JVC GR-AX838EG User Manual

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of your new camcorder.

Using This Instruction Manual

• All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (

• Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.

• Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

...... refer to the Index (

yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

...... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that follow and

cautions ( important information regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.

Z pg. 3).

Z pgs. 40 – 42) and familiarize

Z pgs. 43, 44). They contain extremely

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTIONS:

n To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user

serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

n When you are not using the AC Power Adapter/

Battery charger for a long period of time, it is recommended that you disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the AC Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

n Camcorder is designed exclusively for the

VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked VHS-C can be used with this unit.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS

equipment.

PAL

Warning on lithium battery

The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or incinerate. Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), Sanyo or Maxell CR2025; use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

n Dispose of used battery promptly. n Keep away from children. n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.

This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be used for playback with a television of a different standard. However, live recording is possible anywhere. Use the BN-V12U/V22U/V25U battery packs and, to recharge them, the provided multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/ Charger. (An appropriate conversion adapter may be necessary to accommodate different designs of AC outlets in different countries.)

This unit is produced to comply with Standard IEC Publ. 65.

IMPORTANT

Connection to the mains supply in the United Kingdom.

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment.

If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer.

BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an identical approved type, as originally fitted, and to replace the fuse cover.

If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off ensure to remove the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply. If this product is not supplied fitted with a mains plug then follow the instructions given below: DO NOT make any connection to the Larger Terminal coded E or Green. The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Blue to N (Neutral) or Black Brown to L (Live) or Red

If these colours do not correspond with the terminal identifications of your plug, connect as follows: Blue wire to terminal coded N (Neutral) or coloured black. Brown wire to terminal coded L (Live) or coloured Red. If in doubt — consult a competent electrician.

MAJOR FEATURES

n Program Manager (Z pg. 14 – 23) n Programme AE with Special Effects

(

Z pgs. 14, 15)

• Auto Mode Lock • Auto Mode Release

• Electronic Fog Filter • ND Effect

• Sepia • Twilight • Sports

• 1/1000 sec. High Speed Shutter

• 1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter

n Integrated Auto Light (GR-AX838/

AX638 only) (

n Variable-Speed Hyper Zoom ( n EasyEdit with Random Assemble Editing

(

Z pg. 31 – 33)

Z pg. 13)

Z pg. 11)

The Logical Choice

The only compact video cassettes that can be used with  your VHS VCR*

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Power Adapter/

Charger AA-V11EG/EK

•Remote Control Unit RM-V705U (GR-AX838/ AX638 only)

•AUDIO/VIDEO (A/V) cable

•Battery Pack BN-V12U

•Shoulder Strap

•Cassette Adapter C-P7U

•Lithium Battery CR2025 (two for GR-AX838/AX638, one for GR-AX338/ AX337)

CONTENTS

EN 3

GETTING STARTED 4

Power ................................................... 4

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal ........ 6

Viewfinder Adjustment ............................... 6

Date/Time Setting..................................... 7

Tape Length Setting ....................................8

Recording Mode Setting............................... 8

Loading/Unloading A Cassette....................... 8

Grip Adjustment........................................ 9

Shoulder Strap Attachment ........................... 9

Tripod Mounting ........................................ 9

RECORDING 10

Basic Recording ...................................... 10

Basic Features ........................................ 11

Advanced Features .................................. 14

PLAYBACK 26

Using The Cassette Adapter ........................ 26

Basic Connections .................................... 27

Basic Playback ....................................... 28

Features............................................... 29

EDITING 30

Tape Dubbing ......................................... 30

Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit] .............. 31

USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-AX838/AX638 only) 34

Insert Editing ......................................... 36

Audio Dubbing ........................................ 37

TROUBLESHOOTING 38 INDEX 40

Controls ............................................... 40

Connectors ............................................ 41

Indicators ............................................. 41

Other Parts ........................................... 41

Viewfinder ............................................42

CAUTIONS 43 SPECIFICATIONS 45

•DC cord

4 EN

CHG. (charge) indicator

POWER indicator

END indicator

Charge marker

Marks

To AC outlet

REFRESH indicatorREFRESH switch

** CHARGE MARKER

A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colors are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged.

GETTING STARTED

Power

This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power.

NOTES:

●

No function is available without power supply.

●

Use only specified power supply.

●

Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

SUPPLY POWER

Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall

outlet. The power indicator lights.

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the

direction of the arrow until it locks in place. The CHG. indicator lights.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

When charging is completed, the END indicator

lights. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction of the arrow.

BATT. PACK CHARGE DISCHARGE

BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx. 3 hrs. 30 min. BN-V22U approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs. BN-V25U approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.

Hook on.

Push in.

