RCA CC645 User Manual
camcorder
user's guide
CC645
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 h_ard, do not expose [
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
I
RISKOFELECTR_SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
This symbol indicates important instructions
accompanying the product.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONEL.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour 6viter les chocs 61ectriques, 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 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 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:
CC645
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty. .......... 800-283-6503 (pages 90-91)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 89)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 76-81)
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 ................ 9-11
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
Remote Control
• Install Lithium Cell ....................... 17
• Sensor ............................................ 17
• Buttons ..................................... 18-19
Video Cassettes
• Erase Protection - Safety Tab ....... 20
• Recording and Playback
Speeds and Times ..................... 20
• Inserting and Removing
Cassettes ................................... 21
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 21
Recording
• Making a Recording ................. 22-23
• Adjust Viewfinder for
Convenient Viewing ................. 24
• Eyepiece Focus Control ............ 24
• Display Panel ................................ 25
• Viewfinder Displays ................. 26-29
• Flying Erase Head ......................... 30
• Auto Head Cleaner ........................ 30
• Tally Light ...................................... 30
• Quick Review Feature ................... 30
• Microphone ................................... 31
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 31
• FullAuto Mode ............................. 32
Exposure Control .......................... 33
Zooming
• Using the Zoom Lever .............. 34
• Tele Macro Zooming ................ 35
Focusing
• Auto Focus ................................ 36
• Focus Lock Feature .................. 36
• Manual Focus ........................... 37
White Balance .......................... 38-39
Fading In and Out ......................... 40
16 X 9 Mode ................................. 41
Date/Time Display
• Clock Lithium Cell ................... 42
• Setting the Time and Date ........ 43
• Record the Date, Date and Time,
or Title on Your Tape ........ 44-45
Titles
• Recording Preset ....................... 46
• Create Your Own Title .............. 47
Gain Up ......................................... 48
AE Dial .......................................... 49
Self-Timer ................................ 50-51
• Using the Remote ..................... 51
Animation Recording ............... 52-53
• Using the Remote ..................... 53
Time-Lapse Recording ............. 54-55
• Using the Remote ..................... 55
Audio Dubbing
(Remote Only) ..................... 56-57
Edit Insert (Remote Only) ........ 58-59
Time-Remaining Display .............. 60
JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol)
Identification Number ............... 61
Recording and Traveling Tips ........ 62
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ......... 63
Built-In Color Enhancement
Light .......................................... 64-65
Playback
• Using the Cassette Adapter ...... 66-67
• Viewfinder Playback ..................... 68
• Playback Features
• Visual Searching ....................... 69
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 69
• Tape Positioning ....................... 69
• Time Counter ............................ 70
• Memory-Stop Feature ........... 70
• Tracking .................................... 71
• Playback on TV (or VCR)
with Audio/Video In Jacks ..72-73
• Playback on a TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 74-75
Optional Accessories ................... 76-81
• Accessory Order Form ............. 79-81
Trouble Checks ........................... 82-85
Care and Maintenance
• Cleaning the Camcorder ............... 86
• Cleaning the Camcorder's Lens .... 86
• Cleaning the Camcorder's
Viewfinder ................................. 86
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 87
• Things toAvoid ............................. 87
Information to User ......................... 88
Customer Assistance ........................ 89
Limited Warranty ....................... 90-91
Specifications ..................................... 92
Index ............................................. 93-96
2
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-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter.
Camcorder Exchange Warranty ............... 800-283-6503
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
• Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship
or store your camcorder.
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any
are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
Model CC645
WARNING: NICKEL
CADMIUM BATTERY
MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Rechargeable 6 Volt Battery
Part No FB1260
Remote Control
Part No. 221125
AC Adapter/Charger
and DC Cable
Caution: Do not use
this adapter/charggr
_i_,for _@se other
_ charging the
i260 6r F8120
supplying power to
¢ the_arge6rder.
Part No. 236689
Part No. 233087
U---=0
Cassette Adapter Cassette Adapter Battery
Part No. 232845 (Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091
G O
Clock and Remote Cells
3-Volt Micro Lithium
Cells - such as CR2025 -
available from most local
drug stores and camera
shops. Use of other cells
present a risk of fire or
explosion.
