Camcorder
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.
CC6384/CC6394
Important Information
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product or AC charger to rain or moisture.
WARNING |
To reduce the risk of electric |
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shock, do not remove cover (or |
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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK |
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back). No user serviceable parts |
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DO NOT OPEN |
inside. Refer servicing to qualified |
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service personnel. |
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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 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.
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 |
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Chapter 1: Connections & Setup |
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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 ........................................................................ |
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Attach the power supply ............................................................... |
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Turn on the camcorder ................................................................... |
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Set the video light (Off/AUTO/ON) switch to AUTO .................... |
12 |
Insert a cassette tape ..................................................................... |
13 |
Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to see what’s recording ...... |
14 |
Start recording ............................................................................... |
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Play your recording ........................................................................ |
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Turn off the camcorder .................................................................. |
16 |
Powering the Camcorder ..................................................................... |
16 |
Charging the Battery ..................................................................... |
16 |
Refreshing the Battery ................................................................... |
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Battery Level Icon ........................................................................... |
19 |
Battery Care and Storage .............................................................. |
19 |
Using the Power Supply ................................................................. |
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Using the Shoulder Strap ..................................................................... |
21 |
Setting the Date and Time ................................................................... |
22 |
Setting the Recording Format (for CC6394 only) ............................... |
23 |
Additional Notes about S-VHS and S-VHS ET Cassette Tapes ...... |
24 |
Setting the Tape |
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Recording Speed ................................................................................... |
25 |
Setting the Tape Length ....................................................................... |
26 |
Chapter 2: Using the Monitors |
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Seeing What You Are Recording ......................................................... |
28 |
Using the LCD Monitor .................................................................. |
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Using the Viewfinder ..................................................................... |
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On-screen Icons ..................................................................................... |
30 |
Warning Icons ................................................................................. |
30 |
(continued on the next page) |
1
Table of Contents
Recording and Playback Icons ....................................................... |
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Other Icons ..................................................................................... |
35 |
Chapter 3: Recording |
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Recording Details .................................................................................. |
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Journalistic Shooting ...................................................................... |
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Self-Recording ................................................................................ |
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Quick Review .................................................................................. |
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Retake ............................................................................................. |
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Digital and Optical Zooming ......................................................... |
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Using Steady Pix™ .......................................................................... |
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Using the Video Light .................................................................... |
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Recording Tips ...................................................................................... |
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Chapter 4: Playback |
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Playback Options .................................................................................. |
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Basic Playback ................................................................................. |
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Still Playback Mode ........................................................................ |
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Shuttle Search ................................................................................. |
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Choose your Connection ...................................................................... |
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Using the Cassette Tape Adapter .................................................. |
51 |
Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks ........ |
54 |
Playback on a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks ............ |
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Tape Dubbing ................................................................................. |
56 |
Chapter 5: Digital Still Camera |
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Digital Still Camera Recording and Playback ...................................... |
58 |
Setting the Picture Quality ............................................................ |
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Selecting a Snapshot Mode ........................................................... |
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Taking Snapshots ............................................................................ |
62 |
Normal Playback ............................................................................. |
64 |
Slide Show ...................................................................................... |
65 |
2
Table of Contents |
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Index ............................................................................................... |
65 |
Index Playback ................................................................................ |
66 |
Protecting Images .......................................................................... |
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Unprotecting Images ..................................................................... |
68 |
Deleting Images ............................................................................. |
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Initializing the Built-in Memory .................................................... |
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System Requirements for Picture Navigator ...................................... |
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Connecting To A Windows® PC .......................................................... |
73 |
Chapter 6: Advanced Features |
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Using the Menus For Advanced Adjustment ...................................... |
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Menu Definitions .................................................................................. |
77 |
Camera Menu ................................................................................. |
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System Menu .................................................................................. |
77 |
System Menu (continued) .............................................................. |
78 |
Using the Advanced Features .............................................................. |
80 |
Fade/Wipe Effects ........................................................................... |
80 |
Program AE With Special Effects ................................................... |
82 |
Digital Effects ................................................................................. |
83 |
Exposure Control ............................................................................ |
84 |
Focusing .......................................................................................... |
85 |
White Balance Adjustment ............................................................ |
87 |
Date/Time Insert ............................................................................. |
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Instant Titles ................................................................................... |
90 |
Animation ....................................................................................... |
91 |
Time-Lapse ...................................................................................... |
92 |
Chapter 7: Other Information |
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Troubleshooting.................................................................................... |
94 |
Final Notes ............................................................................................ |
99 |
Care and Cleaning .............................................................................. |
102 |
Care and Maintenance ....................................................................... |
102 |
Proper Care and Storage ............................................................. |
103 |
Tape Care and Storage ................................................................. |
104 |
CD-ROM Care ................................................................................ |
104 |
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(continued on the next page) |
3
Table of Contents
Things to Avoid ............................................................................ |
105 |
Traveling Tips ...................................................................................... |
106 |
Specifications ...................................................................................... |
107 |
Customer Assistance and Service ...................................................... |
109 |
Limited Warranty ................................................................................ |
111 |
FCC Declaration of Conformity and Industry Canada Information . 115 |
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Optional Accessories .......................................................................... |
116 |
Accessories Order Form ................................................................ |
119 |
Index .................................................................................................... |
122 |
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 Recording Format
•Setting the Tape Recording Speed
•Setting the Tape Length
Changing Entertainment. Again.
