JVC GR-D372U 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 – 5 to ensure safe use of this
product.

ENGLISH

GR-D372U

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

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA
(D.S.C.) 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.

8

19

24

29

42

51

INSTRUCTIONS

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



pg. 29, 32)

LYT1624-001A

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.

●

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.

●

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.)

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

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.

3

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.

Before Using This Camcorder

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

Make sure you only use memory cards with the
mark or .

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.

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 47 – 49.

●

Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered
trademarks 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.

EN

5

6

EN

Major Features of this Camcorder

Wipe/Fader Effects

You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make
pro-style scene transitions. ( pg. 37)

Fade in

Fade out

Program AE, Effects and Shutter Effects

For example, “SPORTS” mode allows fast­moving images to be captured one frame at a
time, for vivid, stable slow-motion. ( pg. 38)

LED Light

You can brighten the subject in the dark place
with the LED Light. ( pg. 33)

Backlight Compensation

Simply pressing the
brightens the image darkened by backlight.
( pg. 36)

●

You can also select a spot metering area
so that more precise exposure
compensation is available. ( pg. 36, Spot
Exposure Control)

BACKLIGHT

button

Data Battery

You can check the battery status by simply
pressing the

DATA

button. ( pg. 14)

BATTERY CONDITION

100%

50%

0%

MAX TIME

LCD

FINDER

min

min

Live Slow

You can record and play back precious or
hard-to-see moments at a slow speed. The
sound is recorded and played back in real
time. ( pg. 33)

Auto Button

You can change the recording mode between
manual setting to the standard mode setting
of the camcorder by pressing the
button.

AUTO

AUTO

MAN UAL

GETTING STARTED 8

Index................................................................. 8

Provided Accessories..................................... 12

Power ............................................................. 13

Operation Mode.............................................. 15

Language Settings.......................................... 16

Date/Time Settings......................................... 16

Grip Adjustment.............................................. 16

Viewfinder Adjustment.................................... 17

Brightness Adjustment Of The Display........... 17

Tripod Mounting.............................................. 17

Loading/Unloading A Cassette....................... 18

Loading/Unloading A Memory Card ............... 18

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 19

VIDEO RECORDING ...........................................19

Basic Recording ............................................. 19

Tape Remaining Time ................................ 19

LCD Monitor And Viewfinder ...................... 19

Zooming...................................................... 20

Journalistic Shooting .................................. 20

Time Code.................................................. 20

Quick Review.............................................. 21

Recording From The Middle Of A Tape...... 21

VIDEO PLAYBACK ............................................. 21

Normal Playback ............................................ 21

Still Playback .............................................. 21

Shuttle Search............................................ 22

Blank Search .............................................. 22

Connections To A TV Or VCR........................ 23

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING
& PLAYBACK 24

D.S.C. RECORDING............................................ 24

Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot) ................. 24

D.S.C. PLAYBACK .............................................. 24

Normal Playback Of Images........................... 24

Auto Playback Of Images............................... 25

Index Playback Of Files.................................. 25

Removing On-Screen Display ........................25

ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. ....................26

Resetting The File Name................................ 26

Protecting Files............................................... 26

Deleting Files.................................................. 27

Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) ....... 27

Initializing A Memory Card.............................. 28

CONTENTS

EN

ADVANCED FEATURES 29

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT..................29

Changing The Menu Settings......................... 29

Recording Menus ........................................... 30

Playback Menus ............................................. 32

FEATURES FOR RECORDING............................... 33

LED Light........................................................ 33

Live Slow ........................................................33

Wide Mode ..................................................... 33

Night-Alive ......................................................33

Snapshot (Record Still Image On Tape)......... 34

Manual Focus................................................. 34

Exposure Control............................................ 35

Iris Lock ..........................................................35

Backlight Compensation................................. 36

Spot Exposure Control ................................... 36

White Balance Adjustment ............................. 36

Manual White Balance Adjustment................. 37

Wipe Or Fader Effects.................................... 37

Program AE, Effects And Shutter Effects....... 38

EDITING............................................................ 39

Dubbing To A VCR......................................... 39

Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With

A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing).............. 40

Connection To A Personal Computer............. 41

REFERENCES 42

TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................... 42

USER MAINTENANCE ......................................... 46

CAUTIONS ........................................................47

SPECIFICATIONS................................................ 50

TERMS 51

7

8

Index

GETTING STARTED

EN

16:9

Controls

1

Rewind Button [1
Left Button [
Quick Review Button [QUICK REVIEW]
(



pg. 21)