CAUTIONS: Lithium cells must be disposed of properly. Never handle
punctured or leaking cells. May cause bums or person_al injury, _
Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death 0rinjuryif swallowed.
if swallowed, consult a physician immediately h)r emergency treatment.
The lithium ceils used in these devices may explode resuRirig in a fire or
chemical bum if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heatabove
212°F (100°C), or incinerate.
Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the +
and - sides of the cell.
3
To AC 100-240,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
POWER
Indicator
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.
e
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.
4
EJECT
Button
Tape Wheel
LENS
Cover
Control
PUSH Here
to Close
Tape Window
POWER
Switch and
Indicator
Handstrap
Handstrap Velcro
Strip (Under Flap)
.
.
.
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.
Slide LENS COVER control
to open lens cover.
Place POWER (CAMERA/
OFF/VCR) switch
in CAMERA.
• The power indicator will light and
the camcorder will enter record
pause. _ PAUSE-_ appears in the
viewfinder when the camcorder is
in record pause.
• The position of 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
T20.30.40
Button
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. 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 len?th of the tape you are
using so the camcorder can correctly
calculate the recording time
remaining on the tape.
Repeatedly press the T20o30o40
button to select a tape length.
• Select T20 if you are using a tape
with 20 minutes or less recording
time in SE
Select T30 if you are using a tape
with 30 minutes recording time
in SE
Select T40 if you are using a tape
with 40 minutes recording time
in SE
6
Eyepiece
Focus
Control_
Electronic
Viewfinder
AE Dial
8. Set the AE dial to AUTO.
• This places the camcorder in the
AUTO mode.
In the AUTO mode, the focus,
exposure, and white balance are
automatically controlled by the
camcorder.
Many of the special effects do not
operate in the AUTO mode.
Details on page 32.
o
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 tbcus of the viewfinder
for your vision.
7
STOP
Button
PAUSE
Button
Button
PoWer
Indicator
POWER
(VCR/OFF/
CAMERA)
Switch
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 PI_Y/PAUSE to play back
the tape in the viewfinder.
• Press STOP when you are finished
playing back the tape.
• Details on viewfinder playback are
on page 68.
12. Place the POWER switch in
OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
13.
The power !indicator will turn off.
Close the lens cover.
8
14. Review camcorder's operating controls.
Built-In Light
Power
Zoom
Lever
LCD Display Panel
to Close
Cassette Compartment
Lens
Remote
Sensor
Tally
Light
JLIP Connector
(Located Under
Small Cover)
Microphone
MENU
Button
SET
Button
SELECT
Button
AE Dial
(continued on next page)
9
14. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
B (Bright) and C (White
Balance) Controls (See
trouble checks for details.)
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Clock Cell
Battery
Compartment
Attach
Rechargeable
Battery Here
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
cord Here
LIGHT
Switch
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
Viewfinder
LENS COVER Control
Handstrap
POWER (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA) Switch
Thumb Trigger
cator
AUDIO
(MONO), RF DC
OUT, and
VIDEO jacks
10
14. Review camcorder's operating controls.
STOP Button
T20e30o40 Button
(Also COUNTER R/M Button)
SP-SIP Button
T20,30,40
r---1
COUNTER R/M
STOP
SP-SLP
USE
Button
REW (Rewind)
(Also EDIT SEARCH -
Button)
FF (Fast Forward)
Button
(Also EDIT
SEARCH + Button)
L
BATT. (Battery)
RELEASE Button
11
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
j DC Cable
POWER / "_ __. _d _. II L_',._:
Indicator / _ _ _ I _...._x....___._
DC OUT
Jack
: - . . ,
:::-.:. ::4 =r:'_:L: -:
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/charger is properly
connected, its POWER indicator
will light.
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 may be required
in some countries.
//
Optional AC AC 100-240V
Plug Adapter
than charging the FB 1260 or FB 120
battery pack or supplying power to the
camcorder.
1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC
outlet.
12
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 the light, zoom, and pause). Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder
off during recording breaks.
Note: The small marker switch on top of the battery is for use as a personal reminder to help you
remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.
Reference
Marks
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 c!ock
cell before attaching the battery pack.
Details on page 42.
1. Align the reference mark on the
battery with mark on back of
camcorder.
