Sharp VL-AX1 User Manual

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

MANUAL DE OPERAÇÃO

BRUKSANVISNING

OPERATION MANUAL

BRUKSANVISNING MANUAL DE OPERA

ÇÃO

OPERATION MANUAL

SVENSKA

VL-AX1S

PORTUGUÊS

ENGLISH

VL-AX1S-CE1; 01/10/1/18:00

This equipment complies with the requirements of Directives 89/336/ EEC and 73/23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC.

Dieses Gerät entspricht den Anforderungen der EG-Richtlinien 89/336/ EWG und 73/23/EWG mit Änderung 93/68/EWG.

Ce matériel répond aux exigences contenues dans les directives 89/336/ CEE et 73/23/CEE modifiées par la directive 93/68/CEE.

Dit apparaat voldoet aan de eisen van de richtlijnen 89/336/EEG en 73/ 23/EEG, gewijzigd door 93/68/EEG.

Dette udstyr overholder kravene i direktiv nr. 89/336/EEC og 73/23/EEC med tillæg nr. 93/68/EEC.

Quest’ apparecchio è conforme ai requisiti delle direttive 89/336/EEC e 73/23/EEC, come emendata dalla direttiva 93/68/EEC.

« В„Н·Щ‹ЫЩ·ЫБ ·ıЩﬁ ·МЩ·ФНТﬂМВЩ·И ЫЩИЪ ··ИЩﬁЫВИЪ Щ˘М Ф‰Б„И˛М ЩБЪ EıТ˘·˙НﬁЪ EМ˘ЫБЪ 89/336/EOK Н·И 73/23/EOK, ¸˘Ъ ФИ Н·МФМИЫПФﬂ

·ıÙÔﬂ ÛıÏÎÁÒ˛ËÁÍ·Ì ·¸ ÙÁÌ Ô‰Á„ﬂ· 93/68/EOK.

Este equipamento obedece às exigências das directivas 89/336/CEE e 73/23/CEE, na sua versão corrigida pela directiva 93/68/CEE.

Este aparato satisface las exigencias de las Directivas 89/336/CEE y 73/ 23/CEE, modificadas por medio de la 93/68/CEE.

Denna utrustning uppfyller kraven enligt riktlinjerna 89/336/EEC och 73/ 23/EEC så som kompletteras av 93/68/EEC.

Dette produktet oppfyller betingelsene i direktivene 89/336/EEC og 73/ 23/EEC i endringen 93/68/EEC.

Tämä laite täyttää direktiivien 89/336/EEC ja 73/23/EEC vaatimukset, joita on muutettu direktiivillä 93/68/EEC.

POZOR! P¿ED SEJMUTÍM KRYTU NUTNO VYJMOUT SÍﬁOVOU VIDLICI ZE SÍﬁOVÉ ZÁSUVKY. UPOZORNÊNÍ: OPRAVU SMÍ PROVÁDÊT POUZE ODBORN„ SERVIS.

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

especially page ix.

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/battery charger 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.

NOTE

The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with more than 120,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that this does not affect the performance of your camcorder.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Power supply:

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

ENGLISH

Trademarks

• Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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

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

VL-AX1S-GB-**tobira 01.10.9, 1:20 PM1

Quick Operation Guide

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

Charging the Battery Pack

1 Connect the supplied power cord to the

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

• The POWER indicator lights up.

AC power socket

To power outletPOWER indicator

2 Align the s mark on the battery pack

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

• The CHARGE indicator lights up.

Attaching the Battery Pack

Make sure that the POWER switch is set to OFF.

2 Pull out the viewfinder completely (1),

then lift it up (2).

60˚

3 Align the = mark on the side of the

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

CHARGE indicator

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

3 Slide the battery pack in the direction of

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

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:21 PM1

Inserting a Cassette

Inserting a Card

Attach the power source to the camcorder.

2 Slide the cassette compartment door

release and open the cassette compartment door completely.

