RCA ProV800C User Manual

USER‘S GUIDE

ProV800C

CAMCORDER

Important Safety Information

Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.

Cautions

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 and model numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.

Model No: _____________________________________ Serial No: _____________________________________ Purchase Date: _____________________________________ Purchased From: _____________________________________

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose

camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.

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.

This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION

ATTENTION

ProV800C

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Assistance

Safety Information..............................i

Product Registration...........................i

Table of Contents............................1-2

First-Time Operation

• Assistance..........................................3

• Unpack Camcorder &

Accessories......................................3

• Attach the Adapter/Charger...............4

• Adjust Handstrap...............................4

• Open Lens Cover...............................4

• Insert a Tape......................................5

• Turn on Camcorder............................5

• Select a Recording Speed..................6

• Set the FULL AUTO/PRESET

Switch..............................................6

• Use LCD Monitor or

Viewfinder to View Recording .......7

• Start and Stop Recording...................8

• Play Back Your Recording................8

• Turn off the Camcorder.....................8

• Close Lens Cover

and LCD Monitor............................8

• Review Camcorder’s

Operating Controls.....................9-11

Powering Your Camcorder

• Using Adapter/Charger....................12

• Using Rechargeable Battery.......13-15

• Using Optional Car Cord Adapter...16

Recording Tips..................................17

Video Cassettes............................18-19

Recording

• Making a Recording...................20-23

• Viewing What You Record Using the LCD Monitor or

Viewfinder................................24-25

• LCD Monitor or Viewfinder

Displays....................................26-29

(continued on next page)

We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call:

Camcorder Exchange Warranty..........800-283-6503 (pages 90-91)

Customer Service.........................................800-336-1900 (page 89)

Accessories.............................................800-338-0376 (pages 76-81)

Table of Contents

Recording (continued)

• Microphone......................................30

• Flying Erase Head ...........................30

• Auto Head Cleaner..........................30

• Tally Light.......................................30

• Quick Record...................................30

• Tape Positioning..............................31

• Quick Review..................................31

• Camera Edit.....................................31

• Full Auto Mode ...............................32

• Electronic Indexing .........................32

• Exposure Control.............................33

• White Balance............................34-35

• Focusing.....................................36-37

• Electronic Image Stabilizer ............38

• Zooming ..........................................39

• Recording Menu..............................40

• Tele Macro Zooming ...................41

• Gain Up (Slow Shutter) ................42

• Color Filter ...................................43

• Tape Time Remaining Display .....44

• Title..........................................45-47

• Date/Time Display

• Install the Clock Lithium Cell ...48

• Set the Date and Time ...............49

• Select Date and/or Time

You Want to Record ..........50-51

• Sub Menu.......................................52

• Tally Light..................................53

• JLIP ID NO................................53

• Self-Timer Recording...........54-55

• Animation Recording ...........56-57

• Time-Lapse Recording.........58-59

• Fading or Wiping In and Out.....60-61

• Production Effects......................62-63

• Attaching the Shoulder Strap...........64

Traveling Tips...................................65

Playback

• Using the Cassette Adapter...66-67

• Playback Using the LCD

Monitor or Viewfinder ............68

• Playback Features

• Visual Searching......................69

• Tape Positioning......................69

• Stop-Action Pause...................69

• Time Counter...........................70

• Tracking...................................71

• Playback on TV (or VCR) With AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks ...72-73

• Playback on TV Without

Audio/Video Inputs ............74-75

Optional Accessories...................76-81

• Accessory Order Form..........79-81

Care and Maintenance ...............82-83

Trouble Checks ...........................84-87

Specifications ....................................88

Information to User..........................88

Customer Assistance and Service ...89

Limited Warranty.......................90-91

Index (Alphabetical) ...................92-93

First-Time Operation

• Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship or store your camcorder.

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

Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery

Part No. 236130

Cassette Adapter Part No. 237583 Cassette Adapter Battery (Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)

Clock Cell 3-Volt Micro Lithium Cell – such as CR2025 – available from most local drug stores and camera shops. Use of other cells present a risk of fire or explosion.

AC Adapter/Charger

Part No. 236689

and DC Cable

Part No. 233087

Model ProV800C

WARNING: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.

