JVC GR-FXM45 User Manual

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER

GR-FXM45
GR-FXM15

INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

Power............................................. 6

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

Date/Time Settings ............................. 9

Recording Mode Setting ...................... 10

Tape Length Setting ........................... 10

Loading/Unloading A Cassette .............. 11

Grip Adjustment ............................... 12

Viewfinder Adjustment ....................... 12

Shoulder Strap Attachment .................. 13

Tripod Mounting ............................... 13

RECORDING

Basic Recording ................................ 14

Basic Features ................................. 18

Advanced Features ............................ 23

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback ................................. 38

Features ........................................ 39

Using The Cassette Adapter ................. 41

Basic Connections And Tape Dubbing ....... 42

USING THE REMOTE
CONTROL UNIT

Random Assemble Editing .................... 46

Insert Editing................................... 50

Audio Dubbing ................................. 51

USER MAINTENANCE

TROUBLESHOOTING

INDEX

Indications...................................... 55

Controls, Connectors And Indicators ........ 56

Te rm s ........................................... 58

CAUTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS

6 – 13

14 – 37

38 – 43

44 – 51

53 – 54

55 – 58

59 – 60

... 8

52

61

LYT0336-001B

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety informa­tion and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of your new camcorder.

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 the Index (Z pgs. 53 – 56) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions

(Z pgs. 57, 58). They contain extremely important information regarding the safe use of your new
camcorder.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

Warning on lithium battery
(for clock operation and remote control unit)

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 the battery with Panasonic (Matsushita
Electric), Sanyo or Maxell CR2025; use of
another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion.

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

fire.

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 Power

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

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 Power Adapter/Charger 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-V12U/BN-V20U battery
packs and, to recharge them, the provided
multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/Charger. (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

VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked
VHS-C can be used with this unit.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS

equipment.

ATTENTION USERS OF

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

DO NOT DISPOSE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES OR PRODUCTS POWERED BY NON­REMOVABLE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES, THESE BATTERIES AND PRODUCTS CAN BE
RECYCLED.

AT THE END OF NORMAL LIFE,

IN AUSTRALIA, RETURN TO YOUR POINT OF PURCHASE OR MAIL TO:

Hagemeyer (Australasia) B.V. 5-7 Garema Circuit Kingsgrove NSW 2208 Australia

Attn : Service Dept.
Phone : [phone]

IN NEW ZEALAND, PLEASE RETURN BATTERIES BY MAIL TO:

Hagemeyer (NZ) Limited P.O. Box 100589 Auckland 1000
Phone : [phone]

EN3

4 EN

MAJOR FEATURES

REMEMBER Picture Stabilizer (Z pg. 20)

Digital Hyper Zoom

Z pg. 18)

(

Zoom in

Programme AE with Special
Effects (

n Electronic Fog Filter
n ND Effect n Sepia n Twilight
n Sports n Nega/Posi
n 1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter

Z pg. 24, 25)

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

LCD Colour Monitorc (Z pg. 16)

• AC Power Adapter/
Charger AA-V15EA

TW

•Cassette Adapter
C-P7U

Zoom out

Snapshot (GR-FXM45 only)

Z pg. 22)

(

5-Sec. Recording
(GR-FXM15 only) (

Z pg. 20)

Menu Adjustment

Z pg. 28, 29, 30)

(

Integrated Auto Light
(GR-FXM45 only) (

Z pg. 21)

• Remote Control
RM-V700U
(GR-FXM45 only)

•Editing Cable
(GR-FXM45 only)

•DC Cord

•Shoulder Strap

• Battery Pack
BN-V20U

•Audio/Video
(A/V) Cable

•Lithium Battery
CR2025

• x1 for GR-FXM15

(clock operation)

• x2 for GR-FXM45

(clock operation
and remote control)

QUICK OPERATION GUIDE

EN5

SUPPLY POWER

Hook on.

A

B

Push in.

INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE

1

BATTERY RELEASE

Using the battery pack

Hook its end to the camcorder ( ) and push the
battery pack in until it locks in place ( ).
(Charging procedure, Z pg. 6)

To remove the battery pack

Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery
pack.

1 Open the LCD monitor to an angle of over 60

degrees.

2 Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder.
3 Insert a video cassette.
4 Press PUSH to close the cassette holder.

(For more details,

PLAYBACK SHOOTING

REW (

2

2

) Button

4

PUSH Button

Z pg. 11)

3

2

EJECT Switch

1

LENS COVER
Open/Close Ring

3

STOP
(5) Button

1 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY”.
2 Press REW (

— The tape will automatically stop at the

3 Press PLAY/PAUSE (

— Playback starts and the playback picture

•To stop playback, press STOP (5).
(For more details,

•The viewfinder switches off automatically to

save power when the LCD monitor is opened
at an angle of over 60 degrees.

•The LCD monitor turns on/off when it is
opened/closed at approx. 60 degrees.

Or simply play back the tape on a VHS VCR
using the Cassette Adapter Z pg. 41.

PLAY/PAUSE
(

4

/6) Button

2

).

beginning of the tape.

4

/6).

appears.

Z pg. 38)

1

Set to “PLAY”

2

Set to “AUTO”
or “PRO.”

Recording Start/Stop Button

3

1 Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to

open the lens cover.

2 Set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”.

— The power lamp will light and an image

will appear.

3 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.

— Recording starts.

•To stop recording temporarily, momentarily
press the Recording Start/Stop Button once
again.
(For more details, Z pgs. 14, 15)

•The viewfinder switches off automatically to

save power when the LCD monitor is opened
at an angle of over 60 degrees.

•The LCD monitor turns on/off when it is
opened/closed at approx. 60 degrees.

6 EN

Marks

CHARGE indicator

REFRESH switch

REFRESH indicator

REFRESH

The AC Power Adapter/Charger features a
REFRESH function that allows you to fully
discharge the battery pack before recharg­ing.
Perform the REFRESH function after no less
than 5 chargings.

To discharge the battery . . .

.... attach the battery pack to the adapter as

shown in the above illustration. Then
push REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator
lights when discharging starts, and goes
out when discharging is complete.

To AC outlet

GETTING STARTED

Power

This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you
choose the most appropriate source of power.

NOTES:

●

No function is available without power supply.

●

Use only the specified power supply.

●

Do not use provided power supply units with other
equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

SUPPLY POWER

1

Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall outlet.

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

2

Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the
direction of the arrow until it locks in place.

•The CHARGE indicator begins blinking to indicate
charging has started.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

3

When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but stays
lit, charging is finished. Slide the battery pack
opposite the direction of the arrow.

Battery pack Charging time Discharging time

BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx. 3 hrs. 30 min.
BN-V20U approx. 1 hr. 50 min. approx. 6 hrs. 40 min.

Hook on.

A

Push in.

B

BATTERY RELEASE

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source,
make sure that the camcorder’s power
is turned off. Failure to do so can result
in a camcorder malfunction.

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

1

Hook its end to the camcorder ( ) and push the
battery pack in until it locks in place (

DETACH BATTERY PACK

2

Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery
pack.

Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

Battery pack

BN-V12U 60 (35) 65 (40) 50 (35)
BN-V20U 95 (60) 105 (65) 85 (55)

( ) : when the video light is on (GR-FXM45 only).

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

) .

INFORMATION:

The High Capacity battery pack BN-V856U (optional)
provides approx. 7 hours of recording time when the
viewfinder is on and the LCD monitor and the video light
are off.
It is impossible to charge the BN-V856U battery pack
using the provided AC Power Adapter/Charger. Use the
optional AA-V80EG AC Power Adapter/Charger.

EN7

Charge Marker

Charge marker

A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to
help you remember whether it has been charged or
not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you
choose which one means charged and which means
discharged.

NOTES:

●

The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and the
frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.

●

Charging times noted on page 6 are for a fully discharged battery pack, and discharging times are for a fully
charged battery pack.

●

Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.