5
Connections & Setup
Make sure the box includes the items shown here:
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Camcorder |
AC power supply |
Battery pack |
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Part # 250814 |
Part # 244427 |
(FB1260) |
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(CC6394 only) |
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Part # 244265 |
(CC6384 only) |
Cassette tape adapter |
AA battery for |
Lens cap |
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Shoulder strap |
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Part # 244270 |
cassette tape |
Part # 251624 |
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Part # ACS091 |
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adapter |
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Imaging software
CD-ROM
Part # 247954
Caution
PC connection cable (for Windows® PC) Part # 247952
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 |
Connections & Setup
MENU/ Viewfinder BRIGHT/
TRACKING dial
SNAPSHOT Power Zoom/ VOL lever button
S-video jack
Audio/Video jacks
BATTERY RELEASE switch
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STEADY |
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Power switch
Recording Start/Stop button
STEADY PIX™ button
Eyepiece focus control
DIGITAL (DSC IN/OUT) jack
/TMENU/BRIGH RACKING T
SNAPSHOT VOL
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STEADY |
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PIX/TBC |
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Speaker |
Video light |
Microphone
Hand strap
Chapter 1 |
7 |
Connections & Setup
Video LIGHT switch
LIGHT |
AUTO ON |
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Playback |
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DSC/CHARGE |
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RETAKE |
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CHARGE |
DSC VIDEO REFRESH |
EJECT |
EJECT |
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COUNTER R/M and |
P.AE |
DIGIFECT |
REFRESH button |
FADE/WIDE button |
button |
button |
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STOP
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RETAKE
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Shoulder strap eyelets
LCD monitor |
Area marked CLOSE |
Tripod mounting sockets
Camcorder bottom view
8 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
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.
•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
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.
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STEADY |
PIX/TBC |
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DIGIINTA/OLUT) (DSC
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To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration.
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STEADY |
PIX/TBC |
DIGIINTA/OLUT) (DSC
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10 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
2
AC power supply
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DC IN jack
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.
2.Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet.
Chapter 1 |
11 |
Connections & Setup
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LP
Power switch
Set the Power switch to the desired setting, either automatic ( A ) or manual ( M ) record mode, powered off (OFF), or in playback mode ().
The VIDEO 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 M allows you to 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 77-79 for more information).
•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.
VIDEO indicator
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LIGHT |
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CHARGE |
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VIDEO REFRESH |
EJECT |
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Slide the video LIGHT switch to AUTO. In this setting, the video light automatically turns on when more light is needed.
Video LIGHT switch
12 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
LIGHT |
AUTO ON |
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STOP |
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RETAKE |
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CHARGE |
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1.Make sure the camcorder is connected to a power supply.
2.Open the LCD monitor fully or adjust the viewfinder.
3.With the camcorder set to A (automatic 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.
