Sharp Viewcam VL-WD450S, Viewcam VL-WD650S Operation Manual

VIDEOKAMERA MED FLYTANDE KRISTALLSKÄRM
CAMCORDER COM VISOR DE CRISTAL LÍQUIDO
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

MANUAL DE OPERAÇÃO

BRUKSANVISNING

OPERATION MANUAL

VL-WD450S
VL-WD650S

SVENSKA

PORTUGUÊS

ENGLISH

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

especially page vii.

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 (VL-WD450S)/close to 90,000 (VL-WD650S) 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.

Trademarks

• SmartMedia is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.

• DPOF is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

• All other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
holders.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

OPERATION MANUAL

ENGLISH

ENGLISH

Note: The images of the camcorder in this operation manual are based upon the VL-WD450S.

i

Quick Operation Guide

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

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.

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).

Turning the Power on

To use the camera recording
functions, hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to
CAMERA.

Media Selection switch

Power switch

To use the playback and editing
functions, hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to
VCR.

Switching the Media

To use a mini DV cassette for
recording and playing back
images, set the Media Selection
switch to TAPE.

To use a SmartMedia card for
recording and playing back still
images, set the Media Selection
switch to CARD.

Turning the Power off

Set the Power switch to OFF
without pressing the Lock button.

Lock button

Lock button

ii

SAVE

REC

SAVE

REC

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.

Inserting a SmartMedia Card

(Only Supplied with VL-WD650S)

1 Make sure that the power switch is set to

OFF.

3 Open the card slot cover in the direction

of arrow.

Card slot cover

Contact area

W mark

4 Insert a SmartMedia card into the slot

as shown below, and push it in as far as
it will go.

Chipped corner

2 Open the LCD monitor.

5 Close the card slot cover.

iii

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.

To stop playback

Press d.

90

3 Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

4 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
VCR.

5 Press e (or r) on the Operation

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

6 Press y to begin playback.

AUDIO

12

+

AUDIO

12

+

Quick Operation Guide

Easy Camera Recording on
Tape

1 Make sure that a cassette is inserted.

5 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

2 Remove the lens cap, and lift up the

viewfinder.

3 Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

4 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
CAMERA.

Lock button

REC

Power Zoom

control

Zooming

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

LCD monitor OPEN
release button

Lock button

iv

Card Recording

1 Make sure that a SmartMedia card is

inserted.

Lock button

Card 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 Remove the lens cap, and lift up the

viewfinder.

3 Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

4 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
CAMERA.

5 Press the STILL button to begin

recording.

AUTO

CARD

9001

90

3 Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

4 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
VCR.

5 Press e or r on the Operation button

to move the selection frame to the
desired image.

3

6

2

5

1

4

100 0003-

NORMAL

21

6 Press y.

NORMAL

1 03 103

NORMAL

100 0003-

CARDCARD

LCD monitor OPEN
release button

Lock button

Selection Frame

2 Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that

allows easy viewing on the on-screen
picture.

v

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

Only Supplied with VL-WD650S

Zoom microphone Windscreen

3.3 V type 8 MB

SmartMedia™ card*

SmartMedia card

protective case

* Including 2 index labels

and 4 write-protect
seals.

S-video cable DV cable

Earphones connecting

cable

vi

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

vii

• When the camcorder is not in use, remem­ber 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

viii

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.

Plastic bag

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

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.

ix

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 TAPE-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

Precautions

x

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

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

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

Warning Indicators .................................................... 7

Contents

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

Useful Features

Charging the Battery Pack ........................................ 9

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack.............. 10

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ........... 11

Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette .......... 12

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery ..................... 13

Selecting the Language for the On-screen

Display .................................................................. 14

Setting the Area, Date and Time ............................. 15

Displaying the Date and Time of Recording ............ 16

Adjusting the Hand Strap ........................................ 17

Using the Lens Cap ................................................ 17

Attaching the Shoulder Strap .................................. 17

Using the Viewfinder ............................................... 18

Using the LCD Monitor ............................................ 19

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording on Tape

in Full Auto Mode .................................................. 20

Zooming .................................................................. 21

Tips on Recording Positions ................................... 21

Remaining Recording Time Display ........................ 22

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................... 22

Playback

Tape Playback ......................................................... 23

Volume Control ........................................................ 23

Watching the Playback on a TV .............................. 24

Video Search .......................................................... 25

Still .......................................................................... 25

