RCA CC632 Owner’s Manual

i

USEI_'S

GUIDE

CA

MC

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Important Safety Information

Bc sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.

WARNING: 'to red.c,:th,:riskolfireor_hockhazard,do.orcxpo_.c

camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.

I

RISK OF I::LEGllRIGSHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

H I.S(._ E DE CHOC

ELECTI_K_JE NE Ph,S OI..N_tP,

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SttOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING

TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

A Ibis symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"

inside the product that presents a risk o{
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 6viter les chocs 41ectriques, 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 and model numbers

located on the bottom of the camcorder.

Model No: CC632
Serial No:

Purchase Date:

Purchased From:

_ _ =_ _=_ _==: _=_ _ _ _iiii_,!ii_iii_ii'_ii_@ii!_!i_!i_!!?,_!!_!!!_ _,!!_!!_!!!_!!_!!_!_!!!_!_ _ _41_% _'_.

Safety Information .............................. i Powering Your Camcorder

• Using Adapter/Charger .................... 11

Product Registration ........................... i • Using Rechargeable Battery ....... 12-14

• Using Optional Car Cord Adapter...15

Table of Contents ............................ 1-2

Video Cassettes ............................ 16-17

First-Time Operation

• Assistance .......................................... 3

• Unpack Camcorder &

Accessories ...................................... 3

• Attach the Adapter/Charger............... 4

• Insert a Tape ...................................... 4

• Open Lens Cover ............................... 5

• Adjust Handstrap ............................... 5

• Turn on Camcorder............................ 5

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

• Set the Scene SelectAE Dial ............. 7

• Adjust Viewfinder and

Recording

• Make a Recording ...................... 18-19

• Recording Tips ................................ 20

• Traveling Tips ................................. 20

• Viewfinder ....................................... 21

• Viewfinder Displays ................... 22-24

• Tally Light ....................................... 25

• Microphone ...................................... 25

• Flying Erase Head ........................... 25

• Electronic Indexing ......................... 25

• Quick Review .................................. 26

Eyepiece Focus Control ................... 7

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

• Auto Head Cleaner .......................... 26

• Play Back Your Recording ................ 8

• Tape Positioning .............................. 26

• Camera Edit ..................................... 26

• Turn off the Camcorder ..................... 8

• Review Camcorder's

Operating Controls ..................... 9-10

• Time Counter With Memory Stop...27

• Tape Time-Remaining Display ....... 28

(continued on next page)

Recording (continued)

• Scene SelectAE Dial ....................... 29

• White Balance ................................. 30

Optional Accessories ................... 52-57

• Accessory Order Form ............... 55-57

• MODE Button.................................. 31

• Fading In and Out ............................ 32

• 16X9 Mode ...................................... 33

• Focusing (Auto and Manual) .....34-35

• Exposure Control (Iris) .................... 36

• Zooming .......................................... 36

• Attaching the Shoulder Strap ........... 37

• Titler ........................................... 38-39

• Date and Time Display

• Install the Clock's Cell ................. 40

• Set the Time and Date .................. 41

• Record the Date, Time, or

Title ....................................... 42-43

Playback

• Viewfinder Playback ....................... 44

• Visual Searching .............................. 45

Care and Maintenance ............... 58-59

Built-In Color Enhancement

Light ........................................ 60-61

Trouble Checks ........................... 62-65

Specifications .................................... 66

Information to User .......................... 66

Limited Warranty ............................ 67

Index (Alphabetical) ................... 68-69

• Stop-Action Pause ........................... 45

• Tracking ........................................... 45

• Using the Cassette Adapter ........ 46-47

• Playback on TV (or VCR) With

AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks ......... 48-49

• Playback on TV Without

Audio/Video Inputs .................. 50-51

Thissectiondescribesonlythebasicstepsnecessarytosetupyourcamcorderto
record.Refertotheothersectionsfordetailedoperationandfeatureoptions.

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.

_ARNINGi: NICKEL

,MUST BE RECYCLED

_ _ADMIUM BATTERY

DR DISPOSED OF

Model CC632"

Your camcorder may look slightly different

from the one shown in this manual.

