RCA CPR250 Owner’s Manual
VIDEOCAMCORDER
CPR 250
Owner's manual
It is important that you record your RCA Camcorder serial number and other information here, in case you need a complete
description for any reason, such as theft. You will find the model and serial numbers on the bottom of the Camcorder. You will
also find both numbers recorded on your registration form.
If your dealer did not give you a copy of your Camcorder's registration, contact him promptly and ask for it. If your Camcorder
is not registered, we will not be able to contact you should there be a safety inspection, modification or product recall under
applicable laws or regulations. Also, you must be able to show your registration or evidence of purchase date to receive warranty
parts and service. We suggest you attach your sales slip and warranty registration to this booklet and keep them in a safe place for
future reference.
I I IL........ J
Purchase Date
Dealer Name & Address
tea...._ t_t_, _o Novlt_l_r
Your Video Camcorder AC Adapter/Charger will operate on 120 volts, 60 Hz only and has a polarized plug. Because one blade of the
plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in the wall socket only one way. Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you need an
extension, use a polarized cord.
_ AUTION: To prevent electric shock do not use the polarized plug on this Video Camcorder or AC Adapter/
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover or back. No user-serviceable parts are inside. If you
spill liquid on the Camcorder disconnect the AC Adapter/Charger power cord to prevent possible fire or shock hazard and
consult authorized service personnel. Moisture can damage internal parts. Refer all service to RCA Authorized Video Camera
Servicenter or RCA Factory Service Branch personnel only.
CAUTION: Read "Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger" on next page before use.
CAUTION: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline-operated equipment or accessories connected to this unit should bear the UL
listing mark or CSA certification mark on the accessory itself and should not have been modified so as to defeat the safety
features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from electric shock or fire. If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.
c,.
Charger with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent
blade exposure.
MISE EN GARDE: Pour pr6veuir les chocs _lectriques, ue pas utillser la fiche polaris_e de cet appareil avec une
rallonge, une prise de courant ou une autre sortie, h moins que les lames ne puissent _:tre ins6r_Ms _ fond sans
qu'aucune partie ne soit laiss_e h d_:ouvert.
Model: CPR250 Serial Number:
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose Camcorder
WARNING:
Z_ The symbol of a lightning flash /_,
within a triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shocks.
and AC Adapter/Charger to rain or moisture.
MISE EN GARDE
An exclamation point within a
triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (service)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.
e _UTION: To re_uc__k of i__j_
take it
.....i_ an RCA A_ho_d Video Camera
Se_center orRCA FACtory Service
Company when se_ce or repair is
require_. In_ect re.assembly may
result in a risk of etectri¢ shock or
fire,
eTo r_ue_ risk of electric shocL
.... unplug charger from outlet before
atterapfing any maintenance or
cleaning.
Congratulations on your choice of an
RCA Camcorder. You have selected a
precision-engineered product designed
to give you years of performance and
enjoyment.
Although your Camcorder is very simple
to use, it is important that you read and
carefully follow the instructions in this
guide until you are completely familiar
with the proper operating procedures.
This manual is arranged in the order
that we anticipate you will use it to
operate your new Camcorder, and if you
follow the instructions one step at a
time, you should be able to use your
Camcorder like a pro in about an hour.
