RCA CC6151, CC6251, CC6271 User Manual

camcorder

user's guide

CC6151/CC6251/CC6271

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: CC6151 or CC6251 or CC6271______
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 84-85)

Customer Service...................................800-336-1900 (page 83)

Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 70-75)

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 to Fit

Your Hand .................................. 4

• Slide LENS COVER Control to

Open Lens Cover........................ 4

• Insert a Tape .................................... 5

• Set POWER (CAMERA/OFF

VCR) Switch to CAMERA .......... 5

• Adjust the Viewfinder

and Eyepiece Focus Control........ 6

• Select a Recording Speed................ 6

• Select a Tape Length ....................... 7

• Set the AE Dial to AUTO.................8

• Start and Stop Recording ................ 8

• Play Back What you Have

Recorded .................................... 9

• Set the POWER Switch to OFF

to Turn Off the Camcorder ........ 9

• Close the Lens Cover ...................... 9

• Review Camcorder’s

Operating Controls ..............10-11

Power Your Camcorder

• Use the Adapter/Charger to

Power Your Camcorder ............ 12

• Use the Battery to Power

Your Camcorder...................13-15

• Use the Optional DCC08

Car Cord Adapter ..................... 16

Date and Time Display

• Install Clock Lithium Cell ........ 17

• Set the Date and Time..........18-19

• Record the Date, Time, and

Title Displays...................20-21

Videocassettes

• Erase Protection ............................ 22

• Recording and Playback

Speeds and Times.....................22

• Insert and Remove Cassettes......... 23

• Cassette Care and Storage.............23

Recording

• Time-Remaining Display.........24-25

• Recording Tips .............................. 26

• Use the Viewfinder to See

What You Record ...................... 27

• Viewfinder Displays .................28-31

• Full Auto Mode ............................. 32

1

Table of Contents

• Quick Record Feature ................... 33

• Quick Review Feature................... 33

• Tally Light ..................................... 33

• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 33

• Flying Erase Head......................... 33

• Auto Head Cleaner........................33

• Zooming

• Use the Zoom Buttons ......... 34-35

• Tele Macro Zooming ................ 35

• Focusing

• Auto Focus................................36

• Manual Focus ......................36-37

• White Balance ..........................38-39

• Exposure Control .....................40-41

• Fade In and Out.............................42

• AE Dial.......................................... 43

• Front Light and Back Light........... 44

• Travel Tips .................................... 45

• Titles

• Record a Preset Title or

Title You Create....................46

• Create Your Own Title .............. 47

• Self-Timer Recording............... 48-49

• Animation Recording...............50-51

• Time-Lapse Recording.............52-53

• Tally Light (Turn On or Off) ......... 54

• Demo Mode .................................. 55

• JLIP (Joint Level Interface
Protocol) Identification

Number.....................................56

• Attach the Shoulder Strap ............. 57

• Model CC6271 Only: Built-In Color

Enhancement Light .............58-59

Playback

• Use the Viewfinder for

Playback ..............................60-61

• Tracking ........................................ 61

• Playback Features

• Position the Tape ...................... 62

• Visual Search ............................ 62

• Stop-Action Pause .................... 62

• Time Counter ............................ 63

• Memory-Stop Feature ........... 63

• Use the Cassette Adapter .........64-65

• Playback on TV (or VCR)

with Audio/Video Inputs .....66-67

• Playback on a TV Without

Audio/Video Inputs .............68-69

Optional Accessories...................70-75

• Accessory Order Form .............73-75

Trouble Checks ...........................76-79

Care and Maintenance

• Clean the Camcorder..................... 80

• Clean the Camcorder’s Lens.........80

• Clean the Camcorder’s

Viewfinder ................................. 80

• Proper Care and Storage ............... 81

• Things to Avoid ............................. 81

Specifications.................................... 82

Information to User......................... 82

Customer Assistance........................83

Limited Warranty.......................84-85

Index ............................................86-89

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.

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

L

A

QUICK RE

P

COUNTER

DATE/TIME

SP/SLP

MAN

PUSH

H

G

I

T

L

T

N

AUTO

O

R

F

TITLE

FADE

SEPIA

T

H

B

G

I

A

L

C

K

1/1000

SHDW

HAZE

Model CC6151 or CC6251 or

CC6271 Camcorder*

(*Y our camcorder may appear slightly

different than the one shown.)

