JVC LYT0002-0A1A User Manual

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

GR-DVM1

INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS

ABOUT DV
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES
GETTING STARTED

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

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

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

Using The CAM Stand ......................... 10

Clock (Lithium) Battery CR2025

Insertion/Removal .......................... 11

Date/Time Settings ........................... 12

Loading/Unloading A Cassette .............. 13

Recording Mode Setting ...................... 14

Hand Strap Attachment ...................... 14

Lens Cover Detachment....................... 14

Sun Hood Attachment ......................... 15

Grip Attachment ............................... 16

Remote Control Unit .......................... 17

RECORDING

Full Auto/Manual Operation ................ 18

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

Advanced Features ............................ 26

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback ................................. 49

Basic Connections ............................. 50

Playback Menu ................................ 54

Advanced Features ............................ 56

EDITING

Docking Station ................................ 58

Dubbing ......................................... 58

Brand Setting .................................. 59

Random Assemble Editing .................... 60

For More Accurate Editing .................... 63

Audio Dubbing ................................. 65

Insert Editing ................................... 66

TROUBLESHOOTING
AFTER USE
CONTROLS,

INDICATIONS AND
CONNECTORS

Main Unit ....................................... 73

LCD Monitor Indications During Recording ... 74

LCD Monitor Indications During Playback .... 75

Warning Indications ........................... 75

JLIP Video Capture Docking Station ........ 76

CAUTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
INDEX

5
6
8

18

49

58

67
72

73

77
79
81
82

LYT0002-0A1A

2

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. 73 – 76) 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 77 and 78 before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT

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 Power

Adapter/Battery charger 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
(212°F) or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita
Electronic), Sanyo or Maxell 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.

3

CAUTION (applies to the Docking 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 Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the
Docking 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
viewfinder playback are possible anywhere.
Use the BN-V812U battery pack and, to
recharge it, 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
cassettes marked
unit.

digital video cassette. Only

can be used with this

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
damanged 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

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 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 Docking
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.

•When transporting, make sure the provided
battery cap is attached to the battery. If you
misplace the battery cap, carry the battery in a
plastic bag.

Before recording an important scene . . .

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

DV mark.

..... remember that this camcorder is not compatible

with other digital video formats.

..... remember that the this camcorder is intended

for private consumer use only. Any commercial
use without proper permission is prohibited.
(Even if you record an event such as a show,
performance or exhibition for personal
enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you
obtain permission beforehand.)

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/50°F), 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
re-attach 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 (Analog 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.

NOTE:

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

5

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

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

AC Power Adapter/Charger

AA-V80EK or AA-V80EA

CAM Stand Sun hood

Hand strap

AUDIO/VIDEO cable

(Docking Station to TV or

VCR, RCA plug 4 RCA plug)

Battery pack BN-V812U

VIDEO cable (ø 3.5,

camcorder to TV or VCR,

mini-plug 4 RCA plug)

Soft camera case

Grip

Cable adapter (provided

only with U.K. models)

AUDIO cable (ø 3.5,

camcorder to TV or VCR,

mini-plug 4 RCA plug)

S-VIDEO cable Editing cable DC cord

TW

7

Remote control unit

RM-V708U or RM-V710U

MiniDV Cassette Tape 30 min (DVM-30)

M-DV30ME

JLIP connection cables x 2,

3.5 mm dia

Computer connection cable,

D-SUB 9-pin

JLIP Video Capture Docking Station

GV-DS1 (referred to in the manual as

“Docking Station”)

Use of the JLIP Video Capture Docking

Station enables you to capture video

images from video sources such as

camcorders and VCRs.

Also refer to the JLIP Video Capture

Docking Station's instruction manual.

CD-ROM

The CD ROM contains the following

2 software programs:

•JLIP Video Capture

•JLIP Movie Player

Lithium battery CR2025 x 2

(one for clock operation and one for

remote control unit)

Cleaning cloth

8

Charging The Battery Pack

You can charge one battery pack at a time, or two consecutively.

