Hitachi DZ-HS903A, DZ-HS803A User Manual

DZ-HS903A

DZ-HS803A

Instruction Manual

(English)

Instruction Manual

DZ-HS903A DZ-HS803A

DZ-HS903A

DZ-HS803A

Introduction

HDD/DVD/Cards Battery Pack

Let’s Get Started Recording — Viewing

Various Recording Techniques

Dubbing on DVD

Editing

Viewing on the Other Devices

Connecting to Your PC

Additional Information

DZ-HS903A

DZ-HS803A

Thank you for purchasing this Hitachi Camcorder. Please read this Instruction Manual to understand its proper use. Before opening the CD-ROM included with this product, please read p.182. After reading the Instruction Manual, store it safely.

The Instruction Manual contains an illustration of the DZ-HS803A on the cover page only.

QR74442 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 2008

QUICK GUIDE

This manual was printed with soy based ink.

Printed on recycled paper

Printed in Japan OY-K (I)

Important Information

For Your Safety

The power switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the camcorder is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn it off.

The DVD video camera/recorder and AC adapter/charger have the following caution marks.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT

EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

WARNING: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS

INCORRECTLY REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, BE SURE TO USE THE SPECIFIED AC ADAPTER/ CHARGER (DZ-ACS3).

The camcorder and AC adapter/charger have the following caution marks.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTR IC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED

SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Identifications of caution marks

This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.

This symbol alerts the user that important literature concerning the operation and maintenance of this unit has been included. Therefore, it should be read carefully to avoid any problems.

Precautions

WARNING: Many television programs and

films are copyrighted. In certain circumstances, copy-right law may apply to private in-home videotaping of copyrighted materials.

The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is made by highly precise technology. More than 99.99% of its picture elements (pixels) are effective, but some (less than 0.01%) may appear as colored bright dots. This does not indicate a fault as the LCD panel stretches the limits of current technology.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

CAUTION

This product contains a laser diode of higher class than 1. To ensure continued safety, do not remove any covers or attempt to gain access to the inside of the product. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Avoid using and storing the battery pack in places subject to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or near a flame source.

Warning: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution to the user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows® XP and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Intel

and Pentium® Processor are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Intel

Core™ is a trademark of Intel Corporation.

Macintosh is a trademark of Apple, Inc.

IBM

and PC/AT® are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. SD logo is a trademark. Other company names and product names listed are trademarks or brand names belonging to each individual company.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6 Clean only with dry cloth.

7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has

two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the

manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long

periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has

been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15 Do not drip or splash liquids onto the camcorder or place the camcorder near objects filled with

liquid such as vases.

16 Use the equipment (AC adapter/Charger) near a power outlet with easy accessibility.

17 Do not cover the camcorder with a cloth while using nor use the camcorder in a ill-ventilated

space such as in a box or bookcase.

Table of Contents

Important Information ............................ 2

For Your Safety ...................................... 2

Precautions.............................................. 2

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS ............................... 4

