RCA CC6392 User Manual

USER’S GUIDE
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CC6372/CC6392
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
CAU­TION
This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage” inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame
la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu au fond.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recom­mended by the manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of batteries may burst causing damage and personal injury.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts and service and attach it here. Record the serial number and model numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.
Model No: _______________________________ Serial No: _______________________________ Purchase Date: _______________________________ Purchased From: _______________________________
i
CC6372/CC6392
Assistance
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...........800-283-6503 (pages 81-82 )
Customer Service...................................800-336-1900 (page 80 )
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 67-72)
Table of Contents
Assistance ..................................... 3
First-Time Operation .................. 3
Power Your Camcorder.............12
Adapter/Charger .............................. 12
Rechargeable Battery ...................... 13
Charge the Battery ........................ 14
Battery Level Indicator ................. 15
Battery Care and Storage .............. 15
Optional Car Cord Adapter ............. 16
Date and Time Display............. 17
Install the Clock Lithium Cell.........17
Set the Date and Time ..................... 18
Record AUTO DATE, Date,
Time, and Title Displays............. 20
Videocassettes............................. 22
Erase Protection – Safety Tab ....... 22
Recording and Playback
Speeds and Times....................... 22
Insert and Remove Cassettes ........ 23
Cassette Care and Storage............. 23
Recording ................................... 24
Time-Remaining Display ................ 24
Select a Tape Length .................... 24
Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder
to See What You Record............... 26
Use the LCD Monitor ................... 26
Use the Viewfinder ....................... 27
LCD Monitor and Viewfinder
Displays ....................................... 28
AutoShot™ Mode ........................... 32
Five-Second Record Feature ........... 33
Tally Light ....................................... 33
Quick Review Feature ..................... 33
Camera Edit Feature........................ 33
Flying Erase Head ........................... 33
MENU/DISPLAY Button ................. 33
Zooming .......................................... 34
Use the Zoom Lever (W and T)..... 34
Digital Zooming............................ 34
Tele Macro Zooming.................... 35
Focusing .......................................... 36
Auto Focus .................................... 36
Manual Focus................................ 37
1
Table of Contents
White Balance ................................. 38
Auto White Balance ...................... 38
Manual White Balance..................38
Exposure Control ............................ 40
Manual Exposure .......................... 40
Auto Exposure .............................. 40
Steady Pix™ Feature....................... 41
Fade or Wipe In or Out.................... 42
P. (Program) AE Button ................... 44
16X9 Mode...................................... 45
Preset Titles ..................................... 46
Select a Language for the Title ..... 46
Record a Preset Title ..................... 47
Self-Timer Recording...................... 48
Animation Recording ...................... 50
Time-Lapse Recording.................... 52
Tally Light (Turn On or Off)........... 54
Demo Mode..................................... 55
Attach the Shoulder Strap ............... 56
Recording Tips ................................ 57
Use the LCD Monitor or
Viewfinder for Playback.............. 58
To Play Back a Tape...................... 59
Playback Features........................... 60
Position the Tape........................... 60
Visual Search ................................ 60
Stop-Action Pause......................... 60
Time Counter ................................ 61
Tracking ........................................ 61
Use the Cassette Adapter................. 62
Playback on TV (or VCR)
with Audio/Video Inputs ............. 64
T raveling T ips ............................ 66
Optional Accessories.................. 67
Using the Optional AC088
Tripod .......................................... 69
Order Form for Camcorder
Models CC6372 and CC6392 ..... 71
Trouble Checks .......................... 73
Specifications.............................. 77
Clean the Camcorder....................... 78
Clean the Camcorder’s Lens ........... 78
Clean the Camcorder’s LCD
Monitor........................................ 78
Clean the Camcorder’s
Viewfinder ................................... 78
Proper Care and Storage.................. 79
Things to Avoid ............................... 79
Customer Assistance and
Service.................................... 80
Limited Warranty...................... 81
Index ........................................... 83
Information to User ................... 89
2

First-Time Operation

Assistance

This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.
Assistance
The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter.
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...............800-283-6503
Customer Service................................... 800-336-1900
First-Time Operation
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376
• 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.
W ARNING: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTER Y MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERL Y.
Model CC6372* or Model 6392*
(*Your camcorder may appear slightly
different than the one shown.)
AC Adapter/Charger Part No. 244269 and DC Cable Part No. 244268
Clock Cell 3-Volt Micro Lithium Cell – such as CR2025 – available from most local drug stores and camera shops. Use of other cells present a risk of fire or explosion.
Rechargeable Nickel
Cadmium Battery
Part No FB1260
Caution: Do not use
this adapter/charger for any purpose other than charging the FB1260, or 244265 battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.
CAUTIONS: Lithium cell must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns or personal injury.
Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.
The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C), or incinerate.
Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the + and – sides of the cell.
Model CC6372
+ -
Cassette Adapter Battery
(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
Cassette Adapter Part No. 244270
(continued on next page)
Model CC6392
Rechargeable Nickel
Metal Hydride Battery
Part No 244265
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091
3
First-Time Operation
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.
• Connect one end of the DC cable to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger.
T o AC 100-240, 50/60 Hz
DC In Jack
DC Cable
Adapter/ Charger
DC OUT
Jack
• Connect the other end of the DC cable to the DC in jack on the camcorder as shown above.
• Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into an operating outlet.
3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.
LENS COVER
Control
Handstrap
Handstrap V elcr o Strip (Under Flap)
• Lift the flap on the handstrap and separate the velcro strip.
• Insert your hand, adjust the strap to fit snugly, refasten the strap, and close the flap.
4. Rotate LENS COVER control to open lens cover.
4
First-Time Operation
5. Insert a tape.
T ape Wheel
T ape Window
PUSH Here to Close Cassette Compartment
• Open the LCD monitor at least 60˚ before opening the cassette holder.
• Slide the EJECT switch. The cassette holder opens automatically.
• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette to remove any slack from the tape.
6. Select a recording speed.
SP/SLP
Button
Select SP or SLP recording speed. Press and hold the SP/SLP button to select a recording speed. The tape speed you select (SP or SLP) appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
• SP – Standard play provides the best picture, but the shortest
EJECT Switch
• Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.
• Press on the area labeled PUSH until the cassette holder locks into place.
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.
(continued on next page)
5
First-Time Operation
7. Set POWER (CAMERA MAN/CAMERA AUTO/OFF/VCR) switch to CAMERA AUTO.
POWER Switch and Indicator
• The power indicator lights and the
camcorder enters record-pause.
appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor when the camcorder is in record­pause.
• The position of this switch tells the camcorder whether you want to record (CAMERA MAN or CAMERA AUTO), turn the power off (OFF), or play back tapes (VCR).
CAMERA AUTO places the camcorder in the AutoShot™
6
mode. In the AutoShot™ mode, the focus, exposure, and white balance are automatically controlled by the camcorder. Many of the special effects do not operate in this mode. Details on
page 32.
• CAMERA MAN allows you to
control many of the special features of the camcorder.
• The camcorder automatically turns off if it remains in record­pause for five minutes. Set the POWER switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.
First-Time Operation
8. Use the Monitor or Viewfinder to See What You Record
You can see what you record on the color LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60˚, the viewfinder is automatically turned off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder is automatically turned on.
To enable both you and the person you’re recording to see what’s being recorded, you can rotate the LCD monitor completely around 105˚ so the front of the monitor faces the person you’re recording. The viewfinder turns on automatically when you turn the LCD monitor all the way around so it faced forward.
Electronic Viewfinder
Eyepiece Focus Control
LCD Monitor
Use the LCD Monitor
• Make sure the monitor is open at least 60˚. The viewfinder turns off.
• You can tilt the monitor 180˚ up or 90˚ down for convenient viewing.
• Rotate the menu PUSH dial to adjust the brightness of the image in the monitor.
Use the Viewfinder
• Close the monitor. If the monitor is open more than 60˚, the viewfinder turns off.
• Adjust the viewfinder for a comfortable viewing position.
Menu PUSH Dial
(Also Bright Control)
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision.
Eyepiece Focus Control
180
°
180
°
Electronic Viewfinder
(continued on next page)
7
First-Time Operation
9. Select a tape length.
MENU/DISPLAY
Button
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial (Rotate or Push In)
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2.Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TAPE LENGTH.
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
POWER Switch and Indicator
4.Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the TAPE LENGTH menu.
TAPE LENGTH
T20 T30 T40
EXIT
5.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the type of tape you are using.
• Select T20 for a tape with 20 minutes or less recording time in SP.
• Select T30 for a tape with 30 minutes recording time in SP.
• Select T40 for a tape with 40 minutes recording time in SP.
6.Press the menu PUSH dial twice to select the tape length and remove the menus.
• Details are on pages 24-25.
8
First-Time Operation
5555
REW
55
Button
5555
STOP Button
LENS COVER
Control
TALLY Light
PLAY/PAUSE Button
10. Start and stop recording.
• Place the POWER switch in CAMERA AUTO.
• Press and release the thumb trigger to start recording.
REC
appears in
the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor, and the tally light lights while the camcorder is recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record­pause mode. appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
11. Play back what you have recorded.
• Set the POWER switch to VCR.
Power Indicator
Thumb Trigger
POWER Switch
• Press REW 55 to rewind the tape.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back the tape.
• Press STOP when you are finished playing back the tape.
Details on LCD monitor and
viewfinder playback are on pages 58-59.
12. Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
The power indicator turns off.
13. Close the LCD monitor and lens cover.
(continued on next page)
9
First-Time Operation
14. Review camcorder operating controls.
FADES
Button
P. (Program) AE Button
SEARCH R and F
Buttons (Also REW and FF
Menu PUSH Dial (Also Bright and Volume Control)
6666
66
6666
STOP Button
PLAY/PAUSE Button
EJECT Switch
Buttons)
5555
55
5555
Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring
SP/SLP Button (Also COUNTER R/M Button)
Eyepiece Focus Control
Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring
MENU/DISPLAY Button
10
LCD Monitor
Viewfinder
PUSH Here to Close Cassette Door
Speaker
Cassette Compartment
(continued on next page)
First-Time Operation
14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (continued)
5SEC. REC
Button
Zoom Lever
Speaker for Playback
Service Port (Located Under Cover) This connector is for use by qualified service personnel only.
POWER Switch and Indicator
STEADY PIX
Button
Thumb T rigger
Tally Light
BATTER Y RELEASE
Lever
LENS COVER
Control
Attach Adapter/Charger’s DC Cord (DC In Jack Located Under Battery) or Rechargeable Battery Here
Handstrap
Clock Cell Battery Compartment
Lens
Microphone
A (Audio) and V (Video) Jacks (Behind Small Cover)
Threaded T ripod Mount Hole
11

Power Your Camcorder

Power Y our Camcorder

Adapter/Charger

The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
T o AC 100-240, 50/60 Hz
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Connect one end of the DC cable to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/ charger.
2. Connect the other end of the DC cable to the DC in jack on the camcorder as
shown above.
3. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
CAUTION: Do not use this adapter/ charger for any other purpose other than charging the FB1260 or 244265 battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.
DC In Jack
DC Cable
Adapter/ Charger
DC OUT
Jack
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the adapter/charger and camcorder.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter might be required in some countries.
Optional AC Plug Adapter
1. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet.
AC 100-240V
12
Power Your Camcorder

Rechargeable Battery

The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging takes approximately 70 minutes for the FB1260 and 140 minutes for the 244265. When fully charged, the FB1260 supplies approximately 50­55 minutes and the 244265 supplies approximately 100-115 minutes of operating time – depending on how much you use the monitor, zoom, and pause. Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.
Note: Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery to help remind yourself to charge the battery. It has no other purpose.
Battery Safety Precautions
Do not short the battery’s terminals.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Use the battery only with specified adapter/chargers and camcorders. Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing it to excessive heat – over 149˚F (65˚C) could be
BATTER Y RELEASE Lever
Marker Switch
hazardous.
Attach the Charged Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery. Also, install the lithium clock cell before attaching the battery.
Details are on page 17.
1. Hook the battery to the side of the camcorder as shown above.
2. Press the battery down until it locks into place.
ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the FB1260 battery used in your Thomson Consumer Electronics product indicates that we are participating in a program to collect and recycle Nickel Cadmium batteries throughout the United States. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information or contact your local recycling center.
3. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. The power indicator lights.
Remove the Battery
Slide and hold the BATTERY RELEASE lever down while removing the battery.
RBRC
RBRC
Ni-Cd
13
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Hold Battery Flush and Slide
CHG
(Charge) Indicator
REFRESH
Indicator
REFRESH
Button
Reference Marks
Adapter/Charger
Caution: When a battery is attached to the adapter/charger, do not turn them
upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.