Rechargeable Battery

Part No FB1260

Caution: Do not use

this adapter/charger
for any purpose other
than charging the
FB1260, BB700, or
FB120 battery pack or
supplying power to
the camcorder.

AC Adapter/Charger Part No. 241017
and DC Cable Part No. 233087

or BB700

WARNING:
NICKEL
CADMIUM
BATTERY
MUST BE
RECYCLED
OR DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.

Cassette Adapter
Part No. VCA115A

Shoulder Strap

Part No. ACS091

+ -

Cassette Adapter Battery

(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)

Clock Cell
3-Volt Micro Lithium
Cell – such as CR2025 –
available from most local
drug stores and camera
shops. Use of other cells
present a risk of fire or
explosion.

CAUTIONS: Lithium cell must be disposed of properly. Never handle

punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns or personal injury.
Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed.

If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.
The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or

chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above
212°F (100°C), or incinerate.

Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the +
and – sides of the cell.

(continued on next page)

3

First-Time Operation

2. Attach the adapter/charger.

T o AC 100-240,
50/60 Hz

Adapter/
Charger

DC Cable

VCR

POWER
OFF

CAMERA

DC OUT

Jack

Since the battery must be charged

• Connect the other end of the DC
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.

• Plug the adapter/charger’s plug

• Connect one end of the DC cable

to the DC OUT jack on the
adapter/charger.

3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.

LENS

Cover
Control

Handstrap

Handstrap Velcro
Strip (Under Flap)

DC In Jack

cable to the DC in jack on the
camcorder as shown above.

into an operating outlet.

• Lift the flap on the
handstrap and separate
the velcro strip.

• Insert your hand, adjust
the strap to fit snugly,
refasten the strap, and
close the flap.

4. Slide LENS COVER control to open lens cover.

4

First-Time Operation

5. Insert a tape.

PUSH Here to
Close Cassette
Compartment

• Slide the EJECT button up.
The cassette holder opens
automatically.

• Turn the tape wheel on the
cassette to remove any slack
from the tape.

EJECT Button

T ape Wheel

T ape Windo w

• Insert the cassette with the tape
wheel facing up and the tape
window facing out.

• Press on the area labeled PUSH
until the cassette holder locks
into place.

6. Set POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) switch to CAMERA.

• The power indicator lights and the
camcorder enters record-pause.

PAUSE

appears in the
viewfinder when the camcorder is
in record-pause.

• The position of this switch tells
the camcorder whether you want
to record (CAMERA), turn the

VCR

POWER
OFF

CAMERA

POWER

Switch and
Indicator

power off (OFF), or play back
tapes (VCR).

• The camcorder automatically turns
off if it remains in record-pause
for five minutes. Set POWER
switch to OFF and then back to
CAMERA.

(continued on next page)

5

First-Time Operation

SP/SLP

Button

MA

AUT

N

O

N

O

T

R

L

F

I

G

SEPIA

H

T

FADE

TITLE

B

A

SHDW

C

K

T

L

H

I

G

HAZE

SP/SLP

1/1000

DATE/TIME

COUNTER R/M

QUICK REC

PUSH

Eyepiece

Electronic
Viewfinder

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

A

L

P

VCR

EJECT

OFF
AUTO
ON

LIGHT

Focus
Control

7. Adjust the viewfinder and eyepiece focus control.

You can see what you record in the
viewfinder.

• Adjust the viewfinder for a
comfortable viewing position.

• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.

8. Select a recording speed.

Select SP or SLP recording speed.
Press and hold the SP/SLP button to
select a recording speed. The tape
speed you select (SP or SLP) appears
in the viewfinder.

• SP – Standard play provides the
best picture, but the shortest

6

recording time (20 minutes with a
TC-20 tape).

• SLP – Extended play provides
three times the recording time as
SP (60 minutes with a TC-20
tape). SLP has slightly more
picture noise in normal playback.

First-Time Operation

MA

AUT

N

O

N

O

T

R

L

F

I

G

SEPIA

H

T

FADE

TITLE

B

A

SHDW

C

K

L

H

I

G

HAZE

SP/SLP

T

1/1000

DATE/TIME

COUNTER R/M

QUICK REC

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

A

L

P

VCR

EJECT

PUSH

OFF
AUTO
ON

LIGHT

MENU Dial

9. Select a tape length.

Set the length of the tape you are
using so the camcorder can correctly
calculate the recording time
remaining on the tape.

