Sharp VL-AH131E Operation Manual

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LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

VL-AH131E

OPERATION MANUAL

ENGLISH

Russkij

PAL

Before using the VIEWCAM, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page i.

OPERATION MANUAL

WARNING

TO PREVENT SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN

CAUTION

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

ENGLISH

OR MOISTURE.

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

CAUTION

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

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.

Your VIEWCAM is designed to record in SP mode only. It will not perform normal playback for programmes prerecorded in LP mode.

Power supply:

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

This VIEWCAM does not have a PCM recording or playback function. PCM recordings made using other VCRs or audio dubbing cannot be played back on this unit.

If you record on a tape on which PCM sound has already been recorded, the audio track of the new VIEWCAM recording may not come out if the tape is played back on a PCM-capable VCR. If this occurs, set the VCR’s audio monitor select switch to the “Standard” position.

NOTE

The VIEWCAM’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with close to 90,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that this does not affect your VIEWCAM’s performance.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Information for Australia/New Zealand Only

WARNING:

This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 3.6 volts from a BT-H22 or BTH32 battery or with DC 7.0 volts from the AC adapter (UADP-0313TAZZ). 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.

NOTE

This VIEWCAM is a high technology product. The LCD Panel comprises 89,856 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.

ENGLISH

Precautions

• When the VIEWCAM is not in use,

remember to remove the cassette tape, turn off the power, and disconnect the VIEWCAM from the power source.

• Do not aim the lens at the sun. Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the VIEWCAM 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 VIEWCAM near strong fluorescent lights, motors, televisions, or other magnetic sources may adversely affect recorded images.

• Using the VIEWCAM 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 VIEWCAM to hard shocks or strong vibrations. Bumping or striking the unit during recording will generate noise in the recorded image.

• 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 VIEWCAM at 0⬚C to Ⳮ40⬚ 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 VIEWCAM, and do not use or leave your VIEWCAM 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 VIEWCAM. Be sure to use only a strong, stable tripod.

• When using your VIEWCAM 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 VIEWCAM from becoming too cold, wrap it in a thick cloth (a blanket, etc.).

• Avoid placing the

VIEWCAM in close proximity to lighting equipment.

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

About Your VIEWCAM

Recording Format

Hi8 is a high-performance extension of the ordinary 8 mm format. It uses advanced technology to achieve even higher resolution and picture quality. Use a video cassette with the mark for high-quality recording and playback, or with the mark to enjoy ordinary 8 mm recording and playback.

• When you load a Hi8 tape, recording is in Hi8 format. (The indicator appears on the LCD screen.) When you load a normal 8 mm tape, recording is in ordinary 8 mm format. (The indicator does not appear.)

• During playback, the recorded format is automatically detected.

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

• If you want to record with a Hi8 tape in normal 8 mm format, set the menu item to “OFF” on the (MENU 1) screen (Camera mode) before recording. (See page 23 for operation of the menu screen.)

LCD Monitor Screen

The VIEWCAM is equipped with a large LCD monitor screen that allows you to record scenes while comfortably holding the camcorder. The LCD monitor screen can be rotated for easy recording at high or low angles. It also functions as a handy playback monitor so you can enjoy what you have just recorded.

Cautions:

• Do not apply pressure to the screen.

• Do not expose the screen to shocks, as it may

break.

• Do not place the VIEWCAM with the screen facing down.

Note:

• Use a soft cloth to clean the screen.

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-H22 AC adapter

CR2025 type

lithium battery Shoulder strap Lens cap

Power cord Audio/video cable

iii

Optional Accessories

Standard type

battery pack

BT-H22

Tripod adapter

for 180° recording

VR-33FA

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

Extended type

battery pack

BT-H32

Soft case VR-33SC

Sun hood

VR-60BF

Accessory

shoe adapter

VR-30AD

Contents

Operation Summary Part Names .......................................................... 3

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

Quick Reference Index ........................................ 6

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

Preparation

Basic Operations

Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack ........... 8

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

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

Inserting and Removing a Cassette .................. 11

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery ................ 12

Setting the Date and Time ................................. 13

Using the Hand Strap and the Lens Cap........... 14

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

Using the Sun Hood (Optional Accessory) ........ 15

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto Mode ... 16

Zooming ............................................................. 17

Tips on Recording Positions .............................. 17

Remaining Recording Time Display .................. 18

Remaining Battery Power Display ..................... 18

Playback

Playback ............................................................ 19

Volume Control................................................... 19

Watching the Playback on a TV ......................... 20

Video Search...................................................... 21

Still...................................................................... 21

Operation Summary

Useful Features

Advanced Features

Operations of the On-screen Controls

Using the Control Buttons............................... 22

Selecting the Mode/Menu Screens ................ 22

Adjusting the Menu Settings........................... 23

Recording the Date and Time ............................ 24

Fade In and Fade Out ........................................ 25

Quick Review ..................................................... 26

Quick Return ...................................................... 27

Edit Search......................................................... 27

Gamma Brightness Compensation .................... 28

Gain-up (Cat’s Eye)............................................ 29

Wide Screen (16:9) ........................................... 30

Macro Shots ....................................................... 30

Removing the Lens Hood .................................. 30

Self Recording ................................................... 31

Setting the VIEWCAM to Full Auto Mode ........... 33

Program Search ................................................. 34

Tape Counter Feature ........................................ 35

Using the Remote Control (Not supplied) .......... 37

Digital Picture Effects ......................................... 38

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................ 39

Superimposing a Title ........................................ 40

Changing the Preset Titles ................................. 41

Auto/Manual Focus ............................................ 42

White Balance Lock ........................................... 43

Manual Exposure ............................................... 44

Picture/Backlight Adjustments ........................... 45

Gamma Playback............................................... 46

Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight .............. 46

Editing ................................................................ 47

Preparation

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

Playback

Useful Features

References Useful Information .............................................. 48

Demonstration Mode.......................................... 52

Before Requesting Service ................................ 53

Specifications..................................................... 55

Advanced Features

References

Operation Summary

Part Names

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

Operation Summary

Front view

Terminal cover

Microphone

Zoom lens

VIDEO jack [pp. 20, 47]

AUDIO jack [pp. 20, 47]

DC IN jack [pp. 9, 10]

Speaker

When the cassette compartment door is open

Cassette holder [p. 11]

Lens hood [p. 30]

Cassette compartment door

[p. 11]

Cassette compartment door release [p. 11]

Shoulder strap loop [p. 14]

Lithium battery holder [p. 12]

Rear view

Operation Summary

RECord START/STOP button [p. 16]

CHARGE indicator

[p. 9]

MENU button

[p. 22]

Operation buttons [p. 22]

Bottom view

LCD monitor screen

DISPLAY button [p. 22]

Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control [p. 17] VOLume control [p. 19]

Shoulder strap loop [p. 14]

FADE button [p. 25]

Hand strap [p. 14]

Power switch (CAMERA/VCR select switch) [pp. 16, 19]

Battery compartment door release [p. 8]

Battery compartment door

[p. 8]

Tripod socket

Operation Summary

On-screen Display Index

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

Operation Summary

Camera Mode

p. 38

p. 42

p. 27

p. 40

VCR Mode

p. 19

p. 35

p. 46

PIC EFF

TLE

TURN

REW PLAY STOP STI LLFF

COU

GAMA

NTER

EFF.

COU

NTER

WHI TE EXPO

BAL.

16 9

GAMA EFF

SCENE

REW

SUREFOCUS

SE ARCH

p. 26

p. 28

p. 35

p. 25

p. ii

p. 37

p. 52

FADE

REMOTE DEMO MODE OFF

SET

NORMAL AUTO ON

PIC

PAGETURE

p. 45

p. 43

p. 44

p. 30

p. 39

p. 21

p. 24

p. 13

p. 45

p. 47

p. ii

DATE

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

ED I T

REMOTE

TIME/

SET

1 000

24H

PIC

OFF AUTO ON

+ 1 2002

PAGETURE

p. 37

p. 45

p. 34

SET

PIC TURE

Note: See pages 22 and 23 for the procedure to display the desired screen.

Quick Reference Index

This index lists some example uses of the VIEWCAM’s features.

• To record with a Hi8 tape in normal 8 mm format. —See page ii (

• To quickly check what you have just recorded. —See page 26 (Quick Review)

• To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback. —See page 27 (Quick Return)

• To locate the point on the tape where to begin recording while in Camera mode. —See page 27 (Edit Search)

• To record a backlit subject. —See page 28 (Gamma Brightness Compensation) or page 44 (Manual

Exposure)

Recording Format)

Operation Summary

• To record in a dark or poorly-illuminated location.

• To record yourself while monitoring the shot.

• To record a short video message for somebody.

• To find the beginning of a recorded scene to be played back.

