JVC GR-SXM76ED, GR-FX36ED, GR-FXM66ED, GR-SX56ED, GR-SXM85ED User Manual

COMPACT
VHS CAMCORDER

GR-SXM86ED
GR-SXM85ED
GR-SXM76ED
GR-SX56ED
GR-FXM66ED
GR-FX36ED

VHS
PAL

625

S-VHS is compatible with
GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/
SXM76ED/SX56ED only.

ENGLISH

CONTENTS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

GETTING STARTED

RECORDING

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

Basic Features ........................... 16

Zooming, Picture Stabilizer, Quick Review,
Video Light, Retake

Advanced Features ...................... 18

Snapshot, Night-Scope, Fade/Wipe Effects,
Program AE with Special Effects,
Digital Effects, Using Menu For Detailed
Adjustment, Date/Time Insert, Instant Titles,
Animation, Time-Lapse, Exposure Control,
Focusing, White Balance Adjustment,
Manual White Balance Operation

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback ........................... 30

Features .................................. 31

Connections ............................... 32

Using The Cassette Adapter ........... 34

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL
UNIT

Playback Zoom .......................... 37

Insert Editing .............................38

Audio Dubbing ........................... 39

Random Assemble Editing .............. 40

DETAILS

TROUBLESHOOTING

INDEX

Controls, Connectors

And Indicators ......................... 48

Indications ................................ 50

CAUTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

2 – 3

6 – 13

14 – 29

30 – 34

35 – 43

44 – 45

46 – 47

48 – 51

52 – 54

4

4

55

INSTRUCTIONS

LYT0686-001A

EN

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 this product.

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents on the cover.

•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 ( pgs. 48 – 51) and familiarise yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions. They contain extremely important information regarding the safe

use of this product.

You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 52 – 54 before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

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

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 bottom.

CAUTION:

CAUTIONS:

 If you notice smoke or a peculiar smell coming

from the camcorder or AC Adapter, shut it
down and unplug it immediately. Continue
using the camcorder or AC Adapter under
these conditions could lead to fire or electric
shock. Contact your JVC dealer. Do not
attempt to repair the malfunction yourself.

 To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No

user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.

 When you are not using the AC Adapter for a

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

625

Cassettes marked “ ” and “ ” can be used with this camcorder.
However, S-VHS recordings are possible* only with cassettes marked “ ”.
*GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/SX56ED only.

To avoid electric shock or damage to the unit,
first firmly insert the small end of the power
cord into the AC Adapter until it is no longer
wobbly, and then plug the larger end of the
power cord into an AC outlet.

EN3

CAUTIONS:

 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 JVC BN-V11U/V12U/V20U/V400U

battery packs and, to recharge them or to
supply power to the camcorder from an AC
outlet, use the provided multi-voltage AC
Adapter and Power Cord. (An appropriate
conversion adapter may be necessary to
accommodate different designs of AC outlets
in different countries.)

*Models equipped with LCD monitor only.

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 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. 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 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.)

4 EN

O

O

E

F

N

XFIT

DEMO MODE

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

Automatic Demonstration takes place when ”DEMO MODE” is set to ”ON”
(factory-preset).



Available when the Power Switch is set to ” ” or ” ”.



Operating the Power Zoom Lever during the demonstration stops the
demonstration temporarily. If the Power Zoom Lever is not moved for
more than 1 minute after that, the demonstration will resume.



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



To cancel Automatic Demonstration, set the Power Switch to “ ” and
press MENU while the demo is in progress. This takes you directly to the
demo mode’s Setting Menu (so you will not have to go through the main
Menu Screen). Rotate MENU to select “OFF” and press it.

NOTE:

When a tape whose Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording is loaded in the
camcorder, demonstration is not available.