AC Adapter/Charger

Part No. 221400

and Power Connector

Part No. 220389

O

Clock Cell
3-Volt Micro Lithium

Cell- such as CR2025-
is available from most

local drugstores and
camera shops. Use of
other cell presentsa

riskof fire orexplosion.

Rechargeable6-Volt Battery

Part No. FB1260

Caution: .__ -_

Do not use this _/ -0_ _)

_dapter/charger

for any purpose

pther than Cassette Adapter Cassette Adapter
¢harging the PartNo. 232845 Battery

FB1260 or (Size "AA" 1.5 Volt_
FB120 battery

_ack or supply-
:_ng power to

the camcorder. _f)_ Shoulder Strap

Cautions: Lithium cell battery. Must be disposed of properly
Never handle punctured or leaking cell May cause burns or personal

swallowed. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for
emergency treatment.

The lithium cell used in this dev]ce may explode resulting in a fire'oi"
chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat

above 2120F (100*C), or incinerate.
Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never shori ci_eu[i
the + and - sides of the ceil.

Part No.ACS091

To AC 100-

240V, 50/60 Hz

POWER

Indicator

Adapter/
Charger

DC OUT Jack

Reference Marks

Power Connector

2. Attach the Adapter/Charger

Since the battery must be charged

before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the

camcorder.
A. Connect the power connector's

small plug into the DC OUT jack
on the adapter/charger.

B. Align the reference mark on the

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

C. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into

an operating outlet. The adapter/
charger's POWER indicator will
light.

3. Insert a tape.

• Slide EJECT.

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

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

facing out.

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

EJECT Button

Tape Window

Tape Wheel

POWER Switch and
Indicator

LENS
CO VER

Handstrap Flap

Handstrap Velcro Strip
(Under Flap)

4. Slide LENS COVER control
to open lens cover.

5. Adjust the handstrap to fit
your hand.

• 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.

6. Place POWER switch in
CAMERA.

The POWER indicator will light and
the camcorder will enter record

pause. =-PAUSE=--appears in the
viewfinder when the camcorder is in

record pause.
The position of the POWER switch

tells the camcorder whether you
want to record (CAMERA), turn the
power off (OFF), or play back tapes
(VCR).

The camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in record pause

for five minutes. Place POWER
switch in OFF and then back in

CAMERA.

(continued on next page)

SP.SLP/T20"30"40

Switch

7. Select a recording speed and tape length using
SP.SLP/T20.30"40 switch.

Select SP or SLP recording speed. "

• 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.

Set the length of the tape you are using
so the camcorder can correctly •

calculate the recording time remaining
on the tape.

Repeatedly press the SP°SLP/ •
T20o30o40 switch.

• Select T20 SP if you are using a tape
with 20 minutes or less recording

time and want to record in SP speed.

Select T20 SLP if you arc using a
tape with 20 minutes or less
recording time and want to record in
SLP speed.

Select T30 SP if you are using a tape
with 30 minutes recording time and
want to record in SP speed.

Select T30 SLP if you are using a
tape with 30 minutes recording time

and want to record in SLP speed.
Select T40 SP if you are using a tape

with 40 minutes recording time and
want to record in SP speed.

Select T40 SLP if you are using a
tape with 40 minutes recording time

and want to record in SLP speed.

Eyepiece Focus

Electronic Viewfinder

Scene Select AE Dial

8. Set the scene selectAE dial to

AUTO.

• This places the camcorder in the

AUTO mode.

• In theAUTO mode, the fade, 16X9,

manual focus, exposure, display, and
titler controls will not operate.

9. Adjust the viewfinder and

eyepiece focus control.

• Pull out the viewfinder and rotate
it into a comfortable operating

position.

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

(continued on next page)

7

POWER Indicator

ton

PLA Y/PA USE

Button

Switch

10. Start and stop recording.

• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. REC I_1,,

appears in the viewfinder, and the
tally light will light when 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 view finder).

11. Play back what you have
recorded.

• Place the POWER switch in VCR.

• Press REW to rewind the tape.

• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back

the tape in the viewfinder.

• Press STOP when you are finished

playing back the tape.

• Details on viewfinder playback are

on page 44.

12. Place the POWER switch in
OFF to turn off the camcorder.

The power indicator will turn off.