Cassette compartment door release

3 Insert a commercially available cassette

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

REC

SAVE

Erasure protect tab

4 Press the W mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place.

Make sure that the POWER switch is set to OFF.

2 Press the LCD monitor PUSH OPEN

release and open the LCD monitor.

3 Slide the card slot cover and open it in

the direction of the arrow.

LCD monitor PUSH OPEN release

Card slot cover

4 Insert a card into the slot as shown

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

Label

Clipped corner

5 Close the card slot cover in the direction

of the arrow.

5 Wait for the cassette holder to fully

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

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:21 PM2

mark

Note:

• You can use an SD Memory Card (supplied)

and a MultiMediaCard (commercially available) for storing still images with this camcorder, not a SmartMediaE card or Memory StickE media. In this operation manual, “card” refers to the SD Memory Card or the MultiMediaCard.

Quick Operation Guide

Using the Viewfinder

Pull out the viewfinder completely.

2 Raise the viewfinder to aim the

camcorder better depending on your position.

60˚

Using the LCD Monitor

Press the LCD monitor PUSH OPEN release, and open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to a camcorder body.

90˚

2 Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that

allows easy viewing of the on-screen picture.

180

iii

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:21 PM3

Power Zoom control/

Volume control

STILL button

Media Selection switch

Zooming

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

Tape Playback

REC START/ STOP button

POWER switch

Easy Camera Recording on Tape

1 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

2 Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

3 Hold down the Lock button and set the

POWER switch to CAMERA.

• The picture from the lens now displays.

Lock button

AUT O

Auto mode indicator

4 Adjust the Power Zoom control to frame

the subject as you desire.

5 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

REC

1 Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

2 Hold down the Lock button

and set the POWER switch to VCR.

Lock button

3 Press e (or r) on the Operation

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

4 Press y to begin playback.

To stop playback

Press d.

Volume Control

Push the Volume control to the L or + side to increase (1) or decrease (2) the volume.

REC START/ STOP button

To pause recording

Press the REC START/STOP button again.

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:21 PM4

0100

2/2PAGE

NORMA L

PLA YBACK

1000

2/1PAGE

NORMA L

PLAYBACK

Quick Operation Guide

Card Recording

Insert a card into the camcorder.

2 Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

3 Hold down the Lock button and set the

POWER switch to CAMERA.

• The picture from the lens now displays.

Number of shots taken/remaining

CARD

/0140

E CON OMY

1152

Lock button

AUT O

4 Adjust the Power Zoom control to frame

the subject as you desire.

5 Press the STILL button halfway down to

focus on the subject.

• The camcorder automatically focuses on the subject. When it is set, you will hear a sound and see T mark, then the camcorder locks the focus.

CARD

/0140

E CON OMY

1152

6 Press the STILL button fully to begin

recording.

CARD

/0140

ECONOMY

1152

Card Playback

Set the Media Selection switch to CARD.

2 Hold down the Lock button and set the

POWER switch to VCR.

• The images recorded on the card displays in a thumbnail format.

Lock button

][

Page number/total thumbnail pages

3 Press q or w to move the selection

frame to the desired image.

• You can also turn the CONTROL dial to move the selection frame.

4 Press the MULTI button.

][

• The selected image displays in fullscreen.

Image file name

3000-001

1000-001

CARD

NO RMA L

NORMA L

1152

01/3

011/

][

AUT O

• The S indicator flashes red while data

is being recorded on the card, and returns to white when recording completes.

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:21 PM5

About Your Camcorder

DV Technology

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

DV and conventional video cassette tapes

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

Mini DV cassette DV cassette

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

8 mm cassette VHS cassette Beta cassette

Note:

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

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

SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard

SD Memory card and MultiMediaCard are compact recording media just 32 mm long and 24 mm wide which support the needs of the digital network society where music, images, games and various other provider services are offered.

• You can use an SD Memory Card (supplied) and a MultiMediaCard (commercially available) for storing still images with this camcorder, not a SmartMedia\ card or Memory Stick\ media.

