JVC GR-D347U User Manual

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing this digital
video camera. Before use, please
read the safety information and
precautions contained in the pages
2 – 4 and 10 to ensure safe use of
this product.

ENGLISH

GR-D347U

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/

:

GETTING STARTED

VIDEO RECORDING &
PLAYBACK

ADVANCED FEATURES

REFERENCES

TERMS

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.

7

17

22

35

43

INSTRUCTIONS

To deactivate the demonstration,
set “DEMO MODE” to “OFF”.
(



pg. 22, 25)

LYT1636-001B

EN

2

EN

Read This First!

●

Before recording important video, be sure to
make a trial recording.
Play back your trial recording to make sure the
video and audio have been recorded properly.

●

We recommend cleaning your video heads before
use.
If you haven’t used your
camcorder for awhile, the
heads may be dirty. We
recommend periodically
cleaning the video heads
with a cleaning cassette
(optional).

●

Be sure to store your
cassette tapes and camcorder in the proper
environment.
Video heads can become dirty more easily if your
cassette tapes and camcorder are stored in a
dusty area. Cassette tapes should be removed
from the camcorder and stored in cassette cases.
Store the camcorder in a bag or other container

●

Use SP (Standard) mode for important video
recordings.
LP (Long Play) mode lets you record 50% more
video than SP (Standard) mode, but you may
experience mosaic-like noise during playback
depending on the tape characteristics and the
usage environment.
So, for important recordings, we recommend
using SP mode.

●

For safety and reliability.
It is recommended only genuine JVC batteries
and accessories are used in this camcorder.

●

This product includes patented and other
proprietary technology and will operate only with
JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC BN-VF707U/
VF714U/VF733U battery packs. Using generic
non-JVC batteries can cause damage to the
internal charging circuitry.

●

Make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini
DV mark

●

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.)

●

DO NOT leave the unit

- in place of over 50°C (122°F)

- in place where humidity is extremely low (below
35%) or extremely high (80%).

- in direct sunlight.

- in a closed car in summer.

- near a heater.

●

The LCD monitor is made with high-precision
technology. However, black spots or bright spots
of light (red, green or blue) may appear constantly

on the LCD monitor. These spots are not
recorded on the tape. This is not due to any
defect of the unit. (Effective dots: more than

99.99%)

●

Do not leave the battery pack attached when the
camcorder is not in use and check the unit
regularly whether it is working or not.

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.

●

This product includes patented and other
proprietary technology and will operate only
with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC
BN-VF707U/VF714U/VF733U battery packs
and, to recharge them or to supply power to the
camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided
multi-voltage AC Adapter. (An appropriate
conversion adapter may be necessary to
accommodate different designs of AC outlets in
different countries.)

This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium
Battery which contains Perchlorate Material ­special handling may apply.
See www

.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/

perchlorate

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

4

EN

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.

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 tip­over.

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.

Major Features of this Camcorder

EN

5

Wipe/Fader Effects

You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make
pro-style scene transitions. ( pg. 30)

Fade in

Fade out

Program AE, Effects and Shutter Effects

For example, “SPORTS” mode allows fast-
moving images to be captured one frame at a
time, for vivid, stable slow-motion. ( pg. 31)

Auto Button

You can change the recording mode between
manual setting to the standard mode setting
of the camcorder by pressing the
button.( pg. 13)

AUTO

Backlight Compensation

Simply pressing the
brightens the image darkened by backlight.
( pg. 28)

●

You can also select a spot metering area so
that more precise exposure compensation
is available. ( pg. 27, Exposure Control)

BACKLIGHT

button

Data Battery

You can check the battery status by simply
pressing the

DATA

button. ( pg. 12)

BATTERY CONDITION

MAX TIMELEVEL

100

%

LCD

50

0

FINDER

90min

100min

AUTO

MANUAL

EN

CONTENTS

6

GETTING STARTED 7

Index ................................................................. 7

Provided Accessories .....................................10

Power.............................................................. 11

Operation Mode .............................................. 13

Language Settings ..........................................14

Date/Time Settings .........................................14

Grip Adjustment .............................................. 14

Viewfinder Adjustment .................................... 15

Brightness Adjustment Of The Display ........... 15

Tripod Mounting ..............................................15

Loading/Unloading A Cassette .......................16

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 17

VIDEO RECORDING............................................17

Basic Recording.............................................. 17

Tape Remaining Time ................................17

LCD Monitor And Viewfinder ......................18

Zooming......................................................18

Journalistic Shooting................................... 19

Time Code ..................................................19

Quick Review..............................................19

Recording From The Middle Of A Tape......19

VIDEO PLAYBACK..............................................20

Normal Playback............................................. 20

Still Playback ..............................................20

Shuttle Search ............................................20

Blank Search ..............................................20

Playback Snapshot ..................................... 20

Connections To A TV Or VCR ........................ 21

ADVANCED FEATURES 22

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT ..................22

Changing The Menu Settings .........................22

Recording Menus............................................ 23

Playback Menus..............................................25

FEATURES FOR RECORDING ...............................26

Wide Mode......................................................26

Night-Alive.......................................................26

Snapshot (Record Still Image On Tape) .........26

Manual Focus .................................................27

Exposure Control ............................................27

Iris Lock...........................................................28

Backlight Compensation .................................28

Spot Exposure Control.................................... 29

White Balance Adjustment.............................. 29

Manual White Balance Adjustment .................30

Wipe Or Fader Effects ....................................30

Program AE, Effects And Shutter Effects .......31

EDITING............................................................32

Dubbing To A VCR .........................................32

Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With

A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing) .............. 33

Connection To A Personal Computer .............34

REFERENCES 35

TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................35

USER MAINTENANCE .........................................38

CAUTIONS.........................................................39

SPECIFICATIONS................................................42

TERMS 43

Index

GETTING STARTED

8

9

EN

7

1

2
3

4

5

6

7

!%&"

