RCA PROV800C Owner’s Manual

USER'S

GUIDE

CAM CO

Important Safety Information

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

I I

camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.

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

This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"

RISKOF ELECTRICSHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISO_JEDECHOC

Et.ECTRIQUENEPASOU'V'RtR

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.

Cautions

inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.

This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.

._,-_f ,;,'.....: _,:

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to

wide slot, fully insert.

ATTENTION: Pour 6viter les chocs 61ectriques, introduire la lame

la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu au fond.

To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries

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: ProV800C Serial No: Purchase Date: Purchased From:

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

Camcorder Exchange Warranty .......... 800-283-651)3 (pages 90-91)

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

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

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 A UTO/PRESET

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

• Use LCD Monitor or

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

• Start and Stop 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

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

(continued on next page)

Recording (continued)

• Time-Lapse Recording ......... 58-59

• 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

• 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

A UDIO/VTDEO IN Jacks ...72-73

• Playback on TV Without

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

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

• Accessory Order Form ........... 79-81

• 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

• Tall)" Light .................................. 53

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

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

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

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

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

Assistance

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

Camcorder Exchange Warranty ..... 800-2813-6503

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

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

t,,-

1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.

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

camcorder.

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

WA_ING:

jz NICKEL

,nH

aN:i

Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery

Model ProV800C

BATTERY MUST _'_

BE _CYCLED OR DISPOSED OF

PROPERLY. Shoulder Strap

Part No. 218858

Part No. 236130

$ o. ii .... _,- , * .

AC Adapter/Charger

Part No. 236689

and DC Cable

Part No. 233087

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.

Caution: Do not

use this adapter/

purpose other than charging the

Cassette Adapter

Part No, 237583

power to the camcorder.

Cautions: :Lithium cell battery,-Must be disposed of properly. Never

handle pufic'tured or leaking cell: May Cause burns or personal injury. Keep our,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.

Cassette Adapter Battery

(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)

(continued on next page)

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.

To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz

Adapter/Charger

DC OUT Jack

POWER

Indicator

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.

3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.

• Lift the flap on the handstrap and

separate the velcro strip.

C. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into

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

light

LENS COVER

Handstrap Velcro Strip (Under Flap)

Handstrap Flap

4. Slide LENS COVER control to open lens cover.

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

close the flap.

5. Insert a tape.

before opening

cassette compa_ent.

PUSH/OPEN Button

PUSH

Button

Tape Wheel

_Tape Window

EJECT Button

• Press PUSH/OPEN to open the LCD

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

• Press EJECT to open the cassette

• 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.

compartment.

• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette

to remove any slack from the tape.

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

Switch and

Indicator

• The power indicator will light and the camcorder will enter record

pause. -=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

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

The camcorder will automatically turn off if it remains in record pause

for five minutes. Place POWER in OFF and then back in CAMERA.

,(continued on next page)

7. Select a recording speed.

SPoEp Switch

Repeatedly press the SpoEp 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).

• 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.

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

• This places the camcorder in the full

auto mode.

• Place the FULL A UTO/PRESET switch in FULL AUTO to have the

camcorder automatically control the focus, exposure, and white balance.

FULL AUTO/ PRESET Switch

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

page 32.

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 black- and-white viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60 °, the

viewfinder is automatically turned off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder is automatically turned on.

BRIGHT Control

Eyepiece

LCD Monitor

Focus Control

Viewfinder

PUSH/OPEN Button

Use the LCD Monitor

• Make sure the monitor is open at

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

• Tilt the LCD monitor (up to 45 ° 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.

(continued on next page)

Thumb Trigger

POWER (VCR/OFF/CAMERA ) Switch

Power Indicator

REW Button

PLA Y/PA USE

Button

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 record-

pause mode. -= PAUSE appears in the viewfinder or on the

LCD monitor.

11.

Play back what you have

REC

recorded.

• Place the POWER switch in VCR.

