RCA CC9360 User Manual

Digital

Camcorder

User’s Guide

Changing Entertainment. Again.

CC9360

Important Information

WARNING

To reduce the
risk of fire or
electric shock, do
not expose this
product or AC
charger to rain or
moisture.

To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the
manufacturer for this product. Other types of batteries may burst causing damage and
personal injury.

FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment
may void the user’s authority to operate it.

WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage"
inside the product that
presents a risk of
electric shock or
personal injury.

To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover (or
back). No user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified
service personnel.

This symbol
indicates
important
instructions
accompanying the
product.

Product Registration

Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning
this card allows us to contact you if needed.

Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts and service
and attach it here. Record the serial number and model numbers located on the
bottom of the camcorder.

Model No. ______________________________________________________

Serial No. _______________________________________________________

Purchase Date. __________________________________________________

Purchased From. _________________________________________________

i

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Connections & Setup

Parts Checklist ......................................................................................... 6

Buttons and Controls ............................................................................. 7

Getting Started .......................................................................................9

Unpack the camcorder and accessories .......................................... 9

Adjust the hand strap ...................................................................... 9

Attach the lens cap ........................................................................ 10

Attach the power supply ............................................................... 10

Turn on the camcorder................................................................... 11

Set the LIGHT switch to AUTO ....................................................... 11

Insert a cassette tape ..................................................................... 12

Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to see what’s recording ...... 13

Start recording ............................................................................... 14

Play your recording ........................................................................ 14

Turn off the camcorder ..................................................................15

Powering the Camcorder ..................................................................... 15

Charging the Battery ..................................................................... 15

Battery Level Icon ........................................................................... 18

Battery Care and Storage .............................................................. 18

Using the Power Supply ................................................................. 19

Using the Shoulder Strap ..................................................................... 20

Setting the Date and Time ................................................................... 21

Setting the Tape Recording Speed ...................................................... 22

Chapter 2: Using the Monitors

Seeing What You Are Recording ......................................................... 24

Using the LCD Monitor .................................................................. 24

Using the Viewfinder ..................................................................... 25

On-screen Icons..................................................................................... 26

Warning Icons ................................................................................. 26

Recording and Playback Icons ....................................................... 27

Other Icons ..................................................................................... 32

(continued on the next page)

1

Table of Contents

Chapter 3: Recording

Recording Details.................................................................................. 34

Journalistic Shooting ...................................................................... 34

Self-Recording ................................................................................ 35

Digital and Optical Zooming ......................................................... 35

Using Steady Pix™ .......................................................................... 37

Using the Video Light .................................................................... 38

Time Code Display .......................................................................... 39

Selecting a Snapshot Mode ........................................................... 40

Taking Snapshots ............................................................................ 42

Blank Search ................................................................................... 43

Recording Tips ...................................................................................... 44

Chapter 4: Playback

Playback Options ..................................................................................46

Basic Playback ................................................................................. 46

Still Playback Mode ........................................................................ 48

Shuttle Search ................................................................................. 48

Frame-By-Frame Playback .............................................................. 49

Choose your Connection ...................................................................... 50

Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks ........ 50

Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with an S-Video Input Jack ............ 51

Playback on a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks............ 52

Dubbing to a VCR ........................................................................... 53

Dubbing to Another Digital Video Camcorder ............................ 54

Chapter 5: Advanced Features

Using the Menus For Advanced Adjustment...................................... 56

Menu Definitions .................................................................................. 57

Camera Menu ................................................................................. 57

Manual Menu ................................................................................. 58

System Menu .................................................................................. 58

Display Menu .................................................................................. 59

2

Table of Contents

Using the Advanced Features .............................................................. 61

Night Mode .................................................................................... 61

Fade/Wipe Effects ........................................................................... 62

Program AE With Special Effects ................................................... 65

Exposure Control ............................................................................ 68

Iris Lock ........................................................................................... 69

Focusing .......................................................................................... 70

White Balance Adjustment ............................................................ 72