Charge the Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger, remove it.
1. Align reference mark on battery with mark on adapter/charger.
2. Hold the battery flush against the adapter/charger and slide it in the direction of the arrow.
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
4. If the battery is properly connected, the CHG indicator flashes.
Note: If you try to charge a battery that
has not been charged for a long period of time, it may take a few minutes for the CHG indicator to flash.
5. After the battery is charged, the CHG indicator stops flashing and lights.
6. Remove the charged battery by sliding it off the adapter/charger.
7. Attach the charged battery to the camcorder.
Use the REFRESH Button
The battery provides increased operation time if you “refresh” it after five chargings. The refresh feature “refreshes” the battery by completely discharging it.
1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.
2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator lights and the battery begins discharging.
3. When discharging is completed, the REFRESH indicator turns off, and
T o AC W all Outlet 100­240 Volts, 50/60 Hz.
14
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
the CHG indicator flashes. The battery now charges.
4. After the battery is charged, the CHG (charge) indicator stops flashing and lights.
5. Remove the battery from the adapter/ charger.

Battery Level Indicator

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

Battery Care and Storage

• Recharging takes approximately 70 minutes for the FB1260 and 140 minutes for the 244265 depending on the battery’s condition.
• Refreshing takes approximately 3-1/2 hours for the FB1260 and 7 hours for the 244265 depending on the battery’s condition.
• After repeated charging and use, operation time gradually decreases. When operation time is too short to be useful, it is time to replace the battery.
• If the battery discharging must be stopped in the middle, remove the battery from the adapter/charger before unplugging it from the AC outlet.
• If the battery pack become too hot, remove it from the charger and let it cool down.
• Let a hot battery cool down before attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.
• When appears, the battery is fully charged.
• As the power is used and
appear.
• When the battery power is almost gone, flashes in the viewfinder. The camcorder turns off automatically
after a few seconds. Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn off the cam­corder before replacing the battery.
The battery level indicator is not recorded on the tape.
15
Power Your Camcorder

Optional Car Cord Adapter

The optional DCC08 car cord shown on page 67 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 12-volts to a 6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for complete operating instructions.
Use the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
Power
Connector
Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to
be used only with vehicles having negative ground electrical systems.
Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with this camcorder . Use of any other car cord adapter might damage the camcorder and void your warranty.
To Cigarette
Lighter Socket
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn
off the camcorder. The power indicator on the camcorder turns off.
2. If the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.
3. Hold the bottom of the power
connector flush against the camcorder, and press the connector down until it locks into place as shown above.
4. Take the vehicle’s cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
16
Optional DCC08 Car
Cord Adapter
5. Insert the car cord’s cigarette lighter plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. The power indicator on the car cord adapter lights.
6. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA to turn on the camcorder. The power indicator on the camcorder lights.
Caution: Make sure the camcorder’s power is turned off before removing the car cord’s plug from the cigarette lighter socket.

Date and Time Display

Date and Time Display

Install the Clock Lithium Cell

The clock cell indicator flashes for a few seconds in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor when you turn on the camcorder if the cell is not installed or needs replacing.
Clock Cell Compartment
Clock Cell Holder
1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder.
2. Pull the clock cell holder out of the clock cell compartment.
3. Insert the clock cell with the “+” terminal facing out, and press it in.
Clock Cell (+ Side Facing Out)
4. Place the clock cell holder into the clock cell compartment. Be sure to insert the holder fully into the compartment.
To Remove Lithium Cell
To remove battery, insert a pointed nonmetallic object between battery and
Insert Object Here to Remove Cell
clock cell holder and lift.
Cautions: Lithium cell battery. Replace only with 3-volt lithium cell – such as CR2025. Use of other cell presents a risk of fire or explosion. Must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns or personal injury.
Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.
The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212˚F (100˚C), or incinerate.
Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short the + and – sides of the cell.
17
Date and Time Display
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF

Set the Date and Time

You must set the correct date and time before you can display and record it on your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous page before you can set the date.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
18
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
MENU/DISPLAY
Button
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight DATE/TIME.
Date and Time Display
YEAR MONTH DAY TIME
EXIT
1999 NOV 18
DATE/TIME
AM 8:00
Set the Date and Time (continued)
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the DATE/TIME menu.
DATE/TIME
YEAR MONTH DAY TIME
1999 JAN 1
PM 12:00
EXIT
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight YEAR. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When YEAR starts flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to select the year. When the correct year appears, press the menu PUSH dial in to set the year.
6. Repeat step 5 to set the MONTH and DAY.
7. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TIME.
DATE/TIME
1999 NOV 18
PM 11:00
YEAR MONTH DAY TIME
10. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When none of the settings are flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight EXIT.
11. Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to remove the menus.
Notes: If you decide to return the date and time to the previous settings while the DATE/
TIME menu is displayed, rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight EXIT, and press.
Press the menu PUSH dial again to remove the menus.
To display and record the date and/or time, see
the following pages.
EXIT
8. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When the hour starts flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to set the hour including AM or PM.
9. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When the hour stops flashing and the minutes start flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to set the minutes.
19
Date and Time Display
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF
AUTO DATE DATE TIME DATE&TIME OFF
EXIT
DATE/TIME DISP.

Record AUTO DATE, Date, T ime, and Title Displays

You must install the clock cell and set the date and time (as shown on the previous pages) before the you can select and record the correct date and time.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
Select AUTO DATE, Date, Time, or Date and Time to Record on Your Tape
1. Attach a power supply and set POWER switch to CAMERA MAN. The power indicator lights.
Note: AUTO DATE is selected when the
POWER switch is set to CAMERA AUTO.
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the DATE/TIME DISP. menu.
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to
20
RETURN
highlight DA TE/TIME DISP.
Date and Time Display
Record AUTO DATE, Date, Time, and Title Displays (continued)
LCD Monitor or Viewfinder Displays
Select the Display on the DATE/TIME DISP. Menu
AUTO DATE
AUTO DATE Display
OFF: No Display
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the date/time display you want to record
AUTO DATE: The date is auto-
matically recorded for approxi­mately five seconds and then AUTO DATE is displayed whenever:
• The date is set or changed.
• This display mode is selected.
• The tape is changed or the tape compartment opened.
• This display is selected when­ever the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA AUTO.
DATE Display: The date is
displayed and recorded.
NOV 18.99
DATE Display
AM 10:25:00
TIME Display
NOV 18.99 AM 10:25:00
DATE&TIME Display
TIME: The time is displayed and
recorded.
DATE and TIME Display: The
date and time are displayed and recorded.
OFF: No display is displayed or
recorded.
6. Press the menu PUSH dial in to select the date/time display you want to record.
7. Press the menu PUSH dial in to remove the menu.
8. Press the thumb trigger to begin recording.
21

Videocassettes

Videocassettes
Make sure you select good quality tapes for your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapes or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads, resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.

Erase Protection – Safety Tab

You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, just record over it.
Safety
Tab
A. Remove B. Cover hole
safety tab or
slide tab to
REC OFF.
with vinyl tape or slide tab to REC ON to record over tape.

Recording and Playback Speeds and Times

The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP) or extended play (SLP). Select the recording speed by pressing and holding the SP/SLP button. The selected speed is displayed on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Listed below are the maximum SP and SLP recording times for popular VHS-C cassettes.
• SP – Standard play provides the best picture (less picture noise), but the shortest recording time (20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).
• SLP – Extended play provides three times the recording time as SP (60 minutes with a TC-20 tape). SLP has slightly more picture noise than SP in normal playback. This might not be noticeable.
22
Cassette SP SLP
TC-20 20 Min. 60 Min. TC-30 30 Min. 90 Min. TC-40 40 Min. 120 Min.
Recording Time
Videocassettes

Insert and Remove Cassettes

Push Here to Close Cassette Compartment
EJECT
Button
SP/SLP
Button
T ape Wheel
T ape Window
Caution: Insert
the cassette only one way with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out. The cassette should slide easily into the holder. Do not force the cassette.
Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape wheel on the side of the cassette in the direction shown to remove any slack in the tape.
T ape Wheel

Cassette Care and Storage

• When you are finished with a cassette, rewind it, remove it from the camcorder, and label it.
• Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period. Excessive heat or cold might damage your cassettes.
• Keep the cassette away from strong magnetic fields such as electric motors and other devices.
1. Open the LCD monitor at least 60˚ before opening the cassette holder.
2. Slide EJECT. The cassette holder opens automatically.
3. Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and tape window facing out.
4. Press on the area labeled PUSH until the cassette holder locks into place.
• Keep dust from entering the cassette
compartment. All dust is abrasive and causes excessive wear on the tape and the camcorder’s recording or playback heads.
• Do not use cassettes with damaged or
spliced tape.
• Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The tape might jam and/or damage your camcorder.
23

Recording

Recording

Time-Remaining Display

The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder for the tape speed you select is displayed. You must set the correct tape length in the TAPE LENGTH feature of the menu before the camcorder can correctly calculate time remaining.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)

Select a Tape Length

1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press and hold the SP/SLP button to select a tape speed.
3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
24
MENU/DISPLAY Button
SP/SLP Button
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TAPE LENGTH.
Recording
Time-Remaining Display (continued)
--MIN
(Calculating)
--MIN SP
29MIN
T30
Tape Length Indicator
3MIN
2MIN
(Flashing)
Time-Remaining Display
1MIN
(Flashing)
0MIN
(Flashing)
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
5. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the TAPE LENGTH menu.
TAPE LENGTH
T20 T30 T40
TAPE END
in Viewfinder
or on LCD Monitor
6. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the type of tape you are using.
• Select T20 for a tape with 20
• Select T30 for a tape with 30
• Select T40 for a tape with 40
7. Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to select the tape length and remove the menus.
Tape Speed Indicator
minutes or less recording time in SP.
minutes recording time in SP.
minutes recording time in SP.
EXIT
25
Recording

Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder to See What You Record

You can see what you are recording on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60˚, the viewfinder turns off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder turns on. To enable both you and the person you’re recording to see what’s being recorded, rotate the LCD monitor completely around 105˚ so the front of the monitor faces the person you’re recording. The viewfinder turns on automatically when you turn the monitor all the way around.

