Sharp VIEWCAMZ VL-Z5E, VIEWCAMZ VL-Z3E Operation Manual

ENGLISH

WARNING:

This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 7.4 volts from a BTL226 battery or the AC adapter (UADP-A016WJZZ). CAUTION: As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adapter, 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 215,280 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.

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

Warning Indicators ..................................................4

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 6

Charging the Battery Pack ......................................8

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

Inserting and Removing a Cassette ..................... 10

Inserting and Removing a Card ............................ 11

Installing the Lithium Batteries ..............................12

Setting the Date and Time .................................... 14

Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 15

Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 16

Using the Grip ....................................................... 16

Detaching the Lens Hood ..................................... 17

Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 17

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

Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 20

Camera Recording

Selecting the Camcorder Mode ............................ 21

Easy Camera Recording on Tape in

Full Auto Mode ................................................... 22

Zooming ................................................................23

Power Standby Mode ........................................... 24

Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 24

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

Macro Shots ..........................................................25

Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 26

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 26

Playback

Tape Playback ...................................................... 27

Volume Control ...................................................... 28

Still ........................................................................ 28

Video Search......................................................... 28

Using Earphones

(Commercially Available, VL-Z5 only) ................ 29

Adjusting the Phones Volume (VL-Z5 only) .......... 29

Watching Playback on a TV .................................. 30

Contents

Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................... v

Optional Accessory ............................................................................................ v

Precautions ........................................................................................................ vi

iii

Useful Features

Control Buttons ..................................................... 31

Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 31

Using the Menu Screens....................................... 32

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 33

Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 34

Gain-up ................................................................. 35

Fade in and Fade out ............................................ 36

Quick Return ......................................................... 37

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

Still Recording on Tape ......................................... 38

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 39

Self Recording ...................................................... 40

Wide Screen (16:9) ............................................... 42

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode .....43

Windbreak ............................................................. 44

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode......... 45

Playback

Using the Remote Control

(Only supplied with VL-Z5) ................................. 46

Tape Playback Functions with the Remote

Control (Only supplied with VL-Z5) .................... 47

Selecting the Date and Time of Recording

Display ................................................................ 48

Picture Effect Playback ......................................... 49

Rotate Playback .................................................... 50

Copying an Image from Tape to Card ..................51

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Manual Focus ....................................................... 52

Returning to Auto Focus ....................................... 53

Displaying the Manual Setting Screen .................. 53

White Balance Lock .............................................. 54

Manual Iris ............................................................55

Manual Gain .......................................................... 56

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode............. 57

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 58

Advanced Features

Playback

Using the Time Code ............................................ 59

Audio Dubbing Feature......................................... 60

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 62

Editing ................................................................... 63

Recording from an External Source ...................... 64

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

Using the Camcorder as a Converter ................... 68

Digital Still Camera Features

Camera Recording

Card Recording .................................................... 70

Selecting the Picture Quality ................................. 71

Recording with the Self-timer ................................ 72

Formatting a Card .................................................73

Setting the File Numbering Method ...................... 74

Playback

Card Playback ...................................................... 75

Playback Zoom with the Remote Control (Only

supplied with VL-Z5) .......................................... 76

Delete Protection................................................... 77

Deleting Stored Images ........................................ 78

Print Order............................................................. 80

Transferring Data on Card to Computer ...............82

Installing the USB Driver ................................... 82

Slide Show Playback ............................................85

Appendix

Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 86

Turning off the Confirmation Sound ...................... 88

Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 89

Demonstration Mode ............................................90

Useful Information ................................................. 91

Troubleshooting .................................................... 97

Specifications ..................................................... 101

On-screen Display Index .................................... 102

Note:

• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages 97–

100.)

Contents

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L226

Audio/video/S-video

cable

CR2025 type

lithium battery

for remote control

CR1216 type lithium battery for camcorder Lens cap

CD-ROM

8 MB SD Memory Card

Remote control

USB cable

Standard-life battery pack

BT-L226

The accessories with * mark are not supplied with VL-Z3 (only supplied with VL-Z5).

Optional Accessory

AC adapter

Power cord

Note:

• The accessory above may not be available in selected areas.

Precautions

• Before recording an important scene,

please perform the recording test, then playback to check if the scene was recorded properly. If noise occurs, use a commercially available cleaning tape to clean the video heads (see page viii).

• When the camcorder is not in use, re-

member 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, whether or not recording is in progress, as it may damage the CCD sensor. Be particularly careful when recording outside.

• 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 broad-

casting 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 restric-

tions on the use of electronic equipment on commercial flights or in other sensitive areas.

• Be aware of the temperature and humid-

ity.

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 tri-

pods 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.).

vii

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 forms, 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 or car.

— 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.

When using the camcorder in a place where dew is likely to form, allow the camcorder and the video tape to acclimatise to the surroundings for about one hour.

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 tem-

perature inside it reaches the temperature of the room.

• “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

1 If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,

leave the cassette compartment open, and wait for a few hours to allow the camcorder to acclimatise 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.

viii

Dirty Video Heads

When the video heads have become clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating particles),

• mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture. (see illustrations above)

• playback pictures do not move.

