RCA CC6254 User Manual

Camcorder
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.
CC6254
Important Information
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product or AC charger to rain or moisture.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the manufacturer for this product. 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.
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.
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. _________________________________________________
i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Connections & Setup
Parts Checklist ......................................................................................... 6
Buttons and Controls ............................................................................. 7
Getting Started .......................................................................................9
Unpack the camcorder and accessories .......................................... 9
Adjust the hand strap .................................................................... 10
Attach the lens cap ........................................................................ 10
Attach the power supply ............................................................... 11
Turn on the camcorder................................................................... 12
Insert a cassette tape ..................................................................... 13
Use the viewfinder to see whats recording ................................. 14
Start recording ............................................................................... 14
Play your recording ........................................................................ 15
Turn off the camcorder ..................................................................15
Powering the Camcorder ..................................................................... 16
Charging the Battery ..................................................................... 16
Refreshing the Battery ................................................................... 17
Battery Level Icon ........................................................................... 18
Battery Care and Storage .............................................................. 19
Using the Power Supply ................................................................. 20
Using the Shoulder Strap ..................................................................... 21
Setting the Date and Time ................................................................... 22
Setting the Tape
Recording Speed ................................................................................... 23
Setting the Tape Length ....................................................................... 24
(continued on the next page)
1
Table of Contents
Chapter 2: Using the Viewfinder
Seeing What You Are Recording ......................................................... 26
Using the Viewfinder ..................................................................... 26
On-screen Icons..................................................................................... 27
Warning Icons ................................................................................. 27
Recording and Playback Icons ....................................................... 28
Other Icons ..................................................................................... 33
Chapter 3: Recording
Recording Details.................................................................................. 36
5-Second Recording ....................................................................... 37
Quick Review .................................................................................. 37
Retake ............................................................................................. 38
Digital and Optical Zooming ......................................................... 39
Using Steady Pix™ .......................................................................... 41
Recording Tips ...................................................................................... 42
Chapter 4: Playback
Playback Options ..................................................................................44
Basic Playback ................................................................................. 44
Still Playback Mode ........................................................................ 47
Shuttle Search ................................................................................. 48
Choose your Connection ...................................................................... 49
Using the Cassette Tape Adapter .................................................. 49
Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks ........ 52
Playback on a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks............ 53
Tape Dubbing ................................................................................. 54
2
Table of Contents
Chapter 5: Advanced Features
Using the Menus For Advanced Adjustment...................................... 56
Menu Definitions .................................................................................. 57
Camera Menu ................................................................................. 57
System Menu .................................................................................. 57
System Menu (continued) .............................................................. 58
Using the Advanced Features .............................................................. 60
Fade/Wipe Effects ........................................................................... 60
Program AE With Special Effects ................................................... 62
Digital Effects ................................................................................. 63
Exposure Control ............................................................................ 64
Focusing .......................................................................................... 65
White Balance Adjustment ............................................................ 67
Date/Time Insert ............................................................................. 69
Instant Titles ................................................................................... 70
Animation ....................................................................................... 71
Time-Lapse ...................................................................................... 72
Chapter 6: Other Information
Troubleshooting.................................................................................... 74
Final Notes ............................................................................................ 78
Power .............................................................................................. 78
Date/Time Settings ......................................................................... 78
Video Recording ............................................................................. 79
TBC (Time Base Corrector) ............................................................. 79
Tapes ............................................................................................... 80
Care and Cleaning ................................................................................ 81
After Using the Camcorder ............................................................ 81
Cleaning The Camcorder ............................................................... 81
Care and Maintenance ......................................................................... 81
(continued on the next page)
3
Table of Contents
Tape Care and Storage ................................................................... 82
Things to Avoid .............................................................................. 83
Traveling Tips ........................................................................................ 83
Specifications ........................................................................................84
Customer Assistance and Service ........................................................85
Limited Warranty.................................................................................. 87
FCC and Industry Canada Information ................................................ 91
Optional Accessories ............................................................................ 92
Accessories Order Form .................................................................. 95
Index ...................................................................................................... 98
4
Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Chapter Overview:
Parts Checklist
Buttons and Controls
Getting Started
Powering the Camcorder
Using the Shoulder Strap
Setting the Date and Time
Setting the Tape Recording Speed
Setting the Tape Length
Changing Entertainment. Again.
