JVC GR-AXM558 User's Guide

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 (Z pg. 3).

•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 (Z pg. 40 – 42) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that follow and cautions (Z pg. 43, 44). They contain extremely

important information regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.

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.

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 the battery with Maxell, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), Sanyo or Sony 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 and viewfinder playback are possible anywhere. Use the BN-V12U/V22U/V25U battery packs and, to recharge them, the provided multivoltage 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.

PAL

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.

MAJOR FEATURES

Program Manager II (Z pg. 18 – 31)

n Programme AE with Special Effects

(Z pg. 18, 19)

•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 5Sec.-Rec (5 sec. Recording)

(Z pg. 15)

22x Optical Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 14)

n Intergrated Auto Light

(GR-AX558 only) (Z pg. 16)

The Logical Choice

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

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

*With Cassette Adapter

CONTENTS

EN 3

GETTING STARTED

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

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

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

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

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

Loading/Unloading A Cassette .................. 9

Grip Adjustment ................................. 10

Viewfinder Adjustment ......................... 10

Shoulder Strap Attachment .................... 11

Tripod Mounting ................................. 11

RECORDING

Basic Recording ................................. 12

Basic Features .................................. 14

Advanced Features ............................. 18

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback .................................. 32

Features ......................................... 33

Using The Cassette Adapter .................. 35

Basic Connections .............................. 36

• AC Power Adapter/ Charger AA-V15EG

•Shoulder Strap

•AUDIO/VIDEO (A/V) Cable

• DC Cord

•Cassette Adapter C-P7U

•Battery Pack BN-V12U

• Lithium Battery CR2025 x 1 (clock operation)

TAPE DUBBING

TROUBLESHOOTING

INDEX

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

Connectors ...................................... 40

Indicators ........................................ 40

Other Parts ..................................... 40

Viewfinder Indications ........................ 42

CAUTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

4 EN

Marks

CHG. (charge) indicator

REFRESH switch

REFRESH indicator

REFRESH

The AC power adapter features a REFRESH function that allows you to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging. Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

To discharge the battery . . .

..... attach the battery pack to the adapter

as shown in the above illustration. Then push REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator lights when discharging starts, and goes out when discharging is complete.

To AC outlet

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.

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 begins blinking to indicate charging has started.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

When the CHG. indicator stops blinking but stays lit,

charging is finished. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction of the arrow.

BATT. PACK

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.

CHARGE DISCHARGE

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 (unit: min.)

BATT. PACK GR-AX558 GR-AX358

BN-V12U 75 (40) 75 BN-V22U 150 (90) 155 BN-V25U 200 (120) 200

( ) : when the video light is on. (GR-AX558 only)

EN 5

Charge marker

CHARGE MARKER

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

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 battery 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.

●

While the AC Power Adapter/Charger’s power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, it is possible to discharge the battery by pressing the REFRESH switch. During that time, the AC Power Adapter/Charger does not charge the battery. When discharging is complete, detach the battery from the AC Power Adapter/ Charger to store it.

●

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.

●

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 blink during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

To DC IN jack

DC cord

USING A CAR BATTERY

Use the optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration above).

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, refer to the respective instruction booklet.

DC OUT terminal

Car Battery Charger/Adapter BH-V3E (optional)

To AC outlet

AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V15EG

To car ’s cigarette lighter socket

USING AC POWER

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

NOTE:

The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.

6 EN

GETTING STARTED

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

Ensure that the plus (+) side is up and insert a

CR2025 lithium battery and push it in.

CLOSE COVER

Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.

(cont.)

NOTE:

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

Select Dial

MENU Jog Dial

Viewfinder

MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE

DATE TIME

TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

Menu Screen

YEAR

MONTH DAY TIME

EXIT

DATE/TIME Setting Menu

MENU END

FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

DATE TIME

AUTO AUTO

1. 1. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST

1998

1 1

22:50

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST

24-hour indication

EN 7

Date/Time Setting

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the

Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK, then press the MENU Jog Dial.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to “DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME Setting Menu appears.

•If you decide you want to return the date and time to the previous settings, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then go to step 6.

•If you want to set only the time without changing the date, go to step 4.

SET DATE

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to the item you want to set and then press it. When the setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. The setting stops blinking.

•Repeat this procedure until you’re satisfied with the Date settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH” and “DAY”).

SET TIME

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to “TIME” and then press it. When the hour setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. When the hour setting stops blinking and the minute setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. The minute setting stops blinking.

START CLOCK OPERATION

When none of these settings (YEAR, MONTH, DAY,

TIME) blinks, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu Screen appears and “MENU END” is highlighted.

CLOSE MENU

Press the MENU Jog Dial.

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the viewfinder and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time/Character Insert” (Z pg. 17).

8 EN

SP/LP Recording Mode Button

Viewfinder

MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO

TAPE LENGTH

M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

Menu Screen

TAPE LENGTH

T30

T45 T60

EXIT

TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu

MENU END

FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF

T60

AUTO FAST

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF T20 AUTO FAST

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Tape Length Setting

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

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the

Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK, then press the MENU Jog Dial.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to “TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu appears.

