
turned on again.
Note on moisture condensation

Moisture may condense when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm
place (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a hot place as follows:
•You bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating
device
•You bring your camcorder from an air-conditioned car or room into a hot place
outside
•You use your camcorder after a squall or a shower
•You use your camcorder in a high temperature and humid place
How to prevent moisture condensation

When you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place, put your
camcorder in a plastic bag and tightly seal it. Remove the bag when the air temperature
inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature (after about 1 hour).
60
Maintenance information and precautions
Maintenance information
Cleaning the video head
To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. The video head
may be dirty when:
• The x indicator and “ CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another
or the x indicator flashes in the viewfinder.
• Playback pictures contain noise.
• Playback pictures are hardly visible.
• Playback pictures do not appear.
If this happens, clean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette
(optional).
[a] [b]
[a] Slightly dirty

[b] Very dirty
Note on video heads

When the playback pictures still contain noise even if you have cleaned the video heads
with a cleaning cassette, the video heads may have worn down due to long use. If this is
the case, they must be replaced with new heads. Contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility.
About care and storage of the Lens

• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances:
– When there are fingerprints on the lens surface
– In hot or humid locations
– When the lens is used in environments susceptible to salt such as the seaside
• Store the lens in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust
To prevent mold from occurring, periodically perform the above.

We recommend turning on and operating your camcorder about once per month to
keep your camcorder in an optimum state for a long time.
61
Removing dust from inside the viewfinder (CCD-TR618 only)

(1) 1 Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). 2 Then, while
holding the RELEASE knob up, 3 turn the eyecup in a counterclockwise
direction and pull it out.
(2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower for a still camera.
(3) Turn the eyecup in a clockwise direction, then replace the screw.
Caution
Do not remove any other screws. You may remove only the screw to remove the
eyecup.
Charging the built-in rechargeable lithium cell

Your camcorder is supplied with a built-in rechargeable lithium cell so as to retain the
date and time, etc., regardless of the setting of the POWER switch. The rechargeable
lithium cell is always charged as long as you are using your camcorder. The cell,
however, will get discharged gradually if you do not use your camcorder. It will be
completely discharged in about 4 months if you do not use your camcorder at all. Even
if the rechargeable lithium cell is not charged, it will not affect the camcorder operation.
To retain the date and time, etc., charge the cell if the cell is discharged.
Charging the rechargeable lithium cell:

•Connect your camcorder to house current using the AC power adaptor supplied with
your camcorder, and leave your camcorder with the POWER switch turned off for
more than 24 hours.
•Or install the fully charged battery pack in your camcorder, and leave your camcorder
with the POWER switch turned off for more than 24 hours.
Precautions
Camcorder operation
•Operate your camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor).
•For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this operating
instructions.
•If any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further.
•Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens.
•Keep the POWER switch set to OFF (CHARGE) when you are not using your
camcorder.
•Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so
might cause heat to build up inside.
•Keep your camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration.
62
Built-in light
– CCD-TR618 only
•Do not knock or jolt the built-in light while it is turned on as it may damage the bulb
or shorten the life of the bulb.
•Do not leave the built-in light on while it is resting on or against something; it may
cause a fire or damage the built-in light.
On handling tapes
Do not insert anything into the small holes on the rear of the cassette. These holes are
used to sense the type and thickness of the tape and if the recording tab is in or out.
Camcorder care
•When your camcorder is not to be used for a long time, remove the battery (CCD-
TR818 only).
•Remove the tape, and periodically turn on the power, operate the CAMERA and
PLAYER sections and play back a tape for about 5 minutes when your camcorder is
not to be used for a long time.
•Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are fingerprints on the lens,
remove them with a soft cloth.
•Clean the camcorder body with a dry soft cloth, or a soft cloth lightly moistened with
a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent which may damage the
finish.
•Do not let sand get into your camcorder. When you use your camcorder on a sandy
beach or in a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause
your camcorder to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.
AC power adaptor
•Unplug the unit from a wall outlet when you are not using the unit for a long time. To
disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the power cord itself.
•Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped or
damaged.
•Do not bend the power cord forcibly, or place a heavy object on it. This will damage
the cord and may cause fire or electrical shock.
•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the
connecting section. If this happens, a short may occur and the unit may be damaged.
•Always keep metal contacts clean.
•Do not disassemble the unit.
•Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the unit.
•While the unit is in use, particularly during charging, keep it away from AM receivers
and video equipment. AM receivers and video equipment disturb AM reception and
video operation.
•The unit becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction.
•Do not place the unit in locations that are:
– Extremely hot or cold
– Dusty or dirty
– Very humid
– Vibrating
63
Battery pack
• Use only the specified charger or video equipment with the charging function.
• To prevent an accidental short circuit, do not allow metal objects to come into contact
with the battery terminals.
• Keep the battery pack away from fire.
• Never expose the battery pack to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a car
parked in the sun or under direct sunlight.
• Keep the battery pack dry.
• Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.
• Do not disassemble nor modify the battery pack.
• Attach the battery pack to the video equipment securely.
• Charging while some capacity remains does not affect the original battery capacity.
If batteries are leaking