1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.

Caution: Do not

use this adapter/ charger for any purpose other than charging the 236130, FB1260, or FB120 battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.

Cautions: Lithium cell battery. Must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns or personal injury.

Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.

The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212˚F (100˚C), or incinerate.

Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the + and – sides of the cell.

POW

CHG END REFRESH

Assistance

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

Camcorder Exchange Warranty . . . . .800-283-6503

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-336-1900

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-338-0376

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

Shoulder Strap

Part No. 218858

+ -

(continued on next page)

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

sp•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

3.Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.

• Lift the flap on the handstrap and

First-Time Operation

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER

OFF

POWER

CHG END REFRESH

JLIP

POWER

Indicator

DC OUT Jack

DC IN

Jack

DC Cable

Adapter/Charger

To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz

2.Attach the adapter/charger.

Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, attach the adapter/charger to the camcorder.

Handstrap Flap

Handstrap Velcro Strip (Under Flap)

LENS COVER

Control

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 as shown above.

C. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into

an operating outlet. The adapter/ charger’s POWER indicator will light

separate the velcro strip.

• Insert your hand, adjust the strap to fit snugly, refasten the strap, and close the flap.

4.Slide LENS COVER control to open lens cover.

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

sp•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

6.Place POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) switch in CAMERA.

BRIGHT

SPEAKER VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

EJECT

PUSH

CASSETTE

EJECT

Tape Wheel

Tape Window

PUSH/OPEN Button

First-Time Operation

EJECT Button

PUSH

Button

(continued on next page)

POWER Switch and Indicator

5.Insert a tape.

Caution: Open monitor at least 60º before opening cassette compartment.

• Press PUSH/OPEN to open the LCD monitor. Open the monitor at least 60º before opening the cassette compartment.

• Press EJECT to open the cassette compartment.

• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette to remove any slack from the tape.

• Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.

• Press the PUSH button to lock the cassette compartment closed.

• The power indicator will light and the camcorder will enter record pause. appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor when the camcorder is in record pause.

• The position of this switch tells the camcorder whether you want to

PAUSE

record (CAMERA), turn the power off (OFF), or play back tapes (VCR).

• The camcorder will automatically turn off if it remains in record pause for five minutes. Place POWER in OFF and then back in CAMERA.

• This places the camcorder in the full auto mode.

• Place the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch in FULL AUTO to have the camcorder automatically control the focus, exposure, and white balance.

FAR

PROG.AE/ EFFECT

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

8.Set the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch to FULL AUTO.

First-Time Operation

7.Select a recording speed.

• EP – Extended play provides three times the recording time as SP (60 minutes with a TC-20 tape). EP has slightly more picture noise in normal playback.

Note: The length of the tape you are using must be selected in the recording menu for the camcorder to correctly calculate the recording time remaining on the tape. Details are on

page 44.

Repeatedly press the SP•EP switch to select a recording speed. The indicator for the speed selected appears in the viewfinder and LCD panel.

Select SP or EP recording speed.

• SP – Standard play provides the best picture, but the shortest recording time (20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).

FULL AUTO/ PRESET Switch

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

S C

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

sp•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

• Many of the special effects do not operate in FULL AUTO. Details on

page 32.

SP•EP Switch

BRIGHT

SPEAKER

VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

PUSH

CASSETTE

EJECT

FAR

PROG.AE/

EFFECT MENU

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

+ _

Viewfinder

Eyepiece Focus Control

BRIGHT Control

PUSH/OPEN Button

LCD Monitor

First-Time Operation

(continued on next page)

9.Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to view what you are recording.

You can watch what you are recording on the color LCD monitor or in the blackand-white viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60º, the viewfinder is automatically turned off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder is automatically turned on.

Use the LCD Monitor

• Make sure the monitor is open at least 60º. The viewfinder will be automatically turned off.

• Tilt the LCD monitor (up to 45º up or down).

• Adjust the brightness of the image by turning the BRIGHT control.

Note: When recording on a bright sunny day, the LCD monitor may be hard to see. Use the viewfinder.

Use the Viewfinder

• Make sure the monitor is closed and locked. The viewfinder will be automatically turned on.