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

Setting Menu

•AC Adapter
AP-V10ED

•Power Cord

•Remote Control Unit

RM-V716U

•Battery Pack
BN-V11U

•Cassette Adapter C-P7U

•Shoulder Strap

•Lens Cap

•AAA (R03) Battery x 2
(for Remote Control Unit)

•AA (R6) Battery

(for Cassette Adapter)

•Core Filter x 3
(for provided A/V Cable
and AC Adapter,
GR-FXM66ED/FX36ED only)

•Core Filter x 4
(for provided A/V Cable,
S-Video Cable and AC Adapter,
GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/
SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

•Editing Cable
(ø3.5 mini-plug cable)

•A/V (Audio/Video) Cable

•S-Video Cable
(GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/
SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

How To Attach The Core Filter

Attach the provided Core Filter to the provided A/V Cable, S-Video Cable and AC Adapter.
The Core Filter reduces interference.

1

1

Stopper

2

5 cm

Release the stoppers on both ends of the Core
Filter.

2

Run the cable through the Core Filter, leaving
approx. 5 cm of cable between the cable plug
and the Core Filter. Wind the cable around the
outside of the Core Filter as shown in the
illustration.

•Wind the cable so that it is not slack.

NOTE:

Take care not to damage the cable.

3

Close the Core Filter until it clicks shut.
Connect the end of the cable with the Core
Filter to the camcorder.

3

With the provided AC Adapter, attach Core Filters to both ends of the cable as shown below.

EN5

5 cm

How To Attach The Lens Cap

To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration.

132

5 cm

6 EN

Hook on.

1

BATTERY RELEASE Switch

REFRESH Button

REFRESH Lamp

CHARGE Lamp

Battery pack

Power Switch

To AC outlet

5

Battery pack

BN-V11U

BN-V12U (optional)

BN-V20U (optional)

BN-V400U (optional)

4

Push in.

2

To DC IN

3

connector

AC Adapter

Charging time

approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

approx. 2 hrs. 20 min.

approx. 4 hrs. 30 min.

GETTING STARTED

Power

This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you
choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use
provided power supply units with other equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

Make sure the battery pack is attached to the

1

camcorder. Hook its end to the camcorder 1 and
push the battery in until it locks in place 2.

•If the battery pack is attached in the wrong position,
a malfunction may occur.

Set the Power Switch to “OFF”. Connect the AC

2

Adapter to the camcorder 3, then connect the Power
Cord to the AC Adapter 4.

Plug the Power Cord into an AC outlet 5.

3

The CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to
indicate charging has started.

When the CHARGE lamp stops blinking but stays lit,

4

charging is finished. Unplug the Power Cord from the
AC outlet. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the
camcorder.

To Detach The Battery Pack . . .

.... slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

NOTES:

●

During charging or discharging, the camcorder cannot
be operated.

●

Charging and discharging is not possible if the wrong
type of battery is used.

●

When charging the battery pack for the first time or after
a long storage period, the CHARGE lamp may not light.
In this case, remove the battery pack from the
camcorder, then try charging again.

●

If the battery operation time remains extremely short
even after having been fully charged, the battery is worn
out and needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new
one.

●

Using the optional AA-V15 AC Power Adapter/Charger,
you can charge the BN-V11U/V12U/V20U/V400U
battery pack without the camcorder. However, it cannot
be used as an AC adapter.

REFRESH:

Charging a battery with some charge remaining reduces that battery’s capacity. Perform the procedure
below to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging.

1. Perform steps 1 through 3 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”.

2. Press REFRESH on the camcorder for over 2 seconds. The REFRESH lamp on the camcorder blinks to

indicate discharging has started.

3. When discharging is finished, charging automatically starts and the CHARGE lamp blinks.
When you are not using a battery pack for a long period of time, be sure to fully discharge it before storing

because leaving a battery with some charge left over also reduces performance.

For other notes,  pg. 44

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.

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.

USING THE BATTERY PACK

Perform step 1 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”
( pg. 6).

Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

Battery pack

BN-V11U

BN-V12U
(optional)

BN-V20U
(optional)

BN-V400U
(optional)

1 When using models equipped with LCD monitor
2 When using GR-SX56ED/FX36ED

( ) : when the video light is on

(GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

NOTES:

●

Recording time is reduced significantly under the
following conditions:

•

Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged repeatedly.

•

The LCD monitor is used repeatedly (models equipped
with LCD monitor only).

●

Before extended use, it is recommended that you
prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the
planned shooting time.

Viewfinder on

12

95 100

(50) (50)

95 100

(50) (50)

150 165
(85) (90)

360 385

(205) (210)

LCD monitor on

1

80

(45)

80

(45)

135
(75)

315

(190)

EN7

To AC outlet

AC Adapter

To DC IN
connector

USING AC POWER

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

NOTES:

●

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

●

For other notes,  pg. 44.

8 EN

PAUSE

33

22

180°180

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Grip Adjustment

Power Zoom
Lever

Separate the Velcro strip.

1

Recording
Start/Stop
Button

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the

2

grip.

Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily

3

operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power
Zoom Lever. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Viewfinder Adjustment

°

Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ”.

1

4

2

3

1

1

M

A

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Set to “

”.

“

” or

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability.

2

Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the

3

indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

Following the illustration, thread the strap through the

1

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 as shown in the illustration 4.

2

Tripod Mounting

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the

1

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 Stabilize the camcorder. To
prevent damage to the unit caused by falling
over, do not use a small-sized tripod.

EN9



F
E

M

T

O
X
.

O

C

P

W

U
O
.

S

S
S
B

C

Y

U
.

A

S

R

M

T

E

EERMAMMEE

N

A
A
A

N

U

U
U
U

U

T
T
T

O
O
O



R
D

N

E
.

ECXZT

M
O

S
O

O

Y
D

M

SETEM ME

S
5

N
P

0

U

x

MENU Wheel

Date/Time Settings

Set the Power Switch to “ ”. The power lamp

1

comes on.

Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU to select “ TO SYSTEM MENU” and

3

press it to display SYSTEM MENU. Rotate MENU to
select “ NEXT” and press it to display the next page.

Power Switch

Display

Menu Screen

N

S

Y

S



T

O

C

A

M

E

E

R

C

T

I

M

E

N

I

T

.

T

I

M

E

T

L

E

M

A

C

I

T

T

E

L

L

A

A

D

T

/

E

T

I

M

L

J

I

P

I

D

E

D

M

O

M

O

D



R

E

T

U

R

N

U

T

E

M

U

R

A

MMEEN

F

F

O

F

F

E

O

F

F

O

R

O

N

GFLISH

E

N

G

.

E

0

6

N

O

.

O

F

E

Rotate MENU to select “DATE/TIME” and press it.

4

The DATE/TIME Menu appears.

To set “YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY” or “TIME” (hour/

5

minute), rotate MENU to select the desired item, and
press it. When the setting begins blinking, rotate
MENU until the correct setting appears and then
press it. The setting stops blinking.

When none of these settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH”,

6

“DAY”, “TIME”) blinks, rotate MENU to select “EXIT”,
and press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the
highlight bar on “ RETURN”.

Press MENU to close the Menu Screen.

7

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display and
on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” ( pg. 25).

DATE/ T IME

Y

E

A

R

M

O

N

T

H

D

A

Y

T

I

M

E

E

X

I

T

0

:

220

0

1

6

2

8

2

0

DATE/TIME Menu

24-hour
indication

For other notes,  pg. 44

10 EN

MENU Wheel

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Recording Format Setting

(GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

Set the recording format according to the format of the
tape used or type of recording you wish to perform.

NOTE:

S-VHS ET recording is not possible when the recording
mode is set to “LP”.
Before performing the following steps, make sure that the
recording mode is set to “SP” ( pg. 12).

Power Switch

Display: when a VHS cassette is loaded.