• during playback, the whole screen becomes blue.

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commercially Available)

Available mode:

Tape Playback

You can clean the video head with a commercially available cleaning tape.

Notes:

• Excessive use of the cleaning tape 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.

• If the video heads again become clogged with dirt soon after cleaning, this might be caused by a damaged tape. In this case, stop using that cassette immediately.

1 Insert a cleaning tape into the

camcorder.

2 Set the camcorder to Tape Playback

mode.

• The video head cleaning screen appears.

3 Press m 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.” displays.

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press l.

Causes of video head clogging

• High-temperature and high-humidity environment

• A lot of dust in the air

• Damaged tape

• Worn tape

• Long-time use

• Dew formation

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.

Precautions

STOPSTART

CLEANI NG

CLEANINGNOW

Striped noise

Mosaic noise

Operation References

Part Names

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

Front view

Zoom lens

DISPLAY button (p. 31)

Operation button (p. 31)

Stereo microphone

LCD LAMP button (p. 24)

Operation References

Lithium battery cover (p. 12)

Tripod socket*

Card slot cover (p. 11)

Left view

Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 18)

Battery release (pp. 7, 12)

* When attaching a tripod

with a guide pin, do not attach the pin to the bottom of the camcorder.

LCD monitor (p. 19)

Earphones jack (VL-Z5 only) (p. 29)

DV terminal (pp. 66, 68)

USB terminal (p. 83)

DC IN jack (pp. 8, 9)

AV terminal (pp. 30, 63, 64, 68)

Terminal cover

(pp. 29, 30, 63, 64, 66, 68, 83)

Operation References

Viewfinder (pp. 17, 18)

Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control (p. 23)/ VOLume control (p. 28)

Media Selection switch (V Tape mode/u Card mode selection switch) (p. 21)

Start/Stop button (p. 22)

PHOTO button (pp. 38, 51, 70)

Power switch (v Camera Recording mode/w Playback mode select switch) (p. 21)

STANDBY button (p. 24)

STANDBY indicator

(p. 24)

POWER/CHARGE

(RED) indicator

(pp. 8, 9, 22)

DC IN jack cover (pp. 8, 9)

Cassette holder (p. 10)

Cassette compartment door release (p. 10)

Cassette compartment door (p. 10)

Right view

Hand strap (p. 16)

Speaker

Window cleaning cover

(p. 95)

Operation References

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 I S

TOO LOW.

PROTECT. TAB

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

CASSE TTE 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 92).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new cassette.

THE

ENDS SOON.

TAPE

DEW

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 pages 6, 7).

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

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

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.

TAPE END

The battery is almost depleted when the camcorder transfers data through the USB cable. Use the AC adapter or fully charged battery pack as the power source (see pages 6–9, 84).

USB USB

Operation References

Note:

• N indicates a flashing display.

Displayed for

5 seconds

Description of warning

The card is not inserted or is inserted improperly. Check that it is properly inserted (see page 11).

The capacity of the card is full and cannot store any more images. Delete unnecessary images (see page 78) or replace the card with a new one (see page 11).

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

The images in the 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 73)*.

The card has not been formatted with this camcorder. Format the card (see page 73)*.

The card is write-protected (see page 11).

You are trying to delete a protected image. Cancel the protection setting (see page 77).

The selected image cannot be read by this camcorder. Format the card to use it with this camcorder (see page 73)*.

The card cannot record any data due to a problem with the card or data on the card. Replace the card (see page 11).

MEMORY C ARD

MEMORY

FULL

CARD

NO DA TA ON

MEMORY CARD

ERROR

FORMAT

MEMORY CARD

PROTECTED

DATA

MEMORY CARD

RE AD ERROR

CANNOT STORE DATA

The camcorder cannot record with the Start/Stop button in Card Recording mode. Press the PHOTO button (see page 70).

PLEASE USE PHOTO BUTTON

The print order cannot be set to more than 999 images.

MA X I MUM

9 99 IMAGES

You cannot record any image with a file number bigger than 999–

9999. Set FILE NO. menu item to “RESET” (see page 74), then format the card (see page 73)* or replace the card with a new one (see page 11).

* Formatting a card erases all stored images, including delete-protected images. Be sure to

backup important data on your computer or other media before formatting the card.

MA X I MUM

F I LE NUMBER

Preparation

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack

Attaching

1 Make sure that the Power

switch is set to OFF.

2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

3 Slide the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow with the “m” mark facing out.

4 Push the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow until it clicks.

90˚

Power switch

“m” mark

Preparation

Removing

1 Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF, then open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body.

90˚

2 Slide the battery release in the

direction of the arrow.

3 Take the battery pack out.

Notes:

• 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 destroy the 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.

• Make sure that the battery pack is firmly attached during operation. If it is not, the battery pack may come off or camcorder operation may fail because of the poor contact pressure.

• To prevent damage to the battery pack when removing, be sure to firmly hold the battery pack while pressing the release.

