Sharp ViewCam VL-WD250E Operation Manual

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

OPERATION MANUAL

VL-WD250E

ENGLISH

Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual carefully,

especially page v.

WARNING

TO PREVENT SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.

This equipment should be used with
the recommended AC adapter/battery
charger or battery pack.

CAUTION

To prevent electric shocks and fire
hazards, do NOT use any other power
source.

CAUTION

To prevent shock, do not open the
cabinet. No user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified
dealer or service centre.

Important:

Audio-visual material may consist of
copyrighted works which must not be
recorded without the authority of the
owner of the copyright. Please refer to
relevant laws in your country.

Power supply:

This unit can be operated by
connecting it to either the AC adapter/
battery charger or battery pack. The
AC adapter/battery charger
incorporates the AUTO VOLTAGE (AC
110–240 V, 50/60 Hz) function.

NOTE

The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with more than
61,000 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 the performance of your camcorder.

OPERATION MANUAL

ENGLISH

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

WARNING:

This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 7.4 volts from a BT-L221, BT­L441, BT-LS222 or BT-LS442A battery or the AC adapter/battery charger (UADP­0321TAZZ).
CAUTION:
As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adapter/
battery charger, do NOT remove their cabinets as touching parts inside could
result in electric shock. Please refer servicing to a qualified dealer or a
Camcorder service centre approved by Sharp.

Information for Australia/New Zealand Only

ENGLISH

NOTE

This Camcorder is a high technology product.
The LCD Panel comprises 61,600 TFT Transistors. Due to the high density of
transistors, it is possible that some pixels may fail.

Important:

Copyright may exist in material you wish to record.
Copying such material without permission of the relevant licensees or owners of the
copyright is prohibited by law.
Sharp is not in a position to authorize the recording of copyright works and nothing
in this operation manual should be read or implied as giving that authority.

i

Quick Operation Guide

Please consult this operation manual
further for details on these and other
functions of your camcorder.

SAVE

REC

SAVE

REC

Charging the Battery Pack

1 Connect the supplied power cord to the

AC power socket on the AC adapter/
battery charger, and insert the AC plug
into a power outlet.

2 Align the s mark on the battery pack

with the a mark on the charger (1) and
guide the battery into the groove.
Pressing the battery (2), slide it in the
direction of the arrow (3) until it locks
into place.

Inserting a Mini DV Cassette

1 Attach the power source to the

camcorder, then slide the cassette
compartment door release and open the
cassette compartment door.

2 Insert the cassette fully with the window

facing outwards, and with the erasure
protect tab facing upwards.

3 Press the W mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place. Close
the compartment door by pressing the
centre until it clicks into place.

Attaching the Battery Pack

1 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

2 Lift up the viewfinder.

3 Align the - mark on the side of the

battery pack with the q mark on the
camcorder (1), and slide the battery
pack down completely until it locks into
place (2).

W mark

ii

Easy Camera Recording

1 Make sure that a cassette is inserted.

2 Remove the lens cap, and lift up the

viewfinder.

3 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
CAMERA.

4 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

Lock button

REC

Power Zoom

control

Tape Playback

1 Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1), and open the LCD monitor
to a 90° angle to the camcorder body
(2).

2 Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that

allows easy viewing on the on-screen
picture.

90

3 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
VCR.

4 Press e (or r) on the Operation

button to rewind (or fast forward) the
tape to the desired point.

5 Press y to begin playback.

AUDIO

12

+

AUDIO

12

+

To stop playback

Press d.

Zooming

Push the Power Zoom control to T (1)
(telephoto) or W (2) (wide angle) side.

LCD monitor OPEN
release button

Lock button

iii

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L221

AC adapter/

battery charger

Power cord

DC cable

Remote control

AA battery for

remote control K 2

CR2025 type

lithium battery

Audio/video cable

(RCA type)

Lens cap Shoulder strap

PixLab Video

Capture Software

(Lite Version)

PC connecting

cable

iv

Optional Accessories

Standard-life
battery pack

BT-L221

Extended-life

battery pack

BT-L441

Standard-life intelligent

battery pack

BT-LS222

Extended-life intelligent

battery pack

BT-LS442A

Zoom microphone

VR-5MC

Note: Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.