Use the LCD Monitor

The camcorder’s LCD monitor is a miniature color monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording or playing back a tape.
Cautions: Do not force the
90°
180°
Menu PUSH Dial (Also Bright Control)
monitor to rotate completely around. This damages the monitor and/or the camcorder.
When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, close the monitor to prevent possible damage to the monitor from bumping against your body as you move.
1. Open the LCD monitor. Make sure the monitor is open at
least 60˚. The viewfinder turns off.
2. You can tilt the monitor up 180˚ or down 90˚ for convenient viewing.
• Tilt the monitor down to record
from a high angle, such as over a crowd.
• Tilt the monitor up to record from
a low angle, such as when you are kneeling.
3. Adjust the brightness of the image by turning the bright control (menu PUSH dial). This does not affect the brightness of the recording you are making.
26
• Turn the dial toward + to brighten the image.
• Turn the dial toward – to darken the image.
4. When you are finished, close the monitor and lock it into place.
Notes: When recording on a bright sunny day, the LCD monitor might be hard to see. Use the viewfinder.
The LCD monitor is manufactured using high­precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black dots and/or bright dots (red, blue, or green in color) that appear on the screen. These points are a normal result of the manufacturing process. These dots won’t appear on the video you are recording. Over
99.99% are operational for effective use.
Recording
Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder to See What You Record
(continued)

Use the Viewfinder

The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60˚, the viewfinder turns off.
Eyepiece Focus Control
Viewfinder
180
180
Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing
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.
°
°
Cautions
Do not 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 and in to help prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move.
It is easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on one of the viewfinder’s on­screen displays. Look through the viewfinder and adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision.
The eyepiece focus control does not affect the focus of the picture actually recorded by the camcorder.
27
Recording

LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Displays

Several displays appear on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder to aid in the operation of the camcorder. You can press and hold the MENU/DISPLAY button for more than one second to remove or display the battery level indicator, tape-length indicator, and tape-remaining display.
REC
AT
SEPIA
MWB
PAUSE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
NOV 18.99 PM 8:30:03
Battery Level Indicator ( )
This indicator shows the amount of
power left in the rechargeable battery.
This indicator flashes when the battery is almost empty.
Cassette Warning
• The indicator flashes when the
POWER switch is set to CAMERA and there is no cassette in the camcorder.
• The indicator flashes when the
POWER switch is set to CAMERA and the safety tab is set to REC OFF or removed from the cassette.
28
AUTO DATE, Date, Time, or Date and Time
Display the DATE/TIME DISP. menu to display AUTO DATE, Date, Time, or the Date and Time
• These displays are recorded when they are displayed. If you do not want to record one of them, select OFF in the menu.
Details are on pages 20-21.
P. (Program) AE Button Special Effect Indicators
SEPIA
This indicator appears when you select SEPIA to give your recordings a brown-tone like old photographs.
Recording
LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Displays (continued)
SPORTS
This indicator appears when you select
SPORTS to record fast-moving
action, such as sporting events.
SD:SHADOW
This indicator appears when you select SD:SHADOW to darken the picture and reduce glare.
HZ: HAZE
This indicator appears when you select HZ:HAZE to soften the picture and give it a misty white effect.
TWILIGHT
This indicator appears when you select TWILIGHT to record scenes at twilight, fireworks, etc.
2 S 1/2000
This indicator appears when you select 1/2000 to record faster-moving action than the SPORTS mode.
NEGA POSI
This indicator appears when you select NEGA POSI to reverse the colors and create a negative image.
Details are on page 44.
Preset Titles
The preset title selected in the TITLE menu appears here. It will be recorded on the tape when it appears.
Details are on pages 46-47.
appears here.
appears when you select :FINE to record outdoors on a
sunny day.
appears when you select
:CLOUD to record outdoors on a
cloudy day.
appears when you select
:HALOGEN to record using
halogen or tungsten lighting.
MWB appears when you select MWB
to adjust the color temperatures.
• Details are on pages 38-39.
Status Displays
The
REC
indicator appears when the
camcorder is recording.
The
PAUSE
indicator appears
during record-pause.
6 appears when the camcorder plays
back a tape.
appears during play-pause.
66
appears during fast forward and
flashes during forward search.
55
appears during rewind and
flashes during reverse search.
(AT or MT) T racking Indicator
•AT appears during automatic tracking.
MT appears during manual tracking.
M. W. B. (Manual White Balance Indicators)
The indicator for the manual white balance selected in the MWB menu
Zoom Indicator (4X
)
The zoom indicators appears here when you use the zoom lever.
29
Recording
LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Displays (continued)
B
K
5MIN
SP
FADER
B
K
EFFECT
M 0:00:00
LENS COVER
15
S
1
S
TAPE END
BRIGHT – - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
T
30
+03
BRIGHT (or VOLUME) Indicator
These indicators appear during playback.
The BRIGHT indicator appears when you adjust the brightness of the monitor with the bright control (also menu PUSH dial).
The VOLUME indicator appears when you adjust the volume of the speaker with the VOL control (also zoom lever).
Dew Warning ( )
The dew indicator appears when exces­sive moisture (condensation) has entered the camcorder. The camcorder will not operate when this indicator appears. Place the camcorder in a warm, dry area until this indicator disappears.
Exposure Indicators (+03)
This indicator appears when you are adjusting brightness manually using the
30
EXPOSURE menu. Make sure the POWER switch is set to CAMERA MAN.
Details are on pages 40-41.
Fade and Wipe Indicators (
Press the FADES button to display the indicator for the fade or wipe you want to select.
FADER appears for black fade.
B
K
MOSAIC appears for mosaic fade.
DOOR appears for door wipe.
SCROLL wipe appears for scroll wipe.
Details are on pages 42-43.
Focus Indicators ( )
These indicators appear when you are adjusting focus manually using the FOCUS menu. Make sure the POWER switch is set to CAMERA MAN.
• The focus indicators ( ) flash
when the auto-focus system cannot operate properly.
FADER)
B
K
Recording
LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Displays (continued)
appear when you have selected MENU in the FOCUS menu.
and flash while you adjust manual focus and and flash when you cannot adjust the focus any farther.
• Details are on pages 36-37.
Lithium Cell ( )
• This indicator appears for a few seconds when you turn on the cam­corder and the clock cell is missing or needs to be replaced.
• Details are on page 17.
Self-Timer , Animation, Time-Lapse, and Five-Second Recording Indicators
( 15S and 5S )
5S appears when you press the 5SEC. REC button for five-second
recording. Details are on page 33.
• The interval time selected for self­timer or time-lapse recording ( 15S,
30S, 1MIN, or 5MIN) appears here. Details are on pages 48-49 and 52-53.
• The recording time selected for animation or time-lapse recording
( 1/4S, 1/2S, 1S, or 5S) appears here. Details are on pages
50-51 and 52-53.
Steady Pix™ Indicator ( )
• Press the STEADY PIX button to turn Steady Pix on or off.
• The steady pix indicator ( ) appears when Steady Pix is turned on.
• Details are on page 41.
Tape Length (T30)
The tape length (T20, T30, or T40) selected in the TAPE LENGTH menu appears here.
• Details are on pages 24-25.
Tape Speed Indicators (SP or SLP)
The tape speed selected with the SP/SLP button appears here.
Details are on page 22.
Time Counter (M0:00:00)
The time counter appears during
playback. It is not recorded.
• An “M” appears in front of the time counter when memory-stop is on.
Details are on page 61.
Time-Remaining Display (5MIN)
The approximate time remaining on the tape is automatically displayed. The correct tape length must be set in the
TAPE LENGTH menu.
• Details are on pages 24-25.
Warnings and Information
LENS COVER briefly flashes to remind you to open the lens cover.
LENS COVER might flash when the camcorder is used in dark areas -- even if the lens cover is open.
• TAPE END appears when the end of the tape is reached during recording or a cassette is inserted with its tape already at the end.
31
Recording
SEARCH R
6666
66
Button
6666
SEARCH F
5555
55
Button
5555
MENU/ DISPLAY
Button
SP/SLP
Button
POWER
Switch
5SEC. REC Button
Thumb Trigger
AutoShot™ Mode
The POWER switch lets you select automatic or manual control of several features.
To Turn on the AutoShot™ Mode
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO. The power indicator lights
and the camcorder enters record­pause. viewfinder.
2. Press the thumb trigger to start recording.
32
PAUSE
appears in the
Tally Light
Microphone
• The camcorder automatically controls focus, exposure, and white balance.
• The MENU/DISPLAY button and menu PUSH dial will not operate.
AUTO DATE is selected for the date and time display.
To Turn Off the AutoShot™ Mode
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
Recording

Five-Second Record Feature

The five-second record feature allows you to record for five seconds providing short scene transitions.
1. Set POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO or CAMERA MAN.
2. Make sure the SP/SLP switch is set to SP. Press and hold to change.
3. Press 5SEC. REC to display 5S in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
4. Press the thumb trigger to start recording. The camcorder records for five seconds and enters record-pause.
To Turn Off the Five-Second Record Mode
1. Press the 5SEC. REC button to
remove 5S from the viewfinder or LCD monitor.

Tally Light

The tally light lights when the camcorder is recording. The tally light flashes during self-timer and time-lapse recording.
The tally light must be set to ON in the
TALLY LAMP menu. See page 54 for details.

Quick Review Feature

Press and release SEARCH R 55when the camcorder is in record-pause to review the last few seconds of a record­ing. The POWER switch must be set to CAMERA AUTO or CAMERA MAN.
The camcorder plays back the last few seconds of the recording, returns the tape to its previous position, and returns to record-pause.

Camera Edit Feature

The camera edit feature allows you to position the tape when the camcorder is in record-pause. Set POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO or CAMERA MAN.
• Press and hold SEARCH R to visually search the recorded tape in reverse.
• Press and hold SEARCH F to visually search forward on the recorded tape.
Release the button to return the cam­corder to record-pause at that point on the tape. Press the thumb trigger to start recording at this point.
55
66

Flying Erase Head

A separate erase head is mounted on the spinning headwheel (hence the term “flying”). This allows you to make clean edits without the “glitches” or “rainbow noise” that might occur at the beginning or the end of recordings.