EJECT switch |
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Make sure the tape is not slack when |
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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
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the position that allows recording. If |
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not, slide the tab. Some tapes have |
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removable tabs. If the tab has been |
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removed, cover the hole with adhesive |
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tape. |
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Tape wheel 5. Push on the area marked CLOSE until the cassette tape holder locks into place. (PAUSE appears on the LCD or in the viewfinder.)
Area marked CLOSE
BATTERY RELEASE switch
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.
Caution: Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette tape holder is still open may damage the LCD monitor.
Cassette tape holder
Chapter 1 |
13 |
Connections & Setup
MENU dial
Using the LCD monitor
1.Remove the lens cap.
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Open the monitor 90˚ from the camcorder body. |
LCD monitor |
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Tilt the monitor 180˚ forward or 90˚ down as |
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recording. |
4.To adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor, rotate the MENU dial.
Notes:
•Adjusting the LCD monitor brightness does not affect the recorded image on the tape.
•When the LCD monitor opens more than 25˚, the viewfinder automatically turns off. When the LCD monitor is closed, the viewfinder automatically turns on.
Viewfinder |
Eyepiece focus |
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Using the viewfinder
1.Remove the lens cap.
2.Close the monitor.
Note: If the monitor is open more than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off.
3.Adjust the viewfinder to a comfortable position.
4.Turn the eyepiece focus control to adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision.
14 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
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Recording |
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Power switch |
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Start/Stop |
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LIGHT |
AUTO ON |
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CHARGE DSC VIDEO REFRESH |
EJECT |
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Playback buttons on top of the camcorder include:
Stop (),
Rewind ()
Play/Pause (/ )
Fast Forward ().
1.Remove the lens cap.
2.Set the Power switch to A (automatic record). (The VIDEO indicator comes on.)
3.Press and release the Recording Start/Stop button to start recording. (REC appears in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor (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 or on the LCD monitor.)
1.Set the Power switch to . (The VIDEO 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 / to start playback. View the recording using the LCD monitor or viewfinder.
4.Press the Stop button when finished playing the tape.
Notes:
•Sound will play back if the LCD monitor is open or closed. To adjust the volume, use the Zoom Lever (also labeled
VOL - +).
•More information about using the LCD monitor and viewfinder can be found on pages 28-29.
Chapter 1 |
15 |
Connections & Setup
1. Set the Power switch to OFF.
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2.Close the LCD monitor.
O
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DC IN |
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Power switch
CHARGE indicator
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LIGHT |
AUTO ON |
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CHARGE |
DSC |
VIDEO REFRESH |
EJECT |
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Tip
Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.
You can power your camcorder with a battery or AC power.
1.Set the Power switch to OFF.
2.Make sure the battery is attached to 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.
3.Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder and the other end into an AC outlet. (The CHARGE indicator blinks.)
4.When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but 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.
16 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
Notes:
•If a protective cap is on the battery, remove it before use or charging.
•When charging a battery for the first 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.
Approximate charging time
Battery |
Charging Time |
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244265 (for CC6384) |
approx. 2 hrs. 20 min. |
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FB1260 (for CC6394) |
approx. 90 min. |
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244265 (for CC6384) |
130, (75*) |
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105, (60*) |
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FB1260 (for CC6394) |
80, (45*) |
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* when the video light is on
Note: Recording time is reduced significantly when you use the Zoom or RecordStandby modes repeatedly or when you use the LCD monitor 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
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SETA |
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RELEASE switch
Removing the Battery
Slide the BATTERY RELEASE switch and pull out the battery pack.
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.
1.Follow steps 1-3 in “Charging the Battery” (see page 16).
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REFRESH button
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.
18 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
The battery level icon appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor and reveals the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.
Note: The battery level icon is not recorded on the tape.
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 or LCD monitor when the battery power is almost gone. The camcorder turns off automatically after a few seconds.
•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 nickelcadmium (Ni-Cd) battery indicates Thomson Consumer Electronics is
voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these |
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batteries at the end of their useful life, when taken out of service in the |
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United States or Canada. The RBRC® program provides a convenient |
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alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries into the trash or the |
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municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY™ for information on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. Thomson Consumer Electronics’ involvement in this program is part of our commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.