Date/Time Insert ............................................................................. 73

Wide Mode ..................................................................................... 74

Wind Cut ......................................................................................... 76

Resetting the Camcorder Defaults ................................................ 76

Chapter 6: Downloading to a PC

Connecting to a Computer ............................................................ 78

Chapter 7: Other Information

Troubleshooting.................................................................................... 80

Final Notes ............................................................................................ 83

Power .............................................................................................. 83

Date/Time Settings ......................................................................... 83

Video Recording ............................................................................. 84

Tapes ............................................................................................... 85

Care and Cleaning ................................................................................ 86

After Using the Camcorder ............................................................ 86

Cleaning The Camcorder ............................................................... 86

Proper Care and Storage ............................................................... 87

Tape Care and Storage ................................................................... 87

Things to Avoid .............................................................................. 88

Traveling Tips ........................................................................................ 88

Specifications ........................................................................................89

Limited Warranty.................................................................................. 91

FCC and Industry Canada Information ................................................ 95

Optional Accessories ............................................................................ 96

Accessories Order Form .................................................................. 99

Index .................................................................................................... 103

3

This page intentionally left blank.

Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Chapter Overview:

• Parts Checklist

• Buttons and Controls

• Getting Started

• Powering the Camcorder

• Using the Shoulder Strap

• Setting the Date and Time

• Setting the Tape Recording Speed

Changing Entertainment. Again.

5

Connections & Setup

Parts Checklist

Make sure the box includes the items shown here:

Camcorder

Lens cap
Part # 252975

Caution: Only use the power supply provided with this unit. Using other power
supplies may damage the unit.

AC power supply
Part # 250814

Shoulder strap
Part # ACS091

Battery pack
Part # 247800

Audio/ Video
adapter cable
Part # 252885

6 Chapter 1

Buttons and Controls

Connections & Setup

Eyepiece
focus control

BAT.
RELEASE
switch

Viewfinder

MENU/
BRIGHT
dial

Recording Start/
Stop button

BAT. RELEASE

SNAPSHOT
button

S

U

C

O

F

+

A

E

S

K

N

A

L

B

Power Zoom / VOL lever

+

H

C

R

FOCUS / BLANK
SEARCH button

Power switch

Hand
strap

Jack cover

Microphone

Video light

Chapter 1 7

Connections & Setup

AV

S

E

R

V

IC

E

S

Playback buttons (also P.AE, NIGHT MODE,
EXPOSURE, and BACK LIGHT buttons)

BAT. RELEASE

BAT.
RELEASE
switch

P. A E

MODE

MENU/

SNAP

BRIGHT

SHOT

-

FOCUS

+

BLANK SEARCH

MENU/
BRIGHT
dial

FOCUS/
BLANK
SEARCH
button

LCD monitor

EXPOSURENIGHT

VOL.

W

Tripod
mounting
sockets

BACK
LIGHT

CHARGE

SNAPSHOT button

Speaker

CHARGE
indicator

Power
Zoom/
VOL
lever

LIGHT
switch

D

V

IN

T

H

G

I

L

K

C

A

B

O

L

IG

H

/O

U

T

S -Video
jack

Service
jack

AV
jack

E

G

R

A

H

.

C

L

O

V

T

O

E

H

R

S

U

S

P

O

A

P

N

X

S

E

E

V

I

L

A

T

H

G

I

N

E

A

.

P

AUTO

F

F

O

N

T

DV IN/OUT
jack

T

H

G

I

R

B

/

U

N

E

M

Jack cover open

OPEN/EJECT

Camcorder bottom view

OPEN/EJECT
switch

8 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Getting Started

This section describes the basics on how to set up your camcorder to record for the first
time. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.

Unpack the camcorder and accessories

• The items shown are packed with the camcorder. If any pieces are missing or
appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.

• Remove the plastic film that covers the front and side logos on the camcorder. Use
your fingernail, not anything sharp, to remove.

• Save all packing materials and box in case the camcorder ever needs to be
shipped or stored.

