Sharp VL-C8000X Operation Manual

SHARR

WARNING:

This Camcorder must be supplied with D.C. 9.6
volts only from a BT-75 battery, the AA-75X AC
adaptor or the optional VRP75CH car adaptor.
CAUTION:
As there are no serviceable controls inside the
Camcorder or AC adaptor, 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 as shown in the enclosed
Directory of Service Centres.

CAUTION:

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

1

With so many brands available, the choice was difficult.

But after enjoying the top quality and high performance of this Sharp Camcorder, you’ll

know you were right.

This Camcorder has outstanding features which allow
of your choice. Before using the unit, please read the operation manual carefully. Be sure to store this manual
for future use as it will come in handy if you encounter any problem with the unit.

1

12 x NEW ZOOM SYSTEM

2

Colour Viewfinder

3

Full Auto Camera Recording System

-

Automatic Focus, Iris, and White Balance

4

l/10,000, 114,000,

5

Ultra low light recording down to 3 lux (with Gain-up function)

6

Intelligent Auto Iris for shooting backlit subjects

l/1,000,

11250, 11100 of a sec. variable range, high speed shutter.

you

to relax and enjoy the home entertainment programmes

7 Flying erase head (picture insert)

8

Self timer for Camera Recording

9 3-way

10

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

power source with AC, battery, and car battery

Camera search

This unit can be operated by connecting it to either the

AC adaptor, battery pack or optional car battery adaptor/

pro-

authorize

charger. The AC adaptor incorporates the AUTO
VOLTAGE (AC

llO-24OV, 50/60

Hz) function.

FEATURES..
PRECAUTIONS..
MAJOR OPERATING COMPONENTS AND
THEIR FUNCTIONS

PREPARATIONS..

INSTALLING THE LITHIUM BATTERY..

SE-ITING

ATTACHING AND DETACHING

THE BATTERY PACK

ATACHING

INSERTING AND REMOVING A CASSETTE..
ADJUSTING THE GRIP STRAP..
USING

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM

USING THE AC ADAPTOR/

BATTERY

CHARGING THE

USING

CHARGER (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY).

USING

CAMERA RECORDING

CAMERA RECORDING..
FULL AUTO SYSTEM..

REC

CAMERA SEARCH..........................................

POWER ZOOM

(WIDEITELEPHCTTO

USING THE ZOOM SELECT
LAP TIME FUNCTION

.........................................................

...................................................

..............................................

.................................................

...............

THE DATE/TIME..

THE SHOULDER STRAP..

THE

COLOUR

CHARGER.. .....................................

BATTERY

THE CAR BATTERY ADAPTOR/

THE

BA-TTERY

REVIEW.. ................................................

CONTROL).

...............................

.........................................

..............

........................

VIEWFINDER

..................................

PACK..

PACK..

.......................................

.....................................

......................................

..........................

..................................

BUl-i-ON

.............

...................

.............

......................

..............

.....

10

11
11

12
12

13
14

14

16
17
17

17
18
19

1
2

4
7
7
7

8
8
9
9

LCD DISPLAY AND

VIEWFINDER INFORMATION..
AUTO DATE/TIME FUNCTION
ASSEMBLE RECORDING
REPLACING THE BATTERY PACK
WHILE RECORDING
AUTO POWER OFF

PLAY BACK

PLAYBACK IN THE VIEWFINDER..
TRACKING ADJUSTMENT..
FORWARD/REVERSE SEARCH AND STILL
COUNTER MEMORY FEATURE..
CONNECTION TO TV
CONNECTION TO TV WITH A/V TERMINALS..
RECORDING TO ANOTHER VCR..
EDIT CONTROL
USING THE

ADVANCED OPERATION

MANUAL FOCUS
WHITE BALANCE..
BACKLIGHT COMPENSATION
GAIN-UP
SELF TIMER RECORDING
HIGH SPEED SHUTTER..
MACRO
FADE IN & OUT..

LIGHTING
BEFORE REQUESTING SERVICE
SPECIFICATIONS

.........................................................

..............................................

CASSETTE

.........................................................

SHOI-S..

..........................................................

.............................................

.............................................

...............................................

.........................

..........................

................................

.......................................

.........................................

...................

............ .

......................................