R
D
W

S

T
D



O

O

E



R
D
W
S
T
D



N
E
.

I

–

A

I

R

N

FXF

N
E
.

I

–
A

I

R

E

X

T

C

M

Z

O

D

E

V

S

H

P

E

S

P

L

E

T

U

IT

E

X

T

C

M

Z

O

D

E

V

H

S

P

E

S

P

L

E

T

U

S

Y

S

E

D

O

M

O

T

E

NTGETMH

E

L

Y

A

N

R

S–VHS ET

S

Y

S

O

D

E

O

M

E

T

L

E

NTGETMH

A

Y

R

N

ME

U

S

P

x

5

0

F

O

F

O

N

T

3

0

F

U

LL

Menu Screen

When an S-VHS
cassette is
loaded: S-VHS

Setting Menu

U

N
P

S
5

0

x
F

O

F

O

N
3

0

T

U

LL

F

ME

N

Normal Screen

Set the Power Switch to “ ”. The power lamp

1

comes on.

Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU to select “ TO SYSTEM MENU” and

3

press it to display SYSTEM MENU.

If a VHS cassette is loaded . . .

.... rotate MENU to select “S-VHS ET”, then press it.

The S-VHS ET Setting Menu appears.

If an S-VHS cassette is loaded . . .

.... rotate MENU to “S-VHS”, then press it.

The S-VHS Setting Menu appears.

Rotate MENU to set to either of the parameters, then

4

press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the
highlight bar on “ RETURN”.

In the S-VHS ET Setting Menu,

ON : Records with S-VHS picture quality on a VHS

cassette (factory-preset). This is called Super
VHS ET (Expansion Technology).

OFF : Records in VHS.

In the S-VHS Setting Menu,

ON : Records in S-VHS on an S-VHS cassette

(factory-preset).

OFF : Records in VHS on an S-VHS cassette.

Press MENU to close the Menu Screen.

5

•When the S-VHS ET mode is engaged, “S-ET” is
displayed.

•During S-VHS record mode, “S“ is displayed.

•When S-VHS ET or S-VHS recording starts,
“S-VHS REC” is displayed for approx. 3 seconds.

NOTE:

If a cassette is not loaded, “S-VHS” will be displayed in the
Menu Screen.

NOTES about S-VHS and S-VHS ET



JVC EHG (Extra High Grade) tapes are recommended for superior results.
Use S-VHS tape for storing recordings for an extended period or for recording important scenes, as it
enables higher-quality recording and playback.

— It is recommended to specifically label S-VHS ET recordings so you can easily distinguish them from

regular VHS recordings.



With some tapes, better picture quality may not be obtained even with S-VHS ET recording. It is
recommended that you do test record beforehand to make sure whether better results can be obtained.



If the S-VHS ET mode or recording format is switched during recording, the playback picture will be
blurred at the switching point.



It is recommended that tapes recorded on this camcorder be played back on this camcorder.



Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode can be played back not only on this camcorder but also on
a Super VHS VCR.

— Tapes recorded in S-VHS ET mode cannot be played back on some VCRs, including some JVC VCRs.



Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode cannot be played back correctly on a normal VHS VCR.



S-VHS ET does not work with S-VHS tapes.



To avoid on-screen noise, do not perform Still Playback or Shuttle Search repeatedly.



If the picture contains a lot of jitter or noise, use a cleaning cassette.

Compatibility Between S-VHS And VHS

EN11

Recording Playback

Blank tape Camcorder Recorded tape

S-VHS-C
cassette

VHS-C
cassette

S-VHS
recordings

VHS
recordings

Cassette adapter

S-VHS ET
recordings

S-VHS VCR

•The recorded format (S-VHS or
VHS) is automatically detected
when playback begins.

Regular VHS VCR

•S-VHS recorded tapes cannot be
viewed on regular VHS VCRs.

