RCA CC9370 User Manual

Digital

Camcorder

User’s Guide

Changing Entertainment. Again.

CC9370

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 electric shock, do not expose this camcorder or AC charger to rain or moisture.

WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric

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.

shock or personal injury.

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.

ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu au fond.

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

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

Product Registration

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

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

Model No: _______________________________

CC9370

Serial No: _______________________________ Purchase Date: _______________________________ Purchased From: _______________________________

Table of Contents

Assistance ......................................3

First-Time Operation ................... 3

Getting Started ............................3

Using the LCD Monitor: ......... 7

Reviewing Operating Controls ....9

Powering the Camcorder ........... 11

Using the Adapter/Charger ........ 11

Using the Rechargeable Battery 12

Charging the Battery............. 13

Battery Life .......................... 14

Battery Level Indicator ......14

Battery Care and Storage ...... 14

Other Camcorder Details ........... 15

Shoulder Strap ..........................15

Working With the Right Media .16

Mini DV Cassettes .................... 16

Erase Protection Tab .................16

Recording and Playback Speeds

and Times ............................... 16

Cassette Notes .......................... 17

Care and Storage .......................17

Time-Remaining Display ..........17

On-Screen Preferences ............... 18

Display Menu Options .............. 18

Setting the Date and Time.....18

Displaying Information on

the Camcorder or TV .........19

Displaying Date and Time

Information On Screen .......20

Time Code Display............... 20

Using the Monitors ..................... 22

Seeing What You Are

Recording ............................... 22

Using the LCD Monitor ........ 22

Using the Viewfinder ............ 23

Focusing the Eyepiece .......23

On-screen Indicators ................. 24

Warning Indicators ....................24

Recording Mode Indicators .......25

Playback Mode Indicators .........27

On-screen Menus ........................29

Accessing Menus ......................29

Fader/Wipe Effects ...............29

Program AE with Special

Effects ............................... 30

Exposure Control ................. 32

Iris Lock ...............................32

White Balance Adjustment ... 33

Manual White Balance ......... 34

Using the Manual Menu ............35

Digital Image Stabilization ... 35

Tele Macro Focusing ............35

Wide Mode ..........................36

Cutting Wind Noise ..............37

Resetting Defaults ................37

Using the Camera Menu ........... 37

Recording Mode ................... 38

Sound Mode ......................... 38

Zoom Mode ......................... 38

Gain Up ............................... 39

Tally Light............................ 39

ID Number ...........................40

Demo Mode ......................... 40

Side LED .............................41

Using the Display Menu............ 41

On-Screen Displays ..............41

Date and Time Display ......... 42

Time Code............................42

Clock Adjustment .................42

Recording .................................... 43

Recording Details ..................... 43

Video Light ..........................43

Camcorder Focus ................. 45

Auto Focus ....................... 45

Manual Focus ................... 46

Snapshot Feature .................. 46

FRAME ............................46

FULL ................................ 46

MULTI-4 .......................... 47

MULTI-9 .......................... 47

PIN-UP ............................. 47

Table of Contents

Recording

Recording Details

Digital and Optical Zooming 47

Using the Zoom Lever ...... 47

Playback ...................................... 49

Basic Playback .......................... 49

Speaker Volume ................... 49

Still Playback Mode .............50

Shuttle Search ...................... 50

Frame-By-Frame Playback ...50

Basic Connections .................... 50

Displaying Data on a TV or

VCR ..................................50

Viewing Recordings on a TV

Using A/V Input Jacks .......51

Connecting to a TV Using

A/V Input Jacks .................51

Connecting to a VCR

Using A/V Input Jacks .......52

Connecting to a Computer

Using IEEE 1394 Jacks ......53

Connecting to a VCR to

Capture Sound Only ........... 54

Dubbing to Another Digital

Video Camcorder ...............55

Camcorder Tips ..........................56

Recording Tips..........................56

Traveling Tips ...........................56

Optional Accessories ...................57

