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

							Using the Menu
Using the Menu61
AF ASSIST
 
AE RESPONSE
Select the speed used to adjust the exposure automatically in accordance with the 
brightness of the subject. [FAST], [MIDDLE], and [SLOW] are available. It is set 
to [FAST] in the default setting.
MARKER
 
bNote The center marker and its position do not affect the adjustment, setting, or recording in any 
way.
MARKER SEL
You can select the type of marker to be displayed on the screen when [MARKER] 
is set to [ON]. Select whether each type is to be displayed or not by selecting [ON] 
or [OFF] in [MARKER]. You can display more than a marker at the same time.
 
bNote Marker [4:3] is not displayed when recording in DV 4:3 mode.
 Markers are displayed only on the LCD panel and viewfinder. They are not output from the 
jacks. 
 Screen indicators are not output from the analog jacks when a marker is displayed.
z
Tip You can display all markers together by selecting [ON] in [MARKER].  GOFFSelect to record in the standard recording mode.
ONSelect to focus manually by rotating the focus ring during auto 
focusing.
GOFFSelect when you do not want to display the marker on the screen.
ONSelect to display the marker you select in [MARKER SEL] on the 
screen. You can assign this function to one of the ASSIGN buttons 
(p. 86).
CENTERSelect to display the marker at the center of the 
screen. (It is set to [ON] in the default setting.) 
4:3Select to display the frame indicating the 4:3 aspect 
ratio.
SAFETY ZONESelect to display the frame indicating the range that 
can be received by a standard TV for domestic use 
(80%).
,continued 
						

							Using the Menu62
FLCKR REDUCE 
bNote You cannot select this item when [50i/60i SEL] on the   (OTHERS) menu is set to 50i. 
It is always set to [OFF].
HANDLE ZOOM
Select this item to set the zoom speed of position H and L of the handle zoom 
switch (p. 23).
1Select [H] or [L] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the 
dial.
2Select a zoom speed by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the 
dial.
Speeds 1 through 8 are available. The larger the number, the faster the zoom 
speed.
3Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
4Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
ZEBRA LEVEL
See page 31 for details.
BARS TYPE
2 types of color bar, one of which appears when you press BARS, are available.
You can display the color bar also by using the ASSIGN button (p. 86).
 
GONSelect to record under normal conditions. Flickering of the screen 
under a light source such as fluorescent lamps will be reduced.
OFFSelect when you do not want to reduce flickering of the screen.
GTYPE1The following color bar appears.
TYPE2The following color bar appears. 
						

							Using the Menu
Using the Menu63
SETUP    
bNote When [50i/60i SEL] in the   (OTHERS) menu is set to 50i, this item is set to [0%] 
automatically.
 FRAME REC   
You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately 
recording a few frames and then moving the subject a little. Operate your 
camcorder using the Remote Commander to prevent camera shake.
* A picture consists of 6 frames when [50i/60i SEL] is set to 60i, and 5 frames when it is set 
to 50i.
b
Note When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated 
correctly.
 The last scene will be longer than other scenes.
 You cannot record index signals during frame recording. G0%Select to record in the system at the 0% setup level.
7.5%Select to record in the system at the 7.5% setup level.
GOFFSelect to record in the standard recording mode.
ON () Select to record pictures using the FRAME REC function.
1Select [ON], then press the dial.
2Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
3Press REC START/STOP.
A picture* is recorded, and your camcorder enters the 
standby mode.
4Move the subject and repeat step 3. 
						

							Using the Menu64
Using the   (AUDIO 
SET) menu
 – INT MIC SET/XLR 
SET, etc.
You can select the items listed below on the 
AUDIO SET menu. For details on how to select 
items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 57).
The default settings are marked with G. The 
indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected. The settings you can adjust 
vary depending on the power mode of your 
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can 
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will 
be grayed out.
AUDIO MONI
You can check the sound from headphones or the camcorder speaker by selecting 
either of them. 
AUDIO MIX   
You can select the sound to be output when playing back a tape on which sounds 
were added afterwards (p. 98).
bNote You cannot select this item when playing back a tape recorded with [AUDIO MODE] set 
to [FS48K].
AUDIO OUTPUT
You can select the audio output level to speakers, etc.
AUD I O  SET
  RETURN
AUD I O  MON I
AUD I O  O U T PUT
AUD I O  MODE
AUD I O   L OCK
AUDIO  L IMI T
MI
C  NRMIC   SELECT [MENU]: END
CH1,CH2
STBY
GCH1,CH2Select to listen to the CH1 and CH2 sounds separately in the L and R 
channels. However, you will hear the CH1 and CH2 sounds mixed 
from your camcorder speaker.
CH1Select to listen to the CH1 sound in channels L and R.
CH2Select to listen to the CH2 sound in channels L and R.
CH1+CH2Select to listen to the CH1 and CH2 sounds synthesized in channels L 
and R.
GCH1,CH2Select to output only the originally recorded sound (CH1, CH2).
MIXSelect to synthesize and output the originally recorded sound (CH1, 
CH2) and the sound added afterwards (CH3, CH4).
CH3,CH4Select to output only the sound (CH3, CH4) added afterwards.
1VrmsSelect to set the audio output level to 1 Vrms/FS.
G2VrmsSelect to set the audio output level to 2 Vrms/FS. 
						