BATT. RELEASE

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source, make sure that the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the

battery pack in until it locks in place.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

APPROXIMATE RECORDING TIME

BATT. PACK

BN-V12U 1 hr. 10 min. (40 min.) 1 hr. 10 min. (40 min.) BN-V22U 2 hrs. 20 min. (1hr. 25 min.) 2 hrs. 25 min. (1hr. 30 min.) BN-V25U 3 hrs. 5 min. (1hr. 55 min.) 3 hrs. 10 min. (1hr. 55 min.)

( ): when the video light is on (GR-AX838/AX638 only).

**REFRESH

The AC power adapter features a REFRESH function that allows you to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging.

To discharge the battery . . .

..... attach the battery pack to the adapter as shown in the

illustration to the left. Then push REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator lights when discharging starts, and goes out when discharging is complete.

GR-AX838

GR-AX638/AX338/AX337

NOTES:

●

The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record/Standby mode and the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.

●

Charging times noted on page 4 are for fully discharged battey pack, and discharging times are for fully charged battery pack.

●

Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.

●

Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from your camcorder.

●

Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

●

High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.

●

If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.

●

Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.

●

A blinking CHG. indicator means that the battery pack has become hot. Wait until it cools down to continue.

●

The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that’s been stored for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG. indicator should light during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

USING A CAR BATTERY

DC OUT terminal

To DC in jack

DC cord

Car Battery Cord AP-V7E (optional)

To AC outlet

AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V11EG/EK

To car’s cigarette lighter socket

Use the optional Car Battery Cord or Car Battery Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration to the left).

NOTES:

●

When using the car battery, leave the engine idling.

●

The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3E) can also be used to charge the battery pack.

●

When using the optional Car Battery Charger or Car Battery Cord (AP-V7E), refer to the respective instruction booklet.

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Power Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration to the left).

NOTE:

The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features

Car Battery Charger/Adapter BH-V3E (optional)

automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.

EN 5

6 EN

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings.

SWITCH OFF POWER

Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power

supply unit.

OPEN COVER

Open the clock battery compartment cover while

pressing the release tab.

REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)

Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the

battery and the compartment (A) and pull the battery out.

INSERT BATTERY

Ensuring the plus (+) side is up, insert a CR2025

lithium battery and push it in.

CLOSE COVER

Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.

NOTE:

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (Z pg. 2) for information on safe handling of lithium batteries.

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

Viewfinder Adjustment

POSITION VIEWFINDER

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability

(see illustration at left).

SELECT MODE

Set the power switch to CAMERA.

ADJUST DIOPTER

Turn the diopter adjustment control until the

indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

Date/Time Setting

EN 7

FAR

–

Menu Screen

PROGRAM AE select dial

NEAR

GAIN UP S.LX TELE MACRO OFF INTERVAL TIMER OFF REC TIME OFF JLIP ID NO. 07 SET CHARACTER 

DATE/TIME 

END :MENU KEY

SELECT MODE

First set the power switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the

PROGRAM AE select dial to any position except AUTO LOCK.

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

Press MENU.

SELECT FUNCTION

Press – to move the highlight bar down to “DATE/

TIME”, then press NEAR. The Set Date And Time screen appears.

SET DATE/TIME

Press FAR or NEAR until the item you want to set

begins blinking, then press + or – to until the correct setting appears.

•If you decide you want to return the date and time

to the previous settings, press FAR or NEAR to move the highlight bar to “CANCEL”, then press MENU.

•If you’re satisfied with the settings, go on to step 5.

START CLOCK OPERATION

Once you’ve set the day, month, year and time,

press FAR or NEAR until “SET” begins to blink, then press MENU. The Menu screen reappears.

CLOSE MENU

Press MENU.

Set Time and Date Screen

Date

Day/Month/Year

1.1.00 10:45 SET CANCEL

Time

24-hour indication

NOTES:

●

To display the date and time in the viewfinder and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” (Z pg. 20).

●

If, in step 4, you input an invalid date (30. 2, 31. 6, etc.) and perform step 5, “INPUT ERROR” appears blinking at the bottom of the screen. Press +, –, FAR or NEAR to input the correct number.

8 EN

SP-LP recording mode button

T30•45•60 tape length select button

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Tape Length Setting

Set the tape length according to the length of the tape used.

SET TAPE LENGTH

Press T30•45•60 until the required indication

appears in the veiwfinder. T30 = 30 minutes of recording time, T45 = 45 minutes, and T60 = 60 minutes (in SP).

NOTE:

The tape remaining time (Z pg. 10) displayed in the viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected.

Recording Mode Setting

Set depending on your preference.

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

Tape length indicator

T30

Recording mode indicator

Erase Protection Gear

T45 T60

T30

Turn to take up slack.

