JVC GR-DVM5 User Manual

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

GR-DVM5

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INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS

ABOUT DV
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES
GETTING STARTED

Charging The Battery Pack..................... 8

Installing The Battery Pack .................... 9

Indoor Use ..................................... 10

Using The Battery Holder .................... 10

Date/Time Settings ........................... 11

Loading/Unloading A Cassette .............. 12

Recording Mode Setting ...................... 13

Grip Strap Attachment........................ 14

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

Dioptre Adjustment ........................... 15

Remote Control Unit .......................... 16

Operation Mode ............................... 17

RECORDING

Basic Recording ................................ 18

Advanced Features ............................ 25

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback ................................. 48

Advanced Features ............................ 50

Basic Connections ............................. 54

Advanced Connections ........................ 58

EDITING

Dubbing ......................................... 60

Digital Dubbing ................................ 61

Brand Setting .................................. 62

Random Assemble Editing .................... 63

For More Accurate Editing .................... 66

Audio Dubbing ................................. 68

TROUBLESHOOTING

AFTER USE
CONTROLS, INDICATIONS

AND CONNECTORS

Camcorder ...................................... 76

AC Charger Station............................ 78

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

During Recording ............................ 79

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

During Playback ............................. 80

Warning Indications ........................... 81

CAUTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
INDEX

5
6
8

18

48

60

70

75

76

82

84
86
87

LYT0191-001B

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing this Digital Video Camera. Before use, please read the safety information and
precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product.

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (Z cover page).

•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.

•Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

.... refer to “Controls, Indications and Connectors”

(Z pgs. 76 – 81) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that follow. They contain extremely important information

regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.

You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 82 and 83 before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT (for owners in the U.K.)

Connection to the mains supply in the United
Kingdom.

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment.

If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power
points in your home or the cable is too short to
reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate
safety approved extension lead or consult your
dealer.

BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an
identical approved type, as originally fitted,
and to replace the fuse cover.

If nontheless the mains plug is cut off ensure to
remove the fuse and dispose of the plug
immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard
by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
If this product is not supplied fitted with a mains
plug then follow the instructions given below:
DO NOT make any connection to the Larger
Terminal coded E or Green.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:

Blue to N (Neutral) or Black
Brown to L (Live) or Red

If these colours do not correspond with the
terminal identifications of your plug, connect as
follows:
Blue wire to terminal coded N (Neutral) or
coloured black.
Brown wire to terminal coded L (Live) or
coloured Red.
If in doubt — consult a competent electrician.

CAUTIONS:

n To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet.

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.

n When you are not using the AC Charger

Station for a long period of time, it is
recommended that you disconnect the power
cord from AC outlet.

WARNING:

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

Warning on lithium cell battery

The battery used in this device may present a
fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do
not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or
incinerate.
Replace battery with Maxell, Panasonic
(Matsushita Electronic), Sanyo or Sony CR2025;
use of another battery may present a risk of fire
or explosion.

n Dispose of used battery properly.
n Keep away from children.
n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in

fire.

EN 3

CAUTION (applies to the AC Charger Station):

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER–
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC­ING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and
safety caution are on the bottom and/or the
back of the main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the
AC Charger Station is on its bottom.

This camcorder is designed to be used with
PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be
used for playback with a television of a different
standard. However, live recording and LCD
monitor/viewfinder playback are possible
anywhere. Use the BN-V607U or BN-V615U
battery pack and, to recharge it, the provided
multi-voltage AC Charger Station AA-V60EK.
(An appropriate conversion adapter may be
necessary to accommodate different designs of
AC outlets in different countries.)

This unit is produced to comply with Standard
IEC Publ. 65.

n This camcorder is designed exclusively for

the
cassettes marked
unit.

Before recording an important scene . . .

.... make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini

.... remember that this camcorder is not compatible

.... remember that the this camcorder is intended

digital video cassette. Only

can be used with this

DV mark.

with other digital video formats.

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.)

SOME DO’S AND
DON’TS ON THE SAFE
USE OF EQUIPMENT

This equipment has been designed and manufac­tured to meet international safety standards but,
like any electrical equipment, care must be taken if
you are to obtain the best results and safety is to be
assured.

DO read the operating instructions before you

attempt to use the equipment.

DO ensure that all electrical connections (including

the mains plug, extension leads and intercon­nections between pieces of equipment) are
properly made and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Switch off and
withdraw the mains plug when making or
changing connections.

DO consult your dealer if you are ever in doubt

about the installation, operation or safety of
your equipment.

DO be careful with glass panels or doors on

equipment.

DON’T continue to operate the equipment if you are in

any doubt about it working normally, or if it is
damaged in any way — switch off, withdraw
the mains plug and consult your dealer.

DON’T remove any fixed cover as this may expose

dangerous voltages.

DON’T leave equipment switched on when it is

unattended unless it is specifically stated that it
is designed for unattended operation or has a
standby mode. Switch off using the switch on
the equipment and make sure that your family
knows how to do this. Special arrangements
may need to be made for infirm or handi­capped people.

DON’T use equipment such as personal stereos or

radios so that you are distracted from the
requirements of road safety. It is illegal to watch
television whilst driving.

DON’T listen to headphones at high volume, as such

use can permanently damage your hearing.