• To display the elapsed recording or playback time.

• To focus on an off-centred subject.

• To increase the brightness of the subject during playback.

—See page 29 (Gain-up)

—See page 31 (Self Recording)

—See page 32 (Self-recording Message)

—See page 34 (Program Search)

—See page 35 (Tape Counter Feature)

—See page 42 (Manual Focus)

—See page 46 (Gamma Playback)

Operation Summary

Warning Indicators

Operation Summary

Displayed for the first

3 seconds

Displayed after

3 seconds

Description of warning

The video cassette is defective and should be removed (see page 11).

Dew has formed inside the VIEWCAM. Wait for a few hours until the dew disappears (see page 49). About 10 seconds after this warning appears, the VIEWCAM automatically turns off.

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

The video heads are clogged and should be cleaned (see page 49).

There is no video cassette in the VIEWCAM. Insert a cassette (see page 11).

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette has been slid to the record-protect position, preventing recording (see page 51).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new cassette (see page 11).

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a new cassette (see page 11).

Note: indicates a flashing display.

In Self Recording mode, all warnings will be indicated by displayed in the centre of the monitor. To check the type of warning, rotate the monitor back to the normal position.

Preparation

Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack

Inserting the Battery Pack

1 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

Power switch

2 Slide the battery compartment door

release on the bottom of the VIEWCAM in the direction of the arrow to open the battery compartment door.

Battery compartment door release

4 Close the door, pressing it firmly in the

centre until it clicks.

Preparation

Removing the Battery Pack

1 Perform steps 1 and 2 above.

2 Press the battery release as shown to

remove the battery pack.

Battery release

3 Insert the battery pack into the com-

partment as shown, and push it in completely until it locks into place.

Caution:

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

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,

ALWAYS STOP THE TAPE AND TURN THE POWER OFF. If you remove the battery pack

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

• Make sure the battery compartment door is closed firmly during operation. If it is not, the battery pack may fall out or VIEWCAM operation may fail because of the poor contact pressure.

• Remove the battery pack from the VIEWCAM if the VIEWCAM will not be used for a long period of time.

• When removing the battery pack, do not tilt

the VIEWCAM so that the battery compartment faces down. The battery pack may fall out.

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

• Use only SHARP model BT-H22 or BT-H32 battery packs with this VIEWCAM. Use of other batteries may present a risk of fire or explosion.

Preparation

Charging the Battery Pack

Power switch

CHARGE indicator

Preparation

1 Insert the battery pack into the VIEWCAM

(see page 8). Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF.

• The battery pack will not charge when the Power switch is set to CAMERA or VCR.

2 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter,

then insert the AC plug into a power outlet.

3 Open the terminal cover on the VIEWCAM

and insert the DC plug of the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM.

• The CHARGE indicator will light up in red.

Terminal cover

Charging time and maximum continuous recording and playback times

Charging

Battery

pack

BT-H22

BT-H32

Notes:

• Using the zoom (see page 17) 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.

• It is recommended that you have enough battery packs on hand to provide two to three times your estimated recording time.

• See page 50 for more information on using the battery pack.

Caution:

• Charge only SHARP model BT-H22 or BT-H32 battery packs. Other types of battery packs may burst, causing personal injury and damage.

time

approx.

3 hr.

approx.

6 hr.

Max.

continuous

recording

time

approx.

1 hr. 40 min.

approx.

3 hr. 20 min.

Max.

continuous

playback

time

approx.

1 hr. 40 min.

approx.

3 hr. 20 min.

DC IN jack

To power outlet

4 When the battery is fully charged, the

CHARGE indicator will light up in green. Remove the DC plug from the VIEWCAM, and close the terminal cover.

Caution:

• When removing the plugs, grasp the plug, not the cable.

Powering the VIEWCAM from an AC Outlet

Caution:

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

Power switch

1 Connect the power cord to the AC

adapter, then insert the AC plug into a power outlet.

2 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

3 Open the terminal cover and insert the

DC plug of the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM.

Terminal cover

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG, ALWAYS

STOP THE TAPE AND TURN THE POWER OFF.

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

• Remove the DC plug from the VIEWCAM if you will not use the VIEWCAM for a long period of time.

• When removing the plugs, grasp the plug, not the cable.

Note:

• Close the terminal cover after use.

Preparation

DC IN jack

To power outlet

4 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

Lock button

Preparation

Inserting and Removing a Cassette

Inserting a Cassette

1 Supply power to the VIEWCAM, then

slide the release and open the cassette compartment door.

• The cassette holder extends and opens

Preparation

automatically.

Cassette compartment

door release

2 Insert the cassette fully with the window

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

Erasure protect tab

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 PUSH mark to close it.

• Do not tilt the VIEWCAM 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 VIEWCAM for a long period of time.

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

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

3 Press the PUSH mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place.

• The cassette holder retracts automatically.

PUSH mark

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 51 for more information on the video cassette tapes for use with this VIEWCAM.

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery

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

1 Slide the cassette compartment door

release and open the cassette compartment door.

5 Close the cassette compartment door by

pressing the centre until it clicks into place.

Preparation

Cassette compartment

door release

Note: The cassette holder will extend and open when the VIEWCAM is connected to a power source. Be sure to close the cassette holder before proceeding to the next step (see page 11).

2 Pull out the lithium battery holder using

a pointed object such as the tip of a ballpoint pen.

Lithium battery holder

3 Insert the lithium battery

into the battery holder with the ` side of the battery facing the j side of the holder.

Removing the Lithium Battery

Perform steps 1 and 2 above, then lift out the battery from the battery holder.

Note:

• Replace the battery with a new CR2025 battery when the date and time indicator 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.

WARNING KEEP THIS BATTERY AWAY FROM

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

CAUTION 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 and holder clean, and then insert a new battery.

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

4 Push the battery holder back

into position.

j mark

Preparation

2 000

1 2002

SETTI NG

2 000

6 2003

SETTI NG

10 00

6 2003

SETTI NG

10 30

6 2003

SETTI NG

Setting the Date and Time

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2003 (2. 6.

2003) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30).

Note:

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

Power switch

Preparation

MENU button

DISPLAY button

1 Hold down the Lock

Lock button

button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA.

2 Press the MENU button until

(MENU 2) appears.

DATE

TIME/ DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

• If MENU 1 appears on the screen, press the PAGE button ( ) to display MENU 2.

24H

SET

3 Press the SET button (B).

DATE

SET

TIME/ DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

24H

SET

1 000

PIC

1 000

PIC

+ 1 2002

PAGETURE

+ 1 2002

PAGETURE

4 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (C or D) to

select “2” (day), and press the SET button.

5 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select “6”

(month), and press the SET button.

SETTI NG

6 2002

000

6 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select

“2003” (year), and press the SET button.

7 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select “10”

(hour), and press the SET button.

8 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select “30”

(minute), and press the SET button.

• The internal clock now starts operating.

9 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

SET

DATE

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

TIME/

10 30 AM 12H

SET

PIC

+ 6 2003

PAGETURE

menu screen

Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode

After performing step 8 above, press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (Q) to select “12H/24H”, then press

the SET button (B) (W) to select “12H”.

Notes:

• The date and time, once set, are stored in memory.

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

• When changing the date and time settings, press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (C or D) to select “SETTING”, then press the SET button.

Using the Hand Strap and the Lens Cap

1 Open the hand strap flap (Q) and grip

strap (W).

Hand strap flap

Grip strap

2 Pass your hand through the hand strap

and put your thumb close to the Power Zoom control. Then pull the grip strap tight until it fits snugly, seal the Velcro closures (Q), and close the hand strap flap (W).

Notes:

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

• Attach the lens cap to the hand strap so it will not get in the way during recording.

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

1 Hold one end of the strap and thread it

through the loop on the left side of the LCD screen.

2 Loosen the strap in the buckle, then feed

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

3 Draw the strap in the direction of the

arrow to secure.

4–6 Use the same procedure to attach the

other end of the strap to the loop on the lens side.

Preparation

Caution:

• Do not swing the VIEWCAM by the hand strap.

Attaching and Removing the Lens Cap

When attaching or removing the lens cap, press both tabs on the sides of the cap.

Press both tabs.

LCD screen side Lens side

Buckle

Preparation

Using the Sun Hood (Optional Accessory)

It is recommended that you use the optional sun hood when recording outdoors on a sunny day or at a brightly illuminated location.

Attaching the Sun Hood

Fit the bottom clip on the sun hood into the slot below the LCD screen (Q), and align the top

Preparation

clip with the ridge above the LCD screen (W). Then press the sun hood until it clicks into place.

Top clip

Bottom clip

Opening the Sun Hood

Open the sun hood by lifting the top cover in the direction of the arrow. (The side covers will open automatically.)