Adjust the hand strap

1. Lift the flap on the hand strap and separate the Velcro strip.

2. Insert your hand so your fingers can comfortably reach the buttons.

3. Adjust the strap to fit snugly.

4. Refasten the strap, and fold the flap back down.

+

FOCUS

+

BLANK SEARCH

BAT. RELEASE

Chapter 1 9

Connections & Setup

Attach the lens cap

To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the
illustration.

+

FOCUS

+

BLANK SEARCH

BAT. RELEASE

Attach the power supply

Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, you need to use an
AC outlet to power the camcorder.

1. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

2. Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet.

CHARGE

LIGHT

VOL.

BACK

SHOT

EXPOSURE

SNAP

ALIVE

BRIGHT

NIGHT

MENU/

P.AE

2

AC power supply

1

10 Chapter 1

DC IN jack

Connections & Setup

+
S
U

C
O
F

+

H

C
R
A

E
S

K
N
A

L
B

BAT. RELEASE

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Power switch

Lock
button

Turn on the camcorder

Press in the Lock button while setting the Power
switch to the desired setting, either automatic (A) or
manual (
playback mode (

The POWER indicator comes on when the camcorder
is turned on.

M

) record mode, powered off (OFF), or in

).

Automatic recording A places the camcorder
into AutoShot™ mode. Focus, exposure, iris
control, and white balance are controlled by the
camcorder during automatic recording.

M

Manual recording mode

allows you to
control many of the camcorder’s special features,
including accessing the menus and setting the
clock.

Notes:

• Many special effects don’t operate in

AutoShot mode (see pages 57-60 for
more information).

• The camcorder automatically turns off to

save battery power if you leave it in
record-standby mode for more than five
minutes. To turn it back on, set the
Power switch to OFF, then back to
automatic or manual record mode.

E
G
R

T

A

H

H

.

C

G

L

I

L

O

V
K
C

A
B

T
O

E

H

R

S
U
S

P

O

A

P

N

X

S

E

T
H

G

I
E
V

R
I

B

/

L

U

A

N

T

E

H

M
G

I
N

E

A
.
P

Set the LIGHT Switch to AUTO

Slide the video LIGHT switch to AUTO. In this
setting, the video light automatically turns on when
more light is needed.

DV IN/OUT

LIGHT switch

A

U

T

O

O

F

F

O

L

N

I
G

H

T

Chapter 1 11

Connections & Setup

Insert a cassette tape

1. Make sure the camcorder is connected to a

Mini DV Cassettes

This camcorder is designed to
work exclusively with digital
video cassettes. Only cassettes
marked with a Mini DV logo can
be used with this unit. Also keep
in mind that this camcorder is not
compatible with other digital
media formats.

Cassette
holder

Mini DV
tape

2. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power

3. Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT switch in the

4. Insert a Mini DV tape with the arrow on the

5. Push on the area marked PUSH HERE until the

power supply.

A

switch to

(automatic record).

direction of the arrow then pull the cassette
holder cover open until it locks. Be careful not
to touch the inside of the cassette holder as you
may hurt yourself.

tape facing down and the tape window facing
out.

Note: Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in
the position that allows recording. If not,
slide the tab. Some tapes have removable
tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the
hole with adhesive tape.

cassette holder locks into place. (PAUSE appears
on the LCD or in the viewfinder.)

Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely
before closing the cassette holder cover.

Cassette
holder
cover

6. To close the cover, slide and hold the OPEN/
EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow again
then close the cover until it firmly locks into
place.

Important: If the battery is low, you may not
be able to close the cassette holder cover. Do
not apply force. Replace the battery with a
fully charged one or connect the power
supply.

Notes:

• You can’t open the cassette tape holder

unless a power supply is attached.

• The cassette tape holder can’t be opened

while the camcorder is in the record
mode.

12 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

LCD monitor

Viewfinder

MENU dial

RGE

T

CHA

L.