5
Connections & Setup
Parts Checklist
Make sure the box includes the items shown here:
E J E C
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Camcorder
Cassette tape adapter Part # 244270
AC power supply Part # 250814
AA battery for cassette tape
Lens cap Part # 251624
Battery pack Part # 244427 (FB1260)
Shoulder strap Part # ACS091
adapter
Caution
Never use the power supply for any purpose other than charging the FB1260 battery pack or for supplying power to the camcorder.
6 Chapter 1
Buttons and Controls
Connections & Setup
Audio/Video jacks
Eyepiece focus control
Viewfinder
BATTERY RELEASE switch
MENU/ TRACKING dial
E
J E C
T
S
H
MENU
/TRACKING
5 SEC. REC
+
S T
EA
D
Y
P
IX
/TB
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D I
(
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T A
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L I N /
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)
P. AE
DIGIFECT
F
Recording Start/Stop button
R E F
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S
C
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F
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K A
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5 SEC. REC button
COUNTER R/M
FADE/WIPE
S T
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5
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STEADY PIX/TBC
F
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F
L I G
H
Power Zoom
L
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V
+
STEADY PIX™ button
Power switch
C
O
Hand strap
Microphone
Chapter 1 7
Connections & Setup
COUNTER R/M and FADE/WIDE button
Playback buttons
STOP R RETAKE F
/M
R
IPE
TER
N
E/W
U
CO
P.AE button
E
IG
. A
D
P
FAD
DIGIFECT button
STOP
COUNTER R/M
FADE/WIPE
P. AE
DIGIFECT
IFEC
T
R
RETAKE
CHARGE indicator
F
CHARGE
VIDEO
REFRESH
POWER indicator
REFRESH
POWER
CHARGE
REFRESH button
EJECT
EJECT
EJECT switch
Shoulder strap eyelets
Area marked CLOSE
Tripod mounting sockets
Camcorder bottom view
8 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Getting Started
This section describes the basics on how to set up your camcorder to record for the first time. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.
Unpack the camcorder and accessories
• The items shown are packed with the camcorder. If any pieces are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
• Remove the plastic film that covers the front and side logos on the camcorder. Use your fingernail, not anything sharp, to remove.
• Save all packing materials and box in case the camcorder ever needs to be shipped or stored.
Chapter 1 9
Connections & Setup
Adjust the hand strap
1. Lift the flap on the hand strap and separate the Velcro strip.
2. Insert your hand so your fingers can comfortably reach the buttons.
3. Adjust the strap to fit snugly.
4. Refasten the strap, and fold the flap back down.
C O U N T E
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+
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A
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Attach the lens cap
To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration.
C O U N T
E F A
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R E
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M W
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10 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
COUNTER R/M
FADE/WIPE
P . AE
DIGIFECT
S T O P
R R E
T
A K E
F
VOL
5 SEC. REC MENU/ TRACKING
+
STEADY PIX/TBC
+
M
A
F
F
O
2
AC power supply
Attach the power supply
Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, you need to use an AC outlet to power the camcorder.
1. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
Y
A
L
P
1
DC IN jack
2. Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet.
Chapter 1 11
Connections & Setup
F A D E / W
P
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P
A
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E D I G I F E C T
R E
T A K E
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Power switch
STOP R RETAKE F
IPE
P. AE
COUNTER R/M
FADE/W
C O U N T E R R / M
S T O P
R
L O V
C E
. R C E
S 5
G
+
C
B T /
IX
P Y D
A
E T S
+
L
P
POWER indicator
REFRESH
POWER
CHARGE
DIGIFECT
Turn on the camcorder
Set the Power switch to the desired setting, either automatic (A) or manual (M) record mode, powered off (OFF), or in playback mode (
The POWER indicator comes on when the camcorder is turned on.
Automatic recording
A
places the camcorder into AutoShot™ mode. Focus, exposure, iris control, white balance, and the video light are controlled by the camcorder during automatic recording.