ATTACH

Battery pack BN-V812U

To AC outlet

DC jack

Charger indicator 2

Power lamp

Charger indicator 1

Power cord

AC Power Adapter/
Charger

• The charge marker does not move by itself. After

GETTING STARTED

DETACH

RED

BLACK

Charge marker

charging or removing a discharged battery, be sure to
set the marker to the predetermined position.

SUPPLY POWER TO CHARGER

1

Plug the AC Adapter/Charger's power cord into
an AC outlet. The power indicator comes on.

ATTACH BATTERY/BATTERIES

2

Make sure the + – marks are facing down and
aligned with the corresponding marks on the
AC Power Adapter/Charger.

•The Charge Indicator (1 or 2) begins blinking
to indicate charging has started.

CONFIRM STATUS

3

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

•If two batteries are attached to the charger,
they will be charged in the order that they
were attached.

CHARGING TIME

BATTERY ONE TWO

BN-V812U approx. 100 min. approx. 200 min.

DETACH BATTERY/BATTERIES

4

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

•Remember to unplug the AC Adapter/
Charger's power cord from an AC outlet.

Charge Marker

The charge marker makes it easy for you to
differentiate between charged and discharged
batteries. Choose RED or BLACK to mean charged
or discharged, and you'll always know the status of
your batteries.

NOTES:

●

If you connect the camcorder’s DC cord to the
adapter during battery charging, power is
supplied to the camcorder and charging stops.

●

When using the AC Power Adapter/Charger, be
sure to use the supplied power cord only.

●

The AC Power Adapter/Charger is for use with the
BN-V812U Battery Pack only.

●

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

●

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

** Charging Environment

Perform charging where the temperature is between
10° and 30°C. (20°–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 for approximately
60 minutes, under the following conditions:

•A BN-V812U Battery Pack is in use

•The temperature is approximately 20°C/68°F
However, . . .

•If the temperature is below 10°C/50°F, or

•If zoom or Record/Standby are engaged 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.

Installing The Battery Pack

The battery pack does not charge while in the
camcorder. Before installation, make sure the
battery pack has been charged fully.

Battery cover

Open switch

1

2

Battery

OPEN BATTERY COVER

1

1 Slide the open switch on the battery cover.
2 Pull open the battery cover in the direction

of the arrow.

INSERT BATTERY

2

Insert the + – end of the battery first.

CLOSE BATTERY COVER

3

Slide the open switch and close the battery
cover.

9

BATTERY RECORDING TIME

BN-V812U approx. 60 min.

NOTES:

●

To remove the battery pack, turn the Power Dial
to "OFF", open the battery cover and slide the
battery pack out.

●

Be careful not to drop the battery pack.

10

GETTING STARTED

(Cont.)

To AC outlet

AC Power
Adapter/Charger

DC cord

Power cord

Core Filter

DC-IN

Connector is under
this cover

Bottom of the camcorder

d
c

b
a

Lens

B

D

CAM Stand

A

C

Indoor Use

When using the camcorder indoors, you can use
the AC Adapter instead of a battery.

SUPPLY POWER TO ADAPTER

1

Plug the AC Adapter/Charger's power cord in
to an AC outlet.

SUPPLY POWER TO CAMCORDER

2

Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder.

NOTES:

●

When using the provided DC cord, make sure
you connect the end of the cable with the core
filter to the camcorder. The core filter improves
performance of equipment.

●

When using the AC Power Adapter/Charger, the
“Battery Low” indicator (Z pg. 75) may appear.
This is not a malfunction.

Using The CAM Stand

During Playback

If you leave the camcorder's power on for a long
time while using it on a table top etc., the
camcorder's surface may become hot. Attach it to
the CAM Stand and play back.

During Recording

It is recommended to use the CAM Stand while
shooting from a table top or any other flat surface.
This provides stability to the camcorder.

SUPPLY POWER

1

Plug the DC cord into the camcorder.

ATTACH TO CAM STAND

2

Line up A with a, B with b, C with c, and

D

with d. Slide the camcorder in the

direction of the arrow.

•To detach the camcorder, slide it in the
opposite direction of the arrow.

Clock (Lithium) Battery CR2025 Insertion/Removal

This battery is necessary to operate the clock and to perform date/time settings.

11

Battery holder

3

Open switch

Battery cover

OPEN BATTERY COVER

1

1 Slide the open switch on the battery cover.
2 Pull open the battery cover in the direction

of the arrow.