#$

GETTING STARTED

(

8

GETTING STARTED

EN

Controls

1

Rewind Button [1] ( pg. 20)
Left Button [
Quick Review Button [QUICK REVIEW]
(



pg. 19)

2

Set Button [SET] ( pg. 14)
Data Battery Button [DATA] (

3

Stop Button [7] ( pg. 20)
Backlight Compensation Button
[BACKLIGHT] (
Down Button [

4

Play/Pause Button [6] ( pg. 20)
Manual Focus Button [FOCUS] (
Up Button [

5

Wide 16:9 Button [16:9] ( pg. 26)
Blank Search Button [BLANK] (

6

Menu Button [MENU] ( pg. 22)

7

Fast-Forward Button [¡] ( pg. 20)
Right Button [>] (
Night Button [NIGHT] (

8

Diopter Adjustment Control ( pg. 15)

9

Auto Button [AUTO] ( pg. 13)

!

Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT] ( pg. 26)

"

Power Zoom Lever [T/W] ( pg. 18)
Speaker Volume Control [VOL. +, –]
(



pg. 20)

#Battery Release Button [PUSH BATT.]

( pg. 11)

$Recording Start/Stop Button ( pg. 17)
%Power Switch [REC, OFF, PLAY] ( pg. 13)
&Lock Button ( pg. 13)
(Cassette Open/Eject Switch [OPEN/EJECT]

( pg. 16)

1

] ( pg. 14)



pg. 28)

4

] ( pg. 22)

3

] ( pg. 22)



pg. 14)





pg. 26)

pg. 12)



pg. 27)



pg. 20)

Connectors

The connectors are located beneath the covers.

á

Audio/Video Output Connector [AV]
( pg. 21, 32)

à

DC Input Connector [DC] ( pg. 11)

â

Digital Video Connector [DV IN/OUT] (i.LINK*)
( pg. 33, 34)

* 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

ä

POWER/CHARGE Lamp ( pg. 11, 17)

Other Parts

ã

LCD Monitor ( pg. 18, 19)

å

Viewfinder ( pg. 15)

ç

Battery Pack Mount ( pg. 12)

é

Shoulder Strap Eyelet ( pg. 11)

è

Speaker ( pg. 20)

ê

Grip Strap ( pg. 14)

ë

Lens

í

Camera Sensor
(Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor
necessary for shooting is built-in here.)

ì

Stereo Microphone

î

Stud Hole ( pg. 15)

ï

Tripod Mounting Socket ( pg. 15)

ñ

Cassette Holder Cover ( pg. 16)

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

SOUND

B/ W

12BIT

30min

min62

05:20

PAUSE

12006

9:52

JAN. .

–1EXPOSURE

–1BRIGHT

12354

678

During Video Recording

%$

&

(
)

~
+

!

9

8

1
2
3

4
5
6
7

1

B/ W

,- .

#

"

x

0

1Auto/Manual Mode Indicator

A

: Auto Mode

M

: Manual Mode

2 : Night-Alive Indicator ( pg. 26)

: Gain Up Mode ( pg. 24)

3Shutter Speed ( pg. 31)
4White Balance Indicator ( pg. 29)
5Effect Mode Indicator ( pg. 31)
6Program AE Mode Indicator ( pg. 31)
7SOUND 12BIT/16BIT: Sound Mode Indicator

( pg. 23) (Appears for approx. 5 seconds
after turning on the camcorder.)

8Battery Remaining Power Indicator

( pg. 37)

9Approximate Zoom Ratio ( pg. 18)
!Zoom indicator ( pg. 18)
"Digital Image Stabilizer ( pg. 23)
#Wide 16:9 Mode Indicator ( pg. 26)
$Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) ( pg. 23)

(Only LP indicator is displayed)

%Tape Running Indicator ( pg. 17)

(Rotates while tape is running.)

&Tape Remaining Time ( pg. 17)
(REC: (Appears during recording.) ( pg. 17)

PAUSE: (Appears during Record-Standby
mode.) ( pg. 17)
PHOTO: (Appears when taking snapshot.)
( pg. 26)

GETTING STARTED

EN 9

) : Spot Exposure Control Indicator

( pg. 29)

: Backlight Compensation Indicator

( pg. 28)

: Iris Lock Indicator ( pg. 28)

±: Exposure Adjustment Indicator ( pg. 27)

~Wipe/Fader Mode indicator ( pg. 30)
+Wind Cut Indicator ( pg. 24)
,Time Code ( pg. 24, 25)

-Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator

( pg. 27)
Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/
Viewfinder)( pg. 15)

.Date/Time ( pg. 14)

During Video Playback

25min

12BIT

9

1Battery Remaining Power Indicator

( pg. 37)

2Blank Search Indicator ( pg. 20)
3Tape Speed (SP/LP) ( pg. 23) (Only LP

indicator is displayed)

4Cassette Indicator
53: Playback

¡: Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search
1: Rewind/Shuttle Search
8: Pause

6Date/Time ( pg. 14)
7VOLUME: Volume Level Indicator ( pg. 20)

BRIGHT: Brightness Control Indicator (LCD
monitor/Viewfinder) ( pg. 15)

8Time Code ( pg. 24, 25)
9Sound Mode Indicator ( pg. 23, 25)

BLANK SEARCH

"

SUPHSTOPBUTTON

"

OCANCELT

VOLUME

15:29:03

JAN. .