13. Review camcorder's operating controls.

LENS COVER

Control

Remote Senso_

Power Zoom Lever

"W" -Wide Angle
"T" - Telephoto

Lens

Tally Light

Viewfinder

Eyepiece Focus Control

Eyepiece

EJECT Button

assette Door

PUSH here to close.

]TO"

ON Switch

Scene Select AE Dial

Button

F2 Button

MODE Button

(conlinucd on next page)

9

First-_meO eration i=_:=_ _ _ _ _ t :,i_ _

13. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)

DATE/TIME/CHAR + and - Buttons

SP.SLP/T20"30.40 Button
(Also COUNTER R/M Button) Button

(Also TRACKING Buttons)

DATE/TIME/CHAR -- SET

r-=-i r-_

MAN.W.BAL (Manual COUNTER R/M TRACKING

White Balance) U"--L

B (Bright) and C

(Color) Controls on
Bottom of Viewfinder

(See Trouble Checks

for details.)

MAN.W.BAL

EDIT - [-'_"_'_ _--_ +] [_

EARCFII _ I

REW FF PLAY/PAUSE

Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring

Clock Cell
Compartment --

Attach Battery or
Power Connector

for AC Adapter/
Charge

Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring

BA TT. RELEASE

10

Trigger

POWER Switch and Indicator

AUDIO, RF DC OUT,

and VIDEO Jacks
(Under Small Cover)

Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder

The power connector attaches to the camcorder andlets 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 100-240V,
50/60 Hz

Power Connector

POWER

Indicator

DC OUT Jack

BA TT. RELEASE Button

Attach Adapter/Charger

1. Plug power connector's plug into DC
OUT jack on adapter/charger.

2. Align the reference mark on the power
connector with the mark on the

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

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

4. If the adapter/charger is properly
connected, its POWER indicator will

light.

Caution. Donotusethis

:Sdapter/charg_¢for any other: !i

purpOs_other tha_

FBi260 orFB!20 battery pack

_upplyingpower to theeamcorder;

Remove Adapter/Charger

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

2. Press and hold BATT. RELEASE on
the camcorder while removing the

power connector.

Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adaptermay be required

in some countries.

Optional AC
Plug Adapter/'' AC 100-240V

d

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

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

11

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

CHG Hold Battery
Indicator Flush and

POWER

Indicator

END

Indicator

REFRESH-

Button

Slide

Reference Marks

To AC Wall
Outlet 100-240

Volts, 50/60 Hz.

_adapter/ch_tgerl

_0 not _urn lhem ......

pside own: ::

_he

fall off and b_

Indicator

Charge the Battery
If the power connector is attached to the

DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger,

remove its plug.

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

adapter/charger's CHG (charge)
indicator will light.

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 light.

5. After the battery is charged, the END

indicator will light.

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

7. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder.

Adapter/Charger

Use the REFRESH Button
The battery will provide 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 will light and the battery will
begin discharging.

3. When discharging is completed, the

REFRESH indicator will turn off, and

the CHG indicator will light. The
battery will then charge.

4. After the battery is charged, the END
indicator will light. Remove the
battery from the adapter/charger.

12

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

The battery must be charged as described on the previous page before it can be used the
first time. Initial charging will take approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged,
the battery should supply about 55 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: The small marker switch on top of the battery is for use as a personal reminder to help

you remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.

Reference Marks

i_O not short the 16tittery's
i_::terminals. • •

Lifo not attempt tO

Switch

BATT. RELEASE

Attach the Charged Battery
If the power connector is attached to the

camcorder, remove it before attaching the
battery. Also, install the lithium clock
cell before attaching the battery pack.

Details on page 40.

1. Align the reference mark on the battery

with mark on back of camcorder.

2. Hold the top of the battery flush against

the camcorder and press the bottom of

POWER Switch and Power
Indicator

the battery down until it locks into

place.

3. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.
The power indicator will light.

Remove the Battery

Press and hold BA TT. RELEASE on the
camcorder while removing the battery.

!,,,disassemble or modify the

battery. There are no user-

serviceable parts inside.
Use the battery only with

specified adapter/chargers
and camcorders.

i_hrowing the battery into a
i"_re or exposing to excessive

_,_eat - over 149_F (65_C)

could be hazardous.

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-BATFERY for information or contact your local recycling center.

XJNi.Cd

13

Battery Level Indicator

The battery level indicator appears in the
viewfinder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.

iii

• As the power is used O_1 and

appear.

• When the battery power is almost gone,

C=I" flashes in the viewfinder. The

camcorder will turn off automatically
after a few seconds. Place the POWER

switch in OFF to turn off the
camcorder before replacing the battery.

The battery level indicator will not be

Battery Level Indicator

in Viewfinder

recorded on the tape when it appears in
the viewfinder.

• When _ appears, the battery is

fully charged.

Battery Care and Storage :

• Recharging takes approximately 70

minutes depending on the battery's
condition.

• Refreshing takes approximately 210

minutes depending on the battery's

condition.

• After repeated charging and use,
operation time will gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes 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.

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

14

• The battery will also provide better
service if its power is completely
drained before storing it for long
periods of time (30 days or more).

• The battery should be charged in the
temperature range of 50-95°F (10-35C)
to prevent damage.

• Do not operate the battery at
temperatures below 32°F (0C) or above

104°F (40C). The battery may be
damaged if operated at temperatures
above 122°F (50C). Operation time
will decrease at extremely low
temperatures.

• Store the battery at normal room
temperature.

Optional Car Cord Adapter

The optional DCC08 car cord shown on

page 52 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.

Using the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter

used only with vehicles having negative

--_ Lighter Socket POWER Indicator _ f_
"_ |--- I Power

1. Place the POWER switch in OFF to
turn off the camcorder. Power
indicator turns off.

2. If the battery is attached to the

camcorder, remove it.

3. Hold the power connector flush against
the back of the camcorder and push the
bottom of the power connector down
until it locks into place..

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

Cigarette

-_.i_ 1 C°niect°r

Optional DCC08 Car Cord Adapter

5. Insert the carcord's cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket. The POWER indicator on the

car cord adapter will light.

6. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA
to turnon the camcorder. The power

indicator lights.

Cautioh=_=Make _ {_i_,,€_Fde_?_,_ =....

!po_eris:_umedoffb_foie _m0:_ifig ::
_theear E0rd,s plug from th_ cigarette

_ighter :::=: :

15

Werecommendthatourcassettesbeusedwithyourcamcorder.Useofpoorquality

tapesortapesthathavebeendamagedormishandledcancontaminatethevideoheads,
resultinginasnowypictureornopictureatallduringplayback.Becausethereisno

controloverthetypeoftapepurchasedorrentedbyconsumers,headcleaningisnot
coveredunderwarranty.Itisconsiderednormalmaintenance.

Theautomatichead-cleaningsystemminimizestheneedforaccessorycleanersor
cleaningbyaServicenter.Thissystemisactivatedwheneveryouinsertorremovea
cassette.

Erase Protection- Safety Tab

You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,

just record over it.

A. Remove B. Cover hole

safety tab. with vinyl tape

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 and tape length using the SP.SLP/T20.30.40 switch. The
selected speed and tape length will be 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 may not be
noticeable.

16

Cassette

TC-20
TC-30

TC-40

Recording Time

SP SLP

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

Inserting and Removing Cassettes

EJECT Button

Tape

Wheel

PUSH

Here to
Close

Cassette
Compart-

ment

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. Attach a power supply. Then slide and
release EJECT to open the cassette

compartment.

2. Insert or remove the cassette.

3. Close the cassette compartment door
by pressing on the area labeled PUSH

until it locks into place.

Safety

Tape
Window

Cassette Care and Storage

• When you are finished with a cassette, • Keep dust from entering the 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 may damage
your cassettes.

• Keep the cassette away from strong

magnetic fields such as electric motors
and other devices.

compartment. All dust is abrasive and
will cause excessive wear on the tape

and the camcorder's recording or

playback heads.

Do not use cassettes with damaged or

spliced tape.

Do not use a cassette if it has been

damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape may jam and/or damage your

camcorder.

17

Making a Recording

The steps below tell you how to make a recording and suggest using some of the
recording features. Each feature is described in detail on the following pages.