• Place the AE dial in MAN, and
press the MENU dial to display
the MENU in the viewfinder.
Rotate the dial to select TAPE

LENGTH.

• Press the MENU dial in to display
the TAPE LENGTH menu. Rotate
the dial to select the length of tape
you are using (T20, T30, or T40).

• Select T20 for a tape with 20
minutes or less recording time
in SP.

• Select T30 for a tape with 30
minutes recording time in SP.

• Select T40 for a tape with 40
minutes recording time in SP.

• Press the MENU dial twice to

remove the menus from the
viewfinder.

• Details are on pages 24-25.

7

First-Time Operation

VCR

POWER
OFF

CAMERA

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

L

A

QUICK RE

P

COUNTER

DATE/TIME

SP/SLP

MAN

G

H

I

L

T

T

N

AUTO

O

R

F

TITLE

FADE

SEPIA

T

H

B

G

I

A

L

C

K

1/1000

SHDW

HAZE

Tally
Light

10. Set the AE dial to AUTO.

• This places the camcorder in the
AUTO mode.

• In the AUTO mode, the focus,
exposure, and white balance are
automatically controlled by the
camcorder.

11. Start and stop recording.

PUSH

AUTO

SEPIA

SHDW

MAN

L

T

I

N

G

O

H

R

F

FADE TITLE

B

A

C

G

I

K

L

HAZE

AE Dial

Power
Indicator

Thumb
Trigger

POWER (VCR/
OFF/CAMERA)

Switch

T

T

H

1/1000

• Many of the special effects do not
operate in the AUTO mode.

• Details on page 32.

• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording.

REC

appears in

the viewfinder, and the tally light
lights while the camcorder is
recording.

8

• Press and release the thumb trigger
again to stop recording. The
camcorder is now in the record­pause mode.

PAUSE

appears in

the viewfinder.

(continued on next page)

First-Time Operation

VCR

Button

5555

55

5555

P

A

/

U

Y

S

A

E

L

P

PLAY/PAUSE

Button

VCR

12. Play back what you have
recorded.

• Set the POWER switch to VCR.

• Press VCR 55 to rewind the tape.

• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back

the tape.

• Press STOP when you are finished

playing back the tape.

• Details on viewfinder playback are

on pages 60-61.

S

P

T

O

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

L

A

QUICK RE

P

COUNTER

DATE/TIME

SP/SLP

MAN

PUSH

H

G

I

T

L

T

N

AUTO

O

R

F

TITLE

FADE

SEPIA

T

H

B

G

I

A

L

C

K

1/1000

SHDW

HAZE

STOP

Button

13. Set the POWER switch to
OFF to turn off the
camcorder.

The power indicator turns off.

14. Close the lens cover.

(continued on next page)

9

First-Time Operation

15. Review camcorder’s operating controls.

P

A

/

U

Y

A

L

P

S

E

PLAY/PAUSE

Button

DATE/TIME Button
(Also COUNTER R/M Button)

Model CC6271
Only: Color
Enhancement
Light

Lens

Tally
Light

Microphone

QUICK REC

(Record) Button

SP/SLP Button

VCR

Button

SP/SLP

5555

55

5555

COUNTER

DATE/TIME

QUICK RE

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

L

A

P

AUTO

SEPIA

SHDW

6666

VCR

66

VCR

6666

Button

STOP

Button

S

P

T

O

MAN

N

O

R

F

FADE

B

A

C

K

HAZE

G

I

L

T

H

G

I

L

H

T

TITLE

T

1/1000

PUSH

AUTO

SEPIA

SHDW

MAN

L

T

I

N

G

O

H

R

T

F

FADE TITLE

B

A

H

C

G

I

K

L

HAZE

T

1/1000

AE Dial

10

First-Time Operation

15. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (continued)

Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring

SP/SLP

DATE/TIME

COUNTER R/M

E

QUICK REC

S

U

A

P

/

Y

A

L

P

VCR

MA

AUT

N

O

N

O

T

R

L

F

I

G

SEPIA

PUSH Here to
Close Cassette
Compartment

Model CC6271 Only: LIGHT
OFF•AUTO•ON Switch

Models CC6251 and
CC6271 Only
B (Bright) and C
(Color) Controls
(See Trouble Checks for

Details)