9:52

12006

GETTING STARTED

10 EN

GETTING STARTED

Before Using This Camcorder

Make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini
DV mark .

This camcorder is designed exclusively for the
digital video cassette. Only cassettes marked
“” can be used with this unit.

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.)

Before recording important video, be sure to
make a trial recording.

Play back your trial recording to make sure the
video and audio have been recorded properly.

We recommend cleaning your video heads
before use.

If you haven’t used your camcorder for a while, the
heads may be dirty. We recommend periodically
cleaning the video heads with a cleaning cassette
(optional).

Be sure to store your cassette tapes and
camcorder in the proper environment.

Video heads can become dirty more easily if your
cassette tapes and camcorder are stored in a dusty
area. Cassette tapes should be removed from the
camcorder and stored in cassette cases. Store the
camcorder in a bag or other container.

Use SP (Standard) mode for important video
recordings.

LP (Long Play) mode lets you record 50% more
video than SP (Standard) mode, but you may
experience mosaic-like noise during playback
depending on the tape characteristics and the
usage environment.
So, for important recordings, we recommend using
SP mode.

It is recommended that you use JVC brand
cassette tapes.

Your camcorder is compatible with all brands of
commercially available cassette tapes complying
with the MiniDV standard, but JVC brand cassette
tapes are designed and optimized to maximize the
performance of your camcorder.

Also read “CAUTIONS” on pages 39 – 41.

Provided Accessories

1

OR

2

4

1 AC Adapter AP-V14U or AP-V18U
2 Battery Pack BN-VF707U
3 Audio/Video Cable (ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA

plug)

4 Shoulder Strap ( pg. 11 for attachment)
5 Lens Cap ( pg. 11 for attachment)

● 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.

3

5

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.

GETTING STARTED

EN 11

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

Battery pack mount

PUSH

Battery pack

1

BATT.

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

1

Eyelet

2

2

3

Arrow

To DC connector

To AC outlet

2

AC Adapter

Power
switch

POWER/
CHARGE
lamp

1 Set the Power Switch to “OFF”.
2 With the arrow on the battery pack pointing

downward, push the battery pack slightly against
the battery pack mount 1.

3 Slide down the battery pack until it locks in

place 2.

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.

GETTING STARTED

12 EN

A

GETTING STARTED

To detach the battery pack

Slide the battery pack upward while pressing
PUSH BATT. to detach it.

Battery pack Charging time

BN-VF707U* Approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

BN-VF714U Approx. 2 hrs. 40 min.

BN-VF733U Approx. 5 hrs. 40 min.

* Provided

NOTES:

● This product includes patented and other

proprietary technology and will operate only
with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC BN­VF707U/VF714U/VF733U battery packs. Using
generic non-JVC batteries can cause damage
to the internal charging circuitry.

● 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 well-ventilated areas.

● Using the optional AA-VF7 Battery Charger, you

can charge the BN-VF707U/VF714U/VF733U
battery pack without the camcorder.

● After 5 minutes have elapsed in Record-Standby

mode with the cassette inserted and no operation
is performed (
appear), 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.

“ PAUSE” indicator may not

Using The Battery Pack

Perform steps 2 – 3 in “Charging The Battery
Pack”.

Maximum continuous recording time

Battery pack

BN-VF707U* 1 hr. 30 min. 1 hr. 40 min.

BN-VF714U 3 hrs. 3 hrs. 25 min.

BN-VF733U 7 hrs. 8 hrs.

* Provided

LCD monitor

on

Viewfinder on

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.

● 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.

Data Battery System

You can check the remaining battery power and
the recordable time.

1) Make sure the battery is attached and the

Power Switch is set to “OFF”.

2) Open the LCD monitor fully.

3) Press DATA, and the battery status screen

appears.

● It is displayed for approx. 5 seconds if the
button is pressed and released quickly, and for
approx. 15 seconds if the button is pressed
and hold for several seconds.

● If “COMMUNICATION ERROR” appears
instead of the battery status even though you
tried to press DATA several times, there may
be a problem with your battery. In such a case,
consult your nearest JVC dealer.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Using AC Power

Perform step 4 in “Charging The Battery Pack”.

NOTE:

The provided AC Adapter features automatic
voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to
240 V.

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.

To resume the original function of the
accurate battery power indication

If the battery power indication differs from the
actual operating time, fully charge the battery,
and then run it down. However this function may
not turn back if the battery was used for a long
period of time under extremely high/low
temperature condition or charged too many
times.

GETTING STARTED

EN 13

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.

MENU

AUTO

Choose the appropriate operation mode
according to your preference using the Power
Switch.

Power Switch Position

REC:

● Allows you to perform recording on the tape.

● Allows you to set various recording functions
using the Menus. ( pg. 22)

OFF:
Allows you to switch off the camcorder.

PLAY:

● Allows you to play back a recording on the
tape.

● Allows you to set various playback functions
using the Menus. ( pg. 22)

Lock

Button

POWER/
CHARGE lamp

GETTING STARTED

Auto/Manual Mode

Press AUTO button repeatedly to switch to auto/
manual recording mode. When manual mode is
selected, the indicator “M” appears on the LCD
monitor.

