RCA CC4251 User Manual
camcorder
user's guide
CC4251
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
CAUTION
This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage”
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
This symbol indicates important instructions
accompanying the product.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame
la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousser jusqu au fond.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of
batteries may burst causing damage and personal injury.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to
this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts
and service and attach it here. Record the serial number and model
numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.
Model No: CC4251 ______ ____________
Serial No: __________________________
Purchase Date: __________________________
Purchased From: ________________________
i
Assistance
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...........800-283-6503 (pages 55-56)
Customer Service...................................800-336-1900 (page 54)
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 41-47)
Table of Contents
Safety Information..............................i
First Time Operation
• Assistance ....................................... 3
• Unpack the Camcorder and
Accessories................................. 3
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 4
• Adjust the Handstrap, Remove
Lens Cap, and Attach
It to Handstrap............................. 4
• Insert a Tape ....................................5
• Turn on the Camcorder ................... 5
• Adjust the Viewfinder and
Eyepiece Focus Control ..............6
• Start and Stop Recording ................6
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 7
• Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
Switch to OFF............................ 7
• Replace the Lens Cap...................... 7
• Review Camcorder’s
Operating Controls ..................8-9
Powering Your Camcorder
• Use the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 10
• Use the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder ..................11-13
• Charge the Battery .................... 11
• Attach the Charged Battery ...... 12
• Remove the Battery .................. 12
• Battery Level Indicator ............. 13
• Battery Care .............................. 14
• Battery Storage ......................... 14
• Battery Safety Precautions ....... 14
• Use the RCA Optional Car
Cord Adapter ............................ 15
Videocassettes
• Erase Protection ............................ 16
• Recording and Playback
Speed and Times ...................... 16
• Insert and Remove
Cassettes ................................... 17
• Cassette Care and Storage............. 17
1
Table of Contents
Date/Time Display
• Set the Time and Date................... 18
• Record Time and Date, AUTO
Date, Auto TITLE, or Date......... 19
• Charge the Built-in Clock
Battery.......................................19
Recording
• Use the Viewfinder...................20-21
• Adjust Viewfinder for
Convenient Viewing.............20
• Eyepiece Focus Control............20
• Tilt Adjustment ......................... 21
• BRIGHT Control....................... 21
• Viewfinder Displays .................22-23
• DISPLAY Button ........................... 24
• Quick Review Feature................... 24
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 25
• AutoShot™ Feature ...................... 25
• Microphone ................................... 25
• Auto Focus .................................... 25
• Macro Focus.................................. 25
• Tape-Remaining Display............... 26
• Electronic Indexing ....................... 26
• Zooming ........................................ 27
• Tape Counter ................................. 28
• Use Memory-Stop Feature ....... 28
• Recording Tips .............................. 29
• Travel Tips .................................... 29
• Titler.........................................30-32
• To Create a Title ....................... 31
• Chart of Characters ................... 31
• Record a Title on a Tape in
the Camcorder ..................... 32
• Record a Title While Copying
a Tape from the Camcorder
to Another VCR ................... 32
Playback
• Viewfinder Playback ..................... 33
• Playback Features
• Tape Positioning ....................... 34
• Visual Searching ....................... 34
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 34
• Tracking.................................... 35
• Playback on TV (or VCR) with
Audio/Video Inputs .............36-37
• Playback on TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs .............38-39
Attach the Shoulder Strap ..............40
Optional Accessories...................41-47
• Use a Tripod.................................. 42
• Remove the Lens Hood................. 44
• Accessory Order Form .............45-47
Trouble Checks ...........................48-50
Care and Maintenance
• Clean the Camcorder..................... 51
• Clean the Camcorder’s Lens......... 51
• Clean the Camcorder’s
Viewfinder ................................. 51
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 52
• Things to Avoid ............................. 52
Specifications.................................... 53
Information to User......................... 53
Customer Assistance........................ 54
Limited Warranty.......................55-56
Index ............................................57-60
2
First-Time Operation
This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to
the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.
Assistance
The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter.
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...............800-283-6503
Customer Service................................... 800-336-1900
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
• Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship
or store your camcorder.
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any
are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
WARNING:
LEAD-ACID
BATTERY.
MUST BE
DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY.