Top cover

Closing the Sun Hood

1 Fold in both side covers while holding the

top cover open.

2 Close the top cover by gently pressing the

mark down until the cover clicks into

place.

Removing the Sun Hood

Carefully lift the top clip up with your thumb while supporting the sun hood with your hand (Q). Then pull the sun hood in the direction of the arrow (W) to release the bottom clip.

Side covers

Note:

• You can operate the Operation buttons below the LCD screen with the sun hood attached.

Cautions:

• Be sure to close the sun hood before transporting the VIEWCAM. If the VIEWCAM is transported with the sun hood open, the sun hood may fall off or become damaged.

• Do not leave the sun hood in an unventilated car in direct sunlight. The high temperature may cause a deformation of the casing.

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto Mode

Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 8 through 15 to prepare your VIEWCAM for recording.

REC START/STOP button

LCD monitor screen

Power switch

1 Remove the lens cap (see page 14).

2 Hold down the Lock button and slide the

Power switch to CAMERA.

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

• The VIEWCAM is now ready to record (Recording Standby mode).

Lock button

AUTO

Note:

• When recording at the beginning of a tape, advance the tape about 15 seconds before you begin recording. This will prevent the beginning of the recording being cut off when it is played back.

To Pause Recording

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

PAUSE

To Turn the Power Off

Slide the Power switch to OFF.

Notes:

• The speaker is off in Camera mode.

• Battery power is consumed in Recording Standby

mode. Turn off the power if you will not be recording again soon.

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

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

Full Auto mode indicator

Note: If, at this time, “AUTO” does not appear, set the VIEWCAM to Full Auto mode by following the procedure described on page 33.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

REC

Maximum Continuous Recording and Actual Recording Times

pack

Max. continuous

recording time

approx.

1 hr. 40 min.

approx.

3 hr. 20 min.

Battery

BT-H22

BT-H32

Note:

Actual recording

time

approx.

50 min.

approx.

1 hr. 40 min.

Basic Operations Camera Recording

Zooming

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

Zooming in (when you want to centre

attention on the subject)

Wide

angle

Zooming out (when you want to

show the surroundings)

To Zoom In

Push the Power Zoom control to the T (telephoto) side to get a close-up view (Q).

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

To Zoom Out

Push the Power Zoom control to the W (wide angle) side to get a wide field of view (W).

Power Zoom

control

Zoom range indicator

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

• The zoom speed changes depending on how far you push the Power Zoom control.

Note:

• The VIEWCAM is unable to focus when zooming in on subjects within 1.5 m. The VIEWCAM will automatically zoom out until it is able to focus on the subject. (See page 30 for recording macro shots.)

Tips on Recording Positions

The rotating LCD monitor screen lets you enjoy easy video recording in a more relaxed posture without having to hold the VIEWCAM up to your eye. The LCD monitor also makes it easier to record high-angle and low-angle shots.

Holding the VIEWCAM

Tele-

Put the fingers of your right hand through the hand

photo

strap, and place your right thumb close to the REC START/STOP button and Power Zoom control. Place your left thumb on the thumb rest on the left side of the LCD monitor.

Basic Posture

Place your feet at a

45° angle and

balance your weight

on both legs.

High Angle

You can record while still viewing the screen. This is convenient when you want to record over a crowd.

Low Angle

Put one knee on the ground for the best stability.

Notes:

• In hand-held recording, the VIEWCAM has to be steadied to prevent image shakes. For very stable recording, use a tripod.

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

Press your elbows against your sides.

Remaining Recording Time Display

Remaining Battery Power Display

When the VIEWCAM is recording in Camera mode, about 10 minutes before the tape reaches the end, an on-screen indicator displays the approximate remaining recording time.

DISPLAY button

Approx. remaining

recording time

10 min.–8 min.

8 min.–6 min.

6 min.–4 min.

4 min.–2 min.

2 min.–1 min.

1 min.–0 min.

0 min.

(The tape has

reached the end.)

To turn off the remaining recording time display, press the DISPLAY button.

Notes:

• The remaining recording time displays only show the approximate time left. Also, they vary slightly depending on the length of tape used. (This function’s design is based on the P5-90 tape standard.)

• If you turn off the remaining recording time display, it will reappear after a short interval to indicate the new time remaining.

• The remaining recording time display appears 5 seconds after pressing the REC START/ STOP button to begin recording.

On-screen

indicator

TAP E

TAPE TAPE TAPE TAPE

When using the VIEWCAM with the battery pack as the power source, you can turn on and off the remaining battery power display by pressing the DISPLAY button. If the battery power becomes very low, a warning indicator will appear. Replace the battery pack.

DISPLAY button

(Green)

(Red)

Notes:

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

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

• In cold environments, the red remaining battery power display may appear sooner. The battery pack, however, can be used until the warning indicator appears. Replace the battery pack at this time.

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

• Use of the zoom function when the warning indicator is displayed may cause the VIEWCAM to suddenly lose power.

Remaining battery power display

Warning indicator

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

Playback

The LCD monitor screen makes it possible to play back and see what you have just recorded. Nothing needs to be connected, allowing instant on-screen playback with the sound through the built-in speaker.

LCD monitor screen

Power switch

DISPLAY button

1 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the Power switch to VCR.

• The screen appears.

Playback

Basic Operations

Lock button

2 Press the REW (C) (or FF [B]) button

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

REW PLAY STOP ST ILLFF

To Stop Playback

Press the STOP button (A).

Note:

• If you wish to turn the Operation button indicators on or off, press the DISPLAY button. The playback operation buttons will still function as indicated even after the indicators are turned off.

REW PLAY STOP ST ILLFF

Auto Tape Rewind

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

To Turn the Power Off

Slide the Power switch to OFF.

Volume Control

While the VIEWCAM is in VCR mode, push the Volume control to the Ⳮ or ⳮ side to increase (Q) or decrease (W) the volume to your preference.

The volume level indicator will appear on the screen during adjustment only. When the Volume control is released, the volume level indicator will disappear shortly afterwards.

3 Press the PLAY button (D) to begin

playback.

REW PLAY STOP ST ILLFF

Decrease

Volume control

Increase

Watching the Playback on a TV

You can also connect the VIEWCAM to a TV to allow a larger audience to enjoy video playback.

1 Lift up the terminal cover on the

VIEWCAM (

W).

(

Q) and rotate it to the right

Terminal cover

2 Connect the VIEWCAM to your TV (or

VCR) with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.

CHANNEL

PAUSE /STILL

PLAY

STOP/

POWER

EJECT

REC

TV/VCRSET UP

3 Turn on the TV and set it to the “AV” or

“VIDEO” channel. (See the operation manual of your TV.)

• When connecting to a TV via a VCR, turn on the VCR and set it to the “AV” or “LINE” input channel. Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal from the VCR. (See the operation manuals of your TV and VCR.)

4 Turn on the VIEWCAM in VCR mode,

and begin tape playback (see page 19).

Caution:

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

Notes:

• This VIEWCAM does not have an S-video socket.

• When the VIEWCAM is connected to a TV for playback, the picture on the TV screen may flicker if the volume on the VIEWCAM is set to maximum. Should this occur, turn the volume down (see page 19).

• Close the terminal cover after use.

Basic Operations

Playback

Yellow: To VIDEO IN jack White: To AUDIO IN (L) jack

Audio/video cable

(supplied)

To VIDEO jack (ø2.5)

To AUDIO jack (ø3.5)

Basic Operations Playback

Video Search

The video search function makes it easy to search for a desired scene on the tape.

Searching for a Scene Near the Current Tape Position

1 During playback, press the Forward

Search (B) (or Reverse Search [C]) button.

• The playback picture fast forwards (or reverses).

REW PLAY STOP STI LLFF

Forward Search button

Reverse Search button

2 When you find the desired scene, press

the PLAY button (D) to return to normal playback.

Playback

Basic Operations

Searching for a Scene Far from the Current Tape Position

1 During fast forward (or rewind), press

and hold down the Forward Search (B) (or Reverse Search [C]) button.

• The fast forward (or reverse) playback picture is displayed.

2 If the desired scene is still rather far

from the current tape position, release the button to return to normal fast forward (or rewind).

3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 above until you

find the desired scene.

4 Press the STOP button (A) and then

the PLAY button (D) to begin normal playback.

Still

The still function makes it possible to pause playback.

During playback, press the STILL button ( ).

REW PLAY STOP ST ILLFF

To return to normal playback, press the STILL button again or press the PLAY button (D).

Notes:

• The sound is off during Still mode.

• To protect the tape, the VIEWCAM automatically

returns to normal playback if it is left in Still mode for more than 5 minutes.

• If the still function is used when connected to a TV, noise will appear and distort the playback image.

Notes:

• The sound is off during search.

