JVC GR-D230US, GR-D231US User Manual
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA
GR-D231
GR-D230
Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for
Digital Video Camera:
http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/cyber/
For Accessories:
http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/accessory/
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this digital
video camera. Before use, please read
the safety information and precautions
contained in the pages 3 – 4 to ensure
safe use of this product.
ENGLISH
GETTING STARTED
VIDEO RECORDING &
PLAYBACK
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA
(D.S.C.) RECORDING &
PLAYBACK
ADVANCED FEATURES
6
15
21
27
The camcorder illustrations appearing in this instruction
manual are of the GR-D230.
INSTRUCTIONS
REFERENCES
TERMS Back cover
For Customer Use:
Enter below the Model No. and Serial
No. which is located on the bottom of
the camcorder. Retain this information
for future reference.
Model No.
Serial No.
To deactivate the demonstration, set
“DEMO MODE” to “OFF”.
(墌 pg. 27, 29)
LYT1283-001A
45
EN
2 EN
Major Features of this Camcorder
Wipe/Fader Effects
You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make prostyle scene transitions. (墌 pg. 34)
Fade in
Fade out
Program AE with Special Effects
For example, “SPORTS” mode allows fast-moving
images to be captured one frame at a time, for vivid,
stable slow-motion. (墌 pg. 35)
LED Light
You can brighten the subject in the dark place with
the LED Light. (墌 pg. 31)
Backlight Compensation
Simply pressing the BACK LIGHT button brightens
the image darkened by backlight. (墌 pg. 33)
● You can also select a spot metering area so that
more precise exposure compensation is available.
(墌 pg. 33, Spot Exposure Control)
Navigation Function
The Navigation Function helps you check tape
contents by making thumbnail images on a memory
card. (墌 pg. 35)
ONITNAV I GA
TC : 13 : 23 : 15
1 2 3
4 5 00 6
3 224YDAT E : AM :’ 30:429AM
E-Mail Clip Recording
You can record video clips on the memory card as
files which can be sent via e-mail. (墌 pg. 24)
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTIONS:
● This camcorder is designed to be used with NTSC-type
color television signals. It cannot be used for playback
with a television of a different standard. However, live
recording and LCD monitor/viewfinder playback are
possible anywhere.
● Use the JVC BN-V408U/V416U/V428U/V438U battery
packs and, to recharge them or to supply power to the
camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided multivoltage AC Adapter. (An appropriate conversion adapter
may be necessary to accommodate different designs of
AC outlets in different countries.)
Caution on Replaceable 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 (212°F)
or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita Electric),
Sanyo, Sony or Maxell CR2025.
Danger of explosion or Risk of fire if the battery is
incorrectly replaced.
● Dispose of used battery promptly.
● Keep away from children.
● Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.
NOTES:
● The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution
are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.
● The rating information and safety caution of the AC
Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
EN 3
This product has a fluorescent lamp that contains a small
amount of mercury. Disposal of these materials may be
regulated in your community due to environmental
considerations.
For disposal or recycling information please contact your
local authorities, or the Electronics Industries Alliance:
<http://www.eiae.org>
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf,
make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides to allow
for ventilation (10 cm (3–15/16
") or more on both sides, on
top and at the rear).
Do not block the ventilation holes.
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or
cloth etc. the heat may not be able to get out.)
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should
be placed on the apparatus.
When discarding batteries, environmental problems must
be considered and the local rules or laws governing the
disposal of these batteries must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or places with
water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water or liquids
(such as cosmetics or medicines, flower vases, potted
plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this equipment, fire or
electric shock may be caused.)
Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into the sun.
This can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the
malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a risk of
fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!
The following notes concern possible physical damage to
the camcorder and to the user.
When carrying, be sure to always securely attach and use
the provided strap. Carrying or holding the camcorder by
the viewfinder and/or the LCD monitor can result in
dropping the unit, or in a malfunction.
Take care not to get your finger caught in the cassette
holder cover. Do not let children operate the camcorder, as
they are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel surfaces. It
could tip over, causing serious damage to the camcorder.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to the
camcorder and leaving it on top of the TV is not
recommended, as tripping on the cables will cause the
camcorder to fall, resulting in damage.
4 EN
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. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
10. 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.
11. Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
12. 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.
This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video
cassette, SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard. Only
cassettes marked “” and memory cards marked
“” or “” can be used with this unit.
Before recording an important scene…
…make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark
.
…make sure you only use memory cards with the mark
or .
…remember that this camcorder is not compatible with other
digital video formats.