Selecting the Camcorder Mode .............................. 26

Using the Controls .................................................. 27

Selecting the User Mode ......................................... 28

Using the Menu Screens ......................................... 29

Camera Recording

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ........ 30

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode ............ 31

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ............................. 31

Setting the Digital Zoom .......................................... 32

Gamma Brightness Compensation ......................... 33

Gain-up ................................................................... 34

Night Recording (Super Cat’s Eye) ......................... 35

Appendix

Preparation

Useful Features

Operation References

Basic Operations

Advanced Features

SmartMedia Card

Features

xi

Useful Features

Quick Return ........................................................... 36

Edit Search ............................................................. 36

Fade In and Fade Out ............................................. 37

Wide Screen (16:9) ................................................. 38

Still Recording on Tape ........................................... 39

Still Recording Effects ............................................. 40

Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot ....................... 42

Auto Focus .............................................................. 43

Macro Shots ............................................................ 43

Using the Remote Control ....................................... 43

Playback

Playback Functions with the Remote Control ......... 45

Using the Time Code .............................................. 46

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Manual Focus.......................................................... 47

Setting the Shutter Speed ....................................... 49

Manual Exposure .................................................... 51

White Balance Lock ................................................ 52

Digital Picture Effects .............................................. 53

Scene Menu (Program AE) ..................................... 54

Using the Zoom Microphone ................................... 55

Windbreak ............................................................... 56

Setting the Confirmation Sounds ............................ 56

World Clock ............................................................. 57

Selecting Summer Time .......................................... 59

Playback

Playback Zoom ....................................................... 60

Gamma Playback .................................................... 61

Multiple Strobe Playback......................................... 61

Playback Effects ...................................................... 62

Picture Effect Playback ........................................... 63

Picture/Backlight Adjustments................................. 64

Editing ..................................................................... 65

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) ................ 66

Configuring Software for PC Connection ................ 67

Audio Dubbing Feature ........................................... 69

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ........................ 71

Contents

xii

SmartMedia Card
Features

Appendix

Camera Recording

Inserting and Removing a SmartMedia Card (Only

Supplied with VL-WD650S) .................................. 72

Card Recording ....................................................... 73

Selecting the Picture Resolution ............................. 74

Recording with the Self-timer .................................. 75

Formatting a SmartMedia Card ............................... 76

Playback

Card Playback ......................................................... 77

Slide Show Playback ............................................... 78

Delete-protection ..................................................... 79

Deleting One Stored Image .................................... 80

Deleting All Stored Images ..................................... 81

Transferring the Data on a SmartMedia Card

to a Computer ....................................................... 82

Print Order .............................................................. 83

Useful Information ................................................... 85

Demonstration Mode ............................................... 91

Before Requesting Service ..................................... 92

Specifications .......................................................... 94

Appendix

Preparation

Useful Features

Operation References

Basic Operations

Advanced Features

SmartMedia Card

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. 52]/

IR (Infrared) LIGHT button [p. 35]

SUPER CAT’S EYE switch [p. 35]

Lens hood

Zoom lens

Infrared light

transmitter [p. 35]/

Remote sensor [p. 43]

Stereo microphone

[p. 69]

GAMMA/BRIGHTER button
[pp. 33, 34, 61]

AUTO ON/OFF button
[p. 28]

Operation button [p. 27]

MENU/DISPLAY button
[p. 27]

Operation References

Media Selection switch (TAPE/CARD
selection switch) [p. 26]

Operation References

2

Left view

Zoom microphone
mounting hole [p. 55]

LCD monitor [p. 19]

LCD monitor

OPEN release

button [p. 19]

Lithium battery
compartment door
[p. 13]

Viewfinder [p. 18]

Dioptre adjustment
[p. 18]