2. Hold the top of the battery flush
against the camcorder and press the
.
bottom of the battery down until it
locks into place.
Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.
The power indicator will light.
Remove the Battery
Slide and hold BAT7: RELEASE to the
right while removing the battery.
ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your Thomson
Consumer Electronics product indicates that we are participating in a
program to collect and recycle Nickel Cadmium batteries throughout the
United States. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information or
contact your local recycling center.
Ni-Cd
13
POWER
Indicator
CHG
Indictor
END
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide
Reference
Marks
To AC Wall
Outlet 100-
240 Volts,
50/60 Hz.
REFRESH
Button
Indicator
Adapter/Charger
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.
.
.
o
o
.
Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
If the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger's CHG (charge)
indicator will light.
Note: If you try to charge a battery that
has not been charged for a long period of
time, it may take a few minutes for the
CHG indicator to light.
After the battery is charged, the END
indicator will light.
Remove the charged battery by sliding
it off the adapter/charger.
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
"refreshes" the battery by completely
discharging it.
1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.
2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH
indicator will light and the battery
will begin discharging.
3. When discharging is completed, the
REFRESH indicator will turn off,
and the CHG indicator will light.
The battery will then charge.
4. After the battery is charged, the
END indicator will light. Remove
the battery from the adapter/charger.
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,
_3" flashes in the viewfinder. The
/ I \
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 battery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears in
the viewfinder.
Battery Care and Storage _f_ _:_._........
• Recharging takes approximately 70
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
• Refreshing takes approximately 210
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
• After repeated charging and use,
operation time will gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes too
short to be useful, it is time to replace
the battery.
• If the CHG indicator starts flashing, the
battery pack has become too hot.
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.
15
Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC08 car cord shown on
page 76 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts
12-volts to a 6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for
complete operating instructions.
Using the DCC08 Car Cord Adapte .........................................................................................................
Cigarette
Lighter Socket
POWER Indicator
Power
Connector
Optional DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
. 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.
.
.
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.
Place the POWER switch in CAMERA
to turn on the camcorder. The power
indicator on the camcorder lights.
the c_i_rdiS plug _ _ cigare_e
lighter socke_!
16
Install Lithium Cell
The remote's lithium cell is packed separately. Install it as follows:
Holder
__lll Back°f
Insert Remote
Pencil Here Control
Lithium
Cell
1. Turn remote over, insert a pencil or
paper clip in small hole, and remove
battery bolder.
2. Insert battery in battery holder so
positive (+) terminal faces up.
3. Replace battery holder in remote until
it clicks into place.
Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of
the remote control or lay it upside-down.
Replace battery when camcorder fails to
respond to remote.
Remove battery from remote if it will not be
used for a month or more. This will prevent
possible damage from battery leakage. If
leakage occurs, wipe up liquid inside compart-
ment and replace battery.
The remote operates the camcorder by infrared light, so it is protected from electrical
and sound interference. However, the remote must be aimed directly at the camcorder's
remote sensor. There cannot be any obstructions between them.
Remote
Sensor
.
Note: The camcorder may not respond to the remote if its sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or
strong artificial light.
17
A brief description of the remote button's functions is given here. Many of the buttons
perform the same functions as the corresponding controls on the camcorder. The
lithium cell must be installed as shown on the previous page.
A. (Audio) DUB Button
Used for dubbing audio.
See pages 56-57.
press and hold FF for at least two
seconds to visually search forward.
Release FF to return to normal
playback.
FF (Fast Forward) Button
Camcorder's POWER switch in
CAMERA:
• With camcorder in record pause, press
and hold FF to visually search forward
on the tape. Release FF to return to
record pause.
Camcorder's POWER switch in VCR:
When the camcorder is stopped, press
FF to fast forward the tape. Press
STOP to stop forwarding the tape.
When a tape is playing, press and
release FF to visually search forward
on the tape. Press PLAY to return to
normal playback. For brief searching,
18
INSERT Button
Used for edit inserting. See pages 58-59.
PAUSE Button
During playback, press PAUSE to produce
a stop-action picture. Press PLAY or
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 will automatically enter the stop
mode and then turn off.
PLAY Button
Press PLAY when the camcorder's
POWER switch is in VCR to begin
playback.