…remember that this camcorder is intended for private
consumer use only. Any commercial use without proper
permission is prohibited. (Even if you record an event such as
a show, performance or exhibition for personal enjoyment, it
is strongly recommended that you obtain permission
beforehand.)
®
● Microsoft
or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
● Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer,
Inc.
● QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple Computer,
Inc.
and Windows® are either registered trademarks
CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED 6
Index ..............................................................................6
Provided Accessories ....................................................9
Power ...........................................................................11
Operation Mode ...........................................................12
Date/Time Settings ......................................................12
Grip Adjustment ...........................................................13
Viewfinder Adjustment .................................................13
Brightness Adjustment Of The Display ........................13
Tripod Mounting ...........................................................13
Loading/Unloading A Cassette .................................... 14
Loading/Unloading A Memory Card .............................14
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 15
VIDEO RECORDING ........................................................15
Basic Recording ...........................................................15
Tape Remaining Time .............................................15
LCD Monitor And Viewfinder ...................................15
Zooming ...................................................................16
Journalistic Shooting ...............................................16
Interface Shooting ...................................................16
Time Code ...............................................................17
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape ...................17
VIDEO PLAYBACK ..........................................................17
Normal Playback ..........................................................17
Still Playback ...........................................................17
Shuttle Search .........................................................18
Blank Search ...........................................................18
Connections To A TV Or VCR .....................................18
Playback Using The Remote Control ...........................19
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING &
PLAYBACK 21
D.S.C. RECORDING .........................................................21
Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot) ...............................21
Interval Shooting ......................................................21
D.S.C. PLAYBACK ...........................................................22
Normal Playback Of Images ........................................22
Auto Playback Of Images ............................................ 22
Playback Of Video Clips .............................................. 22
Index Playback Of Files ...............................................23
Viewing File Information ..............................................23
Removing On-Screen Display .....................................23
ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. .................................24
E-Mail Clip Recording ..................................................24
Dubbing Still Images Recorded On A Tape To A Memory
Card .........................................................................24
Resetting The File Name .............................................24
Protecting Files ............................................................25
Deleting Files ...............................................................25
Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) .....................26
Initializing A Memory Card ........................................... 26
ADVANCED FEATURES 27
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT .............................. 27
Changing The Menu Settings ...................................... 27
Recording Menus ........................................................ 27
Playback Menus .......................................................... 30
FEATURES FOR RECORDING ........................................... 31
LED Light .................................................................... 31
Self-Timer .................................................................... 31
5-Second Recording ................................................... 32
Night Alive ................................................................... 32
Snapshot (For Video Recording) ................................. 32
Manual Focus .............................................................. 32
Exposure Control ........................................................ 33
Iris Lock ....................................................................... 33
Backlight Compensation ............................................. 33
Spot Exposure Control ................................................ 33
White Balance Adjustment .......................................... 34
Manual White Balance Adjustment ............................. 34
Wipe Or Fader Effects ................................................. 34
Program AE With Special Effects ................................ 35
Navigation Function .................................................... 35
EDITING ........................................................................ 37
Dubbing To Or From A VCR ....................................... 37
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With A DV
Connector (Digital Dubbing) .................................... 38
Connection To A Personal Computer ......................... 39
Audio Dubbing ............................................................. 40
Insert Editing ............................................................... 40
Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit] .......................... 41
REFERENCES 45
TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................... 45
USER MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 48
CAUTIONS ..................................................................... 49
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................ 51
TERMS Back cover
EN 5
GETTING STARTED
6 EN
Index
de
123456789
WX Y
Z
a
f
J
K
L
M
N
OP
Q
To open the connector cover, pull the bottom
of the cover, then open it.