SD Memory Card MultiMediaCard

SmartMedia\ card

• An SD Memory Card is superior to a MultiMediaCard in terms of copyright protection functions and high speed transfer.

• The SD Memory Card is compatible with MultiMediaCard, and data stored on MultiMediaCard can be used with the SD Memory Card.

Note:

• This camcorder is verified to work with the following card types and capacities.

CSD Memory Card: 128 MB or less CMultiMediaCard: 64 MB or less

Memory Stick\ media

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:21 PM6

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L221

Remote control

Shoulder strap Lens cap Lens hood

AC adapter/

battery charger Power cord DC cable

CR2025 type

lithium batteryK2

Audio/video cable

Zoom microphone

8MB SD Memory Card

PixLab Video Capture

Software (Lite Version)

PC connecting cable

vii

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:21 PM7

Optional Accessories

Standard-life battery pack

BT-L221

*IR & Flash light

VR-3VIF

Note:

• When using the *IR & Flash light VR-3VIF with this camcorder, it can only be used as a flash.

Extended-life

battery pack

BT-L441

Standard-life intelligent

battery pack

BT-LS222

Extended-life intelligent

battery pack

BT-LS442A

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:22 PM8

viii

Precautions

• When the camcorder is not in use, remem-

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

• Do not aim the lens at the sun.

Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the camcorder lens, the viewfinder eyepiece or the LCD monitor screen, whether or not recording is in progress, as it may damage the CCD sensor or LCD screen surface. Be particularly careful when recording outside.

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

• Avoid magnetic sources.

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

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

• Avoid shocks and dropping.

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

• Avoid placing the camcorder in close proximity to lighting equipment.

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

• Always respect prohibitions or restrictions

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

• Be aware of the temperature and humidity.

You can use your camcorder at 0°C to L40°C, and at 30% to 80% relative humidity. Do not store the unit in an unventilated car in the summer, in direct sunlight, or near strong heat sources; this can result in severe damage to the unit casing and circuitry.

• Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or

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

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

• Some small, portable tri-

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

• When using your camcorder

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

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:22 PM9

Dew Formation

• What is “dew formation”?

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

• When dew forms in your camcorder.

Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your camcorder and make the video tape stick to the head. This causes damage both to the head and the tape. When dew forms, recording and playback may not function properly.

Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances:

—When moving the camcorder from a cold

place to a warm place.

—When placing the camcorder in a cold

room which is then heated rapidly.

—When moving the camcorder outdoors from

an air-conditioned room or car.

—When placing the

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

—When placing the

camcorder in a humid room.

• How to prevent trouble.

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

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

• “Dew” warning feature

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

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

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

2 To use the camcorder again, turn on the

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

3 Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to the tape.

4 Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to

15 minutes before the dew warning feature engages.

Plastic bag

1 Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the camcorder.

2 Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside it reaches the temperature of the room.

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:22 PM10

Precautions

CLEANING

STOP

START

CLEANINGNOW

Dirty Video Heads

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

Mosaic noiseStriped noise

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

• playback pictures do not move.

• during playback, the whole screen becomes

blue.

Causes of video head clogging

• Environments with high-temperature and highhumidity

• A lot of dust in the air

• Damaged tape

• Worn tape

• Long-time use

• Dew formation

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commercially Available)

Available mode: TAPE-VCR

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

Notes:

• Excessive use of the cleaning tape may cause

damage to the video heads. Please read the instructions accompanying the cleaning tape carefully before using it.

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

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

1 Insert a cleaning tape into the

camcorder.

2 Set the camcorder to TAPE-VCR mode.

• The video head cleaning screen appears.

3 Turn the CONTROL dial to select

“START”, then push the dial to begin video head cleaning.

•“NOW CLEANING” flashes during cleaning.

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

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:22 PM11

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

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press the CONTROL dial.