DON’T obstruct the ventilation of the equipment, for

example with curtains or soft furnishings.
Overheating will cause damage and shorten the
life of the equipment.

DON’T use makeshift stands and NEVER fix legs with

wood screws — to ensure complete safety
always fit the manufacturer’s approved stand or
legs with the fixings provided according to the
instructions.

DON’T allow electrical equipment to be exposed to

rain or moisture.

ABOVE ALL

— NEVER let anyone especially children push anything

into holes, slots or any other opening in the case —
this could result in a fatal electrical shock;

— NEVER guess or take chances with electrical

equipment of any kind — it is better to be safe than
sorry!

4 EN

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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 attach and use
the provided hand strap. Hold the camcorder firmly
in your hand, with the strap securely around your
wrist. 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 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! Attaching the camcorder to the AC
Charger Station, connecting cables (AUDIO/VIDEO,
S-VIDEO, Editing, DC) and leaving the unit on top
of the TV is not recommended, as tripping on the
cables will cause the camcorder to fall, resulting in
damage.

About Batteries

DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries

apart, or expose them to flame or excessive heat, as
there is a risk of fire or explosion.

WARNING! Do not allow the battery terminals, or
the battery itself, to come in contact with metals, as
this can result in a short circuit and possibly start a
fire.

The Benefits Of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion battery packs are small but possess a
large power capacity. However, when the battery
pack becomes cool in an environment subject to
cold temperatures (below 10°C), the battery pack
has a characteristic that its usage time becomes
shorter and may cease to function. If this happens,
place the battery pack in your pocket or other
warm, protected place for a short time, then re­attach it to the camcorder. As long as the battery
pack itself is not cold, it should not affect perform­ance.
(If you’re using some kind of heating pad, make
sure the battery pack does not come in direct
contact with the pad.)

Lithium-ion is vulnerable in colder temperatures.

ABOUT DV

The digital video camera converts incoming audio and video signals into digital form for recording.
A video signal is composed of a luminance signal (Y) and colour signals (R-Y and B-Y). These signals are

identified and recorded digitally (Digital Component Recording). The A/D (Analogue to Digital) converter
samples the Y signal at 13.5 MHz, and R-Y and B-Y at 6.75 MHz, and changes them to an 8-bit quantum signal.

Sound sampled at 48 kHz is changed to a 16-bit quantum signal, and sound sampled at 32 kHz is converted
to a 12-bit signal.

EN 5

NOTE:

The data recorded on a tape is digital, but the output of the this camcorder is analogue.

VIDEO

Lens

Chrominance (C)

AUDIO

Mic

This camcorder separates the data into blocks, writing one block of each data type on each track of the tape.

Head tracking direction

Luminance Signal (Y)

Colour Difference
Signal (R-Y/B-Y)

Chromatic

Analysis

A/D

conversion

A/D

conversion

A/D

conversion

Tape direction

Sub-Code Area

Video Area

Signal

compression

Audio Area

ITI Area

Recording by
rotating head
helical scan

5.24 mm

6.35 mm

1 Sub-Code Area

The Time Code and Date/Time data are
written here, separate from the video
data. This enables you to display the date
and time during playback, even if they
weren’t displayed while recording.

2 Video Area

The digital video signal is recorded here.

12 tracks/frame

3 Audio Area

The digital audio signal is recorded here.

4 ITI (Insert and Tracking

Information) Area

Insert editing and post-recording editing
tracking signals are recorded here.

6 EN

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

AC Charger Station

AA-V60EK or AA-V60EA

Grip/Hand strap

VIDEO/AUDIO cable

(AC Charger Station to TV or VCR,

RCA plug 4 RCA plug)

DC cord

Battery pack BN-V607U

VIDEO/AUDIO cable

(camcorder to TV or VCR,

ø3.5 mini-plug 4 RCA plug)

S-VIDEO cable

Editing cable

(ø3.5 mini-plug, 2 poles)

TW

EN 7

Remote control unit

RM-V712U

Lithium battery CR2025

(for remote control unit)

Cable adapter

(provided only with U.K. models)

MiniDV Cassette Tape

30 min (DVM-30)

M-DV30ME

Cleaning cloth

8 EN

GETTING STARTED

Charging The Battery Pack

The battery pack has not been charged at the factory. Before using it, be sure to charge it with the AC
Charger Station.

ATTACH

To AC outlet

Power cord

DC OUT jack

SUPPLY POWER TO CHARGER

1

Plug the AC Charger Station’s power cord in to
an AC outlet. The power lamp comes on.

ATTACH BATTERY

2

Attach while making sure the marks are
facing down and aligned with the correspond­ing marks on the AC Charger Station.

•The Charger Indicator begins blinking to
indicate charging has started.

CONFIRM STATUS

3

When the charger indicator stops blinking but
stays lit, charging is finished.

DETACH BATTERY

4

Slide the battery in the direction of the arrow
and lift off.

•Remember to unplug the AC Charger
Station’s power cord from an AC outlet.

Battery Approximate charging time
BN-V607U 90 min.
BN-V615U

(optional)

Battery pack
BN-V607U

Charger indicator

Power lamp

180 min.

