Sony Digital HD Video Camera Recorder HVR-Z1U/Z1N Operating Instructions

							Getting started
Getting started
11
Step 2: Charging the 
battery pack 
You can charge the battery by attaching the 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to 
the AC Adaptor/charger.
bNote
 You cannot use batteries other than the 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) (p. 117).
 Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor/
charger with any metallic objects. This may cause a 
malfunction.
 Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC 
Adaptor/charger. Disconnect the AC Adaptor/
charger from the wall outlet immediately if any 
malfunction occurs.
1Set the mode switch to CHARGE.
2Connect the power cord to the AC 
Adaptor/charger.
3Connect the power cord to the wall 
outlet.
4While pressing the battery back down, 
slide it in the direction of the arrow.
The charge lamp lights up and charging 
starts.
When the battery was successfully 
charged
The battery mark on the display window will 
light up in the shape of a full battery ( ) that 
indicates that the battery has been sufficiently 
charged for use.
If you continue charging until the CHARGE 
lamp turns off and FULL appears on the display 
window, the battery has now been fully charged 
and can be used for a little longer period.
Remove the battery pack from the AC Adaptor/
charger.
To attach the battery pack to the 
camcorder
Press the battery pack and slide it down.
To remove the battery pack
1
Set the POWER switch to OFF.
To the wall outlet
Power cord
AC Adaptor/chargerBattery pack
Mode switchCharge lamp
Display window
,continued 
						

							Getting started12
2Press BATT RELEASE and slide the 
battery pack up.
To check the remaining battery – Battery 
Info
You can check the battery’s current charge level 
and its current remaining recording time when 
the power is turned off. The remaining 
recording time in the selected recording format 
appears.
1Set the POWER switch to OFF.
2Open the LCD panel and adjust the 
angle.
3Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.
The battery information appears for about 
7 seconds.
Keep the button pressed to view it for about 
20 seconds.
ABattery charge level: Displays 
approximate remaining amount of 
power left in the battery pack.
BPossible recording time using the LCD 
panel.CPossible recording time using the 
viewfinder.
Charging time
Approximate number of minutes required when 
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack 
using the supplied AC Adaptor/charger at 25°C 
(77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F) recommended.)
bNote
 NP-F330/F530/500/510/710 battery packs cannot be 
used with your camcorder.
Recording time
Approximate number of minutes available 
when you use a fully charged battery pack at 
25°C (77°F).
Recording in the HDV format
Recording in the DVCAM/DV SP format
BATTERY INFO
50% 0% 100%BATTERY  CHARGE  LEVEL
REC  T I ME  AVA I LABLE
LCD   SCREEN:
V I EWF I NDER:105 
min115 min
Battery packFull charge 
(Practical charge)
NP-F570 (supplied) 145 (85)
NP-F770 230 (170)
NP-F970 310 (250)
Battery packContinuous 
recording 
timeTypical 
recording 
time 
NP-F570 
(supplied)105
115
11555
60
60
NP-F770 220
245
235120
120
120
NP-F970 335
370
360185
190
190
Battery packContinuous 
recording 
timeTypical 
recording 
time
NP-F570 
(supplied)110
125
12060
60
60
NP-F770 235
255
250130
130
130 
						

							Getting started
Getting started
13
 The top figures show an approximate number of 
minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set 
to ON, and [VF POWER] is set to [OFF].
 The middle figures show an approximate number of 
minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set 
to OFF, and [VF POWER] is set to [OFF].
 The bottom figures show an approximate number of 
minutes when recording with the viewfinder.
 “Typical recording time” means an approximate 
number of minutes that you can record using 
external microphones 1 and 2, and you repeatedly  
start/stop recording, move the POWER switch to 
change the power mode, and zoom. The actual 
battery life may be shorter.
zTip
 You can also use NP-F550/F730/F750/F960 battery 
packs. After charging these battery packs, make a 
trial recording with them before an actual recording 
to see the recording time. The recording time varies 
depending on the environment where the camcorder 
is used. Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to display the 
recording time on the screen.
Playing time
Approximate number of minutes available 
when you use a fully charged battery pack at 
25°C (77°F).
HDV format pictures
DVCAM/DV SP format pictures
* With the LCD BACKLIGHT switch set to ON.
bNote
 Figures are those of 60 Hz. They may be slightly 
longer at 50 Hz.
 The recording and playback time will be shorter 
when you use your camcorder in low temperature.
 The battery life will be slightly shorter when you use 
both of the LCD panel and the viewfinder than when 
you use only the LCD panel.
 The battery information will not be correctly 
displayed when the battery pack is discharged.
Using an outside power source
You can use the AC Adaptor/charger as the 
power source when you do not want the 
battery to run out.
PRECAUTION
Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power 
(house current) is still supplied to it while 
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor/
charger.
NP-F970 355
385
380195
200
200
Battery packLCD panel 
opened*LCD panel 
closed
NP-F570 
(supplied)155 175
NP-F770 325 365
NP-F970 485 550
Battery packLCD panel 
opened*LCD panel 
closed
NP-F570 
(supplied)175 200
NP-F770 365 410
NP-F970 550 625
Battery packContinuous 
recording 
timeTypical 
recording 
time
Mode switch AC Adaptor/
chargerTo the wall outlet
Power cord
Connecting cord (DK-415)
,continued 
						