Introduction 8

This camcorder makes all of the following

possible! .......................................................... 8

Choosing a disc to suit your purpose .............. 9

How to Read this Instruction Manual................... 9

Before Using the Product

- Be sure to read this information - ............... 11

Checking Provided Accessories ......................... 13

Names of Parts.................................................... 14

How to Open and Use the LCD Monitor ........... 19

How to Change the LCD Brightness .................. 20

Let’s Get Started 21

Preparing ............................................................ 21

Setting up the battery pack ............................ 21

Turning on the Power.................................... 22

Changing the display language ..................... 22

Setting the date and time ............................... 23

Recording Movies to the HDD........................... 24

Recording Movies to a DVD .............................. 25

Recording Stills to an SD card ........................... 27

Playing Recorded Movies/Stills ......................... 28

Deleting Recorded Movies/Stills........................ 29

Functions and Characteristics of HDD/DVD/Cards 30

About HDD/DVD ......................................... 31

About cards ................................................... 33

Cautions for discs and cards.......................... 33

Inserting a DVD............................................ 34

When loading a new DVD-RW/+RW .......... 36

Battery Pack 37

CHARGE lamp status and charging time ..... 37

Recording time with a fully charged battery . 37

Connecting the camcorder to a wall outlet.... 38

Detaching the DC power cord/b attery pack from

the camcorder .......................................... 38

Efficient Use of the Battery .......................... 39

Recording 40

Recording Movies .............................................. 40

Using the Quick Start function ..................... 41

Information Display During Recording ........ 42

Recording Still Pictures ...................................... 45

Viewing 47

Playback (Watching Your Recordings).............. 47

Playing back the last recorded scene ............ 47

Deleting the last recorded scene ................... 48

Choosing and playing back a scene .............. 48

Choosing and playing back multiple scenes . 49

Jumping to the designated scene ................... 50

Adjusting speaker volume during movie

playback................................................... 52

Information Display During Playback .......... 52

Simple functions you can use during playback

or playback pause .................................... 54

Playing still pictures on a card automatically

(Slide Show) ........................................... 55

Capturing a still picture from a movie

(PHOTO Capture).................................... 56

Playing back scenes repeatedly

(Repeat Play) ........................................... 56

Various Recording Techniques 57

How to Operate the Menu .................................. 57

Menu (While Recording).................................... 58

How to use the LCD setup and initial setup . 60

About the demonstration function ................ 61

Magnified Recording

(Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom) ................ 62

Recording at Close Range (Macro Recording) .. 63 Using the Separately-Sold Lenses to Increase the

Wide-Angle or Telephoto Effect .................. 63

Adjusting the Focus Manually (Manual Focus) . 64 Adjusting the Brightness of the Image

(Exposure)..................................................... 66

Compensating for Backlight

(Backlight Compensation) ............................ 67

Selecting a Program AE Mode to Match the

Conditions (Program AE) ............................. 67

Adjusting the Color (White Balance) ................. 68

Setting the white balance manually (Set)...... 70

Using the Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) ...... 71

Reducing Wind Noise During Recording .......... 71

Restoring all the Record ing Settings to Default

(Full Auto) .................................................... 72

Using the Flash .................................................. 72

Turning Off the Recording Indicator Beneath the

Lens .............................................................. 74

Changing the Movie Quality (VIDEO Mode) ... 75 Recording Movies for Wide-Screen TVs (16:9) 75

Changing Still Picture Quality (Quality) ........... 77

Inputting Audio and Video Signals From an

External Device (Input Source)

(DZ-HS903A)............................................... 78

Changing Capturing Still Picture Quality for

External Input (PHOTO Input)

