JVC GR-D390US, GR-D375US, GR-D371US, GR-D395US Owner’s Manual

JVC

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

GR D396U

Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for
Digital Video Camera:

For Accessories:

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

GETTINGSTARTED 8

VIDEORECORDING&

PLAYBACK 19

DIGITALSTILL CAMERA
(D.S.C.) RECORDING&

PLAYBACK 26

ADVANCEDFEATURES 31

REFERENCES 46

INSTRUCTIONS

Mini _r NTSC

MdtiMediaCard

TERMS 55

For Customer Use:

Enter below the Model No. and
Serial No. which is located on the
bottom of the camcorder. Retain this
information for future reference.
Model No.

Serial No.

To deactivate the demonstration,
set ,DEMO MODE" to 'OFF".

( pg.31, 34)

LYT1590-001A

2 EN

• 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 't
heads may be dirty. We 1

cleaningreC°mmendperiodicallYthevideo 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 MI_'"
and memory cards marked ._"_" or

"lFMtilFlediaCard" 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 5O°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.

SAFETYPRECAUTIONS

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (ORBACK).

NO USER_SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triang[e, is intended to alert the user to the

presence of uninsul_ed "dangerous voftage" wit hin the
produ_'s endo_ure th_ may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of elect ric shock to persons.

EN 3

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.

///_ The exclamation point wit hin an equi[ofera[ t riang[e is

intended to alert the user to the presence of importarlt
operating and maintenance (servicing) instrucfions in

the literat ure accompanying the appliance.

WARNING:TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNITTO

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.)

Caution on Replaceable lithium battery
The battery used in this device may present a fire

or chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C

(212°F) or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita

Electric), Sanyo Sony or Maxell CR2025.
Danger of explosion or Risk of fire if the battery is

incorrectly replaced.

• Dispose of used battery promptly.

• Keep away from children.

• Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in
fire.

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 cameorder by the viewfinder and/or the LCD

monitor can result indropping 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 cameorder, 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.

IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS

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.

BeforeUsingThisCamcorder

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

Make sure you only use memory cards with the

mark ,=_'_ or MultilFlediaCard.

This camcorder is designed exclusively for the
digital video cassette, SD Memory Card and

MultiMediaCard. Only cassettes marked "M_°_|]kT"

and memory cards marked "_m_l_." or

MuItiMediaCard" 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 camcerder 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 camcerder 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 51 -53.

• 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

Wipe/FaderEffects

You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make

pro-style scene transitions. (_ pg. 40)

ProgramAE,EffectsandShutterEffects

For example, "SPORTS" mode allows fast-
moving images to be captured one frame at a

time, for vivid, stable slow-motion. (_1 pg. 41)

LEDLight

You can brighten the subject in the dark place
with the LED Light.( , pg. 36)

BacklightCompensation

Simply pressing the BACKLIGHT button
brightens the image darkened by backlight.

(_ pg. 39)

• You can also select a spot metering area so
that more precise exposure compensation
is available. (_1 pg. 39, Spot Exposure

Control)

DataBattery

You can check the battery status by simply
pressing the DATA button. (r pg. 14)

LiveSlow

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. (:_1pg. 36)

AutoButton

You can change the recording mode between
manual setting to the standard mode setting

of the camcorder by pressing the AUTO
button.

GETTINGSTARTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grip Adjustment .............................................. 17

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEORECORDING&PLAYBACK 19

VIDEORECORDING...........................................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