H

T

FADE

TITLE

B

A

SHDW

C

K

T

L

H

I

G

HAZE

MENU

Dial

1/1000

Viewfinder

EJECT

PUSH

OFF
AUTO
ON

LIGHT

Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring

Eyepiece Focus Control

Power Zoom Buttons

EJECT Button

BATT. (Battery)
RELEASE Button

LENS
COVER

Control

Clock Cell Battery
Compartment

Attach Rechargeable
Battery Here

Attach Adapter/
Charger’s DC
Cord Here

JLIP Connector
(Located Under
Small Cover)

VCR

POWER
OFF

CAMERA

AUDIO (MONO), RF DC, and
VIDEO OUT Jacks

(Located Under Small Cover)

Handstrap

Power Indicator

POWER (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA) Switch

Thumb T rigger

11

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 100-240
volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the
camcorder or recharge the battery.

To AC 100-240,
50/60 Hz

Adapter/
Charger

DC Cable

VCR

POWER
OFF

CAMERA

DC OUT

Jack

Attach Adapter/Charger

1. Connect one end of the DC cable to
the DC OUT jack on the adapter/
charger.

2. Connect the other end of the DC cable
to the DC in jack on the camcorder as

shown above.

3. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).

CAUTION: Do not use this adapter/
charger for any other purpose other
than charging the FB1260, BB700, or
FB120 battery pack or supplying
power to the camcorder.

DC In Jack

Remove Adapter/Charger

1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.

2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.

Using an Optional Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter might be
required in some countries.

Optional AC
Plug Adapter

1. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into
the AC plug adapter.

2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC
outlet.

AC 100-240V

12

Power Your Camcorder

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the
first time. Initial charging takes approximately 70 minutes for the FB1260 (100
minutes for the BB700). When fully charged, the FB1260 supplies approximately
50-55 minutes (BB700 approximately 75-85 minutes) of operating time – depending
on how much you use the light, zoom, and pause. Conserve battery power by turning
the camcorder off during recording breaks.

Note: Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery to help remind yourself to charge
the battery. It has no other purpose.

Marker

SP/SLP

DATE/TIME

COUNTER R/M

QUICK REC

MA

AUT

N

O

N

O

T

R

L

F

I

G

H

SEPIA

T

FADE

TITLE

B

A

SHDW

C

K

T

L

PUSH

H

I

G

HAZE

1/1000

BATT. RELEASE

Button

Switch

EJECT

OFF
AUTO
ON

LIGHT

Battery Safety Precautions

Do not short the battery’s
terminals.

Do not attempt to disassemble or
modify the battery. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside.

Use the battery only with
specified adapter/chargers and
camcorders.
Throwing the battery into a fire
or exposing it to excessive heat –
over 149˚F (65˚C) could be
hazardous.

Attach the Charged Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the
camcorder, remove it before attaching
the battery. Also, install the lithium
clock cell before attaching the battery.

Details are on page 17.

1. Hook the top end of the battery to the
back of the camcorder as shown

above.

ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your Thomson
Consumer Electronics product indicates that we are participating in a
program to collect and recycle Nickel Cadmium batteries throughout the
United States. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information or
contact your local recycling center.

2. Press the battery down until it locks
into place.

3. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
The power indicator lights.

Remove the Battery

Slide and hold the BATT. RELEASE
button to the right while removing the
battery.

RBRC

RBRC

Ni-Cd

13

Power Your Camcorder

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)

Hold Battery Flush
and Slide

CHG

(Charge)
Indictor

REFRESH

Indicator

REFRESH

Button

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 OUT
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 (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

4. If the battery is properly connected,
the CHG indicator flashes.

Note: If you try to charge a battery that

has not been charged for a long period of
time, it may take a few minutes for the
CHG indicator to flash.

5. After the battery is charged, the CHG
indicator stops flashing and lights.

6. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it off the adapter/charger.

7. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder.

Reference
Marks

To AC Wall
Outlet 100­240 Volts,
50/60 Hz.

Adapter/Charger

Use the REFRESH Button

The battery provides increased
operation time if you “refresh” it after
five chargings. The refresh feature
“refreshes” the battery by completely
discharging it.

1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.

2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH
indicator lights and the battery
begins discharging.

3. When discharging is completed, the
REFRESH indicator turns off, and
the CHG indicator flashes. The
battery now charges.

4. After the battery is charged, the
CHG (charge) indicator stops
flashing and lights.

5. Remove the battery from the
adapter/charger.

14

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.

