RCA ProV950HB User Manual

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ProV950HB

USER'S GUIDE

CAMCORDER

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

WARNING:

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire hazard, do NOT

use any other power source.

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 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.

NOTE: The camcorder’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with 112,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that this does not affect your camcorder’s performance.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS CAMCORDER OR AC ADAPTER/ CHARGER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

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

This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.

This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.

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: ProV950HB Serial No: Purchase Date: Purchased From:

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. However, safety is your responsibility too.

This sheet lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of the video product and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating and using your video product.

Installation

1 Read and Follow Instructions—

All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the video product is operated. Follow all operating instructions.

2 Retain Instructions—The safetyand

operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3 Heed Warnings—Comply with all

warnings on the video product and in the operating instructions.

4 Polarization—This video product is

equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted without blade exposure. If you need an extension cord, use a polarized cord.

5 Power Sources—This video product

should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your video dealer or local power company. For video products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

6 Overloading—Do not overload wall

outlets or extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets, extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation, and broken plugs are dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the cord, and if its appearance indicates damage or deteriorated insulation, have it replaced by your service technician.

7 Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply

cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the video product.

8 Ventilation—Slots and openings in the case

are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the video product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This video product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the video product manufacturer’s instructions have been followed.

9 Attachments—Do not use attachments

unless recommended by the video product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

10 Water and Moisture—Do not use this video

product near water—for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool and the like.

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 be modified so as to defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from electrical shock or fire. If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.

11 Accessories—Do not place this video

product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The video product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult as well as serious damage to the video product. Use this video product only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the video product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

11A A video product and cart combination should

be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the video product and cart combination to overturn.

Note to CATV System Installer:

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

(continued on next page)

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

12 Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If

an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70 (Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1) provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antennadischarge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See example below.

Example of Antenna Grounding

ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE

GROUND CLAMP

ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS (NEC SECTION 810-21)

ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250, PART H)

13 Power Lines—An outside antenna

system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines, other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching or approaching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal. Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and should be left to a professional antenna installer.

Use

14 Cleaning—Unplug this video

product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleanig.

15 Object and Liquid Entry—Never

push objects of any kind into this video product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or “short-out” parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the video product.

16 Lightning—For added protection for this

video product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the video product due to lightning and power line surges.

Service

17 Servicing—Do not attempt to service this

video product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

18 Conditions Requiring Service—Unplug

this video product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions. A. When the power-supply cord or plug is

damaged.

B. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have

fallen into the video product.

C. If the video product has been exposed to rain or

water.

D. If the video product does not operate normally by

following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the video product to its normal operation.

E. If the video product has been dropped or the

cabinet has been damaged.

F. When the video product exhibits a distinct change

in performance—this indicates a need for service.

19 Replacement Parts—When replacement

parts are required, have the service technician verify that the replacements he uses have the same safety characteristics as the original parts. Use of replacements specified by the video product manufacturer can prevent fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

20 Safety Check—Upon completion of any

service or repairs to this video product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks recommended by the manufacturer to determine that the video product is in safe operating condition.

21 Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The product

should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

22 Heat—The product should be situated away

from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

iii

Assistance

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

Camcorder Exchange Warranty................................... 800-283-6503 (pages 70–71)

Customer Service................................................................. 800-336-1900 (page 69)

Accessories .................................................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 58-61)

Information

Important

Important Information

First-Time Operation

Basic Operations Camera Recording

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

Important Safeguards ....................................... ii-iii

Supplied Accessories .......................................... 3

Camcorder Controls.......................................... 4-5

Installing the Lithium Cell in the Camcorder ........ 6

Installing the Lithium Cell in the Remote Control ... 6

Attaching the AC Adapter/Battery Charger ......... 7

Charging on the Docking Station ......................... 8

Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack ........... 9

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ....... 10

Powering the Camcorder from Your Car Battery.. 11

Inserting and Removing a Cassette .................. 12

Controlling the Monitor Display .......................... 13

Using the On-Screen Menu .......................... 14-15

Warning Indicators ............................................. 16

Setting the Area, Date, and Time ....................... 17

World Clock................................................... 18-20

Picture/Backlight Adjustments ........................... 21

Using the Hand Strap ........................................ 22

Attaching the Shoulder Strap ............................. 22

Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto ............. 23

Zooming ............................................................. 24

Setting the Digital Zoom..................................... 24

Digital Quick Zoom (Extend Zoom) ..................... 25

Auto Focus ......................................................... 25

Backlight Compensation (BLC) ......................... 26

Gain-up (Cat’s Eye) ............................................ 26

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................ 27

Macro Shots ....................................................... 27

Fade In and Fade Out ........................................ 28

Recording with the Wide Screen (16:9) ............. 29

Quick Return ...................................................... 30

Edit Search......................................................... 30

Tips on Recording Positions .............................. 31

Hints for Better Shooting .................................... 31

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode.......... 32

Recording the Date and Time ............................ 32

Remaining Recording Time Display .................. 33

Remaining Battery Power Display ..................... 33

Table of Contents

Basic Operations Playback

Useful Features for Camera Recording

Connections and Editing

Playback ............................................................ 34

Volume Control ................................................... 34

Fast Forward and Rewind .................................. 34

Using the Stand ................................................. 35

Video Search...................................................... 35

Still...................................................................... 35

Slow.................................................................... 35

Program Search ................................................. 36

Using the Tape Counter ..................................... 37

Counter Memory ................................................ 38

Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight .............. 38

Using the lnfrared Remote Control .................... 39

Self Recording .............................................. 40-42

Manual Focus..................................................... 43

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................ 44

Setting the Shutter Speed .................................. 45

White Balance Lock ........................................... 46

Manual Iris.......................................................... 47

Recording a Five-second Still Image

(Snapshot) ...................................................... 48

Still Recording................................................... 48

Strobe Recording ............................................... 49

Stopwatch ..................................................... 49-50

Lighting .............................................................. 51

Connection to TV Using the Docking Station ..... 52

Connection to TV Using a VCR .......................... 52

Connections for Playback on a TV Using

Audio/Video Jacks .......................................... 53

Use the Camcorder to Play Back Tapes on a TV ..... 53

Using the Optional SAV103 A/V Pack ................ 54

Editing ................................................................ 55

Recording from an External Source ................... 56

References

Fluorescent Lamp Backlight .............................. 57

Optional Accessories ......................................... 58

Accessory Order Form ................................. 59-61

Use and Care ................................................ 62-65

Trouble Checks ............................................. 66-67

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

Information to User ............................................ 68

Customer Assistance and Service ..................... 69

Limited Warranty ........................................... 70-71

Index ............................................................. 72-75

Supplied Accessories

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

These toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problems you may encounter.

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

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

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

Information

Important

Supplied Accessories

Rechargeable Battery Pack

Model ProV950HB

CAUTION: Do not use this adapter/charger for any purpose other than charging the BB75 or BB90

AC Adapter/Charger

Part No. 233576

Docking Station Part No. 233665

battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.

Audio/Video Cable

Part No. BB75

Part No. 233582

WARNING: LITHIUM-ION (RECHARGEABLE) BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. DO NOT INCINERATE OR DISASSEMBLE–MAY EXPLODE OR RELEASE TOXIC MATERIALS. DO NOT SHORT CIRCUIT–MAY CAUSE BURNS.

REMOTE CONTROL

REC

START/

ZOOM

STOP

PLAY

PAUSE/STILL

STOP

REW FF

SLOW

VOLUME

Shoulder Strap

Part No. 233580

Remote Control

Part No. 233581

S-Video Cable

Part No. 233579

DC Output Cable

Part No. 233578

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

CAUTIONS: Lithium cells must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cells. 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 cells used in these devices may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212º F (100ºC), or incinerate.

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

Camcorder Controls

For details on the use of each control, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets.

Front View

Zoom Lens

When the cassette compartment door is opened

Lens Protector

Cassette

Compartment

Door [p. 12]

Stereo Microphone

Cassette Compartment Door Release [p. 12]

A/V Pack Terminal Cover [p. 54]

Retractable Stand [p. 35]

Cassette Holder [p. 12]

Shoulder Strap Loop [p. 22]

Memory Backup Cell Compartment [p. 6]

Removing the Lens Protector

Before mounting an optional wide or telephoto conversion lens, remove the lens protector by turning it counterclockwise.

Information

Important

Rear View

Power Zoom Wide/ Telephoto Control Buttons [p. 24]

LCD Monitor

VOLume Control Buttons [p. 34]

MENU Button [p. 13]

MODE

RECord START/STOP Button [p. 23]

DISPLAY

Button [p.15]

Operation

Shoulder Strap Loop [p. 22]

Button

[p.13]

Hand Strap [p. 22]

SNAPshot Button [p. 48]

EarPHONES Jack [p. 34]

PLUG IN POWER MICrophone Jack*

*About the PLUG IN POWER MIC Jack

This external microphone jack outputs a DC voltage of 4.0 V. It is for use with any 2.5–4.0 volt DC use condenser-type microphone with a 3.5 mm diameter plug. The use of other types of microphones may result in damage to the microphone or the camcorder.

Photoreceptor [p. 39]

Power Switch (CAMERA/VCR Select Switch) [p. 13]

Speaker

Side View Bottom View

When Camera Module is Rotated

Fluorescent Lamp Compartment [p. 57]

Battery Compartment door release [p. 9]

System Connector

Tripod Socket

First-Time Operation

Installing the Lithium Cell in the Camcorder

1 Slide the release and open the cassette

compartment door. (The cassette holder opens automatically.) Pull out the cell holder using a pointed object such as the point of a pen, as shown.

Cassette Compartment Door Release

2 Insert the supplied lithium cell into the

holder with the ` side facing outward.

WARNING: Replace cell only with 3-volt micro lithium cells – such as CR2025 – available from most local drug stores and camera shops. Use of other cells present a risk of fire or explosion.

Cautions:

Lithium cells must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cells. 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 cells used in these devices may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212º F (100ºC), or incinerate.

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

Notes:

• The lithium cell is used to back up the calendar and other memory functions.

• The battery will last about one year of normal usage.

• Replace the battery with a new CR2025 cell when the camcorder’s time indicator starts to fall behind the correct time.

Installing the Lithium Cell in the Remote Control

1 Hold the remote control

face down. Then pull out the cell holder while pressing the tab toward the center.

3 Insert the cell holder back into its

compartment, and push it in completely.

4 Press the “PUSH” mark until the cassette

holder clicks into place. Then, close the cassette compartment door firmly until it clicks.

“PUSH” mark

2 Install the supplied CR2025 lithium cell

with its ` side matching the j marked side of the cell holder into the cell holder.

3 Insert the cell holder in the direction of the

arrow. Make sure that the j side faces the back of the remote control.

Attaching the AC Adapter/ Battery Charger

Precautions:

• If used near a radio, the AC adapter/battery charger may interfere with reception.

• Prevent flammables, liquids, and metal objects from entering the unit.

• This is a sealed unit. Do not attempt to open or modify it.

• Do not damage, drop, or subject the unit to vibration.

• Do not leave the unit in direct sunlight.

• Avoid using the unit in humid or extremely hot places.

• If the power source becomes disconnected during recording, playback, or other operations, the tape will remain wrapped around the drum, causing possible damage to the tape. Reconnect the power source to the main unit immediately.

• The supplied AC adapter/battery charger is specially designed for use with this camcorder, and should not be used as a power supply for other camcorders.

Charging the Battery Pack

1 Be sure the DC output cable is

disconnected from the AC adapter/battery charger. Insert the AC plug into a power outlet. The POWER indicator will light.

To Power Outlet POWER Indicator

CHARGE Indicators

Charging starts. (Indicator starts flashing.)

Now charging.

Charging completed. (The indicators will turn off approximately 90 to 120 minutes after charging is completed.)

Charging Time Using AC Adapter/Battery Charger

Battery Pack

BB75

Notes:

• The battery and charger warm up during charging. This is not a malfunction.

• Charging time depends on the ambient temperature and the condition of the battery.

Cautions:

• Charge only BB75 battery pack. Other types of batteries may burst, causing personal injury and damage.

• Do not incinerate or mutilate the battery pack. It may present the risk of a rise in surface temperature, and/or the release of flammable vapors.

• Replace battery with BB75 only. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

Charging Time

Approx. 90 min.

First-Time

Operation

CHARGE Indicators

2 Align the D mark on the battery with the C

mark on the charger (Q). Guide the battery into the groove. Pressing the battery (W), slide it in the direction of the arrow (E) until it locks into place.

3 When the battery is charged, all three

CHARGE indicators will light. Remove the battery and the AC plug.

Attaching the AC Adapter to the Docking Station

Attach the AC adapter to the Docking Station and insert the AC plug into a power outlet.

Removing the AC Adapter from the Docking Station

Press the AC adapter release button and pull out the adapter.

Release Button

First-Time Operation

Charging on the Docking Station

If the camcorder is attached to the Docking Station, the battery pack in the camcorder can be charged automatically and continuously. The Docking Station keeps your camcorder ready to operate at any time.

1 Attach the AC adapter to the Docking

Station and insert the AC plug into a power outlet (see page 7).

2 Insert the battery pack in the camcorder

(see page 9).

• Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. Charging is not possible when the camcorder is in the VCR or Camera mode.

3 Attach the camcorder to the Docking

Station with the LCD monitor facing the Docking Station’s LED lamp window side (Q). Then slide the camcorder securing lever on the Docking Station in the direction of the arrow to the lock position (W). Charging starts automatically.

Securing lever

Charging Two Battery Packs at the Same Time

You can charge two battery packs at the same time using the Docking Station unit.

1 Attach the first battery pack to the AC

adapter/battery charger.

2 Insert the second battery pack in the

camcorder and attach the camcorder to the Docking Station.

• The battery pack on the AC adapter/battery charger will be charged first and then the battery pack in the camcorder will be charged.

• The charge level of the battery pack in the camcorder can be monitored by removing the camcorder from the Docking Station and setting it to Camera or VCR mode.

Note:

• Charging the battery pack fully in the camcorder on the Docking Station will take approximately 11 hours with BB75. If you are in a hurry, we recommend you use the AC adapter.

Removing the Camcorder from the Docking Station

Press the camcorder release button and remove the camcorder.

LED Lamp Window

Caution:

• If you remove the camcorder from the Docking Station without first setting the Power switch to OFF while the battery pack is in the camcorder, the power may turn off and not turn on even if you set the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

Note:

• If the camcorder is removed from the Docking Station, the battery pack inside will naturally discharge with time, even after it has been fully charged. We recommend you place the camcorder on the Docking Station even when it is not in use.

Cautions:

• Do not use excessive force with the camcorder and/or Docking Station. Doing so may cause damage or malfunction.

• When installing the camcorder on the Docking Station, be sure to lock it firmly with the securing lever. When removing, hold the camcorder firmly while releasing the lock so that the camcorder will not fall over.

Release button

Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack

Inserting the Battery Pack

1 Slide the battery compartment door

release on the bottom of the camcorder in the direction of the arrow (Q), to open the battery compartment door (W).

2 Insert the battery pack into the

compartment (Q), as shown, and push it in completely (W).

Caution:

• Do not force the battery pack into the battery compartment if it does not go in easily.

3 Close the door. Be sure to push firmly

until it clicks.

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK, ALWAYS STOP THE TAPE AND TURN THE POWER OFF. If you remove the battery pack during recording or playback, the tape will remain wound around the video head drum and may be damaged. Should the power source (battery or adapter) become disconnected during operation, reconnect it again immediately.

• Do not expose the battery compartment door to strong force, as it may come off.

• Be sure to close the battery compartment door firmly, especially during operations. If you do not, the battery pack may come off or camcorder operation may fail because of the poor contact pressure.

• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder or disconnect the camcorder from the AC adapter if the camcorder will not be used for a long time.

• When removing the battery pack, do not tilt the camcorder so that the battery compartment faces down. The battery pack may fall out.

Battery Pack Handling

•Make sure that you take enough battery packs with you to provide two to three times your estimated recording time.

•Recording time will be reduced in cold weather.

•The battery will drain in Recording Standby mode. Turn off the power if you will not be recording again soon.

First-Time

Operation

Removing the Battery Pack

Perform step 1 above. Then, with the camcorder facing down, press the lock as shown (Q), and remove the battery pack (W).

Lock

First-Time Operation

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet

1 Slide the battery compartment door

release on the bottom of the camcorder in the direction of the arrow (Q), to open the battery compartment door (W).

2 Slide the cable notch cover in the direction

of the arrow shown in the diagram.

Cable Notch

Cover

3 Insert the DC cable connecting plate into

the compartment (Q), pass the DC cable through the battery compartment notch, and then close the battery compartment door firmly (W).

Notch

4 Insert the cable plug into the DC OUT jack

on the supplied AC adapter.