• Some picture noise appears during search. This

is not a malfunction.

Useful Features

Operations of the On-screen Controls

Using the Control Buttons

The following buttons on the VIEWCAM can be used to control the various functions, settings and on-screen displays.

MENU button

DISPLAY button

Operation buttons

MENU button

Each time you press the MENU button, the mode/menu screen changes from

to in Camera mode and from

to in VCR mode.

DISPLAY button

Press the DISPLAY button to turn the mode/menu screens and on-screen indicators on or off.

Note:

• The warning indicators and some other indicators cannot be turned off by pressing the DISPLAY button.

Selecting the Mode/Menu Screens

You can use the mode screens to select various functions and the menu screens to adjust various settings. Follow the procedure below to display the mode/menu screen with the indicator of the desired function/setting.

1 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA (Camera mode) or VCR (VCR mode).

Lock button

2 Press the MENU button until the desired

screen appears.

Camera mode

PIC EFF

TLE

TURN

COU NTER

16 9

GAMA

REW

EFF

WHI TE EXPO

SUREFOCUS

BAL.

SCENE

Useful Features

Operation buttons

Press the Operation button corresponding to the indicator of the desired function displayed on the screen.

Note:

• The Operation button indicators are normally displayed in blue or grey. When a function is selected, its indicator is displayed in yellow.

VCR mode

REW PLAY STOP ST I LLFF

COU

GAMA

NTER

EFF.

PIC

SET

PIC TURE

PAGETURE

SE ARCH

SET

Useful Features

Adjusting the Menu Settings

Follow the procedure below to adjust the desired menu settings.

Camera mode

1 Hold down the Lock button and slide the

Power switch to CAMERA.

2 Press the MENU button until

appears.

PIC

SET

PAGETURE

3 Press the PAGE button ( ) to display the

desired menu screen.

• Each time you press the PAGE button, the screen changes between MENU 1 and MENU 2.

PAGE

FADE

REMOTE DEMO MODE OFF

SET

NORMAL AUTO ON

PIC

PAGETURE

5 Press the SET button (B) to select the

desired setting.

• Each time you press the SET button, the setting changes.

Example

SET

FADE

REMOTE

ROAMLN

NORMAL AUTO ON

LODIAYH

TRDHAYIB

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

menu screen.

VCR mode

1 Hold down the Lock button and slide the

Power switch to VCR.

2 Press the MENU button until

appears.

SET

OFF AUTO ON

PIC TURE

ED I T

REMOTE

DATE

TIME/

Useful Features

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

SET

4 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (C or D) to

select the desired menu item.

Example

SET

FADE

REMOTE DEMO MODE OFF

2 10 30 24H

PIC

NORMAL AUTO ON

+ 6 2003

PAGETURE

3 Perform steps 4 to 6 above.

Notes:

• Certain menu items are common in both Camera and VCR modes.

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

Recording the Date and Time

Follow the procedure shown below to record the date and time, or the date only, along with the subject.

Note:

• Before performing the procedure below, make sure that the date and time have been correctly set (see page 13).

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until

appears.

(MENU 1)

2 Press the PAGE button ( ) to display

MENU 2.

TIME/

DATE

PAGE

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

SET

2 10 30 24H

PIC

+ 6 2003

PAGETURE

3 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select

“DISPLAY”.

SET

DATE

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

TIME/

2 10 30 24H

+ 6 2003

4 Press the SET button (B) to select

“AUTO ”, “ON”, or “OFF”.

SET

TIME/

DATE

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME

When “AUTO” is selected, the date/time

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

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

continuously displayed and recorded.

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

neither displayed nor recorded.

Note: In “AUTO”, if you wish to record the date/time a second time that day, repeat the procedure above and re-select “AUTO”.

5 Press the 쑽 button to select “SELECT”.

SET

DATE

DI SPLAY AUTO SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

TIME/

2 10 30 24H

+ 6 2003

6 Press the SET button (B) to select

“DATE+TIME” or “DATE”.

SET

DATE

DI SPLAY AUTO SELECT DATE T IME

TIME/

When “DATE+TIME” is selected, both the

date and the time are displayed and recorded.

When “DATE” is selected, only the date

is displayed and recorded.

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

menu screen, and then press the REC START/STOP button to begin recording.

6 2003

10 30

Useful Features

BIRTHDAY

GAMA

REW

EFF

PIC

EFF

Fade In and Fade Out

The fade function allows you to gradually bring the image and sound in or out at the beginning or end of a scene to create a scene transition. This VIEWCAM features one normal and two animated fade modes.

Type of Fade Modes

NORMAL: The picture fades in from and out to

white.

HOLIDAY: The picture fades in from an

animated firework sequence with the title “HAPPY HOLIDAYS!”, and fades out to white.

HAPPY HO LI DAY S!HAPPY HOHOL I DAY S !HAPPY HOL IDAY S!

HAPPY HO LI DAY S!HAPPY HO L I DAYS !HAPP Y HOL I DAYS !

BIRTHDAY: The picture fades in from an

animated birthday cake sequence with the title “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”, and fades out to white.

Useful Features

HAPPY BIRTHD AY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY HO LI DAY S!HAPPY HO L I DAYS !HAPP Y HOL I DAYS !

HAPPY HO LI DAY S!HAPPY HO L I DA

HAPPY BIRTHD AY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

YS !HAPP Y HOL IDA YS!

Selecting Fade Mode

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until appears.

(MENU 1)

FADE

REMOTE DEMO MODE OFF

SET

NORMAL AUTO ON

PIC

PAGETURE

2 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (Q) to select

“FADE”, then press the SET button (B) (W) to select the desired fade mode.

TRDHAYIB

NORMAL AUTO ON

LODIAYH

SET

FADE

REMOTE

ROAMLN

3 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

menu screen.

Using Fade Mode

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

FADE button.

• The selected fade mode indicator appears. (“FADE” is displayed for the NORMAL fade mode indicator.)

Fade mode indicator

HAPPY BIRTHD AY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

• The picture and sound fade in with the selected fade mode.

Quick Review

The quick review function lets you check the last 5 seconds of tape just recorded without switching to VCR mode, to make sure that the recording has come out right.

HAPPY B I RT HDAY !HAPP Y B I RTHDAY !

F ADEFADE

P I C

PIC

E FF

EFF

GAMA

E FF

EFF

3 Press the REC START/STOP button at

the point where you wish to stop recording.

• The picture and sound fade out as the screen gradually turns white. The VIEWCAM then returns to Recording Standby mode.

GAMA

E FF

EFF

To cancel Fade mode

Press the FADE button.

P I C

PIC

E FF

EFF

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until

appears.

PIC EFF

2 Press the QK. REW button ( ).

• The tape rewinds to the point of 5 seconds before the current tape position; playback then starts automatically.

REWQKREW

OUTF ADE OUTFADE

REWQKREW

REW

PIC EFF

After 5 seconds of playback, the VIEWCAM enters the Recording Standby mode.

GAMA EFF

REW

Useful Features

To use fade out only

1 During recording, press the FADE

button.

2 Press the REC START/STOP button at

the point where you wish to stop recording.

Useful Features

Quick Return

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

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

TLE

appears.

RE TURN

16 9

SCENE

MENU button until

2 Press the RETURN button (D).

•“QUICK RETURN” flashes, and the tape will begin fast forwarding or rewinding to the end of the last recorded scene.

TURN

QUI CK RE TURN

TLE

TURN

When the tape reaches the end of the last recorded scene, the VIEWCAM enters the Recording Standby mode.

16 9

SCENE

Edit Search

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

Reverse Edit

Search button

DISPLAY button

Forward Edit Search button

1 In Recording Standby mode, make sure

that no Operation button indicators are displayed on the monitor.

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

2 Press and hold down the Forward Edit

Search button (B) or Reverse Edit Search button (C).

Forward edit search

Notes:

• To cancel the quick return function, press the RETURN button again in step 2.

• If the cassette has been removed since the last

Useful Features

recording, if no recording has been made since the cassette was loaded, or if the power source has been interrupted, the RETURN button indicator will not appear and the quick return function cannot be used.

Reverse edit search

3 When you find the point where you want

to begin recording, release the button.

Notes:

• The sound is off during search.

• Some picture noise appears during reverse edit

search.

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

Gamma Brightness

GAMA

Compensation

When the subject is backlit, the image will be darkened if it is recorded normally. The gamma brightness compensation function improves the picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portions of the image unaffected.

1 Press the MENU button until

appears (Camera mode).

2 Press the GAMA EFF. button (A) once.

•“GAMMA” appears, indicating that the Gamma Brightness Compensation is now working.

GAMA EFF.

To obtain a brighter picture

Press the GAMA EFF. button (A) again.

• The indicator appears.

GAMA EFF.