• Press REW to rewind the tape.

• Press PLA Y/PA USE 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 POWER switch 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.

14. Review camcorder's operating controls.

Microph_

Lens __y _ht

LCD

Monitor

PUSH/OPEN

Button

SPEAKER

VOLUME

Speaker

BRIGHT

Control

PUSH

Button

Viewfinder Eyepiece

Focus Control

Eyepiece

EJECT Button

FULL AUTO/

PRESET Switch

(continued on next page)

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

Power Zoom Lever

QUICK REC

Button

"W" - Wide Angle "T" - Telephoto

.>.¢4.-;> :_: .:Q, : ...

Shoulder Strap

Attachment Ring

Clock Cell Compa

Attach Battery Here-

DC In Jack (Attach AC Adapter/Charger Here)

Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring

BA TT. RELEASE Button

AUDIO, RF DC OUT, and

VIDEO Jacks (Under Cover)

LENS

COVER

Control

Trigger Handstrap

POWER (VCR/O FF/CAMERA ) Switch and Indicator

JLIP Connector

14. Review camcorder's operating controls.

TRACKING Buttons

SPoEP Button

Also COUNTER R/M

(Reset/Memory) Button _..._ _

MAN.W.BAL (Manual [ COUNTERR/M

White Balance) Button ] 1"--'7

I MAN.W.BAL

REW (Rewind) Button

(Also EDIT SEARCH - Button)

CE3 7-,-7

TRACKING

FF STOP PLAY/PAUSE

PLA Y/PA USE Button

STOP Button

FF (Fast Forward) Button

(Also EDIT SEARCH + Button)

Butt°n __v E_s _ _ I __ --NEAR and l_ ButtOn

FADE/WIPE Button -- and • Button

Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder

The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240

volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.

To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz

__ Adapter/Charger

DC OUT Jack

POWER

Indicator

i_ DC In

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.

C • •

aution. Do not use this adapter/

charger for any other purpose other than charging the 236130, FB 1260 or FB 120

to the

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.

OptionalAC _f AC 100-240V Plug Adapter'

1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into

the AC plug adapter.

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

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

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.

POWER Switch

BATT. RELEASE Button

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.

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.

and Indicator

excessive heat- over

149"F_(65"C) could be

haz a;us.

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.

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (Continued)

:_-_i._._.:.-: =" .:. :"

Hold Battery Flush and

POWER

Indicator

END

Indicat_

REFRESH

Button

REFRESH

Indicator

CHG

Indicator

Caution: When a batte_ is attached to the

adapter/chargeri do not turn them upsidedown! The

baffe_ may fall off and be damaged or Cause injury. _

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 (I 00-240V, 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.

Reference Marks

To AC Wall Outlet 100-240

Volts, 50/60 Hz.

Adapter/Charger

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.

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.

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.

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,

k I /

c---q flashes. The camcorder will turn

s i

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.

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 ( l 0-35°C) to prevent damag:e.

• 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.

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

Cigarette

Lighter Socket

POWER Indicator

Power

Connector

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 DCC08 Car Cord Adapter

l° 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.

Caution: Make sure the camcorder's

power is turned off before removing the car cord's'plug from the cigarette lighter

socket.

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.

• 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.

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

functions.

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 :_.............................................. :.............................. :....

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

just record over it.

A. Remove

safety tab or

slide tab to

REC OFF.

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 SpoEp 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.

• 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.

Cassette

B. Cover hole

TC-20 TC-30

TC-40

with vinyl tape or slide tab to REC ON to

record over tape.

Recording Time

20 Min.

30 Min. .40 Min.

60 Min. 90 Min.

120 Min.

Inserting and Removing Cassettes

)_ )/,/'Tape

_'Tape

PUSH/OPEN

Button

PUSH Button

EJECT Button

Wheel

Window

Cautiolt_:

Open monitor at least 60° before opening cassette compartment.

and the tape window facing out. The cassette should slide easily

into the compartment. Do:not force the cassette.