5 Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

The POWER indicator on the AC adapter will light.

POWER indicator

Removing the DC Cable from the Camcorder

1 Slide the battery compartment door

release and open the door.

2 Press the lock as shown (Q), remove the

cable from the notch and then remove the DC cable (W).

Lock

Note:

• The DC cable can be easily removed by facing the camcorder down at an angle.

Cautions:

• Turn the Power switch off before removing the DC cable.

• When removing the DC cable, grasp the connecting plate, not the cable itself, and pull it out of the compartment.

Notch

Using an Optional Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter may be required in some countries.

Optional AC

Plug Adapter

AC 100-240V

1 Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the

AC plug adapter.

2 Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC

outlet.

Powering the Camcorder from Your Car Battery

Use the optional SDC100 car battery adapter (shown on page 58) to power the camcorder from your car battery.

1 Open the battery compartment door

release on the bottom of the camcorder and insert the DC cable connecting plate in the camcorder.

2 Pass the DC cable through the battery

compartment notch, then close the battery compartment door.

3 Insert the DC cable plug into the DC OUT

jack on the car battery adapter.

4 Start the car engine and leave it idling.

Then, insert the power cord plug of the car battery adapter into the cigarette lighter socket.

Note:

• See the SDC100 operation manual for details.

Cautions:

• Use only in DC 12 V or 24 V negative ground system cars. Positive-ground car batteries CANNOT BE USED. Check your car operation manual or consult a local car dealer.

• Use the car battery adapter only when the car is idling or being driven. Otherwise, the car’s battery will be drained.

• Before starting the car engine, the car battery adapter must be unplugged from the cigarette lighter socket.

• Before removing either the DC plug or the cigarette lighter plug, the camcorder’s Power switch should be set to OFF.

• Do not apply strong force to the DC cable connected to the camcorder as this will cause a malfunction.

First-Time

Operation

DC Cable

DC OUT Jack

To Cigarette Lighter Socket

Car Battery Adapter SDC100

First-Time Operation

Inserting and Removing a Cassette

Inserting a Cassette

1 Slide the release and fully open the

cassette compartment door.

• The cassette holder opens automatically.

Cassette compartment door release

2 Insert the tape cassette fully with the

window facing out and the erasure protect tab facing up.

Erasure Protect Tab

3 Press the “PUSH” mark until the cassette

holder clicks into place.

• The cassette holder retracts automatically.

“PUSH” Mark

Removing a Cassette

Perform step 1 and then remove the cassette.

Cautions:

• Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment.

• Do not apply force to the cassette compartment except for pressing the “PUSH” mark to close it.

• Do not tilt the camcorder or hold it upside down when you are inserting or removing a cassette. It may damage the tape.

• Remove the cassette if you will not use the camcorder for a long time.

• If you do not press the cassette holder closed correctly in step 3, the camcorder’s cassette protection mechanism might eject the cassette. If this happens, repeat the insertion procedure.

• Do not attempt to pick up the camcorder by the cassette compartment door.

• If the compartment door does not close when gently pressed into position, check the compartment door release. The door release may not be completely opened as shown below on the left. In this case, slide the door release in the direction of the arrow and press the compartment door closed.

• If the battery power is too low, you may not be able to eject the cassette or operate the Power switch. Replace the battery pack with a fully charged one.

• If the tape cassette is loaded when dew has formed, the camcorder’s cassette protection mechanism might eject the cassette (see page

63). Check that the cassette holder has retracted completely before closing the cassette compartment door.

4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully retract.

Close the compartment door pressing its center until it clicks into place.

Press Here.

Controlling the Monitor Display

You can use various functions and make mode settings while viewing the monitor display.

MODE DISPLAY Button

MENU Button

VCR Mode

Note:

• The monitor illustrations in this operation manual are for the purpose of explaining the functions of the camcorder, and may differ from the actual monitor displays.

Camera Mode

Lock Button

Operation Button

Camera mode (when the Power switch

• Each time you press the MENU button, the screen changes from to .

• With the screen displayed, press B on the operation button ( ) to select “MENU”. Each time you press C or B on the button, the screen changes from MENU-PAGE

to 4.

• If the area, date and time have not been set, MENU-PAGE 4 appears when you press B on the button to select “MENU” on screen (see page 17).

E X T E N D

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC PREV. PAGE

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

S E

SETTING

PREV. PAGE

Power

• Hold down the Lock button when setting

Switch

the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

is set to CAMERA)

BLC

AUTO

FADE

STOP WATCH

M E N U

AUTO

COUNTER

ITEM

1234 OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

ITEM

1234

OFF

ITEM

CORRECT

PAGE

16 : 9 REMOTE

OFF

CAM. DISP.

DGTL ZOOM PREV. PAGE

PAGE EXTEND ZOOM PHOTO SNAP

PREV. PAGE

ITEM

1234 OFF ONONOFF

OFF

ITEM

1234

1.5 2.0 2.5 SNAP

ITEM

STILL

VCR mode (when the Power switch

is set to VCR)

• Each time you press the MENU button, the screen changes from to .

• With the screen displayed, press B on the

button to select “MENU”. The menu screen

will appear.

AUTO

Note:

S E

OFF

• The above displays are those when a cassette is loaded in the camcorder and the power is supplied from a battery pack.

About the Operation button ( )

S E T

Use this button to select and set the various functions on the monitor by pressing Q , W C, E A, or R B as shown.

PLAY

STILL

R E W

EDIT

REMOTE

VCR DISP.

E T

PREV. PAGE

STOP

STOP WATCH

COUNTER

ITEM

OFF AUTO ONONOFF ON

ITEM

F F

M E N U

OFF

E T

(Q Up, W Left, E Down, R Right)

First-Time

Operation

First-Time Operation

ITEM

S E T

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

SELF REC PREV. PAGE

DATE DATETIME

AUTO

OFF

1234 OFF

AUTO NO

CORRECT

Using the On-Screen Menu 1 To display the Camera

mode menu screen:

Hold down the Lock button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA.

To display the VCR mode menu screen:

Hold down the Lock button and slide the Power switch to VCR.

Lock Button

2 Press the MENU button until screen

appears. (Select in VCR mode.)

Ex. Camera Mode

STOP WATCH

E N U

COUNTER

AUTO

3 Press B on the operation button ( ) to

select “MENU”. MENU-PAGE 1 will appear on the monitor.

• There is only one menu page in VCR mode. Skip step 4.

4 Press C or B on the button to

change from MENU-PAGE 1 to 4 .

Ex. Camera Mode

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC PREV. PAGE

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE

S E

CAM. DISP.

DGTL ZOOM PREV. PAGE

PAGE EXTEND ZOOM PHOTO SNAP

S E T

PREV. PAGE

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

S E

SETTING

PREV. PAGE

1234 OFF

AUTO

DATE DATETIME

AUTO AUTO NO

ITEM

1234 OFF ONONOFF

OFF

ITEM

1234

1.5 2.0 2.5 SNAP

ITEM

1234

OFF

ITEM

OFF

CORRECT

OFF

STILL

S E T

5 Press orAon the button to select the

menu item you wish to set.

STOP WATCH

M E N U

Operation

Button

S E T

Note:

• If the area, date and time have not been set, MENU-PAGE 4 appears.

PAGE DATE /TIME DISPLAY

SELF REC PREV. PAGE

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

ITEM

OFF

CORRECT

S E T

6 Press C or B on the button to set the

desired mode.

• Each time you press the button, the item setting changes as shown on the next page.

1) Camera Mode

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC PREV. PAGE

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE

S E

CAM. DISP.

DGTL ZOOM PREV. PAGE

PAGE EXTEND ZOOM PHOTO SNAP

S E T

PREV. PAGE

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

S E

SETTING

PREV. PAGE

1234 OFF DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

ITEM

1234 OFF ONONOFF

OFF

ITEM

1234

1.5 2.5X 2.0 SNAP

ITEM

1234

OFF

ITEM

2) VCR Mode

ITEM

EDIT

REMOTE

VCR DISP.

E T

PREV. PAGE

OFF

AUTO ONONOFF ON

AUTO

CORRECT

STILL

OFF

DATE DATETIME

S E

OFF

AUTO OFF

AUTO NO CORRECT

Press C or B on the button to change from MENUPAGE 1 to 4.

OFF ON

S E

OFF

1.5 2.0 2.5 SNAP

S E T

You can choose from

24 time zones for the

S E

area (see pages

17–20).

OFF

You can set the date and time. (see page

17).

OFF

AUTO OFF

ONONOFF

OFF

E T

AUTO

ON OFF OFF ON

STILL

OFF

7 After completing the setting, press the

MENU button. The menu screen will disappear.

Notes:

• Certain menu items are common to both the Camera and VCR modes. If the “REMOTE” menu item, for example, is set to “OFF” in the Camera mode, it will automatically be set to “OFF” in the VCR mode.

• The menu screen cannot be displayed when the camcorder is recording.

• To turn off the menu display, press the MENU button or MODE DISPLAY button. When the MENU button is pressed, the menu screen will disappear and the

screen will be displayed. When the MODE DISPLAY button is pressed, operation indicators will disappear. Press it again to display the indicators.

Returning to the Previous Screen

PressAon the button to select “PREV. PAGE” and then press C or B on the button to select “SET” to return to the previous screen.

Operation

Button

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC PREV. PAGE PRESS SET

ITEM

1234 OFF DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

ITEM

STOP WATCH

COUNTER

AUTO

CORRECT

OFF

AUTO

S E T

M E N U

First-Time

Operation

ITEM

First-Time Operation

Warning Indicators

Display for the first

3 seconds

EJECT THE CASSETTE.

Display after the first

3 seconds

EJECT THE CASSETTE.

BATTERY IS TOO LOW.

INSERT A CASSETTE.

CASSETTE NOT RECORDABLE.

THE TAPE ENDS SOON.

CHANGE THE CASSETTE.

REPLACE THE LAMP.

Description of Warning

The video cassette is defective and should be removed.

Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait for a few hours until the dew disappears (see page 63). About ten seconds after this warning appears, the camcorder and display turn off.

The battery is almost depleted. Note: Operation of the zoom may interrupt the

camcorder power. Replace the battery pack.

The video heads are clogged and should be cleaned (see page 63).

There is no tape cassette in the camcorder. Load a cassette.

The red erasure protect tab in the video cassette has been slid to the record-protect position, preventing recording.

The tape is about to end. Get ready to load a new cassette.

The tape has reached its end. Load a new cassette.

The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is close to the end of its service life. Replace it with a new one (see page 57). The LCD monitor turns off about one minute after this warning is displayed.

Note:

• indicates a blinking display.

During Self Recording mode, every warning indicator is replaced by a “ ” indicator displayed in the center of the monitor. To check the meaning of the warning, rotate the monitor back to the normal position.

Setting the Area, Date and

DYLT SAVE SETTING

PREV. PAGE

ITEM

S E T

OFF

Time

Example:

Setting the date to June 2, 1997 (JUN. 2.1997) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30 AM) in New York.

Note:

• Check that the memory backup lithium cell has been installed before setting the date and time.

5 Press A on the button to select

“SETTING”. Then press B on the button to select “SET”.

ITEM

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

S E

SETTING

1234

OFF

1996

JAN

S E T

First-Time

Operation

1 Set the Power switch to CAMERA.

Press the MENU button until appears on the monitor (Camera mode).

STOP WATCH

M E N U

COUNTER

2 Press B on the operation button ( ) to

select “MENU”. The MENU-PAGE

AUTO

appears.

• If the date and time have been set, the MENU-PAGE 1 appears.

Operation Button

PAGE DATE /TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO

AUTO NO

OFF

CORRECT

S E T

3 Press B on the button to select

PAGE␣4.

ITEM

1234

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

OFF

4 Press Aon the button to select “AREA”

(Q), then press C or B on the button until “20” (New York) appears (W).

ITEM

1234

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

• See the time zone chart on page 19 and the area table on page 20 for area numbers and representative cities for each time zone.

OFF

ITEM

1234

OFF

19961

JAN

6 Press orAon the button to select

“JUN.” (month), and press B on the button.

7 Press orAon the button to select

“2.” (day), and press B on the button.

8 Press orAon the button to select

“1997” (year), and press B on the button.

9 Press orAon the button to select

“10 AM” (hour), and press B on the button.

10 Press orAon the button to select

“30” (minutes), and press B on the button.

The date and time settings are now complete.

To Turn Off the Menu Display

Press the MENU button.

Notes:

• The internal clock starts operating when B on the operation button ( ) is pressed in step 10 above.

• When the tape cassette is inside, if no settings are made within 5 minutes after the menu display appears, the display is automatically canceled.

• If you set the area to the blank setting in step 4, and then reset the area after setting the date and time, the date and time will not appear on the screen even if you turn off the menu display. If you want to reset the area, perform steps 4–10 again.

First-Time Operation

World Clock

This camcorder is equipped with a world clock feature. It allows you to easily adjust the time when you use the camcorder while traveling anywhere in the world outside your own time zone. Set the area, date and time if they are not already set. (See page 17.)

Operation Button

MENU Button

Power Switch

Changing the Area of the Time Zone

Example:

Changing the area from New York to Los Angeles.

1 Hold down the Lock

Lock Button

button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA.

2 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor.

STOP WATCH

COUNTER

AUTO

E N U

4 Press B on the button to select

PAGE 4.

ITEM

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

1234

OFF

5 PressAon the button to select

“AREA”.

ITEM

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

1234

OFF

6 Press C or B on the button until

“17” (Los Angeles) appears. The camcorder is now set to the L.A. time. Press the MENU button to turn off the menu.

ITEM

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

Blank Area Setting

If you do not want to set the area (time zone), you can leave the setting blank. In step 6 above, press C or B on the

button until the area setting is blank

(after “24”).

To Turn Off the MENU-PAGE Display

Press the MENU button.

1234

OFF

3 Press B on the operation button ( ) to

select “MENU”.

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO

OFF

CORRECT

AUTO NO

PAGE DATE /TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC

S E T

To Display Area, Date and Time on the Monitor

1 Refer to page 14 to display MENU-PAGE

2 Press Aon the operation button ( ) to

select “DATE/TIME”.

Operation button

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

1234

OFF

AUTO

DATE DATETIME

3 Press C or B on the button to select

“AUTO” or “ON”.

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

1234

OFF

AUTO

DATE DATETIME

4 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu display. The area, date and time will be displayed on the monitor.

Notes:

• When “AUTO” is selected, the date/time is displayed for 10 seconds at the beginning of the first recording of each day. When “ON” is selected, the date/time is continuously displayed along with the subject.

• During recording and playback, the position of the date/time displayed on the LCD may differ, however, this does not indicate a malfunction.

Time Zone Chart

FADE

Setting Daylight Saving Time

1 Refer to page 14 to display MENU-PAGE

Press B on the operation button ( ) to select MENU-PAGE 4.

Operation Button

ITEM

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

1234

OFF

2 PressAon the button to select “DYLT

SAVE”.

ITEM

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

1234

OFF

3 Press B on the button to select “ON”.

The time automatically changes to daylight saving time.

ITEM

PAGE AREA DYLT SAVE

1234

OFF

4 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu display. The “ ” mark will be displayed to the left of the area indicator.

To reset to standard time, set the “DYLT SAVE” menu item to “OFF”.

FADE

First-Time

Operation

Area Number

SAMOA

ANCHRGE

HAWAII

150˚

LONDON

MOSCOW

CHICAGO

NEWYORK

DENVER

L. A.

CARACAS

FN ISL.

RIO

PARIS

AZORES

30˚60˚90˚120˚

24 2 3 4 5 61 7 8 9 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

CAIRO

DUBAI

KARACHI

DACCA

HNGKNG

BANGKOK

TOKYO

SOLOMON

SYDNEY

WLLNGTN

180˚150˚120˚90˚60˚30˚0˚

First-Time Operation

Area T able

Area Number

Area Name

LONDON

PARIS

CAIRO

MOSCOW

DUBAI

KARACHI

DACCA

BANGKOK

HNGKNG

TOKYO

SYDNEY

SOLOMON

WLLNGTN

SAMOA

HAWAII

Countries or Areas*

England, Morocco, GMT (Greenwich mean time)

Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, CST (Continental Standard Time), Tunisia

Egypt, Finland, Greece, Turkey

Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Russia (Moscow)

United Arab Emirates

Maldives, Pakistan

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar

Cambodia, Indonesia (Jakarta), Thailand, Vietnam

Australia (Perth), China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (Borneo, Bali), Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan

Japan, Korea

Australia (Sydney)

New Caledonia

Fiji, New Zealand

Western Samoa

Hawaii Is., Tahiti, HST (Hawaii Standard Time)

* These are common names. The formal may be different.

ANCHRGE

L.A.

DENVER

CHICAGO

NEWYORK

CARACAS

RIO

FN ISL.