PixLab USB Digital Moving Picture Kit

VR-PKU10E

Soft case

VR-33SC

Mini DV cassette

VR-DVM60N

v

• When the camcorder is not in use, remem-

ber to remove the cassette tape, turn off
the power, and disconnect the camcorder
from the power source.

• Do not aim the lens at the sun.
Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the
camcorder lens or LCD monitor screen,
whether or not recording is in progress, as it
may damage the CCD sensor or LCD screen
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 lens 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.

• 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.

• Be aware of the temperature and humidity.
You can use your camcorder at 0°C to
L40°C, 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 casing and
circuitry.

• Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or

other foreign matter could get on or inside
the camcorder, and do not use or leave
your camcorder in areas with excessive
smoke, steam or moisture.

Such environments can
cause malfunctions or
cause mildew to form
on the lenses. Be sure
to keep the unit in a
well-ventilated location.

• 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 LCD monitor screen often
appears less bright immediately after the
power is turned on. This is not a malfunc­tion. To prevent the camcorder from
becoming too cold, wrap it in a thick cloth
(a blanket, etc.).

Precautions

vi

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.

• “Dew” warning feature

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

Plastic bag

For example, when bringing the camcorder
indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag.

1 Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the camcorder.

2 Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside it reaches the temperature of the
room.

1 If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette, leave

the cassette compartment open, and wait for
a few hours to allow the camcorder to
acclimate to the surrounding temperature.

2 To use the camcorder again, turn on the

power after waiting for a few hours. Be sure
that “DEW” has disappeared.

3 Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to the
tape.

4 Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to

15 minutes before the dew warning feature
engages.

vii

Precautions

Dirty Video Heads

Using the camcorder when the video tape is
dirty may cause the heads to clog, producing
noise on the recorded image or preventing the
image from being recorded at all.

If the video heads become clogged, the
v indicator appears on the screen. Contact
the nearest SHARP service centre or your
dealer for further advice.

Using a Cleaning Tape
(Commercially Available)

Video head cleaning can be done by using a
commercially available cleaning tape.

Notes:

• Excessive use of the cleaning tape, however,
may cause damage to the video heads. Please
read the instructions accompanying the
cleaning tape carefully before using it.

• The fast forward and rewind functions cannot be
used when the cleaning tape is in the
camcorder.

1 Insert a cleaning tape into the

camcorder.

2 Set the camcorder to VCR mode.

• The video head cleaning screen appears.

3 Press e on the Operation button to

begin video head cleaning.

•“NOW CLEANING” flashes during cleaning.

After about 20 seconds, video head cleaning
automatically finishes, and “EJECT THE
CASSETTE.” is displayed.

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press e.

CLEAN ING

CLEAN INGNOW

START

STOP

viii

DV Technology

Digital video, DV, is a revolutionary technology
that enables recording and playback of high
quality images with the use of special digital
features previously unavailable with conven­tional analog formats.

• High horizontal resolution

Detailed, accurate images with the highest
level of horizontal resolution for home use.

• Clear colour reproduction with virtually no

colour contamination

Provides three times the colour resolution of
conventional VCRs (based on Sharp models).
Clear images with virtually no distracting
colour contamination (which usually appears
as red).

• Standard use of TBC (Time Base Corrector)

to prevent jittery images

Ensures stable images with a high signal-to­noise ratio.

• PCM digital recording

PCM digital recording gives you high-quality
stereo sound that puts you in the middle of
the action.

The “DV” trademark can only be used on
digital VCR products which have been
evaluated and have met the specifications set
by the HD Digital VCR Conference for

Standardization of Consumer Use Digital
VCR Formats.

This product incorporates copyright protec­tion technology that is protected by method
claims of certain U.S. patents and other
intellectual property rights owned by
Macrovision Corporation and other rights
owners. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for
home and other limited viewing uses only
unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision
Corporation. Reverse engineering or disas­sembly is prohibited.

DV and conventional video cassette
tapes

There are two kinds of DV-format video
cassette tapes: the Mini DV cassette and the
larger DV cassette used for extended playback
and recording. This camcorder only operates
with Mini DV cassettes. DV cassettes cannot
be used. Be sure to use Mini DV cassettes with
the i mark.