							Getting started14
1Set the mode switch to VCR/
CAMERA.
No power will be supplied if the mode 
switch is set to CHARGE.
2Attach the connecting cord (DK-415) 
to the camcorder.
Press the attaching part of the connecting 
cord (DK-415), and slide it down.
3Connect the connecting cord (DK-415) 
to the AC Adaptor/charger.
4Connect the power cord to the AC 
Adaptor/charger.
5Connect the power cord to the wall 
outlet.
Step 3: Turning the 
power on
You need to set the POWER switch to the 
respective power mode to record or play back 
pictures.
When using this camcorder for the first time, 
the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 16).
While pressing the green button, set the 
POWER switch.
The power turns on.
 CAMERA: To record pictures.
 VCR: To play or edit pictures.
To turn off the power
Set the POWER switch to OFF. 
						

							Getting started
Getting started
15
Step 4: Adjusting the 
LCD panel and 
viewfinder
Adjusting the LCD panel
You can adjust the angle and brightness of 
the LCD panel to meet various recording 
situations. 
Even when there are obstructions between 
you and the subject, you can check the 
subject on the LCD screen during recording 
by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel. 
Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then 
rotate it to the desired position.
To adjust the brightness of the LCD 
screen
Adjust the brightness by pressing LCD 
BRIGHT – or +.
zTip
 If you rotate the LCD panel until it faces down, you 
can close and restore the LCD panel to the original 
position with the LCD screen facing out.
 If you are using the battery pack for power source, 
you can select the brightness by setting [LCD BL 
LEVEL] on the   [LCD/VF SET] menu 
(p. 68). 
 When you use your camcorder in bright conditions 
using the battery pack, set the LCD BACKLIGHT 
switch to OFF (  appears). This position saves 
battery power. 
 Even if you change the brightness of the LCD panel, 
the brightness of recorded pictures is not affected.
Adjusting the viewfinder
You can view images using the viewfinder 
when you close the LCD panel. Use the 
viewfinder when the battery is running out, or 
when the screen is hard to see.
1Lift up the viewfinder.
2Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment 
lever until the picture is clear.
180 degrees
Up to about 
100 degrees
Viewfinder lens 
adjustment lever 
						

							Getting started16
When the picture in the viewfinder is 
hard to see
If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder 
clearly under bright circumstances, use the 
supplied large eyecup.
To attach the large eyecup, stretch it a little and 
align it with the groove of the viewfinder, then 
slide it up to the end. You can attach the large 
eyecup facing either the right or left side.
zTip
 To select the brightness of the viewfinder backlight 
when you are using the battery pack, select the   
(LCD/VF SET) menu, then [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 68).
 To display the picture on both the LCD panel and the 
viewfinder during recording, select the   (LCD/
VF SET) menu, [VF POWER], then [ON] (p. 69).
 To display the picture in black and white on the 
viewfinder, select the   (LCD/VF SET) menu, 
[VF COLOR], then [OFF] (p. 69).
Step 5: Setting the 
date and time
Set the date and time when using this 
camcorder for the first time. If you do not set 
the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen 
appears every time you turn on your 
camcorder.
bNote
 If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets 
discharged and the date and time settings may be 
cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the 
rechargeable battery (p. 122) and then set the date 
and time again.
1Turn on your camcorder (p. 14).
2Open the LCD panel and adjust the 
angle.
Proceed to step 6 when you set the clock for 
the first time.
Large eyecup 
(supplied)
POWER switch 
						