SP.SLP/T20.30o40 Button

Eyepiece - Button
Focus

+ Button

IER Control

Power Zoom
Button

POWER Switch

Button

OFF.AUTO.
ON Switch

Tally Lig

1. Attach a power supply.

Attach the adapter/charger, charged
battery, or optional DC car cord.

2. Insert a tape.

• Slide EJECT.

• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette

to remove any slack from the tape.

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

facing out.

18

Scene Select

MODE, F1,
F2 Buttons

AE Dial

3. Slide the LENS COVER control to
open the lens cover.

4. Place the POWER switch in

CAMERA.

The power indicator will light and the
camcorder will enter record pause.

pAUSE_- appears in the viewfinder.

5. Adjust the viewfinder and eyepiece
focus control for your vision.

6.Selectarecordingspeedandtape
lengthusingtheSP,SLP/T20,30,40

switch.

• Select SP or SLP recording speed.

• Set the length of the tape you are

using (T20, T30, or T40) so the

camcorder can correctly calculate

time remaining.

7. Place the LIGHT OFF,AUTO,ON
Switch in A UTO.

• The light will turn on automatically
when you need more light.

8. Set the scene selectAE dial.

• Place the dial inAUTO to place the
camcorder in the AUTO mode.

• Place the dial in (.'_) sports
or ( g" ) fast speed shutter to

record fast moving action.

• Place the dial in ( [] ) back light

or ( [] ) front light to compensate
for unusual lighting situations.

• Place the dial in ( _ll' ) spotlight to

create the effect of the subject being
in a spotlight.

• Place the dial in ( [] ) portrait to

create the effect of the subject being
in a frame.

• Place the dial in ( [] ) sepia to create

the effect of an old movie.

• Place the dial in MAN and

experiment with the MODE and F1
and F2 buttons.

• Select F1 FADE to fade in and out
of scenes.

• Select F2 16X9 to record using the
16X9 format.

• Select F1 FOCUS to manually

focus.

• Select F2 EXP. to adjust the iris

(brightness).

• Select F1 TITLE to select and
record one of the preset titles.

•Select F2 DISP. to display and
record the date, time and date, or
create and record your own title.

9. Start and stop recording.

• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. REC _'P'_
appears in the viewfinder and the
tally light will light when the
camcorder is recording.

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

= pAUSE= appears in the viewfinder.

• The camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in record pause

for five minutes. Place the POWER
switch in OFF and then back in

CAMERA.

10. Use the zoom feature.

• Zoom in andout using the power

zoom T and W lever.

11. Review what you have recorded.

• Press and release EDIT SEARCH -
to review the last few seconds of the

recording.

• Press and hold EDITSEARCH - or

+ to visually see what you have

recorded. Release the button to
begin recording at that point.

19

Recording Tips

• In case of fire or theft, make avideo

recording of your home and contents to

store in a safe place.

• Try to make sure indoor scenes are
well-lit. Use the built-in light. 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 or

your scenes will appear "tilted".

• Do not bump or tap the camcorder's
microphone while recording because

this sound will be recorded.

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

functions.

• Fading in and out of scenes will make

your videos appear more professional.

When recording fast-moving action in
outdoor light that you plan to view in

stop-action or slow motion on a 3-5
head VCR, place the scene select AE
dial in sports ( ._ ) or shutter ( ff ) to
increase the shutter speed.

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.) can
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" will give

travel videos lasting appeal. Consider
recording a familiar or landmark scene
from an unfamiliar vantage point.

Traveling Tips

• Write down your camcorder's serial

number and keep it separate from the
camcorder when traveling. If your
camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be
able to identify it.

• Use extra care to avoid damage to your
camcorder and accessories when

operating them at a beach or pool.
Spray, sand, and dust should be
avoided. If your lens has been exposed
to the elements, clean it only with
proper lens cleaning supplies.

2O

Make sure you have any plug adapters

that you may need before taking your
camcorder to other countries. Consult

your dealer for advice.
Carry your camcorder in a carrying

case when traveling. Seepage 52 for a
case designed especially for this
camcorder. An ordinary suitcase or
carry bag does not offer the protection

your camcorder needs. Treat your
camcorder as carry-on luggage 1o
protect it from rough handling.