(DZ-HS903A)............................................... 78

Using the Self-Timer ......................................... 79

Dubbing on DVD 80

First Dubbing (“New”) ...................................... 82

Dubbing All Scenes Recorded on the Same Day

(“Date”) ........................................................ 83

Dubbing All Scenes Recorded on the HDD

(“All”)........................................................... 84

Dubbing Scenes Selected (“Select”).................. 85

Displaying only Dubbed or Not Dubbed Scenes

(Category)..................................................... 86

Clearing the dub marks on Thumbnails

(MARK OFF) ............................................... 86

Editing 87

Menu Items for the Disc Navigation ............... .. 88

Menu flows for the disc navigation.............. 90

Choosing Scenes by Program ............................ 92

Switching to the display arranged by program

(Program) ................................................ 92

Playing back a program (Play) ..................... 93

Renaming the title of a program (Title)........ 93

Playlist ............................................................... 95

What is “Playlist”? ....................................... 95

Creating a new Playlist (Create Playlist)...... 96

Displaying a desired Playlist (Playlist) ........ 97

Playing back a Playlist (Play)....................... 97

Adding scenes to a Playlist (Edit) ................ 98

Deleting scenes from Playlist (Edit)............. 99

Adding scenes using the Submenu for Editing

(Edit) ....................................................... 99

Deleting scenes using the Submenu for Editing

(Edit) ..................................................... 100

Selecting scenes using the Submenu for Editing

(Edit) ..................................................... 100

Arranging the order of scenes in the Playlist

(Edit) ..................................................... 101

Renaming the title of a Playlist (Title) ....... 101

Deleting a Playlist (Delete) ........................ 102

Deleting Scenes (Edit – Delete) ....................... 102

Dividing a Movie (Edit – Divide).................... 103

Combining Multiple Scenes (Edit – Combine) 105

Adding Special Effects (Edit –Fade) ............... 106

Skipping Scenes (Effect – Skip) ..................... 107

Changing Thumbnail Image

(Effect – Thumbnail) ................................. 108

Go To ............................................................... 109

Copying still pictures on a DVD-RAM to the Card

(Copy)......................................................... 109

Locking Scenes on a Card (Lock) ................... 110

Displaying Information Using the Menu Screen

(Detail) ....................................................... 111

Formatting the HDD/DVD/CARD .................. 112

Protecting the HDD/DVD................................ 113

Checking the Remaining Recording Capacity on

the Medium (Capacity)............................... 114

Displaying Movies or Stills Independently

(Category)................................................... 114

Viewing on the Other Devices 115

Connecting to Your TV for Viewing............... 115

Connecting to a TV .................................... 115

Viewing on your TV .................................. 116

Setting the on-screen display output On/Off

(OSD Output)........................................ 116

Playing back wide-mode images on a 4:3 TV

(TV Type) ............................................. 117

Viewing on Other Players/Recorders .............. 118

About DVD-RW (VF mode)/DVD-R Discs and

Finalization................................................. 118

About +RW Discs and Finalization................. 118

About DVD-RW (VR Mode) Discs and

Finalization................................................. 119

Playing back a DVD-RAM Disc on a DVD Player/

Recorder ..................................................... 119

Notes on Finalization....................................... 119

Finalizing a Disc .............................................. 120

Unfinalizing a Disc .......................................... 121

Dubbing With Another Audio/Video (A/V) Device 122

Dubbing from another A/V device

(DZ-HS903A) ....................................... 122

Dubbing from the camcorder to another A/V

device .................................................... 124

Connecting to Your PC 125

Software installation ................................... 128

Preparation before importing images .......... 130

Connecting the camcorder to your PC using the

provided USB cable ............................... 130

How to remove/replace a DVD or remove a card

during the connection ............................ 132

Using a PC’s DVD drive to read a DVD

recorded on the camcorder .................... 133

Before terminating PC connection (removing

the USB cable) and changing the power

switch setting ......................................... 134

How to Use the Software.................................. 135

Uninstalling the software ............................ 145

Precautions When Connecting to a PC............. 145

Contact Information ......................................... 146

Additional Information 147

Optional Accessories ........................................ 147

Attaching the Shoulder Strap (Commercially

Available).................................................... 147

Error Messages ................................................. 148

Troubleshooting................................................ 157

Cautions on Use of this Product

- Be sure to read this information - ............. 167

System Reset .................................................... 172

Major Specifications......................................... 173

Glossary............................................................ 178

Index ................................................................. 179

Be sure to read the following before opening the

package of CD-ROM .................................. 182

To Order in the United States ........................... 183

Introduction

This camcorder makes all of the following possible!

Record movies and stills with this one device!

Introduction

Stills Movies

After recording

View on large screen by hooking up the camcorder to a TV!

AV Cable

S Cable

Various media

HDD

DVD

SD card

View on the TV

View on the LCD monitor

After Watching

Store the recordings! Create a gift disc! Select a disc easily!

Dubbing Menu

New All

Dubbing the scene which isn't dubbed in HDD.

ENTER

SelectDate

EXIT

DVD-RAM/ DVD-RW/ DVD-R +RW

 Choosing a disc to suit your purpose

Do you want to delete/edit images using this camcorder?

Do you want to play the disc on a DVD player/recorder?