Auto Mode A :

You can record using no special effects or
manual adjustments.

Manual Mode M :

Manual recording is possible by setting various
functions.

14 EN

GETTING STARTED

Power-Linked Operation

When the Power Switch is set to “REC”, 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.

Language Settings

The language on the display can be changed.
( pg. 22, 24)

1 Set the Power Switch to “REC” while pressing

down the Lock Button located on the switch.

2 Open the LCD monitor fully. ( pg. 18)

Set the recording mode to M. ( pg. 13)

3 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
4 Press 3 or 4 to select

“DISPLAY”, and press

SET or 2. The DISPLAY
Menu appears.

5 Press 3 or 4 to select

“LANGUAGE”, and press

SET or 2.

6 Press 3 or 4 to select

the desired language, and
press SET or 2.

7 Press MENU. The

Menu Screen closes.

NOTE:

Press 1 whenever you want to return to the
previous menu screen.

DISPLAY

BR I GH T
CLOCK A DJ .

LANGUAGE

DAT E / T I M E
ON SCRE E N
TIME CODE
DEMO MODE

DISPLAY

BR I GH T
CLOCK A DJ .

LANGUAGE ENGL ISH

DAT E / T I M E
ON SCRE E N
TIME CODE
DEMO MODE

FRANÇAIS
ESPAÑOL

PORTUGUÊS

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. ( pg. 22, 24)

1 Perform steps 1 – 4 in “Language Settings”

on the left column.

2 Press 3 or 4 to select “CLOCK ADJ.”, and

press SET or 2. The date display format is
highlighted.

3 Press 3 or 4 to select the desired date

display format, then press SET or 2. Select from
“MONTH.DATE.YEAR”, “DATE.MONTH.YEAR”
or “YEAR.MONTH.DATE”.

4 Press 3 or 4 to select the time display

format, then press SET or 2. Select from “24h”
or “12h”.

5 Set the year, month, date, hour and minute.

Press 3 or 4 to select the value, then press SET
or 2. Repeat this step until you have input all the
settings.

NOTE:

Press 1 to return to the previous setting.

6 Press MENU.The Menu

screen closes.

CLOCK ADJ .

O

MNTH

JAN

DISPLAY

DATE YEAR..

12006

..

0:00

24h

Grip Adjustment

1 Adjust the velcro strip.

● Before making the

adjustment, remove any
security tag that may be
attached to the velcro.

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.

GETTING STARTED

–1BRIGHT

EN 15

Viewfinder Adjustment

1 Set the Power Switch to “REC” 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.

Example:

Diopter Adjustment Control

CAUTION:

When retracting the viewfinder, take care not to
pinch your fingers.

Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display

1 Set the Power Switch

to “REC” or “PLAY” while
pressing down the Lock
Button located on the
switch.

2 Open the LCD monitor

fully. ( pg. 18)

● To adjust the brightness of

the viewfinder, pull out the
viewfinder fully and set
“PRIORITY” to “FINDER”
( pg. 22, 24).

MENU

3 Press MENU. The

Menu Screen appears. If
you are in Playback mode,
please proceed to Step 5.

4 Press 3 or 4 to select “DISPLAY”, and press

SET or 2. The DISPLAY Menu appears.

5 Press 3 or 4 to select “BRIGHT”, and press

SET or 2. The Menu Screen closes and the
brightness control menu appears.

6 Press 3 or 4 until the appropriate brightness

is reached and press SET or 2.

7 Press MENU. The menu screen closes.

33

33

11

11

44

44

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.

22

22

GETTING STARTED

16 EN

GETTING STARTED

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

The camcorder needs to be powered up to load
or eject a cassette.

Cassette holder

PUSH

Cassette holder
cover

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.

OPEN/EJECT

Make sure the window side
is facing out.

Erase
protection tab

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” to

close the cassette holder.

● Be sure to press only the section labelled “PUSH”
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.

Basic Recording

NOTE:

Before continuing, perform the procedures listed
below:

● Power ( pg. 11)

● Loading A Cassette ( pg. 16)

Zoom Lever

POWER/CHARGE Lamp

Lock Button
Recording Start/Stop Button

1 Remove the lens cap. ( pg. 11)
2 Open the LCD monitor fully.
3 Set the Power Switch to “REC” while pressing

down the Lock Button located on the switch.

● The POWER/CHARGE lamp lights and the
camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode.

“ PAUSE” is displayed.

● To record in LP (Long Play) mode,  pg. 23.

4 To start recording, press the Recording Start/

Stop Button. “ REC” appears on the display
while recording is in progress.

5 To stop recording, press the Recording Start/

Stop Button again. The camcorder re-enters the
Record-Standby mode.

Approximate recording time

Tape

30 min. 30 min. 45 min.

60 min. 60 min. 90 min.

80 min. 80 min. 120 min.

NOTES:

● If the Record-Standby mode continues for
5 minutes and no operation is performed

“ PAUSE” indicator may not appear), the

(
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.

● When a blank portion is left between recorded
scenes on 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” ( pg. 19).

● To turn the melody sounds off,  pg. 22, 24.

Recording mode

SP LP

VIDEO RECORDING

EN

17

Tape Remaining Time

Approximate tape remaining
time appears on the display.
“---min” 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.

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

18 EN

VIDEO RECORDING

LCD Monitor And Viewfinder

While using the LCD monitor:

Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back in. Pull
on the end A of the LCD monitor and open the
LCD monitor fully. It can rotate 270
downward, 180

° upward).