2

Set Button [SET] ( pg. 16)
Data Battery Button [DATA] (

3

Stop Button [7
Down Button [
Backlight Compensation
Button [BACKLIGHT]

4

VIDEO/MEMORY Switch ( pg. 15)

5

Play/Pause Button [6
Up Button [
Manual Focus Button [FOCUS] (

6

Wide (16:9) Button [16.9] (
Blank Search [BLANK] ( pg. 22)

7Menu Button [MENU] ( pg. 29)
8Fast-Forward Button [¡] ( pg. 21)

Right Button [2]
Night Button [NIGHT] ( pg. 33)

9Index Button [INDEX] ( pg. 25)

LED Light Button [LIGHT]

!Diopter Adjustment Control ( pg. 17)
"Auto Button [AUTO] ( pg. 15)
#Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT]

( pg. 24, 34)
Live Slow Button ( pg. 29, 33)

$Power Zoom Lever [T/W] ( pg. 20)

Speaker Volume Control [VOL. +, –]
( pg. 21)

%Battery Release Button [PUSH BATT.]

( pg. 13)

&Recording Start/Stop Button ( pg. 19)
(Power Switch [REC, PLAY, OFF] ( pg. 15)
)Lock Button ( pg. 15)
~Cassette Open/Eject Switch [OPEN/EJECT]

( pg. 18)

1

]

] ( pg. 21)

4

]

3

]

] ( pg. 21)



] ( pg. 21)

 pg. 33)

pg. 14)



pg. 34)

Connectors

The connectors are located beneath the covers.
+USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connector

( pg. 41)

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

( pg. 40, 41)

* i.LINK refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry

specification and extensions thereof. The logo
is used for products compliant with the i.LINK
standard.

-Audio/Video Output Connector [AV]
( pg. 23, 39)

.DC Input Connector [DC] ( pg. 13)

GETTING STARTED

Indicators

ç

POWER/CHARGE Lamp ( pg. 13, 19)

Other Parts

é

LCD Monitor ( pg. 19, 20)

è

Viewfinder ( pg. 17)

ê

Card Cover [ ] ( pg. 18)

ë

Battery Pack Mount ( pg. 13)

í

Shoulder Strap Eyelet ( pg. 12)

ì

Grip Strap ( pg. 16)

î

Speaker ( pg. 21)

ï

Lens

ñ

LED Light

ó

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

ò

Stereo Microphone

ô

Stud Hole ( pg. 17)

ö

Tripod Mounting Socket ( pg. 17)

õ

Cassette Holder Cover ( pg. 18)

ú

Memory Card Slot

EN

9

GETTING STARTED

10 EN

GETTING STARTED

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

During Video Recording Only

2

4

35

1

LP

"

SOUND12BIT

!

1Tape Running Indicator ( pg. 19)

(Rotates while tape is running.)

2Selected Wide Mode Indicator ( pg. 33)
3 : Live Slow Indicator ( pg. 33)
4Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) ( pg. 30)

(only LP indicator is displayed)

5Tape Remaining Time ( pg. 19)
6REC: (Appears during recording.) ( pg. 19)

PAUSE: (Appears during Record-Standby
mode.) ( pg. 19)

SLOW

: (Appears when using Live Slow.)

( pg. 33)

7Selected Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator

( pg. 37)

8Date/Time ( pg. 31)
9Time Code ( pg. 31, 32)
!Digital Image Stabilizer (“DIS”) ( pg. 30)
"SOUND 12BIT/16BIT: Sound Mode Indicator

( pg. 30) (Appears for approx. 5 seconds
after turning on the camcorder.)

16:9

15:55

9 8

D

During D.S.C. Recording Only

640

1Image Size: 640 (640 x 480) ( pg. 32)
2Picture Quality: (FINE) and

(STANDARD) (in order of quality) ( pg. 32)

3Remaining Number Of Shots ( pg. 24)

(Displays the approximate remaining number
of shots that can be stored during D.S.C.
recording.)

– – –min

PAUSE

:611.3

1

C0

2A0

E

.