Soft Carrying Case ....................57

Shoulder Strap ..........................57

Rechargeable Battery ................ 57

Extended Life Battery ............... 57

AC Battery Charger ..................58

Universal Remote Control .........58

IEEE 1394 Cable ......................58

A/V Cable .................................58

DC Cable ..................................58

Tripod .......................................59

Accessories Order Form ............ 60

Trouble Checks ........................... 63

Specifications .............................. 68

Care and Maintenance ............... 69

After Using the Camcorder .......69

Cleaning The Camcorder .......... 69

Proper Care and Storage ............ 70

Things to Avoid......................... 70

Customer Assistance and Service 71

Warranty ....................................72

Working With the Core Filter ....74

Index ........................................... 75

First-Time Operation

Assistance

The toll-free numbers are available to help with any problem you may encounter.

Camcorder Exchange Warranty .................. 800-283-6503 (pages 72-73)

Customer Service ........................................ 800-336-1900 (page 71)

Accessories ................................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 57-62)

Getting Started

This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.

1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.

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

• 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 a fingernail, not anything sharp, to remove.

Model CC9370

Shoulder Strap

Part No. ACS091

IEEE 1394

Connection Cable

Part No. 249644

Lithium-ion Battery

Part No 247800

AC Adapter/Charger

Part No. 247801

Audio/Video Cable

Part No. 249645

Core Filter for Optional

S-Video cable

(see page 74 for details)

Caution

Never use the adapter/ charger for any purpose other than charging the 247800 battery pack (or the optional BB46L) or for supplying power to the camcorder.

DC Cable

Part No. 244268

First-Time Operation

2. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.

A. Lift the flap on the handstrap

and separate the Velcro strip.

B. Insert your hand so your

fingers can comfortably reach

the camera buttons. C. Adjust the strap to fit snugly. D. Refasten the strap, and fold

the flap back down.

Handstrap

3. 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 using the included DC power cable.

Handstrap Velcro Strip (Under Flap)

To AC outlet 100-240, 50/60 Hz

DC In jack

A. Connect one end of the DC

cable to the DC OUT jack on

the adapter/charger. B. Connect the other end of the

DC cable to the DC in jack on

the camcorder.

Adapter/charger model 247801

DC cable

DC OUT jack

C. Plug the adapter/charger’s

plug into a working power outlet.

First-Time Operation

4. Press in the Lock Button and rotate the Power Switch to automatic (A) record .

• The Power Indicator lights when

the camcorder is turned on.

• The position of the Power Switch

determines whether the camcorder is in automatic (A) or manual (M ) record mode, powered off (OFF), or in playback mode (

PLAY

• Automatic recording places the

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

Note: Many special effects do not operate in AutoShot mode (see pages

31-32 for more information).

• Manual (M) recording mode

allows you to control many of the camcorder’s special features.

Note: The camcorder automatically turns off to save battery power if left in record-pause mode for more than five minutes. Set the Power Switch to OFF, then back to automatic or manual record mode to turn back on.

Power Indicator

Lock Button

Power Switch

5. Set the Light (AUTO/ON/OFF) Switch to AUTO.

Open the LCD monitor by pressing and holding the PUSH OPEN latch, then rotate the monitor outward.

Note: Opening the LCD more than 25 degrees automatically turns it on turns off the image in the viewfinder.

With the light switch set to AUTO, the Video Light automatically turns on when more light is needed.

LCD monitor

LIGHT switch (OFF/AUTO/ON)

First-Time Operation

6. Insert a Mini DV cassette.

A. Make sure the camcorder is

connected to a power supply. With the camcorder set to

automatic ( hold the OPEN/EJECT latch. Gently pull the cassette cover open until it snaps into place. The cassette holder automatically opens.

C. Insert a Mini DV cassette with

the record protection tab facing up and the tape window facing out.

Note: The Mini DV cassette’s record Protection Tab must be set to REC in order to be recorded on.

D. Push on the area marked

PUSH HERE until the cassette holder locks into place.

PAUSE

appears on the LCD or in

---

the viewfinder when a recordable tape is inserted into the camcorder.

) record, slide and

Record protection tab

Tape window

OPEN/EJECT latch

PUSH HERE marks the area to use to close the cassette compartment

Caution

Never open the cassette holder door by force. This could damage the camcorder and void the warranty.