8 mm, VHS, and Beta cassettes cannot be
used for playback or recording with this
camcorder.

Note:

• This camcorder reproduces the highest picture
quality when used with an ME tape. It is
recommended you use an ME tape for high­quality recording and playback.

Mini DV cassette DV cassette

8 mm cassette VHS cassette Beta cassette

About Your Camcorder

ix

Part Names ............................................................... 1

Quick Reference List ................................................. 4

On-screen Display Index ........................................... 5

Warning Indicators .................................................... 6

Contents

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

Useful Features

Charging the Battery Pack ........................................ 7

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack................ 8

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ............. 9

Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette .......... 10

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery ..................... 11

Setting the Date and Time ...................................... 12

Displaying the Date and Time of Recording ............ 13

Adjusting the Hand Strap ........................................ 14

Using the Lens Cap ................................................ 14

Attaching the Shoulder Strap .................................. 14

Using the Viewfinder ............................................... 15

Using the LCD Monitor ............................................ 16

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode ............ 17

Zooming .................................................................. 18

Tips on Recording Positions ................................... 18

Remaining Recording Time Display ........................ 19

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................... 19

Playback

Playback.................................................................. 20

Volume Control ........................................................ 20

Watching the Playback on a TV .............................. 21

Video Search .......................................................... 22

Still .......................................................................... 22

Using the Controls .................................................. 23

Selecting the User Mode ......................................... 24

Using the Menu Screens ......................................... 25

Camera Recording

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ........ 26

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode ............ 27

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

Setting the Digital Zoom .......................................... 28

Gamma Brightness Compensation ......................... 29

Gain-up ................................................................... 30

Night Recording (Cat’s Eye) .................................... 31

x

Useful Features

Fade In and Fade Out ............................................. 32

Still Recording ......................................................... 33

Still Recording Effect (PHOTO SHOT) .................... 34

Auto Focus .............................................................. 35

Macro Shots ............................................................ 35

Using the Remote Control ....................................... 35

Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot ....................... 37

Quick Return ........................................................... 38

Edit Search ............................................................. 38

Playback

Playback Functions with the Remote Control ......... 39

Using the Time Code .............................................. 40

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Manual Focus.......................................................... 41

Setting the Shutter Speed ....................................... 43

Manual Exposure .................................................... 45

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

Scene Menu (Program AE) ..................................... 47

Digital Picture Effects .............................................. 48

Setting the Confirmation Sounds ............................ 48

Using the Zoom Microphone

(Optional Accessory) ............................................ 49

Playback

Playback Zoom ....................................................... 50

Gamma Playback .................................................... 51

Playback Effects ...................................................... 52

Picture Effect Playback ........................................... 53

Editing ..................................................................... 54

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) ................ 55

Configuring Software for PC Connection ................ 57

Transferring Motion Images to a PC ........................ 59

Audio Dubbing Feature ........................................... 59

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ........................ 61

Picture/Backlight Adjustments................................. 62

Appendix

Useful Information ................................................... 63

Demonstration Mode ............................................... 67

Before Requesting Service ..................................... 68

Specifications .......................................................... 70

Appendix

Preparation

Useful Features

Operation References

Basic Operations

Advanced Features

Operation References

Operation References

1

Part Names

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

Left view

W/B (White Balance) button [p. 46]

CAT’S EYE switch [p. 31]

Lens hood

Zoom lens

Remote sensor [p. 35]

Stereo microphone

[p. 59]

GAMMA/BRIGHTER button
[pp. 29, 30, 51]

AUTO ON/OFF button
[p. 24]

Operation button [p. 23]

MENU/DISPLAY button
[p. 23]

Operation References

DIS (Digital Image Stabilization) switch
[p. 27]

Operation References

2

Left view

Zoom microphone
mounting hole [p. 49]

LCD monitor [p. 16]

LCD monitor

OPEN release

button [p. 16]

Lithium battery
compartment door
[p. 11]

Viewfinder [p. 15]

Dioptre adjustment
[p. 15]

Power source
PUSH release
button [pp. 8, 9]

Power source
mounting surface
[pp. 8, 9]