LIGH

VO

K

BAC

OSURE

AP

EXP

ALIVE

T

IGH
N

AUTO

OFF

ON

L

I
G

H

T

D

V

I
N

/
O

U

T

Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder
to see what’s recording

OT
SH
SN

BRIGHT

/

ENU

M

P.AE

Using the LCD monitor

1. Remove the lens cap.

2. Open the monitor 90˚ from the camcorder
body.

3. Tilt the monitor 180˚ forward or 90˚ down as
required for convenient viewing while
recording.

4. To adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor,
rotate the MENU dial.

Notes:

• Adjusting the LCD monitor brightness

does not affect the recorded image on
the tape.

• When the LCD monitor opens more

than 25˚, the viewfinder automatically
turns off. When the LCD monitor is
closed, the viewfinder automatically
turns on.

Using the viewfinder

1. Remove the lens cap.

+

S
U
C

O
F

+

H

C
R
A

E
S
K

N

A
L
B

BAT. RELEASE

2. Close the monitor.

Note: If the monitor is open more than 25˚,
the viewfinder turns off.

3. Adjust the viewfinder to a comfortable position.

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

Eyepiece focus
control

Chapter 1 13

Connections & Setup

+
S
U

C
O
F

+

H

C
R
A

E
S

K
N
A

L
B

BAT. RELEASE

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Lock
button

Power switch

EXPOSURENIGHT

BACK
LIGHT

CHARGE

VOL.

W

BAT. RELEASE

P. AE

MODE

MENU/

SNAP

BRIGHT

SHOT

-

FOCUS

+

BLANK SEARCH

Playback buttons on top of
the camcorder include:

Stop ( )

Rewind ( )

Play/Pause (/)

Fast Forward ( )

Start recording

1. Remove the lens cap.

2. Press in the Lock button and set the Power

A

switch to

(automatic record). (The POWER

indicator comes on.)

3. Press and release the Recording Start/Stop
button to start recording. (REC appears in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor (but won’t be
recorded)).

4. When finished recording, press and release the
Recording Start/Stop button again to stop
recording. The camcorder is now in the record­pause mode. (PAUSE appears in the viewfinder
or on the LCD monitor.)

Play your recording

1. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power
switch to
on.)

2. Press the Rewind button to reverse the tape
to the beginning. When rewound completely,
the camcorder automatically stops.

3. Press the Play/Pause button
playback. View the recording using the LCD
monitor or viewfinder.

4. Press the Stop button
the tape.

Notes:

• Sound will play back if the LCD monitor

is open or closed. To adjust the volume,
use the Zoom Lever (also labeled
VOL - +).

• More information about using the LCD

monitor and viewfinder can be found on
pages 24-25.

. (The POWER indicator comes

to start

/

when finished playing

14 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

+

S
U
C

O

F

+

H
C

R
A
E

S
K

N
A
L

B

BAT. RELEASE

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Power switch

+

BAT. RELEASE

Turn off the camcorder

1. Set the Power switch to OFF.

2. Close the LCD monitor.

Powering the Camcorder

You can power your camcorder with a battery or AC
power.

Charging the Battery

1. Set the Power switch to OFF.

2. Raise the viewfinder.

3. Slide the battery into the back of the camcorder.
Make sure the arrow diagram on the battery
points down so that the contacts on the battery

+

FOCUS

BLANK SEARCH

and camcorder match.

Important: If the battery pack is attached in
the wrong position, a malfunction may occur.

4. Plug the small end of the power supply into the
DC IN jack on the camcorder and the other end
into an AC outlet. (The CHARGE indicator
blinks.)

5. When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but
stays on, charging is finished. Make sure the
Power switch is set to OFF, then unplug the
power supply from the AC outlet and from the

CHARGE

LIGHT

VOL.

BACK

SHOT

EXPOSURE

SNAP

ALIVE

BRIGHT

NIGHT

MENU/

P.AE

camcorder.

Important: Before detaching the power
source, make sure the camcorder’s power is
turned off. Failure to do so can result in a
camcorder malfunction.

Chapter 1 15

Connections & Setup

Notes:

• If a protective cap is on the battery,
remove it before use or charging.