The camcorder must be connected to a power supply to load or eject a cassette.

7. Use the LCD monitor to see what’s recording.

To see what’s recording use the color LCD monitor.

Note: When the LCD monitor opens more than 25 degrees, the viewfinder automatically turns off. When the LCD monitor is closed, the viewfinder automatically turns on.

To enable both you and the person being recorded to see what’s on the LCD monitor, you can rotate the screen 180 degrees so the front of the monitor faces forward.

Note: With the LCD monitor completely rotated, the viewfinder also turns on.

180°

90°

First-Time Operation

Using the LCD Monitor:

A. Open the monitor 90 degrees

from the camcorder body.

B. Tilt the monitor 180 degrees

forward or 90 degrees down as required for convenient viewing while recording.

C. To adjust the brightness of the

LCD monitor’s image, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial .

Note: Adjusting the LCD monitor brightness does not affect the recorded image on cassette.

8. Start and stop recording.

A. Remove the Lens Cap. B. Put the camcorder in

automatic record mode by pressing the Lock Button in and rotating the Power Switch

to the

C. Press and release the Thumb

Trigger to start recording. The

REC

viewfinder or LCD monitor (but does not show up in the recording). This indicator reflects that recording has started.

D. When finished recording,

press and release the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record-pause mode. The the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

icon.

icon appears in the

PAUSE

icon appears in

---

MENU/BRIGHT dial

Rotating the MENU/BRIGHT dial adjusts the brightness of the LCD monitor.

Thumb Trigger

First-Time Operation

9. Play back your recording.

A. Press the Lock Button in while

rotating the Power Switch to the

PLAY

icon to put the camcorder

in playback mode. The Power Indicator lights.

B. Press the Rewind Button (

on top of the camcorder to reverse the cassette to the beginning. When rewound completely, the camcorder will automatically stop.

The time counter and date/time on-screen displays will blink.

C. Press the Play/Pause button

(

) on top of the camcorder

to start playback.

D. View the recording using the

LCD monitor or viewfinder.

Notes: The LCD monitor displays the recording in full color while the viewfinder displays in black and white only.

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 22-23.

E. Press the Stop Button ( ) on

top of the camcorder when finished playing back the tape.

Power Indicator

)

Pressing the Thumb Trigger will start or pause recording

Playback buttons on top of the camcorder include Stop ( Rewind ( ), Play/Pause (/), and Fast Forward (

Thumb Lock

10. Turn off the camcorder.

Press in the Lock Button and rotate the Power Switch to OFF.

11. Close the LCD monitor.

First-Time Operation

Reviewing Operating Controls

Zoom Lever (also Volume Control in PLAY mode)

MENU/BRIGHT Dial

OPEN/EJECT Latch

A/V, Computer, and S-Video Connection jacks (under rubber hood)

Viewfinder

Battery

Power Indicator

Thumb Trigger

Play/pause Button (/)

Rewind Button (

STOP Button (

Hand Strap

Battery Release Button

Power Switch/ Lock Button

Fast forward Button ( )

)

PUSH/OPEN Button

LCD Monitor (closed)

Tally Light

Video Light

Microphone

First-Time Operation

Reviewing Operating Controls

DC IN Jack

LCD Monitor (open)

Light Switch (OFF/AUTO/ON)

MENU/BRIGHT Dial

MODE Button

Speaker

SNAPSHOT Button

Shoulder Strap Ring

Service Port

Cassette Holder Carriage (NEVER touch internal pieces)

Cassette Holder Cover Door

PRESS HERE Cassette Holder Closing Point

Powering the Camcorder

Using the Adapter/Charger

The Adapter/Charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The Adapter/Charger operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.

To AC power outlet

Adapter/Charger

DC OUT Jack

DC IN Jack

DC Cable

Attaching the 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.

3. Plug the Adapter/Charger’s plug into an AC power outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

CAUTION

Never use this Adapter/Charger for any purpose other than charging the 247800 battery pack (or the optional BB46L) or in conjunction with the DC cable to supply power to the camcorder.

