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camcorder
user's guide
CC641/CC643
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Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING: ToreAucethe risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose ]
camcorder or AC adapter/chargerto rain or moisture.
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage'"
RISK OF _SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
_ This symbol indicates important instructionsaccompanying the product.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OFELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVETHE COVER
(OR BACK), NO USER-SERVICEABLEPARTSARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICEPERSONEL.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour 6viter les chocs 6lectriques, introduire la lame
la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousserjusqu au fond.
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
I
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recom-
mended by the manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of
batteries may burst causing damage and personal injury.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to
this equipment may void the user's attthority to operate it.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration cardand returnit 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 numberand model
numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.
Model No:
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:
CC643/CC641
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We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder If you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty. .......... 800-283-6503 (pages 80-81)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 79)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 66-71)
Safety Information .............................. i
First Time Operation
• Assistance ....................................... 3
• Unpack the Camcorder and
Accessories ................................. 3
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 4
• Insert a Tape .................................... 4
• Adjust the Handstrap to Fit
Your Hand ................................... 5
• Slide LENS COVER Control to
Open Lens Cover ........................ 5
• Place POWER (CAMERA/OFF
VCR) Switch in CAMERA .......... 5
• Select a Recording Speed and
Tape Length ................................ 6
• Set the AE Dial to AUTO ................. 7
• Adjust the Viewfinder and
Eyepiece Focus Control ............. 7
• Start and Stop Recording ................ 8
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 8
• Place the POWER Switch in OFF
to Turn Off the Camcorder ......... 8
• Close the Lens Cover ...................... 8
• Review Camcorder's
Operating Controls ....................
Powering Your Camcorder
• Using the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 12
• Using;the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder ................... 13-15
• Using:the DCC08 Car Cord
Adapter ...................................... 16
Video Cassettes
• Erase Protection - Safety Tab ....... 17
• Recording and Playback
Speeds and Times ..................... 17
• Inserting and Removing
Cassettes ................................... 18
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 18
Recording
• Adjust Viewfinder for
Convenient Viewing ................. 19
• Eyepiece Focus Control ............ 19
• Making a Recording ................. 20-21
• Viewiinder Displays ................. 22-25
• Flying Erase Head ......................... 26
• Auto Head Cleaner ........................ 26
• Tally Light ..................................... 26
• Quick Review Feature ................... 26
• Microphone .......... ......................... 27
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 27
• FullAuto Mode ............................. 28
• Exposure Control .......................... 29
• Zooming
• Using the Zoom Lever .............. 30
• Tele Macro Zooming ................ 31
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• Focusing
• AutoFocus................................32
• FocusLockFeature..................32
• ManualFocus...........................33
• WhiteBalance..........................34-35
• FadingInandOut.........................36
• 16X9Mode.................................37
• Date/TimeDisplay
• ClockLithiumCell...................38
• SettingtheTimeandDate........39
• RecordtheDate,DateandTime,
orTitleonYourTape.......40-4l
• Titles
• RecordingPreset.......................42
• CreateYourOwnTitle..............43
• GainUp.........................................44
• AE Dial .......................................... 45
• Self-Timer ................................ 46-47
• Animation Recording ............... 48-49
• Time-Lapse Recording ............. 50-51
• Time-Remaining Display .............. 52
• JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol)
Identification Number ............... 53
• Playback on TV (or VCR)
with Audio/Video In Jacks ..62-63
• Playback on a TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 64-65
Optional Accessories ................... 66-71
• Accessory Order Form ............. 69-71
Trouble Checks ...................... ..... 72-75
Care and Maintenance
• Cleaning the Camcorder ............... 76
• Cleaning the Camcorder's Lens .... 76
• Cleaning the Camcorder's
Viewfinder ................................. 76
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 77
• Things to Avoid ............................. 77
Information to User ......................... 78
Customer Assistance ........................ 79
Limited Warranty ....................... 80-81
Specifications .................................... 82
Index ............................................ 83-85
Recording and Traveling Tips ........ 54
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ......... 55
Playback
• Using the Cassette Adapter ...... 56-57
• Viewfinder Playback ..................... 58
• Playback Features
• Visual Searching ....................... 59
• Tape Positioning ....................... 59
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 59
• Time Counter ............................ 60
• Memory-Stop Feature ........... 60
• Tracking .................................... 61
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This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to
record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.