STOP Button
When the camcorder's POWER switch is
in VCR, press STOP to stop playback,
rewind, or fast-forward operation.
REW (Rewind) Button
Camcorder's POWER switch
in CAMERA:
• When the camcorder is in record pause,
press and hold REW to visually search
the tape in reverse. Release REW to
return to record-pause.
Camcorder's POWER switch in VCR:
When the camcorder is stopped, press
REW to rewind the tape. Press STOP
to stop rewinding the tape.
When a tape is playing, press and
release REW to visually search the tape
in reverse. Press PLAY to return to
normal playback. For brief searching,
press and hold REW for at least two
seconds to visually search in reverse.
Release REW to return to normal
playback.
START/STOP Button
When the POWER switch is in CAMERA,
press START/STOP to start and stop
recording.
Note: If the camcorder is left in record pause
for more than five minutes, power will
turn off.
TIME LAPSE ANIM. (Animation)/
REC TIME Button
When the POWER switch is in CAMERA,
press to set amount of recording time for
interval and animation recording.
TIME-LAPSE SELF/INT. (Interval)
TIME Button
When the POWER switch is in CAMERA,
press to activate the self-timer or select an
amount of interval time for interval
recording.
ZOOM (T and W) Buttons
Camcorder's POWER switch
in CAMERA:
• Press T to move the lens in the tele-
photo (close-up) direction.
• Press W to move the lens in the wide-
angle direction.
19
Make sureyouselectgoodquality tapesto be usedwith your camcorder. Useof poor
quality tapesor tapesthathavebeendamagedor mishandledcancontaminatethe video
heads,resulting in a snowypicture or nopicture at all during playback. Becausethere
is nocontrol over thetype of tapepurchasedor rentedby consumers,headcleaningis
not coveredunderwarranty. It is considerednormal maintenance.
Theautomatichead-cleaningsystemminimizes the needfor accessorycleanersor
cleaningby aServicenter. This systemis activatedwheneveryou insertor removea
cassette.
Erase Protection - Safety Tab
You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,
just record over it.
A. Remove
safety tab or
slide tab to
REC OFF.
B. Cover hole
with vinyl tape or
slide tab to REC ON to
record over tape.
Recording and Playback Speeds and Times _,_,,_,_,_,_,:,',_o_........... _ .... _.......
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.
Cassette
TC-20
TC-30
TC-40
Recording Time
SP
20 Min.
30 Min.
40 Min.
SLP
60 Min.
90 Min.
120 Min.
20
Inserting and Removing Cassettes
PUSH Here to
Close Cassette
Compartment
EJECT Button
Tape
Window
)e
Wheel
Tab
Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape 1.
wheel on the side of the cassette in the
direction shown to remove any slack in
the tape. Tape Wheel 2.
Attach a power supply. Then slide
and release ELECT to open the
cassette compartment.
Insert or remove the cassette.
Close the cassette compartment door
by pressing on the area labeled PUSH
until it locks into place.
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
magnetic fields such as electric motors
and other devices.
• 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.
21
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
Dial
T20o30o40
Button
SELECT Button Zoon
Lever
SP-SLP
Button
EDIT
SEARCH
Buttons
LENS
COVER
Control
LIGHT OFF
oA UTO,ON
Switch
Attach
Power
Supply
POWER Switch
22
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.
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.
6. Select a recording speedand tape
length.
A.Press the SP-SLP button to select
SP or SLP recording speed.
B. Press the T20o30.40 button for the
length of the tape you are using
(T20, T30, or T40) so the
camcorder can correctly calculate
the time remaining.
7. Place the LIGHTA UTOoOFFeON
switch in AUTO.
.
The light will turn on automatically
when you need more light.
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 ( [i"] ) back light or
( [] ) front light to compensate for
unusual lighting situations.
• Place the dial in ( I_1 ) 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 49.
9. Fade in and out of scenes
• Repeatedly press SELECT to
display ,FADE,q in the viewfinder.
Press SET.
• FADE will appear in the viewfinder
and display panel.
• The camcorder will fade in if you
start recording or fade out if you
are recording.
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 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. When you are finished, place
POWER switch in OFF and close
the lens cover.
23
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
Viewfinder
Do
When _eii..,.
shouide;i_.._utlthe
viewfinder down and
the V er from
body as! :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.