Removing the Adapter/Charger

1. Unplug the Adapter/Charger from the power outlet.

2. Remove the DC cable from the Adapter/Charger and camcorder.

Using an Optional Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter might be required in some countries.

1. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the AC plug adapter.

Optional AC Plug Adapter

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

AC 100-240V

Powering the Camcorder

Using the Rechargeable Battery

The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging takes approximately 90 minutes. When fully charged, the battery supplies approximately 75-95 minutes of operating time– depending on how much the monitor, zoom, and pause are used. Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.

Safety Precautions

• Do not short the battery’s terminals.

Battery Release Button

• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. No userserviceable parts are 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 degrees F (65 degrees C) could be hazardous.

Attaching a Charged Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery.

1. Lift the viewfinder.

2. Slide the battery into the back of the camcorder. Make sure the arrow diagram on the battery points down so the contacts on the battery and camcorder match.

3. Turn the Power Switch to record

(

or A). The power indicator

lights.

Removing a Battery

Press and hold the BATTERY RELEASE button. Slide the battery up and out to remove.

Powering the Camcorder

Charging the Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT jack on the Adapter/Charger, remove it.

1. Make sure the arrow on the battery faces up and points to the Adapter/Charger’s POWER light.

2. Hold the battery flush against the Adapter/Charger and slide it in the direction of the arrow.

3. Plug the Adapter/Charger into the nearest AC power outlet (100240V, 50/60Hz).

4. If the battery is properly connected, the CHARGE indicator blinks.

Arrow Marker

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 CHARGE indicator to flash.

5. After the battery is charged, the CHARGE indicator stops blinking and remains lit.

6. Remove the charged battery by sliding it off the Adapter/Charger.

7. Attach the charged battery to the camcorder as described on the previous page.

Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery model 247800 (or optional model BB46L)

To AC Wall Outlet 100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz.

Adapter/Charger model 247801

POWER Indicator

CHARGE Indicator

CAUTION

When a battery is attached to the Adapter/Charger, do not turn them upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.

DC OUT Jack

Powering the Camcorder

Battery Life

Battery Level Indicator

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

Notes: The battery level indicator is not recorded on the tape.

• When appears, the battery is fully charged.

• As power is used,

will appear which will be followed by the

icon.

• Finally, when the battery power is almost gone,

flashes on screen. The camcorder turns off automatically after a few seconds. Before replacing the battery or plugging the DC Cable into the camcorder, set the Power Switch to OFF to turn off the camcorder.

Battery Care and Storage

• Recharging takes approximately 70 minutes for the battery depending on its condition.

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 light on the Adapter/Charger. Remove the battery and try again.

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

Charging times are based on a fully discharged battery.

Charging times vary depending on ambient temperature and battery condition.

If you connect the camcorder’s DC cord to the Adapter/Charger during battery recharging, power is supplied to the camcorder and charging stops.

• 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 discharging must be stopped in the middle, remove the battery from the adapter/charger before unplugging it from the AC outlet.

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

• Let a hot battery cool down before attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.

Other Camcorder Details

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.

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

1. Make sure the battery pack or DC cord is removed.

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

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

4. 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.

Shoulder Strap

Hand Strap

Eyelets

Shoulder Strap Buckle

Working With the Right Media

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.

Note: For details on loading and unloading cassettes into the digital camcorder, see page 6 in this manual.

Erase Protection Tab

You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, make sure that the Erase Protection Tab is set to REC. To protect a cassette from being recorded over, move the Erase Protection Tab to SAVE.

Recording and Playback Speeds and Times

The camcorder records and plays back in Standard Play (SP) or Long Play (LP) mode. Select the recording speed using the on-screen menus (see page 38 for details).

The selected speed is displayed on screen but not in the recording. The maximum SP and LP recording times for popular Mini DV cassettes are shown.

• SP Provides the best picture (less picture noise), but the shortest recording time (as few as 30 minutes).

• LP Provides the longest recording times (up to 120 minutes with an 80-minute tape) but has more potential picture noise than SP in normal playback.

Erase Protection Tab

Slide tab to SAVE to protect contents, or REC to use.