AZORES

U.S.A. (Alaska), AST (Alaska Standard Time)

U.S.A. (Los Angeles, San Francisco), PST (Pacific Standard Time)

U.S.A. (Denver), MST (Mountain Standard Time)

Mexico, U.S.A. (Chicago), CST (Central Standard Time)

Canada (Montreal), Jamaica, Peru, U.S.A. (New York, Washington D.C.), EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Chile, Dominica, Venezuela

Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

Fernando de Noronha

Azores Islands

Picture/Backlight Adjustments

Operation Button

MENU Button

Power Switch

5 Press C or B on the button to adjust

the picture or backlight to your preference.

ITEM

S E T

BRIGHT

COLOR

Decrease

TINT

BACKLIGHT BRIGHT COLOR TINT PREV. PAGE

Darker

Red Green

BRIGHT

NORM.

ITEM

Brighter

Increase

NORM.

BRIGHT

S E T

First-Time

Operation

If the picture is difficult to see due to ambient lighting, etc., adjust the monitor picture.

1 Set the Power switch

to CAMERA.

2 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor.

STOP WATCH

M E N U

COUNTER

AUTO

3 Press C on the operation button ( ) to

select “PICTURE”.

STOP WATCH

M E N U

4 PressAor on the button to select the

menu item you wish to adjust.

ITEM

BACKLIGHT BRIGHT COLOR

S E

TINT

PREV. PAGE

NORM.

ITEM

BRIGHT

S E T

6 When you are finished, press the MENU

button to turn off the adjustment display.

When the Camcorder is in VCR Mode

Press the MENU button until appears on the monitor. Then perform steps 3 through 6 as shown.

Notes:

• In bright daylight, the monitor picture will be easier to see if you set the backlight (“BACKLIGHT”) to “BRIGHT”.

• The picture adjustments have been factory preset to neutral settings, and the backlight mode (“BACKLIGHT”) has been factory preset to normal (“NORM”).

• When the color or tint is adjusted, the picture on the screen may differ from the picture actually recorded. Do not change the color and tint settings unless it is necessary.

First-Time Operation

Using the Hand Strap

Fitting the Strap to Your Hand

Hold the camcorder against your chest, and pull the strap down until the velcro patches open. Then put your thumb close to the Power Zoom buttons, pull the strap tight until it fits snugly, and seal the velcro closures.

Caution:

• Do not swing the camcorder by its hand strap.

Power Zoom Buttons

Attaching the Shoulder Strap 1 Hold one end of the strap and thread it

through the loop on the left side of the monitor.

2 Thread the end of the strap through the long

slider and move the long slider in the direction of the arrow to secure.

3 Loosen the strap in the buckle, and then feed

the end of the strap through, as shown.

4 Draw the strap in the direction of the arrow

(Q), and then secure the end of the strap with the short slider (W).

5-8 Use the same procedure to attach the other

end of the strap.

Loop

Long slider

Buckle

Loop

Long slider

Buckle

Short slider

Handling the LCD Monitor

• Do not let anything press against the monitor

screen or expose the screen to shock, as it may break.

• Do not put the camcorder on a table, or any

other surface, with the monitor screen facing down.

• Use a soft clean cloth to clean the screen.

Basic Operations Camera Recording

• Refer to pages 13-15 on how to operate the monitor display.

Unlike conventional camcorders, this model frees you from having to peer into a small viewfinder. You can watch the subject on the large LCD monitor screen for easier, more enjoyable videoshooting.

Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto

Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 6 through 22 to prepare your camcorder for recording.

1 Hold down the lock button

Lock Button

and slide the Power switch to CAMERA.

2 Press the MENU button until any of ,

, or appears on the monitor.

• The picture from the lens is now displayed on the LCD monitor.

E X T E N D

Operation indicator

BLC

PAUSE

FADE

AUTO

“AUTO” appears.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button to start

recording.

BLC

REC

Note:

• When you set the Power switch to CAMERA, it may take some time until the screen appears. Wait until the screen appears before starting operation.

To Pause Recording

Press the REC START/STOP button again. Recording pauses, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode.

BLC

PAUSE

To turn the Power switch to OFF, slide the switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.

Notes:

• To leave Camera Recording mode, set the Power switch to OFF.

• During Camera Recording mode, the speaker is off, and the PHONES (earphones) jack below the monitor cannot be used.

• If the camcorder is kept in Recording Standby mode for more than approximately 5 minutes, the power will automatically turn off to save battery power and to protect the tape from being damaged. To continue recording after this, set the Power switch to OFF, and then back to CAMERA again.

• If you will not be recording again for a while, turn off the power by sliding the Power switch to OFF. This will make the battery last longer.

• The operation indicators can be turned off or back on again with the MODE DISPLAY button.

Maximum Time for Continuous Camera Recording

Battery Pack

BB75

Note:

• The use of the zoom and other functions will accelerate power consumption. The actual recording time per battery pack may be 30%– 50% less than the maximum camera recording time shown above.

Max. Camera Recording

Time

Approx. 65 min.

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Zooming

1 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor (Camera mode).

Zooming allows you to move visually closer to or farther from a subject without physically changing your position.

Zooming In (when you want to center

attention on the subject)

Wide

Angle

Telephoto

2 Press B on the operation button ( ) to

STOP WATCH

COUNTER

AUTO

M E N U

select “MENU”.

Zooming Out (when you want to

show the surroundings)

To Zoom In

Press the Power Zoom T (telephoto) button to get a close-up view (Q).

To Zoom Out

Press the Power Zoom W (wide angle) button to get a wide field of view (W).

Power Zoom Buttons

• The zoom speed changes depending on the degree of pressure placed on the Power Zoom buttons.

• The on-screen display will show you the current zoom setting.

Notes:

S E T

Operation Button

3 Press B on the button to select

MENU-PAGE 2 then press Aon the button to select “DGTL ZOOM”.

S E T

E T

4 Press B on the button to select

“ON”.

E T

PAGE DATE /TIME DISPLAY

SELF REC

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE CAM. DISP. DGTL ZOOM

CAM. DISP. DGTL ZOOM PREV. PAGE

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

ITEM

1234 OFF ONONOFF

OFF

ON OFF

ITEM

ON OFF

ITEM

OFF

CORRECT

OFF

S E T

E T

• The camcorder is unable to focus when zooming in on subjects within 5 feet (1.5 m). The camcorder will automatically zoom out until it focuses on the subject.

• Frequent zooming produces unattractive pictures. It also increases battery power consumption.

Setting the Digital Zoom

You can select between two zoom ranges: normal =1–122 (optical) or digital = 1–122 (optical) plus 12–302 (digital). The digital option adds the 12–30 2 digital range to the normal zoom, allowing

5 The digital zoom is now on. Press the

MENU button to turn off the menu.

To return to normal zoom, set “DGTL ZOOM” to “OFF” in step 4 above.

Note:

• When the digital zoom is used, the picture quality may suffer in the 12–302 range. At maximum zoom, the horizontal resolution decreases by a maximum of 60% of the optical zoom.

you to record powerful close-up pictures using the same zoom features as normal zoom. The zoom option is factory preset to 1–122 optical zoom. In the 12–302 zoom range, the picture quality may suffer slightly.

Digital Quick Zoom (Extend Zoom)

Use the digital quick zoom function (extend zoom) to instantly zoom in on a subject. This is useful when you want to instantly capture a particular subject.

Setting Digital Quick Zoom Ranges

Refer to page 14 to display MENU-PAGE 3, and then pressAon the operation button ( ) to select “EXTEND ZOOM”. Press C or B on the button to select "1.5 2”, “2.0 2”, or “2.5 2”.

Operation Button

ITEM

1234

PAGE

1.5 2.0 2.5X

EXTEND ZOOM

SNAP

PHOTO SNAP

STILL

Using Digital Quick Zoom (Extend Zoom)

1 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor (Camera mode).

BLC

E X

T E N D

D I S

2 During recording, press C on the

operation button ( ) to select “EXTEND” when you want to instantly zoom in on a subject.

BLC

E X T E N D

BLC

E X T E N D

FADE

E X

N D

AUTO

“EXTEND 2.52” is displayed.

To return to the previous magnification, press C on the button to select “EXTEND” again.

Notes:

• When the digital quick zoom is used, the picture quality decreases by a maximum of 60% of the optical zoom.

• When digital zoom is on, EXTEND function does not work in the digital zoom (12–302) range. (EXTEND becomes disabled and appears dimmed.)

• If the optical zoom is at 12X when you turn the “EXTEND ZOOM” to “ON”, 1.52 becomes 182,

2.02 becomes 242, and 2.52 becomes 302.

BLC

EXTEND2.5X

FADE

REC

D I S

AUTO

Auto Focus

The auto focus feature is designed to focus on most types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the camcorder automatically focuses on whatever is in the center of the scene. Always keep the subject in the center of the screen. The auto focus may not be able to focus on the subject in the situations shown in the chart. In such situations, set the camcorder to Manual Focus mode and focus manually (see page 43).

Subject is too dark.

Fast-moving subject. Background is too bright.

Subject has vertical or

horizontal stripes.

Light reflects off the subject.

Subject has fine, repeated

patterns.

High-speed shutter being

used under fluorescent

lighting.

Notes:

• If no subject is in the center of the monitor, the focus area will expand and the subject nearest the center will be focused on.

• If no subject is displayed on the monitor, the camcorder will automatically zoom out until some subject comes into the frame.

• If the image being recorded is not sharp, the auto focus may not function and the image will be blurred. If this occurs, press the Power Zoom W button to zoom out, or pan the camcorder to shoot some other subject. The auto focus will resume operation.

Lack of contrast, e.g.

snow scene.

Subject is being shot through

a dirty or wet window.

Two subjects at different distances

overlap in the same scene.

Subjects at different distances

appear in the center of the scene

at the same time.

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

LIGHT

Camera Recording

Backlight Compensation (BLC)

When the subject is backlit, the image will be darkened if it is recorded normally. Use the backlight compensation (BLC) feature to improve the picture.

1 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor (Camera mode).

BLC

E X T

E N D

Note:

• At locations where lighting is insufficient, “LIGHT” appears on the monitor. “GAINUP” appears indicating the BLC function cannot be used.

2 Press on the operation button ( ) to

select “BLC”. The backlight compensation indicator “ ” appears on the monitor, indicating that the BLC function is now working.

BLC

E X T E N D

Operation

Button

E X T

BLC

To turn off the BLC function, press on the

button to select “BLC” again. The “ ”

indicator goes off.

Gain-up (Cat’s Eye)

When you are recording in a dark or poorly illuminated location, “LIGHT” (warning of too little ambient illumination) is displayed on the monitor. Use the gain-up feature to record a brighter picture.

1 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor (Camera mode).

GAIN-UP

E X T

E N D

Note:

• At locations where lighting is adequate, the “LIGHT” indicator will not appear. “BLC” instead of “GAIN-UP” appears indicating the gain-up function cannot be used.

2 Press on the operation button ( ) to

select “GAIN-UP”. The “LIGHT” display changes to the gain-up (cat's eye) display “ ”, indicating that the gain-up function is now working.

GAIN-UP

E X T E N D

Operation

Button

GAIN-UP

E X T

To turn off the gain-up function, press on the button to select “GAIN-UP” again. The “ ” display changes to the “LIGHT” display.

Notes:

• If the camcorder is moved to a bright location after it is engaged in Gain-up mode, the Gain-up mode will disengage automatically.

• There is more picture noise in Gain-up mode.

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS)

The DIS function lets you stabilize the image by electronically canceling relatively small image shakes that are often annoying in close-up shots.

1 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor (Camera mode).

2 Press B on the operation button ( ) to

select “DIS”. The “ ” indicator appears on the monitor, and the camcorder enters DIS mode.

Operation Button

E X T

E N D

BLC

FADE

AUTO

Caution:

• The DIS function cannot compensate for excessive image shake, or for the subjects or situations described below.

• Subject with low contrast*

• Subject with a plain background*

• Dark or dimly lit subject*

• Subject with vertical or horizontal stripes

• Many moving subjects in a single frame

• A shutter speed other than 1/100 sec. is used

under the light of fluorescent lamps.

” indicator blinks during these

(*The “ conditions.)

Macro Shots

This camcorder lets you shoot close-up images of small objects such as flowers and insects, or make title frames for your videos. When you want to record a magnified image of a subject which is within approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) of the camcorder, do not zoom in on the subject. Instead, zoom out all the way by holding down the Power Zoom W button, and then move the camcorder closer to the subject until you obtain the desired angle of view. The camcorder will automatically focus on the subject when the lens is set for the widest angle.

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

To return to normal recording mode, press B on the button to select “DIS” again. The “ ” indicator will disappear.

Notes:

• While this function is in progress, the image on the monitor is slightly magnified, and the shutter speed is automatically switched from the standard speed (1/60 sec.) to 1/100 sec.

• Image resolution slightly decreases in DIS mode.

• Under the light of fluorescent lamps, the picture may brighten and dim.

• The DIS feature does not work during Still Recording mode.

• Battery consumption is larger in DIS mode. We recommend that you not use the DIS feature when using the camcorder on a tripod.

Tripod

Notes:

• When you are recording a macro shot, be sure that the subject receives sufficient illumination.

• It is recommended that you use a tripod for recording macro shots to prevent image shake.

Power Zoom Buttons

BLC

FADE

AUTO

E X T E N D

Camera Recording

Fade In and Fade Out

With the fade function, it is possible to fade in or out of scenes smoothly. It is effective especially for indicating a dramatic change in scenery.

Fade In

Fade Out

Fade In

1 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor (Camera mode).

BLC

E X T E N D

FADE

AUTO

I S

2 PressAon the operation button ( ) to

select “FADE”.

Operation Button

E X T

E N D

FADE

AUTO

3 Press the REC START/STOP button.

“FADE” changes to “FADE IN”, and after the screen turns white, recording begins and the picture and sound fade into the monitor screen.

BLC

FADE

E X T

Fade Out

1 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor (Camera mode).

2 Press the REC START/STOP button to start

recording.

3 PressAon the operation button ( ) to

select “FADE”.

E X T E N D

FADE

AUTO

4 Press the REC START/STOP button at the

point where you wish to stop recording. “FADE” changes to “FADE OUT”, and the picture and sound fade out as the screen gradually turns white. The camcorder then returns to Recording Standby mode.

BLC

FADE

E X

FADE OUT

E X

BLC

FADE IN

E X T

REC

Recording with the Wide Screen (16:9)

This feature lets you record scenes with the wide-screen feel of a movie shown in a theater. The top and the bottom of the picture are masked with black bands to produce an effective screen aspect ratio of 16:9.

Setting the Wide Screen Mode

1 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor (Camera mode).

STOP WATCH

COUNTER

AUTO

E N U

2 Press B on the operation button ( ) to

select “MENU”.

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO

CORRECT

AUTO NO

S E

OFF

Operation Button

PAGE DATE /TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC

3 Press on the button to select “PAGE”.

Press B on the button to select MENUPAGE 2 and then pressA on the button to select “16:9”.

ITEM

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE

1234 OFF ON

ITEM

1234 OFF ON

OFF

4 Press B on the button to select “ON”.

Then, press the MENU button to remove the menu.

Normal Screen Mode Wide Screen Mode

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE

ITEM

1234 OFF ON

OFF

5 To return to the normal picture, press C on

the button to select “OFF” in step 4.

Notes:

• The masked portion of the screen will appear green when recording; however, during playback it will be black.

• When using the fade function (see page 28) in the Wide Screen mode, only the unmasked portion of the screen will fade in or out.

• You can only use the Wide Screen mode when the camcorder is in Camera mode.

To Cancel Automatic Display of the Screen in Camera Mode

Normally, when the power is turned on in Camera mode, the screen with the indicators such as

“BLC” and “EXTEND” is automatically displayed

on the monitor. If you do not want these indicators to be automatically displayed, follow the procedure below.

1 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor.

2 Press B on the button to select “MENU”.

ITEM

PAGE DATE /TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO

CORRECT

AUTO NO

S E

OFF

3 Press B on the button to select MENU-

PAGE 2 and then pressA on the button to select “CAM. DISP.”.

ITEM

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE

S E

CAM. DISP.

DGTL ZOOM

1234 OFF ON

ITEM

1234 OFF ONONOFF

OFF

S E

OFF

4 Press B on the button to select “OFF”.

Then, press the MENU button to remove the menu. Turn camera off, then on again. Indicators will not appear.

S E

Notes:

• You can cancel the automatic display of in VCR mode by setting “VCR DISP.” to “OFF” on the VCR menu screen.

• If you want the indicators to be displayed, press the MODE DISPLAY button.

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE CAM. DISP. DGTL ZOOM

ITEM

1234 OFF ONONOFF

OFF

S E

OFF

screen

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Quick Return

When you have been playing back what you have recorded, and wish to quickly return to recording again from the end of the last recorded scene, use the quick return function.