If you should experience a problem,
always refer first to the Trouble Checks
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
What Your Camcorder Can Do For You ...................................... 3
RCA VIDEO CASSET'FES ..................................................... 3
PREPARATIONS FOR USE
Unpacking Your Camcorder .................................................. 4
Quick Operation Steps For Experienced Users ................................. 4
LOCATION AND USE OF CONTROLS
Camcorder Operating Controls and Their Functions ......................... 5-8
BASIC OPERATION
How to Power Your Camcorder .............................................. 9
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder ................................ 9
Charging Your Battery ..................................................... 9
Battery Level Indicator .................................................... 9
Using the AC Adapter/Charger ........................................... 10
Using the Optional DC Car Cord ......................................... 10
How to Record With Your Camcorder ....................................... 11
Using Your Camcorder's Special Recording Features ......................... 11
Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) .............................................. 12
Eyepiece Focus Control ................................................... 12
Quick Review ............................................................ 12
EFV Status Display Graphics ............................................. 12
Battery Level Indicator ................................................... 12
Tape Counter and Display ................................................ 13
Memory Stop Feature .................................................... 13
Setting and Recording the Date ........................................... 13
NORMAL/SHUTTER Switch and SHUTTER SPEED Button .............. 14
AUTO IRIS Control ..................................................... 14
Color Balance ............................................................ 14
Focusing Your Camcorder (Auto, Manual and Macro) ...................... 15
Power Zoom Buttons ..................................................... 15
How to Play Back Tapes With Your Camcorder .............................. 16
Connection to a Standard TV ............................................. 16
Connection to a Video Monitor ........................................... 17
Connection to a VCR ..................................................... 17
Playing Tapes Through the Viewfinder ..................................... t8
Playing Tapes Through a TV or Video Monitor ............................ 18
HOW TO COPY YOUR TAPES ON A HOME VCR .......................... 19
HOW TO RECORD FROM YOUR TV/MONITOR ON YOUR
CAMCORDER ............................................................ 19
MAKING BETTER VIDEOS/TRAVELING TIPS/TAPE TIPS ................. 20
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ............................................... 21
CAMCORDER ACCESSORIES
Tripod Mounting ........................................................... 22
Shoulder Strap ............................................................. 22
Optional Accessories ........................................................ 23
TROUBLE CHECKS ......................................................... 24
INDEX ................................................................... 25-26
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................. Back Cover
RCA CAMCORDER LIMITED WARRANTY ....................... Back Cover
on Page 24. In many cases, a simple
solution is all that's needed; and it
could save you a costly service call.
BE SURE TO
SAVE THESE
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
for future reference.
Should your Camcorder require service
during the warranty period, refer to the
back cover of this manual for a
description of what RCA will do and
instructions on how to request service.
What Your Camcorder Can Do
For You
Your RCA Camcorder combines the
features of a video camera and a VHS
video cassette recorder in one
lightweight, easy-to-use unit. As a result,
you can now perform all of the
following:
• Make your own video home movies.
Tape your video memories quickly
and easily, with color and sound, on
inexpensive VHS cassettes. VHS
cassettes are available in your choice
of 60 Min. (T-60), 2 Hr. (T-120) and
2 Hr., 40 rain. (T-160) lengths. For
optimum picture quality, your
Camcorder records and plays back
tapes exclusively in the VHS
Standard Play mode, known as SP.
• Play back tapes immediately through
buUt-in electronic viewfinder. Black &
white electronic viewfinder shows
exactly what is being recorded during
taping and allows "instant replays"
after recording so you can review
what you have taped.
• Play back pre-recorded tapes on
standard "IV or Monitor. Using
included cables, you can use your
Camcorder to play pre-recorded tapes
on any TV. Adapters are included for
use with either a standard TV or a
Video Monitor. (Tapes must have
been recorded in SP speed.)
• Shutter Speed Control. You can
choose from four higher shutter
speeds for recording fast-moving
outdoor sporting events.
• Choose Automatic or Manual Shutter
Speed Control. You can let the
Camcorder automatically control the
shutter speed for you or choose from
four higher shutter speeds for
recording outdoor sporting events or
fast-moving family action.
• Record from another VCR or
Monitor. With an optional adapter,
you can hookup your Camcorder to
another VCR or Monitor and use the
Camcorder to record TV shows or
copy your home tapes.
• Use your Camcorder on AC or DC
power. Included with your Camcorder
is an AC Adapter/Charger and a
Rechargeable Battery. With the AC
adapter/charger attached, you can
power the Camcorder from the
nearest AC outlet. With the charged
battery attached, you can use your
Camcorder virtually anywhere for up
to one hour. With an optional 12-volt
DC cord, you can even power the
Camcorder from your car's cigarette
lighter socket.