Shoulder strap loop [p. 14]

Bottom view

Tripod socket

Operation References

Operation References

3

Right view

S-VIDEO socket

[pp. 21, 54]

VIDEO jack
[pp. 21, 54]

AUDIO L jack

[pp. 21, 54]

AUDIO R jack

[pp. 21, 54]

STILL button

[pp. 33, 34]

Power Zoom Wide angle/
Telephoto control [p. 18]/
VOLume control [p. 20]

Jack cover
[pp. 21, 54]

RECord START/STOP button
[p. 17]

Power switch (CAMERA/VCR
select switch) [p. 23]

Cassette compartment door [p. 10]

Cassette compartment door release [p. 10]

PC connection jack
[p. 57]

DV terminal [p. 55]

EarPHONES jack
[p. 20]

Jack cover [pp. 20, 55, 57]

Speaker [p. 20]

Hand strap [p. 14]

Shoulder strap
loop [p. 14]

Operation References

4

Quick Reference List

Below are some examples of camcorder’s features.

• To record the subject with higher-quality audio.
— See page 27 (Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode)

• To record powerful close-up images.
— See page 28 (Setting the Digital Zoom)

• To record a backlit subject.
— See page 29 (Gamma Brightness Compensation) or page 45 (Manual

Exposure)

• To record subjects in very dim conditions, e.g. a nocturnal animal.
— See page 31 (Night Recording)

• To record yourself in the scene while monitoring the shot.
— See page 37 (Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot)

• To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback.
— See page 38 (Quick Return)

• To focus on an off-centred subject.
— See page 41 (Manual Focus)

• To turn off the confirmation sounds which are made when you operate the

camcorder.

— See page 48 (Setting the Confirmation Sounds)

• To enlarge any part of the picture during playback.
— See page 50 (Playback Zoom)

• To brighten the dark portion of the playback images without changing the bright

portion.

— See page 51 (Gamma Playback)

Operation References

Operation References

5

On-screen Display Index

For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated.

AUTO

AUTO

LIGHT

SP

12bit

30

min

M

AN. FOCUS

EXPOSURE

SHUT. SP E E D

PI C. EFFECT
SCENE MENU
FADE
QK. RETURN

MANUAL SE T

PHOTO SNAP

DGTL ZOOM

SNAP EF F.

TAPE SPEED

CAMERA SE T

AUD I O MODE

ZOOM MI C

AUD I O SE T

DISPLAY
SETT ING

12H 24H

CLOCK SE T

AUDI O DUB

PIC.

EFFECT

AUDI O

PB EFFECT

PLAYBACK SET

DISPLAY

CLOCK SE T

M

AN. FOCUS

EXPOSURE

SHUT. SPEED

PIC. EFFECT
SCENE MENU
FADE

QK. RETURN

MANUAL SE T

AUDI O DUB

PIC.

EFFECT

AUDI O

PB EFFECT

PLAYBACK SE T

REMOTE
SOUND

TIME CODE
TC OUT
D EMO MOD E

OTHERS

FADE

PHOT O
SNAP
SOUND
DISPLAY

EFF.

SNAP

QK. RETURN

MENU

REMOTE
SOUND

TIME CODE
TC OUT

OTHERS

AUDIO

12

+

SP

LCD BRIGHT
LCD COLO

UR

BACKL I GHT

BRI GHT

VF

VF SET

LCD

LCD BRIGHT
LCD COLO

UR

BACKL I GHT

BRI GHT

VF

VF SET

LCD

CAMERA mode

VCR mode

p. 27

p. 17

pp. 17, 24

p. 19

pp. 30, 31

p. 27

p. 19

p. 26

p. 32
p. 38
p. 33
p. 34
p. 48
p. 13

p. 41
p. 43
p. 45
p. 48
p. 47
p. 32
p. 38

p. 62

p. 13

p. 19

p. 61

p. 26

p. 60
p. 61
p. 53
p. 52

Easy mode (p. 24)

p. 33
p. 34
p. 28
p. 26

p. 27
p. 49

p. 35
p. 48
p. 40

p. 12
p. 13

Note:

• See pages 23 to 25 for the procedure to display the desired screen.

p. 40
p. 67

p. 35
p. 48
p. 40
p. 40

p. 62

p. 13

Operation References

6

Warning Indicators

If a warning indicator appears on the screen, follow the specified instructions.