1 Set the Power switch

to CAMERA.

2 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor.

3 PressAon the operation button ( ) to

select “RETURN”. The tape will begin winding or rewinding to the end of the last recorded scene.

AUTO

Note:

• If the cassette has been removed since the last recording or if no recording has been made since the cassette was loaded, the “RETURN” indicator will be faintly displayed and the quick return function will not operate.

Edit Search

The edit search feature lets you search, without switching from Camera Recording mode to VCR mode, for the point on the tape where you wish to start recording next.

1 In Recording Standby mode, make sure

that no operation indicators are displayed on the monitor.

• If they are displayed on the monitor, turn them off by pressing the MODE DISPLAY button.

2 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor.

3 Press C for reverse edit search or B for

forward edit search on the button.

Operation

Button

• To cancel, pressAon the button to

select “RETURN” again.

4 When the tape reaches the end of the last

recorded scene, the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode.

PAUSE

AUTO

4 When you find the point where you want to

begin recording, release the button.

Notes:

• Some picture noise appears during reverse edit search.

• Forward edit search is performed at the same speed as normal playback, and reverse edit search is performed at three times the normal playback speed.

• The sound is off during edit search.

Tips on Recording Positions

,,,,

The rotating LCD monitor screen lets you enjoy easy video recording in relaxed postures.

• You can record using more natural body postures since you can see the subject on-screen, without having to hold the camcorder against your eye.

• The LCD monitor also makes high-angle and low-angle shots easy.

• In hand-held recording, the camcorder has to be steadied to prevent image shake.

• Use a tripod for very stable recording.

Basic Recording Positions

Put the fingers of your right hand through the hand strap, and place your right thumb close to the REC START/STOP and Power Zoom buttons. Place your left thumb in the indentation on the left side of the LCD monitor.

Notes:

• Take care not to touch the monitor screen with your fingers, as perspiration and dirt will smudge it.

• Unless you intend to create a special effect, keep the camcorder level with the horizontal plane.

• Take care not to touch the microphone with your fingers when the camcorder is recording. It will cause noise on the audio track.

Hints for Better Shooting

• Position the subject in the center of the screen. When you are using auto focus, whatever is in the center of the screen is kept in focus.

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

Place your feet at a 45° angle and take a firm stance.

High Angle

You can record and still see the monitor screen. This is convenient when you want to record over a crowd.

Prone

Rest on both elbows to stabilize the camcorder.

Basic Posture

Look at the monitor with both eyes.

Press your elbows against your sides.

Low Angle

When kneeling, put one knee on the ground for the best stability.

Kneeling

Position the subject in

the center.

• Avoid backlit subjects. For the best picture, have the light source behind you. When the background is brighter than the subject, the subject often becomes too dark. If you need to record with this lighting, correct the gain or iris to improve the picture (see pages 26 and 47).

Light from

Behind

• Before zooming, think about how to best frame the shot. Stop zooming when the shot is well framed.

• When image shake is noticeable during zoomedin telephoto shooting, use a tripod, or press the Power Zoom W (wide angle) button to zoom out. Screw the tripod into the tripod socket on the bottom of the camcorder.

• Horizontal panning (lateral movement) and tilting (vertical movement) should be done slowly to emphasize the wide expanse of a scene or the height of a building, and to make them easy to watch on playback.

• Use wide-angle settings for fast-moving subjects.

Note:

• It may take longer to focus when zooming and panning are used frequently.

Focus manually when

you need to position the

subject off center (see

page 43).

Backlighting

Camera Recording

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode

This camcorder is equipped with auto focus, auto white balance, auto exposure, and auto shutter speed functions. Setting the camcorder to Full Auto mode lets you record high-quality pictures easily.

When “AUTO” is not displayed on the monitor the camcorder is not in Full Auto mode. Perform the procedure below to set the camcorder to Full Auto mode.

1 While the camcorder is in Camera mode,

press the MENU button until appears.

2 Press on the operation button ( ) to

select “MANUAL”.

Operation Button

Note:

• If the camcorder is in manual focus mode (“FOCUS” selected on screen), press A on the button to return to Auto Focus mode (see page 43).

3 Select “CAMERA MODE” and then press C

on the button to select “AUTO”.

ITEM

MANUAL

AUTO

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E T

WHITE BALANCE IRIS

S E T

4 Press the MENU button until appears.

During normal operation, use the screen for the Full Auto mode. “AUTO” appears on the monitor.

BLC

E X T

E N D

FADE

AUTO

“AUTO” appears.

Recording the Date and Time

Follow the procedure shown in the next column to record the date and time – or the date only – along with the subject.

1 Refer to page 14 to display MENU-PAGE

Press A on the operation button ( ) to select “DATE/TIME”.

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

1234

OFF

AUTO

DATE DATETIME

2 Press C or B on the button to select

“AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF”.

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

1234

OFF

AUTO

DATE DATETIME

When “ON” is selected, the date/time is

continuously displayed and recorded along with the subject.

When “AUTO” is selected, the date/time is

displayed and recorded for 10 seconds at the beginning of the first recording of each day.

When “OFF” is selected, the date/time is neither

displayed nor recorded.

Note:

• Select “AUTO” if continuous date/time display annoys you during recording or playback.

3 Press A on the button to select

“DISPLAY”.

S E T

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

SELF REC

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

OFF

CORRECT

S E T

4 Press C or B on the button to select

“DATE+ TIME” or “DATE”.

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

S E

SELF REC

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO

CORRECT

AUTO NO

OFF

S E

When “DATE+TIME” is selected, both the

date and the time are displayed and recorded.

When “DATE” is selected, only the date is

displayed and recorded.

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the menu

display.

Note:

• When “AUTO” is selected in step 2, the date/ time is not displayed and recorded even if the date changes during recording.

Remaining Recording Time Display

Remaining Battery Power Display

When the camcorder is recording in Camera mode, an on-screen indicator will begin to show how much time you have left as shown below. You might want to get a new tape ready at this time. To turn off the remaining recording time display, press the MODE DISPLAY button.

Notes:

MODE DISPLAY Button

Approx. Remaining

Recording Time

Monitor Display

This icon will appear

when less than half the

tape is remaining.

10 min.–8 min.

8 min.–6 min. 6 min.–4 min. 4 min.–2 min. 2 min.–1 min.

THE TAPE ENDS SOON.

1 min.–0 min.

(after 3 sec.)

When you turn on the camcorder, the remaining battery power display automatically appears on the monitor. By pressing the MODE DISPLAY button, you can turn the display on and off. The remaining power is displayed in five levels, as shown. If the battery power is very low, a warning message will appear. Replace the battery pack.

Monitor Display

(Green) (Green)

(Green)

5-Level Display

(Yellow) (Red)

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

0 min.

(The tape has

reached its end.)

• The time-remaining indicators only show approximate time left. Also, they vary slightly depending on the length of tape used. (This function’s design is based on the P6-120 tape standard.)

• If the MODE DISPLAY button is pressed to turn off the remaining recording time display, this display will reappear after a short interval to indicate the new time remaining.

• The time-remaining indicators above appear after 5 seconds from the time you press the REC START/STOP button to start recording.

CHANGE THE CASSETTE.

(after 3 sec.)

TAPE END

Notes:

• Use the remaining battery power display only as an indication.

• Battery consumption may vary depending on the condition of use.

• The battery power display may change to either a higher or lower level if you set the Power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA or VCR again.

• Use of the zoom functions when the warning message “BATTERY IS TOO LOW.” is displayed may cause the camcorder to suddenly lose power. Replace the battery pack.

• Remaining battery power display will not be displayed when using a DC cable or Docking station.

Basic Operations

• Refer to pages 13-15 on how to operate the

Playback

The LCD monitor makes it possible to play back and see what you have just recorded. Nothing needs to be connected, allowing instant on-screen playback. You can hear the sound through the built-in speaker or via your own stereo earphones. You can also watch prerecorded 8 mm video tapes on this camcorder.

1 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the Power switch to VCR. It make take some time for the screen to appear. Wait until the screen appears before starting operation.

2 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor.

PLAY

STILL

R E

3 If the tape is not at the desired point, press

C or B on the operation button ( ) to select “FF” (Q) or “REW” (W).

PLAY

STILL

Operation button

4 Press on the button to select “PLAY”.

PLAY

STILL

R E

To Stop Playback

Press Aon the button to select “STOP”.

Auto T ape Rewind

The tape is automatically rewound when playback reaches the end of the tape.

Notes:

• If you wish to turn off the operation indicators on the monitor (e.g. because they interfere with your view of the picture), press the MODE DISPLAY button. The buttons will still function as indicated even after their indicators are turned off.

• Stereo earphones with a 3.5 mm diameter plug can be plugged directly into the PHONES jack below the monitor. When you use this jack, the speaker automatically turns off.

Lock Button

F F

monitor display.

PHONE Jack

Caution:

• To use the infrared remote control, make sure that the remote control menu item (“REMOTE”) is set to “ON”. The remote control cannot be used to operate the camcorder when this menu item is set to “OFF”. See page 39.

Volume Control

While the camcorder is in the VCR mode, press the VOL. C or D button to increase or decrease the volume to your preference.

The volume control indicator will appear on the monitor. After adjusting the volume, if the Volume control buttons are not pressed, the indicator will disappear by itself shortly.

Decrease

Note:

• The volume can also be adjusted with the remote control.

Fast Forward and Rewind

Press B or C on the button to select “FF” (Fast Forward) or “REW” (Rewind) on the screen (VCR mode) during a stop mode.

Searching for and Playing Back a Scene Far from the Current Tape Position

When fast forwarding (or rewinding) a tape, press B on the button to select “FF” (or C to select “REW”) on the screen (VCR mode). The fast forward (or reverse) playback picture is displayed on-screen. Release the button to return to normal fast forward (or reverse) mode.

VOLUME

Increase

Volume Control Buttons

Using the Stand

Still

Pull out the stand and lock it into position when you put the camcorder on a table or other flat surface.

Cautions:

• Protect the stand from strong forces. Otherwise it may break.

• To retract the stand, press it in the direction of the arrow.

Retracting the StandPulling the Stand Out

Placing

To stabilize the camcorder, make sure the camera module stands vertically.

Video Search

This function makes it easy for you to search for a scene near the current tape position.

1 During playback, press B on the operation

button ( ) to select “FF” (Q) (or C to select “REW” (W)) on the screen (VCR mode). The fast forward (or reverse) playback picture is displayed on-screen.

Operation

Button

PLAY

STILL

R E W

F F

2 When you find the desired scene, press

the on the button to select “PLAY” to return to normal playback.

PLAY

STILL

R E W

Notes:

• The sound is off during these searches.

• Some picture noise appears during these searches. This is not a malfunction.

F F

This function makes it possible to freeze the picture. During playback, press on the button to select “STILL” on the screen (VCR mode). To return to normal playback, press on the button to select “STILL” once again.

PLAY

STILL

R E

• Still image playback can also be operated with the remote control. (See page 39.)

F F

Slow

This function makes it possible to play back in slow motion. During playback, press the SLOW button (E) on the remote control. To return to normal playback, press PLAY button on the remote control to select “PLAY”.

PLAY

REW FF

STOP

VOLUME

PLAY

STOP

PAUSE/STILL

SLOW

STILL

SLOW Button

F F

PLAY Button

R E

Notes:

• The sound is off during Still and Slow modes.

• To protect the tape, the camcorder automatically returns to ordinary playback mode if it is left in Still mode for more than 5 minutes or in Slow mode for more than about 40 seconds.

• If still or slow functions are used when connected to a TV, noise will appear and distort the image.

• Slow function cannot be operated from the camcorder.

Basic Operations

Playback

Basic Operations Playback

Program Search

The program search feature automatically finds the beginning of a number of previously recorded scenes. Up to 10 different scenes can be found on one tape.

1 Set the Power switch

to VCR.

2 Press the MENU button until screen

appears on the monitor.

3 Press A on the operation button ( ) to

select “SEARCH”. The camcorder enters the Program Search mode. Both the “REW” and “FF” indicators, or one of them will start flashing. To cancel, press A on the button to select SEARCH again.

Operation Button

F F

4 Press C on the button to select REW (or

B to select FF) button. “SEARCH” will start

flashing. The tape rewinds (or fast forwards) to the beginning of a scene immediately before (or after) the current tape position; playback then starts automatically. The “REW” and “FF” indicators automatically disappear after about 10 seconds.

R E W

FINISHED

F F

5 To continue searching, press C on the

button to select REW (or B to select FF) while its indicator is displayed.

Notes:

• Use this feature when the tape is stopped or being

played back.

• This function finds the beginning of the scene

immediately before or after the current tape position, stopping at every scene. It is not possible to skip a scene.

• This function cannot spot recordings that are shorter

than 10 seconds in length.

• In steps 3 and 5, if the tape is at a point ahead of

the most recent recording, only the “REW” indicator will flash, and the “FF” indicator will not appear.

• In steps 3 and 5, if the tape is at a point before the

oldest recording, only the “FF” indicator will flash, and the “REW” indicator will not appear.

• This feature does not function if no recording has

been made since the cassette was loaded, or if the cassette has been removed after the recordings were made. “SEARCH” is faintly displayed in this case.

Example: To find the beginning of five different scenes:

Monitor Display

Current Tape Position

Video Tape

Beginnings of Scenes

Oldest Recording Most Recent Recording

When you are at this position: Press C on the button to select “REW” to rewind the tape to E and begin playback. Press B on the button to select “FF” to forward the tape to R and begin playback.

R E

Using the Tape Counter

To Turn Off the Counter Display

Use the tape counter feature when you want to know the recording or playback time.

1 Press the MENU button until (VCR

mode) or (Camera mode) appears on the monitor.

STOP WATCH

E N U

COUNTER

2 Press Aon the operation button ( ) to

select “COUNTER”. The counter display will appear.

M E N U

COUNTER

Operation Button

Tape Counter

03108

O R Y

PREV. PAGE

COUNTER

R E S E T

3 Begin playback or recording. You can

check the recording or playback time on the monitor.

Tape Counter

PLAY

03108

R E W

STILL

Press A on the button again to select “COUNTER” in step 2.

To Reset the Counter to Zero

During playback or recording, perform steps 1 and 2, and then press B on the button to select “RESET”.

PREV. PAGE

00000

O R Y

R E S E

Basic Operations

Playback

Basic Operations Playback

Counter Memory

Use the counter memory when you want to return to the beginning of a particular scene. The position where the counter memory is reset, (0:00.00) is stored in memory to make it easier to return the tape to that point.

1 During playback or recording, press the

MENU button until (VCR mode) or (Camera mode) appears on the monitor.

STOP WATCH

M E N U

COUNTER

2 Press A on the button to select “COUNTER”

then press C on the button to select “MEMORY”. “M” will appear to the left of the counter display.

M E N U

COUNTER

PREV. PAGE

03108

O R Y

R E S E T

Memory Indicator

3 Press B on the button to select “RESET”

at the beginning of a scene you want to return to later.

PREV. PAGE

00000

M E M O R

R E S E T

4 After playback, press A on the button to

select “STOP” on the screen. If you have been recording, stop the tape and set the Power switch to VCR.

5Press C on the button to select “REW”

on the screen. The tape will automatically stop when the counter reaches 0:00.00.

PLAY

STILL

00000

R E

STOP

F F

6 Press on the button to select “PLAY”

on the screen to view the desired scene.

To Cancel the Counter Memory Mode

Perform step 1. Then press A on the operation button ( ) to select “COUNTER” and then press C on the button to select “MEMORY”. “M” will disappear. The Counter Memory mode is now canceled.

Notes:

• In Step 5, Bon the “FF” in the same way.

• This function does not work during video searches.

• In step 5, the tape may stop slightly ahead or behind the point where you reset the counter to “M 0:00.00”.

button can be used to select

Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight

This camcorder’s LCD monitor uses a fluorescent lamp for backlighting (see page 57). In order to reduce battery consumption, you can turn off the lamp when backlighting is not necessary (e.g. when you are watching a playback on a connected TV’s screen).

While the camcorder is in Camera or VCR mode, hold down the MODE DISPLAY button for more than 5 seconds. The backlight will turn off and the LAMP OFF indicator will light. To turn it on again, press the MODE DISPLAY button or set the Power switch to OFF, and then back to CAMERA or VCR.

MODE

LAMP OFF Indicator

Notes:

• The LAMP OFF indicator will blink when the monitor

is off to indicate that there is a warning message. Press the MODE DISPLAY button and check the message on the monitor.

• Turning the LCD monitor on and off repeatedly may

deplete battery power.