ADAPTOR

....................................

.............

..........................................

..............................

..............................

................................

...............

.....................

...................

..................

.........................

.......................

20
21
22

22

22
23
23
23

..... 24

25

26

.

27
28

28

29

31
31
31
32
32
32
33
34
34
35
36
37

READ THE SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUC­TIONS
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND HEED ALL

INGS

befoe

operating this Camcorder.

on this Camcorder and in this manual.

WARi+

DEW FORMATION

What is “dew formation?”

When you pour cold beer into a glass, dew forms on
the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew

formation.

When dew

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

Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances:

l When moving the Camcorder from a cold place to a

warm place.

l When placing the Camcorder in a cold room which is

then heated rapidly.

l When moving the Camcorder outdoors from an air

conditioned room.

l When placing the Camcorder in the direct path of air

blowing from an air conditioner.

@And

How to prevent trouble due to dew formation.

When using the Camcorder in a place where dew for-

mation is likely to occur, allow the Camcorder and the

video tape to

one hour.

For example, when bringing the Camcorder indoors af­ter skiing, first put it in a plastic bag and allow it to adapt
to room conditions for some period of time.

forms,in

your Camcorder.

when placing the Camcorder in a humid room.

acclimatize

to the surroundings for about

“Dew” warning feature

When dew forms on the head drum, the dew warning in­dicator appears in the viewfinder.
After ten seconds, the power will automatically turn off.

l

When “DEW” appears, eject the video tape and leave it out

for several hours to adapt it to the surroundings.

l

Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to 15 minutes be-

fore “DEW” appears in the viewfinder.

l

To use the Camcorder again, turn the power on after waiting
for several hours and make sure that “DEW” has disap­peared.

Before actual recording, be sure to test record, checking
that both the picture and the sound are being recorded
properly. The picture can be easily checked by using
“REC REVIEW’:

How to continually maintain good recording.

If used in a variety of places, eventually your Camcorder
may not function properly due to accumulation of dirt on
the head drum. Please pay special attention to the fol­lowing points when using your Camcorder.

@

Dew formation on the head drum.

@The video tape becomes worn:

Using a damaged or soiled video tape may also soil
the head drum, causing the picture to be blurred or
nothing to be recorded on the video tape. Do not use
such a video tape.

3

Using the Camcorder in a humid or a dusty place:

Use in extremely humid or dusty places may cause

damage to your Camcorder.

When the video heads are dirty.

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

Under such circumstances, contact the nearest service
centre approved by SHARP or your dealer for further
advice.

@

Make sure there is enough air in the plastic bag con-

taining the Camcorder.

@Remove the bag when the air temperature inside it

reaches the temperature of the surroundings.

2

For safety, strictly observe the following

.Do

not open the case.

@Take

care to avoid flammables or other liquids and

metal objects from entering the unit. Should this

happen, switch the power off and have the Camcorder
checked by qualified personnel.

*Do

not disassemble or attempt to modify the unit.

l Do not operate the Camcorder during lightning

storms. Unplug power cables of any connected
equipment.

Avoid using the Camcorder under the following

conditions

*Places of extreme humidity or excessive dust.

l Near electrical appliances generating strong mag-

netic fields (fluorescent lights, televisions, speak­ers).

@Steamy

stove.
*Excessive mechanical shock or vibration.
*Extremely hot locations such as near heating.

@Wet

bathtubs and the like.
DO not expose the Camcorder to extremely high

or low temperatures for long periods

l Never leave this Camcorder in direct sunlight, in a

closed car during summer or near a heater - this
will most likely deform the exterior and damage the

internal parts of the Camcorder.

l Do not store the Camcorder in places over
l Do not use the Camcorder in places over
l Do not use the Camcorder in places below 0%.
l Do not use the Camcorder in humid places over 80%

RH.

Store the Camcorder in a location that stays between

- 20°C

Take extra care when recording outdoors

@Do

surface. Protect from damage during transporta-

tion.

l Prevent the Camcorder from getting wet.

@At

prevent sand from entering the Camcorder.

@Avoid

like the sun or other strong lights.

*Do

l Stop using the Camcorder during lightning storms.

or sooty places such as near a cooking

locations, such as near swimming pools,

60°C.

