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

							Recording
Recording21
To record in the DV format
On the   (IN/OUT REC) menu, set [REC 
FORMAT] to [DV], and [ REC MODE] to 
[DV SP] (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.
To turn the power off
Set the POWER switch to OFF.
To record from a low-angle
Use the REC START/STOP button on the 
handle after releasing the HOLD lever.
To view the picture during recording, face the 
LCD panel or the viewfinder upward, or face 
the LCD screen down, then close and restore the 
LCD panel to the original position with the LCD 
screen facing out.
 
Indicators displayed during recording
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.
The camera settings data (p. 51) will not be 
displayed during recording.
ARecording format (HDV1080i, DVCAM, 
or DV SP)
BRemaining battery
The indicated time may not be correct, 
depending on the environment where you 
are using your camcorder. When you open 
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 
1 minute to display the correct remaining 
battery time.
C50i/60i system indicator (p. 82)
DRecording status ([STBY] (standby) or 
[REC] (recording))
ETime code or user bits
The time code of this camcorder can be 
preset. You can reset or preset the time code 
even during recording (p. 101).
FRecording capacity of the tape (p. 80)
GMicrophone volume level (p. 37)
HND filter
If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes on the screen, 
activate the ND filter (p. 30).
bNote
 Before changing the battery pack, set the POWER 
switch to OFF.
 When the camcorder is left in recording standby for 
more than about 3 minutes, your camcorder exits the 
recording standby mode (the drum stops rotating) to 
prevent tape wear and battery loss. Since the power 
does not turn off, you can restart recording by 
pressing REC START/STOP again. It takes some 
time to restart recording, but this not a malfunction. 
When recording in the HDV format, you can shorten 
the time until recording starts by setting [QUICK 
REC] on the   (OTHERS) menu to [ON] (p. 78). 
HOLD lever
60min60min00:00:00:00REC
CH1
ND1
CH2
HDV1080i
,continued 
						

							Recording22
However, the transition from the last recorded scene 
may not be smooth.
 The following functions may not work correctly 
with a tape recorded in the HDV, DVCAM, and DV 
formats mixed:
– Date search
– Index search
zTip
 You can record the color bars on a tape. If you record 
movies including the color bars, you can adjust the 
color while observing the color bars when you are 
viewing the pictures on a TV or monitor. To display 
the color bars, press BARS. Press BARS again to 
hide the color bars. There are 2 types of color bar. 
You can select either one in [BARS TYPE] on the 
 (CAMERA SET) menu (p. 62).
 To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last 
recorded scene to the next, note the following.
– Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will start 
recording again without an obvious break even if 
you turn the power off).
– Do not record pictures in the HDV, DVCAM, and 
DV formats on the same tape.
– Do not record pictures in the system of 50i and 60i 
on the same tape.
 You can superimpose the time and date on the 
picture by setting [DATE REC] on the   
(OTHERS) menu (p. 81). The time and date are 
always displayed on the screen during recording.
 The recording time, date, and the camera settings 
data are recorded automatically on the tape without 
being displayed on the screen. You can view this 
information during playback by pressing DATA 
CODE (p. 51).
 To display the time data, press TC/U-BIT (p. 103).
 To attach an external microphone (optional), see 
page (p. 38).
Usable cassettes
When recording in HDV/DV format, it is 
recommended that you use mini DV 
cassettes. 
When recording in DVCAM format, it is 
recommended that you use mini DVCAM 
cassettes.
bNote
 The transition from the last recorded scene to the 
next may not be smooth with the [DV SP] setting.
 You cannot record in the LP mode of the DV format.
 If you use a mini DV cassette when [ REC 
MODE] is set to [DVCAM], the possible recording time will be 1/3 shorter than that indicated on the 
tape.
Using zoom
Zoom levers are mounted on the camera itself 
and on the handle.
Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but 
use it sparingly for the best results.
1Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/
REMOTE.
2Press the power zoom lever slightly for 
a slower zoom. Press it further for a 
faster zoom.
1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)*
80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)*
* The minimum distance required between your 
camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus with 
that side of the lever. 
						