REMOVE OLD BATTERY

2

Pull the battery holder out in the direction of
the arrow and slide the battery down and out
of the holder.

INSERT NEW BATTERY

3

Insert the battery, with the “+” side showing, in
the holder.

REPLACE BATTERY HOLDER

4

Insert the battery holder into the battery cover.

CLOSE BATTERY COVER

5

4

4

1

NOTES:

●

After changing the lithium battery, reset the date
and time (Z pg. 12).

●

When the battery is depleted, the “ ” indicator
appears in the LCD monitor after you turn the
power on.

●

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” on page 2 for
information on safe handling of lithium batteries.

2

5

12

GETTING STARTED

(Cont.)

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. 54).
To set date and time follow the instructions from 1 to 5.

LCD monitor

WIDE MODE
ZOOM
DIS
GA I N UP
TO F ADER / W IPE MENU
TO P.AE / EFFECT MENU
TO DATE / TIME MENU
TO SYSTEM MENU
W.BALANCE


END

Recording Menu



ON SCREEN
DISPLAY
DATE/T I ME





END

Date/Time Menu

OFF

20X

OFF
AGC

AUTO

ITEM –/+ BUTTON

SET MENU BUTTON

OFF
OFF
25 . 12 .
17 : 30

ITEM –/+ BUTTON

SET MENU BUTTON

97

PUSH-OPEN

OPEN LCD MONITOR

1

First press PUSH-OPEN button and open the
LCD monitor fully.

•The LCD monitor turns on/off automatically
when it is opened/closed while the Power
Dial is set to “REC”.

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

SELECT OPERATION MODE

2

Set the Power Dial to "REC" by pressing down
the lock button located on the dial and set the
shooting mode selector to "MANUAL".

ACCESS RECORDING MENU

3

Press MENU. The Recording Menu appears in
the LCD monitor.

ACCESS DATE/TIME MENU

4

Place the pointer next to "TO DATE/TIME
MENU" by pressing the –/+ button. Press "+" to
move up and "–" to move down. Press MENU
and the Date/Time Menu appears in the LCD
monitor.

Lock button

Power Dial

S

5

C

E

R

Y

P

OFF

A

L

AUTO

MENU

MANUAL

Shooting mode selector

INPUT DATE AND TIME

5

Place the pointer next to “DATE/TIME” by
pressing the –/+ button. Press MENU and
“day” begins blinking.

Using the –/+ button (press "+" to increase and "–" to
decrease), input the day. Press MENU. Repeat the
procedure to input the month, year, hour and
minute. Press MENU when the pointer is next to
“END” to exit.

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 in the LCD monitor begin
operation from the current date and time, with no
delay or loss.

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

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

OPEN/EJECT switch

13

Cassette holder

PUSH HERE

Make sure the
window side is
facing out.

Erase protection switch

OPEN CASSETTE DOOR

1

Turn on the power, 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.

•Before opening the cassette cover, disconnect
the headphones and AUDIO/VIDEO
connectors from the jacks because the
cassette cover will interfere with them.

•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.

RECORDING TIME

TAPE RECORDING MODE

SP LP

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

Cassette cover

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
doesn’t open, close the cassette cover and try
again.

●

Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the
holder when it’s closing. If this happens, the
holder will open automatically after a few
seconds.

●

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.

●

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.

14

LCD
monitor

Recording mode indicator

SP

Set POWER to
“REC”.

SP-LP recording
mode switch

SP

LP

GETTING STARTED

(Cont.)

Recording Mode Setting

Set depending on your preference.

SET RECORDING MODE

1

Set SP•LP switch. “LP” (Long Play) is more
economical, recording at 2/3 the speed of “SP”
(Standard Play).

•Insert Editing or Audio Dubbing is impossible
on a tape recorded in the LP mode.

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.

Hand Strap Attachment

The provided Hand Strap helps you to keep a firm
hold on the camcorder. Make sure you never hold
the camcorder without using the Hand Strap.

Eyelet

Hand strap

2

ATTACH HAND STRAP

1

Slide the strap through the eyelet, pulling
firmly to ensure secure attachment.