SET TAPE LENGTH

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to the correct setting. T30=30 minutes of recording time, T45=45 minutes, and T60=60 minutes (in SP).

•If you decide you want to return the tape length to the previous setting, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT”.

CLOSE MENU

Press the MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen

reappears and the highlight bar is on “MENU END”. Then press the MENU Jog Dial again to close the Menu Screen.

NOTES:

●

The tape remaining time (Z pg. 13) is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected.

●

Once you have set the tape length, it remains unchanged even if the Select Dial is returned to AUTO LOCK.

Select Dial

T30

MENU Jog Dial

Tape length indicator

Recording mode indicator

Recording Mode Setting

Set depending on your preference.

SET RECORDING MODE

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Press SP/LP

Button for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard Play) provides higher picture and sound quality and is better for dubbing, while “LP” (Long Play) is more economical, providing twice the recording time.

NOTE:

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

Erase Protection

Gear

Turn to take up slack.

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.

EN 9

10 EN

Recording Start/Stop Button

Power Zoom Button

GETTING STARTED

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 Button. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Viewfinder Adjustment

(cont.)

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

POSITION VIEWFINDER

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability

(see illustration to the left).

SELECT MODE

Set the Power Switch to CAMERA.

ADJUST DIOPTRE

Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the

indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

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

4, 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.

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.

EN 11

CAUTION:

When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilize the camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over, do not use a small-sized tripod.

12 EN

LENS COVER Switch

Power Switch

Start/Stop Button

Tally lamp (GR-AX558 only) (lights while recording is in progress)

Power indicator

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. 10)

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.

REC

•“

” appears in the viewfinder while recording is

in progress.

Tape remaining time indicator

25MIN

(Now calculating)

120MIN

119MIN

Start/Stop Button

MIN

3MIN

2MIN

(Blinking)

1MIN

(Blinking)

0MIN

(Blinking)

EN 13

STOP RECORDING

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop

recording.

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

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 displayed 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 indicator 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 (such as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during recording), use the Retake function (Z pg. 15) to find the end of the last recording so you don’t erase any of it.

●

The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds when the camcorder is turned on when the cover is closed.

14 EN

RECORDING

Basic Features

Zoom-in

Power Zoom button

Select Dial

Viewfinder

MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B.

ZOOM SPEED

Menu Screen

ZOOM SPEED

FAST

SLOW

EXIT

ZOOM SPEED Setting Menu

Zoom-out

Zoom indicator bar

MENU Jog Dial

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO

FAST

FEATURE: Zooming PURPOSE: To produce the zoom in/out effect, or

an instantaneous change in image magnification.

OPERATION:

Zoom In

Press the “T” of the Power Zoom Button.

Zoom Out

Press “W” of the Power Zoom Button.

n Zooming speed is available. A total

of 4 zoom speeds are available. 2 speeds can be selected depending on how hard the Power Zoom Button is pressed (press the button fully for regular-speed, press it lightly for slow-speed), while 2 speed levels (FAST/SLOW) can be selected in the ZOOM SPEED Menu depending on the overall speed you prefer.

The combinations of zoom speeds are shown in the chart below.

Changing the ZOOM SPEED in the Menu

1) Set the Select Dial to any position

except AUTO LOCK and press the MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen appears.

2) Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar to “ZOOM SPEED”, then press it. The ZOOM SPEED Setting Menu appears.

3) Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar to the desired speed and press it twice. The Menu Screen disappears and setting is completed.

NOTE:

Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In this case, set the zoom while in Record-Standby, lock the focus by using the manual focus (Z pg. 27), then zoom in or out in Record mode.

Zooming Speed ( 1 – 4 in order of speed)

“ZOOM SPEED” in the Menu Screen

FAST 1 (fastest) 3

SLOW 2 4 (slowest)

Pressing the Power Zoom Button

fully lightly

: when the Select Dial is set to AUTO LOCK.

5SEC. REC

RETAKE (R/F)

Viewfinder

PAUSE

5Sec. Rec mode indicator

EN 15

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

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:

FEATURE: 5Sec. Rec (5-sec. Recording) PURPOSE: To record a scene for 5 seconds,

OPERATION: 1) During Record-Standby, press

NOTE:

recording.

during the Record-Standby mode.

n 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” forwards the tape and pressing “R” reverses it.

3) Press Recording Start/Stop Button to start recording.

Noise may appear during Retake. This is normal.

providing quick scene transitions like those seen in TV programmes.

5SEC. REC. “

5S” appears and

5Sec. Rec is reserved.

2) Press Recording Start/Stop Button. Recording starts, and after 5-second recording is finished, the camcorder reenters the RecordStandby mode automatically.

n To cancel the 5Sec. Rec.

function, press 5SEC. REC again so that “ 5S” disappears.

The Fader (Z pg. 20) cannot be activated by pressing 5SEC. REC.

+ 30 hidden pages