• Create professional-looking video
productions. Your Camcorder has the
latest convenient features to make
your videotaping as trouble-free and
enjoyable as possible. You can zoom
in or out at the touch of a button.
The Camcorder will adjust focus
automatically so you don't have to
bother. You can easily fade in and
out of a scene with the Auto Iris
Control. A "quick review" button lets
you double check recording results
and set up your next scene. What's
more, a date display lets you record
the date on your home tapes. For
quick scene location, both visual
search and a viewfinder tape counter
are provided. There's even a
viewfinder adjustment that makes it
easy to use the Camcorder if you
wear eyeglasses.
• Add optional accessories for greater
creative versatility. RCA offers a full
line of compatible accessories for
your Camcorder to increase your
creative range when making video
productions. Some optional
accessories are shown on pages 22
and 23.
Video Cassettes
RCA recommends that RCA cassettes
be used with this unit. The tape in these
cassettes is of high-quality formulation.
It has been manufactured to RCA's
critical specifications, for excellent
performance. Use of tape not meeting
these specifications could considerably
reduce the performance of your
Camcorder.
Use of poor quality tapes or tapes that
have been damaged or mishandled can
contaminate the video heads, resulting
in a snowy picture or no picture at all
during playback. Because RCA has no
control over the type of tape purchased
or rented by consumers, head cleaning is
not covered by RCA's warranty. It is
considered normal maintenance.
Playing a new RCA tape for
approximately 15 minutes will often
satisfactorily clean the heads and
improve your picture. If a snowy picture
or no-picture condition persists,
consider the use of a chemical non-
abrasive head cleaning tape (RCA Stock
No. AV009W) available from your
dealer or many electronic supply stores.
Erase Protection
To prevent accidental erasure of
recorded material, remove the safety tab
from the back of the cassette as shown
below. Recording is impossible when
this tab is removed. To record again on
a cassette that has the tab removed,
simply cover the safety-tab hole with
vinyl tape as shown.
accidental
erasure.
To prevent
break
the tab.
;afety
Tab
To record
again,
cover the
hole with
vinyl tape.
Recording Time
The Camcorder records and plays back
in VHS standard speed (SP). Listed
below are the maximum SP recording
times for popular RCA VHS cassettes.
CASSETrE RECORDING TIME
T-60 60 Min.
T-120 2 Hrs.
T-t60 2 Hrs., 40 Min.
To insert or remove cassettes:
CAUTION: Insert cassette only one
way with safety tab facing
up and tape windows
facing out.
Press EJECT
(_) Builon
Insert Ot remove CloSe cassetle
@ cassetle @ cornpanmenl
Q AC Adapter/
Charger
Q RF Adapter
Q Earphone
(_) Coaxial
RF Cable
(_ 300/75-0hm
(_ Camcorder
(_ Rechargeable
:::>----)
(_ Audio/Video
Q Shoulder
Transformer
Battery Pack
Adapter Cable
Strap _J_
Unpacking Your Camcorder
Since you are reading this manual, you
have obviously opened your
Camcorder's packing box and have
probably already unpacked most of the
items. Once you've removed the packing
materials, the first thing you should do is
make sure you have everything you
need. In the Camcorder's box, you
should find the following items:
1, the Camcorder itself;
2. an AC adapter/charger;
3. a rechargeable battery pack;
4. an RF adapter;
5, an audio/video adapter cable;
6. an earphone;
7. a shoulder strap;
g. a coaxial RF cable;
9. a 300/75-ohm transformer.
If any of these items are missing or
appear damaged, contact your RCA
dealer immediately. Also, you should
save all of the packing materials;
they will come in handy in the event
you have to store or ship the
Camcorder. In preparing your
Camcorder for initial use, you will
need only the Camcorder, the AC
adapter/charger and the battery. Put
the other items aside for now. We
will discuss their use later in this
guide.
Quick Operation Steps for
Experienced Users
If you've used a video camera and VCR
before, you can probably get your
Camcorder up and running quickly by
using the following steps:
la.