1

Lens Cover Detachment

When using an optional conversion lens or lens
filter (commercially available), you must first detach
the lens cover.

Lens cover

DETACH LENS COVER

1

Turn the lens cover in the direction of the
arrow to detach it.

•To re-attach it, turn it in the opposite
direction of the arrow.

•Do not forcefully re-attach the lens cover as
this may damage its ridge, making further use
of the lens cover impossible.

•Take care so that dust does not get on the
lens.

Sun Hood Attachment

The sun hood shields the LCD monitor from reflection so that the user can watch it with ease even under
direct sunlight. It also helps protect the monitor from damage.

15

LCD monitor

Sun hood

Lens

Sun hood

LCD monitor

ATTACH SUN HOOD

1

Mount the sun hood on the LCD monitor so
that it opens when you pull A up.

•To detach, pull in the opposite direction of
the arrow.

OPEN SUN HOOD

2

Pull A up to open the sun hood.

DETACH SUN HOOD

3

•If detaching is difficult, grasp the sun hood at
the positions marked with a on top and
bottom, and pull toward yourself.

To close the sun hood, push

Mark

NOTE:

When not using the LCD monitor, detach the sun
hood and close the LCD monitor. The LCD monitor
can not be closed with the sun hood attached.

To use the sun hood when tilting the LCD
monitor upward 180 degrees . . .

..... it is possible to attach the sun hood upside down.

When turning over the LCD monitor, attach the
sun hood upside down.

A

A

.

16

Grip Attachment

Use of the grip enables stable shooting.

Bottom of the camcorder

A

B

Tripod mounting socket

GETTING STARTED

Grip

(Cont.)

Screw

a

ALIGN

Align the grip's screw with the camcorder's socket for

1

tripod mounting,

b

A

with a and B with b.

Grip Adjustment

1

Pad

2

Grip band

3

When loading/unloading a
cassette . . .

...... tilt the grip toward you. You can

load/unload a cassette with the
grip attached.

When mounting on a tripod . . .

...... align the tripod's screw with the

To detach, turn
the screw in the
opposite direction
of the arrow.

TIGHTEN

Tighten the screw in the directon of the arrow as in

2

the illustrations.

INSERT HAND

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. Separate the
pad. Take special care not to drop the camcorder.

ADJUST STRAP LENGTH

Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate the RECORDING
START/STOP button and the zoom switch. Refasten the grip band.

RE-ATTACH PAD

When putting the camcorder

mounting socket on the bottom
of the grip.

with the grip attached into the
soft camera case . . .

...... insert with lens side down, slide

the soft camera case's flap
through the grip's loop and close
the flap.

Cassette
cover

Bottom of the grip

Grip

Tripod mounting socket

Remote Control Unit

You can use the RM-V708U or RM-V710U to control the camcorder when it’s attached to the Docking
Station.

RECORDING START/STOP Button (Z pg. 66)

17

PAUSE IN connector (

ZOOM Buttons (

DISPLAY Button (Z pg. 65)

SHIFT Button (Z pg. 56)

SLOW Rewind/Forward
Buttons (

LEFT/RIGHT Buttons
(Z pg. 56)

FADE/WIPE Button
(Z pg. 60)

Knob

Z pg. 56)

Z pg. 53)

EFFECT Button
(Z pg. 57)

EFFECT ON/OFF
Button (Z pg. 57)

CANCEL Button (

Z pg. 60)

TW

Z pg. 61)

POWER ON/OFF Button

When the camcorder’s Power
Dial is set to “PLAY”, you can
turn the unit’s power on and off
using the Remote Control Unit.

AUDIO MONITOR
Button (Z pg. 65)

MBR SET Button (

A. DUB Button (

DOWN Button (

INSERT Button (Z pg. 66)

UP Button (Z pg. 56)

Operation Buttons
(Z pg. 56, 66)

R.A. EDIT Buttons (

Z pg. 60)

Z pg. 59)

Z pg. 65)

Z pg. 56)

Installing The Battery

The RM-V708U or RM-V710U 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.

18

RECORDING

Full Auto/Manual Operation

The following chart shows you which functions are available in the Full Auto and Manual operation modes.