Model CC4251
Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
POWER
CHARGE
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044
DC Cable: Stock No. 241308
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger for any
purpose other than charging the EP096FS or EP096FL
battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 241305 or
Stock No. 227327
(continued on next page)
3
First-Time Operation
2. Attach the adapter/charger.
T o A C 120V ,
50/60 Hz
POWER
CHARGE
Adapter/
Charger
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
1.Attach one end of the adapter/
charger’s DC cable to the DC
DC
OUTPUT
Jack
DC Cable
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
2.Attach the other end of the cable
to the DC IN 9.6V jack on the
camcorder.
3.Plug the adapter/charger’s plug
into an operating outlet.
4.Details are on page 10.
OUTPUT jack on the side of the
adapter/charger.
3. Adjust the handstrap, remove lens cap, and attach
it to the handstrap.
POWER
CHARGE
1.Open the handstrap, insert your
hand, and adjust the handstrap to
fit your hand.
4
Lens Cap on
Handstrap
Handstrap
2.Remove the lens cap and attach it
to the handstrap where shown.
First-Time Operation
4. Insert a tape.
STOP/EJECT
Button
Cassette Holder
• Press STOP/EJECT to open the
cassette compartment.
• Insert the cassette with the safety
tab facing up and the tape windows
facing out.
5. Turn on the camcorder.
Safety Tab
Tape Windows
Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
• Press the cassette down gently
until it locks into place, and close
the cassette compartment door.
• Details are on page 17.
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
• Press and hold the small button on
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch
while sliding it to CAMERA.
The camcorder enters recordpause.
• The position of this switch tells
the camcorder whether you want
to record (CAMERA), turn the
power off (OFF), or play back
tapes (VCR).
• The camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in recordpause for five minutes. Place the
switch to OFF and then back to
CAMERA to turn the camcorder
back on.
(continued on next page)
5
First-Time Operation
Electronic
Viewfinder (Grasp
here to move.)
BRIGHT
Control
REC/PAUSE
Button
Eyepiece Focus
Control
Eyepiece
6. Adjust the viewfinder and
eyepiece focus control.
• Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it
horizontally.
• Pull the viewfinder out from the
camcorder and rotate the eyepiece
into a comfortable viewing
position.
Caution: Pulling on the eyepiece might damage the
eyepiece or camcorder.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.
• Adjust the brightness of the image
in the viewfinder by turning the
BRIGHT control.
6
7. Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE
button to start recording. REC
appears in the viewfinder when
the camcorder is recording.
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE
button again to stop recording.
The camcorder is now in the
record-pause mode ( appears in
the viewfinder when the
camcorder is in record-pause).
First-Time Operation
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
REC/PAUSE
Button
8. Play back what you have
recorded.
• Press the REC/PAUSE button to
pause recording.
• Press and hold the small button
while you set the CAMERA/OFF/
VCR switch to VCR.
• Press REW/REVIEW to rewind
the tape.
• Press PLAY to play back the tape.
• Press STOP/EJECT when you are
finished playing back the tape.
• Details on viewfinder playback
are on page 33.
REW/
REVIEW
Button
PLAY
Button
STOP/
EJECT
Button
9. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
10. Replace the lens cap.
(continued on next page)
7
First-Time Operation
11. Review camcorder’s operating controls.
DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
Microphone
BRIGHT
Control
TITLER Button
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
REW (Rewind)/REVIEW Button
(Also – Button)
PLAY Button
F.FWD (Fast Forward)
Button
(Also + Button)
STOP/EJECT
Button
(Also EDIT-ADV
Button)
Lens
Lens Hood
Reset Switch
(See Trouble
Checks for
details.)
VIDEO, AUDIO and RF DC
OUT Jacks (Located Behind
Small Cover)
8
First-Time Operation
11. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (continued)
BATTERY
EJECT
Button
Attach
Rechargeable
Battery Here
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Attach Adapter/
Charger’s DC
Cord Here
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
Cassette Door
(Press here to
close.)
Eyepiece
Viewfinder
REC/PAUSE
Button
Handstrap
with Lens
Cap Holder
W and T Power
Zoom Buttons
(Also TRACKING
Buttons)
9
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder
directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 120 volts,
50/60 Hz, and can be used to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
Caution: Do not attempt to use a “power converter” to use your AC adapter/
charger on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, or the adapter/charger
and camcorder may be damaged. If you wish to operate the AC adapter/charger
on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, use only a transformer-type
power converter. Do not use “solid-state” or “switching-type” power
converters. They will damage your AC adapter/charger. An optional
CPS014, shown on page 42, is designed for use on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.