Assistance
The toll-flee numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter.
Camcorder Exchange Warranty............... 800-283-6503
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900
Accessories ............................................. 800-2;38-0376
li
Unpack the camcorder and accessories.,
• Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship
or store your camcorder.
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any
are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
WA_ NICKEL
CADMIUM BATTERY
MUSTBY,RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Model CC643 or CC641"
*Your model of camcorder may not look
exactly like the pictures in this guide.
this adapter/charger
!_a _hFv_seo_er
,: than charging the
_PB1260 or FB 120
Caution: Do not use
_ry pack-or
,,Supplying power to
': _'_mc0rder.
AC Adapter/Charger Part No. 236689
and DC Cable Part No. 233087
O
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.
_.Keep out Of the handsof children.,Catieausedeath or inju._jf,_, allowed.
If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for en_ergeneY .,trp,,,,,,a_ment.
The lithiumcellusedinthisdewce naa2(_xploaeresulungm _t'nre,or
chemicalbum fftmstreated.DO _Otre_, _hsas_mble_h"_'l_ove
212°F (IO0°C), or incinerate. )_,_$_3% _: "_v_:_::__ *,J::i_
Neverusemetallictweezerstoholdthecell_,never sh6rtctrcmtthe+
and- sides of the cell,
Rechargeable 6 Volt Battery
Part No FB1260
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091
Cassette Adapter Cassette Adapter Battery
Part No. 232845 (Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
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To AC 100-240,
50/60 Hz
POWER
Indicator
Adapter/
Charger
DC OUT
Jack
DC Cable
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.
• 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. The
adapter/charger's POWER
indicator will light.
1
Insert a tape.
,. Slide EJECT.
., Turn the tape wheel on the
cassette to remove any slack from
the tape.
• Insert the cassette with the tape
wheel facing up and the tape
window facing out.
• Press on the area labeled PUSH
until the cassette door locks
into place.
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EJECT
Button
Tape Wheel
LENS
Cover
Control
PUSH Here
to Close
Tape Window
4. Adjust the handstrap to fit
your hand.
• Lift the flap on the handstrap and
separate the velcro strip.
• Insert your hand, adjust the strap
to fit snugly, refasten the Strap, and
close the flap.
5. Slide LENS COVER control
to open lens cover.
6. Place POWER (CAMERA/
OFF/VCR) switch
in CAMERA.
(
p
Switch and Handstrap Velcro
Indicator Strip (Under Flap)
• The power indicator will light and
the camcorder will enter record
pause. - PAUSE--=appears in the
viewfinder when the camcorder is
in record pause.
• The position of this switch tells
the camcorder whether you want
to record (CAMERA), turn the
power off (OFF), or play back
tapes (VCR).
• The camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in record
pause for five minutes. Place
POWER in OFF and then back in
CAMERA.
(continued on next page)
5
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T2_30.40
Bu_on
SP-SLP
Button
7. Select a recording speed and tape length.
Select SP or SLP recording speed.
Press the SP-SLP button to select a
recording speed. The speed selected
(SP or SLP) appears in the
viewfinder.
• SP - Standard play provides the
best picture, but the shortest
recording time (20 minutes with a
TC-20 tape).
• SLP - Extended play provides
three times the recording time as
SP (60 minutes with a TC-20
tape). SLP has slightly more
picture noise in normal playback.
Set the length of the tape you are
using so the camcorder can correctly
calculate the recording time
remaining on the tape.
Repeatedly press the T20o30,40
batton to select a tape length.
• Select T20 if you are using a tape
with 20 minutes or less recording
time in SP.
• Select T30 if you are using a tape
with 30 minutes recording time
in SP.
• Select T40 if you are using a tape
with 40 minutes recording time
in SP.
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Eyepiece
Focus
Control
Electronic
Viewfinder
\
AE Dial
8. Set the AE dial to A UTO.
• This places the camcorder in the
AUTO mode.
• In the AUTO mode, the focus,
exposure, and white balance are
automatically controlled by the
carncorder.
• Many of the special effects do not
operate in the AUTO mode.
Details on page 28.
J
Adjust the viewfinder and
eyepiece focus control.