							Using the Menu
Using the Menu65
AUDIO MODE   
bNote You can add sound only on a tape recorded in Fs32K mode in DVCAM format. You cannot 
add sound on a tape recorded in Fs48K mode.
 [FS48K] is selected automatically in the HDV format.
AUDIO LOCK 
bNote This item is automatically set to [LOCK MODE] in the DVCAM/HDV format.
AUDIO LIMIT
bNote This setting is valid when the AUDIO SELECT switch is set to MAN.
MIC NR
MIC SELECT
GFS32K ( )Select to record in 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds) in DVCAM/DV SP 
format.
FS48K ( )Select to record in 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality) in 
DVCAM/DV SP format.
GUNLOCK MODESelect to record the sampling clock for audio and video separately. 
This mode is adopted by the DV format for consumer models.
LOCK MODESelect to record the sampling clock of audio and that of video 
synchronized. This mode is advantageous for digital processing 
during audio editing, or for making smooth transition of scenes.
GOFFSelect when you do not want to use the audio limiter function that 
prevents the sound from being distorted.
ONSelect to use the audio limiter function.
GONSelect to reduce noise from the microphone.
OFFSelect to deactivate this function.
GINTERNAL MICSelect to use the internal microphone.
XLRSelect to use an external microphone (p. 38).
,continued 
						

							Using the Menu66
INT MIC SET
You can set the wind noise reduction and the sensitivity for the external 
microphone.
INT MIC SENS
INT MIC WIND
XLR SET
XLR CH SEL
You can select the input signal from an external microphone, and the channel to 
be recorded.
XLR AGC LINK
You can select whether the AGC (Auto Gain Control) of channel 1 is linked with 
or separated from channel 2 when using an external microphone.
bNote The [LINKED] setting is valid only when the AUDIO SELECT switches of both channels 
are set to AUTO, and the same item is selected for [INPUT1 LEVEL] and [INPUT2 
LEVEL]. GNORMALThe standard setting.
HIGHUse this setting to record a quiet sound. When a loud sound is recorded 
with this setting, the sound may be distorted. Make a trial recording in 
advance.
GOFFSelect when you want to record the sound as it is without reducing the 
noise caused by wind.
AUTOSelect to reduce the noise caused by wind.
GCH1Select to record the input signal from the INPUT1 connector to 
channel 1, and that from the INPUT2 connector to channel 2.
CH1, CH2Select to record the input signal from the INPUT1 connector to 
channels 1 and 2.
GSEPARATESelect to record the sound in channel 1 separately from that in channel 
2 (AGC separated).
LINKEDSelect to record the sound in channel 1 and that in channel 2 as a set, 
like stereo sound (AGC linked).   appears on the status check display. 
						

							Using the Menu
Using the Menu67
INPUT1 LEVEL
Select the input signal from the INPUT1 connector, either from a microphone or 
an audio device.
INPUT1 TRIM
You can select the level of input signal from the INPUT1 connector. This setting 
is effective only when [INPUT1 LEVEL] is set to [MIC].
-18 dB, -12 dB, -6 dB, 0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB are available. It is set to 0 dB in the 
default setting.
INPUT1 WIND
This setting is effective only when [INPUT1 LEVEL] is set to [MIC].
INPUT2 LEVEL
Select the input signal from the INPUT2 connector, either from a microphone or 
an audio device.
INPUT2 TRIM
You can select the level of input signal from the INPUT2 connector. This setting 
is effective only when [INPUT2 LEVEL] is set to [MIC].
-18 dB, -12 dB, -6 dB, 0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB are available. It is set to 0 dB in the 
default setting.
INPUT2 WIND
This setting is effective only when [INPUT2 LEVEL] is set to [MIC].
GMICSelect to input an audio signal from a microphone connected to the 
INPUT1 connector.   appears on the status check display.
LINESelect to input an audio signal from an audio device connected to the 
INPUT1 connector.   appears on the status check display.
GOFFSelect when you want to record the sound from the INPUT1 connector 
as it is, without reducing the noise caused by wind.
ONSelect to reduce the noise caused by wind.   appears on the status 
check display.
GMICSelect to input an audio signal from a microphone connected to the 
INPUT2 connector.   appears on the status check display.
LINESelect to input an audio signal from an audio device connected to the 
INPUT2 connector.   appears on the status check display.
GOFFSelect when you want to record the sound from the INPUT2 connector 
as it is without reducing the noise caused by wind.
ONSelect to reduce the noise caused by wind.   appears on the status 
check display. 
						