a
k
l
m
no
c
gh ij
b
RS T
pq
rs
UV
Controls
A Index Button [INDEX] (墌 pg. 23)
Navigation Button [INDEX] (墌 pg. 36)
B Thumbnail Storing Button [STORE] (墌 pg. 36)
C D.S.C. Playback Select Button [SELECT]
(墌 pg. 22, 23)
D VIDEO/MEMORY Switch (墌 pg. 12)
E Stop Button [8] (墌 pg. 17)
Backlight Compensation Button [BACK LIGHT]
(墌 pg. 33)
F Rewind Button [
Manual Focus Button [FOCUS] (墌 pg. 32)
G Play/Pause Button [4/9] (墌 pg. 17)
Exposure Button [EXPOSURE] (墌 pg. 33)
H Fast-Forward Button [
Night Button [NIGHT] (墌 pg. 32)
I E-Mail Clip Recording Button [E-MAIL] (墌 pg. 24)
Information Button [INFO] (墌 pg. 23)
J Up Button [ ] (墌 pg. 27)
LCD Monitor Brightness Control [BRIGHT ]
(墌 pg. 13)
K LED Light Button [LIGHT] (墌 pg. 31)
L Set Button [SET] (墌 pg. 27)
M Down Button [ ] (墌 pg. 27)
LCD Monitor Brightness Control [BRIGHT ]
(墌 pg. 13)
N Menu Button [MENU] (墌 pg. 27)
O Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT] (墌 pg. 21, 32)
P Power Zoom Lever [T/W] (墌 pg. 16)
Speaker Volume Control [VOL. +, –] (墌 pg. 17)
Q Diopter Adjustment Control (墌 pg. 13)
R Recording Start/Stop Button (墌 pg. 15)
S Lock Button (墌 pg. 12)
T Power Switch [A, M, PLAY, OFF] (墌 pg. 12)
U Cassette Open/Eject Switch [OPEN/EJECT]
(墌 pg. 14)
V Battery Release Switch [BATT.] (墌 pg. 11)
3
] (墌 pg. 17)
5
] (墌 pg. 17)
Connectors
The connectors are located beneath the covers.
W USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connector (墌 pg. 39)
X Digital Video Connector [DV IN/OUT] (i.Link*)
(墌 pg. 38, 39)
Y DC Input Connector [DC] (墌 pg. 11)
Z Microphone connector [MIC] (墌 pg. 30, 40)
(An optional microphone can be used during video
recording and audio dubbing. To stabilize the
microphone, use of an optional shoe adapter is
recommended.)
a S-Video/Audio/Video Input/Output Connector [S/AV]
(墌 pg. 18, 37, 42)
* i.Link refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry specification
and extensions thereof. The logo is used for products
compliant with the i.Link standard.
Indicators
b POWER/CHARGE Lamp (墌 pg. 11, 15)
c Tally Lamp (墌 pg. 15, 29)
GETTING STARTED
EN 7
Other Parts
d Monitor Latch (墌 pg. 15)
e LCD Monitor (墌 pg. 15, 16)
f Viewfinder (墌 pg. 13)
g Shoulder Strap Eyelet (墌 pg. 10)
h Battery Pack Mount (墌 pg. 11)
i Speaker (墌 pg. 17)
j Grip Strap (墌 pg. 13)
k Lens
l LED Light (墌 pg. 31)
(When using an optional conversion lens, it may cover
this area and block the light.)
m Stereo Microphone (墌 pg. 40)
n Remote Sensor (墌 pg. 19)
o Camera Sensor
(Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor necessary
for shooting is built-in here.)
p Stud Hole (墌 pg. 13)
q Tripod Mounting Socket (墌 pg. 13)
r Cassette Holder Cover (墌 pg. 14)
s Card Cover [MEMORY CARD] (墌 pg. 14)
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications
During Video Recording Only
1h40m
REC
t
r
SOUND12BIT
15:55
e
a Navigation Indicator (墌 pg. 35)
B Selected Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator (墌 pg. 34)
C Tape Running Indicator (墌 pg. 15)
(Rotates while tape is running.)
D Selected Wide Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 29)
E Thumbnail Storing Indicator (墌 pg. 35)
F Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) (墌 pg. 27)
G Tape Remaining Time (墌 pg. 15)
H REC: (Appears during recording.) (墌 pg. 15)
PAUSE: (Appears during Record-Standby mode.)
(墌 pg. 15)
I Insert Editing/Insert Editing Pause Mode (墌 pg. 40)
J 5S/Anim.: Displays the 5-Second Recording mode or
Animation recording mode. (墌 pg. 28)
K Wind Cut Indicator (墌 pg. 29)
L Auxiliary Microphone Level Indicator
(Appears when an optional microphone is connected.
墌 pg. 30, “AUX MI C” )
M Time Code (墌 pg. 30, 31)
N Digital Image Stabilizer (“DIS”) (墌 pg. 28)
O Sound Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 28)
(Appears for approx. 5 seconds after turning on the
camcorder.)
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
8 EN
During D.S.C. Recording Only
6345
1280
51
7
a Image Size: 1600 (1600 x 1200), 1280 (1280 x 960),
1024 (1024 x 768) or 640 (640 x 480) (墌 pg. 30)
B : Focus Icon (墌 pg. 21)
: Interval Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 21)
C Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 21)
(Appears and blinks during shooting.)
D Card Icon (墌 pg. 21)
: Appears during shooting.
: Blinks in white when a memory card is not loaded.