PIC

P I C

EFF

E FF

GAMMAGAMMA

GAMA

E FF

EFF

Note:

• When the indicator is displayed, the background will become slightly brighter.

To cancel Gamma Brightness Compensation

Press the GAMA EFF. button until “GAMMA” disappears.

REW

REREW

GAMMAGAMMA

GAMA

E FF

EFF

GAMA

E FF

EFF

P I C

PIC

E FF

EFF

P I C

PIC

E FF

EFF

Note:

• The gamma brightness compensation function can also be used during playback. See page 46, “Gamma Playback”.

REW

Useful Features

GAMA

Gain-up (Cat’s Eye)

When you are recording in a dark or poorlyilluminated location, “LIGHT” is displayed on the screen. Use the gain-up function to record a brighter picture.

1 Press the MENU button until

appears (Camera mode).

2 Press the GAMA EFF. button (A) once.

•“GAMMA” appears, indicating that the gain-up function is now working.

GAMA EFF.

L I GHTLIGHT

PIC

P I C

EFF

E FF

L I GHTLIGHT

PIC

P I C

EFF

E FF

GAMMAGAMMA

GAMA

E FF

EFF

GAMA

E FF

EFF

REW

To cancel the gain-up function

Press the GAMA EFF. button until “GAMMA” disappears.

Notes:

• The Gain-up mode will disengage and the indicator will disappear automatically if the VIEWCAM is moved to a bright location.

• Some picture noise appears in Gain-up mode. The picture noise increases when the indicator is displayed.

To obtain a brighter picture

Press the GAMA EFF. button (A) again.

Useful Features

• The indicator appears.

GAMA EFF.

PIC

P I C

EFF

E FF

GAMMAGAMMA

GAMA

E FF

EFF

REW

Wide Screen (16:9)

Macro Shots

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

1 Press the MENU button until

appears (Camera mode).

TLE

TURN

2 Press the 16:9 button (B).

• The monitor now displays the

16 9

SCENE

F AD E16: 9

picture with the top and bottom portions masked.

3 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

Operation button indicators.

Normal Screen mode Wide Screen mode

To return to normal picture

Perform step 1 above, and press the 16:9 button.

Note:

• You can only use the wide screen function when the VIEWCAM is in Camera mode.

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

Power Zoom control

Tripod

Useful Features

Notes:

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

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

Removing the Lens Hood

The lens hood can be removed (e.g. for cleaning the lens) by rotating it in an anticlockwise direction (Q) and then gently pulling it off (W).

Useful Features

ME S

SAGE START

REC

Self Recording

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

You can enjoy recording a portrait of yourself, or recording yourself and your friends together at a party.

VR-33FA

tripod adapter

(optional)

Normal Self Recording

1 Set the Power switch to CAMERA. 2 Rotate the monitor section 180°

vertically.

• The screen image will be inverted to show a mirror image of the subject, and the self-recording mode screen appears.

Useful Features

MES

SAGE START

REC

3 Push the Power Zoom

control to obtain the desired angle of view.

4 Press the REC START button (B) to

begin recording.

To pause recording, press the REC STOP button (B).

Cautions:

• Do not rotate the monitor to the self recording position during recording or playback.

• For recording in Self Recording mode, be sure to rotate the monitor, NOT the lens. If you hold the VIEWCAM upside down with the lens at the bottom, the subject will be recorded upside down.

Note:

• You will need the VR-33FA tripod adapter for 180° recording (optional accessory) if you want to use a tripod when recording in Self Recording mode.

More Information on Self Recording

• The screen image is automatically inverted when the monitor rotation is between 135° and 200°. When the monitor is turned back to the normal position, the image returns to normal.

• In Self Recording mode, all standard warning indicators on the screen are replaced by the flashing indicator. To check the type of warning, rotate the monitor back to the normal position.

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

• You can play back images even while the monitor is in the self recording position. Set the Power switch to VCR. The Operation buttons still retain their functions as during normal playback, even though the button indicators are not displayed. (For example, the J button still works as the Play button.)

Self-recording Message

In Self Recording mode, you can record a short video message for somebody. This feature is convenient for editing video letters.

• Complete steps 1 to 3 of “Normal Self Recording” on page 31, then perform the procedure below.

EXTEND button

REC START/

MESSAGE button

REC STOP button

1 Press the MESSAGE button ( ) to

display the self-recording message screen.

ME S

SAGE

MES

SAGE START

PRESS

REC START FOR

LEAVI NG YOUR MES SAGE.

REC

3 When the remaining recording time

reaches 5 seconds, “EXTEND” will begin flashing.

• When you want to extend the recording

time, press the EXTEND button (A) within 5 seconds. You may record continuously for 10 more seconds.

MES

SAGE

TEND

At the end of the recording, the screen fades out, and the VIEWCAM returns to Recording Standby mode.

To turn off the self-recording message screen

Press the MESSAGE button in Recording Standby mode.

Note:

• When you want to stop recording before message recording stops automatically, press the REC STOP button (B).

REC STOP

Useful Features

2 Press the REC START button (B) to

begin recording. Record your message while facing the lens of the VIEWCAM.

• The recording time is preset for 20 seconds.

• The bar on the screen indicates the remaining recording time.

REC STOP

REC START

MES

SAGE

PLEASE START SPEAK I NG.

Useful Features

Setting the VIEWCAM to Full Auto Mode

This VIEWCAM is equipped with auto focus, auto white balance, and auto exposure functions. For easy, high-quality camerarecording, record subjects in Full Auto mode.

If “AUTO” is not displayed even when the DISPLAY button is pressed, perform the procedure below to set the VIEWCAM to Full Auto mode.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until EFF.” is not displayed above the D button, press this button until “PIC. EFF.” appears.

B/W EFF

appears. If “PIC.

PIC EFF

2 Press the MENU button until ap-

pears. If “MAN’L FOCUS” is displayed, press the D button to change it to “FOCUS”.

MAN ’ L

FOCUS

Useful Features

3 If “WHITE BAL.” is displayed in yellow,

press the WHITE BAL. button

•“WHITE BAL.” returns to blue.

WH I T E

BAL.

GAMA

REW

EFF

WHI TE EXPO

SUREFOCUS

BAL.

(A).

4 If “EXPOSURE” is displayed in yellow,

press the EXPOSURE button ( display the exposure setting screen, then press the AUTO button (B).

• The exposure setting screen turns off and “EXPOSURE” returns to blue.

EXPO SURE

AUTO

EXPOSURE

) to

EXI TAUTO

Blue

WHI TE EXPO

BAL.

5 Press the MENU button until

appears. If “SCENE MENU” is not displayed above the A button, press this button until “SCENE MENU” appears.

SPORT

TLE

RE TURN

16 9

SCENE

6 Press the DISPLAY button.

• The Operation button indicators disappear, and “AUTO” is displayed on the screen.

SUREFOCUS

AUTO

Blue

WHI TE EXPO

SUREFOCUS

BAL.

Full Auto mode indicator

Program Search

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

3 Press the REW (C) (or FF [B])

button.

• The tape rewinds (or fast forwards) to the beginning of a scene immediately before (or after) the current tape position; playback then starts automatically.

Note:

• This function does not work if no recording has been made since the cassette was loaded, if the cassette has been removed after the recordings were made, or if the power source has been interrupted.

1 Press the MENU button until

appears (VCR mode).

GAMA EFF.

COU

NTER

SE ARCH

2 Press the SEARCH button ( ).

•“PROG. SEARCH” is displayed and one of or both “REW” and “FF” will start flashing.

ARCH

PROG. SEARCH

REW FF

• To cancel, press the SEARCH button again.

Example: When using a tape with five different scenes.

ARCH

REW

PROG. SEARCH

REW

ARCH

4 To continue searching, press the REW

(or FF) button while “REW” (or “FF”) is still displayed.

Notes:

• Use this function when the tape is stopped or being played back.

• This function finds the beginning of each scene immediately before or after the current tape position. It is not possible to skip a scene.

• This function cannot spot recordings that are shorter than 10 seconds in length.

• In steps 2 and 4, if the tape is at a point ahead of the last (or before the first) recording, the FF (or REW) indicator will not appear.

Useful Features

Monitor display

PROG. SEARCH PROG. SEARCH PROG. SEARCH

REWREW FF FFFF REW

ARCH

SE ARCH

Current tape position

Video tape

Beginning of each scene

First recording Last recording

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

ARCH

Useful Features

Tape Counter Feature

The tape counter shows elapsed playback or recording time in hours, minutes and seconds. (The counter continues to count internally even while it is not being displayed.) This feature can be set and used in both VCR and Camera modes.

Using the Counter

VCR mode

1 Press the MENU button until

appears.

COU

GAMA

NTER

EFF.