DETACH

AC Charger Station
AA-V60EK or
AA-V60EA

NOTES:

●

If you connect the camcorder’s DC cord to the AC
Charger Station during battery charging, power is
supplied to the camcorder and charging stops
(

Z

pg. 10).

●

When using the AC Charger Station, be sure to
use the supplied power cord only.

●

When charging the Battery Pack for the first time
or after a long storage period, the Charger
Indicator may not light. In this case, remove the
Battery Pack from the AC Charger Station, then try
charging again.

●

Since the AC Charger Station processes electricity
internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure to
use it only in well-ventilated areas.

●

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.

INFORMATION:

The AC Charger Station (provided) enables you
to charge not only one battery pack but also
one battery pack installed in the camcorder
(Z pg. 55).

Power cord

EN 9

Charging Environment

Perform charging where the temperature is between 10° and 30°C. 20° to 25°C is the ideal temperature range
for charging. If the environment is too cold, charging may be incomplete.

Continuous Shooting

Continuous shooting is possible (See table below for recording time) under the following conditions:

•The temperature is approximately 20°C

However, . . .

•If the temperature is below 10°C, or

•If zoom or Record-Standby is engaged or LCD monitor is used repeatedly, continuous shooting capability
is reduced significantly. Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare enough battery packs to
cover 3 times the planned shooting time.

Approximate recording time (unit: min)

No. of batteries to supply power

Using one battery (BN-V607U) installed in the camcorder
Using one battery (BN-V615U) installed in the optional Battery

Holder (CU-V615U) attached to the camcorder
Using two batteries; one (BN-V607U) installed

in the camcorder and one (BN-V607U or
BN-V615U) installed in the optional Battery
Holder (CU-V615U) attached to the camcorder

Using a BN-V856U battery*

* The BN-V856U battery, as well as the AA-V80EK or AA-V80EA AC Power Adapter/Charger for charging it,

is included in the optional VU-V856KIT Extended-Use Battery Pack Kit.

BN-V607U x 2
BN-V607U &

BN-V615U

LCD monitor off/ LCD monitor on/
Viewfinder on Viewfinder off

60 50

120 100

120 100

180 150

420 360

Installing The Battery Pack

The battery pack has not been charged at the factory. Before installing it in the camcorder, be sure to charge
it with the AC Charger Station (Z pg. 8). It is also possible to charge the battery pack installed in the
camcorder (Z pg. 55).

OPEN BATTERY COVER

1

Slide down the open switch.

INSERT CHARGED BATTERY

Open switch
(BATTERY)

2

Insert the mark end of the battery first.
Inserting the battery backwards will result in
malfunction.

CLOSE BATTERY COVER

3

NOTES:

●

To remove the battery pack, turn off the
camcorder and open the battery cover so that the
battery pack comes out halfway. Then pull out the
battery pack.

●

Be careful not to drop the battery pack.

Battery cover

Battery

10 EN

GETTING STARTED

Indoor Use

When using the camcorder indoors, you can use the AC Charger Station (provided) instead of a battery.

Power lamp

Remove.

Coupler

Core filter

Slide down the
open switch.

DC cord

When power is
supplied, the
power lamp lights.

To DC
OUT
jack

AC Charger Station
AA-V60EK or AA-V60EA

To AC outlet

Power cord

(Cont.)

CONNECT DC CORD TO CAMCORDER

Insert the coupler of the provided DC cord into

1

the camcorder.

CONNECT DC CORD TO AC

2

CHARGER STATION

Connect the DC cord to the AC Charger Station’s
DC OUT jack.

SUPPLY POWER TO AC CHARGER

3

STATION

Plug the AC Charger Station’s power cord into an
AC outlet.

NOTE:

Since the AC Charger Station processes electricity
internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure to use
it only in well-ventilated areas.

Using The Battery Holder

For extended use, prepare the Battery Holder (CU-V615U), which can be loaded with one battery pack. This
Battery Holder can be used together with the battery installed in the camcorder.

INSERT CHARGED BATTERY

To insert a battery pack, slide the battery lock

1

Camcorder
connector

Camcorder lock lever
(with release button)

Battery lock switch

Nub

Mark

Battery

switch to the release position and insert the
battery
from falling out, be sure to slide the battery lock

switch to the lock position.

ATTACH TO CAMCORDER

2

Insert the Battery Holder’s nub into the mounting
socket on the bottom of the camcorder and slide
the camcorder lock lever to the lock position.

•To detach the camcorder, press the release
button on the lock lever and slide the lock lever
to the release position. Then slide the battery

lock switch to the release position.

NOTES:

●

When the battery remaining power indicator appears
as
When the battery power is exhausted, power turns
off automatically.

●

Each time you start shooting, the camcorder chooses
the battery pack that has more remaining power, and
uses that as the power supply. That means both
battery packs will be exhausted at roughly the same
time.

end first. To prevent the battery pack

, that means the battery power is close to nil.

EN 11

Date/Time Settings

Date and time will automatically be recorded on tape at all times. It is your choice to display it or not during
playback (Z pg. 53).

