nCJ/
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.
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.
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.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour 6viter les chocs 61ectdques, 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 retum 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
SerialNo:_,, ' :
Purchase Date-_ _ - , :
• _ : ._. ,!.
Purchased From: ;
_..- m
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)
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
• 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
Thissectiondescribesthestepsnecessaryto setupyourcamcorderto record. Referto
theothersectionsfor detailedoperationandfeatureoptions.
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.
Model CC6151 or CC6251 or Rechargeable Battery
CC6271 Camcorder* Part No FB1260
(*Your camcorder may appear slightly or BB700
different than the one shown.)
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091
AC Adapter/Charger
and DC Cable
Q
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.
.......................................................................................................Cassette Adapter
Part No. VCAll5A
Part No. 241017
Part No. 233087
4+ "{1
Cassette Adapter Battery
(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
(continued on next page)
3
o
Attach the adapter/charger.
ToAC 100-240,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
PUT
Jack
Cable
_DC In Jack
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
Connect one end of the DC cable
to the DC OUT jack on the
adapter/charger.
• Connect the other end of the DC
cable to the DC in jack on the
camcorder as shown above.
• Plug the adapter/charger's plug
into an operating outlet.
3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand. ___
_d LENS
Cover
Control
Handstrap
strap Velcro
trip (Under Flap)
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
5. Insert a tape. EJECT Button
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.
j Tape Wheel
I ! TapeWindow
• 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. _ _ ___
• Switch and
Indicator
• 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
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
i@
SP/SLP
Button
Eyepiece
Electronic Focus
Viewfinder Control
7. Adjust the viewfinder and eyepiece focus control. __
You can see what you record in the
viewf'mder.
• Adjust the viewf'mder 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
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.
6
4ENU 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
Power
Indicator
Thumb POWER (VCR/
Trigger OFFICAMERA)
Switch
Tally
Light AE Dial
This places the camcorder in the
AUTO mode.
In the AUTO mode, the focus,
exposure, and white balance are
automatically controlled by the
camcorder.
• Many of the special effects do not
operate in the AUTO mode.
• Details on page 32.
11. Start and stop recording.
Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. _, appears in
the viewf'mder, and the tally light
lights while the camcorder is
recording.
Press and release the thumb trigger
again to stop recording. The
camcorder is now in the record-
pause mode. - PAUSE_= appears in
the viewfinder.
8
(continued on next page)
VCR • •
Button
Button
STOP
Button
12.
Play back what you have 13.
recorded.
• Set the POWER switch to VCR.
• Press VCR • • to rewind the tape.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back 14.
the tape.
• Press STOP when you are finished
playing back the tape.
• Details on viewfinder playback are
on pages 60-61.
Set the POWER switch to
OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
The power indicator turns off.
Close the lens cover.
(continued on next page)
9
15. Review camcorder's operating controls.
ii_/I I Button
VCR 4,
Button
QUICK REC
(Record)" Button
DATE/TIME Button
(Also COUNTER R/M Button)
SP/SLP Button
Model CC6271
Only: Color
Enhancement
Light
-- VCR ,,
Button
Button
Lens
Tall'
Light
Microphone
Z
FADE TITLE€
CKLI
AE Dial
10
_:: _ _ , _ _:_:_:_ _ , -,4: _ .......... .....
15. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
EJECT Button
PUSH Here to
Close Cassette MENU
Compartment Dial
Model CC6271 Only: LIGHT
OFF.A UTO.ON Switch
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
BATT. (Battery)
RELEASE Button
Models CC6251 and
CC6271 Only
B (Bright) and C
(Color) Controls
(See Trouble Checks for
Details)
Focus Control
Power Zoom Buttons
LENS
Control
Clock Cell Battery
Compartment
Attach Rechargeable
Battery Here
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
Cord Here
JLIP Connector
(Located Under
Small Cover)
AUDIO (MONO), RF DC, and
VIDEO OUT Jacks
(Located Under Small Cover)
Handstrap
Indicator
POWER (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA) Switch
Thumb Trigger
11
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
,19(7OUT
Jack
Adapter/
Charger
Cable
DC In 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 camc0rder as
shown above_
.
Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).
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 / AC 100-240V
Adapter
1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the AC plug adapter. •
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC
_ outlet.
12
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 FB 1260 (100
minutes for the BB700). When fully charged, the FB 1260 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
Switch
BATT. RELEASE
Button
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.
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.
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-BATI'ERY for information or
_ontact your local recycling center.
13
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
CHG
(Charge)
Im
REFRESH
• Indicator
Hold Battery Flush
and Slide
Marks I
To AC Wall
Outlet 100-
240 Volts,
50/60 Hz.
Adapter/Charger
Button
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 properiy 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
oamcorder.
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
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the
viewf'mder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.
• 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 cam-
corder before replacing the battery.
The battery level indicator is not recorded
on the tape.
mmml
• When _ appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used _ and
appear.
Battery Care and Storage --_-
Recharging takes approximately 70
minutes for the FB 1260 and 100
minutes for the BB700 depending on
the battery's condition.
Refreshing takes approximately 3-1/2
hours for the FB 1260 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
Unpluggingit 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
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 __,____!!