Power source
PUSH release
button [pp. 10, 11]

Power source
mounting surface
[pp. 10, 11]

Shoulder strap loop [p. 17]

Bottom view

Tripod socket

Card slot cover

Operation References

Operation References

3

Right view

S-VIDEO socket

[pp. 24, 65]

VIDEO jack
[pp. 24, 65]

AUDIO L jack

[pp. 24, 65]

AUDIO R jack

[pp. 24, 65]

STILL button

[pp. 39, 40, 61, 73]

Power Zoom Wide angle/
Telephoto control [p. 21]/
VOLume control [p. 23]

Jack cover
[pp. 24, 65]

RECord START/STOP button
[p. 20]

Power switch (CAMERA/VCR
select switch) [pp. 26, 27]

Cassette compartment door [p. 12]

Cassette compartment door release [p. 12]

PC connection jack
[p. 67]

DV terminal [p. 66]

EarPHONES jack
[p. 23]

Jack cover [pp. 23, 66, 67]

Speaker [p. 23]

Hand strap [p. 17]

Shoulder strap
loop [p. 17]

Operation References

4

Quick Reference List

Below are some examples of camcorder’s features.

•To record the subject with higher-quality audio.
— See page 31 (Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode)

•To record powerful close-up images.
— See page 32 (Setting the Digital Zoom)

•To record a backlit subject.
— See page 33 (Gamma Brightness Compensation) or page 51 (Manual

Exposure)

•To record subjects at night, e.g. a nocturnal animal.
— See page 35 (Night Recording)

•To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback.
— See page 36 (Quick Return)

•To record yourself in the scene while monitoring the shot.
— See page 42 (Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot)

•To focus on an off-centred subject.
— See page 47 (Manual Focus)

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

camcorder.

— See page 56 (Setting the Confirmation Sounds)

•To enlarge any part of the picture during playback.
— See page 60 (Playback Zoom)

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

portion.

— See page 61 (Gamma Playback)

•To record still images on a SmartMedia card so that the images may be easily read

into a computer.

— See page 73 (Card Recording)

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

12 bit

30

min

M

AN. FOCUS

EXPOSURE

SHUT. SP E E D

PIC. EFFECT
SCENE MENU
FADE
QK. RETURN
DIS

MANUAL SET

PHOTO SNAP

DGTL ZOOM

SNAP EF F.

TAPE SPEED

619:

CAMERA SE T

AUD I O MODE

W

IND

ZOOM MI C

AUD I O SET

REMOTE
SOUND

TIME CODE
TC OUT
D EMO MOD E
LANGUAGE

OTHERS

BACKL IGHT
LCD BRIGHT

BRI GHT

LCD COLO

UR

VF

LCD VF SET

DISPLAY

SUMR T IME

AREA

SETT ING

12H 24H

CLOCK SE T

AUDI O DUB

PIC.

EFFECT

AUDI O

PB EFFECT
M

ULTI F R AME

PLAYBACK SET

REMOTE
SOUND

TIME CODE
TC OUT

OTHERS

LCD BRIGHT
LCD COLO

UR

BACKL IGHT

BRI GHT

VF

VF SE T

LCD

DISPLAY

CLOCK SE T

M

AN. FOCUS

EXPOSURE

SHUT. S PEED

PI C. EFFECT
SCENE MENU
FADE

QK. RETURN

DIS

MANUAL SE T

AUDIO

12

+

SP

AUDI O DUB

PIC.

EFFECT

AUDI O

PB EFFECT

M

ULTI F RAME

PLAYBACK SE T

FADE

PHOT O
SNAP

SOUND
DISPLAY

EFF.