DISPLAY

Using the Infrared Remote

REMOTE CONTROL

ZOOM

REC

START/

STOP

PLAY

PAUSE/STILL

STOP

VOLUME

SLOW

REW FF

Control

Use the remote control to operate the camcorder from a distance, such as when you want to record yourself in a scene, or when the camcorder is connected to a TV for use as a VCR.

1 Set the Power switch

to CAMERA or VCR.

2 Press the MENU button until (Camera

mode) or (VCR mode) appears on the monitor.

STOP WATCH

COUNTER

3 Press B on the operation button ( ) to

select “MENU”.

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO

CORRECT

AUTO NO

Operation Button

PAGE DATE /TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC

4 Press B on the button to select MENU-

PAGE 2 and then press A on the button to select “REMOTE”. Make sure the "REMOTE" is set to "ON".

ITEM

1234 OFF ON

ITEM

1234 OFF ON

ITEM

1234

OFF ON

If the "REMOTE" is set to "OFF", press C on the button to select “ON”.

5 Aim the remote control at the

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE

photoreceptor of the camcorder, and press the control buttons for operation.

PAGE 16 : 9 REMOTE

OFF

16 ft (5m)

Approximate Operating Range of Remote Control

Photoreceptor

AUTO

E N U

Notes:

• Be careful not to allow direct sunlight or bright light from interior illumination to fall onto the camcorder’s photoreceptor, as this may prevent the remote control from operating properly.

Basic Operations

Playback

• Be sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the camcorder’s photoreceptor.

• When the “REMOTE” item setting is changed in either Camera or VCR mode, the setting for the

S E T

other mode is automatically set to the same.

• The lithium cell normally lasts about one year. It can be shorter under some operating conditions. When the lithium cell is dead and the remote control does not operate, replace the cell with a new one by following the instructions on page 6.

OFF

REC START/

ZOOM Button

STOP Button

OFF

PLAY

Button

REW

Button

STOP

Button

PAUSE/ STILL Button

FF Button

SLOW Button

VOLUME Button

Useful Features for Camera Recording

Self Recording

The LCD monitor can be rotated 180° vertically so that the monitor screen faces the subject. This lets you record yourself while watching yourself on the screen.

Enjoy recording your own portrait by yourself, or recording yourself and your friend together at a party.

Example of Recording in Self Recording Mode

Cautions:

• Do not rotate the monitor to the self recording position while the camcorder is recording or playing back.

• For recording in Self Recording mode, be sure to

rotate the monitor, NOT the lens. If you hold the camcorder upside down with its lens at the bottom, the subject will be recorded upside down.

Note:

• If the image on the monitor is upside-down, rerotate the monitor (normal position) and display MENU-

(Camera mode), press A on the

PAGE operation button ( then press C on the

Operation Button

) to select “SELF REC” and

button to select “AUTO”.

ITEM

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

S E T

SELF REC

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

ITEM

1234

OFF

AUTO DATE DATETIME AUTO AUTO NO

OFF

CORRECT

OFF

CORRECT

S E T

2 Press C or B to select “WIDE ” or “TELE”.

REC START

I D E

T E L E

3 Press A on the button to select “REC

START”.

REC START

I D E

Normal Self Recording

1 Rotate the camcorder’s monitor section

180° vertically. The camcorder will show a mirror image of the subject. Playback image will not be reversed even though the monitor shows the mirror image during self recording.

REC STOP

I D E

T E

To pause recording, press A on the button.

Self Recording Message OSD

In Self Recording mode, by following some simple instructions that appear on the monitor screen, you can easily record a short video message for someone. This feature is especially convenient for editing video letters.

• Complete steps 1 and 2 of “Normal Self Recording” on page 40. Then perform the procedure below.

1 Press on the operation button ( ) to

select “MESSAGE”. The instruction “PRESS REC START FOR LEAVING YOUR MESSAGE.” appears on the monitor, and the “REC START” indicator starts flashing.

I D E

MESSAGE

REC START

PRESS REC START FOR

LEAVING YOUR MESSAGE.

Operation Button

2 Press A on the button to select “REC”.

START”. Say your message while facing the lens of the camcorder.

• The recording time is preset for 20 seconds.

• The remaining number of seconds is displayed in the upper right hand corner.

3When the remaining recording time

reaches 5 seconds, “EXTEND” will flash.

• When you want to extend the recording time, press on the button to select “EXTEND” within 5 seconds. After pressing the button, you may record continuously for 10 more seconds.

I D E

EXTEND

T E L E

4 At the end of recording, the screen fades

out, and recording stops automatically. The camcorder returns to Recording Standby mode, and “PRESS REC START FOR LEAVING YOUR MESSAGE.” appears again on the monitor screen.

REC STOP

I D E

MESSAGE

REC START

PRESS REC START FOR

LEAVING YOUR MESSAGE.

I D E

T E

Camera Recording

Useful Features for

REC START

PRESS REC START FOR

LEAVING YOUR MESSAGE.

I D E

REC STOP

T E L E

T E

20 15 10 5 4 3 21

(remaining number of seconds)

MESSAGE

Note:

• When you want to stop recording before message recording stops automatically, press

A on the button to select “REC STOP”. The

screen fades out immediately and the camcorder returns to Recording Standby mode.

Useful Features for Camera Recording

ITEM

S E T

PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY

SELF REC

DATE DATETIME

AUTO

OFF

1234

OFF

AUTO NO

CORRECT

More Information on Self Recording

• The screen image is automatically inverted

when the monitor rotation is between 140° and 200°. When the monitor is turned back to the normal position, the image returns to normal.

• During Self Recording mode, only the REC START/STOP, Zoom Wide and Telephoto buttons function on the remote control (see page 39).

Photoreceptor

Usable Buttons During Self Recording Mode

• In Self Recording mode, it is not possible to record using manual recording modes, change picture adjustments, display menus, record the date and time, or use the quick-return and some of the other features.

• You can begin playback by setting the Power switch to VCR, even while the monitor is rotated 180°. The functions displayed on the monitor during normal playback still operate even though not displayed. (For example, the operation button (

) works as the Play

on the

button.) After recording in Self Recording mode, you can enjoy instant playback without having to re-rotate the monitor. In this case, the indicators will not be displayed on the monitor.

•If you set “SELF REC” to “NO CORRECT” on MENU-PAGE

(Camera mode), the screen image on the monitor will be displayed upside-down.

• In the Self Recording mode, all standard warning indicators on the monitor are replaced by a flashing “

” indicator. To check the meaning of the warning, turn the monitor back to the normal position.

Manual Focus

MANUAL

FOCUS

AUTO

The auto focus may not be able to focus on the subject in the situations shown in the chart on page 25. In such situations, set the camcorder to Manual Focus mode and focus manually.

Operation Button

To Return to Auto Focus Mode

PressAon the button to select “FOCUS” in step 1.

MANUAL

N E A R

FOCUS

F A R

Setting the Manual Focus

1 Press the MENU button until appears

on the monitor (Camera mode). PressAon the operation button (

) to

select “FOCUS

AUTO

MANUAL

E A

FOCUS

F A R

2 Press C or B on the button to

select “NEAR”or “FAR”.

MANUAL

N E A R

FOCUS

F A R

Notes:

• When recording in the Manual Focus mode, you may not be able to focus correctly if the subject is within approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) of the camcorder. In such a case, shift the zoom control toward wide angle, and then try focusing again.

• If you focus on a subject in wide angle and then set the zoom to maximum, the subject may go out of focus. (First focus on the subject at maximum zoom setting and then shoot at the desired zoom setting.)

• If the lens is dirty or fogged, you may not be able to obtain correct focus.

Camera Recording

Useful Features for

Useful Features for Camera Recording

OFF

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU OFF

ITEM

Scene Menu (Program AE)

You can set the camcorder to the shooting mode that will bring the best results for a specific type of shooting situation. Just select one of the four scene settings shown below. The camcorder will automatically set the exposure, white balance, and shutter speed to produce the optimum picture quality for the selected situation.

Scene

To record a fast-moving subject.

Sport

Ski or sand

Twilight

When the background is too bright.

When you want to faithfully record the red of the setting sun, and the surrounding twilight.

When the illumination is from a

Party

spotlight or candles.

1 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor (Camera mode). Press on the operation button ( ) to select “MANUAL”.

Situation

The shutter speed is set to 1/500 sec. for a clear, unblurred picture of fast-moving objects. The white balance is set for outdoor sunlight.

The aperture is adjusted to maintain the appropriate brightness. The white balance is set for outdoor sunlight.

The white balance is fixed to optimize the red of the sunset. Light sensitivity and contrast are reduced to reproduce the surrounding twilight.

Brightness is adjusted to reduce white flaring (overexposure) from faces when the spotlight or candles are too bright.

4 Press C or B on the button to select

Operation Button

MENU Button

Camcorder Adjustment

the scene setting that best fits the recording situation. Each time you press C or B on the button, the scene indicator changes as shown.

2 Select “CAMERA MODE” and then press B

on the button to select “MANUAL”.

ITEM

MANUAL

AUTO

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

WHITE BALANCE

IRIS

S E T

3 PressAon the button to select “SCENE

MENU”.

ITEM

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU OFF

WHITE BALANCE

E T

IRIS PREV. PAGE

ITEM

Note:

• Pressing A on the button once again will select “SHUT. SPEED”, not “WHITE BALANCE”.

S E T

To Go Back to Auto Mode

Select “SCENE MENU” in step 3 above, and then press C on the operation button ( ) to select “OFF”. To reset the camcorder to Full Auto mode, press

on the button to select “CAMERA MODE” and then press C on the button to select “AUTO” in step 2.

Notes:

• When “

fluorescent lamps, mercury lamps, or sodium lamps may cause color shifts or fluctuations in picture brightness.

• When “

satisfactory if the lighting is very dim.

• We recommend that you use Auto mode (“SCENE

MENU: OFF”) to record outdoor parties.

• If other manual items are adjusted after setting the

Scene Menu, the Scene Menu will automatically return to “OFF”.

” is selected, recording under the light of

” is selected, the picture may not be

Setting the Shutter Speed

Operation Button

MENU Button

1 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor (Camera mode). Press on the operation button ( ) to select “MANUAL”.

To Return to the Standard Shutter Speed

In step 4, press C on the operation button ( ) to select “NORMAL”.

To reset the camcorder to Full Auto mode, press

on the button to select “CAMERA MODE” and then press C on the button to select “AUTO” in step 2.

Recommended Shutter Speeds

The faster the shutter speed, the darker the picture becomes. Select the most appropriate shutter speed for the ambient light.

Situation

Recommended

Shutter Speed

2 Select “CAMERA MODE” and then press B

on the button to select “MANUAL”.

ITEM

MANUAL

AUTO

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

WHITE BALANCE

IRIS

S E T

3 PressAon the button to select “SHUT.

SPEED”.

S E T

NORMAL

100 250 400 1000 10000

Note:

• Pressing A on the button once again will select “WHITE BALANCE”, not “IRIS”.

ITEM

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

NORMAL

100 250 400 1000 10000

IRIS

S E

4 Press B on the button to select the

desired shutter speed.

• You can select from 6 shutter speed settings from 1/60 (NORMAL) to 1/10000.

ITEM

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

NORMAL

100 250 400 1000 10000

IRIS

S E

• Recording sports action in bright daylight

• Recording in bright daylight at a ski resort

1/10000 sec.

1/1000␣ sec.

• Recording outdoor sports on a somewhat cloudy day

• Recording an outside scene through a car window (when you want to minimize blurs caused by

1/1000 sec.

1/250␣ sec.

camera shake)

• When you want to reduce the light by half. Use as a substitute for an ND2 filter.

1/100 sec.

Note on Recording under Fluorescent Lighting

If the picture on the monitor flickers when recording under fluorescent lighting, you may be able to compensate by changing the shutter speed to 1/100 sec.

Notes:

• Using a fast shutter speed under fluorescent lighting will cause flickering in the picture and possibly periodic color shifts.

• Recording with a shutter speed higher than 1/60 sec. (standard) tends to darken the picture. Record in bright locations when you use a high shutter speed.

• If the Scene Menu is set after setting the shutter speed, the shutter speed will automatically return to “NORMAL” (1/60).

Camera Recording

Useful Features for

Useful Features for Camera Recording

White Balance Lock

Operation Button

MENU Button

1 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor (Camera mode). Press on the operation button ( ) to select “MANUAL”.

2 Select “CAMERA MODE” and then press B

on the button to select “MANUAL”.

ITEM

MANUAL

AUTO

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

WHITE BALANCE

IRIS

S E T

To Return to the Auto Mode

In step 5, press C on the operation button ( ) to select “AUTO”. The white balance mode display will change to “AUTO”.

To reset the camcorder to Full Auto mode, press

on the button to select “CAMERA MODE” and then press C on the button to select “AUTO” in step 2.

Notes:

• When recording with the white balance locked, if

the light source changes or if you move from indoor to outdoor, or vice versa, the white balance may shift. Reset the white balance.

• Even after the white balance has been locked,

white balance shifts may occur due to slight changes in illumination or depending on the subject.

• Do not move the camcorder while “LOCK” is

flashing in step 5.

• If the “LOCK” indicator does not stop flashing,

set the white balance to “AUTO” and reset to “LOCK”.

• If the Scene Menu is set after setting the white

balance to “LOCK”, the white balance will automatically return to “AUTO”.

3 PressAon the button to select “WHITE

BALANCE”.

ITEM

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

WHITE BALANCE

IRIS

AUTO

LOCK

S E T

4 Aim the camcorder at a solid white subject

in the light.

5 Press B on the button to select

“LOCK”. The “LOCK” display flashes and the white balance is automatically locked. The “LOCK” display stops flashing when the locking procedure is completed.

S E T

ITEM

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED WHITE BALANCE IRIS

AUTO

LOCK

S E T

Manual Iris

The camcorder is normally set to Auto Iris mode, which automatically chooses the optimal aperture. When there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and background, you may not be able to record a clear image. Correct the iris to adjust the aperture.

Operation Button

MENU Button

1 Press the MENU button until appears on

the monitor (Camera mode). Press on the operation button ( ) to select “MANUAL”.

4 Press C or B on the operation button ( )

to select the desired value setting.

• The number shows the selected aperture value. The adjustable range is from 16 (least light) to `6 (most light).

ITEM

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

WHITE BALANCE

IRIS

-6

PREV. PAGE

ITEM

To Return to the Auto Mode

In step 4, press C or B on the operation button ( ) to select “0”.

To reset the camcorder to Full Auto mode, press

on the button to select “CAMERA MODE” and then press C on the button to select “AUTO” in step 2.

Note:

• If the Scene Menu is set after setting the manual

iris, the aperture setting will automatically return to “0” (normal).

S E

Camera Recording

Useful Features for

2 Select “CAMERA MODE” and then press B

on the button to select “MANUAL”.

ITEM

MANUAL

AUTO

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

WHITE BALANCE

IRIS

S E T

3 PressAon the button to select “IRIS”.

ITEM

CAMERA MODE SCENE MENU SHUT. SPEED

S E

WHITE BALANCE

IRIS PREV. PAGE

ITEM

S E T

Useful Features for Camera Recording

Recording a Five-Second Still Image (Snapshot)

You can record a still picture (snapshot) for about five seconds with normal sound simply by pressing the SNAP button.

This is useful when you want to record a scene like a photograph.

1 Refer to page 14 to display MENU-PAGE

(Camera mode). PressAon the operation button ( ) to select “PHOTO SNAP” and then press C on the button to select “SNAP”. Press the MENU button to turn off the menu.

Operation Button

ITEM

PAGE EXTEND ZOOM PHOTO SNAP

S E T

PREV. PAGE

1234

1.5 2.0 2.5 SNAP

ITEM

STILL

S E T

2 Press the SNAP button while the camcorder

is in Recording Standby mode.

SNAP

Button

3 Press the REC START/STOP button.

• The indicator is displayed during snapshot recording.

BLC

E X T E N D

A still image of the subject will be recorded for about five seconds, then the camcorder automatically enters Recording Standby mode.

D I S

Still Recording

You can record still images of subjects with normal sound.

You will find it useful when you want to record a shot of a tourist information board during sightseeing.

1 Refer to page 14 to display “MENU-PAGE

(Camera mode). PressAon the button to select “PHOTO SNAP” and then press B on the button to select “STILL”.

ITEM

PAGE EXTEND ZOOM PHOTO SNAP

S E T

PREV. PAGE

1234

1.5 2.0 2.5X SNAP

ITEM

STILL

S E T

2 Press the SNAP button while the camcorder

is in Recording Standby mode.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button. 4 To return to normal recording, press the

SNAP button again in the Still Recording mode.

Notes:

• Once the Still Recording mode is set, the camcorder will remain in that mode until it is canceled, even when switching between Recording mode and Recording Standby mode.