• 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.
The camcorder turns off automatically

after a few seconds. Set the POWER
switch to OFF to turn off the cam­corder before replacing the battery.

The battery level indicator is not recorded
on the tape.

Battery Care and Storage

• Recharging takes approximately 70
minutes for the FB1260 and 100
minutes for the BB700 depending on
the battery’s condition.

• Refreshing takes approximately 3-1/2
hours for the FB1260 and 5-1/2 hours
for the BB700 depending on the
battery’s condition.

• After repeated charging and use,
operation time gradually decreases.
When operation time is too short to be
useful, it is time to replace the battery.

• If the battery discharging must be
stopped in the middle, remove the
battery from the adapter/charger before
unplugging it from the AC outlet.

• If the battery pack become too hot,
remove it from the charger and let it
cool down.

• Let a hot battery cool down before
attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.

15

Power Your Camcorder

Optional Car Cord Adapter

The optional DCC08 car cord shown on
page 70 allows you to power your

camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts
12-volts to a 6-volt output.

Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for
complete operating instructions.

Use the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter

Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to

be used only with vehicles having
negative ground electrical systems.

Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with
this camcorder. Use of any other car
cord adapter might damage the
camcorder and void your warranty.

Cigarette

Lighter Socket

POWER

Indicator

Optional DCC08 Car

Cord Adapter

1. Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn
off the camcorder. The power
indicator on the camcorder turns off.

2. If the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.

3. Hold the top of the power connector
flush against the camcorder, and press
the bottom of the power connector
down until it locks into place.

4. Take the vehicle’s cigarette lighter out
of the socket.

Power

Connector

VCR

POWER
OFF

CAMERA

5. Insert the car cord’s cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter
socket. The power indicator on the car
cord adapter lights.

6. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA to
turn on the camcorder. T he power
indicator on the camcorder lights.

Caution: Make sure the camcorder’s
power is turned off before removing
the car cord’s plug from the cigarette
lighter socket.

16

Date and Time Display

Install the Clock Lithium Cell

The clock cell indicator flashes for a few seconds in the viewfinder when
you turn on the camcorder if the cell is not installed or needs replacing.

Insert Object Here
to Remove Cell

Clock Cell
(+ Side Facing Out)

VCR

POWER
OFF

Clock Cell
Compartment

CAMERA

1. Make sure camcorder is turned off,
and remove any power supply
attached to the camcorder.

2. Press release tab of clock cell
compartment cover and open the
compartment.

4. Close the compartment cover.
It clicks into place.

To Remove Lithium Cell

To remove battery, insert a pointed
nonmetallic object between battery and
compartment and lift.

3. Insert the clock cell with the “+”
terminal facing out, and press it in.

Cautions: Lithium cell battery. Replace only with 3-volt lithium cell – such
as CR2025. Use of other cell presents a risk of fire or explosion. Must be
disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cell. May cause
burns or personal injury.

Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If
swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.

The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical
burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212˚F (100˚C), or
incinerate.

Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short the + and – sides
of the cell.

17

Date and Time Display

MENU END
FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE/TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M.W.B.
ZOOM SPEED
NEXT

AUTO
AUTO
JAN 1.98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

MENU

YEAR
MONTH
DAY
TIME

EXIT

1998
JAN
1

DATE/TIME

PM 12:00

Set the Date and Time

You must set the correct date and time before you can display and record it
on your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous
page before you can set the date.

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

L

A

QUICK RE

P

COUNTER

DATE/TIME

SP/SLP

MAN

PUSH

H

G

I

T

L

T

N

AUTO

O

R

F

TITLE

FADE

SEPIA

T

H

B

G

I

A

L

C

K

1/1000

SHDW

HAZE

MENU Dial
(Rotate or Press In)

1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA,
and make sure the AE dial is not set to
AUTO.

2. Press the MENU dial in to display the
main MENU in the viewfinder.

MENU

AUTO
AUTO
JAN 1.98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

MENU END
FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE/TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M.W.B.
ZOOM SPEED
NEXT

3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
DATE/TIME.

18

4. Press the MENU dial to display the
DATE/TIME menu.

5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
YEAR. Press the MENU dial in.

Date and Time Display

YEAR
MONTH
DAY
TIME

EXIT

1998
NOV
18

DATE/TIME

AM 8:00

Set the Date and Time (continued)

When YEAR starts flashing, rotate the
MENU dial to select the year. When

the correct year appears, press the
MENU dial in to set the year.

