RCA CC4271 Owner’s Manual
ncA
camcorder
user's guide
CC4271
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
I WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose I
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
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.
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 6viter les chocs 61ectriques, 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 recom-
mended 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:
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:
CC4271
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Cnmeorder Exchange Warranty ........... 800-283-6503 (pages 60-6I)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 59)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 45-51)
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 the Handstrap ....................... 4
• Insert a Tape .................................... 5
• Turn on the Camcorder ................... 5
• Adjust the Viewfinder and
Eyepiece Focus Control ............. 6
• Set LIGHTAUTO/OFF/ON
Switch to AUTO ......................... 7
• Start and Stop Recording ................ 7
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 8
• Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
Switch to OFF ............................ 8
• Replace the Lens Cap ...................... 8
• Review Camcorder's
Operating Controls ................ 9-10
Attach the Shoulder Strap .............. 11
Built-In Color Enhancement
Light .................................... 12-13
Power Your Camcorder
• Use the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 14
• Use the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder .................. 15-18
• Charge the Battery .................... 15
• Attach the Battery ..................... 16
• Battery Level Indicator ............. 17
• Battery Care .............................. 18
• Battery Storage ......................... 18
• Battery Safety Precautions ....... 18
• Use the Optional DCC096
Car Cord Adapter ..................... 19
Videocassettes
• Erase Protection ............................ 20
• Record and Playback
Speed and Times ...................... 20
• Insert and Remove Cassettes ........ 21
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 21
(continued on next page)
1
DateandTimeDisplay
• Set the Time and Date ................... 22
• Record Time and Date, AUTO
Date, Auto TITLE, or Date ......... 23
• Charge the Built-in Clock
Battery ...................................... 23
Recording
• Use the Viewfinder ................... 24-25
• Viewfinder Displays ................. 26-27
• DISPLAYButton ........................... 28
• Microphone ................................... 28
• Auto Shoff M Feature ..................... 28
• Camera Edit .................................. 29
• Quick Review Feature ................... 29
• Auto Focus .................................... 29
• Macro Focus .................................. 29
• Tape-Remaining Display ............... 30
• Electronic Indexing ....................... 30
• Zooming ........................................ 31
• Fade In and Out of Scenes ............ 32
• Steady Pix TM Feature .................... 33
• Tape Counter ................................. 34
• Titler ......................................... 35-37
Playback
• Viewfinder Playback and Playback
Features ............................... 38-39
• Play Back a Tape in the
Viewfinder ........................... 38-39
• Playback Features ..................... 39
• Tape Positioning ................... 39
• Stop-Action Pause ................ 39
• Visual Searching ................... 39
• Tracking ................................ 39
• Playback on TV (or VCR) with
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 40-41
• Playback on TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 42-43
Travel and Recording
Tips ........................................... 44
Optional Accessories ................... 45-51
• Optional Accessories ................ 45-47
• Remove Lens Hood to
Attach Accessory Lens ............. 48
• Accessory Order Form ............. 49-51
Trouble Checks ........................... 52-54
Information to User ......................... 55
Care and Maintenance
• Clean the Camcorder ..................... 56
• Clean the Camcorder's Lens ......... 56
• Clean the Camcorder's
Viewfinder ................................. 56
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 57
• Things toAvoid ............................. 57
Specifications .................................... 58
Customer Assistance ........................ 59
Limited Warranty ....................... 60-61
Index ............................................ 62-65
This section describes the basic 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
.
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
aremissing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
Model CC4271
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044
DC Cable: Stock No. 241308
Rechargeable I0-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 241305 or
Stock No. 227327
(continued on next page)
3
2. Attach the adapter/charger.
To AC 120V,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
DC Cable
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
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
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 14.
OUTPUT jack on the side of the
adapter/charger.
o
Adjust the handstrap, remove lens cap, and attach
it to the handstrap.
1. Open the handstrap, insert your
hand, and adjust the handstrap to
fit your hand.
2. Remove the lens cap and attach it
to the handstrap as shown.
on
Handstrap
4. Insert a tape.
Cassette
Safety Tab
STOP/EJECT
Button
Tape Windows
_Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
1. Press STOP/EJECTto open the
cassette compartment.
2. Insert the cassette with the safety
tab facing up and the tape windows
facing out.
5. Turn on the camcorder.
• Press and hold the small button on
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch
while you slide it to CAMERA.
The camcorder enters record-
pause.
• The position of this switch tells
the camcorder whether you want
to record (CAMERA), turn the
3. Press the cassette down gently
until it locks into place, and close
the cassette compartment door.
4.Details are on page 21.
Switch
Note: If you want the date and
time displayed on your
recordings, you must set it.
See Date and 7_me Display on
pages 22-23.
power off (OFF), or play back
tapes (VCR).
• The camcorder automatically
turns off if it remains in record-
pause for five minutes. Place
the switch to OFF and then back
to CAMERA.
(continuedon nextpage)
5
Eyepiece Focus
Control
Electronic
Viewfinder (Grasp
here to
BRIGHT
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.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.
• Adjust the brighmess of the image
in the viewfinder by turning the
BRIGHT control.
RE C/PA USE
LIGHT AUTO/OFF/ON Switch
7. Set the LIGHTAUTO/OFF/
ON switch to AUTO.
• The color enhancement light helps
you create brighter and sharper
images.