VIDEOPLAYBACK.............................................21

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

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

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

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

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

Playback Using The Remote Control ............. 24

DIGITALSTILLCAMERA(D.S.C.)RECORDING

& PLAYBACK 26

D.S.C.RECORDING............................................26

Basic Shooting (D,SC Snapshot) ......... 26

D.S.C.PLAYBACK..............................................27

Normal Playback Of Images .......................... 27

Auto Playback Of images ............................... 27

Index Playback Of Files .................................. 27

Removing On-Screen Display ........................ 27

ADDITIONALFEATURESFORD.S.C.....................28

Resetting The File Name ................................ 28

Protecting Files ............................................... 28

Deleting Files .................................................. 29

Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) ....... 29

Initializing A Memory Card .............................. 30

CONTENTSEN7

ADVANCEDFEATURES 31

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT.................. 31

Changing The Menu Settings ......................... 31

Recording Menus ............................................ 32

Playback Menus ............................................. 35

FEATURESFOR RECORDING............................... 36

LED Light ........................................................ 36

Live Slow ........................................................ 36

Wide Mode ...................................................... 36

Night-Alive ...................................................... 37

Snapshot (Record Still Image On Tape) ......... 37

Manual Focus ................................................. 37

Exposure Control ............................................ 38

Iris Lock .......................................................... 38

Backlight Compensation ................................. 39

Spot Exposure Control .................................... 39

White Balance Adjustment .............................. 39

Manual White Balance Adjustment ................. 40

Wipe Or Fader Effects .................................... 40

Program AE, Effects And Shutter Effects ....... 41

EDITING............................................................ 42

Dubbing To A VCR ......................................... 42

Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With

A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing) .............. 43

Connection To A Personal Computer ............. 44

Audio Dubbing ................................................ 45

Insert Editing ................................................... 45

REFERENCES 46

TROUBLESHOOTING..........................................46

USERMAINTENANCE.........................................50

CAUTIONS........................................................51

SPECIFICATIONS................................................54

TERMS 55

8 EN GETTINGSTARTED

| Index

[]

@

Controls

(_Rewind Button [<14] ( pg. 21)

Left Button [<]
Quick Review Button [QUICK REVIEW]

(_ pg.21)

(_Set Button [SET] (pg. 16)

Data Battery Button [DATA] ( pg. 14)

_)Stop Button [11] ( pg. 21)

Down Button [v]
Backlight Compensation

Button [BACKUGHT]

_VIDEO/MEMORY Switch ( "pg. 15)
(5_Play/Pause Button [_-/ll] ( -pg. 21 )

Up Button [A]
Manual Focus Button [FOCUS] ( pg. 37)

(G_Wide (16:9) Button [16.9] (:" pg. 36)

Blank Search [BLANK] ( pg. 22)

(_Menu Button [MENU] (_ pg. 31)
(8_Fast-Forward Button [1_1_] (pg.21)

Right Button D]

Night Button [NIGHT] ( pg. 37)

_)lndex Button [INDEX] (pg.27)

LED Light Button [LIGHT]

@Diopter Adjustment Control (:: pg. 17)
@Auto Button [AUTO] ( pg. 15)

l_2_Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT]

( pg.26, 37)
Live Slow Button (: pg. 31,36)

@Power Zoom Lever [T/W] ( pg. 20)

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

_4_Battery Release Button [PUSH BATT.]

(pg. 13)

@Recording Start/Stop Button ( "pg. 19)
l_¢Power Switch [REC, PLAY, OFF] ( "pg. 15)

@Lock Button ( pg. 15)
@Cassette Open/Eject Switch [OPEN/EJECT]

( pg. 18)

Connectors

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

( pg. 44)

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

( pg.43, 44)

* 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, 42)

_)DC Input Connector [DC] ( pg. 13)

GETTINGSTARTED EN 9

Indicators

_POWER/CHARGE Lamp ( pg. 13, 19)

OtherParts

_IILCD Monitor (pg. 19, 20)
mViewfinder (_ pg. 17)

_t_lOard Cover [[_] (pg. 18)
mBatteryPackMount( "pg. 13)

_lShoulder Strap Eyelet ( " pg. 12)
I_Grip Strap ( pg. 17)

mSpeaker("pg.21)
mLens

_'_1LED Light
_lOamera Sensor

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

mStereo Microphone
_'_Stud Hole ( pg. 17)

[_JTripod Mounting Socket (pg. 17)
mCassette Holder Cover ( pg. 18)

[_JMemory Card Slot

10 EN GETTINGSTARTED

LCDMonitor/ViewfinderIndications DuringBothVideoAndD.S.C.Recording

DuringVideoRecordingOnly

_Battery Remaining Power Indicator

(_Tape Running Indicator (- pg. 19)

(Rotates while tape is running.)