T o AC 120V,
50/60 Hz
POWER
Indicator
POWER
CHARGE
Adapter/
Charger
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger for any other purpose other than charging the
EP096FS or EP096FL battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.
DC
OUTPUT
Jack
DC Cable
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Attach one end of the adapter/
charger’s DC cable to the DC
OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger.
2. Attach the other end of the cable to
the DC IN 9.6V jack on the camcorder .
3. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into an
operating outlet. The POWER
indicator on the adapter/charger lights
when it is properly connected.
Notes: The adapter/charger cannot charge the
battery and operate the camcorder at the same
time. If you connect both, the adapter/charger
will power the camcorder. Remove the
10
adapter/charger’s cable from the DC OUTPUT
jack to charge the battery.
When using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder, the battery level indicator may
display
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder.
. This indicator is used for
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
Charge the Battery
The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will
take approximately two hours. The camcorder’s operating time depends on how often
you turn the power on and off and how much you use zoom and pause. Conserve
battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.
T o AC 120V,
50/60 Hz
Rechargeable Battery
(Hold battery flush and
slide down.)
WARNING;
LEAD ACID
BATTERY.
MUST BE
DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY.
CHARGE
Indicator
Caution: When a battery is attached to the adapter/charger, do
not turn them upside down. The battery may fall off and be
damaged or cause injury.
Charge the Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the
DC OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger,
remove it.
1. Align reference mark on battery with
mark on adapter/charger.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
adapter/charger and slide it in the
direction of the arrow.
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
outlet (120V, 50/60Hz).
Align
Arrows
Adapter/
Charger
4. If the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger’s CHARGE
indicator lights.
Note: Your battery will provide better
service if you charge it before and after use
and store it at room temperature.
5. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it up and off the adapter/charger.
6. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder as shown on the next page.
11
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
BATTERY
EJECT
Button
Rechargeable
Battery
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Down
Attach the Charged Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the
camcorder, remove it before attaching
the battery.
1. Align the reference arrow on the
battery to the arrow on the back of
the camcorder.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
camcorder while sliding it down in
the direction of the arrow.
3. Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
slide it to CAMERA.
Remove the Battery
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF.
2. Press and hold the BATTERY EJECT
button and remove the battery.
ATTENTION: LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED
USES A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. AT THE END OF ITS
USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, IT
MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE
MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL
SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR AREA FOR
RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.
12
Pb
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.
Battery Level Indicator Display
in Viewfinder
Note: If the battery level display does not
appear, press DISPLAY.
• When appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used and
appear.
• When the battery power is almost
gone, flashes in the viewfinder.
Recharge the battery or use the adapter/
charger before continuing to use the
Notes: When recording using the rechargeable battery, the battery level indicator
flashes to warn you of low battery power
even if you do not have the battery level
indicator displayed.
The battery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears in the
viewfinder.
The battery level indicator has no meaning
when you use the adapter/charger or optional
car cord to power the camcorder.
camcorder. Set the CAMERA/OFF/
VCR switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder before replacing the battery.
Cautions: When a battery reaches empty during use, the camcorder turns off.
The battery should still have enough reserve power to eject the cassette when
you press STOP/EJECT.
If the camcorder does not eject the cassette when you press STOP/EJECT, do
not force the cassette door open. This will damage your camcorder.
Before attempting to eject the cassette, power the camcorder with the adapter/
charger or recharge the battery.
13
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Care
• Your battery will provide better service
and longer performance if you charge
if before and after use, and store it at
normal room temperature.
• The battery should be charged at a
temperature of 32˚F-95˚F (0˚C-35˚C)
to prevent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at temperatures below 14˚F (-10˚C) or above
95˚F (35˚C). The battery might be
Battery Storage
• Store the battery at normal room
temperature.
• Lead acid batteries discharge if not
used. Recharge the battery at least
once ever six months or you may not
be able to recharge it.
damaged if operated at temperatures
above 122˚F (50˚C). Operation
time will decrease at extremely
low temperatures.