180˚

90˚

While using the viewfinder:

Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and
locked. Pull out the viewfinder fully.

NOTES:

● The image will not appear simultaneously on the
LCD monitor and the viewfinder. 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. ( pg. 22, 24)

● Colored bright spots may appear all over the LCD
monitor or the viewfinder. However, this is not a
malfunction. ( pg. 36)

° (90°

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)

1

x

NOTES:

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

● Zooming is possible to a maximum of 800X, or it
can be switched to 28X magnification using the
optical zoom. ( pg. 23)

● Zoom magnification of over 28X is done through
Digital image processing, and is therefore called
Digital Zoom.

● During Digital zoom, the quality of image may
suffer.

● Macro shooting (as close as approx. 5 cm
the subject) is possible when the Power Zoom
Lever is set all the way to “W”. Also see “TELE
MACRO” in FUNCTION Menu on page 23.

● 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”. ( pg. 23)

10

x

20

x

40

x

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

10

x

Digital zoom zone
28X (optical) zoom zone

Approximate zoom ratio

(2")

to

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
downward, 180

° (90°

°

upward).

Time Code

During recording, a time code is recorded on the
tape. This code is to confirm the location of the
recorded scene on the tape during playback.

Display

Minutes
Seconds

Frames*

12:34:24

* Frames are not displayed during recording.

If recording starts from a blank portion, the time
code begins counting from “00:00:00”
(minute:second:frame). If recording starts from
the end of a previously recorded scene, the time
code continues from the last time code number.
If during recording a blank portion is left partway
through the tape, the time code is interrupted.
When recording is resumed, the time code
starts counting up again from “00:00:00”. This
means the camcorder may record the same time
codes as those existing in a previously recorded
scene. To prevent this, perform Recording From
The Middle Of A Tape ( pg. 19) in the following
cases;

● When shooting again after playing back a
recorded tape.

● When power shuts off during shooting.

● When a tape is removed and re-inserted during

shooting.

● When shooting using a partially recorded tape.

● When shooting on a blank portion located partway

through the tape.

● When shooting again after shooting a scene then
opening/closing the cassette holder cover.

(30 frames = 1 second)

VIDEO RECORDING

EN 19

NOTES:

● The time code cannot be reset.

● During fast-forwarding and rewinding, the time

code indication does not move smoothly.

● The time code is displayed only when “TIME
CODE” is set to “ON”. ( pg. 24)

Quick Review

Enables to check the end of the last recording.

1) Press QUICK REVIEW during the Recording-

Standby mode.

2) Tape is rewound for about several seconds

and played back automatically, then pauses in
the Recording-Standby mode for the next shot.

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

Recording From The Middle Of A Tape

1) Play back a tape or use Blank Search

( pg. 20) to find the spot at which you want to
start recording, then engage the Still Playback
mode. ( pg. 20)

2) Set the Power Switch to “REC” while pressing

down the Lock Button located on the switch,
then start recording.

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

20 EN

A

VIDEO PLAYBACK

Normal Playback

¡¡

¡¡

66

66

11

11

Speaker

7

VOL. +/–

Lock Button

MENU

● During playback, press and hold ¡ or 1. The

search continues as long as you hold the button.
Once you release the button, normal playback
resumes.

● A slight mosaic effect appears on the display

during Shuttle Search. This is not a malfunction.

TTENTION:

During Shuttle Search, parts
of the picture may not be
clearly visible, particularly on
the left side of the screen.

1 Load a cassette. ( pg. 16)
2 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while

pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

3 To start playback, press 6.
4 To stop playback, press 7.

● During Stop mode, press 1 to rewind, or ¡ to
fast-forward the tape.

To control the speaker volume

Slide the Power Zoom Lever (VOL. +/–) towards
“+” to turn up the volume, or towards “–” to turn

down the volume.

NOTES:

● The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD
monitor, viewfinder or on a connected TV.
( pg. 21)

● If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power
is supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off
automatically. To turn on again, set the Power
Switch to “OFF”, then to “PLAY”.

● When a cable is connected to the AV connector,
the sound is not heard from the speaker.

Still Playback

Pauses during video playback.

1) Press 6 during playback.

2) To resume normal playback, press 6 again.

● If still playback continues for more than about
3 minutes, the camcorder’s Stop mode is
automatically engaged.

Shuttle Search

Allows high-speed search in either direction
during video playback.

1) During playback, press ¡ for forward

search, or 1 for reverse search.

2) To resume normal playback, press 6.

Blank Search

Helps you find where you should start recording
in the middle of a tape to avoid time code
interruption. ( pg. 19)

1 Load a cassette. ( pg. 16)
2 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while

pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

3 Press BLANK.

● The “BLANK SEARCH” indication appears and
the camcorder automatically starts reverse or
forward search, then stops at the spot which is
about 3 seconds of tape before the beginning of
the detected blank portion.

● To cancel Blank Search, press 7 or

NOTES:

● Before starting Blank Search, if the current
position is at a blank portion, the camcorder
searches in the reverse direction. If the current
position is at a recorded portion, the camcorder
searches in the forward direction.

● If the beginning or end of the tape is reached
during Blank Search, the camcorder stops
automatically.

● A blank portion which is shorter than 5 seconds of
tape may not be detected.

● The detected blank portion may be located
between recorded scenes. Before you start
recording, make sure there is no recorded scene
after the blank portion.

Playback Snapshot

This camcorder allows you to take snapshots
during video playback.
Press SNAPSHOT.

BLANK.