Manual recording mode control many of the camcorder’s special features, including accessing the menus and setting the clock.
Notes:
Many special effects don’t operate in
AutoShot mode (see pages 57-59 for more information).
EJECT
The camcorder automatically turns off to
save battery power if you leave it in record-standby mode for more than five minutes. To turn it back on, set the Power switch to OFF, then back to automatic or manual record mode.
).
M
allows you to
12 Chapter 1
STOP R RETAKE F
COUNTER R/M
FADE/W
Tape window
IPE
P. AE
LIGHT
OFF AUTO ON
COUNTER R/M
FADE/WIPE
DIGIFECT
EJECT switch
STOP
R
RETAKE
F
P. AE
CHARGE
DIGIFECT
VIDEO
REFRESH
EJECT
REFRESH
POWER
CHARGE
EJECT
Tape wheel
Connections & Setup
Insert a cassette tape
1. Make sure the camcorder is connected to a power supply.
2. Adjust the viewfinder.
A
3. With the camcorder set to record), slide the EJECT switch until the cassette tape holder opens. Don’t force the camcorder open.
4. Insert a tape with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.
Notes:
Make sure the tape is not slack when
loading the cassette tape. If there is any slack, turn the wheel on the cassette tape in the direction of the arrow to take up the slack.
Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in
the position that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some tapes have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.
5. Push on the area marked CLOSE until the cassette tape holder locks into place. (PAUSE appears in the viewfinder.)
Notes:
You can’t open the cassette tape holder
unless a power supply is attached.
The cassette tape holder can’t be
opened while the camcorder is in the record mode.
(automatic
Area marked CLOSE
BATTERY RELEASE switch
Cassette tape holder
Chapter 1 13
Connections & Setup
Viewfinder
A
F
F
O
Recording Start/Stop button
D I G I F E C T
F
M
Y
A
L
P
Power switch
Eyepiece focus control
C O U N T
E F A
R D
R E
/ /
M W
P
I
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P
A
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S T O
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C B T
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A
E T S
+
M
A F
F
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A
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P
Use the viewfinder to see what’s recording
1. Remove the lens cap.
3. Adjust the viewfinder to a comfortable position.
4. Turn the eyepiece focus control to adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision.
Start recording
1. Remove the lens cap.
A
2. Set the Power switch to (The POWER indicator comes on.)
3. Press and release the Recording Start/Stop button to start recording. ( viewfinder (but won’t show up in the recording)).
4. When finished recording, press and release the Recording Start/Stop button again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record­pause mode. (PAUSE appears in the viewfinder.)
(automatic record).
REC
appears in the
14 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
STOP R RETAKE F
POWER
CHARGE
DIGIFECT
COUNTER R/M
FADE/W
IPE
P. AE
Playback buttons on top of the camcorder include:
Stop ( ), Rewind ( )
Play/Pause (/) Fast Forward ( ).
REFRESH
Play your recording
1. Set the Power switch to . (The POWER
EJECT
indicator comes on.)
2. Press the Rewind button
to reverse the tape to the beginning. When rewound completely, the camcorder automatically stops.
3. Press the Play/Pause button
/
playback. View the recording using the viewfinder.
4. Press the Stop button
when finished playing
the tape.
Turn off the camcorder
Set the Power switch to OFF.
to start
Chapter 1 15
Connections & Setup
C O
DC IN jack
U N T E
F A
R
D
R
E
/
/
M
W
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P
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E D I G I F E C T
S
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G IN K
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A
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M
A
F
F
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Y
A
L
P
Power switch
CHARGE indicator
L O V
+
C B
/T X I
P
Y D A
E T
S
Powering the Camcorder
You can power your camcorder with a battery or AC power.
Charging the Battery
1. Set the Power switch to OFF.
2. Make sure the battery is attached to the
3. Plug the small end of the power supply into the
camcorder. Hook the top end of the battery to the camcorder and push the battery in until it locks in place.
Important: If the battery pack is attached in the wrong position, a malfunction may occur.
DC IN jack on the camcorder and the other end into an AC outlet. (The CHARGE indicator blinks.)