							Recording
Recording23
To record a wider range of view
Press the W side of the power zoom lever.
The subject appears farther away (Wide 
angle).
To record a closer view
Press the T side of the power zoom lever.
The subject appears closer (Telephoto).
zTip
 You can display the zoomed position with a number 
or a bar display. Select [BAR] or [NUMBER] in 
[ZOOM DISPLAY] on the   (OTHERS) menu 
(p. 80). The zoom position is displayed with a bar 
display in the default setting.
Using the handle zoom
You can adjust the zoom speed with the handle 
zoom switch when using the handle zoom lever.
1Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/
REMOTE.
2Set the handle zoom switch to H (high) or 
L (low).
You can set the zoom speed of H or L of the 
handle zoom lever in [HANDLE ZOOM] 
on the   (CAMERA SET) menu. In the 
default setting, [H] is set to 6, and [L] is set 
to 3 (p. 62).
3Press the handle zoom lever to zoom in or 
out.
bNote
 You cannot adjust the zoom speed by pressing the 
handle zoom lever. Change the zoom speed by 
setting [HANDLE ZOOM] (p. 62).
 You cannot use the handle zoom lever when the 
handle zoom switch is set to OFF.
 You cannot change the zoom speed of the power 
zoom lever on the camera itself by switching the 
handle zoom switch.
Using the zoom ring
You can zoom at the desired speed. Fine 
adjustment is also possible.
1Set the ZOOM switch to RING.
2Rotate the zoom ring to zoom.
bNote
 Rotate the zoom ring at an appropriate speed. 
Zooming may not be able to catch up the rotating 
speed of the ring if it is rotated too fast.
 When you zoom using the Remote Commander, set 
the ZOOM switch to LEVER/REMOTE.
 Zoomed position and picture angle change when the 
ZOOM switch is switched from LEVER/REMOTE 
to RING.
 If you rotate the zoom ring fast, motor noise will 
become louder as the zoom motor rotates at high 
speeds. If the motor noise is so loud that can be 
recorded, use the zoom lever or the Remote 
Commander.
Zoom ringHandle zoom switch Handle zoom lever 
						

							Recording24
Recording in mirror mode
You can turn the LCD panel towards the 
subject so that you and your subject can share 
the image being recorded. You can also 
utilize this function when recording yourself, 
or to keep the attention of small children 
attracted to the camcorder while you record 
them.
Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then 
rotate it towards the subject until it clicks.
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the 
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal 
when recorded.
Displaying the recording setup 
information – Status check
You can check the setup value of the 
following items in the standby mode or 
during recording.
 Audio setup such as microphone volume level 
(p. 37)
 Output setup ([COMPONENT], [i.LINK 
CONV], and [DOWN CONVERT] settings) 
(p. 73)
 Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons 
(p. 86)
 CAMERA setting
 Picture profile setup (p. 34)
1Press STATUS CHECK.
2Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to 
display the desired item.
Each time you turn the dial, the items 
appear in the following order:
AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t 
CAMERA t  PICT. PROFILE
Up to about 100 degrees 
						

							Recording
Recording25
To turn off the display of the recording 
setup information
Press STATUS CHECK.
bNote
 Information of the picture profile setup does not 
appear when it is set to [OFF].
Adjusting the 
exposure
The exposure is adjusted automatically in the 
default setting.
If you want to record brighter or darker 
pictures than those of the auto exposure 
adjustment, use the manual adjustment 
function (p. 28), or customize the picture 
quality by using the PICTURE PROFILE 
function (p. 34).
Adjusting the exposure for backlit 
subjects
When your subject has its back to the sun or 
other light, you can adjust the exposure to 
prevent the subject from becoming 
shadowed. 
Assign the BACK LIGHT function to one of 
the ASSIGN buttons in advance. See page 86 
for details on how to assign a function.
Press the ASSIGN button assigned to the 
BACK LIGHT function.
. appears.
To cancel the back light function, press the 
button again.
ASSIGN 1 – 6
,continued 
						