40°C.

and

60°C.

not drop or allow it to strike any hard or rough

the beach, keep away from salt water or spray and

aiming the lens at extremely bright objects

not direct the viewfinder eyepiece at the sun.

Handling the Camcorder

l

Protect the microphone from damage.

l Keep the Camcorder horizontal during use, other-

wise the tape may become slack and be damaged.

*Do not carry the Camcorder by the viewfinder.

Loop the strap over your arm - should the Cam­corder accidentally slip out of
will avoid damaging it.

_

/

*Cap the lens after use. Remember to switch the

power off.

@Do

not touch the focus ring while using Autofocus.

*Before attaching any filter to the lens, switch to manual

focus or switch the power off and remove the lens
hood.

Cleaning the Camcorder

*Detach the battery pack or disconnect the power

before cleaning the Camcorder.

@Remove dust with a soft cloth. Use a soft cloth

moistened with mild detergent to remove persistent
dirt.

l Do not use strong cleaning agents such as PETROL,

thinner or alcohol

-

they may damage the exterior.

*Keep the lens and viewfinder clean. Clean the lens by

first blowing it free of dust, then gently wipe it with a soft
brush or lens cleaning paper moistened with lens
cleaning fluid.

your hand, you

/

BEFORE DISCONNECTING A POWER SOURCE,
ALWAYS SLIDE THE OPERATE SWITCH TO OFF

-

THE OPERATE INDICATOR WILL GO OUT.

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

1

Microphone

cl

2

BLC (Back Light Compensation)/GAIN-UP button

0

If the subject is darker than the background, the

recorded subject may appear too dark and unde­fined. If this is the case, push this button for “BLC”.
When “LIGHT” is displayed in the viewfinder, the
gain-up mode is engaged and the screen becomes

brighter when this button is pressed.

3

Colour Viewfinder/Monitor

cl

Displays the photographic subject in full colour.
Also functions as a convenient colour monitor for
playback of recorded material.

4

Diopter adjustment

cl

Use this control to adjust the viewfinder focus to your

eyesight.

5

Zoom lever

cl

Use this lever to manually zoom in and out on your

subject.

6

Macro button

0

Use this control for shooting subjects positioned less

L

+han

1.1 m from the Camcorder. (Autofocus does not

function at this distance.) Press the MACRO button

continuously while moving the Zoom lever to the

“MACRO” position for focusing.

7

ZOOM SELECT button

cl

Use this button to instantly magnify (or reduce) the

framed area in the viewfinder by 1.5 times.

8

AUTO/MANUAL FOCUS Select button

0

Set to “AUTO”, the Camcorder will automatically fo­cus on the subject even if it is moving.

(Remember to use the macro focus feature to

focus on subjects less than 1.1 metre away.)
If, however, autofocus does not function because
of the prevailing shooting conditions, set this switch

to “MANUAL” and focus manually.

9

WHITE BALANCE button

0

Use this button to lock the white balance.

SHUTTER SPEED select button

10

cl

To select the appropriate high speed shutter during

recording for a clear image replay at high speed

motion in still or slow mode using a VHS VCR for

playback.

11

FADE IN/OUT button

cl

12

FULL AUTO switch

El

[18]

[31]

[33]

[34]

[16]

4

13

Sub REC START/STOP button

cl

Press to start recording. Recording will be paused if
pressed during the recording mode.
Use when recording from a low angle.

14

TRACKING

0

DATE/TIME SET button

15

TRACKING b control button

cl

DATE/TIME SELECT button

16

DATE/TIME INITIAL button

cl

17

Power Zoom Wide/Telephoto control button

II

Maximum telephoto with T
also called “zoom-in” or “zoom-up”). Maximum
wide angle with W (Wide) depressed (this is also
called “zoom-out” or “zoom-down”).
You can vary the speed of the zoom from 6
seconds to 20 seconds by the degree of finger
pressure on the Zoom buttons.

18

Battery Pack Compartment

0

19

External microphone jack

II

4

control button

m

[23]

[23]

m

m

rele)

depressed (this is

Eyelet tabs

20

0

Pull the shoulder strap through these eyelet tabs

and adjust the length of the strap with the buckle.