LCD monitor

REC MODE
WIDE MODE OFF
ZOOM
DIS
GAIN UP

4

TO DATE / TIME MENU

TO SYSTEM MENU

END

Recording Menu

SP
40X

ON
AGC

Lock button

Power lamp

5S

M

A

Power Dial

OFF

P

L

A

Y

ON SCREEN OFF

4

DATE / TIME

RETURN

Date/Time Menu

ONDISPLAY

1 . 1 . 00

0 : 00

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Set the Power Dial to “M” while pressing down
the lock button located on the dial, and open
the LCD monitor fully.

•The power lamp comes on and the
camcorder is turned on.

•

The LCD monitor can be tilted upward up to
180 degrees and downward up to 90 degrees.

ACCESS RECORDING MENU

2

Press MENU. The Recording Menu appears.

ACCESS DATE/TIME MENU

3

Move the pointer and highlight bar to “TO
DATE/TIME MENU” by rotating the Select Dial.
Press the Select Dial and the Date/Time Menu
appears.

INPUT DATE AND TIME

4

Move the pointer and highlight bar to “DATE/
TIME” by rotating the Select Dial. Press the
Select Dial and “day” is highlighted and begins
blinking.
Rotating the Select Dial, input the day. Press
the Select Dial. Repeat the procedure to input
the month, year, hour and minute.

•

Press the Select Dial twice when the pointer
and highlight bar are set to “RETURN” to exit.

Select Dial

MENU button

Regarding Built-in Rechargeable Battery

To store the date/time in memory, a rechargeable
clock lithium battery is integrated in the camcorder.
While the camcorder is connected to an AC outlet
using the AC Charger Station, or while the battery
pack installed in the camcorder continues to supply
power to the camcorder, the clock lithium battery is
always charged. However, if the camcorder is not
used for approx. 3 months, the clock lithium battery
will become discharged and the date/time stored in
memory will be lost. When this occurs, first connect
the camcorder to an AC outlet using the AC Charger
Station etc. for over 24 hours to charge the clock
lithium battery. Then perform the date/time setting
before using the camcorder.
It is also possible to use the camcorder without the
date/time setting.

NOTE:

If you don’t exit the Date/Time Menu, the clock
display will not move but the camcorder’s internal
clock continues to operate. Once you close the
menu, the date and time begin operation from the
current date and time, with no delay or loss.

12 EN

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

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

OPEN/EJECT
switch

GETTING STARTED

Cassette holder

(Cont.)

Make sure the
window side
is facing out.

Erase protection
switch**

OPEN CASSETTE COVER

1

Turn the power on, then slide the OPEN/EJECT
switch in the direction of the arrow. The
cassette cover releases. Open the cover in the
direction of the arrow until it locks. The holder
opens automatically.

•Do not touch internal components.

INSERT/REMOVE TAPE

2

Insert or remove a tape and press “PUSH
HERE” to close the cassette holder.

•Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes
completely before closing the cassette cover.

•When the battery’s charge is low, you may
not be able to close the cover. Do not apply
force. Replace the battery with a fully
charged one before continuing.

Approximate recording time

Tape

DVM-30 30 min. 45 min.
DVM-60 60 min. 90 min.

Recording mode

SP LP

Cassette cover

PUSH HERE

NOTES:

●

It takes a few seconds for the cassette holder to
open. Do not apply force.

●

If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder
does not open, close the cassette cover and try
again.

●

When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a
cold place to a warm environment, wait a short
time before opening the cover.

●

Closing the cassette cover before the cassette
holder comes out may cause damage to the
camcorder.

●

Even when the camcorder is switched off, a
cassette can be loaded or unloaded. After the
cassette holder is closed with the camcorder
switched off, however, it may not recede. It is
recommended to turn the power on before
loading or unloading.

●

When shooting again after already shooting a
scene, a blank portion is recorded on the tape or
a previously recorded scene is erased (recorded
over) if you open the cassette cover, regardless of
whether the cassette holder comes out or not. See
page 20 for information about recording from the
middle of a tape.

** To protect valuable recordings . . .

.... slide the erase protection switch on the back of

the tape in the direction of “SAVE”. This
prevents this tape from being recorded over. If
you decide later that you do want to record on
this tape, slide the switch back to “REC” before
loading the tape.

Recording Mode Setting

Set depending on your preference.

EN 13

LCD monitor

Recording Menu

4

REC MODE

WIDE MODE OFF
ZOOM
DIS
GAIN UP
TO DATE / TIME MENU
TO SYSTEM MENU

END

4

REC MODE
WIDE MODE OFF
ZOOM
DIS
GAIN UP
TO DATE / TIME MENU
TO SYSTEM MENU

END

SP
40X

ON
AGC

SP

40X
ON
AGC

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Set the Power Dial to “M” while pressing down
the lock button located on the dial.

OPEN LCD MONITOR

2

Open the LCD monitor fully.
The power lamp comes on and the camcorder
is turned on.

•The LCD monitor turns on/off automatically
when it is opened/closed at approx. 90 degrees
while the Power Dial is set to any operation
mode (except “OFF”).

•The LCD monitor can be tilted upward up to
180 degrees and downward up to 90 degrees.

ACCESS RECORDING MENU

3

Press MENU. The Recording Menu appears.

Recording mode indicator

SP SP LP

SET RECORDING MODE

4

First move the pointer and highlight bar to
“REC MODE” by rotating the Select Dial. Press
the Select Dial and the parameter “SP” or “LP”
is highlighted. Select “SP” or “LP” by rotating
the Select Dial. Press the Select Dial twice to
exit from the Recording Menu.