• The picture quality in this mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

Caution:

• Do not keep the camcorder in Still Recording mode too long. The monitor may hold an afterimage. Turn off the power and wait for a while. The monitor will return to normal.

To Stop Snapshot or Still Recording

Press the REC START/STOP button.

”

Notes:

• The image on the monitor will also be frozen during snapshot recording.

• If the electronic high-speed shutter is used with the snapshot function, you can record a complete still image without any blurring.

• The picture quality of the snapshot is slightly lower than normal picture quality.

Strobe Recording

You can record strobe images (still pictures that capture continuous motion at 1/5 sec. intervals) of subjects with normal sound. You will find it useful when you want to produce a special effect while recording moving subjects such as your friends waving at you.

1 Press on the operation button ( ) to

select “STROBE” on the screen (Camera mode) while the camcorder is in Recording Standby mode.

• Each time you press the button, the recording mode changes as shown below.

Normal ↔ Strobe

2 Press the REC START/STOP button. 3 To return to normal recording, press on

the button to select “STROBE” again.

Notes:

• Once the Strobe Recording mode is set, the camcorder will remain in that mode until it is canceled, even when switching between Recording mode and Recording Standby mode.

• The picture quality in this mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

Using the Stopwatch Function

1 During playback (or recording), press the

MENU button until (VCR mode) or (Camera mode) appears on the monitor.

2 Press on the operation button ( ) to

select “STOP WATCH”.

STOP WATCH

M E N U

3 Press on the button to select

“START”. The “START” indicator changes to “STOP”, and the stopwatch begins to show elapsed time.

START

000000

L A P T

I M E

00012

STOP

R E S E T

4 Press on the button to select

“STOP”. The stopwatch display now shows the total elapsed time.

STOP

10264

A P T

M E

R E S E T

Camera Recording

Useful Features for

Stopwatch

The stopwatch feature is useful for measuring times in athletic races and other time competitions. You can measure down to 1/100 second. The function is available for both Camera and VCR modes.

Operation Button

MENU Button

To Reset the Stopwatch

Press B on the button to select “RESET”.

START

000000

Notes:

• While the stopwatch is running, the elapsed time is displayed down to 1/10 second.

• After completing step 4, if you press A on the

button to select “PREV. PAGE”, the monitor

display will return to step 1.

• When using the stopwatch during recording, the stopwatch display is not recorded.

R E S E T

Useful Features for Camera Recording

Displaying Lap Times

When using the stopwatch in an athletic competition such as a 100 m swimming race, the stopwatch can display lap times, e.g. at the 50 m turn, while continuing to measure elapsed time. This function is available for both Camera and VCR modes.

Operation Button

1 When measuring time with the stopwatch

function, press C on the operation button ( ) to select “LAP TIME” at the moment that you want to know the time elapsed so far, e.g. at the 50 m turning point. The elapsed time is replaced by the lap time. The stopwatch continues to measure internally.

STOP

003108

L A P T

R E S E T

2 Press C on the button to select “LAP

TIME” again. The elapsed time will reappear.

Notes:

• When using the stopwatch during recording, the lap time display is not recorded.

• Each time you select “LAP TIME”, the stopwatch display indicates the time elapsed from the moment the stopwatch was started to the moment you pressed C on the button to select “LAP TIME”.

• The stopwatch cannot measure lap time for any intermediate period.

3 Press on the button to select

“STOP”. The stopwatch stops measuring, and shows the time elapsed between the start and the moment you pressed stop, e.g. from the start to the goal of the 100 m race.

STOP

10052

L A P T

R E S E T

4 Press C on the button to select “LAP

TIME” once to display the most recent lap time. Press C on the button to select “LAP TIME” a second time to display the total time elapsed.

• You can switch between these two displays by selecting “LAP TIME”.

START

003108

L A P T

I M E

100531

L A P T

I M E

START

R E S E T

10051

L A P T

STOP

E S E T

Lighting

GAIN-UP

E X T E N D

LIGHT

For clear, good-quality recording, 500 to 100,000 lux is needed. Recording is also possible with less light, but the picture quality may suffer. Adequate lighting is also essential for correct white balance.

Brightness

(Lux)

Blue sky

100,000

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Clear day at noon (100,000)

Clear day at 10 am (65,000)

Clear day at 3 pm (35,000) Cloudy day at noon (32,000) Cloudy day at 10 am (25,000)

10,000

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Cloudy day, one hour after sunrise (2,000) Clear day, one hour before sunset (1,000)

1,000

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Fluorescent light near window (1,000)

Factory floor (700–800) Sales counter in department store (500–700) Bowling alley (500) Library (400–500) Office with fluorescent lighting (400–500) Fluorescent desk lamp (400) Flashlight at 3 ft (1 m) (250)

100

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Shop stairway (100)

During intermission at movie theater (15–35) Cigarette lighter at 1 ft (30 cm) (15–20) Candles on birthday cake at 8␣ inches (20 cm) (10–15)

Candlelight

Reference

Lighting is not only one of the most important areas in producing home videos, but also one of the most overlooked. Good lighting can often mean the difference between a great picture and a poor one. Lighting is also essential for correct white balance. In most outdoor, daytime scenes, natural lighting is adequate for home videos. Indoors, the situation becomes more complicated. Artificial lighting is

Situation (Lux)

Color Tem-

perature

(degrees

Kelvin)

10,000

Clear day

Situation

Color

Blue

White

Balance

Range

9,000

8,000

Cloudy day

7,000

Rainy day

6,500

Daylight fluorescent light

6,000

Camera flashbulb

5,500

5,000

4,500

3,500

Blue photolamp

White fluorescent light

Off-white fluorescent light

White

Tungsten photolamp

3,200

Halogen lamp

2,800

2,500

2,000

Tungsten lamp Iodine lamp

Acetylene lamp Kerosene lamp

Candlelight

Yellow

Red

Notes:

• The figures in the charts are approximations.

• The auto white balance operates automatically within the range of “AUTO” shown in the chart. However, it will satisfactorily operate from 2,500 K up to 8,000 K, although the picture may take on a red or blue tint.

Lighting indicator (“LIGHT”)

When the “LIGHT” indicator appears on the monitor, it means that there is not enough illumination for recording. Either move to a brighter location or increase the light. You can also correct the problem by manually setting the gain (see page 26).

Camera Recording

Useful Features for

required, and halogen lamps provide the most natural artificial light while maintaining a constant color temperature over a long operating life. Good lighting is difficult to achieve. There are many problems waiting to catch the unwary. Simply mounting one light or several lights on either side of the camcorder will only make your subject look flat and two-dimensional. To make a subject more interesting, use the lighting to model your subject and to add or create emphasis in a scene.

Connections and Editing

Connections for Playback on a TV

Although you can enjoy playback on the camcorder’s LCD monitor, you can also play back tapes on your TV screen.

Connection to TV Using the Docking Station

1 Attach the camcorder to the Docking Station

(see page 8).

2 Connect the Docking Station to your TV with

the supplied audio/video cable.

3 Set the TV to its “AV” or “VIDEO” channel.

(See the operation manual for your TV.)

• If your TV has an S-video input connector, connect it to the Docking Station’s S-VIDEO connector with the supplied S-video cable.

Yellow: To VIDEO IN jack Red: To AUDIO IN (R) jack White: To AUDIO IN (L) jack*

* If your TV has only one audio

To S-VIDEO Input Connector

input jack, use the white plugs for the audio connection on the TV and camcorder.

Connection to TV Using a VCR 1 Connect the Docking Station to your VCR

with the supplied audio/video cable.

2 Set the VCR to its “LINE” or “VIDEO” input

channel. Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal from the VCR. (See the operation manuals for your TV and VCR.)

• If your VCR has an S-video input connector, connect it to the Docking Station’s S-VIDEO connector with the supplied S-video cable.

Yellow: To VIDEO IN Jack Red: To AUDIO IN (R) Jack White: To AUDIO IN (L) Jack*

CHANNEL

PAUSE /STILL

PLAY

STOP/

POWER

To S-VIDEO Input Connector

EJECT

REC

TV/VCRSET UP

*If your VCR has only one

audio input jack, use the white plugs for the audio connection on the VCR and camcorder.

Yellow: To VIDEO Jack Red: To AUDIO R Jack White: To AUDIO L Jack*

Caution:

• Make sure that the camcorder, TV and other equipment to be connected have been turned off before you make connections. Making connections with any of the components left turned on may cause picture noise or malfunction.

Note:

• When the camcorder is connected to a TV for playback, the picture on the TV screen may flicker if the volume on the camcorder is set to maximum. Should this occur, turn the volume down (see page 34).

About the S-video Connector

S-video connectors are used to pass the chroma (color) and luminance (brightness) components of video signals separately. They serve to improve the picture quality in both recording and playback.

Note:

• When both the normal A /V cable and the S-video cable are connected to the Docking Station, video signals are output only through the S-video cable. Do not connect the S-video cable to the Docking Station if the video equipment to be connected does not have an S-video connector.

Connections for Playback on a TV Using Audio/Video Jacks

Although you can enjoy playback on the camcorder’s LCD monitor, you can also play back tapes on your TV screen.

Connect the camcorder to your TV with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.

Use the Camcorder to Play Back Tapes on a TV

1 Set the Power switch to VCR.

2 Press on the operation button ( )

to select “PLAY”.

PLAY

STILL

A/V pack

Caution:

Note:

F F

Connections and

Editing

Connections and Editing

Using the Optional SAV103 A/V Pack

The optional SAV103 A/V pack (shown on page 58) lets you connect the camcorder to other audio-visual equipment. Small and lightweight, it comes in handy when traveling or any time you are away from home.

A/V Pack

VIDEO Jack RF DC OUT Jack

AUDIO L Jack

AUDIO R Jack

S-VIDEO Input Connector

Attaching the A/V Pack

1 Pull the A/V pack terminal cover of the

camcorder in the direction of the arrow as shown below.

Note:

• Be careful not to lose the A/V pack terminal cover once it is removed.

2 Align the projections on the A/V pack with

the openings on the camcorder’s mounting panel, and insert the A/V pack as shown. Then push the A/ V pack firmly against the mounting panel until it clicks into place.

Detaching the A/V Pack

Slide the A/V PACK EJECT release in the direction of the arrow, and then pull the A/V pack straight out.

EJECT Release

Caution:

• Do not use the A/V pack as a handle. It will cause malfunctions.

A/V Pack Terminal Cover

Editing

Video editing lets you refine your videos by removing unwanted sequences from your tape or transposing one sequence with another. This camcorder lets you monitor the source program on the built-in LCD monitor without having to connect it to an external TV or video monitor. Connect the camcorder to a VCR with the supplied Docking Station unit and audio/video cable.

Recording

POWER

To S-VIDEO Input Connector

*If your VCR has only one audio input

jack, use the white plugs for the audio connection on the VCR and camcorder.

Playback

Notes:

• If your VCR has an S-video input connector, connect it to the S-VIDEO connector on the Docking Station with the supplied S-video cable.

• When both the normal A/V cable and the S-video cable are connected to the Docking Station, video signals are output only through the S-video cable. Do not connect the S-video cable to the Docking Station if the video equipment to be connected does not have an S-video connector.

Yellow: To VIDEO IN Jack Red: To AUDIO IN (R) Jack White: To AUDIO IN (L) Jack*

CHANNEL

PAUSE /STILL

PLAY

STOP/ EJECT

REC

TV/VCRSET UP

Yellow: To VIDEO Jack Red: To AUDIO R Jack White: To AUDIO L Jack*

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

1 Play back the tape to be edited, and locate

the beginning and end of the sequence you wish to cut. Write down the tape counter readings at the beginning and end of that sequence (see page 37). Then rewind the tape to the beginning of the portion that you wish to keep.

2 Load a blank tape cassette into the recording

VCR.

3 Set the Power switch to VCR. Press on

the operation button ( ) to select “PLAY” and press the VCR’s REC (Record) button at the same time.

4 Press the VCR’s Pause/Still button to pause

recording when the source tape reaches the beginning of the sequence to be cut.

5 Press the VCR’s Pause/Still (or Record)

button to resume recording when the source tape reaches the end of the sequence to be cut.

To Stop Editing

PressAon the button to select “STOP” on the VCR screen and press the STOP button on the VCR.

Notes:

• Make sure that you press the Pause/Still button at exactly the right moments in steps 4 and 5 above. Otherwise, some of the transitions between edited sequences may be slightly off.

• The picture may be disturbed during video search or still picture playback. This does not imply a defect in the camcorder.

Setting the Edit Mode

Picture quality inevitably declines during dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. To minimize the quality reduction, set the camcorder to Edit mode.

Connections and

Editing

1 Set the camcorder to VCR mode, and press

the MENU button until appears.

2 Press B on the button to select “MENU”. 3 Press B on the button to set “EDIT” to

“ON”.

Notes:

• The “EDIT” setting is ineffective when the camcorder is recording.

• After you finish dubbing, set the “EDIT” menu item back to “OFF”.

Connections and Editing

Recording from an External Source

You can use this camcorder to record or edit video from another source, such as a VCR, TV, or video disc player.

Connect the camcorder to the source equipment, using the Docking Station and audio/video cable, as shown.

Recording

Yellow: To VIDEO Jack Red: To AUDIO R Jack White: To AUDIO L Jack

To S-video Output Connector

Playback

TV With Monitor Output

Yellow: To VIDEO OUT

Jack

Red: To AUDIO

OUT (R) Jack

White: To AUDIO

OUT (L) Jack

VCR

Video Disc Player

To Record from an External Source

1 Set the Power switch to VCR. 2 Start sending audio/video signals from the

source equipment connected to the Docking Station. Check the camcorder's monitor to see if the picture is being properly received.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button on the

camcorder to start recording.

Source Equipment

Operation Button

Note:

• To pause recording, press on the operation

button ( ) on the camcorder. Press the button again to resume recording.

To Stop Recording

Press Aon the button on the camcorder.

Notes:

• If the source equipment has an S-video output connector, connect it to the S-VIDEO connector on the Docking Station with the supplied S-video cable.

• If the source equipment has only one audio output jack, use the white plugs for the audio connection on the source equipment and Docking Station.

Automatic Switching of the Audio/ Video Jack’s Input/Output Mode

The AUDIO/VIDEO jack’s mode is normally set to input. It automatically switches to output when the camcorder is playing back.

Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe the rights of others.

Fluorescent Lamp Backlight

The fluorescent lamp backlight used in this camcorder will eventually need replacing. If you continue to use the camcorder when the fluorescent lamp has almost reached the end of its service life, the “REPLACE THE LAMP.” indicator will be displayed on the monitor for approximately one minute. When this occurs, purchase a replacement lamp (235179) and replace the old lamp.

REPLACE THE LAMP.

Power Switch

Fluorescent Lamp Unit

Replacing the Fluorescent Lamp Backlight

1 Set the Power switch to OFF

to turn off the camcorder, and wait about 15 minutes for the lamp unit to cool down. Make sure the battery pack is removed from the camcorder before replacing the lamp.

2 Rotate the camera

module of the camcorder halfway forward in the direction of the arrow.

Lamp Compartment Cover

3 Remove the lamp compartment cover: insert

a pointed object such as the point of a pen, push the cover release “ ” down, and then pull off the cover.

Lamp Compartment Cover

4 Carefully hold the end (white knob) of the

lamp unit with tweezers, and pull it out.

Fluorescent Lamp Unit

5 Insert the replacement lamp unit into the

compartment. See note below.

Fluorescent Lamp Unit

6 Replace the fluorescent lamp compartment

cover.

Lamp Compartment Cover

Notes:

• Be sure to insert the replacement fluorescent lamp straight in, in the direction of the arrow, into the compartment. Do not press diagonally as it may cause contact failure.

• The fluorescent light may flicker when first turned on. Should this occur, turn off the camcorder, and then turn it on again.

• When used in cold locations, the fluorescent lamp may lose some of its brightness.

Caution:

• The fluorescent lamp is hot during and

immediately after use of the camcorder. Wait at least 15 minutes after turning the power off before attempting to change the lamp, to allow time for it to cool down. Attempting to change the lamp unit while it is still hot may result in burns or other injuries.

References

Optional Accessories

We invite you to look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your camcorder. These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable.

To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, all accessories are available through toll-free ordering or by using the order form on the next page.

BB75 Battery Pack

This rechargeable battery is designed specifically for long life. The BB75 is the same

BB75

battery that came packed with your camcorder. It can be charged using the adapter/ charger that came with your camcorder.

SUN102 Sun Hood

This sun hood helps protect the lens from strong sunlight when recording on a bright sunny day.

SDC100 Car Battery Adapter

This car battery adapter enables you to operate your Camcorder from your car, truck, or RV by plugging the

vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. The SDC100 is designed specifically to convert power from a 24or12-volt negative ground car battery to a 4.5-volt output.