SET RECORDING MODE

Press SP-LP button. “SP” (Standard Play) provides

higher picture and sound quality and is better for dubbing, while “LP” (Long Play) is more economical, recording at 1/2 the speed of SP.

NOTE:

If the recording mode is switched during recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER

Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force

to open.

INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE

Make sure the label is facing outward.

CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER

Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and

locked.

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached.

●

Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the slack.

●

Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.

●

The cassette holder can’t be opened while the camcorder is in the record mode.

Recording Start/Stop button

Grip Adjustment

EXPAND LOOP

Separate the Velcro strip.

INSERT HAND

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the

grip.

ADJUST STRAP LENGTH

Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate

the Recording Start/Stop button and Power Zoom lever. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

ATTACH STRAP

Following the illustration at left, thread the strap

through the top of the eyelet 1, then fold it back and thread it through the keeper 2, and then through the buckle 3. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet, making sure the strap isn’t twisted.

ADJUST LENGTH

Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 1, then

slide both keepers snug against the eyelets to prevent slipping 2.

EN 9

Tripod Mounting

ALIGN AND TIGHTEN

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the

tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud hole. Then tighten the screw.

10 EN

Tape remaining time indicator

25MIN

Power indicator

POWER

Start/Stop button

-MIN

*(Now calculating)

120MIN 119MIN

3MIN 2MIN (Blinking) 1MIN (Blinking) 0MIN (Blinking)

LENS COVER switch

RECORDING

Basic Recording

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power (Z pg. 4)

●

Tape Length setting (Z pg. 8)

●

Recording mode setting (Z pg. 8)

●

Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 9)

LOAD A CASSETTE

Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert

the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked.

ENTER RECORD–STANDBY MODE

Slide the LENS COVER open/close switch to open

the lens cover, then set the power switch to “CAMERA”.

•The power indicator lights and the camcorder enters the Record–Standby Mode.

•The scene you’re aimed at appears on the viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE” superimposed upon it.

START SHOOTING

Press the RECORDING START/STOP button.

•The tally lamp lights while recording is in progress,

REC

and “

” appears in the viewfinder.

STOP RECORDING

Press the RECORDING START/STOP button again to

stop recording.

Tally lamp

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached.

●

There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force.

●

The tape’s remaining time is displayed in the viewfinder as shown.

●

The indicated remaining time is approximate.

●

The time required to calculate the remaining tape length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary according to the type of tape used.

●

The tape remaining time displayed in the viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected (Z pg. 8).

●

“TAPE END” appears when the tape reaches its end, and the power goes off automatically if left in this condition for 5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is loaded.

●

If the Record–Standby mode continues for 5 minutes without performing Zoom or any other operations, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the Power switch to “POWER OFF”, and then back to “CAMERA” to turn the camcorder on again.

●

If the Recording Start/Stop button is pressed after the Record-Standby mode has continued for over 5 minutes, recording may not start immediately.

●

If you’re recording on a cassette from the middle, use the RETAKE function (Z pg. 12) to find the end of the last recording so you don’t erase any of it.

●

The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 10 seconds when the camcorder is turned on, when the cover is closed.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

RECORDING

Basic Features

EN 11

Power zoom lever

Zoom-in

Zoom-out

Zoom indicator

FEATURE: Zooming PURPOSE: Varies the focal length of the lens

OPERATION:

NOTES: ●

and produces the zoom in/out effect.

Zoom In

1) Pull the power zoom switch down

toward “T”.

Zoom Out

1) Push the switch up toward “W”.

The further the power zoom switch is pushed, the faster the zoom speed becomes.

●

Focusing may become unstable during zooming. In this case, set the zoom while in Record– Standby, set manual focus or Focus Lock (Z pgs. 16, 17), then zoom in or out in Record mode.

12 EN

RETAKE (R/F)

RECORDING

FEATURE: Quick Review PURPOSE: To check the end of the last record-

OPERATION: 1) Press “ ” and release quickly

NOTE:

FEATURE: Retake PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments. OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the

NOTE:

Basic Features (cont.)

ing.

during the Record–Standby mode.

•Tape is rewound for about 2 seconds and played back automatically, then pauses in Record–Standby mode for the next shot.

Distortion may occur at start of playback. This is normal.

Record–Standby mode.

2) Press either RETAKE button to

reach the start point for new recording. Pressing “F” fast-forwards the tape and pressing “R” reverses it.

3) Press Recording Start/Stop to start

recording.

Noise may appear during Retake. This is normal.

LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF

EN 13

Video Light (GR-AX838/AX638 only)

When natural lighting is too dim, you can brighten the scene by using the built-in video light.

SET VIDEO LIGHT

Set the LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF as required.

ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the

camcorder is turned on.

AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the

camcorder senses insufficient lighting on the subject.

OFF : Turns off the light.