STOP R RETAKE F
COUNTER R/M
FADE/WIPE
P. AE
DIGIFECT
CHARGE
POWER
REFRESH
4. When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but
EJECT
stays on, charging is finished. Make sure the Power switch is set to OFF, then unplug the power supply from the AC outlet and from the camcorder.
Important: Before detaching the power source, make sure the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.
Notes:
If a protective cap is on the battery,
Tip
remove it before use or charging.
When charging a battery for the first
Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.
time or after a long storage period, the CHARGE indicator may not come on. Remove the battery and try again.
Charge the battery in temperatures between 50˚ and 90˚ Fahrenheit (10-35˚ Celsius).
Charging times are based on a fully discharged battery and vary depending on ambient temperature and battery condition.
16 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Removing the Battery
Slide the BATTERY RELEASE switch and pull out the battery pack.
Refreshing the Battery
If you charge a battery before it has been fully discharged, the battery’s capacity may be reduced over time. We recommend you discharge or “refresh” your battery before recharging it.
Approximate charging time
Battery Charging Time
FB1260 approx. 90 min.
Approximate recording time (in minutes)
Battery Viewfinder on
FB1260 100
Note: Recording time is reduced significantly when you use the Zoom or Record­Standby modes repeatedly.
Charge marker
Using the Charge Marker
A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colors are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged.
Chapter 1 17
Connections & Setup
BATTERY RELEASE switch
CHARGE indicator
STOP R RETAKE F
/M
E
R
IP
TER
N
E/W
U
CO
FAD
C O U N T E
F A
R
D
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E D I G I F E C T
S
T O P
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5
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F
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A
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P
T
IFEC
E
IG
. A P
D
REFRESH button
REFRESH indicator
REFRESH
POWER
CHARGE
1. Follow steps 1-3 in “Charging the Battery” (see
page 16).
2. Press and hold the REFRESH button for 2 seconds. (The REFRESH indicator blinks. When the battery has been refreshed, charging automatically starts and the CHARGE indicator blinks.)
Notes:
If you store a partially charged battery
for a long period of time, its performance is reduced.
During charging or discharging, the
camcorder can’t be operated.
Charging and discharging isn’t possible if
the wrong type of battery is used.
If the battery operation time remains
extremely short even after having been fully charged, the battery is worn out and needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new one.
Battery Level Icon
EJECT
The battery level icon appears in the viewfinder and reveals the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.
Note: The battery level icon is not recorded on the tape.
18 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
This icon appears when battery is fully charged.
The icon changes to show that you’ve used some of the battery’s power.
As you use more of the battery’s power, the icon changes again.
This battery icon flashes in the viewfinder when the battery power is almost gone. The camcorder turns off automatically after a few seconds.
Battery Care and Storage
After repeated charging and use, battery life gradually decreases. When operation time is too short to be useful, the battery should be replaced.
If the battery pack becomes too hot, remove it from the camcorder and let it cool down.
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.
ATTENTION: The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling Seal on the nickel- cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery indicates Thomson multimedia is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC
®
program provides a convenient alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries into the trash or the municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-8­BATTERY
for information on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/
RBRC
RBRC
Ni-Cd
restrictions in your area. Thomson’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.
Chapter 1 19
Connections & Setup
Using the Power Supply
The power supply attaches to the camcorder and lets you power it directly from standard household power. The power supply operates on 110-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
1. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
2. Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet (110-240V, 50/ 60Hz).
Caution: Never use this power supply for any purpose other than charging the FB1260 or supplying power to the camcorder.
DC IN jack
COUNTER R/M
FADE/WIPE
P. AE
DIGIFECT
S T O
P
R R E T
A
K
E
F
L
O
V C
E
. R
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S
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U
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D
2
AC power supply
A
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T
S
+
M
A
F
F
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P
1
Removing the power supply
1. Make sure the Power switch is set to OFF.
2. Unplug the power supply from the AC outlet.
3. Unplug the small end of the power supply from the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
Important: Before detaching the power source, make sure the camcorders power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter in Foreign Countries
An optional plug adapter might be required in some countries.
1. Plug the power supply’s plug into the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet.
20 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Using the Shoulder Strap
The camcorder’s shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camera from your shoulder and – when ready– bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement.