32

6

W

H

7

M
6

51

During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording

1Battery Remaining Power Indicator

( pg. 44)

2Operation Mode ( pg. 15)

A

: Auto Mode

M

: Manual Mode

3LED Light Indicator ( pg. 33)
4 : Night-Alive Indicator ( pg. 33)

: Gain Up Mode ( pg. 31)

5Shutter Speed
6White Balance Indicator ( pg. 36)
7Selected Effect Indicator
8Selected Program AE Indicator ( pg. 38)
9Approximate Zoom Ratio ( pg. 20)
!Zoom Indicator ( pg. 20)
"Shooting Icon ( pg. 24)

(Appears and blinks during shooting.)

#Card Icon ( pg. 24)

: 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.

$

PHOTO

: (Appears when taking Snapshot.)

( pg. 24, 34)

% : Spot Exposure Control Indicator

( pg. 36)

: Backlight Compensation Indicator
( pg. 36)
±: Exposure Adjustment Indicator ( pg. 35)
Iris Lock Indicator ( pg. 35)

&Wind Cut Indicator ( pg. 31)
(Date ( pg. 16)
)Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator

( pg. 34)

During Video Playback

21

BIT

1L2

2 0 :/2M

I

X

GETTING STARTED

EN 11

During D.S.C. Playback

4

3

LP

5

1

100-0013

BLANK SEARCH

PUSH "STOP" BUTTON

1Battery Remaining Power Indicator

2Sound Mode Indicator ( pg. 32)
3Blank Search Indicator ( pg. 22)
4Tape Speed (SP/LP) ( pg. 32)

53: Playback

6Date/Time ( pg. 32)
7VOLUME: Volume Level Indicator ( pg. 21)

8Time Code ( pg. 32)

8

( pg. 44)

(only LP indicator is displayed)

¡

: Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search

1: Rewind/Shuttle Search
8: Pause
8 3: Forward Frame-By-Frame Playback/

Slow-Motion
2 8: Reverse Frame-By-Frame Playback/
Slow-Motion

BRIGHT: Brightness Control Indicator (LCD
monitor/Viewfinder) ( pg. 17)

D E C

TO CANCEL

O

L

U

V

M

E

1

:

2

5

7

1.11.320A

:

6

6

M
6

0

BRIGHT

– 5

3 2

1Folder/File Number ( pg. 25)
2Operation Mode Indicator ( pg. 25)
3Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/

Viewfinder) ( pg. 17).

GETTING STARTED

12 EN

Stopper

GETTING STARTED

Provided Accessories

OR

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 USB Cable
5 Core Filter (for USB cable, see the right

column for attachment)

6 CD-ROM
7 Shoulder Strap (see the right column for

attachment)

8 Lens Cap (see the bottom for attachment)

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.

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.

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.

Strap guide

1

Eyelet

How To Attach The Core Filter

Attach the core filters to the cables. The core
filter reduces interference.

2

Buckle

2

3

1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the

core filter.

2 Run the cable through the core filter, leaving

approx. 3 cm (1-3/16
cable plug and the core filter.
Wind the cable once around the outside of the
core filter as shown in the illustration.

3 cm (1/3-1/16")

") of cable between the

Core filter

Wind once.

3 Close the core filter until it clicks shut.

Place here during

shooting.

NOTES:

● Take care not to damage the cable.

● When connecting a cable, attach the end with the

core filter to the camcorder.

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

Arrow

To DC connector

To AC outlet

1

2

Power switch

AC Adapter

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.

BATT.

POWER/
CHARGE
lamp

GETTING STARTED

EN 13

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 a fully charged battery pack is attached to the
unit, the POWER/CHARGE lamp does not blink to
indicate that charging is not performed.

● 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 has elapsed in Record-Standby
mode with the cassette inserted and no operation
is performed (“PAUSE” indicator may not 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.

GETTING STARTED

14 EN

A

GETTING STARTED

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.

• 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.

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. 3 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.

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.

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

Lock Button

AUTO

MENU

POWER/
CHARGE lamp

Power Switch

GETTING STARTED

EN 15

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 :

You can record using no special effects or
manual adjustments.

Manual Mode :

Manual recording is possible by setting various
functions.

A

M

Choose the appropriate operation mode
according to your preference using the Power
Switch and VIDEO/MEMORY Switch.

Power Switch Position

REC:

● Allows you to perform recording on the tape.