MENU/DISPLAY Button

Press and hold the MENU/DISPLA Y button for more than one second to remove or display the battery level indicator, tape-length indicator, and tape­remaining display in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
33
Recording

Zooming

You can zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots just by moving the zoom lever on the camcorder. The camcorder automatically focuses when you zoom at most distances. Digital zooming allows you to zoom up to 50 times.
To record a close-up of a small subject closer than three feet. Turn on the TELE MACRO feature in the menu. You can record a small subject at a distance of approximately 23 inches.
Zoom Lever (T and W)
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
MENU/DISPLAY Button

Use the Zoom Lever (W and T)

1. To zoom in or out (up to 16 times), rotate the zoom lever.
• To move the lens in the telephoto
(close-up) direction, rotate the zoom lever toward T.
• To move the lens in the wide angle
direction, rotate the zoom lever toward W .
• The zoom level indicator appears in
the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor during zooming.
34
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN

Digital Zooming

Digital zooming lets you zoom up to 50 times.
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
Recording
Zooming (continued)
3. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the D. ZOOM menu.
D. ZOOM
ON OFF
EXIT
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight OFF or ON.

Tele Macro Zooming

1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
• Select ON to turn digital zooming on.
• Select OFF to turn digital zooming off.
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to turn digital zooming on or off and remove the menus from the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
Notes: As the zoom level increases, the picture gradually becomes less sharp. Digital zooming is recommended mainly for special effects.
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the TELE MACRO menu.
TELE MACRO
OFF ON
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TELE MACRO.
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
EXIT
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight ON or OFF and press the dial in.
• Select ON if you want to record a
small subject within approximately 23 inches.
• Select OFF for normal zooming.
6. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to turn tele macro zooming on or off and remove the menus.
35
Recording

Focusing

The camcorder adjusts focus automatically under normal conditions. You might need to focus manually under certain conditions.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)

Auto Focus

During auto focus the camcorder focuses on the object located in the center area of the viewfinder.
• Set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO to turn on the auto focus feature. No focus indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
Notes: The low-contrast indicator (
36
) in the viewfinder or LCD
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
monitor indicates the auto-focus system might not operate correctly due to low illumination, low or no contrast, repeated patterns, or two subjects at different distances overlapping.
Use tele macro zooming when recording a subject close to the lens or the camcorder may zoom out to focus.
The lens must be clean for the camcorder to focus accurately.
Recording
Focusing (continued)

Manual Focus

You might need to focus manually under certain conditions.
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Rotate the zoom lever to T to zoom in on the subject and center the subject in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
3. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. FOCUS is highlighted.
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF
6. Adjust the focus for a subject nearer or farther away.
• Rotate the menu PUSH dial up to
focus on a subject farther away. flashes while you are adjusting the focus and flashes when you cannot adjust the focus any more.
• Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to
focus on a subject nearer. flashes while you are adjusting the focus and flashes when you cannot adjust the focus any more.
7. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to remove the menus.
Notes: To return to auto focus, select
AUTO in the FOCUS menu or set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO.
RETURN
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the FOCUS menu.
FOCUS
AUTO MANU
EXIT
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight MANU and press the dial in.
appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. The focus is locked at this point.
Conditions Requiring Manual Focus
• When recording a subject through a window.
• When recording a subject having a close foreground and a background that is far away.
• When recording in low-light situations.
• When recording two subjects at different distances that overlap in the same scene.
• When the subject is not in the center of the scene.
• When recording a scene with fast motions, like a tennis swing.
37
Recording

White Balance

Making colors look natural is what white balance is all about. This is achieved by adjusting the way the camcorder “sees” and records the light source in the scene you record. Your camcorder is equipped with automatic white balance. You might want to adjust white balance manually under certain conditions, such as recording an object with various shades of the same color or when recording a predominantly red or brown object outdoors.
Zoom Lever (T and W)
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
MENU/DISPLAY Button

Auto White Balance

During auto white balance, the camcorder adjusts the white balance.
• Set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO to turn on the automatic white balance feature. No indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
38
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN

Manual White Balance

1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. FOCUS is highlighted.
Recording
AUTO :FINE :CLOUD :HALOGEN MWB
EXIT
M.W.B.
White Balance (continued)
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight M. W. B. and press the dial in to display the M.W.B. menu.
M.W.B.
AUTO :FINE :CLOUD :HALOGEN MWB
EXIT
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the white balance you want to use.
• No indicator appears when you
select AUTO white balance.
• Select :FINE when recording
outdoors on a sunny day.
• Select :CLOUD when record-
ing outdoors on a cloudy day.
• Select :HALOGEN when
recording using halogen or tungsten lighting.
• Select MWB when shooting
subjects with different color temperatures and adjust the white balance as follows:
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF
Note: Connecting your camcorder to a color TV monitor may be helpful when making white balance adjustments.
A.Point camcorder at a white, flat
object such as a piece of white paper.
B.While MWB is highlighted, press
and hold the menu PUSH dial until MWB starts flashing.
The MWB indicator flashes while the camcorder is adjusting white balance and stops flashing when it is ready to record.
Note: To change the tint for special recording, substitute colored paper for white. The white balance is adjusted based on the color.
Red paper – deeper green Blue paper – orange Yellow paper – deeper purple
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to select a white balance and remove the menus.
Notes: To return to auto white balance, select AUTO in the M.W.B. menu or set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO.
39
Recording
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF

Exposure Control

The camcorder controls the iris for you when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA AUTO. The camcorder adjusts brightness automatically under
normal conditions. You might need to adjust brightness manually when the background is too bright or too dark in comparison with the subject.
STEADY PIX
Button
+
PUSH

Auto Exposure

The camcorder adjusts the iris for the best possible picture during auto exposure.
• Set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO to turn on the automatic exposure feature. No indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

Manual Exposure

You may need to adjust exposure manually under certain conditions, such as those listed on the next page.
40
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
MENU/DISPLAY Button
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. FOCUS is highlighted.
Recording
Exposure Control (continued)
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight EXPOSURE, and press the dial in to display the EXPOSURE menu.
EXPOSURE
AUTO MANU
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to
5. Adjust the exposure for a dark or
6. Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to
EXIT
highlight MANU (manual) and press the dial in. The exposure indicator (00) appears.
bright subject. The exposure you select appears.
• To brighten the image, rotate the
menu PUSH dial up. You can adjust the exposure to +06.
• To darken the image, rotate the
menu PUSH dial down. You can adjust the exposure to –06.
select an exposure and remove the menus.
Notes: To return to auto exposure, select
AUTO in the EXPOSURE menu or set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO.

Steady Pix™ Feature

The steady pix feature corrects slight shaking of images during some recording modes.
• While zooming in on a distant subject.
• When recording an approaching small subject.
• When recording while walking or riding in a vehicle.
• When recording through a vehicle’s window.
To Use the Steady Pix™ Feature
• Press the STEADY PIX button to turn steady pix on. The steady pix indicator ( ) appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
• Press the STEADY PIX button to turn the steady pix feature off. The steady pix indicator ( ) disappears.
Notes: Turn steady pix off when using a tripod.
There is a small change in the picture size when using steady pix.
Accurate stabilization may not be possible if hand shake is excessive or when shooting the following:
• Subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes.
• Dark or dim subjects.
• Subjects with excessive backlighting.
• Scenes with movement in various directions.
• Scenes with low-contrast backgrounds.
Conditions Requiring Manual Exposure
• When recording with a bright back­ground or reverse lighting.
• When recording with a very dark background or very bright subject.
• When recording a reflective natural background — such as a beach or when skiing.
41
Recording

Fade or Wipe In or Out

You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade or wipe in and out of scenes. The picture gradually appears or disappears. The speed of the fade or wipe is controlled by the camcorder.
FADES
Button
To Fade or Wipe In or Out
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA
MAN.
2. Repeatedly press the FADES button. The indicator for the fade or wipe you select will appear.
FADER
B
K
B
K
• Select
FADER to fade in and
B
K
out to/from a black screen.
• Select MOSAIC to fade in and
out to/from a mosaic effect.
• Select DOOR wipe to have the scene wipe in with a black screen moving from the center out to the side or wipe out moving from the side into the center.
• Select SCROLL wipe to have the scene wipe in with a black screen from the bottom to the top or wipe out from the top to the bottom.
• Select OFF if you do not want to fade or wipe in or out.
3. Press the thumb trigger to start or stop recording. The camcorder fades in or out of the scene.
Note: The screen becomes slightly reddish if fade is used with the sepia feature.
If the haze feature is selected, fades in and out from a white screen.
B
K
FADER
42
Recording
Fade or Wipe In or Out (continued)
LCD Monitor or Viewfinder Displays
Repeatedly Press the FADES Button
FADER
B
K
Black Fade
Normal Picture (No Fade)
Fade or Wipe In
1. Press the thumb trigger to pause recording.
2. Repeatedly press FADES to select the fade or wipe you want to use.
Note: The last fade or wipe used appears the first time you press FADES.
3. Press the thumb trigger to start recording. The picture and sound gradually appear in place of the blank screen.
MOSAIC
Mosaic Fade
DOOR
Door Wipe
SCROLL
Scroll Wipe
Fade or Wipe Out
1. During recording, repeatedly press FADES to select a fade or wipe.
Note: The last fade or wipe used appears the first time you press FADES.
2. Press FADES to stop recording. The picture and sound gradually disappear.
43
Recording

P. (Program) AE Button

The P. (Program) AE button lets you select one of several different effects. Press the button to select the effect you want. The name and indicator for the effect appears briefly and then the indicator remains.
P. (Program) AE Button
AE Dial
Indicator and Name Uses
44
SEPIA
SPORTS
SD:SHADOW
HZ:HAZE
TWILIGHT
2 S 1/2000
NEGA POSI
OFF
Picture is recorded in sepia (brownish red) and offers the vintage look of old movies.
Use to capture fast-moving action with less blurring. Use when playing back a recording on a VCR featuring special effects, such as pause or slow motion.
Use to counter effects of glare and darken the picture with a black mist.
Use to soften the image and give the picture a misty white effect.
Use for twilight scenery, fireworks, etc. to make them look more natural and dramatic.
Sets shutter speed to 1/2000. Use to record faster moving action than sports mode with less blurring. Use when playing back a recording on a VCR featuring special effects, such as pause or slow motion.
Use to reverse the color (create a negative image).
Use to turn off all special effects.
Recording

16X9 Mode

The camcorder has a wide recording mode that lets you make recordings compatible with the 16X9 format. When 16X9 is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide­screen effect. This is also known as “letterbox” recording.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH
Dial
(Rotate or
Press In)
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
Caution: Do not use this mode unless you have a compatible 16 X 9 TV. When played on a regular TV, black bars appear in the picture.
New 16x9 TV Screen
Standard Shape TV Screen
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. FOCUS is highlighted.
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight 16X9 and press it in to display the 16X9 menu.
16X9
OFF ON
EXIT
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight OFF or ON.
• Select ON to record 16X9.
• Select OFF to turn off 16X9.
5. Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to turn 16X9 on or off and remove the menus.
45
Recording
ENGLISH FRENCH SPANISH
EXIT
TITLE LANG.