6. Repeat step 5 to set the MONTH and
DAY.

7. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight

TIME.

DATE/TIME

YEAR
MONTH
DAY
TIME

EXIT

8. Press the MENU dial in. When the
hour starts flashing, rotate the MENU
dial to set the hour including AM
or PM.

9. Press the MENU dial in. When the
hour stops flashing and the minutes
start flashing, rotate the MENU dial to
set the minutes.

10. Press the MENU dial in. When none
of the settings are flashing, rotate the
MENU dial to highlight EXIT.

1998
NOV
18

PM 12:00

11. Press the MENU dial in. The main
MENU appears with MENU END

highlighted.

MENU

MENU END
FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE/TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M.W.B.
ZOOM SPEED
NEXT

AUTO
AUTO
NOV 18.98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

12. Press the MENU dial in again to
remove the main MENU from the
viewfinder.

Notes:

If you decide to return the date and time to the
previous settings while the DATE/TIME menu
is displayed, rotate the MENU dial to highlight
EXIT, and press. Press the MENU dial again
to remove the main MENU from the
viewfinder.

To display and record the date and/or time, see

the following pages.

19

Date and Time Display

Record the Date, Time, and Title Displays

You must install the clock cell and set the date and time (as shown on the previous
pages) before the you can select and record the correct date and time. You must
create your title (as described on pages 46-47) before you can select and record it.

DATE/TIME

Button

E

S

U

A

P

/

Y

L

A

QUICK RE

P

COUNTER

DATE/TIME

SP/SLP

MAN

PUSH

H

G

I

T

L

T

N

AUTO

O

R

F

TITLE

FADE

SEPIA

T

H

B

G

I

A

L

C

K

1/1000

SHDW

HAZE

Select Date, Time, Date and Time, AUTO DATE, or Title You
Created to Record On Your Tape

AE Dial

1. Attach a power supply and set
POWER switch to CAMERA. The
power indicator lights.

2. Make sure the AE dial is not set to

AUTO to select any mode except
AUTO DATE.

Note: AUTO DATE is selected when the

AE dial is set to AUTO.

3. Repeatedly press the DATE/TIME
button until the display you want to
record appears in the viewfinder.

4. Select date, time, date and time,
AUTO DATE, or the title you created.

• Date Display: The date is dis-

played and recorded.

• Time: The time is displayed and

recorded.

20

• Date and Time Display: The

date and time are displayed
and recorded.

• AUTO DATE: The date is auto-

matically recorded for approxi­mately five seconds and then AUTO
DATE is displayed whenever:

• The date has been set or
changed.

• This display mode has just been
selected.

• The tape has been changed or the
tape compartment opened.

• Title: The title you have created is

displayed and recorded. No display
appears if a title has not been created.

• No Display: No display is dis-

played or recorded.

Date and Time Display

Record the Date, Time, and Title Displays (continued)

Viewfinder Displays

Repeatedly Press DATE/TIME

NOV 18.98

Date Display

NOV 18.98 AM 10:25:00

No Display

TAYLOR IS FOUR

Title Y ou Created

Time Display

Date and Time Display

AUTO DATE Display

To Record the Date, Time, Date and Time, AUTO DATE,
or Title You Created

1. Make sure the camcorder is in
record-pause.

2. Make sure the AE dial is not set to

AUTO unless you want to record
AUTO DATE.

3. Repeatedly press DATE/TIME to
display the date, time, date and time,
AUTO DATE, or title you created.

4. Begin recording.

5. To remove the displa y, press DATE/
TIME until no display appears in the
viewfinder.

Note: If you do not want to record a date or
time, press DATE/TIME to select the date and
time off mode before you begin recording.
No display appears in the viewfinder.

AM 10:25:00

AUTO DATE

21

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.

The automatic head-cleaning system minimizes the need for accessory cleaners or
cleaning by a Service Center. This system is activated whenever you insert or remove
a cassette.

Erase Protection – Safety Tab

You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,
just record over it.

Safety

Tab

A. Remove B. Cover hole

safety tab or

slide tab to

REC OFF.

with vinyl tape or
slide tab to REC ON to
record over tape.

Recording and Playback Speeds and Times

The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP) or extended play
(SLP). Select the recording speed by pressing and holding the SP/SLP button.
The selected speed is displayed in the viewfinder. Listed below are the
maximum SP and SLP recording times for popular VHS-C cassettes.