21

DC

0

22

II

23

0

24

Cl

25

cl

26

cl

27

0

input jack

COUNTER/COUNTER MEMORY/LAP TIME
button

Used to select among Counter, Counter Memory,
and Lap Time modes being indicated in the view­finder.

COUNTER/LAP TIME RESET button
Used to reset the Counter and Lap Time being indi-

cated in the viewfinder.

REC START/STOP button

Press to start recording. Recording will be paused if
pressed during the recording mode.

Grip Strap
Battery release lever

Used to attach/detach the battery.

SELF TIMER button/Talent Tally indicator

The Talent Tally indicator will light up when the Cam­corder begins recording, enabling the subject to
determine whether the unit is recording or not. The
SELF-TIMER button and Talent Tally indicator share
the same function. When the button is pressed in
the REC Pause mode, the indicator will blink for 10
seconds before the Self-timer starts recording.

EJECT button

28

cl

Used to insert or remove

the@@@

cassette.

28

c!

+

EJECT

j35i

(/)

OPERATE

CAMERA

29

cl

To record with the Camcorder, set this switch to
the CAMERA REC position. (The Camcorder will
then automatically go into REC PAUSE mode.)

When using the Camcorder as a VCR, set this

switch to VCR PLAY.

(In this case, if in the REC PAUSE mode, the Cam-

corder will switch to Still mode; if recording, it will

switch to Stop mode.)

CAMERA SEARCH m button

30

0

REWIReverse

REC REVIEW button
STOP button

31

0

32

DATE-TIME DISPLAY button

0

Used to display either the date/time or date in a pic­ture being recorded.

EDIT switch

33

0

Picture quality inevitably deteriorates each time you
dub from the Camcorder to a VCR. Slide the EDIT
switch to on to minimize deterioration of picture
quality. Use this while you edit your videos.

L

34

0

AV

RECNCR

Search button

output terminal

PLAY switch

[17]

[24]

[17]

[21]

1361

35

OPERATE indicator

~

0

OPERATE on/off switch

36

[7

Turns power on and off.

30

cl

31

cl

32

0

33

0

34

cl

a

AV OUT

37

cl

38-

cl

39

0

CAMERA SEARCH

37

cl

FF/Forward

PLAY button

38

q

Press for playback.

CAMERA SEARCH E button

PAUSE/STILL button

39

0

Use to view a still picture

40

REC SPEED

ci

Used to set recording to the LP (Long Play) or SP
(Standard Play) mode. Recording time in the
respective modes is as follows (VHS-C tape EC-30):

LP mode . . . . . . . . . . . 60 min.

SP mode . . . . . . . . . . . 30 min.

Search button

bb,

LP/SP

Select switch

button

[24]

duri;g

playback.

[17]

[17]

6

INSTALLING THE LITHIUM BATTERY

Open the lithium battery compartment cover with

1

a pointed object.

Warning:

l Dispose

Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.

l

The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical

burn hazard if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble,
heat above
CR2025 of SHARP CORPORATION, SONY ENERGYTEC,
FUJI ELECTROCHEMICAL or MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC

only. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or

explosion.

of used battery

100°C

or incinerate. Replace battery with type

promptly. Keep

away from children.

SETTING THE DATE/TIME

Insert the battery with the “ + ” side out. Close the

2

lithium battery compartment cover.

l

For battery

ment, repeat step 2

after removing old

battery.

l

This lithium battery is available at a local electronic appliance

shop or audio/video shop.

l

Disconnect the power source

before replacing the battery.

l The battery life is approximately one year but it differs de-

pending on the ambient temperature and the condition of the
lithium battery.

l When the lithium battery runs out, the clock may be ex-

tremely inaccurate, or the clock setting mode may be
engaged. When this occurs, replace the lithium battery

as soon as possible.
Reset the date and time after replacing the battery.

l

Do not short-circuit the battery by holding the electrodes with
metallic objects such as tweezers, as doing so will deteriorate
the battery quality.

(AC

adaptor, battery pack, etc.)

replace-

The auto date/time function features a date and time in the viewfinder which can be recorded as a handy reference.

Follow

the instructions below to set the current date and time.

Example: Setting the date to 25th Oct. 1991 and time to

Install the date/time lithium battery.

1

Press the INITIAL button using a dull-pointed

3

object such as a ball point pen.