Displayed for the first

3 seconds

Displayed after

3 seconds

Description of warning

There is no video cassette in the camcorder.
Insert a cassette (see page 10).

INSERT

A CASSETTE.

BATTERY IS

TOO LOW.

PROTECT. TAB

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

CASSETTE NOT

RECORDABLE.

The video cassette is defective and should be
removed (see page 10).

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette
has been slid to the record-protect position,
preventing recording (see page 64).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new
cassette (see page 10).

THE

ENDS SOON.

TAPE

DEW

LAMP LAMP

DEW

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a
new cassette (see page 10).

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a
fully charged battery pack (see page 8).

Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait for
a few hours until the dew disappears (see
page vi).
About 10 seconds after this warning appears,
the camcorder automatically turns off.

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

The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is
close to the end of its service life. Call your local
authorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced.

When the vertical rotation of the LCD monitor is
between 135° and 180° in CAMERA mode, all
warnings will be indicated by F displayed in
the centre of the viewfinder and the LCD
screen. To check the type of warning, rotate the
monitor back to within 135°.

TAPE END

TAPE END

Note:

•N indicates a flashing display.

Preparation

Preparation

7

Preparation

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge the battery pack with the supplied AC
adapter/battery charger before use.

POWER indicator

Note:

• Remove the DC cable from the AC adapter/
battery charger when charging the battery pack.

1 Connect the supplied power cord to the

AC power socket on the AC adapter/
battery charger, and insert the AC plug
into a power outlet.

• The POWER indicator lights up.

To power
outlet

AC power
socket

2 Align the s mark on the battery pack

with the a mark on the charger (1) and
guide the battery into the groove.
Pressing the battery (2), slide it in the
direction of the arrow (3) until it locks
into place.

• The CHARGE indicator lights up.

• The CHARGE indicator turns off when
the battery is fully charged.

3 Slide the battery pack in the direction of

the arrow (1), and remove it (2). Then,
remove the AC plug of the power cord
from the power outlet.

CHARGE indicator

Charging time and maximum continuous
recording and playback times

• The chart specifies the approximate times in minutes.

Notes:

• Charge the battery pack between 10°C and 30°C.

The battery pack may not charge properly at
temperatures too low or too high.

• The battery pack and charger become warm

during charging. This is not a malfunction.

• Using the zoom (see page 18) and other

functions or turning the power on and off
frequently will increase power consumption. This
may result in a decrease of more than 50% in the
actual recording time compared to the maximum
continuous recording time listed above.

• The charging time and recording time may vary

depending on the ambient temperature and the
condition of the battery pack.

• See page 65 for more information on using the
battery pack.

Caution:

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L221, BT-L441, BT­LS222 or BT-LS442A battery packs. Other types of
battery packs may burst, causing personal injury
and damage.

Extending battery pack life

Even when the battery pack is not used, the capacity
of the battery pack will naturally deteriorate over time.
To limit the deterioration of the capacity, it is
recommended to perform the following procedure at
least once every six months:
1 Charge the battery pack until the CHARGE

indicator of the charger turns off.

2 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder, and set

the Power switch to CAMERA without inserting a
cassette. Allow the battery power to fully
discharge by leaving it on the camcorder until the
camcorder power automatically turns off.

3 Remove the battery pack and store it between

10°C and 20°C.

Battery

pack

BT-L221

BT-LS222

BT-L441

BT-LS442A

Charging

time

Max. continuous

recording time

LCD

closed

LCD

open

Max.

continuous

playback

time on

LCD

100 120 100 100

160 240 200 200

190 280 240 240

Preparation

8

Attaching and Removing the
Battery Pack

Attaching the Battery Pack

1 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

Power switch

2 Lift up the viewfinder.

Power source

mounting surface

3 Align the - mark on the side of the

battery pack with the q mark on the
camcorder (1), and slide the battery
pack down completely until it locks into
place (2).

4 Lower the viewfinder.

Removing the Battery Pack

1 Perform steps 1 and 2 above.

Power source PUSH

release button

2 Press the power source PUSH release

button (1), and slide the battery pack
up and take it out (2).