For AC operation, attach the AC
adapter/charger (see Page 10) and
plug it into an AC outlet.
lb,
For battery operation, you wilt
have to first attach the battery to
the AC adapter/charger and
charge the battery. This pro-
cedure is described on Page 9.
(The battery takes about one
hour to fully charge.
While you are waiting, why no1
read the rest oFthe roamtat.! After
the battery is charged, attach it to
the Camcorder. following the
directions on Page 9,
2, Set the MAN/AUTO FOCUS
switch _o AUTO: set the
NORMAL/SHUTTER switch to
NORMAL and put the AUTO
IRIS control in the center position
(AUTO).
3. Slide the Camcorder's POWER
switch to the ON position, and you
are ready to go, Remember the
Camc_rder uses standard VHS
cassettes and records exclusively at
the SP speed, After inserting a
cassette, place the CAMERA/
PLAYBACK switch in the
CAMERA position for _ording_
and in PLAYBACK position for
playback through the viewfi_der.
The thumb trigger Control s_'tches
you from Record to Pause whh a
_e touch wheu in CAMERA
4. After using the Cartw,order for the
first time, be sure to read the rest
of the manual for full details of its
features, accessories, and proper
care,
Accessory
BAT (Battery) Eject Lever
@
(EVF)
Microphone
Lens
Auto Focus Window
Camcorder Operating Controls
and Their Functions
Pages 5 through 8 tell you where the
Camcorder controls are located and
what they do. As you read the
description of each control, find that
control on your own Camcorder to
familiarize yourself with its location.
Accessory Shoe
This fitting is used to attach a light
or other lightweight video
accessories to your Camcorder.
CAUTION: Excessive heat from a
light could cause damage to the
Camcorder's case. Use of a light is
not recommended.
Electronic Viewtinder (EVF)
The electronic viewfinder displays
what the Camcorder lens sees. The
electronic viewfinder also functions
as a convenient black & white
monitor during playback of
recorded video.
®
Microphone
The microphone is mounted on the
Electronic Viewfinder near the
front of the Camcorder and is
more sensitive to sounds coming
from the direction in which the
lens is pointed.
Lens
®
Your Camcorder is equipped with
an fl.6, 6:1 power zoom lens which
directs incoming light to the solid
state MOS image sensor.
Auto Focus Window
®
To automatically focus the camera
lens, this window transmits and
receives infrared light which is
reflected off the subject. Make sure
you don't obstruct this window
when recording.
NORMAL/SHUTTER Switch
®
Set this switch to the NORMAL
position for normal use. Set this
switch to the SHUTTER position
when you wish to control the
shutter speed with the SHUTTER
SPEED Button @. Details are on
page 14.
"_ Eyeplece Focus Control
SHUTTER SPEED Button
NORMAL/SHUTTER Switch
SHUTTER SPEED Button
®
This button lets you select four
additional shutter speeds when the
NORMAL/SHUTTER Switch @
is in the SHUTTER position. The
shutter speed is displayed in the
electronic viewfinder. A blinking
shutter speeds indicates you need
more light. Details are on page 14.
®
Eyepiece Focus Control
Use this control to adjust
viewfinder focus. These
adjustments will not affect the
focus of the image recorded by the
Camcorder. This control permits
most users who wear glasses to
remove them while focusing the
Camcorder.
It's easiest to set the correct focus
by focusing on the viewfinder on-
screen displays (such as the date,
battery level, etc.).
®
BA T (Battery) Eject Lever
Slide this lever Down to release the
battery or the AC adapter/charger
from the Camcorder.
POWER FOCUS Buttons (<11_)
_ Power Zoom Buttons
AUTO/PUSHFocus Switch.
AUTO
IRIS Control
I(I(I_POWER FOCUS Buttons (<1_) @
Pressing these buttons will change
the focus of the tens when the
Camcorder is in the Manual Focus
mode (MAAN/A UTO FOCUS
Switch _ in the MAN position.)
Power Zoom Buttons (W and T)
These buttons control the
Cnmcorder's power zoom motor.