Preset Titles

The title feature lets you choose one of eight preset titles. You can also choose the language for your titles.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
MENU/DISPLAY Button

Select a Language for the Title

You can select English, French, or Spanish to record your preset titles.
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
highlight TITLE LANG. and press the menu PUSH dial in to display the TITLE LANG. menu.
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to
46
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the language you want to use to record the preset title, and press the dial in to select the language and return to the menu.
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to select the language and remove the menus.
Recording
Preset Titles (continued)

Record a Preset Title

1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. FOCUS is highlighted.
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight TITLE.
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF
OFF HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS CONGRATULATIONS OUR FAMILY SOMEONE SPECIAL VACATION SUPER STAR FIRST EXIT
TITLE
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight the title you want to record, and press the dial twice to select the title and remove the menus.
6. Start recording. The title you selected is superimposed and recorded on your tape.
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TITLE DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the TITLE menu.
To Stop Recording the Title
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. FOCUS is highlighted.
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight TITLE and press the dial in to display the TITLE menu.
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight OFF and press the dial in twice to turn off the title and remove the menus.
.
47
Recording

Self-Timer Recording

You can set the self-timer to delay recording so you can be in the scene when recording begins.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
POWER Switch in
MENU/DISPLAY Button
CAMERA MAN
To Set the Self Timer
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
48
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
Recording
15S
Self-Timer Recording (continued)
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight INT. TIME and press the dial in to display the INT. TIME menu.
INT. TIME
OFF 15 S 30 S 1 MIN 5 MIN
EXIT
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the desired time (15S, 30S, 1 MIN, or 5 MIN).
• Select 15S to delay the recording
for 15 seconds.
• Select 30S to delay the recording
for 30 seconds.
• Select 1 MIN to delay the recording
for one minute.
• Select 5 MIN to delay the recording
for five minutes.
• Select OFF if you do not want the
camcorder to delay recording.
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to exit the menu.
6. and the amount of delayed recording time appear in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
7. Press the thumb trigger to start recording.
Note: The tally light flashes. About five
seconds before recording begins, the tally light starts flashing faster. When the camcorder starts recording, the tally light stops flashing.
8. To stop self-timer recording, press the thumb trigger.
Note: To turn off self-timer recording before it starts, press the thumb trigger and set the interval time on the INT. TIME menu to OFF.
49
Recording

Animation Recording

You can produce an illusion of movement for an otherwise stationary scene or object by shooting a series of pictures of slightly different poses (such as cartooning).
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
POWER Switch in
MENU/DISPLAY Button
CAMERA MAN
To Record Using Animation
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press and hold SP/SLP to select SP. SP appears in the viewfinder or on
the LCD monitor.
3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
50
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
Recording
Animation Recording (continued)
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight REC TIME and press the dial in to display the REC TIME menu.
REC TIME
OFF 1/4 S 1/2 S 1 S 5 S
EXIT
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the amount of time you want the camcorder to record.
• Select 1/4S to record for 1/4
second.
• Select 1/2S to record for 1/2
second.
• Select 1S to record for one second.
• Select 5S to record for five seconds.
• Select OFF if you do not want to
record for a selected amount of time.
6. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to exit the menu.
7. and the amount of recording time appear in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
5S
8. Press the thumb trigger to start recording.
Note: The recording stops automatically
after the selected period of recording time. You might want to take two to five shots of the subject in the same position.
9. Move the subject and repeat step 8 for the desired number of shots.
Note: Fade does not operate during animation or time-lapse recording.
To Stop Animation Recording
Set the REC TIME in the menu to OFF.
51
Recording

Time-Lapse Recording

You can make automatic recordings at preset time intervals. The recording shows subtle changes (such as shifts in cloud formations or plant growth) when it remains focused on an object.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
POWER Switch in
MENU/DISPLAY Button
CAMERA MAN
To Record Using Time Lapse
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press and hold SP/SLP to select SP. SP appears in the viewfinder or on the
LCD monitor.
3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
52
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight INT. TIME and press it in to display the INT. TIME menu.
Recording
Time-Lapse Recording (continued)
INT. TIME
OFF 15 S 30 S 1 MIN 5 MIN
EXIT
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight the desired time between recordings (15S, 30S, 1 MIN, or 5 MIN).
• Select 15S to delay the recording
for 15 seconds.
• Select 30S to delay the recording
for 30 seconds.
• Select 1 MIN to delay the record-
ing for one minute.
• Select 5 MIN to delay the record-
ing for five minutes.
• Select OFF if you do not want the
camcorder to delay recording.
6. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu again. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight REC TIME and press it in to display the REC TIME menu.
REC TIME
OFF 1/4 S 1/2 S 1 S 5 S
EXIT
7. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the amount of time you want the camcorder to record.
• Select 1/4S to record for 1/4 second.
• Select 1/2S to record for 1/2 second.
• Select 1S to record for one second.
• Select 5S to record for five seconds.
• Select OFF if you do not want to record for a selected amount of time.
8.Press the menu PUSH dial twice to
exit the menus.
and the amount of recording time and and the amount of interval time between recordings appear in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
15S
5S
9. Press the thumb trigger to start recording.
Note: The camcorder starts and stops recording the selected amount of time. The tally light flashes with the flash speed increasing five seconds before recording begins.
Note: Fade does not operate during animation or time-lapse recording.
To Stop Time-Lapse Recording
Set the REC TIME and INT. TIME in the menus to OFF.
53
Recording

Tally Light (Turn On or Off)

You can turn the tally light on or off using the menu.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
To Turn the Tally Light On or Off
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight TALLY LAMP and press it in to display the T ALLY LAMP menu.
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight OFF or ON. Press the
MENU dial twice to select ON or OFF and remove the menus.
• Select ON if you want the tally
• Select OFF if you do not want the
Tally Light
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
TALLY LAMP
ON OFF
EXIT
light to light during recording.
tally light to light during recording.
54
Recording
OFF ON
EXIT
DEMO

Demo Mode

You can turn on the DEMO mode in the MENU to have a demonstration of some of the camcorder’s features.
+
PUSH
Menu PUSH Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
To Turn the Demo Mode On
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.
2. If a cassette is inserted, remove the safety tab or set it to REC OFF.
3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted.
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE RETURN
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight DEMO MODE and press it in to display the DEMO menu.
ON OFF T30 OFF OFF ON
ENGLISH OFF
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight OFF or ON. Press the PUSH dial
twice to select ON or OFF and remove the menus.
• Select ON if you want the cam-
corder to demonstrate some of the recording features.
Note: Zoom is the only feature that
operates during the demo mode.
• Select OFF if you do not want a
demonstration.
To Turn the Demo Mode Off
Turn off the camcorder.
55
Recording

Attach the Shoulder Strap

The camcorder’s shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and – when you are ready to shoot – bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement.
To Attach the Shoulder Strap
1. If the strap keeper is over a double section of the strap, slide the strap keeper off the end of the strap. Replace the keeper on the strap between the buckle and the end of the strap as
shown.
2. Loop the end of the strap over the top of the shoulder strap attachment ring.
Keeper
3. Thread the end of the strap back through the keeper and buckle making sure it is threaded under the outer strap. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
Keeper
Buckle
Attachment Rings
Cautions: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you may
find it convenient to 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.
56
4. Attach the other end of the strap to the other shoulder strap attachment ring.
5. Adjust the shoulder strap to the desired length.
6. Slide both keepers up snugly against the shoulder strap attachment rings to prevent the strap from slipping.
Playback

Recording Tips

• Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit. This improves picture quality and color reproduction.
• Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-side while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”.
• Use the viewfinder or LCD monitor to make sure the camcorder is level while recording so that your scene isn’t “tilted.”
• Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded.
• Include close-ups of individuals when taping family outings or group functions.
• Fading in and out of scenes makes your videos appear more professional.
• Learn to use the special production effects available with your camcorder to add variety to your recordings.
• Be aware of video and audio back­grounds. Background details barely noticed while you are taping may show up as visual “clutter” on your record­ing. Background noises (especially TV sets, radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) might detract from the sound you want to record.
• Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks and scenic attractions. Recordings are more interesting if they include people and details. “Local color” gives travel videos lasting appeal. Consider recording a familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar vantage point.
57
Playback

Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder for Playback

You can view tapes in the LCD monitor or the viewfinder. You can hear the sound from the tapes on the built-in speaker.
VOL (Volume) Control (Also Zoom Lever)
Eyepiece Focus Control
Viewfinder
Speaker
6666
FF
66
Button
6666
5555
REW
55
Button
5555
PLAY/PAUSE
Button
STOP Button
58
LCD Monitor
PUSH
Button
EJECT
Switch
Menu PUSH Dial (Also Bright Control)
Playback
Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder for Playback (continued)

To Play Back a Tape

1. Attach a power supply.
Attach the adapter/charger, charged battery, or optional car cord.
2. Insert a tape.
• Open the LCD monitor. Open the monitor at least 60˚ before opening the cassette compartment.
• Slide EJECT switch to the left to open the cassette compartment.
• 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 PUSH button to lock the cassette compartment closed.
3. Set the POWER switch to VCR.
The power indicator lights.
4. Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to see what you are playing back.
Use the LCD Monitor
• Make sure the monitor is open 60˚.
The viewfinder turns off.
• Rotate the monitor to a comfortable
viewing position (180˚up and around or 90˚ down).
• Adjust the brightness of the image
by turning the Bright control (also menu PUSH dial).
• Adjust the speaker volume with the
VOL (volume) control (also zoom lever).
Use the Viewfinder
• Make sure the monitor is closed and locked. The viewfinder turns on.
• Adjust the viewfinder for a comfortable viewing position.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision.
5. Press the PLAY/PAUSE button to begin playback.
• The 6indicator appears in the
viewfinder or on the LCD monitor during playback.
• If necessary, adjust tracking.
• During playback, use the playback
features on the following pages.
6. Press the STOP button when you are finished.
59
Playback

Playback Features

P.AE and FADES Buttons (Also Tracking Buttons)
REW (Rewind)
FF (Fast Forward)
STOP Button
PLAY/PAUSE Button
EJECT Switch
COUNTER R/M Button

Position the Tape

Set POWER switch to VCR and press STOP.
• Press and quickly release the REW (rewind) 55 button or FF (fast forward) 66 button to rewind or fast­forward the tape.
• Press STOP to stop the tape.

Visual Search

• During playback, press and release REW (rewind) 55 button or FF (fast forward) 66 button if you want to search the tape visually in forward or reverse.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to return to normal playback.
For brief searching, press and hold REW (rewind) 55 button or FF (fast
5555
55
5555
6666
66
6666
Button
Button
Eyepiece Focus Control
Viewfinder
POWER Switch in VCR
forward) 66 button for more than two seconds. Release the button to return to normal playback.