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,
ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK
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, potentially causing damage to the tape.

• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder if
you will not use the camcorder for a long period
of time.

• Use only SHARP model BT-L221, BT-L441, BT­LS222 or BT-LS442A battery packs with this
camcorder. Use of other batteries may present a
risk of fire or explosion.

Preparation

Preparation

9

Powering the Camcorder
from an AC Outlet

You can also power the camcorder from a
power outlet by using the supplied AC adapter/
battery charger and DC cable.

Caution:

• 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.

1 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

2 Lift up the viewfinder.

3 Align the = mark on the side of the

DC cable connecting plate with the q
mark on the camcorder (1), and slide
the connecting plate down completely
until it locks into place (2).

4 Lower the viewfinder.

DC cable

connecting

plate

5 Insert the DC cable plug into the DC

OUT jack on the AC adapter. Connect
the supplied power cord to the AC
adapter, and insert the AC plug into a
power outlet.

• The POWER indicator on the AC adapter
lights up, and the camcorder is supplied
power.

Note:

• When the AC adapter/battery charger is used to
power the camcorder, it cannot be used to
charge the battery pack.

DC OUT jack

POWER
indicator To power

outlet

Removing the DC cable from the
camcorder

Perform steps 1 and 2 above. Press the power
source PUSH release button (1), and slide the
connecting plate up and take it out (2).

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE DC CABLE,
ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK
AND TURN THE POWER OFF. If you remove the

DC cable during recording or playback, the tape
will remain wound around the video head drum,
potentially causing damage to the tape.

• Disconnect the camcorder from the AC adapter
if you will not use the camcorder for a long
period of time.

Power source PUSH

release button

Preparation

10

SAVE

REC

SAVE

REC

Inserting and Removing a
Mini DV Cassette

Inserting a Cassette

1 Attach the power source to the

camcorder, then slide the cassette
compartment door release and open the
cassette compartment door.

• A confirmation sound is made, and the
cassette holder extends and opens
automatically.

Cassette compartment

door release

Note:

• If the hand strap is pulled too tight, it can

obstruct the opening of the cassette
compartment door and the cassette holder
may be unable to extend. Should this occur,
loosen the hand strap and open the
cassette compartment door completely.

Erasure protect tab

3 Press the W mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place.

• A confirmation sound is made, and the
cassette holder retracts automatically.

2 Insert the cassette fully with the window

facing outwards, and with the erasure
protect tab facing upwards.

4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully

retract. Close the compartment door by
pressing the centre until it clicks into
place.

Removing a Cassette

Perform step 1 above, then take out the
cassette.

Cautions:

• Do not try to close the cassette compartment

door while the cassette holder is extending or
retracting.

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

• Do not apply force to the cassette holder except
when pressing the W 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 period of time.

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

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

Notes:

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

• See page 64 for more information on the video
cassette tapes intended for use with this camcorder.

W mark

Preparation

Preparation

11

Installing the Lithium Memory
Battery

Installing the Lithium Battery

The supplied lithium battery is used to store the
memory of the date and time settings.

1 Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1) and open the LCD monitor
(2).

2 Open the lithium battery compartment

door using the tip of a ballpoint pen or
other pointed object.

LCD monitor OPEN
release button

3 Insert the lithium battery into the

compartment with the H side facing out.

4 Replace the compartment door, and

close it firmly until it clicks into place.

5 Close the LCD monitor until it clicks into

place.

Removing the lithium battery

Perform steps 1 and 2 above.
Lift up the battery using a
pointed object, and take it out.

Note:

• Replace the battery with a new CR2025 lithium
battery when the time indicator of the camcorder
starts to fall behind the correct time.

Notes on the Use of the Lithium
battery

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is

incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type CR2025 recommended
by the equipment manufacturer.

X KEEP THIS BATTERY AWAY FROM

CHILDREN. IF SWALLOWED, CONSULT A
PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY
TREATMENT.

Z BATTERY MAY EXPLODE IF MIS-

USED OR INSTALLED WITH POLARITY
REVERSED. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISAS­SEMBLE OR DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

• Do not short-circuit, recharge, disassemble, or
heat the lithium battery.