12 EN

T

30

SP

S

P

L

P

E

XIT

Display

REC MODE

MENU Wheel

Power Switch

REC MODE Menu

Recording mode
indicator

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Recording Mode Setting

Set the tape recording mode depending on your preference.

Set the Power Switch to “ ”. The power lamp

1

comes on.

Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU to select “ TO SYSTEM MENU” and

3

press it to display SYSTEM MENU.

Rotate MENU to select “REC MODE” and press it.

4

The REC MODE Menu appears. Select “SP” or “LP”
by rotating MENU and press it. The Menu Screen
reappears with the highlight bar on “ RETURN”.
Press MENU to close the Menu Screen.

•“LP” (Long Play) is more economical, providing
twice the recording time.

NOTES:

●

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

●

S-VHS ET recording is not possible when the recording
mode is set to “LP” ( pg. 10, 24).

T

3

0

T

4

5

T

5

0

T

6

0

E

X

IT

Display

TAPE LENGTH

TAPE LENGTH
Menu

Tape length
indicator

Tape Length Setting

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

Perform steps 1 through 3 above.

1

Rotate MENU to select “TAPE LENGTH”, then press

2

it. The TAPE LENGTH Menu appears.

Rotate MENU to select the correct tape length setting.

3

•T30=30 minutes

•T45=45 minutes

•T50=50 minutes

•T60=60 minutes

Press MENU. The Menu Screen reappears with the

4

highlight bar on “ RETURN”. Press MENU to close
the Menu Screen.

NOTE:

The tape remaining time ( pg. 14) is correct only if the
correct tape length has been selected.

Cassette holder

Close Button

EJECT Switch

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

Open the LCD monitor fully (models equipped with

1

LCD monitor only).

Slide EJECT until the cassette holder opens. Do not

2

use force to open.

Insert or remove a cassette. When inserting, make

3

sure the label is facing outward.

Press the Close button to close the cassette holder

4

until it locks into place.

Close the LCD monitor (models equipped with LCD

5

monitor only).

EN13

EJECT Switch

Cassette holder

Close Button

Erase Protection tab Gear

Turn to take
up slack.

NOTES:

●

Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette holder is still
open may cause damage to the LCD monitor
(models equipped with LCD monitor only).

●

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.

14 EN

BR I GHT

–

–––––––6–––

+

25

MIN

RECORDING

NOTE:

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

●

Power ( pg. 6)

●

Load A Cassette ( pg. 13)

●

Recording Mode Setting ( pg. 12)

●

Tape Length Setting ( pg. 12)

●

Grip Adjustment ( pg. 8)

●

Viewfinder Adjustment ( pg. 8)

Basic Recording

During shooting

Power Switch

Recording Start/Stop Button

Tape remaining
time indicator
(Approximate)

MIN 59MIN

(Now calculating)

(Blinking) (Blinking) (Blinking)

180°

To Adjust The Brightness Of The LCD Monitor

.... rotate BRIGHT until the bright level

indicator on the display moves and the
appropriate brightness is reached.

60MIN

1MIN0MIN

BRIGHT Wheel (models equipped
with LCD monitor only)

90°

2MIN

3MIN

Shooting While Watching The Viewfinder

Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked

1

(models equipped with LCD monitor only). Press in
the tabs on the lens cap to remove it. Set the Power
Switch to “ ” or “ ”. The power lamp lights and
the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode.
“PAUSE” is displayed in the viewfinder.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “ ” appears

2

in the viewfinder while recording is in progress.

To Stop Recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder

re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

Shooting While Watching The
LCD Monitor (models equipped with LCD monitor only)

Make sure the LCD monitor is fully open. Press in the

1

tabs on the lens cap to remove it. Set the Power
Switch to “ ” or “ ”. The power lamp lights and
the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode.
“PAUSE” is displayed in the LCD monitor.

Tilt the LCD monitor upward/downward for best

2

viewability and press the Recording Start/Stop Button.
“ ” appears in the LCD monitor while recording is
in progress.