• Adjust the viewfinder for a comfortable viewing condition.

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

First-Time Operation

10. Start and stop recording.

• Press and release the thumb trigger to start recording. appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, and the tally light will light when the camcorder is recording.

• Press and release the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the recordpause mode. appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

11. Play back what you have recorded.

• Place the POWER switch in VCR.

• Press REW to rewind the tape.

PAUSE

RECREC

• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back the tape on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder.

• Press STOP when you are finished playing back the tape.

• Details on viewfinder and LCD monitor playback are on page 68.

12. Place the POWERswitch in

OFF to turn off the camcorder.

The power indicator will turn off.

13. Close the lens cover and close

and lock the LCD monitor.

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

sp•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

Thumb Trigger

Power Indicator

PLAY/PAUSE

Button

REW Button

STOP Button

POWER (VCR/OFF/CAMERA) Switch

BRIGHT

SPEAKER

VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

CASSETTE

EJECT

FAR

PROG.AE/

EFFECT

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

+ _

PUSH

First-Time Operation

Lens

LCD Monitor

Speaker

14. Review camcorder’s operating controls.

Tally Light

PUSH

Button

EJECT Button

SPEAKER VOLUME

Control

PUSH/OPEN

Button

BRIGHT

Control

Viewfinder

Eyepiece Focus Control

Eyepiece

Microphone

(continued on next page)

FULL AUTO/ PRESET Switch

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

sp•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

Handstrap

Thumb Trigger

AUDIO, RF DC OUT, and VIDEO Jacks (Under Cover)

BATT. RELEASE Button

JLIP Connector

Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring

Clock Cell Compartment

Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring

Attach Battery Here

DC In Jack (Attach AC Adapter/Charger Here)

POWER (VCR/OFF/CAMERA) Switch and Indicator

First-Time Operation

14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (Continued)

LENS COVER

Control

QUICK REC

Button

Power Zoom Lever “W” - Wide Angle “T” - Telephoto

BRIGHT

SPEAKER VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

CASSETTE

EJECT

FAR

PROG.AE/

EFFECT

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

+ _

PUSH

FAR

PROG.AE/ EFFECT

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

First-Time Operation

SP-EP

COUNTER R/M TRACKING

MAN.W.BAL

EDIT –

REW FF STOP PLAY/PAUSE

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

SP•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

FF (Fast Forward) Button (Also EDIT SEARCH + Button)

REW (Rewind) Button (Also EDIT SEARCH – Button)

SP•EP Button Also COUNTER R/M (Reset/Memory) Button

MAN.W.BAL. (Manual White Balance) Button

PLAY/PAUSE Button

STOP Button

TRACKING Buttons

14. Review camcorder’s operating controls.

MENU Button

+and

Button

FADE/WIPE Button

PROG.AE/EFFECT Button

NEAR and 66Button

— and

Button

FAR and

Button

EIS (Electronic Image Stabilizer) Button

DISPLAY

Button

Powering Your Camcorder

Attach Adapter/Charger

1. Connect one end of the DC cable to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger.

2. Connect the other end of the DC cable to the DC in jack on the camcorder as

shown above.

3. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

4. If the adapter/charger is properly connected, its POWER indicator will light.

Remove Adapter/Charger

1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the wall outlet.

2. Remove the DC cable from the adapter/charger and camcorder.

Using an Optional Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter may be required in some countries.

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

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

Optional AC Plug Adapter

AC 100-240V

Caution: Do not use this adapter/

charger for any other purpose other than charging the 236130, FB1260 or FB120 battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.

Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder

The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER

OFF

POWER

CHG END REFRESH

JLIP

POWER

Indicator

DC OUT Jack

DC In Jack

DC Cable

Adapter/Charger

To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

JLIP

Powering Your Camcorder

Attach the Charged Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery. Also, install the lithium clock cell before attaching the battery pack.

Details on page 48.

1. Hook the top end of the battery to the back of the camcorder as shown above.

2. Press the bottom of the battery down until it locks into place.

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

3. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA. The power indicator will light.

Remove the Battery

Press and hold BATT. RELEASE on the camcorder while removing the battery.