• Should the lithium battery leak, wipe the battery
compartment clean, and then insert a new
battery.

• The lithium battery will last about one year under
normal usage.

Preparation

12

MENU/DISPLAY button

Power switch

Operation button

LCD monitor OPEN
release button

DISPLAY
SETT I NG

12H 24H

CLOCK SE T

SETT I NG

000

:

1 2001.1.

DISPLAY
SETT I NG

12H 24H

CLOCK SET

000

:

1 2001.2.

SETT I NG

000

:

6 2001.2.

SETT ING

Setting the Date and Time

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2002 (2. 6.

2002) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30).

Note:

• Before performing the procedure below, make
sure that the lithium battery has been installed
(see page 11).

1 Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1) and open the LCD monitor
(2).

2 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
CAMERA.

4 Press r on the Operation button.

5 Press d or y (1) to select “2” (day),

and then press r (2).

Lock button

6 Press d or y to select “6” (month),

and then press r.

0 00

:

SETT ING

6 2002.2.

10 00

:

SETT ING

6 2002.2.

10 30

:

SETT ING

6 2002.2.

7 Press d or y to select “2002” (year),

and then press r.

8 Press d or y to select “10” (hour),

and then press r.

9 Press d or y to select “30” (minute),

and then press e.

• The internal clock now starts operating.

10 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

3 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

DISPLAY
SETT I NG

12H 24H

CLOCK SET

SETT I NG

000

:

1 2001.1.

Preparation

Preparation

13

24H

12H

DISPLAY

SETT I NG

12H 24H

CLOCK SE T

12H

21H24H

DISPLAY
SETT I NG

12H 24H

OFF

DATE
DATE+TIME

CLOCK SET

DISPLAY

DATE+TIME

SP

50

min

2002.6.2

03:01

Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode

1 After performing step 9 above, press d

or y (1) to select “12H/24H”, and
then press r (2).

2 Press d or y to select “12H”, and

then press e.

3 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Displaying the Date and Time
of Recording

Follow the procedure below to display the date,
or both the date and time, of recording on the
screen. You can display the date and time
during both recording and playback.

• The example screens for this feature are for
CAMERA mode.

1 Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

2 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

3 Select P, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DISPLAY” (1),
then press r (2).

4 Press d or y to select “DATE” or

“DATEHTIME”, and then press e.

5 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The date (or the date and time) is
displayed.

Notes:

• Before recording, make sure that the date and
time have been correctly set. If they have not
been set, the display will be left blank when
playing back the recording. (The display will also
be left blank for unrecorded or damaged
portions of the tape.)

• In VCR mode, the current date and time are
displayed when the tape is not being played
back.

Notes:

• The date and time, once set, are internally
recorded even when not displayed on the
screen.

• The menu screen automatically turns off if no
settings are made within 5 minutes.

Preparation

14

Adjusting the Hand Strap

1 Open the hand strap flap (1) and the

grip strap (2).

2 Loosen the grip strap, pass your right

hand through the loop, and put your
thumb on the REC START/STOP button.
Then, pull the grip strap tight until it fits
snugly.

3 Seal the velcro fasteners of the grip

strap and the hand strap flap.

Caution:

• Do not swing the camcorder by the hand strap.

When attaching or
removing the lens cap,
press both tabs on the
top and bottom of the
cap.

When recording, hang
the hook of the lens cap
on the hand strap so that
the cap will not get in the
way.

5

6

7

4

3

2

Tabs

2 Hold one end of the strap and thread it

through the loop on the left side of the
power source mounting surface.

3 Loosen the strap in the buckle, then feed

the end of the strap through the buckle,
as shown.

4 Draw the strap in the direction of the

arrow to secure.

5–7 To attach the other end of the strap to

the loop on the left side of the hand
strap, open the hand strap flap,
perform the same procedure, and then
attach the battery pack.

Loop

Loop

Buckle

Hook

REC START/STOP button

Note:

• Always replace the lens
cap on the lens when the
camcorder is not in use.

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

1 Remove the battery pack.

Using the Lens Cap

Attach the strap of the lens cap to the hand
strap as shown below.

Buckle