(_Selected Wide Mode Indicator ( pg. 36)
(_: Live Slow Indicator ( "pg. 36)

(_Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) (pg. 32)

(only LP indicator is displayed)

(_Tape Remaining Time ( "pg. 19)
(6_REC:(Appears during recording.) ( pg. 19)

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

_7_Selected Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator

( - pg. 40)

_)Date/Time ( pg. 34)
_)Time Code ( pg. 34)

@Digital Image Stabilizer ("DIS") ( pg. 32)
_I_SOUND 12BIT/16BIT: Sound Mode Indicator

( - pg. 32) (Appears for approx. 5 seconds
after turning on the camcorder.)

DuringD.S.C.RecordingOnly

_lmageSize:640(640x480)("pg.26)
(_Picture Quality: r_ (FINE) and

(STANDARD) (in order of quality) ( pg. 34)

_)Remaining Number Of Shots (pg.26)

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

recording.)

@Operation Mode ( pg. 15)

[] : Auto Mode

: Manual Mode
_LED Light Indicator ( pg. 36)
_)E: Night-Alive Indicator (:- pg. 37)

÷!_'A: Gain Up Mode ( - pg. 33)

_Shutter Speed
_White Balance Indicator ( "pg. 39)

(-7)Selected Effect Indicator
_Selected Program AE Indicator ( pg. 41)

_Approximate Zoom Ratio (pg.20)
@Zoom Indicator ( pg. 20)

l_l_Shooting Icon (pg.26)

(Appears and blinks during shooting.)

l_2_Cardlcon(-pg.26)

[]: Appears during shooting.
_: Blinks in white when a memory card is
not loaded.

I_]: Blinks in yellow while the camcorder is
reading the data in the memory card.

@PHOTO: (Appears when taking Snapshot.)

(-pg.26,37)

SLOW: (Appears when using Live Slow.)

( pg. 36)

_4_r_: spot Exposure Control Indicator

( "pg. 39)
I'_1: Backlight Compensation Indicator

( "pg. 39)
_+:Exposure Adjustment Indicator (pg.38)

Iris Lock Indicator ( - pg. 38)
@Wind Cut Indicator (:" pg. 33)
l_¢Date( "pg. 16)

l_Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator

( "pg. 37)

DuringVideoPlayback

_Battery Remaining Power Indicator
(_)Sound Mode Indicator (pg.35)

_Blank Search Indicator ( pg. 22)
(_l_Tape Speed (SP/LP) ( - pg. 35)

(only LP indicator is displayed)

(5) I_: Playback

D,-_,-:Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search

-,q141:Rewind/Shuttle Search
I1: Pause
II I_: Forward Frame-By-Frame Playback/

Slow-Motion
_1 I1: Reverse Frame-By-Frame Playback/

Slow-Motion

: Audio Dubbing

I1_ : Audio Dubbing Pause
_Date/Time('pg.35)
(-7_VOLUME: Volume Level Indicator ( "pg. 21)

BRIGHT: Brightness Control Indicator (LCD

monitor/Viewfinder) (pg. 17)
_)TimeCode(-pg.35)

GETTINGSTARTEDEN 1 1

DuringD.S.C.Playback

_Folder/File Number (: pg.27)
(_Operation Mode Indicator ( - pg. 27)

(_Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/

Viewfinder) ( - pg. 17)

12 ENGETTINGSTARTED

| ProvidedAccessories

d_

OR

® ® ®

® ® ®

® ® @

AC Adapter AP-V14U or AP-V18U

Battery Pack BN-VF707U (X 2)

_) Audio/Video Cable (03.5 mini-plug to RCA

plug)
USB Cable

_5_ Core Filter (for USB cable, pg. 13 for

attachment)

_._ CD-ROM
(_ Remote Control Unit RM-V720U

(8_ Lithium Battery CR2025" (for remote control

unit)

_ Shoulder Strap (see the right column for

attachment)
Lens Cap (see the right column for

attachment)

* A lithium battery is pre-installed in the Remote

Control Unit at time of shipment (with insulation
sheet). To use the Remote Control Unit, remove

the insulation sheet.

NOTES:

• In order to maintain optimum performance of the
camcorder, provided cables may be equipped with

one or more core filter. If a cable has only one core
filter, the end that is closest to the filter should be

connected to the camcorder.

• Make sure to use the provided cables for
connections. Do not use any other cables.

HowToAttachTheLensCap

To protect the lens, attach
the provided lens cap to the

camcorder as shown in the
illustration.