Recording Time

Cassette SP LP

30 min. 30 min. 45 min. 60 min. 60 min. 90 min.

80 min. 80 min. 120 min.

Working With the Right Media

Cassette Notes

• A power supply must be attached to load or eject a cassette.

• When loading a cassette, it takes a few seconds for the Cassette Holder to open. Never apply force to the holder or door cover as this might result in damage to the camcorder and void the warranty.

• If the cassette holder does not open after a few seconds, close the holder door and try again. If it still does not open, turn the camcorder off then on again.

• If the cassette does not load properly, open the cassette holder door and fully remove the unit. Wait a few minutes and reinsert it.

• When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a cold environment to a warm environment, wait a short time before opening the cassette holder door.

• Closing the cassette holder door before the holder comes out may damage the camcorder.

• Even when the camcorder is turned off, a cassette can still be loaded or unloaded. After the cassette holder is closed with the camcorder switched off, though, it may not recede. Turn the power on before loading or unloading cassettes.

• When recording, once the cassette holder door is open, a blank portion will be recorded on the tape or a previously recorded scene will be taped over regardless of whether the tape holder came out or not.

• Loosen the grip strap if it appears to interfere with the cassette holder door operation.

Care and Storage

• When finished with a cassette, rewind it, remove it from the camcorder, and label it. Protect the tape using the erase protection tab if necessary.

• Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Never leave the camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period of time. Excessive heat or cold might damage cassettes.

• Keep cassettes away from strong magnetic fields such as electric motors, speakers and other devices.

• Keep dust from entering the cassette compartment. All dust is abrasive and causes excessive wear on the cassette and the camcorder’s recording and playback heads.

• Never use cassettes with damaged or spliced tape.

• Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or exposed to moisture. The tape might jam and/or damage the camcorder.

Time-Remaining Display

The approximate time remaining on a recording tape is displayed on screen:

SP 20min

REC

TC 15:00

Time Remaining Display

On-Screen Preferences

Display Menu Options

The Display Menu offers a chance to set what is shown on screen during recording and playback. You must set the correct date and time before they can be displayed in either mode.

Setting the Date and Time

The correct date and time must be set before they can be displayed.

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

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record. The power indicator lights.

Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s on-screen menus. The FADER/WIPE menu ( ) is the default display.

FAD

–

IRC

)

3. Rotate the highlight DISPLAY MENU (

MENU/BRIGHT

dial to

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display a series of submenus.

5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight CLOCK ADJ.

6. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select the choice and display time and date information. The month is highlighted.

MDE

255’

030

7. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the correct month.

8. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial when the correct month is shown to advance to the day entry.

9. Repeat the procedure to select the correct day. Following day is the year, then hour, and finally the minute.

Note: You must rotate through all 12 hours to change a.m. times to p.m.

10. After advancing through all of the time and date settings and CLOCK ADJ. is the only highlighted item, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight

RETURN.

On-Screen Preferences

6. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to return to the main menu icons. To exit the menus and return to normal viewing, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial when the END icon (

Note: For different date/time display options, see the following instructions.

You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

) is highlighted.

Displaying Information on the Camcorder or TV

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record.

The power indicator lights.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s onscreen menu system.

FAD

–

P P N F D D D

–

IRC

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon (

). Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to select the choice. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial again to select ON SCREEN.

)

DISPLAY MENU RETURN

ON SCREEN LCD

DATE/TIME LCD/TV TIME CODE SIMPLE CLOCK ADJ.

Choose which information will be displayed on what devices. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight LCD, LCD/TV, or SIMPLE.

LCD Displays information only on the camcorder’s LCD monitor and not on a connected TV screen.

LCD/TV Makes the camera’s display appear on a connected TV or VCR display as well as the camcorder’s LCD monitor.

SIMPLE Keeps on-screen indicators (except the tape running indicator, warning icons, and date/time information) from appearing on screen. This also keeps the camcorder’s information (except date and time) from appearing on a connected TV or VCR display.

5. When you’ve made your choice, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it and exit back to the DISPLAY MENU.