SNAP

WI ND

QK. RETURN

MENU

TAPE-CAMERA mode

TAPE-VCR mode

p. 31

p. 20

pp. 20, 28

p. 22

pp. 34, 35

p. 31

p. 22

p. 30

p. 37
p. 36
p. 39
p. 40
p. 56
p. 56
p. 16

p. 47
p. 49
p. 51
p. 53
p. 54
p. 37
p. 36
p. 31
p. 39
p. 40
p. 32
p. 30
p. 38
p. 31
p. 55
p. 56

p. 64

p. 16
pp. 15, 57
p. 59
p. 15
p. 16

p. 22

p. 71

p. 30

p. 70
p. 71
p. 63
p. 62
p. 61
p. 43
p. 56
p. 46
p. 46

p. 64

Easy mode (p. 28)

p. 43
p. 56
p. 46
p. 46
p. 91
p. 14

p. 16

Operation References

6

SUMR T IME

DISPLAY

SCENE
SELF T IMER

MENU

DIS

M

AN. FOCUS

EXPOSURE

SHUT. SP E E D

PIC. EFFECT

MANUAL SET

REC MODE
SNAP EFF.
DGTL ZOOM

CAMERA SE T

REMOTE

SOUND

FORMAT

DEMO MOD E

LANGUAGE

OTHERS

BACKL I GHT
LCD BRIGHT

BRI GHT

LCD COLOUR

VF

LCD VF SET

DISPLAY
AREA

SETT I NG

12H 24H

CLOCK SE T

LCD BRIGHT
LCD COLOUR

BACKL I GHT

BRI GHT

VF

LCD VF SET

DISPLAY

CLOCK SE T

AUTO

CARD CARD

AUTO

CARD

SCENE
SEL F T IMER

MEN U

DIS

M

AN. FOCUS

EXPOSURE

SHUT. S PEED

PI C. EFFECT

MANUAL SE T

3

6

2

5

1

4

SL IDE SHO

W

EFFECTPIC.

DELETE

PROTE CT

PRI . ORDER

DELETE ALL

PLAYBACK SE T

SELF

SOUND

TIMER

REC MODE

MENU

SL I DE SHO

W

EFFECTPIC.

DELETE

PROTEC T

PRI . ORDER

DELETE ALL

PLAYBACK SET

REMOTE
SOUND

OTHERS

9001

9001

NORMAL

100 0006-

NORMAL

21

CARD

CARD-CAMERA mode

CARD-VCR mode

p. 28

p. 31

p. 73

p. 22

p. 73

p. 74

p. 75
p. 74
p. 56
p. 16

p. 47
p. 49
p. 51
p. 53
p. 54
p. 75
p. 31
p. 74
p. 40
p. 32
p. 43
p. 76
p. 56
p. 91
p. 14

p. 64

p. 16
pp. 15, 57
p. 59

p. 16

p. 77

p. 78
p. 63
p. 79
p. 80
p. 81
p. 83
p. 43
p. 56

p. 64

Easy mode (p. 28)

p. 15

Note:

• See pages 26 to 29 for the procedure to display the desired screen.

p. 16

Operation References

Operation References

7

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 12).

INSERT

A CASSETTE.

BATTERY I S

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 12).

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette
has been slid to the record-protect position,
preventing recording (see page 87).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new
cassette (see page 12).

THE

ENDS SOON.

TAPE

DEW

LAMP LAMP

DEW

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a
new cassette (see page 12).

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a
fully charged battery pack (see page 10).

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

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

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 TAPE-CAMERA or
CARD-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

Operation References

8

Note:

•N indicates a flashing display.

Displayed for

5 seconds

Description of warning

The SmartMedia card is not inserted or is inserted improperly. Check
how the card is inserted (see page 72).

The capacity of the SmartMedia card is full and cannot store any more
images. Delete unnecessary images (see page 80) or replace the
card with a new one (see page 72).

The SmartMedia card has no images recorded in the format the
camcorder can recognize.

The images in the SmartMedia card are corrupted or recorded in a
format which is not compatible with this camcorder. Format the card to
use it with this camcorder (see page 76).

The SmartMedia card has not been formatted with this camcorder.
Format the card (see page 76).

A SmartMedia card with a write-protect seal is inserted. Remove the
write-protect seal to record images on the card (see page 88).

You are trying to delete a protected image. Cancel the protection
setting (see page 79).

The selected image cannot be read by this camcorder. Format the
card to use it with this camcorder (see page 76).