I

Q

TRACKING >

The month will flash. Press the SELECT button

5

to select the month. When the correct month
appears, press the SET button.

3:27

PM.

Connect a battery pack or power source. Slide

2

the OPERATE switch on.
Press the DATE-TIME DISPLAY button (See
page 6 No.33)

The day will flash. Press the SELECT button to

4

select the day. When the correct

press the SET button.

DATVnME

c-

SET - SELECT -

The year will flash. Press the SELECT button to

6

select the year. When the correct “tens” of the
year appears, press the SET button.

INmAL

d,ay

appears,

The hour will flash. Press the SELECT button to

7

select the hour (check for AM or PM). When
the correct hour appears, press the SET button.

The minutes will flash. Press the SELECT

8

ton to select the minutes. When the correct time
appears, press the SET button.

but-

7

ATTACHING AND DETACHING THE BATTERY PACK

Attaching the Battery Pack

1. Lower the battery release lever
by pulling it forward.

I

Detaching the Battery Pack

1. Lower

the

battery release lever

by pulling it forward.

2. Align the “A” mark on the up­per portion of the battery pack
with the mark on the camera,
and slide it in the direction of

the arrow.

2. Remove the battery pack by
sliding it in the direction of the
arrow.

3. Raise the battery release lever
until it locks into place.

3. Raise the battery release lever
until it locks into place.

. -

m

The battery pack is uncharged when shipped and must be charged before use.

ATTACHING THE SHOULDER STRAP

Loop the strap through the eyelet on top of the Camcorder.

I

Loop the strap through the eyelet at the bottom of the Camcorder.

m

Before

using the Camcorder, make sure that the shoulder strap is fastened tightly enough, and that no slack exists.

a

I

i

I

I

I

INSERTING AND REMOVING A CASSETTE

Inserting a cassette

Press the EJECT button to open the cassette

1

compartment. insert a ‘m cassette with the
transparent window facing you and the arrow

facing out.

ing the cassette.

Remove

tape

3

Press “PUSH” to close the compartment door.

Remove tape slack before inset-t-

slack

0. I Z.”

*eel

of the

in

1

arrow.

the

Removing a cassette

Press the EJECT button. The cassette com-

1

partment will open. Remove the cassette.
Close the compartment door.

2

Press on the “PUSH” mark
to close slowly and correctly.

m

The cassette may be ejected simply by pressing the EJECT button. There is no need to slide the OPERATE button to off

before you press the EJECT button.

The cassette cannot be ejected while recording. Go to REC PAUSE mode and press the EJECT button.

ADJUSTING THE GRIP STRAP

Separate the strap to expand the loop, then pass your
hand through the loop and grasp the hand grip. Adjust
the length of the strap so your hand is secure but com­fortable and refasten the strap.

9

USING THE COLOUR VIEWFINDER

ARlUSTlNG THE VIEWFINDER POSITION

The viewfinder can be tilted up for low-angle shot.

EYEPIECE

The Camcorder comes with a diopter adjustment
control. Move this control clockwise or counter­clockwise to adjust the eyepiece to your eyesight. As

individuals differ in eyesight, adjust the eyepiece so
that the characters inside the viewfinder can be seen
clearly when used for the first time or by anybody
else.

ABJUSTMENT

In order to protect the viewfinder while travelling or

when the camera is not being used, lay it forward as

in the diagram.

When

cleanina

viewfinder, rekove ihe eyepiece, as shown below,
and clean with a long, thin object, such as a cotton
swab. To remove the eyepiece, first turn it in direction

8,

then pull in direction
When reattaching, align the marks on the body and
the eyepiece as shown, and then turn the eyepiece

45O

in direction

dust

13.

oarticles

@.

from the interior of the

10

m

m

Power must be supplied to the Camcorder for this adjustment.

In order to use the viewfinder correctly, please pay attention to the following.

1. On some occasions, even though the Operate switch may be on, the colour
render a picture.
This does not indicate a defect in your Camcorder. Please wait a moment for the liquid crystal display to normalize.

2. Please do not subject the viewfinder to sharp impact.

3. When recording the same subject for a long period of time, the image may remain on the LCD viewfinderr. This
is a temporary phenomenon, not a malfunction.

liqiid

crystal display

may

not immediately