Do you want to reuse the disc?

+RW

One-time

recording

DVD-RDVD-RAM

Re-recordable

DVD-RW

(VR mode)

Playable on devices that are compatible with 8 cm DVD-RAM or 8 cm DVD-RW (VR mode) accordingly.

* For details, refer to the standards

stated in "Recording format" (p.174).

YES

Re-recordable

DVD-RW

(VF mode)

Playable on most other DVD players/recorders once they are finalized after recording.

* For details, refer to the standards

stated in "Recording format" (p.174).

How to Read this Instruction Manual

This Instruction Manual is intended for the DZ-HS903A and DZ-HS803A models. The following table shows the differences between the two models.

DZ-HS903A DZ-HS803A

HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Capacity

Maximum movie recording time

External input function

Approx. 30 GB Approx. 8 GB

Approx. 11 hours

(FINE mode)

Equipped Not equipped

Approx. 3 hours

(FINE mode)

Introduction

About operations using the cursor

Use the cursor d/c/f/e to select the items that appear on the LCD screen. This manual indicates the cursor operations using the symbol . For details on how to operate the cursor, see "How to Operate the Menu" (p.57).

About media descriptions

HDD

RAM

-RW (VR) R

-RW (VF)

CARD

The camcorder functions available vary depending on the media (HDD/DVD/ Card) used. Refer to the icon headings shown below to determine whether the function explained complies with the media in use.

Introduction

Collective

term

HDD Built-in hard disk drive (HDD)

DVD

Card

Icon Media

DVD-RAM

DVD-RW (VR mode)

DVD-RW (VF (Video) mode)

DVD-R

+RW

SD memory card

miniSD memory card (exclusive adapter required) microSD memory card (exclusive adapter required)

+RW

Displays in the Instruction Manual

The display messages are omitted in this manual. Please use the LCD display of your camcorder to check the messages.

Before Using the Product

- Be sure to read this information -

Conduct test recording.

• Before recording important shots, always conduct test recording to confirm that images are normally recorded.

Recording surface

• Single-sided disc: unlabeled side.

• Double-sided disc: both sides.

Single-sided disc

Labeled side

Double-sided disc

Recording side

Introduction

Recording side

How to hold a disc

For correct recording

• Do not touch the recording surface of a disc.

• Check that a disc recording surface is not dirty or scratched.

• If the recording surface is dirty, wipe it clean using a soft cloth.

Caution on disc loading

• Never touch the pickup.

Caution on vibrations and impacts

• While the ACCESS/PC indicator (p.14) is lit, do not subject the camcorder to strong vibrations or impacts. Caution should be particularly observed while the indicator remains lit for a while after the end of recording.

Use a soft cloth and gently wipe the disc surface from the inner to the outer region.

About DVD

• We recommend using Hitachi Maxell brand discs. The compatibility of the discs with this camcorder is confirmed.

• If there is concern that the camcorder may be subjected to large vibrations or impact during transport, remove the DVD and protect the camcorder using soft protective materials.

pickup

Using DVD with other equipment

• We cannot guarantee that playback is possible on all types of recorders/players.

• Playback may not be possible depending on the model of the playback device or recording status of the disc.

• When a DVD-RW/DVD-R recorded with this camcorder is used on another device, always finalize the disc (p.120) using the camcorder in advance.

Hitachi will not compensate for recorded images.

Introduction

• Hitachi cannot compensate for any damages caused when recording is not made normally or recorded contents cannot be played back because of a defect in the camcorder, disc or card. Also, Hitachi cannot be responsible for your recorded video and audio.

• If you or a third party make a mistake when handling this camcorder, disc, card, etc., the recorded contents may be lost. We cannot be responsible for compensation for damage due to loss of recorded contents.

• In the event that your camcorder is sent for repair, whether repair is successful or not, recorded content may be lost. Hitachi cannot be held responsible for any lost data.

• Be aware that recording is restricted for some demonstrations, performances and exhibitions, even for personal enjoyment.