•“LP” (Long Play) is more economical,

•Audio Dubbing is impossible on a tape

NOTES:

●

If the recording mode is switched during
recording, 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.

Lock button

Power lamp

5S

M

A

P

L

A

Y

OFF

Power dial

MENU button

Select Dial

providing 1.5 times the recording time.

recorded in the LP mode.

14 EN

Grip Strap Attachment

Pad

GETTING STARTED

(Cont.)

Grip Strap

Bottom of
camcorder

ATTACH GRIP STRAP TO HAND

1

STRAP EYELET

Open the pad and pull the grip strap in the
direction of the arrow to remove the grip strap
from the pad.
Thread the end of the grip strap through the
hand strap eyelet, then thread the other end of
the grip through the loop. Pull firmly to ensure
secure attachment.

•To use the strap as a hand strap, thread the
strap through the length adjuster when
attaching it to the camcorder.

Length adjuster

Hand strap eyelet

Loop

START/STOP

Sub hand
strap eyelet

1

ATTACH GRIP STRAP TO SUB

2

HAND STRAP EYELET

Open the pad and thread the grip strap through
the pad. Next, thread the end of the grip strap
through the sub hand strap eyelet.

ADJUST LENGTH

3

Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can
easily operate the START/STOP button and the
zoom switch 1. Position the pad so that it
contacts the back of your hand and thread the
grip strap through the length adjuster 2, then
re-attach the pad 3.

Pad

3

2

Bottom of
camcorder

Dioptre Adjustment

Adjust the viewfinder display for best viewing.

Dioptre
adjust lever

EN 15

Tripod Mounting

Align the tripod’s screw with the mounting socket
on the bottom of the camcorder.

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Set the Power Dial to “A” or “M”.

TURN ON CAMCORDER

2

Pull out the viewfinder fully.

M

A

OFF

PAUSE

5S

Y

A

L

P

ADJUST DIOPTRE

3

Slide the Dioptre Adjust Lever located on the
bottom of the viewfinder.

•Slide in either direction, while looking at the
viewfinder display, until it looks best to you.

NOTE:

If the LCD monitor is opened with the viewfinder
pulled out, no image will appear on the LCD
monitor. Push the viewfinder back in.

16 EN

GETTING STARTED

(Cont.)

Remote Control Unit

You can use the RM-V712U to control the camcorder. When using the remote control, be sure to point it at
the remote sensor. The transmitted beam effective area for indoor use is approx. 5 m. The transmitted beam
may not be effective or may cause incorrect operation if the remote sensor is directly exposed to sunlight or
powerful lighting.

START/STOP Button (Z pg. 19)

PAUSE IN connector (Z pg. 63)

Zoom Buttons (

SHIFT Button (Z pg. 50)

SLOW Rewind/Forward
Buttons (Z pg. 49)

FADE/WIPE Button
(

EFFECT ON/OFF Button
(

Z pg. 51)

Knob

Z pg. 50)

DISPLAY Button
(Z pg. 60)

Left/Right Buttons
(

Z pg. 50)

Z pg. 63)

EFFECT Button

Z pg. 51)

(

TW

R.A. EDIT Buttons (Z pg. 63 – 65)

Installing The Battery

The RM-V712U uses one lithium battery (CR2025).

PULL OUT BATTERY HOLDER

1

Pull out in the direction of the arrow while
pressing the knob as shown.

INSERT BATTERY IN HOLDER

2

Insert the battery in the holder, and be sure to
have the “+” mark visible.

RE-INSERT HOLDER

3

Slide the holder back in until you hear a click.

•Read the warning concerning lithium
batteries (Z pg. 2).

AUDIO MONITOR Button
(

Z pg. 53)

MBR SET Button (

Down Button (

A.DUB Button (Z pg. 68)

Up Button (Z pg. 50)

Operation Buttons
(

Z pg. 50, 60)

Z pg. 62)

Z pg. 50)

EN 17

Operation Mode

Tuning the Power Dial allows you to choose the appropriate operation mode among the following modes:
Full Auto mode (A), Manual mode (M), 5 second mode recording (5S), Self-Timer mode ( ) and “PLAY”.

According to the Power Dial position you have
selected, “F.AUTO” or “MANUAL” appears in the
upper left corner.

When set to

M

”, “5S” or “ ”When set to “A”

“

F . AUTO

PAUSE

MANUAL

PAUSE

Power Dial Position Function

Full Auto:

Manual:

A

M

5 second mode
recording: 5S

Self-Timer:

Playback: PLAY

OFF

Allows you to record using NO special effects or manual adjustments.
Suitable for standard recording.

Allows you to set various recording functions using the Menus. If you want
more creative capabilities than Full Auto recording, try this mode.

Allows you to record in 5-second clips to keep the action moving.
Other menu settings are the same as Full Auto mode, however manually
adjusted White Balance Adjustment settings are effective.

Allows you (camcorder operator) to become part of the scene once the
camcorder is set. This mode is similar to the Self-Timer on film cameras.

Allows you to play back a recording, Z pg. 48 – 59.
Allows you to switch off the camcorder. After setting to this position, Manual

Focus and Exposure Control are automatically reset to “AUTO”.