Press the button labeled W and
the zoom lens will move in the
Wide Angle direction. Press the
button labeled T and the zoom
lens will move in the Telephoto
(close-up) direction. When you
grasp the Camcorder properly
using the hand strap, the zoom
buttons are easily controlled by
your index and middle fingers.
1_ A UTO/ PUSH Focus Switch @
When this switch is depressed and
held in, automatic focus is
activated and remains activated
until the switch is released. This is
useful if you are shooting a
relatively static scene in MANUAL
FOCUS and need to adjust for a
change in scene by using AUTO
FOCUS quickly and momentarily.
(Wand 7")
MACRO
BuRon
'@DATE Set Buttons
(SHIFT and CHARACTER)
AUTO IRIS Control
With this control in the center
position, the Camcorder
automatically adjusts the lens
opening for the best picture. The
lens iris opening can also be
manually adjusted to compensate
for unusual lighting. When the
subject is in bright light and the
background is dark, turn this
control counterclockwise to close
the lens iris opening. When the
background is in bright light and
the subject appears too dark,
adjust the control clockwise to
open the lens iris. This control can
also be used to easily fade in and
out of scenes. Details are on
page 14.
MACRO Button
For shots as close as 3/8 inch
from your subject, press and hold
the Power Zoom Button "W"
down while pushing in and holding
the MACRO Button. After putting
the Camcorder in the Macro
Mode, press the Power Zoom
Button "W" or "T" until sharp
focus is achieved. Details are on
page 15.
MAN/AUTO
FOCUS Switch
REVIEW Button
Press and hold the "T" zoom
button to return to normal
operation.
®
DATE Set Buttons (SHIFT and
CHARACTER)
These buttons are used to enter
the current date in your
Camcorder so they can be
recorded on your tapes for future
reference. Details are on page 13.
RE VIE W Button
@
Press the REVIEW button while
the Camcorder is in the Record/
Pause mode to view the last four
seconds of a completed recording
segment. Details are on page 12.
©
MAN (MANUAL)/A UTO FOCUS
Switch
Set this switch to the AUTO
position for automatic focus, and
to the MAN position when you
wish to use the POWER FOCUS
Buttons
page 15.
(_o) . Details are on
Continued on next page.
Cassette Door
12-volt DC
Power Cord Jack
®
Connector Cover
{shown in Up position)
(Audio/Video
Output) Connection
12-volt DC Power Cord Jack
This jack lets you operate your
Camcorder from the cigarette
lighter socket of a car (using the
optional DCC012 power cord) or
any other suitable 12-volt DC
source.
@ Power Connector/Connector Cover @
This connector is used to attach
the battery or the AC adapter/
charger. The connector cover
protects the power connector from
damage and should be in the Up
position at all times.
A V OUT (Audio/Video Output)
Connection
Connect the supplied audio/video
connector cable or RF adapter to
this jack, and the video being
recorded or played back on the
Camcorder can be displayed on
TV or Monitor, or even (_
your
recorded on another VCR. The RF
adapter connects the Camcorder to
the standard antenna of a TV. The
audio/video cable connects the
Camcorder to the direct inputs of
a video monitor or VCR.
@ EAR (Earphone) Jack @
You can plug the supplied
earphone into this jack for private
monitoring of audio during
recording or playback.
TRACKING Control
When playing prerecorded tapes or
tapes recorded on other VHS video
recorders, black or white streaks
TRACKING Control
EAR
(Earphone) Jack
may appear on your TV or display
monitor screen. Turn the
TRACKING control slowly in
either direction until the streaks
disappear. The TRACKING
control has no effect during
recording.
Record Start/Stop Button
Tiffs thumb control is used to
change the Camcorder from Pause
to Record and vice versa. With the
Camcorder in the CAMERA
Mode, push this button and the
graphic "REC" will appear in the
viewfinder. (This graphic appears
whenever the Camcorder is
recording.) Press this button again
and the Camcorder will enter the
Pause Mode. It is not necessary to
hold down the Record Start/Stop
Button while recording.