NOTE:

To confirm the lens cap is on
correctly make sure the cap is

flush to the camcorder.

Place here during

shooting.

HowToAttachTheShoulderStrap

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 -f 2

Eyelet

Buckle

HowToAttachTheCoreFilter

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

1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the

core filter.

Stopper

2 Run the cable through the core filter, leaving

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

Core filter

Wind once

3 Close the core filter until it clicks shut.

NOTES:

• Take care not to damage the cable.

• When connecting a cable, attach the end with the
core filter to the camcorder.

GETTINGSTARTEDEN 13

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.

ChargingTheBatteryPack

Battery pack mount

Battery
pack

Arrow POWER/

To DC connector

_ Power switch

To AC outlet

Adapter

BATT.

CHARGE

lamp

1Set 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 (_).

3 Slide down the battery pack until it locks in
place (_).

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.

CONTINUEDONNEXTPAGE

14 ENGETTXNGSTARTED

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 BN-
VF707U/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 ifthe 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.

UsingTheBatteryPack

Perforrn steps 2 - 3 in "Charging Tile Battery
Pack".

Maximum continuous recording time

Battery pack

BN-VF707U*
BN-VF714U

BN-VF733U

Provided

LCD monitor

on

1 hr. 30 rain. 1 hr. 40 rain.

3 hrs. 3 hrs.25 min.
7 hrs. 8 hrs.

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.

ATTENTION:

Before detacl-fing the power source make sure that
the camcorder's power is turned off. Failure to do so

can result in a camcorder malfunction.

DataBatterySystem

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

t) 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.

UsingACPower

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

240V,

AboutBatteries

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.

II OperationMode

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.

Lock Button

AUTO

POWER/
CHARGElamp

I ME.U

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

GETTINGSTARTEDEN 15

Power Switch Position

REC:

• Allows you to perform recording on the tape.

• Allows you to set various recording functions
using the menus.( pg. 32)

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. 31)

VIDEO/MEMORY Switch Position

VIDEO:

Allows you to record on a tape or play back a
tape. If "REC SELECT" is set to "_l,r'_l/_l_l"

(: pg. 34), still images are recorded both on
the tape and the memory card.

MEMORY:

• Allows you to record in a memory card or
access data stored in a memory card.

• When the Power Switch is set to "REC", the
currently selected image size appears.

Auto/ManualMode

Press AUTO button repeatedly to switch to auto/
manual recording mode. When manual mode is

selected, the indicator "_" 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.

16 EN GETTINGSTARTED
Power-LinkedOperation

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.

II LanguageSettings

Tile language on tile display can be changed.

(pg.31,34)

1 Setthe 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'_".( pg. 15)

4 Press MENU.The Menu Screen appears.

5 Press A, v, > or < to

select "DISPLAY", and

press SET. The DISPLAY
Menu appears.

6 Press A, V, > or < to
select "LANGUAGE", and

press SET.
7 Press A or V to select

the desired language, and

press SET or >.

• Press < whenever you
want to return to the

previous menu screen.

8 Press MENU.The
Menu Screen closes.

| Date/TimeSettings

The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all
times, but its display can be turned on or off

during playback. ( pg. 34, 35)

1 Perform steps 1 - 5 in "Language Settings"

on the left column.
2 Press/_, _/, > or <to select "CLOCK ADJ.",

and press SET. The date display format is
highlighted.

3 Press A or _/to select the desired date
display format, then press SET or >. Select from

"MONTH.DATE.YEAR", "DATEMONTH.YEAR"

or "YEARMONTH.DATE".
4 Press/_ or V to select the time display

format, then press SET or >. Select from "24h"
or "12h'.

Set the year, month, date, hour and minute.
Press/_ or v to select the value, then press SET
or >. Repeat this step until you have input all the

settings.

NOTE:

Press < to return to the previous setting.
6 Press MENU.The Menu
screen closes.

II GripAdjustment

1 Adjust the velcro strip.

• Before making the
adjustment, remove any

security tags 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.

IIViewfinderAdjustment

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:

41-

Diopter Adjustment Control

CAUTION:
When retracting the viewfinder,take care not to

pinch your fingers.