Checking Provided Accessories

Make sure the following accessories are included in the package.

Battery pack (DZ-BP14S)

Portable power supply for your new Hitachi Camcorder. Be sure to fully charge the battery before use.

AC adapter/charger (DZ-ACS3)

Use to power the camcorder from an AC power outlet, and to charge the battery.

DC power cord

To power the camcorder from an AC outlet, use this cord to connect the AC adapter/ charger to the camcorder.

Introduction

Remote control (DZ-RM4W)

Use to control the camcorder from a distance.

AV/S cable

Use this cable to view images from the camcorder on a TV.

The DZ-HS903A can input audio and video signals from external AV devices using this cable. (However, note that the S-Video connector is for output signals only.) The DZ-HS803A has no external input function.

Lithium battery (CR2032)

To power the remote control.

WARNING

Keep this battery away from children. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.

Lens cap and lens cap string

Attach the lens cap when not recording, to protect the lens.

Power cable

Connects the AC adapter/ charger to the AC outlet.

Software CD-ROM and USB cable

Install the software on the CDROM onto your PC, then connect the camcorder to the PC using the USB cable.

Names of Parts

Power switch side

Introduction

QUICK START button (p.41) ACCESS/PC indicator (p.11) PHOTO/SELECT button

(p.27, 47) DISC EJECT switch (p.25) Disc compartment (p.25) Battery platform (p.21) Battery eject switch (PUSH) (p.38) Record button (p.25)

Lock switch (p.22)

When the power switch is set to “HDD”, set the LOCK switch to the upper position to prevent accidentally moving the power switch to “DVD”. When the power switch is set to “DVD”, the LOCK switch cannot be moved.

Power switch (p.22) Hand strap (p.18)

LCD monitor side (when the LCD monitor is opened 90°), and bottom

Bottom

Introduction

(Disc Navigation) button (p.28) MENU button (p.23) DUBBING button (p.82)

C (stop/exit) button (p.47) f/e/d/c (cursor)/

A (confirmation) buttons

Used to choose scenes (movies and stills), select menu items and confirm, play/pause, or manually adjust exposure/focus.

Speaker RESET button (p.172) FULL AUTO button (p.72)

DISPLAY button (p.42, 48-49, 52) CARD ACCESS indicator Tripod receptacle

Used to attach the camcorder to a tripod.

Card slot (p.27) QUICK MENU button (p.57)

Used to display only basic menu items

LCD BRIGHTNESS button (p.20) BLC button (p.67)

Lens side

Introduction

Inside the cover

Light receiving sensor

Used to control flash amount. Do not block the light receiving sensor with your hand when recording still pictures.

Flash (p.72) Optical 10x zoom lens (p.62) Zoom lever/volume (p.52, 62, 64)

USB terminal (p.131) A/V terminal (p.115) Stereo microphone

Do not block the microphone with your hand during recording.

Remote control receiver Recording indicator (p.40) LCD monitor (color wide-screen)

Remote control

REC

SELECT

DELETE

DISC

NAVIGATION

PHOTO

DIGITAL

ZOOM

DISPLAY

ZOOM

Introduction

PHOTO button (p.27) REC button (p.24) MENU button (p.23) SELECT button (p.47) d (reverse search) button (p.54) DELETE button (p.102) DISC NAVIGATION button (p.28)

* Functions the same as .

DISPLAY button (p.42) ZOOM T button (p.62) DIGITAL ZOOM button (p.62) ZOOM W button (p.62)

f (reverse skip) button (p.54) c (forward search) button

(p.54) Confirmation button (p.28)

C (stop/cancel) button (p.47) e (forward skip) button (p.54)

Inserting the provided lithium battery into the remote control

While inserting a thin tipped instrument (paperclip, etc.) into the hole marked PUSH, swing the battery holder arm out.

* For instructions on handling batteries, see p.18.

Insert the lithium battery with the positive (+) terminal facing down.

Battery holder

Slide the cover to close it.