2 Press the COUNTER button (D) to

display the tape counter.

COU

NTER

Tape counter

COU NTER

MEM

ORY

GAMA EFF.

3 Press the MENU button until

appears, then begin playback.

• You can check the playback time with

Useful Features

the tape counter.

01120

SET

Camera mode

1 Press the MENU button until

appears.

2 Press the COUNTER button (B) to

display the tape counter.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

• You can check the recording time with the tape counter.

Notes:

• The counter reading may differ slightly from the actual time. This is especially noticeable when the tape has been rewound or fast forwarded a number of times, in which case there can be a

SE ARCH

difference of several seconds.

• The tape counter feature will be cancelled if the power source is interrupted.

To turn off the tape counter

Perform step 1 above, and press the COUNTER button.

To reset the counter to zero

During playback (or recording), perform steps

1 and 2 above, then press the RESET button at the point where you wish to reset the counter to zero. The counter will indicate 0:00.00.

VCR mode

SE T

REW PLAY STOP ST I LLFF

01124

GAMA EFF.

COU NTER

MEM

ORY

00000

SET

ARCH

Using the Counter Memory

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

VCR mode

1 During playback, press the MENU

button until

appears.

5 Press the REW button (C).

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

0M1124

REW PLAY STOP ST I LLFF

GAMA EFF.

COU NTER

MEM

ORY

01800

SET

• If “MEMORY” is not displayed, press the COUNTER button.

2 Press the MEMORY button to set the

counter to Counter Memory mode.

•“M” will be displayed to the left of the counter.

MEM

ORY

Memory indicator

GAMA EFF.

COU NTER

MEM

ORY

SET

0M1831

3 Press the RESET button to reset the

counter to zero at the beginning of the scene that you want to return to later.

SE T

GAMA EFF.

COU NTER

MEM

ORY

SET

0M0000

4 Press the MENU button until

appears. When you are ready to finish playback, press the STOP button (A).

SE ARCH

REW PLAY STOP ST I LLFF

Notes:

• The FF button (B) can be used in the

same way.

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

6 Press the PLAY button (D) to view the

desired scene.

Camera mode

1 During recording, press the MENU

SE ARCH

• If “MEMORY” is not displayed, press the COUNTER button.

button until

appears.

2 Perform steps 2 and 3 above.

3 When you are ready to finish recording,

press the REC START/STOP button.

4 Set the Power switch to VCR, then

perform steps 5 and 6 above.

To cancel Counter Memory mode

ARCH

Perform step 1 above, and press the MEMORY button. “M” will disappear from the screen.

Note:

• This feature does not work during video search.

0M0000

Useful Features

Using the Remote Control (Not supplied)

The remote control (RRMCG0084TASA) is not supplied with this VIEWCAM. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for purchasing as a specified part.

Installing the Batteries in the Remote Control

1 Open the battery compartment cover. 2 Insert the two commercially available AA

(R6 or UM/SUM-3) batteries with the battery poles positioned as indicated.

1 2

3 Replace the cover.

Caution:

• Do not use old and new batteries together or batteries of different brands together.

Turning On the Remote Control Mode

Useful Features

1 Press the MENU button until appears

(VCR mode).

Operating the Remote Control

Aim the remote control at the remote sensor of the VIEWCAM, and press the control buttons for operation.

Remote sensor

5 m

Approximate operating range of remote control

REWind/Reverse Search button

RECord START/STOP button

Power Zoom Telephoto/ Wide angle control buttons

Fast Forward/ Forward Search button

SLOW button

PLAY button

STOP button

VOLUME buttons

PAUSE/STILL button

2 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (Q) to select

“REMOTE”, then press the SET button (B) (W) to select “ON” .

SET

ED I T

REMOTE

SET

3 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

menu screen.

OFF AUTO ON

PIC TURE

Notes:

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

• Be sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the VIEWCAM remote sensor.

• The remote control cannot be used to move the pointer, or select or set any of the various functions on the monitor.

• When the batteries are depleted and the remote control does not operate, replace them with new AA (R6 or UM/SUM-3) batteries.

• You can also turn on the Remote Control mode on the (MENU 1) screen in Camera mode.

Advanced Features

Digital Picture Effects

These digital picture effects let you record the subject with a more dramatic effect.

Type of Digital Picture Effects

B/W EFF.: The picture is recorded in black-

and-white.

SEPA EFF.: The picture is recorded in sepia

colour similar to that of an old photograph.

SOLARI: The contrast of the subject is

enhanced, creating a unique artistic image.

NEGA EFF.: The blacks and whites of the

image are reversed and colours of the image are inverted.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until

appears.

PIC EFF

GAMA EFF

REW

2 Press the D button to select the desired

digital picture effect.

• Each time you press the D button, the

digital picture effect changes as shown below.

PIC EFF

To cancel the digital picture effect

Select “PIC. EFF.” in step 2 above.

Note:

• The digital picture effect will be cancelled if the power source is interrupted.

GAMA

REW

EFF

SEPAPIC EFF

EFF

NEGA EFF

PIC EFF

B/W EFF

LAR I

3 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

Operation button indicators.

Advanced Features

Scene Menu (Program AE)

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

Type of Scene Settings

SPORT: When you want to record a fast-

moving subject.

SUNLIGHT: When the background is very

bright.

DUSK: When you want to faithfully record the

red of the setting sun, and the surrounding twilight.

PART Y: When the illumination is from a

spotlight or candles.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

TLE

appears.

TURN

16 9

SCENE

MENU button until

To cancel the scene setting

Select “SCENE MENU” in step 2 above.

Notes:

• Even after you turn off the scene setting

indicator, the selected scene setting will remain in effect.

• When “SPORT” is selected, recording under

the light of fluorescent lamps, mercury lamps, or sodium lamps may cause colour shifts or fluctuations in picture brightness.

• When “DUSK” is selected, the picture may not

be satisfactory if the lighting is very dim.

• It is recommended that you select “SCENE

MENU” to record outdoor parties.

• The scene setting will be cancelled if the

power source is interrupted.

2 Press theAbutton to select the scene

setting that best fits the recording situation.

• Each time you press theAbutton, the

scene setting changes as shown below.

SCENE

TLE

TURN

16 9

Advanced Features

SCENE

OPTRS

TRYAPKSUD

SCENE

SUN LIGHT

Superimposing a Title

NEW

Use the title feature to superimpose titles on your videos when recording. There are eight titles preset for your convenience which you can choose from.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

TLE

appears.

RE TURN

16 9

SCENE

MENU button until

2 Press the TITLE button (C) to display

the title selection screen.

3 Press the  or  button (Q) to select

the desired title, then press the SET button (B) (W) to superimpose it.

TI TLE SUPERSTAR!

HAPPY B I RTHDAY!

SET

HAPPY HOL I DAYS! WEDDI NG DAY CONGRAT ULA T I ONS NEW BA BY OUR VA CAT I ON THE E ND

NEW

BA BYNEW BABY

EXI TSET

SET

TLE

TI TLE SUPERSTAR!

HAPPY B I RTHDAY! HAPPY HOL I DAYS!

WEDD I NG D AY

CONGRAT ULA T I ONS NEW BA BY OUR VACAT ION THE E ND

EXI TSET

TLE

Notes:

• If you wish to cancel the title selection screen without setting the title, press the EXIT button () instead of the SET button.

SET

• If you wish to delete the superimposed title from the screen, press the TITLE button.

4 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording with the title.

• The title will be displayed and recorded for about 10 seconds after recording begins.

TLE

Note:

• When the title is displayed on the screen, the date and time will not be displayed or recorded.

TURN

NEW B AB YNEW B ABY

RE TURN

16 9

SCENE

MEN U

SCENE

Advanced Features

Changing the Preset Titles

You can make a new title of your own by changing any of the eight preset titles. The maximum number of title characters is fifteen.

Example: Changing “WEDDING DAY” to “IN

HAWAII”.

1 Press the MENU button until

appears, and then press the TITLE button (C) to display the title selection screen.

TLE

TI TLE SUPERSTAR!

HAPPY B I RTHDAY! HAPPY HOL I DAYS! WEDDI NG DAY CONGRAT ULA T I ONS NEW BA BY OUR VACAT ION THE E ND

EXI TSET

2 Press the  or  button to select the

title that you wish to change.

TI TLE SUPERSTAR!

HAPPY B I RTHDAY! HAPPY HOL I DAYS! WEDDI NG DAY

CONGRAT ULA T I ONS NEW BA BY OUR VACAT ION THE E ND

EXI TSET

the desired character (or “

space) and press the SELECT button () (W).

• The selected character will appear at the top of the screen and the cursor will automatically move to the right.

Note: If you input the wrong character, press

SET

the button to move the cursor to that character and perform step 4.