Connections To A TV Or VCR

To AV

connector

Audio/Video

cable

(provided)

TV

VCR

1Yellow to VIDEO IN (Connect when your TV/

VCR has only A/V input connectors.)

2Red to AUDIO R IN*
3White to AUDIO L IN*

* Not required for watching still images only.

VIDEO PLAYBACK

EN 21

1 Make sure all units are turned off.
2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as

shown in the illustration.

If using a VCR, go to step 3.
If not, go to step 4.

3 Connect the VCR output to the TV input,

referring to your VCR’s instruction manual.

4 Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV.
5 Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set

the TV to its VIDEO mode.

6 Start playback on the camcorder. ( pg. 20)

To choose whether or not the following
displays appear on the connected TV

● Date/Time
Set “DATE/TIME” to “ON” or “OFF”.
( pg. 22, 25)

● Time Code
Set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF”.
( pg. 22, 25)

● Indications other than date/time and time code
Set “ON SCREEN” to “OFF”, “LCD” or “LCD/TV”.
( pg. 22, 25)

NOTES:

÷÷÷÷It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as

the power supply instead of the battery pack.
( pg. 13)

● To monitor the picture and sound from the
camcorder without inserting a tape, set the
camcorder’s Power Switch to “REC”, then set your
TV to the appropriate input mode.

● Make sure you adjust the TV sound volume to its
minimum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound
when the camcorder is turned on.

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

22 EN

Sub Menu

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

Changing The Menu Settings

This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use,
on-screen menu system that simplifies many of
the more detailed camcorder settings.
( pg. 22 – 25)

MENU

1 For Video Recording Menus:

● Set the Power Switch to “REC” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.

● Set the recording mode to “M”.

For Video Playback Menus:

Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.

2 Open the LCD monitor fully. ( pg. 18)
3 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
4 Press 3 or 4 to select the desired function,

and press SET or 2.

Screen for Video
Recording Menu

FUNCT ION

SETTI NG
SYSTEM
DISPLAY

5 Setting procedure hereafter depends on the

selected function.

NOTES:

÷ Press 1 whenever you want to cancel or return

to the previous Menu Screen.

● You cannot enter Menu Screen during recording.

Lock Button

44

44
33

33

Screen for Video
Playback Menu

REC MODE

SOUND MODE
NARRA T I ON
BR I GHT
DA ETT/IME
ON S RCEEN
TIME CODE

SET

( pg. 13)

Video Recording Menus

FUNCTION ( pg. 23)
SETTING ( pg. 23)
SYSTEM ( pg. 24)
DISPLAY ( pg. 24)

1) Press 3 or 4 to select

the desired selection
and press SET or 2. The
Sub Menu appears.

● Example: FUNCTION
Menu

2) Press 3 or 4 to select the desired parameter

and press SET or 2. Selection is complete.

● Repeat the procedure if you wish to set other
function menus.

● The “3” indicator shows the setting that is
currently saved inside the camcorder’s memory.

3) Press MENU. The Menu Screen closes.

Selected parameter

3

indicator

FUNCT ION

WIPE /FADER

EFFECT
PROGRAM
SHUTT ER
EXPOSURE
W.BALANCE
TELE MACRO

OFF
WH I T E
BLACK

AE

SL IDE
SCROL L

Video Playback Menus

REC MODE ( pg. 25)
SOUND MODE ( pg. 25)
NARRATION ( pg. 25)
BRIGHT ( pg. 25)
DATE/TIME ( pg. 25)
ON SCREEN ( pg. 25)
TIME CODE ( pg. 25)

1) The Sub Menu

appears.

● Example: REC MODE
Menu

Press 3 or 4 to select
the desired parameter
and press SET or 2.
Selection is complete.

REC MODE

SOUND MODE
NARRA T I ON
BR I GHT
DA ETT/IME
ON S RCEEN
TIME CODE

● Repeat the procedure if
you wish to set other
function menus.

● The “3” indicator shows the setting that is
currently saved inside the camcorder’s memory.

2) Press MENU. The Menu Screen closes.

Recording Menus

FUNCTION

The menu settings can be changed only when
the Power Switch is set to “REC”.

[ ]

= Factory-preset

WIPE/FADER



pg. 30), “Wipe or Fader Effects”

(

EFFECT

(



pg. 31), “Program AE, Effects and Shutter

Effects”

PROGRAM AE

(



pg. 31), “Program AE, Effects and Shutter

Effects”

SHUTTER



pg. 31), “Program AE, Effects and Shutter

(
Effects”

EXPOSURE

(



pg. 27), “Exposure Control”

W. BALANCE

(



pg. 29), “White Balance Adjustment”

TELE MACRO

[OFF]

: Disables the function.

ON

: When the distance to the subject is less
than 1 m (3.3 ft), set “TELE MACRO” to “ON”.
You can shoot a subject as large as possible at a
distance of approx. 40 cm (1.4 ft).

Depending on the zoom position, the lens may go
out of focus.

SETTING

The menu settings can be changed only when
the Power Switch is set to “REC”.

[ ]

= Factory-preset

REC MODE

[SP]

*: To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode

LP

: Long Play—more economical, providing 1.5

times the recording time.

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

EN

NOTES:

÷

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

●

It is recommended that tapes recorded in the LP
mode on this camcorder be played back on this
camcorder.

●

During playback of a tape recorded on another
camcorder, blocks of noise may appear or there
may be momentary pauses in the sound.