Note: You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select

RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

On-Screen Preferences

Displaying Date and Time Information On Screen

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record. The power indicator lights.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s onscreen menu system.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon (

). Press in the MENU/

BRIGHT dial to select it.

DISPLAY MENU RETURN

ON SCREEN LCD

DATE/TIME LCD/TV TIME CODE SIMPLE CLOCK ADJ.

4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight DATE/TIME. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it.

DISPLAY MENU RETURN ON SCREEN

DATE/TIME ON

TIME CODE OFF CLOCK ADJ.

5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select ON or OFF.

ON Sets the date and time to always be displayed on screen.

OFF The date and time do not appear on screen

)

6. When the desired choice is made, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate it and exit back to the DISPLAY MENU.

Note: You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select

RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

Time Code Display

During recording, a time code is captured on the tape. This code confirms the location of the recorded scene on the tape during playback.

If recording starts from a blank portion of the tape, the time code begins counting from 00:00:00 (minutes: seconds: frame number). If recording starts from the end of a previously recorded scene, the time code continues from the last time code number.

Note: The time code is automatically set to 00:00:00 when a tape is ejected.

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record. The power indicator lights.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s onscreen menu system.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon (

). Press in the MENU/

BRIGHT dial to select it.

4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight TIME CODE. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select the choice and display submenus.

)

On-Screen Preferences

DISPLAY MENU RETURN ON SCREEN DATE/TIME

TIME CODE ON

CLOCK ADJ. OFF

5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select ON or OFF.

ON Displays the time code on the camcorder’s viewfinder or LCD monitor as well as a connected TV or VCR display. Frame numbers are not displayed during recording.

• OFF The time code is not displayed at all.

6. When you’ve made your choice, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate it and exit back to the DISPLAY MENU.

Note: You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select

RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

Using the Monitors

Seeing What You Are Recording

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

To enable both you and the person you’re recording to see what’s being captured, rotate the LCD monitor completely around 180 degrees so the front of the monitor faces the person being recorded (the viewfinder turns on automatically when the monitor is turned to the front).

Using the LCD Monitor

The camcorder’s LCD monitor is a miniature color monitor that displays the images captured by the camcorder in either record mode or for recording playback.

180°

90°

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

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

• 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.

Cautions

Never force the 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 from bumping against objects as you move.

3. Adjust the brightness of the LCD’s image by turning the bright control (MENU/BRIGHT dial). This does not 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 on bright, sunny days can make the LCD monitor hard to see. Use the viewfinder instead.

Using the Monitors

Using the Viewfinder

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

Note: When the LCD monitor is open more than 25 degrees the viewfinder turns off unless the LCD is rotated 180 degrees to face forward. With the LCD forward, both monitors are turned on.

For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder up or down.

Cautions

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

When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, put the viewfinder down to help prevent possible damage to it from bumping against your body as you move.

Focusing the Eyepiece

The Diopter Adjustment Control on the underside of the viewfinder focuses the eyepiece’s display allowing for individual vision needs.

If you wear eyeglasses, you may be able to operate the camcorder without them by using the Diopter Adjustment Control.

Diopter Adjustment Control

To set the correct focus, concentrate on one of the icons in the on-screen menus.

1. Adjust the eyepiece for comfortable viewing.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the on-screen menus.

3. Concentrating on the icons, turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until they come into focus.

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

Using the Monitors

On-screen Indicators

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.

UPT

TAC

Recording Menu Icons Playback Menu Icons

G5HT

DEPC

1L2

TBC

210

Warning Indicators

Indicates the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.

An empty battery icon flashes on screen when

Battery Levels

the battery’s power is almost exhausted.

DEPC

255Õ

030

Missing Cassette

Warning

CHECK TAPE’S ERASE

PROTECTION SWITCH

Head Cleaning

Warning

Appears when the power switch is set to either automatic (

) or manual (M) record

and no cassette is in the camcorder.

Appears when the Erase Protection Tab is set to SAVE while the Power Switch is set to either automatic (

) or manual (M) record.

HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED USE CLEANING CASSETTE appears if dirt is

detected on the recording heads. Use an optional cleaning cassette to remove dirt.

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