: Blinks in yellow while the camcorder is reading
the data in the memory card such as Navigation
thumbnail images, video clips, still images, etc.
E Picture Quality: (FINE) and (STANDARD) (in
order of quality) (墌 pg. 30)
F Remaining Number Of Shots (墌 pg. 21)
(Displays the approximate remaining number of shots
that can be stored during D.S.C. recording, or the
remaining number of storable thumbnail images when
it reaches 10 or less during video recording.)
G Clock Icon (墌 pg. 21)
During E-Mail Clip Recording
160
0
hm
PILC-E
:10
00 : 15
During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording
8
9
1
40
2
3
x
4
5
6
7
BRIGHT
W
a Operation Mode (墌 pg. 12)
B : Night-Alive Indicator (墌 pg. 32)
: Gain Up Mode (墌 pg. 28)
C LED Light Indicator (墌 pg. 31)
D White Balance Indicator (墌 pg. 34)
E : Spot Exposure Control Indicator (墌 pg. 33)
: Backlight Compensation Indicator (墌 pg. 33)
±: Exposure Adjustment Indicator (墌 pg. 33)
F Selected Program AE With Special Effects Indicator
(墌 pg. 35)
G Iris Lock Indicator (墌 pg. 33)
H Approximate Zoom Ratio (墌 pg. 16)
I Zoom Indicator (墌 pg. 16)
J Self-Timer Recording Indicator (墌 pg. 28)
K O: (Appears when taking Snapshot.) (墌 pg. 32)
L Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/Viewfinder)
(墌 pg. 13)
M Battery Indicator (墌 pg. 47)
N Date/Time (墌 pg. 12)
O Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator (墌 pg. 32)
T
0
O
N
O1V01000'0
:
rt
A
q
w
e
4
M
a Image Size: 160 (160 x 120)
B Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 21, 24)
C E-Mail Clip Recording Indicator (墌 pg. 24)
D Memory Card Remaining Time For E-Mail Clip
Recording (墌 pg. 24)
E E-Mail Clip Recording Time (墌 pg. 24)
F Auxiliary Microphone Level Indicator
(Appears when an optional microphone is connected.
墌 pg. 30, “AUX MI C” )
During Video Playback
1
BIT
1L2
2 0 :/2M
I
X
GETTING STARTED
EN 9
Provided Accessories
4
3
2
5
6
BLANK SEARCH
PUSH "STOP" BUTTON
J
MIC
TO CANCEL
V
O
L
U
M
E
1
:
2
5
0
A1N
0 10
:
9
0'0 0
8
7
4
M
A
a Sound Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 30)
B Blank Search Indicator (墌 pg. 18)
C Thumbnail Storing Indicator (墌 pg. 36)
D Tape Speed (墌 pg. 27)
E 4 : Playback
5
: Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search
3
: Rewind/Shuttle Search
9 : Pause
9 U : Forward Frame-By-Frame Playback/Slow-
Motion
Y 9 : Reverse Frame-By-Frame Playback/SlowMotion
D : Audio Dubbing
9D : Audio Dubbing Pause
(Appear while a tape is running.)
F Sound Input For Audio Dubbing (墌 pg. 40)
G Battery Indicator (墌 pg. 47)
H Date/Time (墌 pg. 29, 31)
I VOLUME : Volume Level Indicator (墌 pg. 17)
BRIGHT : Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/
Viewfinder) (墌 pg. 13)
: Auxiliary Microphone Level Indicator
(Appears when an optional microphone is connected
during Audio Dubbing. 墌 pg. 40)
J Time Code (墌 pg. 30, 31)
During D.S.C. Playback
1
BR I GHT
4
a Operation Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 23)
B Folder/File Number (墌 pg. 23)
C Battery Indicator (墌 pg. 47)
D Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/Viewfinder)
(墌 pg. 13)
2
100-0013
3
OR
a AC Adapter AP-V14U or AP-V15U
b Battery Pack BN-V408U-B
c Editing Extension Cable
d S/AV/Editing Cable
e Audio Extension Cable (for optional microphone,
墌 pg. 10 for connection)
f USB Cable
g Core Filter [large] (for USB Cable 墌 pg. 10 for
attachment)
h Core Filter [small] x 3 (for S/AV/Editing Cable, Audio
Extension Cable and AC Adapter’s cord 墌 pg. 10 for
attachment)
i CD-ROM
j Remote Control Unit RM-V719U
k Lithium Battery CR2025* (for remote control unit)
l Memory Card 8 MB (Already inserted in the
camcorder)
m Shoulder Strap (墌 pg. 10 for attachment)
n Lens Cap (墌 pg. 10 for attachment)
* A lithium battery is pre-installed in the Remote Control Unit
at time of shipment (with insulation sheet). To use the
Remote Control Unit, remove the insulation sheet.