Warning

BATTERY MAY EXPLODE IF NOT HANDLED PROPERLY. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE, OR DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

Note

Replace the battery with a Hitachi Maxell, Sony, Panasonic, Sanyo, Toshiba CR2032, or Duracell DL2032. Use of another battery may present a risk of

Introduction

fire or explosion.

Adjusting the hand strap

Fasten the hand strap according to the procedure in the diagram.

Flip the cover.

Flip the belt.

Replace the belt.

Replace the cover.

Attaching the lens cap

Tie the lens cap to the hand strap using the string (all supplied).

Pass the small loop end of the string through the lens cap eyelet and knot.

Tie the strap to the the hand strap.

Attach the lens cap to the lens.

small loop

Notes

• To protect the lens, attach the lens cap to the lens when you are not using the camcorder.

• Wipe the lens using a soft dry cloth if the lens gets dirty.

How to Open and Use the LCD Monitor

You can use the LCD monitor as follows.

Introduction

Recording high places above your line of sight

Effortlessly record small children or pets at their line of sight

• If the LCD monitor is hard to see while recording in bright outdoor conditions, adjust the LCD brightness (p.20).

Basic posture

Hold the camcorder with both hands and tuck your elbows to your chest or sides, and move the camcorder at a gentle pace. This will allow you to record effectively without blurring.

To record yourself (p.20)

When playing back, etc.

About the LCD monitor display when recording yourself (the lens and LCD monitor are facing you)

• The LCD monitor displays a mirror image of the subject.

• The remaining battery charge indicator will only appear when battery power is almost gone. The battery charge indicator flashes red in this case.

• A warning message will not be displayed (p.148). You can confirm the

Introduction

warning message by rotating the LCD monitor 180° back to its normal orientation.

How to Change the LCD Brightness

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor when it is too dark or too bright to see the image on display. The brightness changes every time you press LCD BRIGHTNESS. There are three settings available. At time of purchase of this camcorder, the brightness is set to the brightest. The LCD brightness setting is retained in memory even when the power is turned off. However, if the camcorder is turned on while being powered from an AC power outlet, the LCD brightness setting will be reset to the brightest.

Let’s Get Started

Preparing

 Setting up the battery pack

Connect the power cable to the AC adapter/charger.

Plug in the power cable to a wall outlet.

Attach the battery pack to the AC adapter/charger.

Attach the battery pack to the camcorder.

CHARGE indicator

If the CHARGE indicator does not light, check that the connections ( , , ) are firmly connected.

Note

Charging will not occur if the DC power cord is connected.

Let’s Get Started

Terminal at bottom

z Charge status of the battery pack

The CHARGE indicator of the AC adapter/charger allows you to check on the charge status of the battery pack.

Charge Status CHARGE indicator

During charge lit

Charge complete Unlit

Notes

* For details on charging time,

see p.37.

• Charge battery pack in temperatures above +50ºF (10ºC) and below +86ºF (30ºC).

• Use only the AC adapter/charger which accompanied your camcorder or direct replacement as listed in this manual.

 Turning on the Power

Let’s Get Started

1 Turn on the power.

Press and hold the gray button, and turn the power switch to “HDD”, “DVD”, or “SD”.

* You do not need press the gray button

when you turn off the switch or switch between “HDD” and “DVD”.

2 Open the LCD monitor.

 Changing the display language

You can change the language used on screens and menus as follows.

A (Confirmation button)

Press MENU, then select “Initial Setup” by pressing f/e. Then press c (or the confirmation button).

Select “Language” by pressing f/e, then press c (or the confirmation button).

Initial Setup

Beep Power S ave Record LED

Language

Demo Mo de Reset

ENTER RETURN

On Off On Eng l i sh Au t o

Choose the desired language by pressing d/c, then press the confirmation button.

 Setting the date and time

Press MENU, then select “Date Setup” by pressing f/e. Then press c to select “Date Set” and press c again.

Select each item by pressing d/c and set the correct value by pressing f/e.