• Pull out and rotate the viewfinder
into a comfortable operating
position.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
t-'oryour vision.
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Po_ver POWER
Indicator (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA)
Switch
STOP
Button
PAUSE
Button
Button
Thumb
Trigger
10.
Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. _ appears in
the viewfinder, and the tally light
will light when the camcorder is
recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
again to stop recording. The
camcorder is now in the record-
pause mode ( =-PAUSE_appears in
the viewfinder).
11. Play back what you have
recorded.
• Place the POWER switch in VCR.
• Press REW to rewind the tape.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back
the tape in the viewfinder.
• Press STOP when you are finished
playing back the tape.
• Details on viewfinderplayback are
on page 58.
12. Place the POWER switch in
OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
The power indicator will turn off.
13. Close the lens cover.
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14. Review camcorder's operating controls.
Power
Zoom
Lever
Lens
Tally
Light
JLIP Connector
(Located Under
Small Cover)
Microphone
SELECT
Button
MENU
Button
SET
BuUon
to Close
Cassette Compartment
AE Dial
(continued on next page)
9
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14. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
Eyepiece
Model CC643 Only:
B (Bright) and C (White
Balance) Controls (See
trouble checks for details.)
\
Shoulder Strap
Attachment
Clock Cell
Battery
Compartment
Attach
Rechargeable
Battery Here
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
cord Here
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Focus
Control
Viewfinder
LENS COVER Control
Handstrap
\
POWER (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA) Switch
Thumb Trigger
AUDIO
(MONO), RF DC
OUT, and
VIDEO jacks
Indicator
::r
10
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14. Review camcorder's operating controls.
T20=30+40 Button
(Also COUNTER R/M Button)
SP-SIP Button
r T20"[.._ 0 SP'SLP
STOP Button _TER R/M
I STOP
REW (Rewind) Bu
(Also EDIT SEA RCH -
Button)
BATT. (Battery)
RELEASE Button
/
Button
Fast Forward) Button
(Also EDIT SEARCH + Button)
11
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Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder
directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240
volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the
camcorder or recharge the battery.
To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz
DC Cable
POWER
Indicator
DC OUT
Jack
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Connect one end of the DC cable to
the DC OUT jack on the adapter/
charger.
2. Connect the other end of the DC cable
to the DC in jack on the camcorder as
shown above.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).
4. If the adapter/chargeris properly
connected, its POWER indicator
will light.
ICA_UTION:Do notuse this adapter/
_h_r_fo_anyotherp_rpos_other
_ _g th_va_260orFm
: batte_ p_6kor supplyingpow_ to_e
camc6rder. ".......
12
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/chargerfrom the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter may be required
in some countries.
J
OptionalAC AC 100-240V
PlugAdapter
1. Hag the adapter/charger's plug into
the AC plug adapter.
2. Plag the AC plug adapter into the AC
outlet.
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Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
The battery must be charged as described on the nextpage before it can be used the
first time. Initial charging will take approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged,
the battery should supply about 70 minutes of operating time (depending on how much
you use zoom and pause). Conserve battery power by _:urningthe camcorder off during
recording breaks.
Note: The small marker switch on topof the battery is for use as a personal reminder to help you
remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.
Reference
Marks
.- , -. -._, ,_,:.- ._.> • ,-. _. _,_ .4-, , .:/_.,_<_'_:,_7._.
Marker
Switch
BATT. RELEASE Button
POWER Switch
and Indicator
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 pack.
Details on page 38.
I. Align the reference mark on the
battery with mark on back of
camcorder.
2. Hold the top of the battery flush
against the camcorder and press the
-temu_rials. , _?;_ _,_
Do not attempt toxlisas_nible or
modify the battery. There are no
specified adapter/chargers and
camcorders._7-_yi_gt_, _._ _,__
Throwing the battery into a fire
orexp0shig k to exeessive i_eat -
over,149CF (65°,C) _ould b_ .....
hazardous.
bottom of the battery down until it
locks into place.
3. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.
The power indicator will light.
Remove the Battery
Slide and hold BATE. RELEASE to the
right while removing the battery.
Consumer Electronics product indicates thatwe are participating in a
ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your Thomson ._.0 ,,,_ _
program to collect and recycle Nickel Cadmium batterie:_ throughout the __
United States. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information or
contact your local recycling center.