NOTES:
● In order to maintain optimum performance of the
camcorder, provided cables may be equipped with one or
more core filter. If a cable has only one core filter, the end
that is closest to the filter should be connected to the
camcorder.
● Make sure to use the provided cables for connections. Do
not use any other cables.
● Shapes of the Editing Extension Cable and the Audio
Extension Cable resemble each other. Longer cable is the
Editing Extension Cable and shorter one is the Audio
Extension Cable. Make sure to use a correct cable for
connection.
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
10 EN
How To Attach The Lens Cap
To protect the lens, attach the
provided lens cap to the
camcorder as shown in the
illustration.
NOTE:
To confirm the lens cap is on
correctly make sure the cap is flush
to the camcorder.
Place here during shooting.
How To Attach The Shoulder Strap
Follow the illustration.
1 Thread the strap through the eyelet.
2 Fold it back and thread it through the strap guide and
the buckle.
● To adjust the length of the strap, loosen and then tighten
the strap in the buckle.
3 Slide the strap guide fully towards the eyelet.
Buckle
Strap guide
2
How To Use The Audio Extension Cable
When using an optional
external microphone,
connect to the provided
Audio extension cable
(with a core filter
attached), then connect
the Audio extension
cable to the camcorder.
The core filter reduces
interference. (See
below.)
Open the
cover.
To M IC
Core filter
Audio extension cable
Stereo microphone
(provided)
MIC
How To Attach The Core Filter
Attach the core filters to the cables. The core filter
reduces interference.
1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the core filter.
Stopper
2 Run the cable through the core filter, leaving approx.
3 cm of cable between the cable plug and the core filter.
USB cable and AC Adapter’s cord
Wind the cable (cord) once around the outside of the
core filter as shown in the illustration.
3 cm (1–3/16")
Core filter (large: USB Cable, small:
AC Ad apt er’s cord)
Eyelet
3
1
Audio Extension cable
Wind the cable twice around the outside of the core filter
as shown in the illustration.
3 cm (1–3/16")
● Wind the cable so that it is not slack.
Core filter (small)
Wind once.
Wind twice.
S/AV/Editing cable
A
3 cm (1–3/16")
Core filter (small)
3 Close the core filter until it clicks shut.
USB cable and AC
Adapter’s cord
NOTES:
● Take care not to damage the cable.
● When connecting a cable, attach the end with the core filter
to the camcorder.
Audio Extension
cable
S/AV/Editing
cable
Power
This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you
choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use
provided power supply units with other equipment.
Charging The Battery Pack
Power switch
M A
OFF
POWER/CHARGE lamp
Battery pack mount
Open the cover.
To DC connector
mark
BATT.
AC Adapter
To AC outlet
1 Set the Power Switch to “OFF”.
2 With the arrow on the battery pack pointing upward,
push the battery pack slightly against the battery pack
mount a.
3 Slide up the battery pack until it locks in place b.
4 Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder.
5 Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet. The POWER/
CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to indicate
charging has started.
6 When the POWER/CHARGE lamp goes out, charging
is finished. Unplug the AC Adapter from the AC outlet.
Disconnect the AC Adapter from the camcorder.
To detach the battery pack
Slide the battery pack down slightly while sliding BATT.
to detach it.
PLAY
POWER/
CHARGE
Arrow
Battery pack
GETTING STARTED
Battery pack Charging time
BN-V408U* Approx. 1 hr. 30 min.
BN-V416U Approx. 3 hr.
BN-V428U Approx. 5 hr.
BN-V438U Approx. 6 hr. 30 min.
* Provided
NOTES:
● If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack, remove
it first.
● During charging, the camcorder cannot be operated.
● Charging is not possible if the wrong type of battery is used.
● When charging the battery pack for the first time or after a
long storage period, the POWER/CHARGE lamp may not
light. In this case, remove the battery pack from the
camcorder, then try charging again.
● If the battery operation time remains extremely short even
after having been fully charged, the battery is worn out and
needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new one.
● Since the AC Adapter processes electricity internally, it
becomes warm during use. Be sure to use it only in wellventilated areas.
● Using the optional AA-V40 AC Power Adapter/Charger, you
can charge the BN-V408U/V416U/V428U/V438U battery
pack without the camcorder. However, it cannot be used as
an AC Adapter.