Stop-Action Pause

• During playback, press PLAY/PAUSE to “stop the action” and view one frame of the tape.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to return to normal playback.
Caution: Pause is designed for momentary interruptions and should not be used for an extended period of time. If the camcorder remains in pause for more than five minutes, it enters the stop mode and turns off to prevent excessive tape wear.
60
Playback
Playback Features (continued)

Time Counter

The time-counter display shows the actual time elapsed when playing back a segment of tape. The memory-stop feature helps locate a certain point on the tape. Turn memory stop on to stop the tape automatically during rewind or fast forward when the time counter reaches M 0:00:00.
To Use the Memory-Stop Feature
1. Locate the place on the tape you want to return to, set the POWER switch to VCR, and press COUNTER R/M for more than two seconds to reset the counter to 0:00:00.
2. Press COUNTER R/M for less than one second to turn the time counter’s memory-stop feature on or off. When memory stop is on, an M appears before the time counter.
M 0:00:00

Tracking

During playback, streaks may appear in the playback picture. Press both tracking buttons (P.AE and FADES buttons) to activate manual tracking mode. Press
either button again until the streaks disappear. MT appears during manual
tracking.
MT
Manual T racking Indication
in Viewfinder or on LCD Monitor
Press both tracking buttons again to turn automatic tracking back on. AT flashes in the viewfinder for a fiew seconds and then disappears.
Time Counter With Memory
Stop T urned On
3. Continue to play the tape. When you want to return to the place you marked, press the STOP button.
4. Press REW 55. The tape rewinds to the time counter reading of
M 0:00:00.
AT
Auto Tracking Indication
in Viewfinder or on LCD Monitor
Note: The tracking buttons may have no effect
on tapes recorded on other camcorders or VCRs.
61
Playback

Use the Cassette Adapter

The camcorder uses a smaller size cassette, but records in standard VHS format. The cassette adapter allows you to play your VHS-C cassettes in a VCR just like other standard VHS cassettes.
Insert the VHS-C cassette into the cassette adapter. Insert the cassette adapter into the VHS VCR like a normal VHS cassette.
Install Cassette Adapter’s Battery
Battery Compartment Cover
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Install supplied “AA” battery so positive (+) and negative (–) ends align properly with (+) and (–) terminals in battery compartment.
3. Replace battery compartment cover.
Insert Cassette into Cassette Adapter
T ape Wheel
1. Before inserting the cassette into the adapter, remove any slack in the tape by turning the tape wheel on the side of the cassette.
2. Slide EJECT to the right to open the cassette compartment lid.
Notes: Replace the battery when the load time becomes much longer than normal.
Remove the battery from the cassette adapter if it is not used for a month or more. This prevents possible damage from battery leakage. If leakage occurs, wipe up the liquid inside the compartment and replace the battery with a new one.
Cassette Compartment Lid
EJECT Switch
3. Insert the cassette with the tape window on the left and facing up.
Allow the cassette to drop into the
adapter. Do not force the cassette.
62
Playback
Use the Cassette Adapter (continued)
Load Detector
4. Gently close the cassette compartment lid until it locks into place. Make sure the cassette reel area under the adapter is free to turn while the cassette is loading.
Note: Y ou should hear a whirring sound while the tape loads. The adapter’s load detector will automatically retract into the adapter.
Caution: If the load detector is still extending from the side of the cassette adapter after you have attempted to load the cassette, loading is not complete. Try to load the cassette again. Attempting to insert the cassette adapter into a VCR with the load detector extending may cause damage to the adapter and/or VCR.
Remove Cassette from Cassette Adapter
Access Hole
Reels
1. Slide the adapter’s EJECT switch to the right. The load detector extends from the side and the whirring sound indicates the tape is being released before the adapter’s cassette compartment lid opens.
2. Use the access hole on the bottom of
3. Gently close the adapter’s cassette
Caution: Do not touch the reels during loading and unloading. It could cause injury or damage the cassette adapter or tape.
the adapter to push the cassette up and remove it from the adapter.
compartment lid.
63
Playback

Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs

To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with audio/video inputs, you need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 68. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
Back of
Mono VCR or
TV Monitor
AUDIO
IN
VIDEO
IN
White Audio Plug
Yellow Video Plug
OR
Audio/Video Output Cable (Optional)
(Video)
V
Jack
Back of
Stereo VCR or
TV Monitor
L
AUDIO
IN
R
VIDEO
IN
Y-Adapter (Optional)
White Audio Plug
Yellow Video Plug
Installation
1. Attach the white plug on one end of the audio/video cable to the AUDIO IN jack on the TV (or VCR).
Notes: If your cable does not have white and yellow plugs, attach the same color to the audio jacks.
If your TV (or VCR) has stereo AUDIO IN jacks, attach the plug to the one labeled MONO. If one is not labeled MONO, you need a Y-adapter, such as AH25, shown on page 68 to hear both channels.
64
Audio/Video Output Cable (Optional)
A (Audio) Jack
2. Attach the yellow plug to the VIDEO IN jack on the TV (or VCR).
3. Attach the white plug on the other end of the audio/video cable to the A (audio) jack (located under the small cover) on the side of the camcorder.
4. Attach the yellow plug to the yellow V (video) jack on the camcorder.
Playback
Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs (continued)
Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR
1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input channel.
B. Camcorder connected to VCR that
is already connected to TV: Turn on VCR and place it in the “line” or “camera mode”. (If your VCR does not have a “line” or “camera mode”, consult the VCR owner’s manual.) Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.
2. Set the POWER switch to VCR to
turn on the camcorder. The power indicator lights.
3. Press PLAY/PAUSE.
• During playback, use the playback features on pages 60-61.
4. To copy what the camcorder is playing, place a blank cassette in the VCR, and press the VCR’ s RECORD button.
Note: Make sure the memory-stop feature is turned off (press COUNTER R/M) or the camcorder enters play-pause when the counter reaches M 0:00:00.
5. Press STOP when you are finished.
Caution: The unauthorized recording of copyrighted material may infringe the rights of others.
Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording)
1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV, and tune it to the video input channel.
B. Camcorder connected to VCR that
is already connected to TV: Turn on VCR and place it in the “line” or “camera mode”. (If your VCR does not have a “line” or “camera mode”, consult the VCR owner’s manual.) Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.
2. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
Note: Turn the TV’s volume down to prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by feedback.
3. Press the thumb trigger to begin recording. You can watch what the camcorder is seeing (or recording) on the TV screen.
65
Optional Accessories

T raveling T ips

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.
• Make sure you have any plug adapters that you might need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult your dealer for advice.
• Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling. See the next page 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 to protect it from rough handling.
66

Optional Accessories

Optional Accessories
We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your compact VHS camcorder . The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.
These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable.
To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.
If a dealer is not nearby, all accessories are available through toll-free ordering or by using the order form on page 71.
AC201A Soft Carrying Case
Custom compact soft case designed especially to provide protection and utility for your compact VHS camcorder and most accessories. Rugged fabric lined with soft non-abrasive material and generous padding. Has three outside pockets with storage for lens filters, adapters, batteries, and tapes.
DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
Do not use any other car cord with this camcorder.
This car cord adapter enables you to operate your camcorder from your car, truck, or RV by plugging the car cord directly into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. The DCC08 is designed specifically to convert power from a 12-volt battery to a 6-volt output.
67
Optional Accessories
FB1260 Rechargeable Battery
This rechargeable, 1-hour, nickel-cadmium battery is designed specifically for long life. The FB1260 can be recharged with the AC adapter/charger that came with your camcorder.
244265 Rechargeable Battery
CPS91 AC Battery Charger
CHARGE
The CPS91 battery charger plugs directly into an AC outlet and charges the FB1260 and 244265 camcorder batteries.
Because the CPS91 operates on 100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz, it can be used virtually anywhere in the world. A plug adapter might be required in some countries. Charging takes approximately seven hours for the FB1260 (1-hour battery), and 13 hours for the 244265 (2-hour battery).
VH83 Audio/Video Cable
This rechargeable 2-hour, nickel metal hydride battery is designed specifically for long life. The FB1260 is a 1-hour nickel cadmium battery. The 244265 powers your camcorder approximately twice as long as the FB1260 (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). The 244265 can be recharged with the AC adapter/charger that came with your camcorder.
All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice.
68
This six foot audio/video cable can be used to connect the camcorder to a TV monitor or VCR for tape playback or copying tapes.
AH25 Y -Adapter
This Y-adapter allows you to connect your camcorder’s mono audio cable to a stereo TV or VCR.
Optional Accessories
Using the Optional AC088 Tripod
Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, keeps the camcorder steady and produces excellent video results.
This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quick-release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26" when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing.
Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. Do not transport the camcorder attached to the tripod.
When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripod screw into the camcorder’s tripod mounting hole.
The tripod screw should not protrude into the camcorder more than approxi­mately three-eighth (3/8) inch. Forcing the screw could damage the mounting hole on the bottom of the camcorder.
69
Accessory Order Form
To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.
If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail.
United States and Canada Orders
To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8 AM and 10 PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.
Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form.
1-800-338-0376
To place your order by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information, money order, or check in U.S. currency (made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.) to the following address:
70
Video Accessories PO Box 8419 Ronks, PA 17573
Accessory Order Form

Order Form for Camcorder Models CC6372 and CC6392

Description Part No. Price Qty. Total
Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 Soft Camcorder Case AC201A $ 39.95 Shoulder Strap ACS091 $ 12.95 Y-Adapter AH25 $ 2.95 AC Battery Charger CPS91 $ 59.95 Car Cord Adapter DCC08 $ 89.95 Rechargeable Battery (Standard) FB1260 $ 49.95 Audio/Video Cable VH83 $ 5.95 Rechargeable Battery (Extended) 244265 $ 89.95 DC Cable 244268 $ 28.35 and AC Adapter/Charger 244269 $ 97.20 Cassette Adapter 244270 $ 72.75
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Total Merchandise ........................................................................................... $_________
Sales T ax.......................................................................................................... $_________
We are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax for each individual state, county, and locality to which the merchandise is being sent.
Shipping and Handling .................................................................................... $
T otal Amount Enclosed ................................................................................. $_________
Use VISA, MasterCard, or Discover . Money order or check must be in U.S. currency only. No COD or cash.
Detach Here
Please complete other side also
5.00
71
Accessory Order Form
Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard,
or Discover Card by filling in below
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD
IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card
Expiration date:
IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard
Copy Number above your name on MasterCard
IMPORTANT:
Expiration date:
Copy complete account number from your Discover Card
Expiration date:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Print or type your name and address clearly.
Name:
Street:
Apt:
A complete and correct order will save you days of waiting.
®
s
rr
TM
City:
State:
Zip:
Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely.
• Allow 4 weeks for delivery.
• All accessories are subject to availability.
72
Detach Here