Cigarette
Lighter Socket
Power
POWER Connector
Indicator
Optional DCC08 Car
Cord Adapter
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF to tum
.
off the camcorder., The power ....
indicator on the camcorder turns off.
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.
5. Insert the car cord's cigarette lighter
plug into the, vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket. The power indicator on the car
cord adapte r lights.
6. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA to
turn on the camcorder. The power
indicator on the camcorder lights.
16
Install the Clock Lithium Cell
The clock cell indicator t_ 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)
Clock Cell
Compartmen!
.
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.
3. Insert the clock cell with the "+"
terminal facing out, and press it in.
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.
:, _ -t
17
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.
MENU Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
18
1. Set thePOWER 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
)'MENU END
EXPOSURE
DATErnME JAN 1.98
TELE MACRO OFF
TAPE LENGTH T30
M,W.B. AUTO
ZOOM SPEED FAST
),NEXT
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
DATE/TIME.
MENU
),MENU END
FOCUS AUTO
EXPOSURE AUTO
JAN 1.98
TELE MACRO OFF
TAPE LENGTH T30
M.W.B. AUTO
ZOOM SPEED FAST
)'NEXT
4. Press the MENU dial to display the
DATE/TIME menu.
DATE/TIME
MONTH j_9_
DAY 1
TIME PM 12.-00
EXIT •
5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
YEAR. Press the MENU dial in.
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.
Repeat step 5 to set the MONTH and
DAY.
Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
TIME.
DATE/TIME
YEAR 1998
MONTH NOV
DAY 18
_!i PM 12:00
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.
DATE/TIME
YEAR 1998
MONTH NOV
DAY 18
TIME AM 8:00
11. Press the MENU dial in. The main
MENU appears with MENU END
highlighted.
MENU
FOCUS AUTO
EXPOSURE AUTO
DATE/TIME NOV 18.98
TELE MACRO OFF
TAPE LENGTH 1"30
M.W.B. AUTO
ZOOM SPEED FAST
1_NEXT
12. Press the MENU dial in again to
remove the main MENU from the
viewfinder.
10. Press the MENU dial in. When none
of the settings are flashing, rotate the
MENU dial to highlight EX/T.
Notes:
If you decide to return the date and time tO the
previous settings while the DATEITIME 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
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.
DATEITIME
Button
-- AE Dial
Select Date, Time, Date and Time, AUTO DATE, or Title You
Created to Record On Your Tape
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 toAUTO.
Repeatedly press the DATE/TIME
button until the display you want to
record appears in the viewfinder.
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 approxi-
mately 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.
Record the Date, Time, and Title Displays (continued)
NOV 18.98 AM 10:25:00
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 th_ date, time, date and time,_.
AUTO DATE, or title you created.
.
5.
Begin recording.
To remove the display, press DATE/
TIME until no display appears in the
viewfinder.
Note: If you do not want to record ad:_te or
time, press DATE/TIME to select the date and
time off mode before you begin recording.' '
No display appears in the viewfinder., _
21
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
safety tab or
slide tab to
REC OFF.
B. Cover hole
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 viewf'mder. 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.
Cassette
TC-20
TC-30
TC -40
Recording Time
SP
20 Min.
30 Min.
40 Min.
SLP
60 Min.
90 Min.
•120 Min.
22
Insert and Remove Cassettes
SP/SLP Button
EJECT Button
Ta e Wheel
Push Here to
Close Cassette
Compartment
"Tape Window
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.
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.
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
anU other devices.
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 acassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape might j_'and/or damage your
camcorder. 3-_"
23
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.
/ SPISLP
Button
.,S
/
MENU Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
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 SPISLP button to select a
tape speed.
3. Press the MENU dial in to display the
main MENU in the viewfinder.
MENU
),MENU END
EXPOSURE AUTO
DATE/TIME NOV 18.98
TELE MACRO OFF
TAPE LENGTH T30
M.W.B. AUTO
ZOOM SPEED FAST
)'NEXT
4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
TAPE LENGTH.
MENU
)*MENU END
FOCUS AUTO •
EXPOSURE AUTO
DATEfTIME NOV 18.98
TELE MACRO OFF
T_
M.W.B. AUTO
ZOOM SPEED FAST
_NEXT
24
Time-Remaining Display (continued)
30MIN
29MIN
!
3MIN
l
2MIN
(Flashing)
1MIN
(Flashing)
,t
OMIN
(Flashing)
I
30MIN T30-
SP _
TAPE END
Time-Remaining Display
in Viewfinder
-- Tape Length
Indicator
"--Tape Speed
Indicator
.
.
Press the MENU dial to display the
TAPE LENGTH menu.
"!"30
T40
TAPE LENGTH
EXIT
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.
• 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 Tips
• Try to make sure indoor scenes are
well-lit. This improves picture quality
and color reproduction.
• Fading in and out of scenes makes
your videos appear more professional.
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.
Learn to use the special production
effects available with your camcorder
to add variety to your recordings.
Be aware of video and audio back-
grounds. 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.
Include close-ups of individuals
when taping family outings or
group functions.
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.
6
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