The SmartMedia card cannot record any data due to a problem with
the card or data on the card. Replace the SmartMedia card (see
page 72).

NO

MEMORY CARD

MEMORY

FULL

CARD

NO DAT A ON

MEMORY CARD

MEMORY CARD

ERROR

FORMAT

MEMORY CARD

MEMORY CARD

PROTECTED

PROTECTED

DATA

MEMORY CARD

RE AD ERROR

CANNOT
STORE DATA

Preparation

Preparation

9

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 in TAPE
modes

• 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 21) 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 89 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.

VL-WD650S

Model

Battery

pack

LCD

closed

LCD

open

Max.

continuous

playback

time on

LCD

BT-L221

BT-LS222

BT-L441

100 120 100 100

160 240 200 200

VL-WD450S

Charging

time

Max. continuous

recording time

BT-LS442A

BT-L221

BT-LS222

BT-L441

BT-LS442A

190 280 240 240

100 120 90 90

160 240 180 180

190 280 220 220

Preparation

10

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. Removing the

battery pack while shooting or during playback
may damage the tape by causing it to wrap
around the video head drum or may destroy the
SmartMedia card, rendering it unreadable and
unwritable.

• 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

11

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. Removing the DC

cable while shooting or during playback may
damage the tape by causing it to wrap around
the video head drum or may destroy the
SmartMedia card, rendering it unreadble and
unwritable.

• 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

12

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 87 for more information on the video
cassette tapes intended for use with this camcorder.

W mark

Preparation

Preparation

13

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

14

ENGL I SH

LANGUAGE

DEUTSCH
FRAN

Ç

AIS

AUTO

SET [ BUT TON]

Selecting the Language for
the On-screen Display

This camcorder allows you to choose from
among English, German or French for the on­screen display language.

MENU/DISPLAY button

Power switch

Operation button

Setting the Language

When using the camcorder for the first time,
select the desired language for the on-screen
display by performing the procedure below.

LCD monitor
OPEN release
button

1 Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

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

3 Press d or y (1) on the operation

button to select the desired language,
then press e (2).

Changing the Language

1 Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

2 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

3 Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “LANGUAGE”
(“SPRACHE” or “LANGUE”) (1), then
press r (2).

• The language selection screen appears.

4 Perform step 3 in “Setting the

Language”.

• The menu screen is displayed in the
language selected.

ENGL I SH

LANGUAGE

DEUTSCH
FRAN

Ç

AIS

REMOTE
SOUND
TIME CODE

TC OUT
D EMO MO D E

LANGUAGE

ENGL I SH

OTHERS

SET [ BUT TON]

2 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to
CAMERA.

• The language selection screen
appears on the LCD screen.

Lock button

Note:

• The English, German and French portions

of this operation manual are based on the
use of on-screen displays in their respec­tive languages. The portions of this manual
in other languages, however, are based on
the use of English on-screen displays.

5 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Preparation

Preparation

15

MENU/DISPLAY button

Power switch

Operation button

LCD monitor OPEN
release button

DISPLAY
AREA

SETT I NG

12H 24H

LONDON1

CLOCK SE T

SUMR T IME

PARI S2

DISPLAY

SUMR T IME

AREA

SET T I NG

12H 24H

CLOCK SET

SUMR T IME

000

:

1 2001.1.

DISPLAY
AREA

SETT I NG

12H 24H

CLOCK SE T

000

:

1 2001.2.

SETT I NG

000

:

6 2001.2.

SETT I NG

Setting the Area, Date and
Time

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

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

Notes:

• Before performing the procedure below, make
sure that the lithium battery has been installed
(see page 13).

• If you are in an area that observes summer time,
set the time to the standard time. You can then
correct it for summer time by performing the
procedure on page 59.

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) until “2 PARIS”

appears, then press e (2).

Note:

• See “Time Zone Chart” and “Area Table” on
pages 57 and 58 for the area number and
name of the representative city for your time
zone.

6 Press d or y (1) to select

“SETTING” , and then press r (2).

7 Press d or y to select “2” (day), and

then press r.

8 Press d or y to select “6” (month),

and then press r.

3 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Lock button