NOTE:

When you use the LCD monitor outdoors in direct
sunlight, the LCD monitor may be difficult to see. If this
happens, use the viewfinder instead.

To Stop Recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder

re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

: Suitable for standard recording using NO special effects or manual adjustments.
: Allows you to set recording functions using the menus for more creative capabilities.

OFF : Switches off the camcorder.

: Allows you to play back your recordings.

Power Switch Position

EN15

NOTES:

●

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 “OFF”, and then back to “ ” or “ ” to
turn the camcorder on again.

●

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 ( pg. 17) to find the end of the last recording so you do not erase any
of it.

●

To remove the indications from the camcorder’s display during recording,  pg. 22, 24.

Self-Recording

JOURNALISTIC SHOOTING (models

equipped with LCD monitor only)

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).

SELF-RECORDING (models equipped with

LCD monitor only)

You can shoot yourself while viewing your own
image in the LCD monitor. Open the LCD monitor
and tilt it upward 180° so that it faces forward, then
point the lens toward yourself and start recording.

For other notes,  pg. 45

16 EN

Zoom in (T: Telephoto)

RETAKE (2/3) Button

Display

Picture Stabiliser indicator

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

LIGHT
OFF/AUTO/ON
Switch

Power Zoom Lever

P. STABILIZER
Button

Zoom indicator
bar

1

x

Zoom level
indicator

Approximate
zoom ratio

RECORDING

Basic Features

Zooming: 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.

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.

●

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

●

The zoom level indicator
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 SYSTEM MENU ( pg. 23).

●

Digital zoom cannot be used when the “VIDEO
ECHO” mode ( pg. 21) is activated.

Picture Stabiliser:

images caused by camera-shake, particularly at high
magnification.

1) Press P. STABILIZER. “ ” appears.

2) To switch off the Picture Stabiliser, press
P. STABILIZER. The indicator disappears.

●

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 Stabiliser when recording with
the camcorder on a tripod.

●

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

●

This function cannot be activated during the

“Night-Scope” ( pg. 18), “CLASSIC FILM”,
“STROBE” and “VIDEO ECHO” mode ( pg. 21).

(5)

moves during zoom.

To compensate for unstable

Quick Review:

recording.

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

mode.

2) Press 2 and release quickly.

Tape is rewound for approx. 1 second and played
back automatically, then pauses in Record–
Standby mode for the next shot.

●

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

Retake:

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 3 forwards the
tape and pressing 2 reverses it.

3) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start

recording.

●

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

To re-record certain segments.

To check the end of the last

EN17

Video Light

(GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/
SX56ED only): To brighten the scene when

natural lighting is too dim.

1) Set LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON as required:
OFF : Turns off the light.
AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the

ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the

●

●

●

●

●

camcorder senses insufficient lighting on
the subject.

camcorder is turned on.

The video light can only be used with the
camcorder’s power on.
It is recommended to set the white balance
( pg. 29) to
When not using the video light, turn it off to save
battery power.
Even if the battery indicator
if the battery pack’s charge is low, the camcorder
may turn off automatically when you turn on the
video light, or when you start recording with the
video light turned on.
When LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON is set to “AUTO”:

•

Depending on the lighting conditions, the video
light may keep turning on and off. In this case,
manually switch the light on or off using LIGHT
OFF/AUTO/ON.

•

While the “Sports” or “High Speed Shutter”
mode ( pg. 20) is engaged, the light is likely
to stay on.

•

While the “Twilight” mode ( pg. 20) is
engaged, the light will not activate.

when you use the video light.

( )

does not blink

DANGER

 The video light can become extremely hot. Do

not touch it either while in operation or soon
after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may
result.

 Do not place the camcorder into the carrying

case immediately after using the video light,
since it remains extremely hot for some time.

 When operating, keep a distance of about 30

cm between the video light and people or
objects.

 Do not use near flammable or explosive

materials.

 It is recommended that you consult your

nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video
light.