●

Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from
your camcorder.

●

Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

●

While the AC Power Adapter/Charger’s power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, it is possible to
discharge the battery by pressing the REFRESH switch. During that time, the AC Power Adapter/Charger does
not charge the battery. When discharging is complete, detach the battery from the AC Power Adapter/
Charger to store it.

●

High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Do not
allow it to discharge in a container, such as a bag.

●

If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before
unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.

●

Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.

●

The CHARGE indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that has been
stored for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The
CHARGE indicator should blink during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

To DC IN jack

DC OUT
terminal

DC Cord

Car Battery
Charger/Adapter
BH-V3E (optional)

To AC outlet

AC Power
Adapter/Charger
AA-V15EA

To car’s
cigarette
lighter
socket

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Power Adapter/Charger (connect as
shown in the illustration).

NOTES:

●

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

●

When using the DC cord, make sure you connect
the end of the cord with the core filter to the
camcorder. The core filter reduces interference.

USING A CAR BATTERY

Use the optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter
(connect as shown in the illustration).

NOTES:

●

When using the car battery, leave the engine
idling.

●

The optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter (BH-V3E)
can also be used to charge the battery pack (except
BN-V20U/V856U).

●

When using the optional Car Battery Charger/
Adapter, refer to the respective instruction booklet.

8 EN

Battery holder

Slot

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

This battery is necessary for clock operation and to
perform date/time settings.

SWITCH OFF POWER

1

Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power
supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery
Charger, etc.).

REMOVE BATTERY HOLDER

2

Pull out the battery holder.

INSERT BATTERY IN HOLDER

3

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

RE-INSERT HOLDER

4

Slide the holder back into the slot until you hear a
click.

NOTES:

●

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (Z pg. 2) for information
on safe handling of lithium batteries.

●

To avoid losing the battery and/or battery holder, place
the camcorder with the grip side up as shown in the
illustration when inserting/removing the battery.

MENU Button

Select Dial

Display

4

NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO

DATE TIME

TAPE LENGTH

4

RETURN

DATE TIME

YEAR

MONTH

DAY

TIME

EXIT

4

NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO
DATE TIME
TAPE LENGTH

4

RETURN

AUTO
ON
OFF

T45

AUTO
ON
OFF

T45

1999

22 : 50

Power lamp

Power Switch

Menu Screen

DATE/TIME Menu

1
1

24-hour indication

EN9

Date/Time Settings

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

1

Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”, then press MENU.

•The power lamp comes on.

SELECT FUNCTION

2

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to
“DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME Menu
appears.

•If you decide you want to return the date and time
to the previous settings, rotate the Select Dial to
move the highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then
go to step 6.

•If you want to set only the time without changing
the date, go to step 4.

SET DATE

3

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to the
item you want to set and then press it. When the
setting begins blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the
correct setting appears and then press it. The setting
stops blinking.

•Repeat this procedure until you’re satisfied with the
Date settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH” and “DAY”).

SET TIME

4

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to
“TIME” and then press it. When the hour setting
begins blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the correct
setting appears and then press it. When the hour
setting stops blinking and the minute setting begins
blinking, rotate the Select Dial until the correct setting
appears and then press it. The minute setting stops
blinking.

START CLOCK OPERATION

5

When none of these settings (YEAR, MONTH, DAY,
TIME) blinks, rotate the Select Dial to move the
highlight bar to “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu
Screen reappears with the highlight bar on
“RETURN”.

CLOSE MENU SCREEN

6

Press the Select Dial.

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display
and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert”
(Z pg. 26).

10 EN

MENU Button

SP/LP Recording Mode Button

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Recording Mode Setting

Set depending on your preference.

SET RECORDING MODE

1

First set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”.
Press SP/LP for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard
Play) provides higher picture and sound quality and is
better for dubbing, while “LP” (Long Play) is more
economical, providing twice the recording time.