5 Repeat step 4 until you finish the title,

then press the SET button ( title will be displayed on the title selection screen.

SET

” for

SE LECT

SET

). The new

Note: If you want to cancel the title selection screen, press the EXIT button ().

3 Press the RESET button ( ) to display

the title input screen.

SET

Advanced Features

SE LECT

Note: To change another title, perform steps 2 to 5 again.

6 If you wish to record the new title

immediately, press the SET button (B). If you wish to record the new title at a later time, press the EXIT button () to

SET

go back to the normal

screen.

Auto/Manual Focus

Auto Focus

The auto focus function is designed to focus on most types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the VIEWCAM automatically focuses on whatever is in the centre of the scene. Always keep the subject in the centre of the screen.

Notes:

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

• If no subject is displayed on the screen, the VIEWCAM will automatically zoom out until a subject comes into the frame.

Manual Focus

The Auto Focus may not be able to focus on the subject in the situations shown below. In such situations, set the VIEWCAM to Manual Focus mode and focus manually.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until

appears.

WH I T E E X PO

SUREFOCUS

BAL.

2 Press the FOCUS button (D) to set the

VIEWCAM to Manual Focus mode (“MAN’L FOCUS”).

FOCUS

MAN’ L

WHI TE EXPO

BAL.

SUREFOCUS

3 Push the Power Zoom control to frame

the subject as you desire.

4 Press the F (C) or N (B) button to

focus on the subject.

Subject is too dark.

Fast-moving subject. Background is too bright.

Subject has

horizontal stripes.

Light reflects off the subject.

Subject has fine, repeated

patterns.

Lack of contrast, e.g. snow

scene.

Subject is being shot through

a dirty or wet window.

Two subjects at different distances

overlap in the same scene.

Subjects at different distances

appear in the centre of the scene

at the same time.

MAN’ L

WHI TE EXPO

BAL.

SUREFOCUS

To cancel Manual Focus mode

Perform step 1 above, and press the D button to set the VIEWCAM to Auto Focus mode (“FOCUS”).

Notes:

• The VIEWCAM may not be able to focus correctly if the subject is within approximately

1.5 m. Set the zoom control to wide angle, and then try refocusing.

• If the lens is dirty or fogged, the VIEWCAM may not be able to correctly focus.

• The Manual Focus mode will be cancelled if the power source is interrupted.

Advanced Features

White Balance Lock

The colour of the subject on the screen tends to look different depending on the lighting condition. The VIEWCAM is preset to Auto White Balance mode, which automatically adjusts the hue of the picture for the current lighting condition.

The auto white balance may not work properly for the following subjects. In this case, use the white balance lock function.

• Subjects with one dominant colour or subjects against background with one dominant colour

• Subjects under very bright light source, e.g. video lights

• Subjects under light source with red hue, e.g. glow of sunset

• Close-up images of small objects

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until

appears.

WHIT E EXPO

SUREFOCUS

BAL.

2 Aim the lens at a white object.

• Adjust the distance of the object so that the entire screen is white.

White paper or white cloth

3 Press the WHITE BAL. button (A).

• “WHITE BAL.” changes from blue to yellow and begins flashing.

WH I T E

BAL.

WHI TE EXPO

SUREFOCUS

BAL.

• “WHITE BAL.” stops flashing when the locking procedure is completed.

4 Aim the lens at the desired subject and

press the REC START/STOP button to begin recording.

To cancel White Balance Lock

Press the WHITE BAL. button. “WHITE BAL.” returns to blue.

Notes:

• If the light source changes or if you move from indoors to outdoors, or vice versa, when recording with the white balance locked, the white balance may shift. Reset the white balance.

• Even after the white balance has been locked, white balance shifts may occur due to slight changes in illumination or depending on the subject.

• Do not move the VIEWCAM while “WHITE BAL.” is flashing in step 3.

• If “WHITE BAL.” does not stop flashing in step 3, press the WHITE BAL. button to cancel the locking procedure and repeat step 3.

• The White Balance Lock will be cancelled if the power source is interrupted.

• The White Balance Lock will be cancelled if a

scene setting is selected thereafter.

Advanced Features

Manual Exposure

The VIEWCAM is preset to Auto Exposure mode, which automatically chooses the optimal aperture. When there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and background, however, you may not be able to record a clear image. In this case, use the manual exposure function to correct the exposure level.

Background is too bright and subject too dark (backlit subject).

• Increase the exposure level to allow more light through the lens.

Subject is too bright against background.

• Decrease the exposure level to allow less light through the lens.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU button until

appears.

3 Press the  or  button to select the

desired exposure level.

• The bar indicates the selected exposure

level.

EXPOSURE

EXI TAUTO

EXPOSURE

Less light More light

4 Press the EXIT button (A) to turn off

the exposure setting screen.

To cancel Manual Exposure mode

Perform steps 1 and 2 above, then press the AUTO button (B).

Notes:

• The Manual Exposure mode will be cancelled if the power source is interrupted.

• The Manual Exposure mode will be cancelled

if a scene setting is selected thereafter.

WHIT E EXPO

BAL.

2 Press the EXPOSURE button ( ) to

display the exposure setting screen.

EXPO SURE

EXPOSURE

EXI TAUTO

SUREFOCUS

Advanced Features

Picture/Backlight Adjustments

If the monitor picture is difficult to see due to ambient lighting, etc., adjust the picture settings. This feature can be adjusted in both Camera and VCR modes.

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

1 Press the MENU button until

(Camera mode) or (VCR mode) appears.

PIC

SET

PAGETURE

2 Press the PICTURE button () to display

the adjustment screen. Then press the SELECT button (B) until the item you wish to adjust appears.

PIC

TURE

BACKLI GHT

AUTO

SE LECT

EXI T

3 Press the  or  button to adjust the

picture or backlight to the desired setting.

Darker Brighter

Decrease Increase

Type of Backlight Modes

AUTO: The VIEWCAM automatically switches

between “NORMAL” and “BRIGHT” depending on the ambient lighting. This mode is only available in Camera mode.

NORMAL: For use indoors or under moderate

lighting conditions.

BRIGHT: For use outdoors under strong

lighting conditions, such as bright daylight.

Advanced Features

4 Press the EXIT button () to turn off the

adjustment screen.

Notes:

• If you set the backlight (“BACKLIGHT”) to “AUTO” in Camera mode and then set the VIEWCAM to VCR mode, the backlight mode automatically changes to “NORMAL”.

• When the colour is adjusted, the picture on the screen may differ from the picture actually recorded. Do not change the colour setting unless it is necessary. (This adjustment only affects the monitor picture, not the recorded image.)

Gamma Playback

The gamma playback function improves the picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portions of the image unaffected.

1 During playback, press the MENU

button until

appears.

GAMA EFF.

COU NTER

2 Press the GAMA EFF. button (C).

• “GAMMA” appears and the picture becomes brighter.

GAMA

EFF.

COU

GAM A

COU

GAMA

NTE R

E FF.

NTER

EFF.

Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight

The LCD monitor uses a fluorescent lamp for backlighting (see page 50). In order to reduce battery consumption, you can turn off the lamp when backlighting is not necessary (e.g. when you are recording a fixed scene).

Hold down the DISPLAY button. Three seconds later, “LCD LAMP OFF” starts flashing on the monitor. Keep the DISPLAY button down for three more seconds, and the backlight will turn

SE ARCH

off.

Power switch

ARCH

To turn on the backlight again, press the DISPLAY button or set the Power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA or VCR.

DISPLAY button

GAMMAGAMMA

COU

GAM A

GAMA

E FF.

EFF.

NTE R

NTER

ARCH

To cancel Gamma Playback

Press the GAMA EFF. button again. “GAMMA” disappears.

Note:

• Turning the backlight on and off repeatedly may deplete the battery power.

Advanced Features

Editing

Video editing lets you refine your videos by removing unwanted sequences from your tape, or transposing one sequence with another. This VIEWCAM lets you monitor the source program on the built-in LCD monitor without having to connect it to an external TV or video monitor.

Connect the VIEWCAM to a VCR with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.

Yellow: To VIDEO IN jack

Recording

POWER

Playback

White: To AUDIO IN (L) jack

CHANNEL

PAUSE /STILL

PLAY

STOP/ EJECT

REC

TV/VCRSET UP

Audio/video cable

(supplied)

To VIDEO jack (ø2.5)

To AUDIO jack (ø3.5)

4 Press the Pause/Still button on the VCR to

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

5 Press the Pause/Still or Record button on

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

To stop editing

Press the Stop buttons on the VIEWCAM and the VCR.

Notes:

• Some of the transitions between edited sequences may be slightly off.

• There may be picture noise during video search or still picture playback. This does not imply a defect in the VIEWCAM.