• Wipe off the liquid in the battery compartment carefully before replacing the
batteries.
• If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water.
• If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a
doctor.
If any problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
64
Specifications
Video camera Output connectors AC power adaptor
recorder S video output
4-pin mini DIN Power requirements
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
System
75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Power consumption
Video recording system Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 23 W
2 rotary heads 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Output voltage
Helical scanning FM system Audio/Video output DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.5 A in operating
Audio recording system AV MINIJACK, 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω mode
Rotary heads, FM system (ohms), unbalanced, sync negative Operating temperature
Video signal 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
327 mV, (at output impedance
NTSC color, EIA standards
more than 47 kΩ (kilohms)) Storage temperature
Usable cassette
Output impedance with less than –20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)
8 mm video format cassette
Hi8 or standard 8 2.2 kΩ (kilohms)/Monaural Dimensions (approx.)
Recording/playback time (using minijack (ø 3.5 mm) 125 × 39 × 62 mm
120 min. cassette) RFU DC OUT (5 × 1 9/16 × 2 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)
SP mode: 2 hours Mini-mini jack (ø 2.5 mm), DC 5V excluding projecting parts
LP mode: 4 hours Mass (approx.)
Fastforward/rewind time (using General 280 g (9.8 oz)
120 min. cassette) excluding power cord
Approx. 5 min. Power requirements
Viewfinder 7.2 V (battery pack)
Electric viewfinder: 8.4 V (AC power adaptor) Battery pack
• monochrome (CCD-TR618 only) Average power consumption
• color (CCD-TR818 only) (when using the battery pack) Maximum output voltage
Image device During camera recording DC 8.4 V
CCD-TR618: CCD-TR618: 2.3 W Output voltage
3 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charged CCD-TR818: 2.0 W DC 7.2 V
Coupled Device) Operating temperature Capacity
Approx.270 000 pixels (Effective: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) 5.0 Wh (700 mAh)
Approx. 250 000 pixels) Recommended charging Dimensions (approx.)
CCD-TR818: temperature 38.4 × 20.6 × 70.8 mm
4.5 mm (1/4 type) CCD (Charged (1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 7/8 in.)
10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F)
Coupled Device) (w/h/d)
Storage temperature
Approx. 320 000 pixels (Effective: Mass (approx.)
Approx. 200 000 pixels) –20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)
Dimensions (approx.) 70 g (2.5 oz)
Lens
CCD-TR618: Operating temperature
Combined power zoom lens
Filter diameter 37 mm (1 7/16 in.) 104 × 105 × 223 mm 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
CCD-TR618: (4 1/8 × 4 1/4 × 9 1/8 in.) Type
20× (Optical), 450× (Digital) (w/h/d) Lithium ion
CCD-TR818: CCD-TR818:
20× (Optical), 460× (Digital) 104 × 105 × 197 mm Design and specifications are
Focal length (4 1/8 × 4 1/4 × 7 7/8 in.) subject to change without notice.
3.6 - 72 mm (5/32 - 2 7/8 in.) (w/h/d)
When converted to a 35 mm still Mass (approx.)
camera CCD-TR618:
CCD-TR618: 780 g (1 lb 11 oz)
51.8 - 1 036 mm (2 - 40 6/8 in.)
CCD-TR818:
CCD-TR818:
760 g (1 lb 10 oz)
41 - 820 mm (1 5/8 - 32 3/8 in.)
Color temperature excluding the battery pack,
Auto cassette and shoulder strap
Minimum illumination CCD-TR618:
CCD-TR618: 930 g (2 lb)
1 lx (lux) (F 1.4) CCD-TR818:
CCD-TR818: 910 g (2 lb)
0.4 lx (lux) (F 1.4) including the battery pack
0 lx (lux) (in the NightShot mode)* NP-F330, cassette and shoulder
* Objects unable to be seen due to strap
the dark can be shot with Supplied accessories
infrared lighting. See page 8.
65
— Quick Reference —
Identifying the parts and controls

Camcorder
CCD-TR618
3
4
1 5
6
7
8
2 9
1 Eyecup RELEASE knob 6 BATT RELEASE lever (p. 11)

(CCD-TR618 only) (p. 62)
7 POWER switch (p. 20)
2 FOCUS button (p. 37)
8 START/STOP button (p. 20)
3 Eyecup
9 Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 68)
4 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever
0 DC IN jack (p. 12, 16)
(p. 21)
5 Power zoom lever (p. 22)
This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony
video products.
When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you
purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES”
mark.
66
qa
qf
qg
qs
qh
qd qj
Quick Reference
qa Video control buttons (p. 27, 28) qg Display window (p. 71)
x STOP (stop)
qh Camera recording lamp (p. 20)
m REW (rewind)
N PLAY (playback) qj Tripod receptacle (base)
M FF (fastforward) Make sure that the length of the tripod
X PAUSE (pause) screw is less than 6.5 mm (9/32 inch).
Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod
qs Microphone
securely and the screw may damage
qd Infrared rays emitter (p. 24) your camcorder.
qf NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 24)
67
qk
ql
w;
ws
wa wd
qk BACK LIGHT button (p. 24) wa EXPOSURE button (p. 36)

ql FADER button (p. 31) ws SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 30, 46)
w; RESET button (p. 54) wd MENU button (p. 46)
Attaching the shoulder strap

Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder
strap.
68
CCD-TR618
wj
wk
wf
wg wl
wh
Quick Reference
wf DATE button (p. 25) wj LIGHT button (CCD-TR618 only)
(p. 42)
wg TIME button (p. 25)
wk Viewfinder (p. 21)
wh TITLE button (p. 40)
wl COUNTER RESET button (p. 20)
Attaching the lens cap

Attach the lens cap to the grip strap as illustrated.
69
e;
ea
ed
es ef
eg
e; EJECT button (p. 19) ed S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 26)