● After 5 minutes has elapsed in Record-Standby mode with
the cassette inserted, the camcorder will automatically turn
off its power supplied from the AC adapter. In this case, the
battery charge starts if the battery is attached to the
camcorder.
EN 11
Using The Battery Pack
Perform steps 2 – 3 in “Charging The Battery Pack”.
Maximum continuous recording time
Battery pack LCD monitor on Viewfinder on
BN-V408U* 1 hr. 20 min. 1 hr. 40 min.
BN-V416U 2 hr. 40 min. 3 hr. 15 min.
BN-V428U 4 hr. 40 min. 5 hr. 50 min.
BN-V438U 6 hr. 20 min. 7 hr. 50 min.
* Provided
NOTES:
● Recording time is reduced significantly under the following
conditions:
• Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged repeatedly.
• The LCD monitor is used repeatedly.
• The playback mode is engaged repeatedly.
• The LED Light is used.
● Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare
enough battery packs to cover 3 times the planned
shooting time.
TTENTION:
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 AC Power
Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder, as shown in
the illustration.
NOTE:
The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage
selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
12 EN
About Batteries
DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or
expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may cause
a fire or explosion.
WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its terminals to
come in contact with metals, as this can result in a short
circuit and possibly start a fire.
The Benefits Of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion battery packs are small but have a large
power capacity. However, when one is exposed to cold
temperatures (below 10°C/50°F), its usage time
becomes shorter and it may cease to function. If this
happens, place the battery pack in your pocket or other
warm, protected place for a short time, then re-attach it to
the camcorder.
Operation Mode
To turn on the camcorder, set the Power Switch to any
operation mode except “OFF” while pressing down the
Lock Button located on the switch.
VIDEO/MEMORY
MENU
(Down)
Choose the appropriate operation mode according to
your preference using the Power Switch and VIDEO/
MEMORY Switch.
Power Switch Position
A (Full Auto Recording):
Allows you to record using NO special effects or
manual adjustments. Suitable for standard recording.
The “A” indicator appears on the display.
M (Manual Recording):
Allows you to set various recording functions using the
Menus. (墌 pg. 27)
If you want more creative capabilities than Full Auto
Recording, try this mode.
OFF:
Allows you to switch off the camcorder.
PLAY:
● Allows you to play back a recording on the tape.
● Allows you to play back a video clip on the memory
card.
● Allows you to display a still image stored in the
memory card or to transfer a still image stored in the
memory card to a PC.
● Allows you to set various playback functions using
the Menus. (墌 pg. 27)
(Up)
Power Switch
Lock Button
M A
OFF
PLAY
POWER/
CHARGE
POWER/CHARGE lamp
SET
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch Position
VIDEO:
Allows you to record on a tape or play back a tape. If
“REC SELECT” is set to “ / ” (墌 pg. 30), still
images are recorded both on the tape and the memory
card.
MEMORY:
● Allows you to record in a memory card or access
data stored in a memory card.
● When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”, the
currently selected image size appears.
Power-Linked Operation
When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”, you can also
turn on/off the camcorder by opening/closing the LCD
monitor or pulling out/pushing in the viewfinder.
INFORMATION:
The following explanations in this manual supposes the
use of LCD monitor in your operation. If you want to use
the viewfinder, close the LCD monitor and pull out the
viewfinder fully.
Date/Time Settings
The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all times, but
its display can be turned on or off during playback.
(墌 pg. 27, 31)
1 Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down the
Lock Button located on the switch.
2 Open the LCD monitor fully. (墌 pg. 15)
3 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
ASERA CM I
LA
YP
4 Press or to select “n”,
and press SET. The CAMERA
DISPLAY Menu appears.
5 Press or to select
“CLOCK ADJ.”, and press SET.
The parameter for “Month” is
highlighted.
6 Press or to input the
month, and press SET. Repeat to
input the day, year, hour and
minute.
7 Press or to select
“BRETURN”, and press SET twice.
The Menu Screen closes.
Built-in Clock’s Rechargeable Lithium Battery
If the camcorder is not used for approx. 3 months, the
clock’s lithium battery will become discharged and the
date/time stored in memory will be lost. When this
occurs, first connect the camcorder to an AC outlet using
the AC Adapter for over 24 hours to charge the clock’s
rechargeable lithium battery. Then perform the date/time
setting before using the camcorder.
Note that the camcorder can be used without setting the
date/time.
J AD .
NRETUR
ASERA CM
CL C
AD .