SOUND MODE

[12BIT]

: Enables video recording of stereo
sound on four separate channels. (Equivalent to
the 32 kHz mode of previous models)

16BIT

: Enables video recording of stereo sound
on two separate channels. (Equivalent to the
48 kHz mode of previous models)

DIS

OFF

: Disables the function.

[ON ]

caused by camera-shake, particularly at high
magnification.

: To compensate for unstable images

NOTES:

÷

Accurate stabilization may not be possible if hand
shake is excessive, or depending on the shooting
condition.

●

The “ ” indicator blinks or goes out if the

Stabilizer cannot be used.
Switch off this mode when recording with the
camcorder on a tripod.

ZOOM

[28X]

: When set to “28X” while using digital
zoom, the zoom magnification will reset to 28X
since digital zoom will be disengaged.

56X

: Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By
digitally processing and magnifying images,
zooming is possible from 28X (the optical zoom
limit), to a maximum of 56X digital magnification.

800X

: Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By
digitally processing and magnifying images,
zooming is possible from 28X (the optical zoom
limit), to a maximum of 800X digital
magnification.

23

ADVANCED FEATURES

* SP indicator does not appear on the screen.

24 EN

OFF: Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no

picture brightness adjustment.
[AGC]: The overall appearance may be grainy,
but the image is bright.
AUTO : The shutter speed is automatically
adjusted. Shooting a subject in low or poor
lighting at slow shutter speed provides a brighter
image than in the AGC mode, but the subject’s
movements are not smooth or natural. The
overall appearance may be grainy. While the
shutter speed is being automatically adjusted,
“” is displayed.

[OFF]: Disengages the function.
ON : Helps cut down on noise created by

wind. The “” indicator appears. The quality of
the sound will change. This is normal.

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

GAIN UP

WIND CUT

SYSTEM

The “SYSTEM” functions which are set when
the Power Switch is set to “REC” are also
applied when the Power Switch is set to “PLAY”.

[ ] = Factory-preset

MELODY

OFF: Even though not heard while shooting,

shutter sound is recorded on the tape.
[ON]: A melody sounds when any operation is
performed. It also activates the shutter sound
effect. ( pg. 26)

CAM RESET

EXECUTE: Resets all settings to the factory-

preset.
[RETURN]: Does not reset all settings to the
factory-preset.

PRIORITY

[LCD]: The image is displayed on the LCD

monitor when the viewfinder is pulled out while
the LCD monitor is opened.
FINDER: The image is displayed in the
viewfinder when the viewfinder is pulled out
while the LCD monitor is opened.

DISPLAY

● The menu settings can be changed only when the
Power Switch is set to “REC”.

● The DISPLAY settings except “BRIGHT” and
“LANGUAGE” are effective only for shooting.

[ ] = Factory-preset

BRIGHT

 pg. 15, “Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display”

CLOCK ADJ.

 pg. 14, “Date/Time Settings”

LANGUAGE

[ENGLISH] / FRANÇAIS
ESPAÑOL / PORTUGUÊS

The language setting can be changed.
( pg. 14)

DATE/TIME

[OFF]: The date/time does not appear.
ON: The date/time is always displayed.

ON SCREEN

LCD: Keeps the camcorder’s display (except the

date, time and time code) from appearing on the
connected TV screen.
[LCD/TV]: Makes the camcorder’s display
appear on screen when the camcorder is
connected to a TV.

TIME CODE

[OFF]: Time code is not displayed.
ON: Time code is displayed on the camcorder

and on the connected TV. Frame numbers are
not displayed during recording. ( pg. 19)

DEMO MODE

OFF: Automatic demonstration will not take

place.
[ON]: Demonstrates certain functions such as
Wipe/Fader and Effects, etc., and can be used
to confirm how these functions operate.
Demonstration starts in the following cases:

● When the Menu Screen is closed after “DEMO
MODE” is turned “ON”.

● With “DEMO MODE” set to “ON”, if there is no
operation for about 3 minutes after the Power
Switch is set to “REC”.

● Performing any operation during the
demonstration stops the demonstration
temporarily. If no operation is performed for more
than 3 minutes after that, the demonstration will
resume.

NOTES:

÷ If a cassette is in the camcorder, the

demonstration cannot be turned on.

● “DEMO MODE” remains “ON” even if the
camcorder power is turned off.

● If “DEMO MODE” remains “ON”, some functions
will not be available. After viewing demo, set to
“OFF”.

Playback Menus

[ ] = Factory-preset
SOUND MODE and NARRATION

During tape playback, the camcorder detects the
sound mode in which the recording was made,
and plays the sound back. Select the type of
sound to accompany your playback picture.
According to the menu access explanation on
page 22, select “SOUND MODE” or
“NARRATION” from the Menu Screen and set it
to the desired parameter.

The settings below are effective only for video
playback except “BRIGHT”.

The parameters (except “OFF” in ON SCREEN,
SOUND MODE and NARRATION settings) are the
same as in the description on page 23, 24.

REC MODE [SP]* / LP

Allows you to set the video recording mode (SP
or LP) depending on your preference. It is
recommended you use “REC MODE” in
Playback Menu when using this camcorder as a
recorder during dubbing. ( pg. 32, 33)
*SP indicator does not appear on the screen.

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

EN 25

SOUND MODE

[STEREO ]: Sound is output on both “L” and

“R” channels in stereo.

SOUND L : Sound from the “L” channel is
output.
SOUND R : Sound from the “R” channel is
output.

NARRATION

Although it is not possible to perform audio
dubbing with this camcorder, you can hear
sound from an audio-dubbed tape during
playback using this function.