• SP – Standard play provides the
best picture (less picture noise),
but the shortest recording time (20
minutes with a TC-20 tape).

• SLP – Extended play provides
three times the recording time as
SP (60 minutes with a TC-20 tape).
SLP has slightly more picture
noise than SP in normal playback.
This might not be noticeable.

22

Cassette SP SLP

TC-20 20 Min. 60 Min.
TC-30 30 Min. 90 Min.
TC-40 40 Min. 120 Min.

Recording Time

Videocassettes

Insert and Remove Cassettes

SP/SLP Button

Push Here to
Close Cassette
Compartment

EJECT Button

T ape Wheel

Tape Window

Caution: Insert

the cassette
only one way
with the tape
wheel facing up
and the tape
window facing
out. The
cassette should
slide easily into
the holder. Do
not force the
cassette.

Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape
wheel on the side of the cassette in the
direction shown to remove any slack in
the tape.

T ape Wheel

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.

1. Press EJECT. The cassette holder
opens automatically.

2. Insert the cassette with the tape wheel
facing up and tape window facing out.

3. Press on the area labeled PUSH until
the cassette holder locks into place.

• 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 might jam and/or damage your
camcorder.

23

Recording

Time-Remaining Display

The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder for the tape
speed you select is displayed. You must set the correct tape length in the
TAPE LENGTH feature of the main MENU before the camcorder can
correctly calculate time remaining.

SP/SLP

Button

SP/SLP

DATE/TIME

COUNTER R/M

E

QUICK REC

S

U

A

P

/

Y

A

L

P

VCR

MA

AUT

N

O

N

O

T

R

L

F

I

G

SEPIA

H

T

FADE

TITLE

B

A

SHDW

C

K

T

L

H

I

G

HAZE

1/1000

MENU Dial
(Rotate or Press In)

EJECT

PUSH

OFF
AUTO
ON

LIGHT

Select a Tape Length

1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA,
and make sure the AE dial is not set to
AUTO.

2. Press the SP/SLP button to select a
tape speed.

3. Press the MENU dial in to display the
main MENU in the viewfinder.

MENU

MENU END
FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE/TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M.W.B.
ZOOM SPEED
NEXT

24

AUTO
AUTO
NOV 18.98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
TAPE LENGTH.

MENU

MENU END
FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE/TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M.W.B.
ZOOM SPEED
NEXT

AUTO
AUTO
NOV 18.98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

Recording

Time-Remaining Display (continued)

30MIN

30MIN

29MIN

3MIN

2MIN

(Flashing)

SP

Time-Remaining Display

1MIN

(Flashing)

0MIN

(Flashing)

5. Press the MENU dial to display the
TAPE LENGTH menu.

TAPE LENGTH

T20
T30
T40

EXIT

6. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight the
type of tape you are using.

• Select T20 for a tape with 20

minutes or less recording time
in SP.

T30

TAPE END

Ta pe Length
Indicator

Ta pe Speed
Indicator

in Viewfinder

• Select T30 for a tape with 30
minutes recording time in SP.

• Select T40 for a tape with 40
minutes recording time in SP.

7. Press the MENU dial twice to select

the speed and remove the MENU.

The time-remaining display starts
flashing when the remaining tape
time reaches two minutes.

TAPE END appears when the tape reaches
its end during recording or a cassette is
loaded thats tape is already at its end.

25

Recording

Recording Tips

• Try to make sure indoor scenes are
well-lit. This improves picture quality
and color reproduction.

• Do not move the camcorder rapidly
from side-to-side while recording.
A steady, gradual “pan” avoids
blurring and “jitter”.

• Use the viewfinder to make sure the
camcorder is level while recording so
that your scene isn’t “tilted”.

• Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s
microphone while recording because
this sound is recorded.

• Include close-ups of individuals
when taping family outings or
group functions.

• Fading in and out of scenes makes
your videos appear more professional.

• Learn to use the special production
effects availa ble with your camcorder
to add variety to your recordings.

• Be aware of video and audio back­grounds. Background details barely
noticed while you are taping may
show up as visual “clutter” on your
recording. Background noises
(especially TV sets, radios, household
appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) might
detract from the sound you want
to record.

• Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks
and scenic attractions. Recordings are
more interesting if they include people
and details. “Local color” gives travel
videos lasting appeal. Consider
recording a familiar or landmark scene
from an unfamiliar vantage point.

26