Battery Safety Precautions

Do not short the battery’s terminals.

Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no userserviceable 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 149ºF (65ºC) could be hazardous.

The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately 100 minutes. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 75 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use the LCD monitor, zoom, and pause). Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.

BATT. RELEASE Button

ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your

Thomson Consumer Electronics product indicates that we are participating in a program to collect and recycle Nickel Cadmium batteries throughout the United States. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information or contact your local recycling center.

POWER Switch and Indicator

RBRC

Ni-Cd

Powering Your Camcorder

Charge the Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger, remove

its plug.

1. Align reference mark on battery with mark on adapter/charger.

2. Hold the battery flush against the adapter/charger and slide it in the direction of the arrow.

3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

4. If the battery is properly connected, the adapter/charger’s CHG (charge) indicator will light.

Note: If you try to charge a battery that has not been charged for a long period of time, it may take a few minutes for the CHG indicator to light.

5. After the battery is charged, the END indicator will light.

6. Remove the charged battery by sliding

it off the adapter/charger.

7. Attach the charged battery to the

camcorder.

POWER

CHG

END

REFRESH

Adapter/Charger

POWER

Indicator

Hold Battery Flush and

Reference Marks

CHG

Indicator

END

Indicator

REFRESH

Indicator

REFRESH

Button

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

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.

Use the REFRESH Button

The battery will provide increased operation time if you “refresh” it after five chargings. The refresh feature “refreshes” the battery by completely discharging it.

1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.

2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator will light and the battery will begin discharging.

3. When discharging is completed, the REFRESH indicator will turn off, and the CHG indicator will light. The battery will then charge.

4. After the battery is charged, the END indicator will light. Remove the battery from the adapter/charger.

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (Continued)

Battery Level Indicator

The battery level indicator appears on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder and shows you the amount of power in the rechargeable battery.

Powering Your Camcorder

Battery Care and Storage

• Recharging takes approximately 100 minutes depending on the battery’s condition.

• Refreshing takes approximately five hours and 30 minutes depending on the battery’s condition.

• After repeated charging and use, operation time will gradually decrease. When operation time becomes too short to be useful, it is time to replace the battery.

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

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

• The battery will provide better service if its power is completely drained before storing it for long periods of time (30 days or more).

• The battery should be charged in the temperature range of 50-95°F (10-35ºC) to prevent damage.

• Do not operate the battery at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 104°F (40°C). The battery may be damaged if operated at temperatures above 122°F (50°C). Operation time will decrease at extremely low temperatures.

• Store the battery at normal room temperature.

Battery Level Indicator

on LCD Monitor or in

Viewfinder

• When appears, the battery is

fully charged.

• As the power is used and

appear.

• When the battery power is almost gone,

flashes. The camcorder will turn off automatically after a few seconds. Place the POWER switch in OFF to turn off the camcorder before replacing the battery.

The battery level indicator will not be recorded on the tape when it appears.

Powering Your Camcorder

1. Place the POWER switch in OFF to turn off the camcorder. Power indicator on the camcorder turns off.

2. If the battery or DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it.

3. Hold the top of the power connector flush against the camcorder and press the bottom of the power connector down until it locks into place.

4. Take the vehicle’s cigarette lighter out of the socket.

5. Insert the car cord’s cigarette lighter plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. The POWER indicator on the car cord adapter will light.

6. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA to turn on the camcorder. The power indicator on the camcorder lights.

Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to be used only with vehicles having negative ground electrical systems.

Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with this camcorder. Use of any other car cord adapter may damage the camcorder and void your warranty.

Optional Car Cord Adapter

The optional DCC08 car cord shown on page 76 allows you to power your

camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 12-volts to a 6-volt output.

Note: Consult the installation and operating instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for complete operating instructions.

Using the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter

Caution: Make sure the camcorder’s

power is turned off before removing the car cord’s plug from the cigarette lighter socket.

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

POWER Indicator

Power

Connector

Cigarette

Lighter Socket

Optional DCC08 Car Cord Adapter

JLIP

Recording Tips

• In case of fire or theft, make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place.

• Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit. This improves picture quality and color reproduction.

• Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-side while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”.