NOTE:

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

Select Dial Power Switch

Viewfinder

AUTO
ON
OFF

T45

AUTO
ON
OFF

T60

T45

SP

Display

4

NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO
DATE TIME

TAPE LENGTH

4

RETURN

TAPE LENGTH

T30

T45

T60

EXIT

4

NEXT
M . W . B .
D . ZOOM
TELE MACRO
DATE TIME
TAPE LENGTH

4

RETURN

Tape length indicator

Recording mode
indicator

Menu Screen

TAPE LENGTH
Setting Menu

Tape Length Setting

Set the tape length according to the length of the tape
used.

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

1

First set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press MENU.

SELECT FUNCTION

2

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to
“TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE LENGTH
Setting Menu appears.

SET TAPE LENGTH

3

Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to the
correct setting. T30 = 30 minutes of recording time,
T45 = 45 minutes, and T60 = 60 minutes.

•If you decide you want to return the tape length to
the previous setting, rotate the Select Dial to move
the highlight bar to “EXIT”.

CLOSE MENU SCREEN

4

Press the Select Dial. The Menu Screen reappears
with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. Press the Select
Dial again to close the Menu Screen.

NOTE:

The tape remaining time (Z pg. 15) displayed in the
viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has
been selected.

Cassette holder

EJECT SwitchPUSH Button

Erase Protection Gear

Turn to take
up slack.

EN11

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

OPEN LCD MONITOR

1

Open the LCD monitor to an angle of over 60
degrees.

OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER

2

Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force
to open.

INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE

3

Make sure the label is facing outward.

CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER

4

Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and
locked.

CLOSE LCD MONITOR

5

First make sure the holder is closed. Then close the
LCD monitor.

NOTES:

●

Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette holder is still
open may cause damage to the LCD monitor.

●

The cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power
supply is attached.

●

Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the
cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the
cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the
slack.

●

Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that
allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some cassettes
have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover
the hole with adhesive tape.

●

The cassette holder cannot be opened while the
camcorder is in the record mode.

12 EN

Power Zoom Lever

Recording Start/Stop Button

33

22

180°180

°

GETTING STARTED

Grip Adjustment

EXPAND LOOP

1

Separate the Velcro strip.

INSERT HAND

2

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the
grip.

ADJUST STRAP LENGTH

3

Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily
operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power
Zoom Lever. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Viewfinder Adjustment

SELECT OPERATION MODE

1

Set the Power Switch to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or
“PRO.”).

POSITION VIEWFINDER

2

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability
(see illustration on left).

(cont.)

PAUSE

1

Set “POWER” to
“CAMERA”
(“AUTO” or “PRO.”)

ADJUST DIOPTRE

3

Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until the
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

2

4

3

1

EN13

Shoulder Strap Attachment

ATTACH STRAP

1

Following the illustration on left, thread the strap
through the top of the eyelet 1, then fold it back and
thread it through the buckle 2. Repeat the procedure
to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet

3, making sure the strap is not twisted.

ADJUST LENGTH

2

Adjust as shown in the illustration on left 4.

Tripod Mounting

ALIGN AND TIGHTEN

1

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the
tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud
hole. Then tighten the screw.

CAUTION:

When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend
its legs fully to stabilise the camcorder. To
prevent damage to the unit caused by falling
over, do not use a small-sized tripod.

14 EN

EJECT Switch

Recording Start/Stop Button

LENS COVER Open/Close Ring

Power Switch

Power lamp

Tally lamp
(lights while recording
is in progress)

RECORDING

Basic Recording

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed
below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power (Z pg. 6)

●

Recording Mode Setting (Z pg. 10)

●

Tape Length Setting (Z pg. 10)

●

Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 12)

●

Viewfinder Adjustment (Z pg. 12)

LOAD A CASSETTE

1

First open the LCD monitor to an angle of over 60
degrees.
Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert
the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to
ensure the holder is closed and locked.

Shooting While Watching The Viewfinder

ENTER RECORD-STANDBY MODE

2

Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked.
Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to open the
lens cover, then set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”
(“AUTO” or “PRO.”).

•The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the
Record-Standby mode.