							Getting started
Getting started
17
3Press MENU.
4Select the   (OTHERS) menu by 
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, 
then press the dial.
5Select [CLOCK SET] by turning the 
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the 
dial.
6Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
You can set any year up to the year 2079.
7Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and 
minute in the same way as was done in 
step 6, then press the dial.
When [50i/60i SEL] on the   (OTHERS) 
menu is set to 60i, the clock is displayed in 
12-hour display: 12:00:00AM is midnight 
and 12:00:00PM is midday.When [50i/60i SEL] on the   (OTHERS) 
menu is set to 50i, the clock is displayed in 
24-hour display.
CAMERA  SETWB  PRESET
WB  OUTDR  LV L
GA I N  SETUP
SHOT  TRANS
COLOR CORRCT
STEADYSHOT
STDYSHO T  TYP
 [MENU]: END
OTHERS
  RETURN
ASS I GN  BTN
CLOCK  SET
WORLD  T I ME
LANGUAGE
QU I CK  REC
BEEP
REC  LAMP
 [MENU]: END
120minCLOCK  SET
 [MENU]: CANCEL
AM D M Y12 1 JAN 00: 2005
120minCLOCK  SET
 [MENU]: CANCEL
AM D M Y12 100: JAN 2005 
						

							Getting started18
Step 6: Inserting a 
cassette tape
For the information about the type of cassette 
you can use with your camcorder, and details 
on these cassettes (such as write-protection, 
etc.), see page 114.
bNote
 Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This 
may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
1Slide the OPEN/EJECT  lever in 
the direction of the arrow and open the 
lid.
The cassette compartment automatically 
comes out and opens up.
2Insert a cassette with its window-side 
facing out.
3Press   on the cassette 
compartment.
The cassette compartment automatically 
slides back in.
4Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
1
Slide the OPEN/EJECT  lever in the 
direction of the arrow and open the lid.
The cassette compartment automatically 
comes out.
2Take out the cassette, then press  .
The cassette compartment automatically 
slides back in.
3Close the lid.
Lid OPEN/EJECT  lever
Window-sidePush the center of the back 
of the cassette lightly. 
						

							Getting started
Getting started
19
Step 7: Setting the 
screen language
You can select the language to be used on the 
LCD screen.
1Turn on your camcorder.
2Open the LCD panel and adjust the 
angle.
3Press MENU.
4Select the   (OTHERS) menu by 
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, 
then press the dial.
5Select [LANGUAGE] by turning the 
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the 
dial.
6Select the desired language by turning 
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press 
the dial.
7Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
zTip
 Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified 
English) for when you cannot find your native 
tongue among the options.
POWER switch
OTHERS STBY
  RETURN
ASS I GN  BTN
CLOCK  SET
WORLD  T I ME
LANGUAGE
QU I CK  REC
BEEP
REC  LAMP
 [MENU]: END 
						

							Recording20
Recording
Recording movies
You can record movies in HDV, DVCAM, 
and DV formats, in addition to either 50i or 
60i system.
Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in 
“Getting started” (p. 10 - p. 19).
Movies will be recorded along with stereo 
sound.
1Open the shutter of the lens hood.
2Open the LCD panel and adjust the 
angle.
3While pressing the green button, set 
the POWER switch to CAMERA.
 appears on the LCD screen.
The HDV format lamp lights up and your 
camcorder is set to recording standby after 
a while.
Your camcorder is set to record using the 
1080/60i specification of the HDV format 
in the default setting.
To record using the 1080/50i specification 
(PAL system), see “To record using the 
1080/50i specification (PAL system)” 
below.
To record in the DVCAM/DV format, see 
“To record in the DVCAM/DV format” 
below.
4Press REC START/STOP.
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the 
LCD screen and the Camera recording 
lamps light up.
Press REC START/STOP again to stop 
recording.
To record using the 1080/50i 
specification (PAL system)
Change the setting of [50i/60i SEL] on the   
(OTHERS) menu (p. 82).
Recording in DVCAM/DV will be done also 
using the 50i (PAL) system. 
To record in the DVCAM/DV format
To record in the DVCAM format
On the   (IN/OUT REC) menu, set [REC 
FORMAT] to [DV], and [ REC MODE] to 
[DVCAM] (p. 71).
When the menu screen is turned off,   
appears on the LCD screen, the DVCAM format 
lamp lights up, and your camcorder is set to 
recording standby.
Format lamps
POWER switch and 
REC START/STOPCamera recording lamp
Camera recording 
lamp