According to the shooting mode selector position
you have selected, "F.AUTO" or "MANUAL"
appears in the upper left corner of the LCD monitor
screen.

When set to "AUTO" When set to "MANUAL"

F.AUTO

PAUSE

MANUAL

PAUSE

AUTO

Shooting mode selector

MANUAL

Function Shooting mode selector position

F(ull) AUTO mode MANUAL mode

Snapshot (Z pg. 26) YES*1 (Active until reset) YES
Scene (Z pg. 28, 33) YES*2 (Active until reset) YES
Self-Timer (Z pg. 29) YES YES
Focus (Z pg. 46) AUTO AUTO/MANUAL
D.I.Stabilizer (Z pg. 31)*3 Not operational ON/OFF
Exposure Control (Z pg. 47) AUTO AUTO/MANUAL
White Balance (Z pg. 44) AUTO AUTO/MANUAL
Digital Zoom (Z pg. 25) 20x only ON/OFF
P.AE/Effects (Z pg. 40) Not operational YES
FADER/WIPE (Z pg. 34) Not operational YES

*1– Only "ON" is available for "PHOTO FRAME" (Z pg. 33). ("OFF" is not possible.) It is not possible to

mute the shutter sound effect.

*2– To change a setting in the system menu, follow steps on page 32. The new setting becomes available

when you engage the “F.AUTO” mode.

*3– Set to OFF at shipment.

19

Basic Recording

You should already have performed the necessary preparations (Z pgs. 8 – 16). Set the shooting mode
selector to "AUTO" 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. 12). Even if they don’t appear during
recording, you can display them during playback (Z pg. 55).

LCD monitor

PUSH-OPEN

OPEN LCD MONITOR

1

Press PUSH-OPEN to open the LCD monitor
fully.

•The LCD monitor turns on/off automatically
when it is opened/closed while the Power
Dial is set to “REC”.

TURN ON POWER

2

Press the lock button located on the Power
Dial and turn the Power Dial to "REC". The
power lamp comes on and Record/Standby
mode is engaged.

•If you don't open the LCD monitor, power
cannot be turned on.

SELECT OPERATION MODE

3

Set the shooting mode selector to "AUTO".

•In the “AUTO” mode, only Zoom (20x),
Snapshot, 5S (if you change the setting in the
System Menu, either 5SD or ANIM. (anima­tion) becomes available — see pg. 32, 33)
and Self-Timer are available.

Power Dial

Power lamp

Lock button

S

5

C

E

R

Y

OFF

A

L

AUTO

MANUAL

LCD monitor

PAUSE

P

Record/Standby

RECORDING
START/STOP button

LCD monitor

During recording

START RECORDING

4

When “PAUSE” appears in the LCD monitor,
press RECORDING START/STOP. A beep
signals the start of recording.

END RECORDING

5

When you’re finished recording, press
RECORDING START/STOP. Close the LCD
monitor; the power lamp goes out.

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

•To turn power on again, 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.

REC

NOTES:

●

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, set the Power Dial to “OFF”, then to “REC”. 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" (

●

Recored/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 sun hood should be used when under direct sunlight.

Z

pg. 20).

20

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.

LCD monitor

C

5

S

E

R

OFF

Y

A

L

STOP PLAY REW FF

PLAY/PAUSE REW FF

STOP

P

Power Dial

S

5

C

E

R

Y

OFF

Lock button

RECORDING
START/STOP Button

P

A

L

OPEN LCD MONITOR

1

Make sure the LCD monitor is open fully.

SELECT MODE

2

Press down the lock button located on the
Power Dial and turn the Power Dial to "PLAY".

START SEARCH

3

Press PLAY/PAUSE, then press REW or FF.
Watch in 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 PLAY/PAUSE to engage
the Still mode.

START RECORDING

5

Set the Power Dial to “REC” and press
RECORDING 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:

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.

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 Snapshot Search (Z pg. 27) and Random Assemble Editing (Z pg. 60), 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.

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

LCD monitor

12 : 34 : 24

Time code
00:00:00

Time code is displayed
during playback.