•The scene you are aimed at appears on the
viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE”
superimposed upon it.

START SHOOTING

3

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.

•“ ” appears in the viewfinder while recording is
in progress.

Power Switch Position

According to the Power Switch position you have selected, the following functions are available:

AUTO
(Full Auto mode):

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.

PRO.
(PRO. mode):

POWER OFF:

Allows you to switch off the
camcorder.

Tape remaining time indicator

25MIN

Recording Start/Stop Button

DISPLAY Button

MIN

(Now calculating)

120MIN

119MIN

3MIN

2MIN

(Blinking)

1MIN

(Blinking)

0MIN

(Blinking)

EN15

STOP RECORDING

4

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop
recording.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

NOTES:

●

When the Power Switch is set to “CAMERA” and the
LCD monitor is opened at an angle of 60 degrees or
more, the LCD monitor switches on and the viewfinder
switches off automatically to save power.

●

The cassette holder cannot be opened unless a power
supply is attached.

●

There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the
holder opens. Do not use force.

●

The tape remaining time is only displayed in the
viewfinder as shown.

●

The remaining time indicated in the viewfinder is
approximate.

●

The time required to calculate the remaining tape
length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary
according to the type of tape used.

●

The tape remaining time indicator is correct only if the
correct tape length has been selected (Z pg. 10).

●

“TAPE END” appears when the tape reaches its end, and
the power goes off automatically if left in this condition
for 5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette
whose tape is already at its end is loaded.

●

If the Record–Standby mode continues for 5 minutes
without performing Zoom or any other operations, the
camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the
Power Switch to “POWER OFF”, and then back to
“CAMERA” to turn the camcorder on again.

●

If the Recording Start/Stop button is pressed after the
Record-Standby mode has continued for over
5 minutes, recording may not start immediately.

●

If you are recording on a cassette from the middle (such
as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during
recording), use the Retake function (Z pg. 19) to find
the end of the last recording so you don’t erase any of it.

●

The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds
when the camcorder is turned on with the cover closed.

●

While shooting, sound is not heard from the speaker.

●

To turn the tally lamp off during recording, refer to pgs.
26 and 28.

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

Press DISPLAY to make the following indications appear/
disappear from the camcorder’s display: cassette warning,
tape remaining time, battery pack remaining power
indicator and tape length indicator (Z pg. 55).

PRESS DISPLAY BUTTON

1

To turn off the indications, press DISPLAY for more
than 1 second.
Press again for more than 1 second to make the
indications reappear.

NOTE:

Even if the indications are off, the tape remaining time
appears blinking when the tape is near its end, and the
battery pack remaining power indicator appears blinking
when the power is almost gone.

16 EN

180°

Recording Start/Stop Button

90°

LENS COVER Open/Close Ring

Power Switch

Power lamp

Tally lamp
(lights while recording is in progress)

RECORDING

Basic Recording (cont.)

Shooting While Watching The LCD Monitor

Before the following steps, perform step 1 (Z pg. 14).

ENTER RECORD–STANDBY MODE

2

Make sure the LCD monitor is fully open. Turn the
LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to open the lens
cover, then set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”
(“AUTO” or “PRO.”).

•The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the
Record-Standby mode.

•The scene you are aimed at appears in the LCD
monitor, with the word “PAUSE” superimposed
upon it.

START SHOOTING

3

Tilt the LCD monitor upward/downward for best
viewability (Z pg. 17) and press the Recording Start/
Stop Button.

•“ ” appears in the LCD monitor while recording
is in progress.

STOP RECORDING

4

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop
recording.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

NOTES:

●

When you use the LCD monitor outdoors in direct
sunlight, the LCD monitor may be difficult to see. If this
happens, we recommend that you use the viewfinder
(Z pg. 14).

●

To turn the tally lamp off during recording, refer to pgs.
28 and 30.

●

For other notes, refer to pg. 15.

EN17

Journalistic Shooting

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

OPEN LCD MONITOR

1

Make sure the LCD monitor is fully open.

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 shoot 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.