• When charging a battery for the first
time or after a long storage period, the
CHARGE indicator may not come on.
Remove the battery and try again.

• Charge the battery in temperatures
between 50˚ and 90˚ Fahrenheit (10-35˚
Celsius).

• Charging times are based on a fully
discharged battery and vary depending
on ambient temperature and battery
conditions.

+
S
U

C
O

F

+

BLANK SEARCH

BAT. RELEASE

BAT. RELEASE switch

Tip

Before extended use, it is
recommended that you prepare
enough battery packs to cover 3
times the planned shooting time.

Removing the Battery

Raise the viewfinder, slide the BAT. RELEASE switch,
and pull out the battery pack.

Notes:

• If you store a partially charged battery
for a long period of time, its
performance is reduced.

• During charging or discharging, the
camcorder can’t be operated.

• Charging and discharging isn’t possible if
the wrong type of battery is used.

• If the battery operation time remains
extremely short even after having been
fully charged, the battery is worn out
and needs to be replaced. Please
purchase a new one.

16 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Approximate charging time

Battery Charging Time

247800 approx. 90 min.

Approximate recording time (in minutes)

Battery Viewfinder on LCD monitor on

247800 75, (40*) 60, (35*)

* when the video light is on

Note: Recording time is reduced significantly when you use the Zoom or Record­Standby modes repeatedly or when you use the LCD monitor repeatedly.

Chapter 1 17

Connections & Setup

Battery Level Icon

The battery level icon appears in the viewfinder or
LCD monitor and reveals the amount of power left in
the rechargeable battery.

Note: The battery level icon is not recorded
on the tape.

This icon appears when the battery is fully charged.

The icon changes to show that you’ve used some of the battery’s
power.

As you use more of the battery’s power, the icon changes again.

This battery icon flashes in the viewfinder or LCD monitor when the
battery power is almost gone. The camcorder turns off automatically
after a few seconds.

Battery Care and Storage

• After repeated charging and use, battery life gradually decreases. When operation
time is too short to be useful, the battery should be replaced.

• If the battery pack becomes too hot, remove it from the camcorder and let it cool
down.

• Do not short the battery’s terminals.

• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside.

• Use the battery only with specified adapter/chargers and camcorders.

• Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing it to excessive heat – over 149˚F (65˚C)
could be hazardous.

18 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Using the Power Supply

The power supply attaches to the camcorder and lets you power it directly from standard
household power. The power supply operates on 110-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.

1. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

2. Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet (110-240V, 50/
60Hz).

Caution: Only use the power supply provided with this unit. Using other power
supplies may damage the unit.

CHARGE

LIGHT

VOL.

BACK

SHOT

EXPOSURE

SNAP

ALIVE

BRIGHT

NIGHT

MENU/

P.AE

2

AC power supply

DC IN jack

1

Removing the power supply

1. Make sure the Power switch is set to OFF.

2. Unplug the power supply from the AC outlet.

3. Unplug the small end of the power supply from the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

Important: Before detaching the power source, make sure the camcorder’s power
is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.

Using an Optional Plug Adapter in Foreign Countries

An optional plug adapter might be required in some countries.

1. Plug the power supply’s plug into the AC plug adapter.

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

Chapter 1 19

Connections & Setup

Using the Shoulder Strap

The camcorder’s shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camera from your
shoulder and – when ready– bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick
movement.

1. Following the illustration, thread the strap through the eyelet.

2. Fold the strap back and thread it through the buckle.

3. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet located
under the hand strap. Make sure the strap is not twisted.

Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you should close the
LCD monitor and rotate the viewfinder down. This helps prevent possible damage to
the monitor or viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move. Make sure
the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it to carry the camcorder.

+

FOCUS

+

BLANK SEARCH

BAT. RELEASE

2

1

3

20 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

MENU dial

BAT. RELEASE

FADER

/ W I P E

AM AEPROGR
AN E

W. BAL

ACAMER
LMANUA
MSYSTE
AYDISPL

END

RE NEON SC

T I ME CODE

CLOCK

ADJ .