R
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Ni-Cd
Chapter 1 |
19 |
Connections & Setup
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
2
AC power supply
Removing the power supply
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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 camcorder’s 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
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 close the LCD monitor and rotate the viewfinder down. This helps prevent possible damage to the monitor or viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move. Make sure the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it to carry the camcorder.
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3
Chapter 1 |
21 |
Connections & Setup
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CAMERA MENU
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EX I T
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 89).
1.Set the Power switch to M (manual record). (The VIDEO indicator comes on.)
2.Press in the MENU dial. (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 NEXT. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The second page of the SYSTEM MENU appears.)
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 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 camcorder’s display or on the TV, see page 89.
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.
22 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
You need to select what kind of tape you are using or type of recording you wish to perform.
SYSTEM MENU
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S – VHS ET
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EX I T
1.Set the Power switch to M (manual record). (The VIDEO 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 S-VHS ET. Press the MENU dial to select it. (The S-VHS ET menu appears.)
•If you are using a standard VHS-C tape, rotate the MENU dial to S-VHS ET. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
•If you are using an S-VHS tape, rotate the MENU dial to S-VHS. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
5.Rotate the MENU dial to ON if you want to record in S-VHS mode, or OFF if you want to record in standard VHS mode. Press the MENU dial to select it.
ON Records with S-VHS picture quality on a VHS-C tape. This is called Super VHS ET (Expansion Technology). Also records in S-VHS when you are using an S-VHS tape.
OFF Factory preset: records in VHS.
Notes:
•When the S-VHS ET mode is engaged, S-ET is displayed.
•During S-VHS record mode, S is displayed.
•When S-VHS ET or S-VHS recording starts, S-VHS REC is displayed for approximately. 3 seconds.
•If a tape is not loaded, S-VHS is displayed.
Chapter 1 |
23 |
Connections & Setup
•Use S-VHS tapes for storing recordings for an extended period or for recording important scenes, as they enable higher-quality recording and playback.
•With some tapes, better picture quality may not be obtained even with S-VHS ET recording. It is recommended that you do a test recording beforehand to ensure if better results can be obtained.
•If the S-VHS ET mode or recording format is switched during recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.
•Noise may appear on-screen when tapes recorded in the SLP mode are played back.
•Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode can be played back not only on this camcorder but also on a Super VHS VCR, an S-VHS ET VCR, or a VCR equipped with the SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) function.
•When tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode are played back on a VCR equipped with the SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) function, S-VHS picture quality is not available.
•Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode may not play back on some VCRs.
•It is recommended to specifically label S-VHS ET recordings so you can easily distinguish them from regular VHS recordings.
•To avoid on-screen noise, do not perform Still Playback or Shuttle Search repeatedly.
•The S-VHS ET (extended technology) feature does not work with S-VHS tapes.
24 |
Chapter 1 |
Connections & Setup
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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 VIDEO 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 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 |
25 |
Connections & Setup
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Power switch
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 VIDEO 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.)
VIDEO indicator
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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 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.
26 |
Chapter 1 |
Chapter 2
Using the Monitors
Chapter Overview:
•Seeing What You Are Recording
•On-screen Icons
Changing Entertainment. Again.
27
Using the Monitors
To see what is recording, use either the LCD monitor or the viewfinder monitor. When the LCD monitor is open more than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder turns on.
The camcorder’s LCD monitor is a miniature color screen that you can use for recording playback.
1.Open the LCD monitor at least 25˚. The viewfinder turns off.
180° |
2. For convenient viewing, the LCD monitor can |
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body. Tilt the monitor forward up 180˚ or down |
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• From a high angle (such as over a crowd)— |
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tilt the monitor down to record. |
90° |
• From a low angle (such as when kneeling)— |
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tilt the monitor up to record. |
3.Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor by turning the bright control (MENU dial). This doesn’t affect the brightness of the recording you are making.
•Turn the dial toward + to brighten the image.
•Turn the dial toward – to darken the image.
4.When finished recording, close the monitor and lock it into place.
Note: Recording outdoors on bright, sunny days can make the LCD monitor hard to see. Use the viewfinder instead.
Cautions
Never force the LCD monitor to rotate completely around. This could damage both the monitor and/or the camcorder.
When carrying the unit with the shoulder strap, close the monitor to prevent possible damage to it.
28 |
Chapter 2 |