Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the operation and maintenance of your Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder. The DCR-DVD108 is designed for capturing video directly onto DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL discs, offering convenience for recording and playback. It features a 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 40x optical zoom, and a 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD for versatile shooting and viewing.
Key features include:
- 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager for clear video capture.
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 40x optical zoom and 2000x digital zoom for capturing distant subjects.
- 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD for flexible viewing angles and intuitive control.
- Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization to reduce blur from camera shake.
- Direct recording to DVD for easy playback on compatible DVD players.
Figure 1: Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with its LCD screen open, displaying a scene, and a DVD disc positioned behind the camcorder.
Setup
1. Charging the Battery
Before initial use, fully charge the supplied Lithium Ion battery. Connect the AC power adapter to the camcorder's DC IN jack and then to a wall outlet. The CHARGE lamp will illuminate during charging and turn off when charging is complete.
Figure 2: Rear view of the camcorder, highlighting the battery compartment and various control buttons, including the DC IN port for charging.
2. Inserting a DVD Disc
- Open the DVD compartment cover by sliding the OPEN switch.
- Gently place a compatible DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL disc onto the spindle with the recording side facing down.
- Press the center of the disc until it clicks into place.
- Close the DVD compartment cover firmly until it latches.
Figure 3: The camcorder with its DVD compartment open, showing a red DVD+R DL disc properly inserted, ready for recording.
Figure 4: A user's hands demonstrating the handling of the Sony DCR-DVD108 camcorder alongside a blue DVD disc, illustrating the compact size and disc compatibility.
Operating Instructions
1. Powering On/Off
To power on the camcorder, open the LCD screen or pull out the viewfinder. To power off, close the LCD screen and push in the viewfinder.
2. Recording Video
- Set the POWER switch to the CAMERA position.
- Open the LCD screen and adjust it to your preferred viewing angle.
- Point the camcorder at your subject. Use the zoom lever to adjust the optical zoom (40x) or digital zoom (up to 2000x).
- Press the START/STOP button to begin recording. The recording indicator will appear on the LCD.
- Press the START/STOP button again to stop recording.
Figure 5: The camcorder with its LCD screen open, providing a clear view of the lens, zoom controls, and the START/STOP button on the screen bezel.
3. Playback
- Set the POWER switch to the PLAY/EDIT position.
- Use the touch-panel LCD to navigate through your recorded scenes.
- Tap a scene to play it back.
4. Finalizing a DVD
To play your recorded DVD on a standard DVD player, you must finalize the disc. This process writes the necessary disc management information to the DVD.
- Ensure the camcorder is in PLAY/EDIT mode.
- Access the menu on the touch-panel LCD.
- Navigate to the "Disc Operations" or "Finalize" option.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the disc. This process may take several minutes.
Note: Once a DVD-R or DVD+R DL disc is finalized, no more recordings can be added. DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs can be unfinalized and re-recorded.
Maintenance
Cleaning the Camcorder
- Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body.
- For the lens, use a lens brush or a soft cloth specifically designed for optical lenses. Avoid touching the lens with your fingers.
- The LCD screen can be wiped gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Do not use alcohol, benzene, thinner, or acidic/alkaline detergents, as they may damage the finish.
Battery Care and Storage
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- If storing for an extended period, charge the battery fully every 6-12 months to maintain its capacity.
- Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Camcorder does not power on. | Battery is depleted or not inserted correctly. | Charge the battery fully. Ensure the battery is securely inserted. Check if the AC adapter is properly connected if using wall power. |
| DVD compartment does not open. | The OPEN switch is not fully engaged or there is an obstruction. | Ensure the OPEN switch is slid completely. Check for any foreign objects blocking the compartment. Do not force it open. |
| Cannot record video. | Disc is full, not finalized, or incompatible. Camcorder is in playback mode. | Insert a new or erasable disc. Ensure the disc is not finalized (if using DVD-R/+R DL). Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. |
| No image on LCD screen. | LCD screen is closed or brightness is too low. | Open the LCD screen fully. Adjust LCD brightness in the menu settings. |
Specifications
- Model Number: DCR-DVD108
- Product Dimensions: 3.63 x 5.25 x 2.25 inches
- Item Weight: 2.07 pounds
- Image Sensor: 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager
- Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
- Optical Zoom: 40x
- Digital Zoom: 2000x
- LCD Screen: 2.5 Inches, touch-panel SwivelScreen
- Image Stabilization: Super SteadyShot
- Video Capture Format: MPEG-2
- Supported Media: DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL
- Connectivity: USB
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Warranty Information
This product is a Certified Refurbished item and comes with a minimum 90-day warranty. For specific warranty details and claims, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact the seller directly.
Support
For further assistance, please refer to the full user manual included with your product. You may also visit the official Sony support website for additional resources, FAQs, and driver downloads related to the DCR-DVD108 model.
No official product videos are available from the seller for this model.