Trouble Checks

Trouble Checks
Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies.
Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.
If service should be necessary, the warranty information lists what your warranty covers and explains how to get service.
Trouble Checks and Adjustments
No power
Won’t record or playback
Won’t playback Won’t record
No picture
• Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR to turn on the camcorder. The power indicator lights.
• If using battery, it might need to be recharged.
• If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a working outlet.
• If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a working outlet.
If the dew indicator ( ) flashes on the monitor or in the viewfinder, there is moisture in the camcorder. Wait until the dew indicator no longer appears before operating the camcorder.
• Make sure POWER switch is set to correct position for desired operation.
• There might not be a cassette in the camcorder.
• Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette.
• The cassette tape might be broken, try another cassette.
• You might have reached the end of the cassette, try rewinding it.
POWER switch must be set to VCR position.
• Safety tab removed or closed. (See page 22.)
POWER switch must be set to CAMERA.
• Open lens cover.
Camcorder turns itself off
• Set POWER switch to OFF and then to CAMERA or VCR to turn back on. If camcorder is left in record­pause or play-pause for several minutes, it turns off to prevent tape wear.
73
Trouble Checks
Trouble Checks and Adjustments
T ape stops during rewind or fast forward
Camcorder remains in pause mode
Dew indicator flashes in viewfinder
Poor auto-focus operation
Viewfinder displays are out of focus
Picture is too dark or subject too dark
• Time-counter memory might be on. Whenever an “M” appears with the time-counter display, the camcorder stops rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads M 0:00:00. Press REW 55 or FF 66 again to continue rewinding or fast forwarding, or press COUNTER R/M to turn off the memory-stop feature.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to return to normal playback.
• If the dew indicator ( ) flashes, there is moisture in the camcorder. Wait until indicator no longer appears before operating the camcorder.
• Subject is dark or behind glass. Auto-focus may not work under these conditions. Place POWER switch in
CAMERA MAN and focus manually. See pages 36-37.
Subject not in center of viewfinder (or monitor) or two
subjects are at different distances. Place POWER switch in CAMERA MAN and focus manually. See pages 36-37.
• Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused.
• Lens is smudged and image appears unfocused.
• Eyepiece focus control is misadjusted.
• For best results, only use higher shutter speeds outdoors. Press P. AE button to select SPORTS or 1/2000.
See page 44.
• Place POWER switch in CAMERA MAN and adjust the exposure manually. See pages 40-41.
Sound is too low or distorted
Picture recorded with special effect
Colors do not look natural on recording
Title recorded on tape
74
• Subject was too far from camcorder.
• Place POWER switch in CAMERA AUTO.
• Try adjusting white balance. See pages 38-39.
• Title is recorded when it appears in viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. Remove the title. See pages 46-47.
Trouble Checks
Trouble Checks and Adjustments
Date and/or time are recorded on tape
Date and/or time are incorrect
Cannot set REC or INT. TIME for animation or time­lapse recording
Cannot record at beginning of tape using animation or time-lapse recording
Tally light does not light during recording
• Displays are recorded on tape whenever they appear in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Remove them when recording. See pages 20-21.
When AUTO DATE is selected (POWER switch in CAMERA AUTO), date display is automatically
recorded when you begin recording or change the cassette. See pages 20-21.
• Clock lithium cell battery might need replacing.
See page 17.
• Date or time might need to be set. See pages 18-19.
• Make sure there is a tape in the camcorder.
• Check tape speed setting. Tape speed must be set to SP for time-lapse or animation recording.
• Make sure POWER switch is not set to CAMERA AUTO to display the menu. See pages 50-53.
• Record for at least five seconds at beginning of tape to start tape running smoothly.
• Use fade-in feature before starting to record at beginning of tape.
TALLY LAMP feature set to OFF in the TALLY LAMP menu. See page 54.
Vertical white lines appear when shoot­ing bright object
Error number (E01, E02, etc.) appears in viewfinder
Streaks in picture during playback or play-pause
• This might occur when the background extremely contrasts with the subject.
• Try disconnecting power source. Wait ten seconds and then connect power source again. If error number does not disappear from viewfinder or LCD monitor, consult your Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center.
• Adjust tracking with P.AE and FADES buttons. See
page 61.
75
Trouble Checks
Trouble Checks and Adjustments
Bright, crystal­shaped spots appear in viewfinder or on LCD monitor
Colored bright spots appear on LCD monitor
Back of LCD monitor is hot
Rechargeable battery runs down sooner than expected
• Sunlight is directly entering the lens.
• Black spots or bright spots of light (red, green, or blue) might appear on the LCD monitor. These spots are not recorded on the tape and are not due to a defect in the unit.
• The light used to illuminate the LCD monitor causes it to be hot. Close the LCD monitor and turn off the camcorder to let it cool down.
• If battery has not been used for some time, completely drain the battery’s power and recharge it.
• Battery run times are measured when the camcorder is recording continuously. You can check your battery by first fully charging it and then aiming the camcorder at a clock and recording the picture of the clock. When the recording stops, play the last recorded section and note the clock time. A one-hour battery should give you about 60 minutes of recording time. In practical use, you might not be able to record for the full time because the camera uses battery power when it is waiting between recordings (record­pause) and zooming.
76

Specifications

General
Power requirement: 6VDC Power consumption: CC6372 Viewfinder on: 6 watts LCD monitor on: 6.5 watts
LCD monitor and Viewfinder on:
7.1 watts
Power consumption: CC6392
Viewfinder on: 6 watts LCD monitor on: 6.5 watts
LCD monitor and Viewfinder on:
7.1 watts Weight: CC6372: 1.9 lbs. (880g) Weight: CC6392: 1.9 lbs. (860g)
Dimensions – Including Viewfinder:
CC6372 3-5/16" (W) x 4-11/16" (H) x 7-13/16" (D) 99 (W) x 119 (H) x 198 (D) mm
CC6392 3-5/16" (W) x 4-11/16" (H) x 7-13/16" (D) 100 (W) x 119 (H) x 198 (D) mm
Specifications
Video Recorder Section
Format: VHS-C Record/playback system:
Four video record/playback heads One flying erase head
Video signal: EIA standard
NTSC color
Viewfinder
CC6372: 0.5" B/W electronic viewfinder CC6392: 0.55" Color electronic viewfinder
LCD Monitor
CC6372: 2.5" diagonally measured LCD/TFT active matrix system CC6392: 3"diagonally measured LCD/TFT active matrix system
Camera Section
Image sensor: 1/4" CCD imager Lens: F1.6, f=3.9 to 62.4mm 16:1 power zoom lens 50:1 digital zoom Filter diameter: 40.5 mm
Tripod Mount
One 1/4" x 20 threaded hole
AC Adapter/Charger
Power requirement: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Power consumption: 23 watts Weight: .71 lbs. (300g) Dimensions:
5-9/16"(W) x 1-11/16"(H) x 2-11/16"(D) 140 (W) x 42 (H) x 68 (D) mm
Service Port
3.5 mm, 4 pole, mini-head jack
77
Care and Maintenance

Clean the Camcorder

To clean the camcorder’s exterior, remove any power source connected to the camcorder and gently wipe it with a clean soft cloth.
Caution: Use of strong cleaning products, such as those containing alcohol or benzine, might damage the camcorder.

Clean the Camcorder’s Lens

To clean the camcorder’s lens, blow it with a blower brush and gently wipe the lens with cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for use on camera lens. Improper cleaning might scratch the lens.
Caution: Do not touch the lens with your fingers. The oil from your skin might damage the lens.
Lens

Clean the Camcorder’s LCD Monitor

To clean the camcorder’s LCD monitor, use a clean, soft cloth to carefully wipe the monitor. Improper cleaning might scratch the monitor.
LCD Monitor

Clean the Camcorder’s Viewfinder

You can remove the viewfinder eyepiece for cleaning.
1. Turn the eyepiece counterclockwise and pull it out.
2. Remove dust using a blower brush.
3. Reattach the eyepiece by aligning the reference marks, and then turn the eyepiece clockwise until it clicks.
78
Care and Maintenance

Proper Care and Storage

• Keep dust and grit from entering the camcorder’s cassette door . Dust and grit are abrasive and cause excessive wear to both the camcorder’s recording/playback heads and cassettes.
• Always close the lens cover when the camcorder is not in use.
• Before handling your camcorder, make sure your hands and face are free from any chemical products such as suntan lotion, as it might damage the finish.

Things to Avoid

• Do not attempt to disassemble your camcorder. There are no user­serviceable parts inside.
• Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach a stable temperature before inserting a cassette. When the camcorder is moved from cold to warm, condensation might cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape.
• Do not aim your camcorder at the sun or other bright objects.
• Do not leave your camcorder in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The resulting heat buildup might permanently damage the camcorder’s internal parts.
• Do not operate the camcorder in extremely humid environments.
• The camcorder might be damaged by improper storage or handling. Do not subject the camcorder to swinging, shaking, or dropping.
• Do not store the camcorder in temperatures below -22˚F (-30˚C) or above 149˚F (65˚C).
• When the camcorder is not in use, always remove the cassette and AC adapter/charger or battery.
• Retain the original carton for future storage or shipping purposes.
• Do not operate the camcorder near the ocean as salt water or salt water spray might damage the internal parts of the camcorder.
• Do not operate the camcorder for extended periods in temperatures below 40˚F (4˚C) or above 95˚F (35˚C).
• Do not expose the camcorder or adapter/charger to rain or moisture. If any component becomes wet, turn off the power and take the unit to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center.
• Do not use an adapter/charger or batteries other than the ones specified for the camcorder. Use of the wrong accessories might cause damage to the camcorder.
79

Customer Assistance and Service

Customer Assistance and Service
You can reach Thomson at the
following number:
800-283-6503
(Toll free inside U.S.A.)
Our toll-free Camcorder number
operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., CST
Monday – Friday
for U.S. customers only
Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange
Thomson provides a toll-free telephone number to help you with any problems you may encounter with your camcorder. Many can be diagnosed over the phone, and if necessary, repair or replacement will be arranged. Please have your camcorder model/ serial number and date of purchase ready when you call. If your unit is out of warranty, we will quote the cost of a repair or replacement unit to you.
If we are unable to resolve your problem over the phone, we will gladly service your unit or exchange it for a new or refurbished camcorder. Refer to the limited warranty on the reverse side to learn about your specific rights and responsibilities.
Always consult Thomson and get a Return Authorization number before returning anything! Obtain a Return Authorization
(RA) number from the telephone representative before returning your equipment to avoid delays, accounting errors, or even loss of your unit.
Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to Thomson Consumer Electronics
The Thomson representative who authorized the return of your equipment will give you an RA number over the phone. They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your Camcorder. Write the number in large, clear characters on the outside of the box. To avoid confusion and misunderstandings, shipments without an RA number clearly visible on the outside of the box will be returned to you at your expense.
Include a brief note describing the problem and any conversations about the problem you have had with Thomson personnel.
Include your name, address and model/serial number of your Camcorder. These numbers
are located on the bottom of your unit. If your Camcorder is within the warranty period, please provide a copy of the bill of sale to verify purchase date. Use the original box and packing material to protect the equipment from damage in shipment.
For your protection, insure all shipments for full replacement value and use a reliable shipper. Thomson assumes no responsibility
for warranty shipments from the customer to the factory if not shipped in the manner prescribed by Thomson.
80