Contents

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inserting and Removing a Card .............................. 13

Installing the Lithium Batteries .................................14

Selecting the Language for the On-screen

Display ................................................................... 15

Setting the Area, Date and Time .............................. 16

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

Adjusting the Hand Strap ....................................... 18

Attaching the Shoulder Strap .................................. 18

Using the Lens Hood ...............................................18

Using the Viewfinder ............................................... 19

Using the LCD Monitor ........................................... 20

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

Camera Recording

Selecting the Camcorder Mode .............................. 22

Easy Camera Recording on Tape

in Full Auto Mode ................................................... 23

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

Auto Focus ...............................................................24

Macro Shots ............................................................ 24

Remaining Recording Time Display ........................ 25

Remaining Battery Power Display .......................... 25

Preparation

Basic Operations

Useful Features

Advanced Features

Useful Features

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:22 PM12

Playback

Tape Playback ........................................................ 26

Volume Control ........................................................ 26

Video Search............................................................27

Still .......................................................................... 27

Using Earphones (Commercially Available) ............28

Watching Playback on a TV .....................................28

Using the Menu Screens..........................................30

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital Zoom .......................................... 31

Using the Zoom Microphone .................................. 32

Windbreak ................................................................ 33

Dialog Recording .................................................... 33

Gamma Brightness Compensation ......................... 34

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

Digital Still Camera

Features

Appendix

xii

Contents

Useful Features

Advanced Features

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

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

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

Still Recording ......................................................... 38

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

Digital Picture Effects ............................................... 41

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ........42

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode............43

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ..............................43

Wide Screen (16:9) ..................................................44

Turning on/off the On-screen Indicators ................. 44

Playback

Using the Remote Control ....................................... 45

Tape Playback Functions

with the Remote Control ....................................... 46

Playback Zoom ........................................................47

Displaying the Date and Time of Recording ............ 48

Gamma Playback ................................................... 49

Multiple Strobe Playback ........................................ 50

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

Picture Effect Playback ........................................... 52

Camera Recording

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode................53

Manual Focus ......................................................... 54

Adjusting White Balance .......................................... 56

Manual Exposure .................................................... 57

Manual Gain ............................................................ 58

Setting the Shutter Speed ....................................... 59

Scene Menu (Program AE) ......................................61

xiii

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:22 PM13

Playback

Using the Time Code ...............................................63

Editing ..................................................................... 64

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) ................. 65

Audio Dubbing Feature........................................... 66

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ........................ 68

Configuring Software for PC Connection .................69

Operation References

Digital Still Camera Features

Appendix

Camera Recording

Selecting the Picture Quality and Image Size......... 71

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

Recording with the Self-Timer .................................. 74

Using the Flash Light (Optional Accessory) ............75

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

Playback

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

Delete Protection......................................................78

Deleting Stored Images ...........................................79

Slide Show Playback ............................................... 81

Slide Show Effects ................................................... 82

Copying an Image from Card to Tape ..................... 83

Print Order................................................................84

Using the Shortcut Menu ........................................ 86

Transferring Data on Card to Computer ................. 87

Picture/Backlight Adjustments .................................88

World Clock............................................................. 89

Selecting Summer Time ...........................................91

Setting the Confirmation Sounds ............................. 91

Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ........ 92

Useful Information ................................................... 93

Demonstration Mode ............................................... 99

Before Requesting Service ................................... 100

Specifications ....................................................... 102

Preparation

Basic Operations

Useful Features

Advanced Features

VL-AX1S-GB-*i-xiv 01.10.9, 1:22 PM14

Digital Still Camera

Features

Appendix

xiv

Operation References

Part Names

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

Operation References

Front view

FADE button [p. 37]

RETURN button [p. 36]

Accessory shoe [pp. 32, 75]

Stereo microphone

FOCUS switch

[p. 54]

Zoom lens

Manual Focus ring

[p. 54]

GAMMA/ BRIGHTER button [pp. 34, 35]

Manual Selection switch [pp. 53-62]

Remote sensor [p. 45]

CONTROL dial [p. 30]

MENU button [p. 30]

EarPHONES jack [p. 28]

STILL button [pp. 39, 73]

VL-AX1S-GB-001-008 01.10.9, 1:23 PM1

+ 42 hidden pages