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.

Tape Wheel

1. Press PUSH/OPEN to open the LCD monitor. Open the monitor at least 60 °

before opening the cassette compartment.

2. Press EJECT to open the cassette

compartment.

• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette

• Insert the cassette with the tape

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.

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.

to remove any slack from the tape.

wheel facing up and the tape window

facing out.

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.

SPoEP Switch

LENS COVER Control

Eyepiece

Focus

POWER Switch Control

60_:_fore Tape Wheel op_n[hg _se_

compartment.:

m0nito_ at least _

PUSH/OPEN Button

MENU Button

FADE/0

WIPE

\ '""_--..V" Tape Window

[ EJECT Button

PUSH Button

FULL AUTO/ PRESET Switch

• Button

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 60° 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.

Use the Viewfinder

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

automatically turned on.

• Adjust the viewfinder ff)r 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 SPoEp 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 • button to highlight TAPE

LENGTH. Use • and • to select

Slide the LENS COVER control to open the lens cover.

Place the POWER switch in

CAMERA.

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

_=PAUSE=--appears in the viewfinder or

on the LCD monitor.

o Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder

to view what you are recording.

Use the LCD Monitor

• Make sure the monitor is open at least 60 °. The viewfinder will be

automatically turned off.

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

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.

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

(continued on next page)

Making a Recording (Continued)

EDIT SEARCH - Button

Power Zoom Lever

POWER

EDIT SEARCH + Button

LENS

COVER

Control

EFFECT

Button

FADE/WIPE _

Button

Tally Light \

FULL AUTO/PRESET Switch

MENU Q

FADE/

• Button

Select a production special effect to

add variety to your recordings.

A. Make sure the FULL AUTO/

PRESET switch is in PRESET.

Press PROG.AE/EFFECT to display the production effects menu

in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

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.

The effect is automatically activatecl, and its indicator

appears.

Details are on pages 60-61.

9. Start and stop recording.

• Press and release the thumb trigger

REC

tO start recording. _ appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD

monitor and the tally light lights

when the camcorder is recording.

• Press and re.lease the the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The

camcorder is now in record pause.

-=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.

Add fades and wipes. A. Make sure the FULL AUTO/

PRESET switch is in PRESET.

Press the FADE/WIPE button to display the fade menu in the

viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

Repeatedly press the FADE/WIPE button to select a fade or wipe.

• Select Black Fader, Blue Fader,

Mosaic Fader, Shutter Wipe, or Slide Wipe.

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.

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 60 ° in CAMERA, the viewfinder is automatically turned off. When you close the

LCD monitor, the viewfinder is automatically turned on.

Use the LCD Monitor

BRIGHT Dial

LCD Monitor

PUSH/OPEN Button

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

Make sure the monitor is open at least 60 °. The viewfinder will be

automatically turned off.

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

Control

Viewfinder

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

• 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.

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.

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 60 °, the viewfinder is automatically turned off.

Viewfinder

Focus Control

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,

Cautions

When carrying the cameorder 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.

you probably can operate the camcorder without them.

It is easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on one of the viewfinder's on-

screen displays.

Look through the viewfinder and adjust

the eyepiece focus control for your vision.

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

by the camcorder.

LCD Monitor or Viewfinder Displays

Happy Birthday

Tape Speed Indicators (SP or EP)

The tape speed selected with the

SP. EP button appears here.

• Details on page I8. Status Displays

•The _ indicator appears when the camcorder is recording.

•The - PAUSE_=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 FULLAUTO, Cinema is automatically selected. Place the

switch in PRESET to select the other effects.

• IZl appears when you select Cinema to "letterbox" record with

black bars so you can play back your recordings on a 16X9 TV.

• 1_ appears when you select Sepia to give your recordings a brown- tone 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 re,cord even faster

moving action than Sports.

• Details are on pages 62-63.

+ 65 hidden pages