ea Cassette compartment (p. 19) ef A/V OUT jack (p. 26)
es Grip strap eg RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output)
(p. 26)
Fastening the grip strap
Fasten the grip strap firmly.
70
Operation indicators
Viewfinder Display window
1 qd 2 ql
2
3 qf
40 min S T BY 0:00:00
ws
4 W T qg 1
M . F ADER
5 C I NEMA
SEP I A wa 3
6
7 qh
JUL 4 2001 qj
8 12:00:00 AM
9 qk
0
ql
qa
Quick Reference
qs w;
1 Recording mode indicator (p. 49) qd STBY/REC indicator (p. 23)/ Video
control mode indicator (p. 28)
2 Hi8 format indicator
qf Tape counter indicator (p. 23)/Self-
3 Remaining battery time indicator diagnosis display indicator (p. 55)
(p. 23)
qg Remaining tape indicator (p. 23)
4 Exposure indicator (p. 36)/Zoom
indicator (p. 22) qh NIGHTSHOT indicator (p. 24)
5 Fader indicator (p. 32) qj AUTO DATE indicator (p. 18)/Date
indicator (p. 17, 25)
6 Wide mode indicator (p. 29)
qk Time indicator (p. 17, 25)
7 Picture effect indicator (p. 33)
ql Warning indicators (p. 56)
8 PROGRAM AE indicator (p. 34)
w; Recording lamp
9 Backlight indicator (p. 24)
(CCD-TR618 only) (p. 20)
0 SteadyShot off indicator wa Date or time indicator (p. 17, 25)/Tape
(CCD-TR818 only) (p. 47) counter indicator (p. 23)/Self-diagnosis
qa Manual focusing indicator (p. 37) display indicator (p. 55)/Remaining
battery time indicator (p. 12)
qs Built-in light indicator
(CCD-TR618 only) (p. 42) ws FULL charge indicator (p. 12)
71
Index
A, B I, J, K, L S
AC power adaptor .................. 12 “InfoLITHIUM” battery ........ 58 Self-diagnosis display ............ 55
Adjusting viewfinder ............. 21 Infrared rays emitter .............. 24 Shoulder strap ......................... 68
A/V connecting cable ...... 26, 45 LP mode ................................... 49 Skip scan .................................. 28
BACK LIGHT .......................... 24 Standard 8 mm system .......... 57
Battery pack ............................. 11 STEADYSHOT ........................ 47
Beep .......................................... 51 M, N STRIPE ...................................... 31
BOUNCE .................................. 31 Manual focus ........................... 37 Superimposing the date and
Menu settings .......................... 46 time ........................................ 25
Moisture condensation .......... 60 S VIDEO OUT jack ................. 26
C, D MONOTONE .......................... 31
Charging battery ..................... 12 Mosaic fader ............................ 31 T, U, V
Charging the built-in NIGHTSHOT .......................... 24
rechargeable lithium cell .... 62 NTSC system ........................... 59 Tape counter ............................ 23
Clock set ................................... 17 TBC ........................................... 48
DEMO ....................................... 50 Telephoto ................................. 22
DNR .......................................... 48 O, P, Q Title ........................................... 38
Dubbing a tape ........................ 45 Transition ................................. 20
Operation indicators .............. 71
TV color systems ..................... 59
ORC .......................................... 49
E Picture effect ............................ 33
Picture search .......................... 28 W, X, Y, Z
EDIT .......................................... 48 Playback pause ........................ 28
Exposure .................................. 36 Power zoom ............................. 22 Warning indicators ................. 56
PROGRAM AE ....................... 34 Wide-angle .............................. 22
Wide mode .............................. 29
F, G, H WORLD TIME ......................... 51
R Write-protect tab ..................... 19
Fade in/out .............................. 31
Zoom ........................................ 22
FADER ..................................... 31 Recording and playback
FOCUS ...................................... 37 systems .................................. 57
Grip strap ................................. 70 Recording mode ...................... 49
Heads ........................................ 61 Recording time ........................ 14
Hi8 system ............................... 57 Remaining battery time
indicator ................................ 23
Remaining tape indicator ...... 23
RESET ....................................... 54
RFU adaptor ............................ 26
3 0 6 5 6 4 5 1 1
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Video Camera Recorder: CCD-TR618/TR818

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3-065-645-11 (3)

Serial No. Serial No.

©2001 Sony Corporation

WARNING For customers in the United

For customers in the U.S.A.

This symbol is intended to alert

Never expose the battery pack to temperatures

For customers in CANADA

Functions to give images more impact (in the recording mode)

Functions to give a natural appearance to your recordings

Functions to use in editing (in the recording mode)

Functions to use after recording (in the playback mode)

This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your

Connecting the power cord (p. 16)

Connect the plug with

AC power adaptor (supplied)

Inserting a cassette (p. 19)

1 Open the lid of the 2 Insert a cassette 3 Close the cassette

1 Remove the lens cap. 2 Set the POWER switch to POWER

3 Press the red button. POWER

Quick Start Guide

Monitoring the playback picture in the

2 Press m to rewind the tape.

3 Press N to start playback.

1 Set the POWER POWER

small green button.

Using this manual

Note on TV colour systems

Precautions on camcorder care

[a] [b] [c]

1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power 4 Shoulder strap(1) (p. 68)

3 A/V connecting cable(1) (p. 26)

Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not

Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.

Charging the battery pack

After charging the battery pack

Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time

Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack

Connecting to a wall outlet

Using a car battery

To check the preset date and time

The year changes as follows:

1995 T · · · · t 2001 T · · · · t 2079

Auto date function

Note on the time indicator

Note on the auto date function

To prevent accidental erasure

40min REC 0:00:01

To record pictures with the viewfinder – adjusting the

Using the zoom feature

The right side of the bar shows the digital W T

When you shoot close to a subject

Notes on digital zoom

Indicators displayed in the recording mode

Hi8 format indicator

40min REC 0:00:01 Tape counter indicator

Remaining tape indicator