[OFF]: Original sound is output on both “L” and
“R” channels in stereo.

ON: Dubbed sound is output on both “L” and “R”
channels in stereo.
MIX: Original and dubbed sounds are combined
and output in stereo on both “L” and “R”
channels.

BRIGHT

 pg. 15, “Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display”

DATE/TIME

[OFF]: The date/time does not appear.
ON: The date/time is always displayed.

ON SCREEN OFF / [LCD] / LCD/TV

When set to “OFF”, the camcorder’s display
disappears.

TIME CODE [OFF] / ON

 pg. 19, “Time Code”

ADVANCED FEATURES

26 EN

FEATURES FOR RECORDING

Wide Mode

This camcorder allows you to choose the type of
image output format for recording.

1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”.
2 Press 16:9 button repeatedly to choose your

selection.

4:3 16:9

[4:3]: Records with no change in the screen
ratio. For playback on a TV with a normal screen
ratio. When using this mode on a TV with a
normal screen ratio, refer to your TV’s instruction
manual.

16:9: For playback on TVs with an aspect

ratio of 16:9. Naturally expands the image to fit
the screen without distortion. The indicator
appears. When using this mode, refer to your
wide-screen TV’s instruction manual. During
playback/recording on 4:3 TVs/LCD monitor/
viewfinder, the image is elongated vertically.
[ ] = Factory-preset

Night-Alive

Makes dark subjects or areas even brighter than
they would be under good natural lighting.
Although the recorded image is not grainy, it may
look as if it is strobing due to the slow shutter
speed.

1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”.
2 Set the recording mode to “
3 Press NIGHT so that the Night-Alive indicator

“” appears.

● The shutter speed is automatically adjusted to

provide up to 30 times sensitivity.

● “” appears beside “” while the shutter speed

is being automatically adjusted.

To deactivate Night-Alive

Press NIGHT again so that the Night-Alive
indicator disappears.

M

”. ( pg. 13)

NOTES:

÷ During Night-Alive, “GAIN UP” or “DIS” in

SETTING Menu ( pg. 23) cannot be activated.

● Night-Alive cannot be activated simultaneously
with “SNOW” or “SPORTS” of “PROGRAM AE”, or
all modes of “SHUTTER”. ( pg. 31)

● During Night-Alive, it may be difficult to bring the
camcorder into focus. To prevent this, use of a
tripod is recommended.

Snapshot (Record Still Image On
Tape)

This feature lets you record still images that look
like photographs onto a tape.

1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”.
2 Press SNAPSHOT.

● There is the sound effect of a shutter closing.

PHOTO

● The “
will be recorded for approx. 5 seconds, then the
camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

● You can perform Snapshot also during recording.
A still image will be recorded for approx.
5 seconds, then the normal recording resumes.

● Snapshot mode cannot be used when the 16:9
Wide mode (
( pg. 26)

Motor Drive Mode

Keeping SNAPSHOT pressed in step 2 provides
an effect similar to serial photography. (Interval
between still images: approx. 1 second)

” indication appears and a still image

16:9 indicator) is selected.

FEATURES FOR RECORDING

EN 27

Manual Focus

The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers
continuous shooting ability from close-up (as
close as approx. 5 cm (2") to the subject) to
infinity.
However, correct focus may not be obtained
depending on the shooting condition. In this
case, use the manual focus mode.

1 Set the Power Switch to

“REC”.

2 Set the recording mode

to “M”.

( pg. 13)

3 Press FOCUS. The

manual focus indicator
appears.

4 Press 2 or 1 to focus

on a subject.

● When the focus level cannot be adjusted any
further or closer, “” or “” will blink.

5 Press SET. Focus adjustment is complete.

To reset to Auto Focus
Press FOCUS twice.

Manual focus is recommended in situations
listed below.

● When two subjects overlap in the same scene.

● When illumination is low.*

● When the subject has no contrast (difference in

brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one­color wall, or a clear, blue sky.*

● When a dark object is barely visible in the LCD
monitor or the viewfinder.*

● When the scene contains minute patterns or
identical patterns that are regularly repeated.

● When the scene is affected by sunbeams or light
reflecting off the surface of a body of water.

● When shooting a scene with a high-contrast
background.

* The following low-contrast warnings appear

blinking: , , and .

Manual focus

indicator

Exposure Control

Manual exposure control is recommended in the
following situations:

● When shooting using reverse lighting or when the
background is too bright.

● When shooting on a reflective natural background
such as at the beach or when skiing.

● When the background is overly dark or the subject
is bright.

1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”.
2 Set the recording mode to “
3 Set “EXPOSURE” to “MANUAL” in

FUNCTION Menu. ( pg. 22)

● The exposure control menu appears.

4 To brighten the image, press 3. To darken the

image, press 4. (maximum ±6)

● +3 exposure has the same effect as the backlight
compensation. ( pg. 28)

● –3 exposure has the same effect as when
“PROGRAM AE” is set to “SPOTLIGHT”.

( pg. 31)

5 Press SET or 2. Exposure adjustment is

complete.

To return to automatic exposure control

Select “AUTO” in step 3.

NOTES:

÷ You cannot use the manual exposure control at

the same time when “PROGRAM AE” is set to
“SPOTLIGHT” or “SNOW” ( pg. 31), or with the
backlight compensation.

● If the adjustment does not cause any visible
change in brightness, set “GAIN UP” to “AUTO”.
( pg. 22, 24)

M

”. ( pg. 13)

ADVANCED FEATURES