To turn on the camcorder, first
turn the Power Dial to any
operation mode except “OFF”,
then pull out the viewfinder fully
or open the LCD monitor. When
turning the Power Dial from
“OFF” to any other position,
press and hold the lock button
located on the dial.

Lock button

Power lamp

5S

M

A

OFF

Y

A

L

P

18 EN

RECORDING

Basic Recording

You should already have performed the necessary preparations (Z pg. 8 – 17). Set the Power Dial to “A”
and try recording that way before attempting to use more advanced features.

NOTE:

Before starting recording, make sure you set the date and time (Z pg. 11). Even if they don’t appear during
recording, you can display them during playback (Z pg. 53).

Tally lamp

Power lamp

START/STOP button

IND. ON/OFF
button

Lock button

5S

M

A

OFF

Power Dial

Display

REC

PAUSE

P

L

A

Y

During recording

PAUSE

Record-Standby

444

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Set the Power Dial to “A” while pressing down
the lock button located on the dial.

PULL OUT VIEWFINDER OR OPEN

2

LCD MONITOR

Pull out the viewfinder fully or open the LCD
monitor to approx. 90 degrees.

•The lens cover opens, the power lamp comes
on and the scene you’re aimed at appears.

•The Record-Standby mode is engaged.

START RECORDING

3

When “PAUSE” appears, press START/STOP. A
beep signals the start of recording and the tally
lamp comes on.

STOP RECORDING

4

Press START/STOP again to stop recording.

•The camcorder re-enters Record-Standby
mode.

END RECORDING

5

When you’re finished recording, push back the
viewfinder or close the LCD monitor until it
clicks; the lens cover closes and the power
lamp goes out.

•When transporting, make sure the viewfinder
is pushed back and the LCD monitor is
closed and locked.

•To turn power on again, pull out the
viewfinder or open the LCD monitor.

OR

Set the Power Dial to “OFF”.

•When turning to “OFF”, it is not necessary to
press down the lock button.

EN 19

NOTES:

●

The image will not appear simultaneously in the
LCD monitor and the viewfinder. No image
appears on the LCD monitor when the viewfinder
is pulled out. It is not possible to shoot using both
LCD monitor and viewfinder.

●

If 5 minutes elapse in the Record-Standby mode,
power shuts off automatically to conserve energy
and protect the heads. To turn the camcorder on
again, push back and pull out the viewfinder
again or close and re-open the LCD monitor. As
long as you don’t take out the tape you were
using or play it back, you can continue from
where you left off with no noticeable break on the
recorded video.

●

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.
Continue recording from where you stop so there
are no gaps by following “Recording from the
middle of a tape” (Z pg. 20).

●

Record-Standby means that a tape is loaded and
the camcorder is ready to record.

●

During recording, sound is not heard from the
speaker. If you want to hear the sound, connect
optional headphones to the headphones jack. The
sound volume at this point is the same as the level
it was adjusted during playback.

●

To make the indications disappear, press and hold
the IND.ON/OFF button for more than approx. 1
second. However, it is impossible to remove the
tape running indicator “
indications and so on (Z pg. 81).

●

Use the viewfinder when under direct sunlight or
when reflections make it difficult to see the LCD
monitor.

●

When the battery remaining power indicator
appears as , that means the battery power is
close to nil. When the battery power is exhausted,
power turns off automatically.

444

” and warning

20 EN

RECORDING

Basic Recording (Cont.)

Recording From The Middle Of A Tape

When removing a tape on which you were recording, or when you resume recording on a tape after playing
back the recording previously made (without taking the tape out between recordings), perform this proce­dure.

Power Dial

M

A

5S

OFF

Y

A

L

P

Stop button

Play/Pause button

Rewind button

Fast-forward button

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Turn the Power Dial to “PLAY” while pressing
down the lock button located on the dial.

•The power lamp comes on.

PULL OUT VIEWFINDER OR OPEN

2

LCD MONITOR

Pull out the viewfinder fully or open the LCD
monitor to approx. 90 degrees.

START SEARCH

3

Press 6/4, then press 2 or 3. Watch in the
viewfinder or the LCD monitor for the spot
where you want to begin recording.

ENGAGE STILL MODE

4

Once you find the spot at which you want to
start recording, press 6/4 twice to engage the
Still mode.

Power lamp

Lock button

5S

M

A

OFF

Y

A

L

P

START/STOP button

START RECORDING

5

Turn the Power Dial to any operation mode
except “PLAY” and “OFF”, then press START/
STOP.

•Start recording from a point prior to the end
of the last recording. A few seconds of the
end of the last recording will be erased.

NOTE:

Even if you start recording from the end of the
previous recording leaving no blank space, there
may be situations where a clean transition is not
possible.

EN 21

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.
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.

To perform Random Assemble Editing (Z pg. 63), time code is necessary. If during recording a blank
portion is recorded 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 leaving a blank portion on a
tape, perform the procedure in “Recording From The Middle of A Tape” (Z pg. 20) in the following
cases;

•After playing back the recorded tape, when
you shoot again.

•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 already shooting a
scene and opening/closing the cassette cover.

TC 12 : 34 : 24

Display

Time code is displayed
during playback.