NRETUR

+

S
U
C

O

F

+

H
C

R
A
E

S
K
N

A
L

B

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Power switch

OF

F

C

–

LCD/ TV

UAOT

–

IMETDAT E /

–FFO

25 ’01

CED

30PM:5

Lock
button

Setting the Date and Time

You need to set the date and time before it can be
displayed.

Date and time information is recorded onto the tape
at all times, but its display can be turned on or off
during playback (see page 73).

1. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power
switch to M (manual record). (The POWER
indicator comes on.)

2. Press in the MENU dial. (The Main Menu
appears.)

3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight DISPLAY.
Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The Display
Menu appears.)

4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight CLOCK ADJ.
Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The month
is highlighted.)

5. Rotate the MENU dial to change the month.
Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The date is
highlighted.) Repeat to input the day, year, hour
and minute.

6. When finished, press in the MENU dial twice to
exit.

Notes:

• To make the date and time appear in the

camcorder’s display or on the TV, see
page 73.

• The internal clock momentarily stops

while you are entering the date/time
information. It resumes once you finish.

Important: A separate internal battery is
used for the time and date. Under normal

CLOCK
ADJ .

CED

25 ’01
30PM:5

conditions, this battery should last for 10
years or more. If you should need to replace
it, see your nearest RCA authorized service
center.

Chapter 1 21

Connections & Setup

MENU dial

S
U

C
O
F

+

H

C
R
A

E

S

K
N
A

L
B

BAT. RELEASE

F

F

O

Power switch

Setting the Tape

+

Y

A

L

P

Lock
button

Recording Speed

You need to select the tape recording speed for the
quality of recording you want.

1. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power
switch to M (manual record). (The POWER
indicator comes on.)

2. Press the MENU dial in. (The Main Menu
appears.)

3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight CAMERA.
Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The Camera
Menu appears.)

4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight REC MODE.
Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The Record
Menu appears.)

5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight SP if you want
the best recording quality, or LP if you want a
lesser-quality recording which provides 1.5 times
the recording time as SP. Press in the MENU dial
to select it.

6. When finished, press in the MENU dial twice to
exit.

Note: If the recording speed is switched
during the recording, the playback picture
will be blurred at the switching point.

22 Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Using the Monitors

Chapter Overview:

• Seeing What You Are Recording

• On-screen Icons

Changing Entertainment. Again.

23

Using the Monitors

Seeing What You Are Recording

To see what is recording, use either the LCD monitor or the viewfinder monitor. When
the LCD monitor is open more than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off. When you close the
LCD monitor, the viewfinder turns on.

Using the LCD Monitor

The camcorder’s LCD monitor is a miniature color screen that you can use for recording
playback.

1. Open the LCD monitor at least 25˚. The
viewfinder turns off.

180°

90°

Cautions

Never force the LCD monitor to rotate completely around. This could damage both
the monitor and/or the camcorder.

When carrying the unit with the shoulder strap, close the monitor to prevent possible
damage to it.

2. For convenient viewing, the LCD monitor can
be tilted once it is open 90˚ from the camera
body. Tilt the monitor forward up 180˚ or down
up to 90˚.

• From a high angle (such as over a crowd)—

tilt the monitor down to record.

• From a low angle (such as when kneeling)—

tilt the monitor up to record.

3. Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor by
turning the bright control (MENU dial). This
doesn’t affect the brightness of the recording
you are making.

• Turn the dial toward + to brighten the image.

• Turn the dial toward – to darken the image.

4. When finished recording, close the monitor and
lock it into place.

Note: Recording outdoors on bright, sunny
days can make the LCD monitor hard to see.
Use the viewfinder instead.

24 Chapter 2

Using the Monitors

Viewfinder

Eyepiece focus
control

Using the Viewfinder

The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor
that displays in black and white. For convenient

+

S
U
C

O
F

+

H

C
R
A

E

S

K
N
A

L

E

B

S

EA
L
E

T. R

BA

viewing, rotate the viewfinder up or down.