Limited W arranty

Limited W arranty
What your warranty covers:
• Any defect in materials or workmanship.
For how long after your purchase:
• 90 days for labor charges.
• One year for parts. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.
What we will do: During the initial 90 days
• Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. There will be no cost to you.
After the 90 days and within one year
Exchange your camcorder with a new or
refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. Parts will be provided at no charge, but you will be responsible for the cost of labor required for the repair.
How you get service:
• Call 1-800-283-6503 and have your unit’s date of purchase and model/serial number ready. The model/serial number information is on the bottom of your camcorder.
• A representative will troubleshoot your problem over the phone. If the representative determines that you should receive a replacement unit, you will be provided with a Return Authorization (RA) number and the location of a nearby exchange point if one exists. No returns will be accepted without the RA number.
To receive a replacement Camcorder before you return yours:
Option I
1. Provide your Discover, MasterCard, or
Visa account number and expiration date
to our phone representative. This is for security purposes. If we receive your unit, excluding all accessories, within 14 days from the date you were provided the RA number, only items not covered by warranty will be charged to your account.
IF YOUR UNIT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 14 DAYS, THE SUGGESTED RETAIL V ALUE OF THE CAMCORDER WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. This
amount, less $10.00 handling, will be credited if the unit is subsequently received.
2. We will send you a replacement unit.
3. Ship the unit back to us, excluding all accessories, using the replacement unit’s carton. Shipping instructions will be included in the carton along with your RA number which will allow you to easily ship the unit back to us. Make sure you
insure your shipment in case of damage or loss. Include with the shipment:
• Evidence of purchase date, such as a
bill of sale to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility.
• A brief note describing your
camcorder’s problem.
• Your name, address and phone number.
Return transportation, storage, handling, and insurance costs are your sole responsibility. W e accept no liability in case of damage or loss.
Option II
1. We will send a replacement unit to the exchange point.
2. The exchange location will notify you of its arrival.
3. Take your unit, excluding all accessories, and your evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to the exchange location and you will be provided the new or refurbished unit.
4. If the repairs were covered by your warranty, you will not be billed.
81
Limited W arranty
To receive a replacement unit after we have received your unit:
1.
Write the RA number on the outside of the carton used to return the unit. Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss.
2. Carefully pack the unit, excluding all accessories, using the original box and packing material if possible.
3. Include with the shipment:
• Evidence of purchase date, such as a
bill of sale, to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility.
• A brief note describing your
camcorder’s problem.
• Your name, address and phone number.
Return transportation, storage, handling, and insurance costs are your sole responsibility. We accept no liability in case of damage or loss.
4. The representative will advise the address to mail a cashier’s check or money order for payment if there are any out of warranty labor or parts charges and you elect not to use your credit card.
5. Upon receipt of your product, a new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you.
To have your Camcorder repaired by an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center:
• Check with your dealer or call 1-800-336-
1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center nearest you.
• Take your unit to the Authorized RCA
Camcorder Service Center of your choice.
• Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder
Service Center representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.
• Pick up your camcorder when repairs are
complete.
• Damage from misuse or neglect.
• A unit that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes.
• Batteries for remote control and clock.
• Cleaning of video/audio heads.
• Camcorders purchased or serviced outside the U.S.A.
• Return transportation, storage and handling costs of your unit, including insurance for loss or damage.
• Acts of God, such as but not limited to lightning damage.
Product Registration:
• Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your camcorder. It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage.
How State Law relates to warranty:
• This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state.
If you purchased your camcorder outside the United States:
• This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information.
What your warranty
• Adjustment of customer controls.
does not cover:
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Index

Index
16X9 recording 45 5SEC. REC button 11, 31, 33
A
Battery, installing in cassette adapter 62 Battery level indicator 15, 28, 33 BATTERY RELEASE lever 11, 13 Bright control 26, 59
A (audio) and V (video) jacks 11, 64 Accessories
included 3 optional 67 order form 71
Adapter/charger
charging battery 14
using 4, 12 Animation indicator 31, 51 Animation recording 50 Assistance 1, 3 Assistance, customer 80 Attach shoulder strap, 56 Audio/video jacks 64 AUTO DATE display 20, 21 Auto date feature 32 Auto exposure 40 Auto focus 36 Auto white balance 38 AutoShot™ feature 6, 32
B
Battery
attaching and removing 13
care and storage 15
charging 14
refreshing 14
C
Camcorder, cleaning 78 Camcorder controls 10 Camera edit feature 33 Car cord adapter 16 Care and maintenance
cleaning the camcorder viewfinder 78 cleaning the LCD monitor 78 proper care and storage 79 things to avoid 79
Care and storage
battery 15 camcorder 79 cassette 23
Cassette
adapter 62 care and storage 23 compartment 10 door 10 inserting and removing 23 tape wheel 23
warning 28, 33 Cautions i Checks and adjustments 73 Cleaning the camcorder’s lens 78 Cleaning the LCD monitor 78 Clock cell battery compartment 11, 17 Clock cell indicator 17, 31
83
Index
Copy tapes 65 COUNTER R/M button 61, 65 Customer assistance and service 80
D
Date and time display 21
recording 20
setting 18 DATE/TIME DISP. menu 20 DATE/TIME menu
8, 35, 37, 46, 49, 52, 54 DC cable 12, 13, 14, 16 DC in jack 4, 11, 12 Demo mode 55 DEMO MODE menu 55 Design specifications 77 Dew warning 30 Digital zooming 34 Displays in LCD monitor and viewfinder
28, 29, 30, 31 Displays, status 29
F
Fade and wipe indicators 30, 42 Fade/wipe feature 42, 43 FADES button 10, 30, 42, 43, 61 Fast forward indicator 29 FF button 10, 60 First recording 9 First time operation 3 Five-second recording 33 Five-second recording indicator 31, 33 Flying erase head 33 Focus indicators 30, 37 Focusing 36, 37
H
Handstrap 4
I
E
EJECT button 5, 10, 23, 59 Erase protection 22 Exposure control 40, 41 Exposure indicators 30, 41 Eyepiece focus control 7, 10, 27
84
Indicators
animation 31, 51 AUTO DATE display 28 battery level 15, 33 cassette warning 28, 33 clock cell 17, 31 date and time 28 exposure 30, 41 fade and wipe 30, 42 five-second recording 31, 33 focus 30, 37
Index
interval time 49, 53 LENS COVER 31 manual white balance 29 P. (program) AE 28, 44 record time 51, 53 REFRESH 14 self-timer 31 special effects 28 steady pix 31, 41 TAPE END 31 tape length 31, 33 tape speed 31 tape-remaining 31, 33 time counter 31 time display 28 time-lapse 31, 53 title display 28 tracking 29 white balance 39
zoom level 29, 34 Information to user 89 Inserting and removing cassettes 23 Interval time indicators 49, 53
LENS COVER control 4 LENS COVER indicator 31 Letterbox recording 45 Lithium cell indicator 17, 31 Lithium cell, inserting and removing 17 Low-contrast indicator 36
M
M.W.B. menu 39, 41 Manual exposure 40 Manual focus 37 Manual white balance 38 Manual white balance indicators 29 Memory stop 61 Menu 8, 20 Menu PUSH dial
8, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 32, 35, 37, 38, 40, 45, 46, 47, 49 51, 52, 53, 54, 55
MENU/DISPLAY button
8, 10, 18, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 55
Microphone 11, 32
L
LCD monitor 5, 7, 9, 10, 23, 26, 59
displays 28
playback 58
turn displays on or off 33
use to record 26
use when recording 7, 27 Lens 11 Lens cover 9
O
Operating controls 11 Optional accessories 67 Optional plug adapter 12 Order form, accessories 71
85
Index
P
P. (program) AE button 10, 28, 44, 61 P. (program) AE indicators 28, 44 Pause indicator 6, 9, 29 Pause, stop-action 60 Play indicator 29 PLAY/PAUSE button 9, 10, 59, 60, 65 Playback
first 9
LCD monitor 58
on TV (or VCR) with audio/video inputs 64
using cassette adapter 62
viewfinder 58 Playback features
memory-stop 61
position the tape 60
stop-action pause 60
time counter 61
tracking 61
visual searching 60 Playback on TV (or VCR) with audio/video
in jacks 64 Playback speeds 22 Plug adapter, optional 12 Power indicator 6, 9, 11, 16, 32 POWER switch
6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 24,
28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,
40, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 52, 54, 55, 59,
60, 61, 65 Powering your camcorder
using adapter/charger 12 using optional car cord adapter 16 using rechargeable battery 13
Preset titles 46 Problem solving 73 Product registration i PUSH button 5, 10, 23, 59
Q
Quick review feature 33
R
RBRC seal 13 REC TIME menu 51 Record date and time display 20 Record time indicators 51 Recording
time-lapse 52, 53 Recording, first 9 Recording indicator 9, 29 Recording speeds 5, 22 Recording tips 57 REFRESH button 14 REFRESH indicator 14 Registration i REW button 9, 10, 60, 61 Rewind indicator 29
S
Safety information i Safety precautions, battery 13 Safety tab 22
86
Index
SEARCH buttons 10, 33 Search indicators 29 Self-timer 49 Self-timer indicator 31 Self-timer recording 48 Service port 11 Shoulder strap, attach 56 Shoulder strap attachment rings 10, 56 Shutter speed indicator 44 SLP tape speed 5, 22 Solving problems 73 SP tape speed 5, 22 SP/SLP button 10, 22, 24, 31, 33, 50, 52 Special effect indicators 28 Specifications 77 Speeds, recording and playback 22 Sports feature 44 Status displays 29 STEADY PIX button 11, 31, 41 Steady pix feature 41 Steady pix indicator 31 STOP button 9, 10, 59, 60, 61, 65 Stop-action pause 60
T
TALLY LAMP menu 33 Tally light 9, 11, 32, 33, 49, 54 Tally light feature 33, 54 Tape copying 65 TAPE END indicator 31 Tape, inserting 5 Tape length indicators 31 TAPE LENGTH menu 24, 25, 31
Tape length, set 24 Tape speed indicators 31 Tape wheel 5 Tape-length indicator 33 Tape-remaining display 33 TELE MACRO menu 35 Tele macro zooming 35 Things to avoid 79 Thumb trigger
11, 21, 32, 33, 49, 51, 53, 65 Time counter 61 Time display 21 Time-counter display 31 Time-lapse indicator 31, 53 Time-lapse recording 52, 53 Time-remaining display 24, 25, 31 Tips
recording 57
travel 66 TITLE LANG. menu 46 TITLE menu 29, 47 Tracking 59 Tracking buttons 61 Tracking indicators 29, 61 Travel tips 66 Tripod mount hole 11 Tripod, using 69 Trouble checks 73 TWILIGHT indicator 29
U
Unpack camcorder and accessories 3
87
Index
V
Videocassettes 22 Viewfinder 7, 10, 27, 59
adjust for viewing 27 displays 28, 29, 30, 31 displays (turning on and off) 33 eyepiece focus control 27 playback 58
use to record 7, 26 Visual searching 60 VOL control 59
W
White balance feature 38 White balance indicators 39 Wipe/fade feature 42
Z
Zoom buttons 37 Zoom level indicator 29, 34 Zoom lever 11, 29, 34 Zooming 34
digital 34
tele macro 35
88

Information to User

Information to User
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Alterations or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may
invalidate the user’s FCC right to operate the equipment.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference — Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290
©
1999 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s)® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan
TOCOM 15407870
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