• Use the viewfinder or LCD monitor to make sure the camcorder is level while recording or your scenes will appear “tilted”.

• Use the LCD monitor to shoot a scene from a high or low angle, such as over a crowd.

• Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded.

• Include close-ups of individuals when taping family outings or group functions.

• Fading in and out of scenes will make your videos appear more professional.

• Learn to use the special effects available with your camcorder to add variety to your recordings.

• Be aware of video and audio backgrounds. Background details barely noticed while you are taping may show up as visual “clutter” on your recording. Background noises (especially TV sets, radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) can detract from the sound you want to record.

• Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks and scenic attractions. Recordings are more interesting if they include people and details. “Local color” will give travel videos lasting appeal. Consider recording a familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar vantage point.

Video Cassettes

You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, just record over it.

Safety

Tab

A. Remove B. Cover hole

with vinyl tape or slide tab to REC ON to record over tape.

safety tab or

slide tab to

REC OFF.

We recommend that our cassettes be used with 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 there is no control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.

The automatic head-cleaning system minimizes the need for accessory cleaners or cleaning by a Servicenter. This system is activated whenever you insert or remove a cassette.

Erase Protection – Safety Tab

Recording and Playback Speeds and Times

The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP) or extended play (EP). Select the recording speed using the SP•EP switch. The selected speed will be displayed on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Listed below are the maximum SP and EP recording times for popular VHS-C cassettes.

Recording Time

Cassette SP EP

TC-20 20 Min. 60 Min. TC-30 30 Min. 90 Min. TC-40 40 Min. 120 Min.

• SP – Standard play provides the best picture (less picture noise), but the shortest recording time (20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).

• EP – Extended play provides three times the recording time as SP (60 minutes with a TC-20 tape). EP has slightly more picture noise than SP in normal playback. This may not be noticeable.

BRIGHT

SPEAKER VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

EJECT

PUSH

CASSETTE

EJECT

Video Cassettes

Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape wheel on the side of the cassette in the direction shown to remove any slack in the tape.

Inserting and Removing Cassettes

Cassette Care and Storage

• When you are finished with a cassette, rewind it, remove it from the camcorder, and label it.

• Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period. Excessive heat or cold may damage your cassettes.

• Keep the cassette away from strong magnetic fields such as electric motors and other devices.

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

• Do not use cassettes with damaged or spliced tape.

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

1. Press PUSH/OPEN to open the LCD monitor. Open the monitor at least 60º before opening the cassette compartment.

Cautions:

Open monitor at least 60º before opening cassette compartment.

Insert the cassette only one way with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out. The cassette should slide easily into the compartment. Do not force the cassette.

Tape Wheel

Tape Window

PUSH/OPEN

Button

EJECT Button

2. Press EJECT to open the cassette compartment.

• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette to remove any slack from the tape.

• Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.

3. Press the PUSH button to lock the cassette door into place.

4. If you are not going to use the LCD monitor to view what you are recording or playing back, close and lock the monitor.

PUSH Button

BRIGHT

SPEAKER VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

EJECT

PUSH

CASSETTE

EJECT

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

sp•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

Recording

Making a Recording

The steps below tell you how to make a recording using some of the recording features. Each feature is described in detail on the following pages.

SP•EP Switch

Eyepiece Focus Control

LENS COVER Control

POWER Switch

Tape Wheel

Tape Window

PUSH/OPEN Button

EJECT Button

PUSH Button

Caution: Open monitor at least 60º before opening cassette compartment.

BRIGHT

SPEAKER VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

CASSETTE

EJECT

FAR

PROG.AE/

EFFECT MENU

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

+ _

PUSH

FAR

PROG.AE/ EFFECT

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

MENU Button

Button

FULL AUTO/ PRESET Switch

Recording

1. Attach a power supply.

Attach the adapter/charger, charged battery, or optional DC car cord.

2. Insert a tape.

• Press PUSH/OPEN to open the LCD

monitor. Open the monitor at least 60º before opening the cassette compartment.

• Press EJECT to open the cassette compartment.

• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette to remove any slack from the tape.

• Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.

• Press the PUSH button on the side of the cassette compartment to lock the cassette holder into place.