NRETUR
D
NCREON S E
T/D
LC –
AUMET–/TI DA E OT
OFDEM– CO TI E
ON X–MIC AU
DE OK CL C 5'2C
:
I Y
D
P
LA
DEC
OK
J
V
F
04
3
0 PM
5
5'0 4
2
3:5
0 PM
GETTING STARTED
PAUSE
EN 13
Grip Adjustment
1 Adjust the velcro strip.
2 Pass your right hand through
the loop and grasp the grip.
3 Adjust your thumb and
fingers through the grip to
easily operate the Recording
Start/Stop Button, Power
Switch and Power Zoom Lever.
Be sure to fasten the velcro
strip to your preference.
Viewfinder Adjustment
1 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
2 Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked. Pull
out the viewfinder fully and adjust it manually for best
viewability.
3 Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until the
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.
Brightness Adjustment Of The Display
1 Set the Power Switch to “M”
or “PLAY” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the
switch.
(Up)
2 Open the LCD monitor fully.
(墌 pg. 15)
● To adjust the brightness of the
viewfinder, pull out the
viewfinder fully and set
“PRIORITY” to “FINDER”
(墌 pg. 27, 29).
3 Press or until the
brightness control indicator on
the display moves and the
appropriate brightness is
reached.
MENU
(Down)
BRIGHT
Tripod Mounting
To attach the camcorder
to a tripod, align the
direction stud and screw
to the mounting socket
and stud hole on the
camcorder. Then tighten
the screw clockwise.
● Some tripods are not
equipped with studs.
SET
GETTING STARTED
Diopter Adjustment Control
CAUTION:
When retracting the viewfinder, take care not to pinch your
fingers.
GETTING STARTED
A
14 EN
Loading/Unloading A Cassette
The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a
cassette.
OPEN/EJECT
Cassette holder
PUSH HERE
Make sure the window side is
facing out.
1 Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the
arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover open until it
locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.
● Do not touch internal components.
2 Insert or remove a tape and press “PUSH HERE” to
close the cassette holder.
● Be sure to press only the section labeled “PUSH HERE” to
close the cassette holder; touching other parts may cause
your finger to get caught in the cassette holder, resulting in
injury or product damage.
● Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely before
closing the cassette holder cover.
● When the battery pack’s charge is low, you may not be able
to close the cassette holder cover. Do not apply force.
Replace the battery pack with a fully charged one or use
AC power before continuing.
3 Close the cassette holder cover firmly until it locks into
place.
To protect valuable recordings
Slide the erase protection tab on the back of the tape in
the direction of “SAVE”. This prevents the tape from
being recorded over. To record on this tape, slide the tab
back to “REC” before loading it.
NOTES:
● If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder does not
open, close the cassette holder cover and try again. If the
cassette holder still does not open, turn the camcorder off
then on again.
● If the tape does not load properly, open the cassette holder
cover fully and remove the cassette. A few minutes later,
insert it again.
● When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a cold place
to a warm environment, wait a short time before opening
the cassette holder cover.
Cassette holder cover
Erase protection tab
Loading/Unloading A Memory Card
The provided memory card is already inserted in the
camcorder at the time of purchase.
Card Cover (MEMORY CARD)
Memory card
Write/erase protection tab
1 Make sure the camcorder’s power is off.
2 Open the card cover (MEMORY CARD).
3 To load a memory card, firmly insert it with its
clipped edge first.
To unload a memory card, push it once. After the
memory card comes out of the camcorder, pull it out.
● Do not touch the terminal on the reverse side of the label.
4 Close the card cover.
To protect valuable files (available only for SD
Memory Card)
Slide the write/erase protection tab on the side of the
memory card in the direction of “LOCK”. This prevents
the memory card from being recorded over. To record on
this memory card, slide the tab back to the position
opposite to “LOCK” before loading it.
NOTES:
● Some brands of memory cards are not compatible with this
camcorder. Before purchasing a memory card, consult its
manufacturer or dealer.
● Before using a new memory card, it is necessary to format
the card. (墌 pg. 26)
TTENTION:
Do not insert or remove the memory card while the
camcorder is turned on, as this may cause the memory card
to be corrupted or cause the camcorder to become unable to
recognize whether or not the card is installed.
Clipped edge
Label
Basic Recording
NOTE:
Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below:
● Power (墌 pg. 11)
● Loading A Cassette (墌 pg. 14)
1 Remove the lens cap. (墌 pg. 10)
2 Open the LCD monitor fully.
3 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
4 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
● The POWER/CHARGE lamp lights and the camcorder
● To record in LP (Long Play) mode, 墌 pg. 27.
5 To start recording, press the Recording Start/Stop
Button. The tally lamp lights and “T REC” appears on
the display while recording is in progress.