							Recording26
bNote
 The back light function is canceled when you press 
the ASSIGN button assigned to SPOTLIGHT.
 You cannot use the back light function if 2 or more 
items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted 
manually.
Recording the subject lit by 
strong light – SPOTLIGHT
When the subject is lit by strong light, such as 
in a theater, use the spotlight function to 
prevent people’s faces from appearing 
excessively white.
Assign the SPOTLIGHT function to one of 
the ASSIGN buttons in advance. See page 86 
for details on how to assign a function.
During recording or in the standby mode, 
press the ASSIGN button assigned to the 
SPOTLIGHT function.
 appears.
To cancel the spotlight function, press the 
button again.
bNote
 The spotlight function is canceled when you press 
the ASSIGN button assigned to BACK LIGHT.
 You cannot use the spotlight function if 2 or more 
items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted 
manually.
Adjusting the white balance
You can adjust the white balance according 
to the light of the recording environment.
The white balance adjustment data for 2 
different recording conditions can be set up 
and memorized separately in memory A and 
B. During recording, you can recall the setup 
data from the memory with the WHT BAL 
(white balance) switch. The setup data will be 
retained for about 3 months as long as it is not 
readjusted even if the power is disconnected.
1During recording or in the standby 
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to 
the center position to release the auto 
lock mode.
2Press WHT BAL.
3Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.
4Shoot a white subject such as a piece of 
paper filling the entire screen under 
ASSIGN 1 –  6
(one-push) 
WHT BAL 
						

							Recording
Recording27
the same lighting condition as that of 
the subject.
5Press   (one-push) WHT BAL.
A or  B flashes quickly.
When the white balance is adjusted,  A 
or  B lights up and the adjustment data is 
memorized.
To recall adjustment data from the 
memory
1
During recording or in the standby 
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the 
center position to release the auto lock 
mode.
2Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.
3Press WHT BAL.
The white balance is set to the recalled 
adjustment.
bNote
 Avoid subjecting your camcorder to mechanical 
shock while  A or  B is flashing.
 If  A or  B does not change from flashing to lit 
steadily, your camcorder is unable to set up the white 
balance. In this case, use the preset or automatic 
white balance.
To use the preset white balance
Your camcorder has the preset white balance 
values for indoor recording and outdoor 
recording. In addition, you can adjust the color 
temperature ranging in ±7 steps from 5800K for 
outdoor recording (p. 58). A step is equivalent 
to about 500K.
1During recording or in the standby 
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the 
center position to release the auto lock 
mode.
2Press MENU.
3Select the   (CAMERA SET) menu 
by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, 
then press the dial.
4Select [WB PRESET] by turning the 
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the 
dial.
5Select the desired item by turning the 
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the 
dial.
It is set to [OUTDOOR] in the default 
setting.
6Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
7Set the WHT BAL switch to PRESET.
8Press WHT BAL.
The white balance is set to the selected 
setting.
zTip
 When [OUTDOOR] is selected, you can adjust the 
white balance value for outdoor recording in [WB 
OUTDR LVL] on the   (CAMERA SET) menu 
(p. 58). You can assign this function to one of the 
ASSIGN buttons (p. 86).
To restore the automatic white balance
Press WHT BAL, or set the AUTO LOCK 
switch to AUTO LOCK.
bNote
 If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO 
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, 
shutter speed) also become temporarily automatic.
ItemRecording scene
[OUTDOOR] 
() general night views, 
neon signs, or fireworks
 sunset, sunrise
 under daylight 
fluorescent lamps
[INDOOR] (n)  at party or in studios 
where lighting 
conditions change 
quickly
 under video lamps such 
as those in a studio, under 
sodium lamps, mercury 
lamps, or warm white 
fluorescent lamps 
						