Hand Strap
This strap is designed to provide
comfort and ease of operation
while using the Camcorder. The
strap is adjustable for a
personalized fit.
VIEWFINDER/A V INPUT
(Viewfmder Connection) (Audio/
Video Input)
The viewfinder cable plugs into
this connection linking it with the
Camcorder's audio/video circuitry.
You can also disconnect the
viewfinder and attach the optional
VAA002 audio/video input
adapter to this connection,
allowing Camcorder recording of
external audio and video from
External Microphone Jack
VI£WFINDER/A V INPUT
(Vlewflnder Connection)
(Audio/Video Input)
Record Start/Stop Button
VCRs, component tuners and
other devices. The optional
CGA020 or CGA030 Character
Generator/Titler also uses this
jack.
®
External Microphone Jack
If you wish to use an optional
external microphone during
recording, plug it into this jack.
When an external microphone is
connected, the Camcorder's built-
in microphone automatically is
shut off.
Cassette Door
@
This door can be opened for
cassette insertion or removal
whenever the Camcorder is
attached to a power source. To
open the cassette door, press the
EJECT button (_) on the
Camcorder's top control panel.
Insert a standard VHS cassette
and close the door by hand.
the Camcorder _i!
this
enou_ i _@ i_fi
ej_t the _P_ i_
_ the batte_ to
}_do not _t_em_
amcor t To
A_apt_r C_arg_r
hatte !Zt'o att
tape.
piln the
Hand Strap
_ffl
open
power
CAMERA/PLAYBACK
Switch
(_) Tape
EJECT
Button
DISPLA Y Button @
This button controls the graphics
that appear in the Electronic
Viewfinder. When the CAMERA/
PLAYBACK Switch @) is in the
PLAYBACK position, pressing this
button causes the Battery Level
Indicator and tape counter to
appear. Press again to remove the
graphics.
When the CAMERA/PLA YBACK
Switch _) is in the CAMERA
position, _ressing this button
causes the date display to appear.
Press again to display the battery
level indicator and tape display.
Press again to remove all graphics.
Tape Counter RESET Button
When the tape counter is displayed
in the viewfinder, pressing this
button resets the counter to
"0000". Details are on page 13.
REWIND "(I,_ Button
Press to rewind a tape after either
recording or playback when the
Camcorder is in the STOP Mode.
When the Camcorder is in the
PLAYBACK Mode, this Button
becomes the Reverse Search
Button. Press and hold this button
to visually scan your tape in
reverse. To return to normal
playback, release the REWIND
41_1 Button.
EFWD Ibl* (Fast Forward) Button
Press this button while the
Camcorder is in the STOP Mode
to rapidly advance the tape in the
forward direction.
When the Camcorder is in the
PLAYBACK Mode, this button
becomes the Forward Search
Button. Press and hold to visually
scan your tape forward. To return
to normal playback, release the
F.FWD _IP Button.
PA USE Button
Press this button during playback
to display a still picture on the
viewfinder. Press again to return to
normal play. During recording, a
thumb trigger control activates the
Pause function.
tq_
CA MERA IPLA YBA CK Switch
Place this switch in the CAMERA
position to put the Camcorder in
the Record/Pause Mode for
recording.
Place this switch in the
PLAYBACK position for viewing
tapes.
@
Tape EJECT Button
Press this button to open the
cassette door for tape insertion or
removal. The Camcorder must be
attached to a power source in
order to load or remove a cassette.
Power and Dew Indicator
®
This light glows whenever the
Camcorder is turned on. Blinking
of the power light indicates
excessive moisture in your
Cameorder, and an internal
protection feature will prevent the
unit from operating until the
moisture is gone. Leave the power
on, and when the fight stops
blinking, the unit can be operated.
POWER Switch
®
This switch turns the Camcorder's
power on and off.
STOP Button
@
The STOP button is used to stop
playback, rewind, and fast forward
operations. This button has no
effect during recording.
PLAY Button
®
With the CAMERA/PLA YBACK
switch in the PLAYBACK
position, press the PLAY button to
play back recorded material.
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