Hitachi DZ-HS903A, DZ-HS803A User Manual

HS903A-DZ

Manual Instruction HS803A-DZ

DZ-HS903A DZ-HS803A

Instruction Manual

(English)

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

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.

QUICK GUIDE

	This manual was printed
	with soy based ink.
	Printed on recycled paper
QR74442 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 2008	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.

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 ELECTRIC 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.

2

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.

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1Read these instructions.

2Keep these instructions.

3Heed all warnings.

4Follow all instructions.

5Do not use this apparatus near water.

6Clean only with dry cloth.

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

8Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9Do 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.

10Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12Use 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.

14Refer 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.

15Do not drip or splash liquids onto the camcorder or place the camcorder near objects filled with liquid such as vases.

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

17Do 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.

4

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/battery 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 Recording Settings to Default
(Full Auto) ....................................................	72

5

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

6

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

7

Introduction

Introduction

This camcorder makes all of the following possible!

Record movies and stills with this one device!

Stills Movies

Various media

HDD

DVD

SD card

After recording

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

View on the TV

AV Cable

S Cable

View on the

LCD monitor

After Watching

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

Dubbing Menu

New	All
Date	Select

Dubbing the scene which

isn't dubbed in HDD.

ENTER EXIT

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

8

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?

YES

NO

One-time

Re-recordable

Re-recordable

recording

DVD-RAM

DVD-RW

DVD-RW

+RW

DVD-R

(VR mode)

(VF 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).

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).

Introduction

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	Approx. 30 GB	Approx. 8 GB
	Maximum movie recording time	Approx. 11 hours	Approx. 3 hours
		(FINE mode)	(FINE mode)
	External input function	Equipped	Not equipped

About operations using the cursor

Use the cursor d/c/f/eto 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).

9

Introduction

About media descriptions

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.

HDD

RAM

-RW(VR)

-RW(VF)

R

+RW CARD

Collective		Icon	Media
term
HDD			Built-in hard disk drive (HDD)
			DVD-RAM
			DVD-RW (VR mode)
DVD			DVD-RW (VF (Video) mode)

DVD-R

+RW

SD memory card

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

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.

10

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	Double-sided disc
	Labeled side	Recording side
	Recording side	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.

About DVD

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

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

pickup

•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.

Introduction

11

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
	•	If you or a third party make a mistake when handling this camcorder, disc, card, etc.,
		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.
		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.
	Copyright
	•	Be aware that recording is restricted for some demonstrations, performances and
		exhibitions, even for personal enjoyment.

12

Checking Provided Accessories

Make sure the following accessories are included in the package.

Battery pack (DZ-BP14S)		AC adapter/charger		DC power cord
Portable power supply for your		(DZ-ACS3)		To power the camcorder from
new Hitachi Camcorder. Be		Use to power the camcorder		an AC outlet, use this cord to
sure to fully charge the battery		from an AC power outlet, and		connect the AC adapter/
before use.		to charge the battery.		charger to the camcorder.

Remote control	Lithium battery (CR2032)	Power cable
(DZ-RM4W)	To power the remote control.	Connects the AC adapter/
Use to control the camcorder		charger to the AC outlet.
from a distance.
	WARNING
	Keep this battery away from
	children. If swallowed, consult
	a physician immediately for
	emergency treatment.

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.

Lens cap and lens cap

string

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

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.

Introduction

13

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)

14

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

Introduction

Bottom

(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)

15

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)

16

Remote control

REC

PHOTO

DISPLAY

DIGITAL ZOOM

MENU ZOOM

SELECT

DELETE

DISC

NAVIGATION

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	Insert the lithium	Slide the cover to
tipped instrument	battery with the	close it.
(paperclip, etc.) into the	positive (+) terminal
hole marked PUSH,	facing down.
swing the battery holder
arm out.

Battery holder

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

Introduction

17

Introduction

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 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.	small loop

Tie the strap to the the hand strap.

Attach the lens cap to the lens.

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.

18

How to Open and Use the LCD Monitor

Introduction

You can use the LCD monitor as follows.

Recording high places above your line of sight

Effortlessly record small children or pets at their line of sight

To record yourself

(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.

When playing back, etc.

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

19

Introduction

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 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.

20

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.

Terminal at bottom

Started Get Let’s

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	* For details on charging time,
Charge complete	Unlit	see p.37.

Notes

•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.

21

Started Get Let’s

Turning on the Power

1

2

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).

22

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

I n i t i a l S e t u p
Be e p		On
P o w e r S a v e		O f f
R e c o r d LED		On
L a n g u a g e		En g l i s h
Demo Mode		Au t o
Reset
ENTER	RETURN

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 cto select “Date Set” and press cagain.

Select each item by pressing d/cand 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 dto select “YES”, then press the confirmation button to confirm.

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

Started Get Let’s

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Started Get Let’s

Recording Movies to the HDD

1 Turn the power switch to “HDD”.

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

2 Press the record button.

Recording begins.

To pause recording, press the record button again.

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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.)

Started Get Let’s

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2 Turn the power switch to “DVD”.

Started Get Let’s

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.

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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.

Started Get Let’s

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.

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Playing Recorded Movies/Stills

1 2

Started Get Let’s

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

A l l	Pr og r ams	0 01 / 014
PLAY	PHOTO SELECT

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

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Deleting Recorded Movies/Stills

2

1 3, 4

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

A l l	Pr og r ams	0 01 / 014
PLAY	PHOTO 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.

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

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

Started Get Let’s

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HDD/DVD/Cards of Characteristics and Functions

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				Media
	●: Functions available	Built-in	DVD-	DVD-RW	DVD-RW	DVD-R	+RW	SD
		HDD	RAM	(VR mode)	(VF mode)			card
	—: Not available
	Recording movies (p.40)	●	●	●	●	●	●	—
	Recording stills (p.45)	—	—	—	—	—	—	●
	Deleting recordings	●	●	●	—	—	●*1	●
	(p.102)
	Editing recordings (p.87)	●	●	●	—	—	—	—
	Playing on other DVD	—	●*2	●*2 *3	●*3	●*3	●*2 *3	—
	players/recorders (p.118)
	Initializing and reusing	●	●	●	●	—	●	●
	(p.112)
	Making additional	●*4	●*4		●*5	—	●*5	●*4
	recordings after a disc is			●
	finalized (p.121)
	Copying recordings onto	●*6	●*6	●*6 *7	●*6 *7	●*6 *7	●*6 *7	●
	a PC (p.125)
	Making DVD video discs	—	●*6 *8	●*6 *8	●*6 *9	●*6 *9	—	—
	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.

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