1. Following the illustration, thread the strap through the eyelet.
2. Fold the strap back and thread it through the buckle.
3. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet located under the hand strap. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you should rotate the viewfinder down. This helps prevent possible damage as you move. Make sure the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it to carry the camcorder.
COUNTER R/M
1
STOP
R
RETAKE
FADE/WIPE
F
P. AE
CHARGE
DIGIFECT
VIDEO
REFRESH
EJECT
2
3
Chapter 1 21
Connections & Setup
F E M
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F
F
O
Y
A
L
P
MENU dial
Power switch
Setting the Date and Time
You need to set the date and time before they can be displayed.
Date and time information is recorded onto the tape at all times, but its display can be turned on or off during playback (see page 69).
1. Set the Power switch to M (manual record).
2. Press in the MENU dial. (The CAMERA MENU
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TO SYSTEM
4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight NEXT. Press
(The POWER indicator comes on.)
appears.)
MENU. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The SYSTEM MENU appears.)
in the MENU dial to select it. (The second page of the SYSTEM MENU appears.)
S
Y
S
T
E
N
T
O
C
A
M
E
R
E
C
T
I
M
E
I
N
T
.
T
I
M
T
E
L
E
M
A
C
T
I
T
E
L
L
A
D
A
/
T
E
T
I
M
D
E
M
O
M
O
D
U
R
A
MMEEN
U
O
F
F
E
O
F
F
O
F
R
O
F
E
N
N
GM.
GFLISH
E
E
O
F
5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight DATE/TIME. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The DATE/ TIME menu appears.)
6. Rotate the MENU dial to the item you want to change (year, month, day, and time). Press in
R
E
T
U
R
N
DATE / T IPMME
Y
E
A
R
M
O
N
T
H
D
A
Y
T
I
M
E
E
X
I
T
22 Chapter 1
280
0
1
J
U
N
2
8
:
2
0
the MENU dial to select it. When the setting starts blinking, rotate the MENU dial to adjust it. When the correct setting appears, press in the MENU dial to select it.
7. When finished, rotate the MENU dial to select EXIT. Then press in the MENU dial twice.
Note: To make the date and time appear in the camcorders display or on the TV, see page 69.
Important: A separate internal battery is used for the time and date. Under normal conditions, this battery should last for 10 years or more. If you should need to replace it, see your nearest RCA authorized service center.
C O U N T
E F A
R D
R E
/ /
M W
P
I
.
P
A
E
E D I G I F E C T
S
T O P
R
R E T A
K E
F
V
C E R
.
C E S
5
/ U N
E M
G N I
K C
A R T
Y D A
E T S
+
M
A
F
F
O
Y
A
L
P
M
A
F
F
O
Y
A
L
P
Power switch
POWER indicator
STOP R RETAKE F
IPE
P. AE
COUNTER R/M
FADE/W
L O
+
C
B T /
X I P
MENU dial
DIGIFECT
CHARGE
POWER
REFRESH
Connections & Setup
Setting the Tape Recording Speed
You need to select the tape recording speed for the quality of recording you want.
1. Set the Power switch to M (manual record). (The POWER indicator comes on.)
2. Press the MENU dial in. (The CAMERA MENU appears.)
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TO SYSTEM
MENU. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The SYSTEM MENU appears.)
4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight REC MODE. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The REC MODE menu appears.)
5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight SP if you want the best recording quality, or SLP if you want a
EJECT
lesser-quality recording which provides three times the recording time as SP. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
6. When finished, press in the MENU dial again to exit.
Note: If the recording speed is switched during the recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.
Chapter 1 23
Connections & Setup
C O U N T E
F A
R
D
R
E
/
/
M
W
P
I
.
P
A
E
E D I G I F E C T
S T O P
R
R E T
A K
E
F
V C E
. R C E
S 5
/
U N E
M
G
IN K C
A R
T
Y
D A E
T S
+
M
A
F
F
O
Y
A
L
P
M
A
F
F
O
Y
A
L
P
Power switch
POWER indicator
STOP R RETAKE F
COUNTER R/M
FADE/WIPE
P. AE
L O
+
C B /T
IX P
MENU dial
DIGIFECT
CHARGE
POWER
REFRESH
Setting the Tape Length
You need to select the tape length so that the camera can alert you how much time you have left on the tape.