Caution: Do not use any other car battery adapter with this camcorder.

car cord directly into the

SAV103 A/V Pack

This A/V pack lets you connect your camcorder to other audio/ video equipment. Small and lightweight, it comes in handy when traveling.

STP104 Tuner Pack

This tuner pack lets you view TV channels on your camcorder. You can use the tuner pack's built-in antenna or attach an external antenna to receive the TV signal. See the tuner pack User's Guide for details.

Using the Optional AC088 Tripod

Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, will keep the camcorder steady and produce excellent video results.

This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quick-release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder. The

grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26 inches when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing.

Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcoder without falling over. Do not transport the camcorder attached to the tripod.

When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripod screw into the Camcorder’s tripod mounting hold.

The tripod screw should not protrude into the camcorder more than approximately three-eighth (3/8) inch. Forcing the screw could damage the mounting hole on the bottom of the camcorder.

Accessory Order Form

Order Form for Camcorder Model ProV950HB

Description Part No. Price Qty. T otal

Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 Rechargeable Battery BB75 $ 99.95 Audio/Video Pack SAV103 $ 49.95 Car Battery Adapter SDC100 $119.95 Tuner Pack STP104 $ 249.00 Sun Hood SUN102 $ 69.95 AC Adapter/Battery Charger 233576 $ 169.95 DC Output Cable 233578 $ 14.95 S-Video Cable 233579 $ 12.95 Shoulder Strap 233580 $ 9.95 Remote Control 233581 $ 13.95 Audio/Video Cable 233582 $ 9.95 Docking Station 233665 $119.95 Replacement Lamp Unit 235179

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Total Merchandise .............................................................. $

Sales T ax............................................................................ $

We are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax for each individual state, county, and locality to which the merchandise is being

sent.

Shipping and Handling....................................................... $

Total Amount Enclosed ................................................... $

Use VISA, MasterCard, or Discover.

Money order or check must be in U.S.

currency only. No COD.

Please complete other side also

Detach Here

5.00

References

Accessory Order Form

Charge your order on your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card by

USE YOUR CREDIT CARD

IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number

from your VISA card

from your MasterCard

filling in below

My card expires:

Copy Number

above your

name on

MasterCard

IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number

from your Discover Card

My card expires:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Print or type your name and address clearly. This will be your mailing label.

Name:

Street:

City:

State:

A complete and correct order will save you days of waiting.

Apt:

Zip:

Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely.

• Allow 4 weeks for delivery.

• All accessories are subject to availability.

To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.

If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail.

United States and Canada Orders

To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.

Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form.

1-800–338–0376

To place your order by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information, money order, or check in U.S. currency (made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.) to the following address:

Video Accessories PO Box 8419 Ronks, PA 17573

References

Use and Care

Precautions

• After operation, remove the battery pack from the unit.

• Do not aim the lens at the sun. Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the camcorder lens or LCD panel, whether recording is in progress or not, as it may damage the CCD sensor or LCD panel surface. Be particularly careful when recording outside.

• When shooting in dark places, avoid sudden brightly lit objects or light sources, such as the sun. Otherwise, the image may white out. Should this happen, point the camera in a different direction until the picture returns to normal.

• Avoid magnetic

sources.

Using the camcorder near strong fluorescent lights, motors, televisions, or other magnetic sources may adversely affect recorded images.

• Remember to remove the cassette tape,

turn off the power, and remove the battery pack when the camcorder is not in use.

• Using the camcorder near a broadcasting station or other powerful transmission source may cause buzzing or picture deterioration.

• Avoid shocks and dropping.

Do not drop or otherwise subject the camcorder to hard shocks or strong vibrations. Bumping or striking the unit during recording will generate noise in the recorded image.

• Avoid placing the

camcorder in close proximity to lighting equipment.

The heat from incandescent lights may deform the camcorder, or cause it to malfunction.

• Always respect prohibitions or restrictions

on the use of electronic equipment on commercial flights or in other sensitive areas. The camcorder generates electrical

interference that can disable vital equipment, leading to the risk of a serious accident.

• Watch the temperature and humidity.

You can use your camcorder at 07 C to `407 C (327 F to 1047F), and at 30% to 80% relative humidity. Do not store the unit in an unventilated car in the summer, in direct sunlight, or near strong heat sources; this can result in severe damage to the unit’s casing and circuitry. Be careful when handling the unit after it has been left in a hot place, such as the ones described above.

• Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or

other foreign matter could get on or inside the camcorder. Such substances could cause malfunctions.

Do not use your camcorder in areas with excessive smoke or steam. Do not leave your camcorder in areas with excessive dust or moisture. Such environments can cause mildew to form on this unit’s lenses. Be sure to provide ample ventilation.

• Some small, portable

tripods may be difficult to attach and may not be sturdy enough to support your camcorder. Be sure to use only a strong, stable tripod.

• When using your camcorder in a cold environment, the color LCD view screen may appear less bright. This often occurs in cold environments immediately after the power is turned on. This is not a malfunction. If this occurs, put the camcorder in a warmer location for some time before use. To prevent excessive cooling, wrap the camcorder in a thick cloth (a blanket, etc.).

Dew Formation

• What is “dew formation”?

When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew formation.

• When dew forms in your camcorder.

Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your camcorder and make the video tape stick to the head. This causes damage both to the head and the tape. When dew formation occurs, recording and playback may not function properly. Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances:

• when moving the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place,

• when placing the camcorder in a cold room which is then heated rapidly,

• when moving the camcorder outdoors from an air conditioned room,

• when placing the camcorder in the direct path of air blowing from an air conditioner,

• when placing the camcorder in a humid room.

• How to prevent trouble due to dew

formation.

When using the camcorder in a place where dew formation is likely to occur, allow the camcorder and the video tape to acclimate to the surroundings for about one hour. For example, when bringing the camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag and allow it to adapt to room conditions for some period of time.

• “Dew” warning feature

If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the LCD monitor, and the power will automatically turn off in approximately 10 seconds.

Q If the word “DEW” flashes on the LCD

monitor, remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and wait several hours to allow the camcorder to acclimate to the surrounding temperature.

W To use the camcorder again, turn on the

power after waiting for several hours. Be sure that the word “DEW” has disappeared from the monitor screen.

E Do not insert a cassette while the word

“DEW” is flashing; this may result in damage to the tape.

R Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to

15 minutes before the dew warning feature engages.

• Ho w to continually maintain good recor ding.

If used in a variety of places, eventually your camcorder may not function properly due to accumulation of dirt on the head drum. Please pay special attention to the following points when using your camcorder.

1) Dew formation on the head drum.

2) Worn video tapes: Using a damaged or soiled video tape may also soil the head drum, causing the picture to be blurred or nothing to be recorded on the video tape. Do no use such a video tape.

3) The camcorder use in a humid or dusty place. Use in extremely humid or dusty places may cause damage to your camcorder.

Plastic bag

Q Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the camcorder.

W Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside it reaches the temperature of the surroundings.

• When the video heads become clogged.

Using the camcorder when the video tape is dirty may cause the head to clog, producing noise on the recorded image or preventing the image from being recorded at all. Under such circumstances, contact the nearest Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter or your dealer for further advice. (Video head cleaning can be done by using a commercially available cleaning tape. However, excessive use of the cleaning tape may also cause damage to the video heads. Please read the instructions accompanying the cleaning tape carefully, before using it.)

References

Use and Care

Care

Cleaning and maintenance

• Many plastic parts are used in the camcorder casing. Do not use thinners, benzenes or other strong chemical cleaners. These may cause discoloration and damage to the casing.

• Clean the casing with a soft, dry cloth. If the casing is particularly dirty, wipe the casing with a tightly wrung cloth dampened with a diluted, neutral detergent. Then wipe it again with a soft, dry cloth.

• Use a cloth to wipe finger marks and other soiling off the LCD monitor and lens protector.

• If the lens needs cleaning, first remove the lens protector by turning it counterclockwise. Then clean the lens with a cloth, or compressed air and lens papers designed for photographic lenses.

Battery Pack

This camcorder uses a lithium-ion type battery pack. It is not necessary to store the lithium-ion battery pack in a fully discharged state. Also, if stored in the charged state, the battery will gradually self-discharge, resulting in decreased recording time. Charge the battery pack soon (a day) before use.

Battery pack consumption

• Recording with many starts and stops, frequent zooming, and recording in low temperatures will somewhat shorten actual recording times. Accordingly, be sure to turn off the power when not recording. Use of an auxiliary battery pack is recommended to prevent undesirable interruptions in your recording.

• Do not use an insufficiently charged or weak battery pack. Such battery packs may cause the power to automatically stop during camcorder operation to protect both the battery pack and the unit.

Battery power is consumed even when the camcorder’s power is turned off. If you are not going to use your camcorder immediately, remove the battery pack. (See page 9.)

Note:

• Use only the BB75 battery pack. It is designed specifically for use with this camcorder.

How to use the marker on the battery pack

The marker is provided to indicate the battery’s charge condition. Slide the switch to indicate the charge condition as shown below.

Position Charge condition

Before charging

After charging

Temperature during charging

• Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place.

• Charge the battery pack at temperature of

10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F).

For long battery lifetime

• Charge the battery pack (lithium-ion type) at least once every six months.

• Do not leave the battery pack being charged for long periods of time.

Cautions:

• If the battery pack is misused, there is danger of fire or explosion. Pay close attention to the following:

1. Do not dispose of in fire.

2. Do not allow metallic objects to come in

contact with the terminals. This can cause a short circuit.

3. Do not disassemble or repair by yourself.

4. Do not use any battery charger other than

those designed for use with these battery packs.

5. Do not place the battery pack under direct

sunlight or in excessively hot places (over 60°C or 140°F) such as the dashboard of cars.

6. Do not expose to moisture, water, or salt

water.

7. Do not drop or subject to strong force.

8. Keep battery out of reach of children and

in the original package until ready to use.

9. Dispose of used batteries promptly.

• The battery pack will become warm during charging and use. This is normal and not a malfunction.

• The battery pack has a limited service life. If the period of use becomes noticeably shorter with a normal charge, the battery pack is at the end of its service life. Replace it with a new battery pack.

• For safety, keep the battery pack in its protective cover when it is not being used. If the metal parts of the battery pack come in contact with other metal objects, there is a danger that a short circuit may occur.

Red mark

Video Cassette Tapes

To protect recordings against erasure

When a previously recorded cassette is used again for recording, the previously recorded material is erased. To protect a recording against accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette to cover the hole. (A red mark will be exposed.) To record, slide the tab to open the hole.

Notes:

• Do not insert anything into the erasureprotection hole in the cassette.

• Only use those tapes with the or the mark.

• Do not put anything into the holes on the bottom of the cassette.

• Do not store or place your video tapes in direct sunlight, near heaters, or in places with excessive moisture or dust.

• Do not keep video tapes near magnetic objects as they may erase the recording.

• Do not drop or subject the tapes to excessive shocks.

• Uneven tape winding will damage the tape. If the tape is not properly wound, reinsert it in the camcorder and rewind the tape.

• Store the cassettes in their cases and stand them on edge.

What is ?

Hi8 is a high-performance extension of the ordinary 8 mm format. It uses advanced technology to achieve even higher resolution and picture quality. Hi8 recording on special Hi8 tape results in a revolutionary improvement in picture quality, realizing vivid, realistic, highquality pictures. Use a video cassette with the mark on it for high-quality recording and playback, or use one with the mark to enjoy ordinary 8 mm recording and playback.

• When you load a Hi8 tape, recording is in Hi8 format. (The Hi8 indicator on the view screen lights up.) When you load a normal 8 mm tape, recording is in ordinary 8 mm format. (The Hi8 indicator on the view screen is off.)

• During playback, the format recorded is automatically detected.

• Video equipment not for use with Hi8 is unable to play back a tape recorded in Hi8 format.

• If you want to record with a Hi8 tape in normal 8 mm format, set the menu item “ ” to

“OFF” on the MENU-PAGE 1 (Camera mode

) screen before recording. (See page 14

for the menu screen.)

Using Y our Camcorder Abroad

Television system signals and electrical system voltages and frequencies vary substantially from country to country. When you are abroad, please check the sections below before using the AC adapter or connecting the camcorder to a TV.

AC Power Sources

The AC adapter is compatible with 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in the range of 100 V to 240 V AC.

Optional SDC100 Car Battery Adapter

This can be used with 12-V and 24-V negativeground cars only. Do not use it with positiveground electrical systems.

Television Signal Systems

In any country, you can always watch the video picture by using the LCD monitor screen. However, if you want to watch the picture on a TV screen, the TV must be NTSC-M system compatible. NTSC-M is used in the following areas: The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Myanmar (previously Burma), Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, The Netherland Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, The Philippines, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad, the U.S.A., Venezuela, southern Vietnam, and the Virgin Islands.

References

Trouble Checks

Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies. Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble. If service should be necessary, the warranty information lists what your warranty covers and explains how to get service.

Symptom

No power.

PowerRecording

REC START/STOP button does not work.

Power suddenly turns off.

Monitor picture is hard to see.

Auto focus does not work.

Bright subject produces wide vertical lines.

No audio from speaker when recording.

Automatically zooms out without operating Zoom buttons.

Tape stops midway through rewind or fast forward.

No image appears on connected TV screen.

Playback

Possible cause

• Power source is not properly connected.

• Battery pack is not charged.

• Dew in camcorder.

• Safety function is in effect.

• Erasure protect tab on video cassette is closed.

• Camcorder left in Recording Standby mode for five minutes.

• Inappropriate picture adjustments.

• Manual Focus mode is engaged.

• Zoom used on close subject.

• Subject has little contrast in brightness or is full of horizontal or vertical stripes.

• Occurs when shooting subject with strong contrast to the background. Does not indicate a malfunction.

• Speaker does not work during Camera mode. (Volume control in Camera mode only affects earphone volume.)

• Camcorder is unable to focus when zooming in on subject within 5 feet (1.5 m), and automatically zooms out until it focuses on subject.

• No subject in the field of view.

• Counter is in memory mode.

• Video input channel on TV or TV channel is not selected properly.

• A/V cable is not properly connected.

• Docking Station is not properly connected.

Specifications

Signal System: NTSC standard

Recording System: 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system

Cassette: 8 mm video tape, MP type or Hi8 MP, ME type

Recording/Playback Time: 120 minutes (P6-120)

Tape Speed: 14.345 mm/second

Pickup Device:1⁄4 9 (6.4 mm, effective size: 4.5 mm) CCD image sensor (with

Lens: 122 power zoom lens (F1.8, f44.2–50.4 mm), full-range auto

Lens Filter Diameter: 37 mm

Monitor: 49 (10.1 cm)—full-color LCD screen (TFT active matrix)

Microphone: Electret stereo microphone

Power Requirement: DC 3.6 V

Power Consumption: 7.1 W (during camera recording in full auto mode with zoom

Operating Temperature: 07C to `407C (327F to 1047F)

Operating Humidity: 30% to 80%

Storage Temperature: 1207C to `607C (147F to 1407F)

Dimensions (approx.): 715⁄329 (W) 2 419⁄329 (H) 2 313⁄169 (D) [190 mm (W) 2 117 mm (H)2

Weight (approx.): 1.8 lbs (820 g) (without battery pack, lithium battery, video

AC Adapter/Battery Charger

approx. 410,000 pixels including optical black)

focus

motor off, backlight in normal mode)

97 mm (D)]

cassette)

Power Requirement: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption: 25 W

Dimensions (approx.): 4 3⁄49 (W) 2 29 (H) 2 49␣ (D) [120 mm (W) 2 51 mm (H) 2 101.5␣ mm (D)]

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

DC Output: 4.5 V

Weight (approx.): 0.86 lbs (390 g)

INFORMA TION TO USER

This device complies with Part 15 and Part 18 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device and RF lighting device pursuant to Part 15 and Part 18 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: —Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. —Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. —Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

—receiver is connected.

—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Customer Assistance and Service

You can reach Thomson at the

following number:

800-283-6503

(Toll free inside U.S.A.)

Our toll-free Camcorder number

operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., CST

Monday - Friday

for U.S. customers only

Thomson provides a toll-free telephone number to help you with any problems you may encounter with your camcorder. Many can be diagnosed over the phone, and if necessary, a replacement unit can be shipped to you. Please have your camcorder model/serial number and date of purchase ready when you call. If your unit is out of warranty, we will quote the cost of an exchange unit to you.

Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange

If we are unable to resolve your problem over the phone, we will gladly service your unit or exchange it for a new or refurbished camcorder. Refer to the limited warranty on the reverse side to learn about your specific rights and responsibilities.

Always consult Thomson and get a Return Authorization number before returning anything! Obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number from the telephone representative before returning your equipment to avoid delays, accounting errors, or even loss of your unit.

Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to Thomson Consumer Electronics

The Thomson representative who authorized the return of your equipment will give you an RA number over the phone. They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder. Write the number in large, clear characters on the outside of the box. To avoid confusion and misunderstandings, shipments without an RA number clearly visible on the outside of the box will be returned to you at your expense.

Include a brief note describing the problem and any conversations about the problem you have had with Thomson personnel. Include your name, address

and model/serial number of your camcorder. These numbers are located on the bottom of your unit. If your camcorder is within the warranty period, please provide a copy of the bill of sale to verify purchase date. Use the original box and packing material to protect the equipment from damage in shipment.

For your protection, insure all shipments for full replacement value and use a reliable shipper. Thomson assumes no responsibility for warranty shipments from the customer to the factory if not shipped in the manner prescribed by Thomson.

References

Limited warranty

What your warranty covers:

• Any defect in materials or workmanship.

For how long after your purchase:

• 90 days for labor charges.

• One year for parts.

(The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.)

What we will do:

During the initial 90 days

• Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. There will be no cost to you.

After the 90 days and within one year

• Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. Parts will be provided at no charge, but you will be responsible for the cost of labor required for the repair.

How you get service:

• Call 1-800-283-6503 and have your unit’s date of purchase and model/ serial number ready. The model/serial number information is on the bottom of your camcorder.

• A representative will troubleshoot your problem over the phone. If the representative determines that you should receive a replacement unit, you will be provided with a Return Authorization (RA) number and the location of a nearby exchange point if one exists. No returns will be accepted without the RA number.

To receive a replacement camcorder before you return yours:

If you are located near an exchange point:

1. We will send a replacement unit to the

exchange point next business day delivery in the continental USA.

2. The exchange location will notify you of

its arrival.

3. Take your unit, including all accessories, and your evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to the exchange location and you will be provided the new or refurbished unit.

4. If the repairs were covered by your warranty, you will not be billed.

If you are exchange point:

1. Provide your Discover, MasterCard or

2. We will send you a replacement unit next business day delivery in the continental USA.

3. You will receive an invoice packed with the replacement product, but will not be charged for the unit portion of the invoice amount if we receive your unit including all accessories within 14 days from the date you were provided the RA number. Any labor and parts charges not covered by the warranty will be included and charged against your account.

4. Ship the unit back to us along with all

not

located near an

Visa account number and expiration date to our phone representative. This is for security purposes. If we receive your unit including all accessories within 14 days from the date you were provided an RA number, only items not covered by warranty will be charged to your account. IF YOUR

UNIT INCLUDING ALL ACCESSORIES IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 14 DAYS, THE SUGGESTED RET AIL VALUE OF THE CAMCORDER AND/OR ACCESSORIES WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. This

amount will be credited if the unit is subsequently received.

accessories included with your camcorder using the replacement unit’s carton. Shipping instructions will be included in the carton along with your RA number, which will allow you to easily ship the unit back to us.

Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss.

Include with the shipment:

• Evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility.

• A brief note describing your camcorder’s problem.

• Your name, address, and phone number.

Return transportation, storage, handling, and insurance costs are your sole responsibility. We accept no liability in case of damage or loss.

To receive a replacement unit

after we

have received your unit:

Write the RA number on the outside

of the carton used to return the unit.

Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss.

2. Carefully pack the unit along with all

accessories included with your camcorder, using the original box and packing material if possible.

3. Include with the shipment:

• Evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility.

• A brief note describing your camcorder's problem.

• Your name, address, and phone number.

Return transportation, storage, handling, and insurance costs are your responsibility. We accept no liability in case of damage or loss.

4. Include a cashier’s check or money order for payment if there are any out of warranty labor or parts charges which were indicated by the representative, and you elected not to use your credit card.

5. Upon receipt of your product, a new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you next day delivery in the continental USA.

To have your Camcorder repaired by an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter:

• Check with your dealer or call 1-800336-1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter nearest you.

• Take your unit to the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter of your choice.

• Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.

• Pick up your camcorder when repairs are complete.

What your warranty

does not

cover:

• Adjustment of customer controls.

• Damage from misuse or neglect.

• A unit that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes.

• Batteries.

• Cleaning of video/audio heads.

• Camcorders purchased or serviced outside the USA.

• Return transportation, storage, and handling costs of your unit, including insurance for loss or damage.

• Acts of God, such as but not limited to lightning damage.

Product Registration:

• Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your camcorder. It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage.

How State Law relates to warranty:

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

If you purchased your camcorder outside the USA:

• This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information.

References

Index

— A —

16:9 Recording ................................... 29

A/V Pack Terminal Cover ...................... 4

A/V Pack, Optional .................... 54,58-61

AC Adapter, Using .............................. 10

AC Adapter/Battery Charger ................ 7

Accessories, Included ................ 3,59-61

Accessories, Optional .................... 58-61

Accessories, Order Form ............... 59-61

Area Table for Time Zones .................. 20

Area, Date, and Time Displaying ........ 19

Area, Date, and Time Setting .............. 17

Assistance..................... 3,69,Back Cover

Auto Focus .......................................... 25

Auto Tape Rewind ............................... 34

Automatic Screen Display,

Canceling .................................. 29

— B —

Backlight Compensation ..................... 26

Backlight/Picture Adjustment .............. 21

Basic Operations – Camera

Recording ............................ 23-33

Basic Operations – Playback ......... 34-39

Battery Compartment .................... 5,9,11

BATTERY IS TOO LOW Indicator ... 16,33

Battery Pack .......................... 7,8,9,33,64

Battery Pack, Care .............................. 64

Battery Power Display ......................... 33

Buttons, Remote Control ..................... 39

— C —

Camcorder, Care................................. 64

Camcorder Cell, Installing .................... 6

Camcorder Controls........................... 4-5

Camcorder, Cleaning .......................... 64

Camcorder, Powering ...................... 9-11

Camera Mode ................. 13-15,21,28,32

Camera Recording – Basic

Operations ........................... 23-33

Camera Recording – Useful

Features ............................... 40-51

Canceling Automatic Screen Display . 29

Car Battery Adapter, Using................. 11

Care and Use ................................. 62-65

Cassette Compartment ................. 4,6,12

CASSETTE NOT RECORDABLE

Indicator .................................... 16

Cassettes, Care .................................. 65

Cassettes, Hi8 ..................................... 65

Cassettes, Inserting and Removing .... 12

Cat’s Eye (Gain Up) ............................ 26

Cautions ..................................................i

Cell, Installing in Camcorder................. 6

Cell, Installing in Remote Control .......... 6

CHANGE THE CASSETTE

Indicator ............................... 16,33

Charging the Battery, Adapter/

Charger ....................................... 7

Charging the Battery, Docking

Station ......................................... 8

Chart for Time Zone ............................ 20

Checks, Trouble ............................. 66-67

Clock, World........................................ 18

Connections and Editing................ 52-56

Connections, TV Using

Docking Station ......................... 52

Connections, TV With Audio/Video

Jacks ......................................... 53

Connections, VCR Using Docking

Station ....................................... 52

Contents ............................................. 1-2

Controls, Camcorder.......................... 4-5

Counter Memory ................................. 38

Customer Assistance ....3,69,Back Cover

Customer Assistance and Service . 69-71

— D —

Date and Time Recording ................... 32

Date, Area, and Time Displaying ........ 19

Date, Area, and Time Setting .............. 17

DC Cable ....................................... 10,11

Design Specifications ......................... 68

Dew in Camcorder .............................. 63

DEW Indicator ................................ 16,63

Digital Image Stabilization .................. 27

Digital Quick Zoom ............................. 25

Digital Zoom ........................................ 24

Display of Remaining Recording

Time .......................................... 33

Docking Station, Using ................. 7,8,52

EarPHONE Jack ............................... 5,34

Edit Search.......................................... 30

Editing ................................................. 55

Editing and Connections................ 52-56

EJECT THE CASSETTE Indicator........ 16

Erasure Protect Tab........................ 12,65

Extend Zoom ....................................... 25

External Microphone Jack .................... 5

External Source, Recording From ....... 56

— F —

— L —

LAMP OFF Indicator............................ 38

Lamp, Fluorescent .............................. 57

Lap Times ........................................... 50

LCD Monitor .......................................... 5

LCD Monitor Backlight, Turning Off .... 38

LCD Monitor, Handling ........................ 22

LCD Monitor, Replacing Lamp ............ 57

Lens Protector ....................................... 4

LIGHT Indicator................................... 51

Lighting ............................................... 51

Limited Warranty ............................ 70-71

Fading ................................................. 28

Fast Forward Operation ...................... 34

Features – Camera Recording ....... 40-51

FF (Fast Forward) Button .................... 39

First-Time Operation ........................ 6-22

Fluorescent Lamp Backlight ............... 57

Fluorescent Lamp Compartment .......... 5

Focus Auto .......................................... 25

Focus, Manual..................................... 43

Full Auto Mode ............................... 23,32

— G —

Gain-Up (Cat’s Eye) ............................ 26

— H —

Handstrap, Adjusting ....................... 5,22

Hi8 Cassettes ...................................... 65

— I —

Important Safeguards ........................ ii-iii

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

Included Accessories ................. 3,59-61

Information, Important ......................... i-5

INSERT A CASSETTE Indicator .......... 16

Inserting and Removing Cassettes ..... 12

Iris, Manual.......................................... 47

— M —

Macro Shots ........................................ 27

Manual Focus...................................... 43

Memory, Counter................................. 38

MENU Button .... 5,13-15,17,18,19,24,26,

............... 27,28,29,30,32,34,36,37

............... 38,43,44,45,46,47,48,49

Menus, On-Screen ......................... 13-15

Messages, Self-Recording.................. 41

MICrophone Jack.................................. 5

Microphone, Stereo............................... 4

MODE DISPLAY

Button ............ 5,13-15,29,30,33,38

— O —

Operation Button .......... 5,13-15,17,18,19

.......... 21,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30

.......... 32,34,35,36,37-38,40-42,43

.................... 44,45,46,47,48,49-50

Operation

Backlight Compensation ........... 26

Digital Image Stabilization ........ 27

Fading ....................................... 28

First-Time ............................... 6-22

Focus, Auto ............................... 25

Focusing, Manual...................... 43

Full Auto ............................... 23,32

Gain-Up..................................... 26

References

Index

Iris ............................................. 47

Playback ................................... 34

Recording ............................ 23-33

Remote Control ......................... 39

Self-Recording ..................... 40-42

Snapshot Recording ................. 48

Still Recording ........................... 48

Strobe Recording ...................... 49

Stopwatch ............................ 49-50

Tape Counter........................ 37-38

White Balance ........................... 46

Wide Screen Recording ............ 29

Zooming ............................... 24-25

Optional Accessories ..................... 58-61

Optional Car Battery Adapter ........ 11,58

Optional Plug Adapter ........................ 10

Order Form, Accessories ............... 59-61

— P —

Party Mode .......................................... 44

Pause Recording ................................ 23

PAUSE/STILL Button ........................... 39

Photoreceptor .................................. 5,39

Picture/Backlight Adjustment .............. 21

Play Back Tapes Using Camcorder .... 53

PLAY Button ........................................ 39

Playback ............................................. 34

Playback – Basic Operations ......... 34-39

Positions, Recording ........................... 31

Power (CAMERA/VCR) Switch .............. 5

..... 13-15,17,18,19,21,23,30,33,36

Power Zoom Buttons .............. 5,24,27,39

Powering the Camcorder ................. 9-11

PREV. PAGE Menu Feature ................. 15

Problem Solving ............................. 66-67

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

Program AE ......................................... 44

Program Search .................................. 36

PUSH Mark.......................................... 12

— Q —

Quick Return ....................................... 30

— R —

RECord START/STOP Button ..................

..................................... 5,23,28,39

Recording Date and Time ................... 32

Recording on the Camcorder ............. 56

Recording Pause ................................ 23

Recording Positions ............................ 31

Recording Tips.................................... 31

References ..................................... 57-75

Registration Card ....................................i

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

Remaining Battery Power Display ...... 33

Remaining Recording Time Display ... 33

Remote Cell, Installing .......................... 6

Remote Control Buttons ...................... 39

Remote, Using .................................... 39

Removing the Lens Protector................ 4

REPLACE THE LAMP Indicator........... 16

Return, Quick ...................................... 30

REW Button ......................................... 39

Rewind Operation ............................... 34

— S —

S-Video Connector .................... 52,54-56

Safeguards, Important ....................... ii-iii

Scene Menu ........................................ 44

Search, Edit......................................... 30

Search, Program ................................. 36

Search, Video...................................... 35

Self Recording ............................... 40-42

Sensor, Remote ................................... 39

Setting Area, Date, and Time .............. 17

Setting the Shutter Speed ................... 45

Shoulder Strap, Attaching ................... 22

Shoulder Strap ................................. 5,22

Shutter Speed ..................................... 45

Ski or Sand Mode................................ 44

SLOW Button.................................. 35,39

Slow Feature ....................................... 35

SNAPshot Button.............................. 5,48

Snapshot Feature ................................ 48

Solving Problems ........................... 66-67

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

Sport Mode ......................................... 44

Stabilization, Digital Image ................. 27

Stand, Retractable ................................ 4

Stand, Using ....................................... 35

Stereo Microphone................................ 4

Still Feature ......................................... 35

Still Image Recording.......................... 48

Still Recording ..................................... 48

STOP Button........................................ 39

Stopwatch ...................................... 49-50

Strobe Recording ................................ 49

Supplied Accessories ................. 3,59-61

— T —

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

Tape Counter.................................. 37-38

TAPE END Indicator ............................ 33

Tape Rewind, Auto .............................. 34

THE TAPE ENDS SOON Indicator .. 16,33

Time and Date Recording ................... 32

Time Zone Chart ................................. 19

Time, Area and Date Displaying ......... 19

Time, Area and Date Setting ............... 17

Times Zones Table .............................. 20

Tips on Traveling Abroad .................... 65

Tips, Recording................................... 31

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

Tripod ............................................. 27,58

Tripod Socket ................................... 5,58

Trouble Checks .............................. 66-67

Twilight Mode ...................................... 44

— V —

VCR Mode ....................... 13-15,21,34,35

Video Heads Clogged Indicator ......... 16

Video Search....................................... 35

VOLume Buttons ......................... 5,34,39

— W —

Warning ...................................................i

Warning Indicator During

Self-Recording Mode ................ 16

Warning Indicators .............................. 16

Warranty, Limited ........................... 70-71

White Balance ..................................... 46

Wide Screen Recording ...................... 29

World Clock......................................... 18

— Z —

Zoom Buttons ......................... 5,24,27,39

Zoom Lens ............................................ 4

Zooming ......................................... 24,25

— U —

Use and Care ................................. 62-65

Useful Features – Camera

Recording ............................ 40-51

Using Remote ..................................... 39

References

Need Assistance? We want to help!

U.S. Consumers:

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

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

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

Canadian Consumers:

English .......................................... 800-522-0338

French........................................... 800-522-0445

Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product.

10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290

1996 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s)® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan

Part Number 96-ProV950HB-1

TINSE0206TAZZ

lxxvi

RCA ProV950HB User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Table of Contents

Supplied Accessories

Camcorder Controls

First-Time Operation

Installing the Lithium Cell in the Camcorder

Installing the Lithium Cell in the Remote Control

Attaching the AC Adapter/ Battery Charger

Charging on the Docking Station

Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet

Powering the Camcorder from Your Car Battery

Inserting and Removing a Cassette

Controlling the Monitor Display

Warning Indicators

World Clock

Picture/Backlight Adjustments

Using the Hand Strap

Basic Operations Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto

Zooming

Setting the Digital Zoom

Digital Quick Zoom (Extend Zoom)

Auto Focus

Backlight Compensation (BLC)

Gain-up (Cat’s Eye)

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS)

Macro Shots

Fade In and Fade Out

Recording with the Wide Screen (16:9)

Quick Return

Edit Search

Tips on Recording Positions

Hints for Better Shooting

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode

Recording the Date and Time

Remaining Recording Time Display

Remaining Battery Power Display

Playback

Volume Control

Fast Forward and Rewind

Using the Stand

Still

Video Search

Slow

Program Search

Using the Tape Counter

Counter Memory

Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight

Useful Features for Camera Recording

Self Recording

Manual Focus

Scene Menu (Program AE)

Setting the Shutter Speed

White Balance Lock

Manual Iris

Recording a Five-Second Still Image (Snapshot)

Still Recording

Strobe Recording

STOP WATCH

Lighting

Connections and Editing

Connection to TV Using the Docking Station

Connections for Playback on a TV Using Audio/Video Jacks

Use the Camcorder to Play Back Tapes on a TV

Using the Optional SAV103 A/V Pack

Editing

Recording from an External Source

Fluorescent Lamp Backlight

References

Optional Accessories

Accessory Order Form

Use and Care

Trouble Checks

Specifications