• Set the LIGHTAUTO/OFF/ON
switch to AUTO if you want the
color enhancement light to turn on
automatically when you aim the
camcorder at a dark object and
turn offwhen you aim it at a
bright object.
• Details are onpages 12-13.
.
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 ( II appears in
the viewfinder when the
camcorder is in record-pause).
(continuedon nextpage)
7
RE C/PA USE
Lens Cap_
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
REW/ PLAY
RE VIE W Button
STOP/
EJECT
Button
9. Play back what you have
recorded.
1. Press the REC/PAUSE button to
pause recording.
2. Press and hold the small button
on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch while you slide it to VCR.
3. Press REW/REVIEWto rewind
the tape.
4. Press PLAYto play back the tape.
5. Press STOP/EJECTwhen you are
finished playing back the tape.
Details on viewfinder playback are
on pages 38-39.
10. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
11. Replace the lens cap.
12. Review camcorder's operating controls.
DISPLAY Button
RE W (R ewind)/RE VIE W Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
(Also - Button)
PLA Y Button
EFWD (Fast Forward)
Button
(Also + Button)
[
Microphone
Lens Hood_
Light
Lens --
Lens Cap
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
FADE
Button
STOP/EJECT
Button
(Also EDIT-ADV
Button)
Button
Reset Switch
LIGHT
ON Switch
VIDEO, RF DC, and AUDIO
OUT Jacks (Located Behind
Small Cover)
(continued on next page)
12. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
BRIGHT Control
(on Bottom of
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
BATTERY
EJECT
Button
Attach
Rechargeable
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
Cord Here
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Cassette Door
(Press here to
close.)
Viewfinder
Handstrap
with Lens
Cap Holder
Power Zoom Buttons
(Wand T)
Also TRACKING
Buttons
10
Attach the Shoulder Strap
The camcorder's shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camcorder
from your shoulder and - when you are ready to shoot - bring the
camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement.
To Attach the Shoulder Strap
1. Unfasten one end of the shoulder
strap from the buckle. Make sure you
leave the buckle on the strap.
Buckle
.
Thread the end of the strap back
through the buckle making sure it is
threaded over the outer strap. Make
sure the strap is not twisted.
2. Thread one end of the shoulder strap 4.
through one of the shoulder strap rings
as shown below. 5.
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Repeat steps 1-3 to attach the other
end of the strap.
Pull on the straps and make sure they
are securely fastened before using the
shoulder strap to support your
camcorder.
11
Built-In Color Enhancement Light
The built-in color enhancement light automatically adds light when
needed. To operate the video light, press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you set it to CAMERA.
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
Video
Light
LIGHT AUTO/OFF/ON Switch
To Use the Light
Set the LIGHT AUTO/OFF/ON switch.
• To turn the light on, set the switch
to ON.
If you want the light to come on
automatically when the camcorder
senses there is insufficient light, set
the switch to AUTO.
Notes: For the light to operate in AUTO,
you must have a tape in the camcorder.
If the lighting condition is unstable, the
light may turn on and off. Set the light to
ON or OFF.
• To turn the light off, set the switch to
OFF. To save battery power, turn the
light off when you are not recording.
Notes: When the light is turned on, the
camcorder may turn off if the battery's power
is low even though the battery level indicator
is not flashing.
Avoid bumping or shaking the light when in
use. The light's bulb is sensitive when hot and
might burn out.
12
vi eoii ht
ro ev i
_ _ op_at_ th_ _di
_ _the_ object;
Replace Light Bulb
Light Case
Remove and Replace the Light Bulb
Reflection
Plate
Lower Hook
1. Press and hold the lower hook of the
light cover while removing the light
cover from the light case.
2. Replace the light bulb.
Note: See the installation instructions
packedwith the replacement bulb for
detailed instructions.
3. To replace the light cover, pass the
bulb through the hole of the
reflection plate and attach the lower
hook to the light case on the camcorder.
4.
Press gently on the front of the light
cover until it locks into place.
Note: Make sure the front cover of the
light is properly attached.
13
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.
To AC 120V.
50/60 Hz Jack
POWER
Indicator
Adapter/
Charger
DC Cable
DC IN 9.6V
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
14
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 might
display _. This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder.
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
Charge the Battery
You must charge the battery before you can use it 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.
To AC 120V,
50/60 Hz Rechargeable Battery
CHARGE
Indicator
(Hold battery flush and
slide down.)
Align
Charger
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).
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.
15
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 while you 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.
16
Pb
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 DISPLA Y
• 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
camcorder. Set the CAMERA/OFF/
VCR switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder before replacing the battery.
Notes: When recording using the recharge-
able 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.
17
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 tempera-
tures below 14°F (-10°C) or above 95°F
if operated at temperatures above
122°F (50°C). Operation time will
decrease at extremely low tempera-
tures.
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.
(35°C). The battery might be damaged
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.
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 contin-
ues 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.
18
• 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 user-
serviceable 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.
Use the RCA Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC096 car cord shown on
page 45 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)
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
.
Press and hold the small button on
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while
you set it to CAMERA to turn on
the camcorder.
Notes: Consult the vehicle owner's manual to
see if the vehicle's ignition switch must be
turned on before the DC car cord will operate.
When using the car cord to power the
camcorder, the battery level indicator has
no meaning.
19
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