13
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POWER
Indicator
CHG
Indictor
END
Indicator
REFRESH
Button
Indicator
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide
Reference
Marks
To AC Wall
Outlet 100-
240 Volts,
50/60 Hz.
Adapter/Charger
k :.
Charge the Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT
jack on the adapter/charger, remove its
plug.
1. Align reference mark on battery with
mark on adapter/charger.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
adapter/charger and slide it in the
direction of the arrow.
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
4. If the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger's CHG (charge)
indicator will light.
Note: If you try to charge a battery that
has not been charged for a long period of
time, it may take a few minutesfor the
CHG indicator to light.
5. After the battery is charged, the END
indicator will light.
6. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it off the adapter/charger.
7. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder.
14
Use the REFRESH Button
The battery will provide increased
operation time if you "refresh" it after
five chargings. The refresh feature
"refre, shes" the battery by completely
discharging it.
1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.
2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH
indicator will light and the battery
will begin discharging.
3. When discharging is completed, the
REFRESH indicator will turn off,
and the CHG indicator will light.
The battery will then charge.
4. After the battery is charged, the
END indicator will light. Remove
the battery from the adapter/charger.
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Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the
viewfinder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.
• When _ appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used _ and
appear.
• When the battery power is almost gone,
x i /
c---a flashes in the viewfinder. The
camcorder will turn off automatically
after a few seconds. Place the POWER
switch in OFF to turn off the cam-
corder before replacing the battery.
The batlery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears in
the viewfinder.
Battery Care and Storage _.. ...................... !___ ......_
Recharging takes approximately 70
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
Refreshing takes approximately 210
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
After repeated charging and use,
operation time will gradually decrease.
Remove the battery and let it cool
down.
• If the battery discharging must be
stopped in the middle, remove the
battery from the adapter/charger before
unplugging it from the AC outlet.
• Let a hot battery cool down before
attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.
When operation time becomes too
short to be useful, it is time to replace
the battery.
• If the CHG indicator starts flashing, the
battery pack has become too hot.
15
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Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC08 car cord shown on
page 66 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts
i2-volts to a 6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation andoperating
instructionsenclosed with the DCC08 for
complete operating instructions.
Using the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter ...................................................
Cigarette
Lighter Socket POWER Indicator
Connector
:CautioJts:_e _is>desi_nextto_ _,
ne_ati_ O_ _,y.6tems,,,_ wcc
us_o_ _ _adapter DCC08 with
_'s c_! _ _e of_ny_--bth"e"rc--_
cord a_ a3idamage the
camc6_er _d void your warranty.
Power
Optional DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
1. Place the POWER switch in OFF to
turn off the camcorder. Power
indicator on the camcorder turns off.
2. If the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.
3. Hold the top of the power connector
flush against the camcorder, and press
the bottom of the power connector
down until it locks into place.
4. Take the vehicle's cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
16
5. Insert the car cord's cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket. The power indicator on the
car cord adapter will light.
6. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA
to turn on the camcorder. The power
indicator on the camcorder lights.
,;
p0w_r is _ore _6{dng
_e car cord _plug from the cigarette
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Makesureyouselectgoodqualitytapestobeusedwithyourcamcorder.Useof poor
quality tapes or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video
heads, resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there
is no control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is
not covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.
The automatic head-cleaning system minimizes the need for accessory cleaners or
cleaning by a Servicenter. This system is activated whenever you insert or remove a
cassette.
Erase Protection - Safety Tab
You can use your video cassettes over andover again. To erase a previous recording,
just recordover it.
S
A. Remove
safety tabor
slidetab to
REC OFF.
Recording and Playback Speeds and Times _ ........ _.................
The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP) or extended play (SLP).
Select the recording speed using the SP-SLP button. The selected speed will be
displayed in the viewfinder. Listed below are the maximum SP and SLP recording
times for popular VHS-C cassettes.
• SP - Standard play provides the
best picture (less picture noise),
but the shortest recording time
(20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).
• SLP- Extended play provides
three times the recording time as
SP (60 minutes with a TC-20
tape). SLP has slightly more
picture noise than SP in normal
playback. This may not be
noticeable.