3. Slide the LENS COVER control to open the lens cover.

4. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.

The power indicator will light and the camcorder will enter record pause.

appears in the viewfinder or

on the LCD monitor.

5. Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to view what you are recording.

Use the LCD Monitor

• Make sure the monitor is open at

least 60º. The viewfinder will be automatically turned off.

• Tilt the LCD monitor (up to 45º up

or down).

• Adjust the brightness of the image

by turning the BRIGHT dial.

PAUSE

Use the Viewfinder

• Make sure the monitor is closed and locked. The viewfinder will be automatically turned on.

• Adjust the viewfinder for a comfortable viewing position.

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

6. Select a recording speed and tape length.

A. Place the SP•EP switch in SP or EP

to select a recording speed.

B. Make sure the FULL AUTO/

PRESET switch is in PRESET.

C. Press the MENU button and use the

or 3button to highlight TAPE

LENGTH. Use 5and 6to select

the length of the tape you are using (T20, T30, or T40) so the camcorder can correctly calculate the time remaining. Press the MENU button again to remove the menu.

(continued on next page)

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

DC OUT VIDEO

S C

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

sp•EP

TRACKING

UNTER R/M

W.BAL.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

REW

JLIP

BRIGHT

SPEAKER

VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

CASSETTE

EJECT

FAR

PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

PUSH

FAR

PROG.AE/ EFFECT

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

Recording

EDIT SEARCH + Button

EDIT SEARCH – Button

LENS COVER

Control

Power Zoom Lever

POWER Switch

Tally Light

FULL AUTO/PRESET Switch

PROG.AE/ EFFECT

Button

FADE/WIPE

Button

Making a Recording (Continued)

Button

Recording

• The effect is automatically activated, and its indicator appears.

• Details are on pages 60-61.

9. Start and stop recording.

• Press and release the thumb trigger to start recording. appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor and the tally light lights when the camcorder is recording.

• Press and release the the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in record pause.

appears.

• The camcorder will automatically turn off if it remains in record pause for five minutes. Place the POWER switch in OFF and then back in CAMERA.

10.Zoom in and out.

• Zoom in and out using the zoom T and W lever.

11.Review what you have recorded.

• Press and quickly release EDIT SEARCH – to review the last few

seconds of your recording.

• Press and hold EDIT SEARCH – or + to visually see what you have recorded. Release the button to begin recording at that point.

12.When you are finished, place POWER switch in OFF, close and lock the LCD monitor, and close the lens cover.

PAUSE

RECREC

7. Select a production special effect to add variety to your recordings.

A. Make sure the FULL AUTO/

PRESET switch is in PRESET.

B. Press PROG.AE/EFFECT to

display the production effects menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

C. Press PROG.AE/EFFECT again to

select the effect you want. The effect is selected automatically and its indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

• Select Cinema (16X9 effect),

Sepia (brown-tone effect), Twilight (dusk and twilight

scenes), Sports (fast moving action), or HI.S (hi-speed shutter for even faster moving action).

• The effect is automatically activated, and its indicator appears.

• Details are on pages 62-63.

8. Add fades and wipes.

A. Make sure the FULL AUTO/

PRESET switch is in PRESET.

B. Press the FADE/WIPE button to

display the fade menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

C. Repeatedly press the FADE/WIPE

button to select a fade or wipe.

• Select Black Fader, Blue Fader,

Mosaic Fader, Shutter Wipe, or Slide Wipe.

BRIGHT

SPEAKER VOLUME

MIN

MAX

PUSH OPEN

PUSH

CASSETTE

EJECT

FAR

PROG.AE/

EFFECT MENU

EIS

DISPLAY

FADE/ WIPE

NEAR

+ _

Viewing What You Are Recording Using the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder

You can watch what you are recording on the color LCD monitor or in the black-and-white viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60º in CAMERA, the viewfinder is automatically turned off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder is automatically turned on.

Use the LCD Monitor

Recording

Viewfinder

Eyepiece Focus Control

BRIGHT Dial

PUSH/OPEN Button

LCD Monitor

1. Press the PUSH/OPEN button and open the LCD monitor.

Make sure the monitor is open at least 60º. The viewfinder will be automatically turned off.