•The video light can be used with the camcorder’s power on.

•It is recommended to set the white balance (Z pg. 21) to indoor mode ( ) when you use the video light.

•When not using the video light, turn it off to save battery power.

NOTES:

●

Even if the battery indicator ( ) does not blink in the viewfinder, if the battery pack’s charge is low, the camcorder may turn off automatically when you turn on the video light, or when you start recording with the video light turned on.

●

When the LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF switch is set to “AUTO”:

•

Depending on the lighting conditions, the video light may keep turning on and off. In this case, manually switch the light on or off using the LIGHT ON/ AUTO/OFF switch.

•

While the Sports or High-Speed Shutter mode (Z pg. 15) is engaged, the light is likely to stay on.

•

While the Twilight mode (Z pg. 15) is engaged, the light will not activate.

DANGER

•The video light become extremely hot. Do not touch it either while in operation or soon after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result.

•Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light, since it remains extremely hot.

•When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm. between the video light and people or objects.

•Do not use near flammable or explosive materials.

•It is recommended that you consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video light.

14 EN

1 second later, the mode is activated.

Viewfinder

SEPIA

FAR NEAR

–

After 1 sec.

Mark

PROGRAM AE select dial

RECORDING

Advanced Features

Programme AE With Special Effects

All you have to do to access any of the variety of shooting effects is to turn the PROGRAM AE select dial.

SELECT MODE

Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial until the

symbol of the function you want is aligned with the mark.

•The selected mode’s name and its indication are displayed in the viewfinder for approx. 1 second. Then the name disappears, and only the indication remains. The mode is activated.

•When Auto Mode Lock or Auto Mode Release mode is selected, only the mode’s name is displayed. Then the name disappears and the mode is activated.

NOTES:

●

Only one effect can be engaged at a time.

●

The screen becomes slightly reddish when the fader (Z pg. 18) is used in the Sepia mode.

●

The screen becomes slightly dark in the High Speed Shutter mode. Use in well-lighted situations.

●

In the High Speed Shutter or Sports modes, picture colour may be adversely affected if subject is lit by alternating discharge-type light sources such as flourescent or mercury-vapour lights.

DIAL VIEWFINDER

SYMBOL INDICATION

LOCK

AUTO LOCK

MODE

Auto Mode Lock

Locks the camcorder in Full Auto mode, preventing incorrect operation due to accidental button pressing during shooting.

•In this mode the following controls are disabled; FADE, WIDE, TITLE, DISPLAY, M.W.B (Manual White Balance), Manual Focus, Focus Lock, Exposure Control and MENU

RELEASE

AUTO RELEASE

Auto Mode Release

Re-enables the controls that were disabled by Auto Mode Lock.

DIAL VIEWFINDER

SYMBOL INDICATION

FG:FOGFG

MODE

Electronic Fog Filter

Makes the picture look misty white, as when an external fog filter is attached to the lens. Softens the image and gives it a “fancy” look.

ND EffectND:ND EFFECTND

ND Effect

A black mist darkens the picture, as when an ND filter is used. Helps to counter the effects of glare on the subject.

DIAL VIEWFINDER

SYMBOL INDICATION

MODE

DIAL VIEWFINDER

SYMBOL INDICATION

EN 15

MODE

SEPIA

Sepia

The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted (reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of an older movie. Use together with Wide (Z pg. 18) for the authentic look of a classic Hollywood movie.

TWILIGHT

Twilight

Dusk, twilight scenery, fireworks, etc., look more natural and dramatic. The following happens when Twilight mode is selected:

•Auto gain control is turned off.

•White Balance is set to “ can also be manually changed to another mode (Z pg. 21).

•Auto Focus becomes available only in the range of 10 m to infinity. To focus when the subject-tocamera distance is less than 10 m, use manual focusing (Z pg. 17).

Sepia

Twilight

” (outdoor mode), but

SPORTS

Sports

High shutter speed clearly captures fast-moving action.

1/1000

1/2000

High-Speed Shutter (1/1000s., 1/2000s.)

Captures faster action than Sports mode.

S 1/1000

S 1/2000

Sports

1/1000 sec. High Speed Shutter

1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter

Exposure Control

This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override and make the adjustment manually.

SELECT MODE

Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial to any

position except AUTO LOCK.

BRIGHTEN IMAGE

Press + (maximum +06). The Exposure level

indicator appears in the viewfinder.

OR . . .

–

To brighten the image

–

Exposure Level Indicator

To darken the image

DARKEN IMAGE

Press – (maximum –06). The Exposure level indicator appears in the viewfinder.

When you want to return to the factory setting . . .

RESTORE INITIAL SETTING

Press + and – simultaneously. The standard

setting is immediately restored and the Exposure level indicator disappears.

+ 30 hidden pages