B. Cover hole
Cassette
TC-20
TC-30
TC-40
with vinyl tape or
slide tab to REC ON to
record over tape.
Recording Time
SP SLP
20 Min. 60 Min.
30 Min. 90 Min.
40 Min. 120 Min.
17
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Inserting and Removing Cassettes
EJECT Button
_'_ufi6n:O ..... ,-
-Z_:.:::..-:<%<<--::- o';:*o'_":_-: :4," :.t-t.- :"U.: -ti<-',; " ::. :,: -1 :.:" ,tb.
Tape
Wheel
'_f_inghp_nd i_
the tape.win-_':
dow facing out.
Tab -,_uld glide _',_
t_e_ilytinttYthe ,._
compartment.
-.-Donot force
PUSH Here to
Close Cassette
Compartment
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.
Tape
Window
Attach a power supply. Then slide
and'.release EJECT to open the
cassette compartment.
.
Insert or remove the cassette.
3.
Close the cassette compartment door
by pressing on the area labeled PUSH
until it locks into place.
i e cassette.
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 may damage
your cassettes.
• Keep the cassette away from strong
• Keep dust from entering the cassette
compartment. All dust is abrasive and
will cause excessive wear on the tape
and the camcorder's recording or
playback heads.
• Do not use cassettes with damaged or
spliced tape.
• Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape may jam and/or damage your
camcorder.
magnetic fields such as electric motors
and other devices.
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Viewfinder
The camcorder's viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen
by the camcorder when recording.
Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing
For convenient viewing, you can slide the viewfinder out from the camcorder and
rotate it up and down.
Eyepiece Focus Control
, _ /
vi&{ind_:_o r
pXetei , und
vie_d/ar the
camcorder.
When carrying the
camcorder with the
shoulder strap, put the
viewfinder down and
in. This helps prevent
possible damage to
the viewfinder from
., bumping against your
.,_body as you move.
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.
e
It is easiest to set the correct focus by
focusing on one of the viewfinder's on-
screen displays. Look through the
viewfinder and adjust the eyepiece focus
control for your vision.
The eyepiece focus control does not affect
the focus of the picture actually recorded
by the camcorder.
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Making a Recording
The steps below tell you how to make a recording and suggest using some of the
recording features. Each feature is described in detail on the following pages.
Button
EDIT
SEARCH
Buttons
LENS
COVER
Control
SELECT Button
Attach
Power
Supply
T20.30,,40
Button SP-SLP
Button
Lever
1. Attach a power supply.
Attach the adapter/charger, charged
battery, or optional DC car cord.
2. Insert a tape.
• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette
to remove any slack from the tape.
• Press EJECT to open the cassette
compartment.
• Insert the cassette with the tape
wheel facing up and the tape
window facing out.
20
POWER Switch
3. Slide the LENS COVER control to
open the lens cover.
4. Place the POWER (CAMERA/OFF/
VCR) switch in CAMERA.
The power indicator will light and the
camcorder will enter record pause.
_=-PAUSE--=appears in the viewfinder.
5. Adjust the viewfinder and eyepiece
focus control for your vision.
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6. Select a recording speed and tape
length.
A. Press the SP-SLP button to select
SP or SLP recording speed.
B. Press the 720,30,40 button to select
the length of the tape you are using
(T20, T30, or T40) so the cam-
corder can correctly calculate the
time remaining.
7. Set the AE dial for a special effect.
• Place the dial in AUTO to place the
camcorder in the full auto mode.
• Place the dial in ( ,_ ) sports or
1/1000 to record fast-moving
action.
• Place the dial in ( [] ) back light or
([] ) front light to compensate for
unusual lighting situations.
• Place the dial in ( I'-A) sepia to
create the effect of an old movie.
• Place the dial in HAZE to soften the
image and create a misty white look.
• Place the dial in (SHDW) shadow
effect to darken the image and
lessen glare.
• Details are on page 45.
8. Fade in and out of scenes
• Repeatedly press SELECT to
display _"FADE'_ in the
viewfinder. Press SET.
• FADE will appear in the viewfinder.
• The camcorder will fade in if you
start recording or fade out if you
are recording.
9. Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. _ appears in
the viewfinder and the tally light
will light when the camcorder is
recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
again to stop recording. The
camcorder is now in record pause.