							Recording28
Recording using 
manual adjustments
You can manually adjust the iris, gain, etc. 
according to the brightness of the recording 
scene or in order to obtain desired effects.
Adjust the iris, gain, shutter speed, and white 
balance after setting the AUTO LOCK 
switch to the center position to release the 
auto lock mode.
Depending on the position of the AUTO 
LOCK switch, you can hold or release the 
settings of these functions.
See page 26 for details on how to adjust the 
white balance.
bNote
 If you want to set the exposure intentionally to other 
than a proper level, adjust the iris, gain, and shutter 
speed manually.
 If you adjust only one of either iris, shutter speed, or 
gain manually, you can record with iris priority, 
shutter speed priority, or gain priority, respectively.
zTip
 To adjust the brightness of pictures, set all of the iris, 
gain, and shutter speed to the manual adjustment 
mode, then rotate the iris dial.
Adjusting the iris
You can manually adjust the light volume 
entering the lens.
As the iris is opened (smaller aperture 
values), the light volume increases. The 
range of focus narrows and only the subject 
appears in sharp focus.
As the iris is closed (larger aperture values), 
the light volume decreases and the range of 
focus widens.
1During recording or in the standby 
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to 
the center position to release the auto 
lock mode.
2Press IRIS.
The current aperture value (F) appears.
3Rotate the IRIS dial to a desired 
aperture value.
The aperture value (F) varies from F1.6 to 
F11, and Close, and the corresponding 
value appears.
PositionPurpose
AUTO LOCK To adjust automatically.
Center (to 
release the auto 
lock mode)To adjust manually.
HOLD Select this position after adjusting 
the settings manually to retain 
them.
IRIS dial 
						

							Recording
Recording29
To restore automatic adjustment
Press IRIS, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to 
AUTO LOCK.
bNote
 If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO 
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter 
speed, white balance) also become temporarily 
automatic.
 As you shift the zoom from W (wide) to T 
(telephoto), the aperture value varies from F1.6 to 
F2.8.
zTip
 You can select the rotation direction of the iris dial 
with [IRIS DIAL] on the   (OTHERS) menu 
(p. 79).
 The iris has an important effect on the “depth of 
field,” that is, the focused range. An open iris makes 
the depth of field shallower (shorter focused range), 
and a closed iris makes the depth of field deeper 
(longer focused range). Use the iris effectively 
according to your purpose of recording.
Adjusting the gain
Adjust the gain manually when shooting 
blackish or dark objects if you do not want 
the AGC (auto gain control) to be activated.
1During recording or in the standby 
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to 
the center position to release the auto 
lock mode.
2Press GAIN.
The current gain value appears.
3Set the GAIN switch to the desired 
position.
3 gain levels (H, M, L) are available.
You can set the value for the respective 
positions with [GAIN SETUP] on the   
(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 58).
The default settings for each position are 
18 dB (H), 9 dB (M) and 0 dB (L).
The larger the number, the greater the gain.
To restore automatic adjustment
Press GAIN, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to 
AUTO LOCK.
bNote
 If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO 
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, shutter 
speed, white balance) also become temporarily 
automatic.
zTip
 You can increase the gain level up to about 36 dB by 
using Hyper-gain (p. 87). 
						

							Recording30
Adjusting the shutter speed
You can manually adjust and fix the shutter 
speed for your convenience. Depending on 
the shutter speed, you can make the subject 
look still, or on the contrary, emphasize the 
fluidity of movement.
1During recording or in the standby 
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to 
the center position to release the auto 
lock mode.
2Press SHUTTER SPEED.
3Adjust the shutter speed by turning 
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
When 60i is selected in [50i/60i SEL] on the 
 (OTHERS) menu, you can select a 
shutter speed between 1/4 second and 1/
10000 second.
When 50i is selected in [50i/60i SEL], you 
can select a shutter speed between 1/3 
second and 1/10000 second.
The selected shutter speed appears on the 
screen. For example, if you select 1/100 
second, [100] appears. The larger the 
number that appears on the screen, the 
faster the shutter speed. The smaller the number that appears on the screen, the 
slower the shutter speed.
To restore automatic adjustment
Press SHUTTER SPEED, or set the AUTO 
LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.
bNote
 If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO 
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, 
white balance) also become temporarily automatic.
zTip
 It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter 
speed. Manual focusing with your camcorder 
attached to a tripod is recommended.
 The picture may flicker or change colors under 
fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps.
Adjusting the volume of light 
– ND FILTER
You can record the subject clearly by using 
the ND filter when the recording 
environment is too bright.
There are 2 levels of ND filter setting. ND 
filter 1 reduces the volume of light to about 
1/6, and ND filter 2 to about 1/32.
If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes in the standby 
mode, set the ND FILTER switch to the 
respective position.