1. Set the Power switch to M (manual record). (The POWER indicator comes on.)
2. Press the MENU dial in. (The CAMERA MENU appears.)
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TO SYSTEM
MENU. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The SYSTEM MENU appears.)
4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TAPE LENGTH. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
(The TAPE LENGTH menu appears.)
5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight the length of the tape you are using (T20, T30, T35, T40). (T20=20 minutes, T30=30 minutes, etc. in SP
EJECT
mode.) Press in the MENU dial to select it.
6. When finished, press in the MENU dial again to exit.
Note: The tape remaining time feature is accurate only if the correct tape length has been selected.
24 Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Using the Viewfinder
Chapter Overview:
Seeing What You Are Recording
On-screen Icons
Changing Entertainment. Again.
25
Using the Viewfinder
Viewfinder
Eyepiece focus control
C O U N T
E F A
R D
R E
/ /
M W
P
I
.
P
A
E
E D I G I F E C T
S
T O P
R
R E T A
K E
F
L O V
C E R
. C E S
5
/ U N
E
M
G N I
K C
A R T
+
C
B T /
X
I P Y
D A E T
S
+
M
A F
F
O
Y
A
L
P
Seeing What You Are Recording
To see what is recording, use the viewfinder.
Using the Viewfinder
The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays in black and white. For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder up or down.
Eyepiece Focus Control
The eyepiece focus control lets you set the focus of the viewfinder for your vision. If you wear eyeglasses, you probably can operate the camcorder without them.
It is easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on one of the viewfinder’s on-screen displays. Look through the viewfinder and adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision.
Note: The eyepiece focus control does not affect the focus of the image captured by the camcorder.
Cautions
Never force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or the camcorder.
When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, put the viewfinder down to help prevent possible damage to it.
26 Chapter 2
Using the Viewfinder
On-screen Icons
Several displays appear in the viewfinder to aid in the operation of the camcorder. Although it may look crowded, all of the icons shown below do not appear on-screen at the same time. Also, not all screen icons are shown in the illustration. Refer to the icon descriptions that follow.
I
M
1
2
0
N
S
R
E
C
P
N
M
I
5 1
/
2
S
C
O
N
D
E
C
2
5G.R0
Recording Menu Icons Playback Menu Icons
Warning Icons
Indicates the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.
An empty battery icon flashes on screen when the battery’s power is almost exhausted.
Missing Cassette: Appears when the Power switch is set to either A or
M
camcorder.
4
T
F
I
N
E
1
5
P
A
U
S
E
I
A
T
1
(automatic or manual record) and no cassette tape is in the
O1N:S
U
L
AMT
A
1
0
+
0
2
M
W
B
:
4
5
18
TBC
S2P
:
1
3:4A5
T
Head Cleaning: HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED USE CLEANING CASSETTE appears if dirt is detected on the recording heads. Use an
optional cleaning cassette to remove dirt.
Chapter 2 27
Using the Viewfinder
Condensation: CONDENSATION, OPERATION PAUSED PLEASE WAIT
appears if moisture occurs inside the camcorder. When this icon appears, wait at least one hour before using the camcorder again.
TAPE END
LENS CAP
E01-E06
End of Cassette: Appears when a tape reaches its end during recording or playback.
Covered Lens: Appears briefly after the power is turned on to either automatic or manual record mode and the lens cap is still attached.
Safeguard: The error icons (E01-E06) show what type of malfunction has occurred. If an error icon and warning appear, turn the unit off, remove the power supply (battery, etc.) and wait a few minutes for the warnings to clear. If they do, you can resume using the camcorder. If the warnings remain, consult your nearest RCA authorized service center.
Recording and Playback Icons
Auto Date, Date, Time, or Date and Time Icons
DEC 25. 01 AM 11:45:18
Indicates the current date and time and is recorded when they are displayed (see page 69).
28 Chapter 2
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