2. You can tilt the monitor up or down 45º for convenient viewing.

• Tilt the monitor down to record from a high angle, such as over a crowd.

• Tilt the monitor up to record from a low angle, such as when you are kneeling.

3. Adjust the brightness of the image by turning the BRIGHT dial. This does not effect 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 you are finished, close the monitor and lock it into place.

Note: When recording on a bright sunny day, the LCD monitor may be hard to see. Use the viewfinder.

BATT. RELEASE

AUDIO

RF DC OUT

VIDEO

–

CAMERA

VCR

POWER OFF

JLIP

Recording

Cautions

Do not force the LCD monitor or viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the monitor, viewfinder, and/or the camcorder.

When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, close and lock the LCD monitor and put the viewfinder down and slide it in. This helps prevent possible damage to the monitor or viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move.

Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing

For convenient viewing, you can slide the viewfinder out from the camcorder and rotate it up and down.

Eyepiece Focus Control

The eyepiece focus control lets you set the focus of the viewfinder for your personal vision. If you wear eyeglasses,

Use the Viewfinder

The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60º, the viewfinder is automatically turned off.

you probably can operate the camcorder without them.

It is easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on one of the viewfinder’s onscreen displays.

Look through the viewfinder and adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision.

The eyepiece focus control does not affect the focus of the picture actually recorded by the camcorder.

Viewfinder

Eyepiece Focus Control

Recording

Tape Speed Indicators (SP or EP)

The tape speed selected with the SP• EP button appears here.

• Details on page 18.

Status Displays

•The indicator appears when the camcorder is recording.

• The indicator appears during record pause.

Production Effects Indicators

The indicator for the production effect selected with the PROG.AE/ EFFECT button appears here. When the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch is in FULL AUTO, Cinema is automatically selected. Place the switch in PRESET to select the other effects.

PAUSE

RECREC

LCD Monitor or Viewfinder Displays

• appears when you select Cinema to “letterbox” record with black bars so you can play back your recordings on a 16X9 TV.

• appears when you select Sepia to give your recordings a browntone like old photographs.

• appears when you select Twilight to record scenes at dusk and twilight.

• appears when you select Sports to record fast moving action, such as sporting events.

• appears when you select HI.S 1/2000 to record even faster moving action than Sports.

• Details are on pages 62-63.

REC

PAUSE

NOV 18.97 PM 8:30:00

Happy Birthday

3 4 5 6 7

8 9

1 2

LENS COVER

Recording

Fade and Wipe Indicators

The indicator for the fade or wipe scene transition selected with the FADE/WIPE button appears here. When the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch is in FULL AUTO, Black Fader is automatically selected. Place the switch in PRESET to select the other fades or wipes.

• appears when you select Black Fade and a black screen fades in and out.

• appears when you select Blue Fade and a blue screen fades in and out.

• appears when you select Mosaic Fade and the picture turns into a mosaic pattern as you fade in and out.

• appears when you select Shutter Wipe and a black screen wipes in from top and bottom or the image pushes open the black screen from the center to the top and bottom.

• appears when you select Slide Wipe and a black screen wipes in from the left or the image moves in from right to left..

• Details are on pages 60-61.

Change Indicator (◆)

This indicator will appear to let you know that an item in the recording menu has been changed from the original factory setting.

Title

The preset title you select or the title you create will appear in this area.

• The title will be recorded on your tape when it appears.

• Details are on pages 45-47.

Date or Date and Time

The date, time, or date and time appears in this area when you press the DISPLAY button.

• These displays will be recorded on your tape when they appear.

• Details are on pages 49-51.

LENS COVER Indicator

• LENS COVER: When you turn on the camcorder, this indicator briefly flashes to remind you to open the lens cover.

• LENS COVER: This indicator may flash when the camcorder is used in dark areas — even if the lens cover is open.

Battery Level Indicator

• This indicator shows power left in

the rechargeable battery.

• This indicator flashes when the battery is almost empty.

• Details are on page 15.

Zoom Indicator

The zoom indicator appears here when you use the zoom lever.

• Details on page 39.

(continued on next page)

+ 67 hidden pages