If the video is fuzzy on playback or has lines running through the image, run the tape back a bit, or stop the playback and try again. Eject the tape to to see that the tape itself hasn’t gotten wound up in the tape heads re-insert and press “Play” again. If nothing happens when you press “Play,” double check to see that the camcorder is on and in VCR mode, and that a fresh battery is connected or the camera is plugged into the AC adapter. To have it record images from a tape, set it back to “Tape.” Playback Issues If the camera won’t record still photos, see that you have the memory stick installed, and in the menu, set Photo Rec to the “Memory” setting. You should see an icon of a cassette flashing in the LCD display if either is the problem. If the camcorder is on and in Camera mode but won’t record, eject the Mini DV cassette and see that it’s not at the end of the tape and the safety switch is in the correct position (not showing red). If it’s on and in Camera mode, but not in use for 5 minutes, it will go into standby mode turn it off and back on again. If it turns on, check the display to see the remaining battery life and monitor how long it lasts the battery may not hold a charge as long as it gets older. Plug the camera into the AC adapter to see if it powers up that way. Remove the battery and connect it to the charger to see if the indicator light shows it as charged. Power IssuesĪlways check the battery first if the camera will not power up make sure it has a charge and is connected securely. Sony products are designed for a long shelf life under proper conditions, but when problems arise, go back and check the little things before assuming your camera needs to be shipped off for repair. Most can also take and store still photos if equipped with a memory stick, and can connect to a computer to transfer the video and pictures. Sony Mini DV camcorders capture and playback video and audio on Mini DV cassettes, a step up from the standard 8mm tapes.

Sony mini dv video camera