GETTINGSTARTEDEN 17

_ BrightnessAdjustmentOf 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. 19) V=

• To adjust the brightness of
the viewfinder, pull out the
viewfinder fully and set

"PRIORITY" to "FINDER" MENU
( pg. 31 33).

3 Press MENU.The
Menu Screen appears. If

you are in Playback mode,

please proceed to Step 5.

iiii'iiiliiii!iliiiliiiii_i;i@i_iiiii!i!i!ii_!i!ii_!i!ii'i!iiii!wE

4 Press/_, V, > or < to select "DISPLAY", and

press SET. The DISPLAY Menu appears.
5 Press/_, V, > or < to select "BRIGHT", and

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

6 Press/_ or V until the appropriate brightness

is reached and press SET or >.

7 Press MENU.The menu screen closes.

IITripodMounting

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.
eSome tripods are not

equipped with studs.

18 EN GETTINGSTARTED

I Loading/UnloadingACassette

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

OPEN/EJECT Cassette holder

PUSH cover

• 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.

i Loading/Unloading A Memory

Card

Card Cover ([_)

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 atape 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.

Erase
protection tab

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.

Write/erase protection tab Clipped edge

1Make sure the camcorder's power is off.

2 Open the card cover (E)).
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. 30)

ATTENTION:

Do not insert or remove the memory card wMe 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.

| BasicRecording

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 Button

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.

oTo record in LP (Long Play) mode, • pg. 32.

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 SP LP

30 min. 30 min. 45 rnin.
60 min. 60 min. 90 rnin.
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 carncorder on again, push back and pull out
the viewfinder again or close and re-open the LCD

monitor.

Recording ='node

VIDEORECORDINGEN 19

• 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. 21).

• To turn the melody sounds off, pg. 33.

TapeRemainingTime

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.

LCDMonitorAndViewfinder >-

Whileusing the LCD monitor: e-

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)• o

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. 33)

• Colored bright spots may appear all over the LCD
monitor or the viewfinder. However, this is not a

malfunction. (:- pg. 47)

m

20 EN VXDEORECORDXNG

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)

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

I[

JournalisticShooting

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).

TimeCode

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

Digital zoom zone
32X (optical) zoom zone

Approximate zoom ratio

NOTES:

• Focusing may become unstable during Zooming.

In this case, set the zoom while in Record-
Standby, lock the focus by using the manual focus

( pg. 37), then zoom in or out in Record mode.

• Zooming is possible to a maximum of 800X, or it
can be switched to 32X magnification using the
optical zoom. ( "pg. 33)

• 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 32.

• 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. 32)

Minutes

Seconds

Frames*
(30 frames = 1 second)

* 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;
e When shooting again after playing back a

recorded tape.

e When power shuts off during shooting.
e When a tape is removed and re-inserted during

shooting.

e When shooting using a partially recorded tape.
e When shooting on a blank portion located partway

through the tape.

e When shooting again after shooting a scene then

opening/closing the cassette holder cover.

VIDEOPLAYBACKEN 21

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. 34)

QuickReview

Enables to check the end of the last recording.

1) Press OUICK 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.

RecordingFromTheMiddleOfA 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.

| NormalPlayback

VOL +/-

I_/11= Lock Button

_1<1.

Speaker °_]
VIDEO/

MENU

1 Load acassette.( 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 I_/11. >.

5 To stop playback, press • '_

• During Stop mode, press _ to rewind, or I_1_ 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.

StillPlayback

Pauses during video playback.

1) Press I_/11 during playback.

2) To resume normal playback, press I_/11again.

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

;Z

22 EN VIDEOPLAYBACK

ShuttleSearch

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

1) During playback, press I_1_ for forward

search, or _ for reverse search.

2) To resume normal playback, press I_/11.

• During playback, press and hold I_1_ or -,441.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.

ATTENTION:

During Shuttle Search parts ]

of the picture may not be _
clearly visible, particularly on

the left side of the screen. , ',","i

BlankSearch

Helps you find where you should start recording
in the middle of a tape to avoid time code

interruption. ( "pg. 20)

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 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 • or BLANK.

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 carncorder

searches in the forward direction.

• If the beginning or end of the tape is reached
during Blank Search, the carncorder 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.

/