6 To stop recording, press the Recording Start/Stop
Button again. The camcorder re-enters the RecordStandby mode.
Approximate recording time
NOTES:
● If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes, the
● When a blank portion is left between recorded scenes on
● To turn the tally lamp or beep sounds off, 墌 pg. 27, 29.
VIDEO/MEMORY
(Lights while recording is in
Power Zoom Lever
Power Switch
Lock Button
POWER/CHARGE Lamp
Recording Start/Stop Button
enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAU SE ” is displayed.
Ta pe
30 min. 30 min. 45 min.
60 min. 60 min. 90 min.
80 min. 80 min. 120 min.
camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. To turn the
camcorder on again, push back and pull out the viewfinder
again or close and re-open the LCD monitor.
the tape, the time code is interrupted and errors may occur
when editing the tape. To avoid this, refer to “Recording
From The Middle Of A Tape” (墌 pg. 17).
Tal ly Lam p
progress.)
Recording mode
SP LP
VIDEO RECORDING
EN 15
Tape Remaining Time
Approximate tape remaining time
appears on the display. “– h ––m”
means the camcorder is calculating
the remaining time. When the
remaining time reaches 2 minutes,
the indication starts blinking.
● The time required to calculate and display the remaining
tape length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary
according to the type of tape used.
LCD Monitor And Viewfinder
While using the LCD monitor:
Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back in. Pull on the
end of the LCD monitor and open the LCD monitor
fully. It can rotate 270° (90° downward, 180° upward).
While using the viewfinder:
Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked. Pull out
the viewfinder fully.
180˚
NOTES:
● The image will not appear simultaneously on the LCD
monitor and the viewfinder except during Interface
Shooting. (墌 pg. 16) When the viewfinder is pulled out
while the LCD monitor is opened, you can select which one
to use. Set “PRIORITY” to the desired mode in SYSTEM
Menu. (墌 pg. 27, 29)
● Colored bright spots may appear all over the LCD monitor
or the viewfinder. However, this is not a malfunction.
(墌 pg. 46)
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK
VIDEO RECORDING
16 EN
Zooming
Produces the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous
change in image magnification.
Zoom In
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.
Zoom Out
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.
The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever, the quicker the
zoom action.
Zoom in (T: Telephoto)
1xW
T
10xW
T
20xW
T
40xW
T
Zoom out (W: Wide angle)
10xW
T
NOTES:
● Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In this
case, set the zoom while in Record-Standby, lock the focus
by using the manual focus (墌 pg. 32), then zoom in or out
in Record mode.
● Zooming is possible to a maximum of 500X, or it can be
switched to 10X magnification using the optical zoom.
(墌 pg. 28)
● Zoom magnification of over 10X is done through Digital
image processing, and is therefore called Digital Zoom.
● During Digital zoom, the quality of image may suffer.
● Digital zoom cannot be used when the VIDEO/MEMORY
Switch is set to “MEMORY”.
Macro shooting (as close as approx. 5 cm (2") to the subject)
●
is possible when the Power Zoom Lever is set all the way to
“W”. Also see “TELE MACRO” in MANUAL Menu on page 28.
● When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom out first. If
zoomed-in in the auto focus mode, the camcorder may
automatically zoom out depending on the distance between
the camcorder and the subject. This will not occur when
“TELE MACRO” is set to “ON”. (墌 pg. 28)
Digital zoom zone
10X (optical) zoom zone
Approximate zoom ratio
Journalistic Shooting
In some situations,
different shooting
angles may provide
more dramatic results.
Hold the camcorder in
the desired position
and tilt the LCD
monitor in the most
convenient direction. It
can rotate 270° (90°
downward, 180°
upward).
Interface Shooting
The person you shoot can
view himself/herself in the
LCD monitor, and you can
even shoot yourself while
viewing your own image in the
LCD monitor.
1) Open the LCD monitor and
tilt it upward to 180° so that it
faces forward.
2) Point the lens toward the
subject (yourself when selfrecording) and start recording.
● During Interface Shooting, the
monitor image appears
inverted as it would when
viewing a mirror. However, the
actual recorded image does
not appear inverted.
● During Interface Shooting, the “Tape Running” indicator
and warning indications (墌 pg. 47, 48) are the only ones
that are shown; they appear reversed in the display as they
would when viewing a mirror, but are not reversed in the
recording.
● The tape remaining indicator does not appear during
interface shooting. However, when the remaining time
reaches 2 minutes, the indicator appears showing the
remaining time: (blinking) (blinking)
(blinking)
Self
Recording
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