Note: When the LCD monitor is open more
than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off.

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.

Note: The eyepiece focus control does not
affect the focus of the image captured by the
camcorder.

Cautions:

Never force the viewfinder to rotate completely
around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or
the camcorder.

When carrying the unit with the shoulder strap,
put the viewfinder down to help prevent possible
damage to it.

Chapter 2 25

Using the Monitors

On-screen Icons

Several displays appear on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder to aid in the operation
of the camcorder. Although it may look crowded, all of the icons shown below do not
appear on-screen at the same time. Also, not all screen icons are shown in the illustration.
Refer to the icon descriptions that follow.

1L2

B2I0T:/2S

O

U

N

D

40 x

W

P

L P

50

min

1

T

R

EC

P

S

3

SOU

ND

1:2

B

20

5

5

Recording Menu Icons Playback Menu Icons

Warning Icons

Indicates the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.

An empty battery icon flashes on screen when the battery’s power is
almost exhausted.

Missing Cassette: Appears when the Power switch is set to either A or

camcorder.

Head Cleaning: HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED USE CLEANING
CASSETTE appears if dirt is detected on the recording heads. Use an

optional cleaning cassette to remove dirt.

B

IT

V

JAN 10 ’01
10 : 00 AM

M

(automatic or manual record) and no cassette tape is in the

1

SEARCDH

L

A

N

K

E

O

L

U

M

:

2

5

E
1C0

2050’0A1

:

M

26 Chapter 2

Using the Monitors

Condensation: CONDENSATION, OPERATION PAUSED PLEASE WAIT

appears if moisture occurs inside the camcorder. When this icon
appears, remove the tape and wait at least one hour before using the
camcorder again.

TAPE END

DIFFERENT
FORMATTED
TAPE

SET DATE/
TIME!

LENS CAP

E01-E06

End of Cassette: Appears when a tape reaches its end during
recording or playback.

Appears if a tape in another format is loaded.

Appears when the date and time is not set. May also occur if the
internal clock battery needs to be replaced. See your nearest RCA
authorized service center.

Covered Lens: Appears briefly after the power is turned on to either
automatic or manual record mode and the lens cap is still attached.

Safeguard: The error icons (E01-E06) show what type of malfunction
has occurred. If an error icon and warning appear, turn the unit off,
remove the power supply (battery, etc.) and wait a few minutes for the
warnings to clear. If they do, you can resume using the camcorder. If
the warnings remain, consult your nearest RCA authorized service
center.

Recording and Playback Icons

Auto Date, Date, Time, or Date and Time Icons

DEC 25. 01
11:45 AM

Indicates the current date and time and is recorded when it is displayed
(see page 73).

Chapter 2 27

Using the Monitors

Program AE with Special Effects Icons

SHUTTER
1/60

SHUTTER
1/100

SPORTS

SNOW

SPOTLIGHT

TWILIGHT

SEPIA

B/W
MONOTONE

Appears when you select SHUTTER 1/60 to set the shutter speed
to 1/60th of a second.

Appears when you select SHUTTER 1/100 to set the shutter speed
to 1/100th of a second. May reduce flicker in some situations.

Appears when you select SPORTS to record fast-moving action,
such as sporting events.

Appears when you select SNOW to record scenes in bright
surroundings, such as snow.

Appears when you select SPOTLIGHT to record scenes in direct
lighting, such as spotlights.

Appears when you select TWILIGHT to record scenes at twilight,
fireworks, etc.

Appears when you select SEPIA to give your recordings a brown­tone like old photographs.

Appears when you select B/W MONOTONE to record scenes in
classic black and white.

CLASSIC

FILM

STROBE

SLOW 4X

Appears when you select CLASSIC FILM to record scenes with a
slow-frame, classic movie feel.

Appears when you select STROBE to record scenes in a series of
consecutive snaps shots.

Appears when you select SLOW 4X to record scenes in dark
lighting.

28 Chapter 2