Setting Edit Mode

Picture quality inevitably decreases when dubbing from the VIEWCAM to a VCR. To minimize the quality reduction, set the VIEWCAM to Edit mode.

1 Set the Power switch to VCR, then press

the MENU button until appears.

ED I T

REMOTE

OFF

AUTO

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

1 Play back the tape to be edited, and locate

the beginning and end of the sequence you wish to cut. Write down the tape counter readings at the beginning and end of that sequence (see page 35). Then rewind the tape to the beginning of the portion that you wish to keep.

Advanced Features

2 Load a video cassette into the recording

VCR.

3 Set the Power switch on the VIEWCAM to

VCR. Press the PLAY button (D) on the VIEWCAM and the Record button on the VCR at the same time.

SET

PIC TURE

2 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (Q) to select

“EDIT”, then press the SET button (B) (W) to select “ON”.

SET

ED I T

REMOTEONON

Notes:

• The EDIT mode does not function when the VIEWCAM is recording.

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

SET

AUTO

PIC TURE

References

Useful Information

Hints for Better Shooting

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

Position the subject in

the centre.

• Avoid backlit subjects. For the best picture,

shoot with the light source behind you. When the background is brighter than the subject, the subject often becomes too dark. If you have to record with this lighting, use the Gamma Brightness Compensation or correct the exposure level to improve the picture (see pages 28 and 44).

Light from behind Backlighting

• Before zooming, think about how to best frame the shot. Frequent zooming produces unattractive pictures. It also increases the battery power consumption.

• When image shakes are noticeable during zoomed-in telephoto shooting, use a tripod, or push the Power Zoom control to the W side to zoom out.

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

• Use a wide-angle setting for fast-moving subjects.

Note:

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

Focus manually when

you need to position

the subject off centre

(see page 42).

Lighting

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

Brightness

(Lux)

Blue sky

100,000

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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

Note: The figures in the chart are approximations.

Clear day at noon (100,000)

Clear day at 10 am (65,000)

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

10,000

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

1,000

Fluorescent light near window (1,000)

Factory floor (700–800) Sales counter in department store (500–700) Bowling alley (500) Library (400–500) Office with fluorescent lighting (400–500)

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Fluorescent desk lamp (400) Flashlight at 1 m (250)

100

Shop stairway (100)

During intermission at movie theatre (15–35) Cigarette lighter at 30 cm (15–20) Candles on birthday cake at 20 cm (10–15)

Candlelight

Tips on Good Lighting

In most outdoor, daytime scenes, natural

lighting is adequate for home videos. Indoors, however, artificial lighting is usually required. Video lights with halogen lamps provide the most natural artificial light over a long operating life.

Situation (Lux)

Optimal lighting range

References

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 VIEWCAM.

Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your VIEWCAM 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 VIEWCAM from a cold

place to a warm place.

• When placing the VIEWCAM in a cold room

which is then heated rapidly.

• When moving the VIEWCAM outdoors from

an air conditioned room.

• When placing the

VIEWCAM in the direct path of air blowing from an air conditioner.

• When placing the

VIEWCAM in a humid room.

• How to prevent trouble due to dew formation.

When using the VIEWCAM in a place where dew formation is likely to occur, allow the VIEWCAM and the video tape to acclimate to the surroundings for about one hour. For example, when bringing the VIEWCAM indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag.

• “Dew” warning feature

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

Q If “DEW” flashes on the LCD monitor,

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

W To use the VIEWCAM again, turn on the

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

E Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to the tape.

R Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to

15 minutes before the dew warning feature engages.

Dirty Video Heads

Using the VIEWCAM 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

indicator appears on the screen. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for further advice.

Plastic bag

Q Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the VIEWCAM.

W Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside it reaches the temperature of the room.

References

Note:

• Video head cleaning can be done by using a

commercially-available cleaning tape. However, excessive use of the cleaning tape may also cause damage to the video heads. Please read the instructions accompanying the cleaning tape carefully, before using it.

Replacing the Fluorescent Lamp

CHARGE

This VIEWCAM uses a fluorescent lamp to backlight the LCD monitor. If the monitor becomes dark or difficult to view, the fluorescent lamp may need to be replaced. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for further advice.

Battery Pack

Battery pack consumption

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

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

Note:

• This VIEWCAM uses a Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) type battery pack. Use only the SHARP BT-H22 or BT-H32 battery packs. They are designed specifically for use with this VIEWCAM.

Battery pack life

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

Extending battery pack life

• It is recommended that you use the battery pack until its charge is fully drained and the VIEWCAM is inoperable before recharging the pack.

• Recharge the battery pack right before recording. A battery pack stored for an extended time will naturally wear down, resulting in decreased recording time.

• Do not try to recharge a fully charged battery pack before it has been discharged, as this will cause deterioration of the battery’s capacity.

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

How to use the battery pack cover

• When storing a fully charged battery pack, put the cover on it so that the “CHARGE” mark printed on the label is seen through the window, as shown.

Battery

pack

Label

• When storing a battery pack that is not fully charged, put the cover upside down so that only the battery pack casing is seen through the window.

Caution:

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

Battery power is consumed even when the VIEWCAM’s power is turned off. If you are not going to use your VIEWCAM immediately, remove the battery pack (see page 8).

Window

Cover

Temperature during charging

• The Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) type BT-H22 and BT-H32 battery packs can be charged at a temperature of 15°C to 30°C.

References

Video Cassette Tapes

Use only tapes with the or mark with this VIEWCAM.

To protect recordings against erasure

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

Notes:

• Do not insert anything into the erasure-protection opening in the cassette.

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

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

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

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

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

• Store the cassettes in their cases and stand them upright.

AC Adapter

• The AC adapter may interfere with reception if used near a radio.

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

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

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

• Do not leave the adapter in direct sunlight.

• Avoid using the adapter in humid or

extremely hot places.

Cleaning

• Many plastic parts are used in the VIEWCAM casing. Do not use thinner, benzene or other strong chemical cleaners. These may cause discolouration and damage to the casing.

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

• Use a soft cloth to wipe finger marks and other soiling off the LCD screen.

• Use a soft cloth, or compressed air and lens paper designed for photographic lenses to clean the lens.

Using Your VIEWCAM Abroad

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

AC Adapter (Supplied Accessory)

The supplied AC adapter is compatible with 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in the range of 110 V to 240 V AC.

Television Signal Standards

In any country, you can always watch the video picture by using the LCD monitor screen. However, if you want to watch the picture on a TV screen, the TV must be PAL system compatible. PAL is used in the following countries: Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, Finland, Portugal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait, China, etc.

References

Demonstration Mode

Cancelling Demo Mode

You can watch a brief demonstration of the special VIEWCAM features in Demo mode. If the demonstration appears on the screen when you turn on the VIEWCAM for the first time, cancel the Demo mode to use your VIEWCAM.

Power switch

MENU button

Operation buttons

Watching the Demonstration

1 Make sure that there is no video

cassette in the VIEWCAM.

• If a cassette is in the VIEWCAM, Demo mode does not work. Perform the procedure on page 11 to remove it.

2 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA.

Lock button

1 During the demonstration, perform step

3 above.

2 Press 쑽 or 쒀 button (Q) to select

“DEMO MODE”, then press the SET button (B) (W) to select “OFF”.

SET

FADE

REMOTE DEMO MODE OFF

NORMAL AUTO ON

3 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

menu screen.

Note:

• The demonstration will stop if you press the MENU button. If you leave it for 60 seconds, or turn the power off temporarily and then set the Power switch to CAMERA, the demonstration will begin again.

3 Press the MENU button until

appears.

• If MENU 2 appears on the screen, press the PAGE button ( ) to display MENU 1.

4 Press 쑽 or 쒀 (C or D) button (Q) to

select “DEMO MODE”, then press the SET button (B) (W) to select “ON”.

• The demonstration begins.

SET

FADE

REMOTE DEMO MODE ON

NORMAL AUTO ON

References

Before Requesting Service

Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table.

Symptom

No power.

Power

REC START/STOP button does not work.

Power suddenly turns off.

Auto focus does not work.

Bright subject produces wide vertical lines.

CAMERA mode

Automatically zooms out without operating Zoom control.

Display automatically changes in Camera mode.

Tape stops during rewind or fast forward.

Possible cause

Power source is not properly connected.

Battery pack is not charged.

Dew in VIEWCAM.

Safety function is in effect.

Erasure-protect tab on video cassette is closed.

VIEWCAM left in Recording Standby mode for 5 minutes.

Manual Focus mode is engaged.

Zoom used on close subject.

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

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

VIEWCAM is unable to focus when zooming in on subject within 1.5 m, and automatically zooms out until it focuses on subject.

No subject in the field of view.

VIEWCAM is in Demo mode.

Counter is in memory mode.

Sharp VL-AH131E Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual