Sony DSR-400K/400PK User Manual

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Recording
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Adjusting the black balance/white 
balance
To ensure excellent image quality when using this 
camcorder, conditions may require that both the black 
balance and the white balance be adjusted.
If the black balance or white balance adjustment is started, 
messages that report on the progress and results are 
displayed on the viewfinder screen when the VF DISP 
MODE item is set to 2 or 3 on the VF DISP 1 page of the 
OPERATION menu.
Black balance and white balance adjustment values that 
are automatically set by the camcorder and the various 
settings are stored in the camcorder memory and retained 
even when the power is turned off.
To adjust the black balance
The black balance will require adjustment in the following 
cases.
• When the camcorder is used for the first time
• When the camcorder has not been used for a long time
• When the camcorder is used under conditions in which 
the surrounding temperature has changed greatly
• When the GAIN switch (L/M/H) values have been 
changed by using the OPERATION menu
It is not usually necessary to adjust the black balance when 
using the camcorder after it has been off.
In automatic black balance mode, adjustments are 
performed in the following order: clamp level, black set, 
and black balance.
Note that the automatic black balance adjustment 
includes a function to correct minor bright or dark 
points of light (red, blue, or green) that appear on the 
CCDs, in addition to the normal black balance 
operation.
1
Power the camcorder on, and set the OUTPUT/DCC 
switch to CAM.
2
Push the AUTO W/B BAL switch to BLACK and 
release the switch.
The switch returns to the center position, and the 
adjustment is executed.
During adjustment, the following message is displayed 
on the viewfinder screen.
The black balance adjustment ends in a few seconds 
with the message “ABB: OK” and the adjustment 
value is automatically stored in memory.
• During the black balance adjustment, the iris is 
automatically closed.
• During the black balance adjustment, the gain selection 
circuit is automatically activated so you may see 
flickering on the viewfinder screen, but this is not a 
malfunction.
If automatic black balance adjustment cannot be 
made
If the black balance adjustment cannot be completed 
normally, an error message will appear for about 3 seconds 
on the viewfinder screen.
If any of the above error messages is displayed, retry the 
black balance adjustment. Keep pushing the AUTO W/B 
BAL switch to BLACK until “-BLACK SET-” appears 
after “-BLACK BALANCE-” appears. If the error 
message occurs repeatedly, contact your Sony service 
representatives.
Note
1
2
Notes
Error message
Meaning
ABB: NG
IRIS NOT CLOSED
The lens iris did not close. Check if 
the lens cable is connected properly.
ABB: NG
TIME LIMIT
Adjustment could not be completed 
within the standard number of 
attempts.
ABB: NG
R (or G or B): 
OVERFLOW
The difference between the 
reference value and the current 
value is so great that it exceeds the 
range.
 ABB:EXECUTING
-BLACK SET-
The messages change in 
sequence:
-BLACK SET-
     
  r
-BLACK BALANCE-