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.
24
Display Panel
The LCD panel on the side of the camcorder tells you when the camcorder is in
the full auto mode or shows the feature selected with the SELECT button.
I
FADE
16X9
TITLE
DISPLAY
M.W.B.
I
Full Auto Mode
FULL AUTO appears when the camcorder
is in the full auto mode.
SELECT Button
Repeatedly press SELECT to choose the
feature you want, and then press SET.
• FADE
The camcorder will automatically fade
in and out of scenes.
Details are on page 40.
• 16 X 9 (Wide Screen)
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 41.
• TITLE
You can select one of the eight preset
titles or a title you create.
Details are on page 46.
DISPLAY
You can select a display to record on
your tape. 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 page 47.
M.W.B. (Manual White Balance)
You can select one of the manual white
balance modes.
• Select MWB when you want to
adjust the color temperatures
manually.
• Select ""
-_9_-when recording outdoors
on a sunny day.
• Select --',_d,_when recording
outdoors on a cloudy day.
• Select -_- when recording using
halogen or tungsten lighting.
Details are on pages 38-.39.
25
Viewfinder Displays
r'_ I_M.W.BA
[3
FADE
SP
I_1SEPIA
PAUSE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MWB
AE Dial Special Effect Indicators
• AUTO (Full Auto Mode)
A UTO LOCK appears briefly when
you select A UTO.
• MAN (Manual Mode)
AUTO RELEASE appears briefly
when you select MAN.
• 1_ SEPIA
This indicator appears when you
select [_ to give your recordings a
brown-tone like old photographs.
• ._ SPORTS
This indicator appears when you
select .'_ to record fast moving
action, such as sporting events.
• [] BACKLIT
This indicator appears when you
select [] to make a subject appear
brighter that appears too dark because
of backlighting.
26
• [_] FRONTLIT
This indicator appears when you
select [] to darken a subject that
appears too bright because of front
lighting.
• _IS1/IO00
This indicator appears when you
select 1/1000 to record fast-moving
action.
• HZ:HAZE
This indicator appears when you
select HAZE to soften the image and
create a misty white look.
• SD:SHADOW
This indicator appears when you
select SHDW to darken the picture
and reduce glare.
Battery Level Indicator ( _ )
• This indicator shows how much power
is 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 ( - -41)
The feature selected with the SELECT
button appears here.
• ,FADE4
This indicator appears when you can
select fading.
• Press SET to select ,FADE4.
The camcorder will automatically
fade in and out of scenes.
• Details are on page 40.
"16 X 9 4 (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 41.
"T/TLE4 (Preset Titles)
This indicator appears when you can
select one of the eight preset titles or a
title you create.
• Press SET to select one of the titles.
• Details are on page 46.
"DISP.'q (Display)
• This indicator appears when you
can select a display to record on
your tape.
• Press SET to 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 44-45.
"M. W.B.4 (Manual White Balance)
This indicator appears for manual
white balance.
Press SET to select the white
balance mode..
• Select MWB when you want to
adjust the color temperatures
manually.
• Select ""
-J0_- when recording
outdoors on a sunny day.
• Select -',k_,owhen recording
outdoors on a cloudy day.
• Select _,_ when recording using
halogen or tungsten lighting.
• Details are on pages 38-39.
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 20.
n
Zoom Indicator (t)
H
The zoom indicator appears here when
you use the zoom lever.
27
Viewfinder Displays (continued)
0 Omin
M 0:00:00
T30
A
W
+03
LENS COVER
TAPE END
Audio Dub ( _ )
This indicator appears during audio
dubbing. Details are on pages 56-57.
Change Indicator (•)
This indicator appears to let you know
that an item in the recording menu has
been changed from the original
factory setting.
Dew Warning ( ['gi)
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.
28
Edit Insert ( O )
This indicator appears during edit
inserting. Details are on pages 58-59.
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 on page 33.
Focus Indicators ( _i A )
These indicator appear when you are
adjusting focus manually using the
FOCUS • and FOCUS • buttons.
The AE dial must not be set to AUTO.
• The ( a.,,.x ) flash when the auto-
focus system cannot operate properly.
• Details are on pages 36-3Z
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