• After repeated chargings and use the
operation time will decrease. When
the operation time becomes too short to
be useful, it is time to replace the
battery.
• A battery stored for a long period
might not supply power for the
specified time. Additional rechargings
might help restore the battery’s
operation time.
Battery Safety Precautions
• Batteries being recharged that have not
been used for an extended period may
continue to charge after the normal
time. Do not charge a battery for more
than 24 hours.
• If the CHARGE indicator on the
adapter/charger starts flashing, remove
the battery, and reattach it. If after
several attempts, the indicator continues to flash, your battery cannot take a
charge and must be replaced.
• Throwing the battery into a fire or
exposing the battery to excessive heat –
over 149˚F (65˚C) could be hazardous.
14
• Do not short the battery’s terminals.
• Allow the battery to cool down before
attaching it to the adapter/charger. The
CHARGE indicator will not light and
the battery will not charge if you attach
a hot battery.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or
modify the battery. There are no userserviceable parts inside.
• Use the battery only with specified AC
adapter/chargers and camcorders.
• If leakage from a damaged battery
contacts your skin or clothing, wash it
off immediately with running water.
Power Your Camcorder
Use the RCA Optional Car Cord Ada pter
The optional DCC096 car cord shown on
page 41 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts
12-volts to a 9.6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructions enclosed with the DCC096 for
complete operating instructions.
Use the DCC096 Car Cord Adapter
Cigarette
Lighter
Socket
Optional
Car Cord
(DCC096)
Caution: The DCC096 car cord is
designed to be used only with
vehicles having 12-volt negative
ground electrical systems.
Warning: To avoid possible damage
to the camcorder, use only the
DCC096 car cord. It has positive tip
polarity and is capable of converting
12 volts to 9.6 volts.
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF to turn off the camcorder.
2. If the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.
3. Insert the small plug on the car cord to
the DC IN 9.6V jack located on the
back of the camcorder.
4. Take the vehicle’s cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
5. Insert the car cord’s cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter
socket.
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
6. Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
set it to CAMERA to turn on the
camcorder.
Notes: The vehicle does not have to be turned
on for the camcorder to operate from the DC
car cord.
When using the car cord to power the
camcorder, the battery level indicator has no
meaning.
15
Videocassettes
Make sure you select good quality tapes for your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapes
or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads,
resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no
control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not
covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.
If a snowy picture or no-picture condition persists, consider the use of a dry chemical
nonabrasive head-cleaning tape. Be sure to follow the directions with the headcleaning kit carefully. Improper use of a head cleaner might damage your camcorder.
Erase Protection – Safety Tab
You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,
record over it.
Safety T ab
To prevent accidental
erasure, break off the tab.
To record on the tape again,
cover the hole with vinyl tape.
Recording and Playback Speed and Times
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). Listed below are
the maximum recording times for popular VHS cassettes.
CASSETTE RECORDING TIME
T-60 60 Min.
T-120 2 Hrs.
T-160 2 Hrs., 40 Min.
T-180
16
3 Hrs.
Videocassettes
Insert and Remove Cassettes
STOP/
EJECT
Button
Safety T ab
Tape
Windows
Press here
to close.
Caution: Insert
the cassette only
one way with the
tape wheel facing
up and the tape
windows facing
out. The cassette
should slide easily
into the holder.
Gently push the
cassette down until
it locks into place.
1. Attach a power source to the
camcorder.
2. Press the STOP/EJECT button.
The cassette holder opens
automatically.
3. Insert the cassette with the tape wheel
facing up and tape windows facing
Cassette Care and Storage
• When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it, remove it from the
camcorder, and label it.
• Store cassettes vertically in their
protective cases at normal room
temperatures. Do not leave your
camcorder or cassettes in a car or
outdoors for an extended period.
Excessive heat or cold might damage
your cassettes.
• Keep the cassette away from strong
magnetic fields such as electric motors
and other devices.
out. Gently push the cassette down
until it locks into place.
4. Gently close the cassette holder with
your hand.
• Keep dust from entering the cassette
compartment. All dust is abrasive
and causes excessive wear on the
tape and the camcorder’s recording
or playback heads.
• Do not use cassettes with damaged or
spliced tape.
• Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape may jam and/or damage your
camcorder.
• Break off the safety tab to prevent
accidental erasure of your recording.
17
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