• Use only SHARP model BT-L226 battery packs with this camcorder. Use of other batteries may create a risk of fire or explosion.

• Before closing the LCD monitor, make sure the battery pack is properly attached to the camcorder, otherwise the monitor may be damaged.

Battery release

Preparation

Charging the Battery Pack

1 Attach the battery pack on the

camcorder, and make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF.

2 Open the DC IN jack cover.

3 Connect the supplied power cord to

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

4 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator lights up red.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator turns off when the battery is charged.

4 Remove the DC plug from the DC IN

jack, then remove the AC adapter from the power outlet.

BT-L226

Charging

time

Battery

pack

Max.

continuous

recording time

Max.

continuous

playback time

on LCD

120

120 105

Charging time and maximum continuous recording and playback times in Tape modes

LCD

closed

LCD

open

105

• 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 AC adapter become warm during charging. This is not a malfunction.

• Using the zoom (see page 23) and other functions or turning the power on and off frequently will increase power consumption. This may result in a decrease 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 pages 94 and 95 for more information on using the battery pack.

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L226 battery packs. Other types of battery packs may burst, causing personal injury and damage.

• When attaching the supplied audio/video/Svideo cable or USB cable, remove the DC plug, open the terminal cover and connect it.

DC IN jack

AC power socket

To power

outlet

DC IN jack cover

POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator

DC plug

Preparation

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet

You can also power the camcorder from a power outlet by using the supplied AC adapter.

Note:

• The supplied AC adapter 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 Open the DC IN jack cover.

3 Connect the supplied power cord to

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

To power

outlet

AC power socket

4 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

5 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator lights up green.

Notes:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.

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

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

DC IN jack

DC IN jack cover

POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator

DC plug

Preparation

Inserting and Removing a Cassette

Inserting

1 Attach the power source to the

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

• After confirmation sound, the cassette holder extends and opens automatically.

2 Insert a commercially available Mini

DV cassette fully with the window facing outwards, and with the erasure protect tab facing upwards.

3 Press the “PUSH” mark gently until

the cassette holder clicks into place.

• The cassette holder retracts automatically.

4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully

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

Removing

Perform step 1 above, then take out the cassette.

Notes:

• 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 “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 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.

• 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.

• You can only use Mini DV cassettes. Large DV cassettes cannot be used. Be sure to use Mini DV cassettes with the i

mark.

• See page 92 for more information on the video cassette tapes intended for use with this camcorder.

SAVE

REC

Cassette compartment door release

“PUSH” mark

Erasure protect tab

Preparation

Inserting and Removing a Card

You can use an SD Memory Card (supplied with VL-Z5) or a MultiMediaCard (commercially available) for storing still images.

Inserting

1 Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF.

2 Open the card slot cover.

3 Insert a card into the slot as shown

below, and push it in fully.

4 Close the card slot cover securely.

Back view

Locked position

Unlocked position

Removing

Perform steps 1 and 2 above, push the card and release slowly (1). Then pull the card straight out (2) as shown below.

Notes:

• You can use only the SD Memory Card or the MultiMediaCard (see page 93).

• The card supplied with VL-Z5 is preformatted for immediate use.

• See page 93 for more information on the cards intended for use with this camcorder.

• Do not remove the card from the camcorder while recording data on the card (S indicator flashes during recording). This may delete the recorded image or damage the card.

• You cannot insert or remove the card when using a tripod.

About the write-protect switch

SD Memory Card has a write-protect switch. When the switch is set to the locked position, you cannot record/delete data or format the card. Set it to the unlocked position to record/delete data or format the card.

Card slot cover

Write-protect

switch

Label

Clipped corner

Preparation

Installing the Lithium Batteries

Installing the Memory Battery

The supplied CR 1216 type lithium battery is used to store the memory of the date and time settings.

1 Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF.

2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

3 Slide the battery release in the

direction of the arrow, then take the battery pack out.

4 Pull out the lithium battery cover in

the direction of the arrow.

5 Insert the smaller lithium battery into

the compartment with the H side of the battery facing out.

6 Close the lithium battery cover firmly

until it clicks into place.

Removing the Memory Battery

Perform steps 1 to 4 above, then lift out the battery by using a pointed object such as the tip of a ballpoint pen.

Battery release

Lithium battery cover

CR 1216 type lithium battery

Preparation

Installing the Battery to Remote Control (VL-Z5 only)

The CR 2025 type lithium battery supplied with VL-Z5 is used to power the remote control unit.

1 Hold the remote control facing down,

and pull out the battery holder while pressing the tab toward the centre.

2 Insert the larger lithium battery into

the battery holder with the H side of the battery facing the m side of the holder.

3 Insert the battery holder back into

position.

Notes on the Use of the Lithium battery

• 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 batteries will last about one year under normal usage.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. For camcorder, replace only with same or equivalent type CR1216, for remote control unit, replace only with same or equivalent type CR2025, both 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 MISUSED OR INSTALLED WITH POLARITY REVERSED. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE OR DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

“m” side

H side, CR 2025 type

lithium battery

Ta b