Minutes
Seconds

Frames
(25 frames = 1 second)

NOTES:

●

The Time Code cannot be reset.

●

During fast-forwarding and rewinding, time code indication does not move smoothly.

When blank portion is recorded on a tape

Time code
00:00:00

Time code
05:43:21

Time code
00:00:00

Tape

Shooting start point

Proper recording

Time code
00:00:00

Tape

Shooting start point

Time code
05:43:21

Newly recorded sceneBlankAlready recorded scene

Shooting start pointShooting stop point

Time code
05:44:00

Latest sceneNew sceneAlready recorded scene

Shooting start pointShooting start point

22 EN

RECORDING

Basic Recording (Cont.)

Tape Remaining Indicator

The time remaining on the tape is automatically monitored and displayed (Z pg. 79). When the tape ends,
“TAPE END” appears. If the indications are turned off, the tape remaining indicator appears when remaining
time reaches 2 minutes.

Display

89 min 3 min 2 min

blinking

1 min0 min

blinkingblinking

IND. ON/OFF
button

BRIGHT

– – – – – – – – – –

6

90 min

REC

Select Dial

Brightness Control

You can adjust the brightness of the display by
rotating the Select Dial.

ADJUST BRIGHTNESS

1

Rotate the Select Dial until the brightness
indicator moves and the display reaches its
appropriate brightness.

•The brightness indication appears on the
display.

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

You can make the LCD monitor/Viewfinder
indications appear/disappear.

PRESS IND.ON/OFF BUTTON

1

When you do not want the indications to
appear, press the IND.ON/OFF button for
longer than approximately 1 second. Certain
indications disappear.
Press again for longer than approx. 1 second to
make the indicaitons reappear.

NOTE:

It is impossible to make the tape running indicator
and warnings etc. disappear from the LCD monitor
or the viewfinder. For the indications that can be
removed, Z pg. 79.

– – –

Self-recording

EN 23

Journalistic shooting

In some situations different angles of shooting may
be required for more dramatic results.

OPEN LCD MONITOR

1

Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back and
the LCD monitor is fully open (approx. 90°).

TILT LCD MONITOR

2

Tilt the LCD monitor in the most convenient
direction.

•The LCD monitor can rotate almost full circle
(270°: 90° downward, 180° upward).

Interface Shooting

The person you are shooting can view himself/
herself in the LCD monitor, and you can even shoot
yourself while viewing your own image in the LCD
monitor.

TILT LCD MONITOR UPWARD

1

Open the LCD monitor and tilt it upward to
180 degrees so that it faces forward.

START RECORDING

2

Point the lens towards the subject (yourself
when self-recording) and start shooting.

•During Interface Shooting, the “Tape
Running” indicator and warning indications
(Z pg. 81) are the only ones that are shown;
they appear reversed in the display as they
would when viewing a mirror, but are not
reversed in the recording.

NOTE:

The tape remaining indicator does not appear
during interface shooting. However, when the
remaining time reaches 2 minutes, the indicator
appears showing the remaining time:
(blinking)

– –

(blinking)

–

(blinking)

24 EN

RECORDING

Basic Recording (Cont.)

Zoom

Select any one of the three powers of magnification and get “closer” to the subject (Z pg. 32).

Simply set the zoom switch to either zoom in (towards “T”) or zoom out (towards “W”). The zoom speed is
variable — the quicker you set the zoom switch, the quicker the zoom action.

NOTES:

●

In Full Auto mode (when the Power Dial is set to “A”), zoom magnification of up to 40X is possible. In
Manual mode (when the Power Dial is set to “M”), zooming is possible to a maximum of 100X.

●

Zoom magnification of over 10X is done through Digital image processing, and is therefore called Digital
Zoom.

●

During Digital Zoom, the quality of image may suffer.

●

Digital zoom cannot be used while functions done through Digital image processing (5SD mode,

Z

pg. 26, Picture Wipe/Dissolve function, Z pg. 37, Snapshot, Z pg. 28, etc.) are activated.

●

Macro shooting (as close as approx. 5 cm to the subject) is possible when the zoom switch is set all the
way to “W”.

Zoom in (T: Telephoto)

D
T

W

D
T

W

Zoom switch

D
T

W

Digital zoom zone

10X (optical)
zoom zone

D
T

W

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

D
T

W

Zoom display

RECORDING

Advanced Features

EN 25

Displaying The Date And Time During Recording

When the Power Dial is set to “M”, “5S” or “ ”, you can choose whether to display the date and time
during recording or not. You must first set the date and time (see “Date/Time Settings” Z pg. 11). Set
“DISPLAY” to “ON” in the Date/Time Menu. The Date/Time is always displayed when the Power Dial is set
to “A”.

Display

Select Dial

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

First turn the Power Dial to “M” while pressing
down the lock button located on the dial,
make sure the LCD monitor is open fully or the
viewfinder is pulled out.

ACCESS RECORDING MENU

2

Press MENU. The Recording Menu appears.

ACCESS DATE/TIME MENU

3

Move the pointer and highlight bar to “TO
DATE/TIME MENU” by rotating the Select Dial.
Press it and the Date/Time Menu appears.

SELECT FUNCTION

4

Move the pointer and highlight bar to
“DISPLAY” by rotating the Select Dial, then
press it. The pointer stops blinking, indicating
that the function has been selected.