• Repeat this step until year, month, date, hour, minute, and AM/PM are correctly set.

Press the confirmation button.

The confirmation screen appears.

Press d to select “YES”, then press the confirmation button to confirm.

• If you select “NO” and press screen returns to step .

Let’s Get Started

e, the

Recording Movies to the HDD

1 Turn the power switch to “HDD”.

Let’s Get Started

* You can change the movie recording quality (p.75).

2 Press the record button.

Recording begins. To pause recording, press the record button again.

Recording Movies to a DVD

1 Insert a DVD.

When handling a disc:

Do not touch the recording surface of a disc (p.11).

Attach the charged battery pack.

Place the recording surface of the DVD face down. (For a single-sided disc, the side opposite the label is the recording surface.)

Let’s Get Started

2 Turn the power switch to “DVD”.

Let’s Get Started

Hint

If the format confirmation screen appears after loading a new DVD-RW/+RW, format the disc as guided through the LCD screens (p.36). Formatting is not necessary when recording on a DVD-RAM/DVD-R.

3 Press the record button.

Recording begins.

To pause recording, press the record button again.

Recording Stills to an SD card

1 Insert an SD card.

For usable card types, see p.33.

Pay attention to the orientation of the card. Face up the label side.

2 Turn the power switch to “SD”.

3 Press PHOTO/SELECT.

Press PHOTO/SELECT halfway down so that a subject in the center of the screen is focused.

Fully press PHOTO/SELECT to record.

Single press of the PHOTO/SELECT button of the remote control enables focusing and recording at the same time.

Let’s Get Started

Playing Recorded Movies/Stills

Let’s Get Started

1 Press . 2 Choose a scene (movie/still), then press the

confirmation button.

001/014All Programs

PHOTO

PLAY

See p.115 for the instructions on viewing the recordings on your TV screen.

SELECT

Deleting Recorded Movies/Stills

3, 4

1 Press . 2 Select a scene you want to delete, then press MENU.

001/014All Programs

PHOTO

PLAY

SELECT

3 Select “Scene” “Edit” “Delete”, and then press

the confirmation button.

4 Select “YES”, then press the confirmation button.

The selected scene is deleted.

Let’s Get Started

Scenes on DVD-RW (VF mode)/DVD-R/+RW discs cannot be deleted.

On +RW, you can delete only the last recorded scene (p.48).

Functions and Characteristics of HDD/DVD/Cards

The following table lists the storage media (discs and cards) and available functions that can be used with this camcorder.

Function

●: Functions available —: Not available

Recording movies

Built-in

(p.40)

DVDRAM

HDD

(VR mode)

●● ● ● ●●—

Recording stills (p.45) — — — — — — ●

Deleting recordings

Functions and Characteristics of HDD/DVD/Cards

(p.102)

●● ● ——●

Editing recordings (p.87) ●● ● ————

Playing on other DVD players/recorders (p.118)

Initializing and reusing (p.112)

Making additional recordings after a disc is

— ●

●

●● ● ● — ●●

●

finalized (p.121)

Copying recordings onto a PC (p.125)

Making DVD video discs using a PC

1 Only the last recorded scene can be deleted (p.48).

2 Not playable on some devices.

Playback is possible using a device which complies with the medium type.

3 Must be finalized. Not playable on some devices.

4 As finalizing is unnecessary (cannot be performed), additional recordings are possible at any time.

5 To make additional recordings, the finalized disc must be unfinalized.

6 The provided software is used.

7 Finalize the disc to edit on a PC.

8 A DVD-VR disc can be created.

9 A DVD video disc can be created.

●

— ●

●

*6 *8●*6 *8

Media

DVD-RW

●

*2 *3

DVD-RW

(VF mode)

●

DVD-R +RW

*2 *3

●*3●

●●*5— ●*5●

●

*6 *7

*6 *7●*6 *7●*6 *7

●

*6 *9●*6 *9

●

——

card

●

—

●

+ 161 hidden pages