Sony CCD-TR83 Handycam
(160-8408)                  Hints and Tips            Faxback Doc. # 18627

The CCD-TR83 does not have a Full-Color viewfinder.

PRECAUTIONS

CAMCORDER OPERATION

    Operate the camcorder on 6.0 V (battery pack) or 7.5 V (AC power
    adaptor).

    For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended.

    Should any solid object or liquid get inside of the casing,  unplug the
    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 when not using the camcorder.

    Do not wrap up the camcorder and operate it since heat may build up
    internally.

    Keep the camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical
    vibration.

ON HANDLING TAPES

Do not insert anything in the small holes on the rear of the cassette.
 These holes are used to sense the type, thickness of tape, if the tab is
out or in, etc.

CAMCORDER CARE

    When the camcorder is not to be used for along time, disconnect the
    power source and remove the tape,  Periodically turn on the power,
    operate the camera and player sections and play back tape for about 3
    minutes.

    Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust.  If there are 
    fingerprints on it, 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.

AC POWER ADAPTOR

CHARGING

    REPEATED CHARGING WHILE SOME CAPACITY REMAINS CAUSES A LOWERING OF
    BATTERY CAPACITY.  HOWEVER, THE ORIGINAL BATTERY CAPACITY CAN BE
    RECOVERED IF YOU USE THE BATTERY COMPLETELY AND CHARGE IT FULLY AGAIN.

    Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.

    The battery pack will get hot during charging.  This is normal.

OTHERS

    Model for the USA and Canada:  One blade of the plug is wider than the
    other for safety purposes and will fit into the power outlet only one
    way.  If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,
    contact your dealer.

    Unplug the unit from the wall (mains) outlet when not in use for a long
    time.  To disconnect the cord (mains lead), pull it out by the plug. 
    Never pull the cord itself.

    Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been
    dropped or damaged.

    Do not bend the AC power cord forcibly, or put a heavy object on it.
    This will damage the cord and may cause a fire or an electrical shock.

    Be sure that nothing metallic comes into contact with the metal parts
    of the connecting plate.  If this happens, a short may occur and the
    unit may be damaged.

    Always keep the 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 because it will disturb AM
    reception and video operation.

    The unit becomes warm while in use.  This is normal.

    Do not place the unit in locations that are:

         Extremely hot or cold

         Dusty or dirty

         Very humid

         Vibrating

If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest
Sony dealer.

HINTS FOR BETTER SHOOTING

For hand-held shots, you'll get better results by holding the camcorder
according to the following suggestions:

    Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you
    can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb.

    Place your right elbow against your side.

    Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it.

    Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.

    Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal place.

    You can also record in a low position to get an interesting recording
    angle.  Lift the viewfinder up for recording from a low position.

PLACE THE CAMCORDER ON A FLAT SURFACE OR USE A TRIPOD

Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of
suitable height.  If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use
it with the camcorder.  

If the camcorder is difficult to balance on a tripod, use the supplied
tripod adaptor.  Attach the tripod adaptor to the camcorder by turning the
screw .  The adaptor has a crew hole for a tripod.  Do not leave the tripod
adaptor on the camcorder if the camcorder is not mounted on a tripod.

When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod
screw is less than 9/32 inches (6.5 mm).  Otherwise, the screw may damage
the inner parts of the camcorder.

CAUTIONS ON THE VIEWFINDER

    Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder.

    Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the
    sun.  The inside of the viewfinder may be deformed.  Be careful when
    placing the camcorder under sunlight or by the window.


(YO/SP 3/13/96)