Lock button

5S

M

A

P

L

A

Y

OFF

Power Dial

MENU button/
IND. ON/OFF button

5

6

NOTES:

●

Connect the camcorder to a TV and set “ON
SCREEN” to “ON” in the Date/Time Menu. The
display appears on the connected TV .

●

The Indicator/Display function overrides these
settings. Even if you have set “ON SCREEN” to
“ON”, pressing the IND.ON/OFF button for
longer than 1 second removes the indications
from the screen. Pressing it for longer than 1
second again makes the indications re-appear.

REC MODE
WIDE MODE OFF
ZOOM
DIS
GAIN UP

4

TO DATE / TIME MENU

TO SYSTEM MENU

END

Recording Menu

ON SCREEN OFF
DATE / TIME

4

RETURN

Date/Time Menu

SP
40X

ON
AGC

ONDISPLAY

1 . 1 . 00

0 : 00

SET FUNCTION PARAMETERS

Cycle through the available settings of the
selected functions by rotating the Select Dial
and stop when the one you want is displayed.
Then press it and the pointer and highlight bar
automatically move to “RETURN”.

CLOSE RECORDING MENU

Press the Select Dial twice. Selection is
complete and the menu disappears.

26 EN

RECORDING

Advanced Features (Cont.)

Scene (5-second recording)

Record a vacation or an important event in 5-second clips to keep the action moving. The 5-Second
function may also be activated during Full Auto operation. But the White Balance remains in the previously
adjusted condition. While the 5-Second mode is activated, Fade/Wipe (Z pg. 35), P.AE/Effects (Z pg. 41)
and other manual operations cannot be performed.

Display

Lock button

5S

M

A

OFF

P

L

A

Y

START/STOP button

Power Dial

MANUAL

PAUSE

MODE5S

REC

444

Dissolves during 5 second mode recording

Select “5SD” at the System Menu (Z pg. 34).
“5SD MODE” appears in step 2 below.
Record one 5-second clip, and the image at
the end of the clip is stored. If you record the
next clip within 5 minutes, the previous scene
dissolves as the new scene appears.

•If you turn the power off, the stored image
will be lost.

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Turn the Power Dial to “5S” while pressing
down the lock button located on the dial.

PULL OUT VIEWFINDER OR OPEN

2

LCD MONITOR

Pull out the viewfinder fully or open the LCD
monitor to approx. 90 degrees. “5S MODE”
appears.

ENGAGE 5S MODE

3

Then press START/STOP. The tally lamp lights
and beep sounds to indicate the start of
recording, and after 5 seconds the camcorder
enters Record-Standby mode.

•If you press and hold START/STOP within 5

seconds after recording starts, Record­Standby mode is not engaged.

After 5 sec.

MANUAL

PAUSE

MODE5S

Record-Standby

REC

END 5-SECOND MODE RECORDING

4

Set the Power Dial to the “A”, “M” or “OFF”
position.

To Take A Snapshot In The 5-Second Mode . . .

.... instead of pressing START/STOP in step 3, press

SNAPSHOT. The camcorder records a 6-second

Z pg. 28). When “SCENE” is set to

still (
“ANIM.” (Z pg. 34) this function is not
available.

NOTE:

When “SCENE” is set to “ANIM.” in the System
Menu, the 5-second recording function is not
available. Animation recording of a 1/8-second clip
is taken instead (Z pg. 34).

EN 27

Self-Timer

Once the camcorder is set, the camcorder operator can become part of the scene in a more natural way
adding the final touch to a memorable picture.

Display

When the START/STOP button
is pressed, the tally lamp
changes as shown below:

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Turn the Power Dial to “ ” while pressing
down the lock button located on the dial.

PULL OUT VIEWFINDER OR OPEN

2

LCD MONITOR

Pull out the viewfinder fully or open the LCD
monitor to approx. 90 degrees. The Self-Timer
indication appears.

•The camcorder enters the Record-Standby
mode.

•You can tilt the LCD monitor upward to 180
degrees so that it faces forward and view
yourself while self-recording (with the
viewfinder pushed back).

ENGAGE SELF-TIMER MODE

3

Press START/STOP.
After 15 seconds, the beep sounds and
recording begins.

START/STOP button

Lock button

Power lamp

Begins blinking
(Self-Timer starts)

MANUAL

PAUSE

P

L

A

Y

5S

OFF

M

A

Power Dial

Blinks quickly

¥¥

(Self-Timer shooting
starts soon)

Self-Timer indication

After 15 sec.

MANUAL

During recording

4

After approx. 15 sec.

Stops blinking
and stays on
(Self-Timer
shooting starts)

– – –

REC

444

STOP SELF-TIMER RECORDING

4

Press START/STOP.

•The camcorder re-enters Record-Standby
mode.

END SELF-TIMER RECORDING

5

Set the Power Dial to the “A”, “M” or “OFF”
position.

•When turning to “OFF”, it is not necessary to
press down the lock button.

To Take A Snapshot In The Self-Timer Mode . . .

.... in step 3, press SNAPSHOT instead of

START/STOP. After 15 seconds, a 6-second still

is recorded. After that, the camcorder enters the
Record-Standby mode.