-- PAUSE=--appears in the viewfinder.
• The camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in record pause
for five minutes. Place the POWER
switch in OFF and then back in
CAMERA.
10. Zoom in and out.
• Zoom in and out using the zoom T
and W lever.
• The zoom indicator appears in the
viewfinder when you zoom.
11. Review what you have recorded.
• Press and quickly release EDIT
SEARCH - to review the last few
seconds of your recording.
• Press and hold EDIT SEARCH- or
+ to visually see what you have
recorded. Release the button to
begin recording at that point.
12. When you are finished, place
POWER switch in OFF and close
the lens cover.
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_i;!;:.':_:.:_;:_! _--=-:='_-_:---" _ "_:- .5 :,:.'7t.=. :.= -,:.-. :'..:
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 dial is set to CAMERA and the
safety tab has been removed from the
cassette or there is no cassette in the
camcorder.
SELECT Button Indicators ( _ • )
The feature selected with the SELECT
button appears here.
• _FADE•
This indicator appears when you can
select fading.
• Press SETto select FADE. The
camcorder will automatically fade
in and out of scenes.
• Details are on page 36.
• _16 X 9 • (Wide Screen)
• Press SET to select 16 X 9. The
camcorder will record with black
bars at the top and bottom of the
screen to produce a cinema-like
wide-screen effect.
• Details are on page 37.
• I*T/TLE• (Preset Titles)
This indicator appears when you can
select one of the eight preset titles or
the title you created.
• Press SET to select one of the titles.
• Details are on page 42.
• )'DISP.• (Display)
• This indicator appears when you
can select a display to record on
your tape.
• Press SETto select date, AUTO
DATE, date and time, or a title you
created. SET CHAR appears if you
have not created a title.
• Details are on pages 40-41
• _M. W.B.• (Manual White Balance)
This indicator appears for manual
white balance.
Pres:sSET to select the white
balance mode.
• Select MWB when you want to
adjust the color temperatures
manually.
• Select "0':- when recording
outdoors on a sunny day.
• Select _ when recording
outdoors on a cloudy day.
• Select _ when recording using
halogen or tungsten lighting.
• Details are on pages 34-35.
Status Displays
• The _ indicator appears when the
camcorder is recording.
• The = PAUSE--indicator appears
during record pause.
Tape Speed Indicators (SP or SLP)
The tape speed selected with the SP-SLP
button appears here.
• Details are on page 17.
Zoom Indicator ( t )
The zoom indicator appears here when
you use the zoom lever.
[1
[3
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Viewfinder Displays (continued)
5rain
M 0:00:00
LENS COVER
TAPE END
Change Indicator (=")
This indicator appears to let you know
that anitem in the recording menu has
been changed from the original
factory setting.
Dew Warning (l-g])
The dew indicator appears when exces-
sive 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.
T30
+03
Exposure Indicators (+03)
This indicator appears when you are
adjusting brightness manually using the +
and --buttons in the center of the AE dial.
• Details are onpage 29.
Focus Indicators ( a ± )
These indicator appear when you are
adjusting focus manually using the
FOCUS 4 and FOCUS _" buttons.
The AE dial must not be set to AUTO.
• The ( _ ) flash when the auto-focus
system cannot operate properly.
• Details are on pages 32-33.
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Lithium Cell ( d_ )
• 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 3&
Self-Timer, Animation, and Time-Lapse
Indicators (,_ 1S and _O15S)
• The interval time selected for self-timer
or time-lapse recording ( _ 15S, 30S,
1MIN, or 5MIN) appears here. Details
are on pages 46-47 and 50-51.
• The recording time selected for
animation or time-lapse recording
( _ l/4S, 1/2S, or IS) appears here.
• Details are on pages 48-49 and 50-51.
Tape Length (T 30)
The tape length (T20, 7"30, or T40)
selected with the T20.30.40 button
appears here.
• Details are on page 52.
Time-Counter (MO:O0:00)
• 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 60.
Time Remaining Display (5 min)
The approximate time remaining on the
tape is automatically displayed. The
correct tape length must be set with the
T.20.30"40 button.
• Details are on page 52.
Warnings and Information
• LENS COVER: When you turn on the
cam€order, this indicator briefly flashes
to remind you to open the lens cover.
This indicator may 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.
25