							Using the Menu68
Using the   (LCD/VF 
SET) menu
 – LCD COLOR, etc.
You can select the items listed below on the 
LCD/VF SET menu. For details on how to 
select items, see “Selecting menu items” 
(p. 57).
The default settings are marked with G. The 
settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen 
shows the items you can operate at the moment. 
Unavailable items will be grayed out.
LCD COLOR
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the color on the LCD screen. The 
recorded picture will not be affected by this setting.
LCD BL LEVEL
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture 
will not be affected by this setting.
bNote When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically 
selected for this setting.
VF B.LIGHT
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be 
affected by this setting.
bNote When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically 
selected for this setting.
LCD / VF  SET
  RETURN
LCD  COLOR
LCD   B L   LEVEL
VF  B .  L I GHT
VF  COLOR
VF  POWER
 [MENU]: END
GNORMAL Standard brightness.
BRIGHT  Select to brighten the LCD screen.
GNORMAL Standard brightness.
BRIGHT Select to brighten the viewfinder screen.
Low intensity
High intensity 
						

							Using the Menu
Using the Menu69
VF COLOR
VF POWER
bNote If you select [ON], the battery life will become a little shorter. GON Select to display pictures in the viewfinder in color.
OFF Select to display pictures in the viewfinder in black and white.
GAUTOSelect when you do not want to display pictures on the viewfinder 
when the LCD panel is open.
ONSelect to display pictures on the viewfinder even when the LCD panel 
is open. 
						

							Using the Menu70
Using the   (IN/OUT 
REC) menu
 – REC FORMAT/
DOWN CONVERT, etc.
You can select the items listed below on the IN/
OUT REC menu. For details on how to select 
these items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 57).
The default settings are marked with G. The 
indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected. The settings you can adjust 
vary depending on the power mode of your 
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can 
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will 
be grayed out.
VCR HDV/DV
Select the playback signal. Normally select [AUTO].
When the camcorder is connected to another device using an i.LINK cable, select 
the signal to be input/output from the   HDV/DV jack. The selected signal is 
recorded or played back.
bNote Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting [VCR HDV/DV]. Otherwise, the connected TV 
may not be able to recognize the video signal from this camcorder. 
 When [AUTO] is selected and the signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture and 
sound disappear temporarily.
 When [HDVtDV CONV] is set to [ON], and [AUDIO LOCK] to [LOCK MODE] in 
[i.LINK CONV], pictures are output as follows:
– at [AUTO], an HDV signal is converted to an audio-locked DV signal; a DV signal is 
output as it is.
– at [HDV], an HDV signal is converted to an audio-locked DV signal; a DV signal is not 
output.
– at [DV], a DV signal is output as it is; an HDV signal is not output.
 When [HDVtDV CONV] is set to [ON], and [AUDIO LOCK] to [UNLOCK MODE] in 
[i.LINK CONV], pictures are output as follows:
– at [AUTO], an HDV signal is converted to an audio-unlocked DV signal; a DV signal is 
output as it is.
 I N / OUT  REC
  RETURN
REC  FOR MAT
     REC  MODE
DV  W I DE  REC
EXT  REC  CTRL
COMPONENT
 i . L I NK  CONV
DOWN  CONVERT
 [MENU]: END
HDV1080 i
STBY
GAUTO Select this to play back signals by switching the format between 
HDV and DVCAM (DV) automatically.
 For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back signals 
input/output from the   HDV/DV jack by switching the format 
between HDV and DVCAM (DV) automatically.
HDV Select this to play back the signals in the HDV format only.
 For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back the input/
output signals in the HDV format only. 
Select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc. 
(p. 96).
DV Select this to play back the signals in the DVCAM (DV) format 
only.
 For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back the input/
output signals in the DVCAM (DV) format only. 
Select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc. 
(p. 96).