•When the LCD monitor is tilted upward to an angle
of over approx. 105 degrees, the monitor image is
inverted vertically, and the viewfinder also switches
on.

Self-recording

BRIGHT Dial

START RECORDING

2

Point the lens toward the subject (yourself when self­recording) and start recording.

•During Interface Shooting, the monitor image and
indications do not appear inverted as they would
when viewing a mirror.

NOTE:

The monitored image can be viewed on the LCD monitor
and in the viewfinder.

Brightness Control

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor by
turning the BRIGHT Dial.

ADJUST BRIGHTNESS

1

If you want to brighten the image . . .

Turn the Dial towards “+”.

If you want to darken the image . . .

Turn the Dial towards “–”.

18 EN

RECORDING

Basic Features

Zoom in

Display

Zoom indicator bar

1X

Zoom level indicator

Approximate zoom ratio

Power Zoom Lever

Zoom out

FEATURE:

Zooming

PURPOSE:

To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous
change in image magnification.
Digital circuitry extends the maximum magnification
offered by optical zoom. This system is called Digital
Zoom.

OPERATION:

Zoom In
Push the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.

Zoom Out
Push the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.

n The harder you push the Power Zoom Lever, the

quicker the zoom action.

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
(Z pg. 33), then zoom in or out in Record mode.

●

The zoom level indicator (5) moves during zoom.
Once the zoom level indicator reaches the top of
the zoom indicator bar, all magnification from that
point is through digital processing.

●

When using Digital Zoom, the quality of image may
suffer. To deactivate Digital Zoom, set “D.ZOOM”
to “OFF” in the Menu Screen (Z pg. 29).

Power Switch

EN19

RETAKE (R/F) Button

FEATURE:

Quick Review

PURPOSE:

To check the end of the last recording.

OPERATION:

1) Press “ ” and release quickly during the Record–

Standby mode.

n Tape is rewound for about 1 second and played

back automatically, then pauses in Record–Standby
mode for the next shot.

NOTE:

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

FEATURE:

Retake

PURPOSE:

To re-record certain segments.

OPERATION:

1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby

mode.

2) Press and hold either RETAKE to reach the start point
for new recording. Pressing “F” forwards the tape
and pressing “R” reverses it.

3) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start
recording.

NOTE:

Noise bars appear and pictures may become
monochrome or darken during Retake. This is normal.

20 EN

5 SEC. REC Button

Display

PAUSE

5S

5 Sec. Rec mode indicator

Picture stabilizer indicator

P.STABILIZER Button

Power Switch

RECORDING

FEATURE:

Picture Stabilizer

Basic Features (cont.)

PURPOSE:

To compensate for unstable images caused by camera­shake, particularly at high magnification.

OPERATION:

1) Press P.STABILIZER. “ ”appears.

n To switch off the Picture Stabilizer, press

P.STABILIZER. The indicator disappears.

NOTES:

●

Accurate stabilisation may not be possible if hand
shake is excessive, or under the following condi­tions:

•

When shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal
stripes.

•

When shooting dark or dim subjects.

•

When shooting subjects with excessive
backlighting.

•

When shooting scenes with movement in various
directions.

•

When shooting scenes with low-contrast back­grounds.

●

Switch off the Picture Stabilizer when recording
with the camcorder on a tripod.

●

The “ ” indicator appears blinking if the
Stabilizer cannot be used.

FEATURE:

5Sec. Rec (5-sec. Recording)
(GR-FXM15 only)

PURPOSE:

To record a scene for 5 seconds, providing quick scene
transitions like those seen in TV programmes.

OPERATION:

1) During Record–Standby, press 5SEC. REC. “ 5S”

appears and 5Sec. Rec is reserved.

2) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. Recording
starts, and after 5-second recording is finished, the
camcorder reenters the Record–Standby mode
automatically.

n To cancel the 5Sec. Rec. function, press 5SEC. REC

again so that “ 5S” disappears.

NOTE:

Fade/Wipe (Z pg. 23) cannot be activated by
pressing 5SEC. REC.