Minutes

Seconds

Frames (25 frames =
1 second)

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

Tape Remaining Indicator

The time remaining on the tape is automatically
monitored and displayed in the LCD monitor
(Z pg. 74). When the tape ends, “TAPE END”
appears in the LCD monitor. If the LCD monitor
indications are turned off (Z pg. 23), the tape
remaining indicator appears when remaining time
reaches 2 minutes.

RECORDING

(Cont.)

What Happens When You Shoot Sideways

If the camcorder is held horizon­tally (on its side) while shooting,
the recorded/played-back image
also appears on its side.

1 min

blinking

2 min

90min

REC

blinking

0 min

blinking

89 min

3 min

Holding The Camcorder

GRASP CAMCORDER

1

Grasp the camcorder with the pinkie finger
positioned under the bottom of the camcorder.

•Be sure to use the provided hand strap.

•The grip is also recommended.

OPEN LCD MONITOR

2

Hold the camcorder with both hands for stable
shooting.

•Be careful not to push the LCD monitor or
the buttons you do not wish to use.

LCD monitor

IND/DISPLAY

23

BRIGHT

Brightness Control

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor by
pressing the –/+ button.

ADJUST BRIGHTNESS

1

If you want to brighten the image...

Press the "+" button.

If you want to darken the image...

Press the "–" button.

•The brightness indication appears in the LCD
monitor.

LCD Monitor Indications

You can make the LCD monitor indications appear/
disappear.

PRESS IND/DISPLAY BUTTON

1

When you do not want the indications to
appear, press the IND/DISPLAY button. Certain
indications disappear.
Press again to make the indicaitons reappear.

•If you keep this button pressed more than 2
seconds, the LCD monitor switches off. To
turn on the LCD monitor again, keep IND/
DISPLAY pressed more than 2 seconds.

NOTE:

It is impossible to make the tape running indicator
and warnings disappear from the LCD monitor.

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).

24

Lens

RECORDING

(Cont.)

Interface Shooting

You can 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 toward yourself and start
recording.

•During Interface Shooting, the “Tape Running”
indicator and warning indications
(Z pg. 74, 75) are the only ones that will be
shown; they will appear horizontally
reversed in the display, 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)

25

Zoom

Select any one of the three powers of magnification and get “closer” to the subject (Z pg. 31).

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

NOTE:

Digital zoom (20x and 100x) cannot be used while the Video Echo effect (Z pg. 41), the Picture Wipe/
Dissolve function (Z pg. 36) or the 5SD mode (Z pg. 28) are activated.

Digital zoom
zone

10X zoom
zone

Zoom switch

Zoom in (T: Telephoto)

D
T

W

T

W

D
T

W

D
T

W

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

D
T

W

Zoom display

T

W

D
T

W

26

RECORDING

Advanced Features

Snapshot

Use your camcorder like a regular camera and take a snapshot, or several of them in succession.

Speaker

LCD monitor

PUSH-OPEN

Press SNAPSHOT during recording

SNAPSHOT

Press SNAPSHOT during Record/Standby mode

OPEN LCD MONITOR

1

Press the PUSH-OPEN switch and open the
LCD monitor fully.

SELECT OPERATION MODE

2

Press the lock button located on the Power
Dial and turn the Power Dial to "REC", "5S" or
" ".

TAKE SNAPSHOT

3

Press the SNAPSHOT Button. “PHOTO”
appears in the LCD monitor, and the image,
bordered by a white frame, will be recorded
and displayed in the LCD monitor for 6
seconds. The next image then gradually
overlaps the snapshot and normal recording
resumes.

•When using the Snapshot function from
Record/Standby, the camcorder returns to
Record/Standby after 6 seconds.

•The sound effect of a shutter closing is
recorded together with the image.

S

5

C

E

R

Y

OFF

A

Power Dial

Lock button

P

L

Motor Drive mode:

Keeping SNAPSHOT pressed provides an effect
similar to serial photography. (The interval between
the still pictures: approx. 0.7 seconds).

Changing the Snapshot Setting:

•Still image with no frame can also be recorded
(Z pg. 32).

•When you don't want to hear the shutter sound,
set BEEP/TALLY to "NO" in the system menu
(Z pg. 32). Though the sound is not heard from
the speaker, it is recorded on the tape.