● Allows you to set various recording functions
using the menus. ( pg. 29)

OFF:

Allows you to switch off the camcorder.

PLAY:

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

● 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. ( pg. 29)

VIDEO/MEMORY Switch Position

VIDEO:

Allows you to record on a tape or play back a
tape. If “REC SELECT” is set to “ / ”
( pg. 32), 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.

AUTO

MAN UAL

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.

GETTING STARTED

16 EN

GETTING STARTED

Language Settings

The language on the display can be changed.
( pg. 29, 31)

1 Set the Power Switch to “REC” while pressing

down the Lock Button located on the switch.

2 Open the LCD monitor fully. ( pg. 19)
3 Set the recording mode to “
4 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
5 Press 3, 4, 2 or 1 to

select “DISPLAY”, and
press SET. The DISPLAY
Menu appears.

6 Press 3, 4, 2 or 1 to

select “LANGUAGE”, and
press SET.

7 Press 3 or 4 to select

the desired language,
and press SET or 2.

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

8 Press MENU. The

Menu Screen closes.

M

”.( pg. 15)

LANGUAGE

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH
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. 31, 32)

1 Perform steps 1 – 5 in “Language Settings”

(on the left column)

2 Press 3, 4, 2 or 1 to select “CLOCK ADJ.”,

and press SET. 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.

O

MNTH

CLOCK ADJ

DATE YEAR..

DEC70

62006

..

0:05

.

12h

AM

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.

GETTING STARTED

EN 17

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

33

BRIGHT

– 5

33

22

22

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. 19)

● To adjust the brightness of

the viewfinder, pull out the
viewfinder fully and set
“PRIORITY” to “FINDER”
( pg. 29, 31).

3 Press MENU. The

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

11

11

44

44

MENU

4 Press 3, 4, 2 or 1 to select “DISPLAY”, and

press SET. The DISPLAY Menu appears.

5 Press 3, 4, 2 or 1 to select “BRIGHT”, and

press SET. 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.

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.

GETTING STARTED

18 EN

A

GETTING STARTED

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

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

OPEN/EJECT

PUSH

Cassette holder

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” to

close the cassette holder.

● Be sure to press only the section labeled “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.

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

Write/erase protection tab

1 Make sure the camcorder’s power is off.
2 Open the card cover ( ).
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. ( pg. 28)

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.

Card Cover ( )

Memory card

(optional)

Clipped edge

Basic Recording

n

NOTE:

Before continuing, perform the procedures listed
below:

● Power ( pg. 13)

● Loading A Cassette ( pg. 18)

VIDEO/MEMORY
Zoom Lever

POWER/CHARGE Lamp

Lock Button

Recording Start/Stop Butto

1 Remove the lens cap. ( pg. 12)
2 Open the LCD monitor fully.
3 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
4 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. 30.

5 To start recording, press the Recording Start/

Stop Button. “ 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
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.

Recording mode

SP LP

VIDEO RECORDING

● 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

 pg. 21).

A Tape” (

● To turn the melody sounds off,  pg. 31.

EN

19

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.

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.

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

 pg. 29, 31)

Menu. (

● Colored bright spots may appear all over the LCD

monitor or the viewfinder. However, this is not a
malfunction. (

 pg. 43)

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

20 EN

VIDEO RECORDING

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. 34), then zoom in or out in Record mode.

(

● Zooming is possible to a maximum of 900X, or it

can be switched to 32X magnification using the
optical zoom. (

● Zoom magnification of over 32X 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 FUNCTION Menu on page 30.

● 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”. (

10

x

20

x

40

x

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

10

x

Digital zoom zone

32X (optical) zoom zone

Approximate zoom ratio

 pg. 30)

 pg. 30)

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).

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. 21) 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)

NOTES:

S

● 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. 32)

Quick Review

Enables to check the end of the last recording.

1) Press QUICK REVIEW during the Recording­Standby 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. 22) to find the spot at which you want to
start recording, then engage the Still Playback
mode. (See the right column.)

2) Set the Power Switch to “REC” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch,
then start recording.

VIDEO PLAYBACK

EN 21

Normal Playback

¡¡

¡¡

66

66

11

11

peaker

VIDEO/
MEMORY

7

1 Load a cassette. ( pg. 18)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while

pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

4 To start playback, press 6.
5 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. 23)

(

● 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.

VOL. +/–

Lock Button

MENU

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK