Sharp VL-NZ50E Operating Instruction

OPERATION MANUAL

VL-NZ50E/hyou; 02/2/21/18:00

VL-NZ50E

ENGLISH

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

VL-NZ50E

OPERATION MANUAL

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

especially page iv.

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.

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 or battery pack. The AC adapter incorporates the AUTO VOLTAGE (AC 110–240 V, 50/60 Hz) function.

VL-NZ50E-E-**tobira 02.4.8, 10:33 AM1

Information for Australia/New Zealand Only

WARNING:

This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 7.4 volts from a BT-L225 or BTL445 battery or the AC adapter (UADP-0342TAZZ). 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 Camcorder is a high technology product. The LCD Panel comprises 123,200 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

VL-NZ50E-E-**tobira 02.4.8, 10:33 AM2

Quick Operation Guide

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

Attaching the Battery Pack

Power switch

1 Make sure that the Power

switch is set to OFF.

2 Align the = mark on the side of the

battery pack with the = mark on the camcorder (1), and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow completely until it locks into place (2).

Charging the Battery Pack

Attach the battery pack on the camcorder, and make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF.

2 Connect the supplied power cord to the

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

AC power socket

To power

outlet

3 Insert the DC plug into the DC input

jack.

• The charge indicator lights up.

DC input jack

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Charge indicator

• The charge indicator turns off when the battery is charged.

4 Remove the DC plug from the DC input

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

Inserting a Cassette

Attach the power source to the camcorder, then slide the cassette compartment door release and open the cassette compartment door.

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

Cassette compartment

door release

Tips on Recording Positions

To create images that are easy to watch during playback, try to record with an upright posture and steady hand to prevent a shaky image.

Holding the camcorder

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 screen.

Basic posture

2 Insert a commercially available cassette

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

Erasure protect tab

SAVE

REC

3 Press the W mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place.

• After confirmation sound, the cassette holder retracts automatically.

“W” mark

Take care not to cover the lens or microphone with

your finger.

Place your elbows against your sides.

Shooting from a high angle

Turn the LCD monitor so that the

screen faces downward.

Shooting from a low angle

Turn the LCD monitor so that the screen faces upward.

Balance your weight on both legs.

4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully

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

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Quick Operation Guide

REC START/STOP button

Power Zoom control/Volume control

Operation button

Power switch

Easy Camera Recording

1 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

2 Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to CAMERA.

• The picture from the lens now displays.

Lock button

AUT O

Zooming

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

Power Zoom control

Playback

1 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to VCR.

Lock button

2 Press j (or k) on the Operation button

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

3 Press m to begin playback.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

To pause recording

Press the REC START/STOP button again.

iii

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REC

To stop playback

Press l.

Volume Control

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

Volume control

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

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

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

• Using the camcorder near a broadcasting

station or other powerful transmission source may cause buzzing or picture deterioration.

• Avoid shocks and dropping.

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

• Avoid placing the

camcorder in close proximity to lighting equipment.

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

• Always respect prohibitions or restrictions

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

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

• Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or

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

Such environments can cause malfunctions or cause mildew to form on the lenses. Be sure to keep the unit in a wellventilated 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.).

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Precautions

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.

1If “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.

2To use the camcorder again, turn on the

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

3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to the tape.

4Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10

to 15 minutes before the dew warning feature engages.

Plastic bag

1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the camcorder.

2Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside it reaches the temperature of the room.

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Dirty Video Heads

CLEANING

STOP

START

CLEANINGNOW

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

• High-temperature and high-humidity environment

• A lot of dust in the air

• Damaged tape

• Worn tape

• Long-time use

• Dew formation

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commercially Available)

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 VCR mode.

• The video head cleaning screen appears.

3 Press the SET button 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.

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

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press the SET button.

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L225 Power cord

Audio/video cable Lens cap

Tripod adapter

CR2025 type

lithium batteryAC adapter

Lens hood Wrist strap

vii

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Optional Accessories

Standard-life battery pack

BT-L225

Note:

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

Extended-life battery pack

BT-L445

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viii

Contents

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

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

On-screen Display Index ............................................... 4

Warning Indicators ......................................................... 6

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack .................... 7

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

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

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

Installing the Lithium Battery ........................................ 11

Setting the Date and Time ........................................... 12

Attaching the Lens Hood ............................................. 13

Attaching the Wrist Strap ............................................. 13

Using the Lens Cap ..................................................... 14

Tips on Recording Positions ........................................ 15

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode ................. 16

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

Auto Focus ................................................................... 17

Macro Shots ................................................................. 17

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

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

Playback

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

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

Video Search................................................................ 20

Still ............................................................................... 20

Watching Playback on a TV ......................................... 21

Useful Features

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Using the Menu Screens.............................................. 22

Camera Recording

Displaying the Recording Guide.................................. 23

Setting the Digital Zoom .............................................. 24

Gamma Brightness Compensation .............................. 25

Gain-up ........................................................................ 26

Fade In and Fade Out .................................................. 27

Quick Return ................................................................ 28

Edit Search................................................................... 28

Operation References

Useful Features

Advanced Features

Still Recording .............................................................. 29

Attaching the Supplied Tripod Adapter ....................... 29

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

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) .................................. 30

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

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ............ 32

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode................ 33

Playback

Using the Remote Control (Not supplied) .................... 34

Displaying the Date and Time of Recording ................ 35

Gamma Playback ........................................................ 35

Picture Effect Playback ................................................ 36

Camera Recording

Manual Focus .............................................................. 37

Manual Exposure ......................................................... 38

White Balance Lock ..................................................... 39

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode.................... 39

Digital Picture Effects ................................................... 40

Scene Menu (Program AE) .......................................... 41

Playback

Using the Time Code ................................................... 42

Editing .......................................................................... 43

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) ..................... 44

Audio Dubbing Feature................................................ 45

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ............................ 47

Preparation

Basic Operations

Useful Features

Appendix

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Picture/Backlight Adjustments ..................................... 48

Turning off the Confirmation Sound ............................. 49

Useful Information ........................................................ 50

Demonstration Mode ................................................... 55

Before Requesting Service .......................................... 56

Specifications .............................................................. 58

Advanced Features

Appendix

Operation References

Part Names

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

Operation References

Front view

Zoom lens

Stereo microphone

DC input jack [pp. 8, 9]

Cassette holder [p. 10]

Cassette compartment door [p. 10]

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Lithium battery compartment door [p. 11]

Cassette compartment door release [p. 10]

Rear view

DV terminal

[p. 44]

AV jack

[pp. 21, 43]

Jack cover

[pp. 21, 43, 44]

Operation References

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

GUIDE ON/OFF switch [p. 23]

Operation button

LCD monitor

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Operation References

Rear view

Operation References

GAMMA/

BRIGHTER button

[pp. 25, 26, 35]

FADE button

[p. 27]

SET button

[p. 22]

RECord START/STOP button [p. 16]

STILL button [p. 29]

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

Speaker

MENU button [pp. 5, 22]

MANUAL button

[p. 5]

Bottom view

Battery release [p. 7]

Wrist strap loop

[p. 13]

Tripod adapter socket

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[p. 29]

Battery mounting surface [p. 7]

On-screen Display Index

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

CAMERA mode

LCD SE T

BACKL IGHT LCD BRI GHT LCD COLOUR RET URN

CLOCK SET

DISPLAY SETT I NG 12H 24H/ RETURN

p. 18

pp. 16, 39

AUT O

p. 30

p. 16

p. 18

SETT ING 1

EFFECTPIC. SCENE MENU QK.

RET URN

SETT ING 2

DGTL ZOOM TAPE

SPEED

DIS

min

16 9: AUDI O MODE RETURN

p. 40 p. 41 p. 28

p. 24 p. 32 p. 30 p. 30 p. 33

Operation References

p. 48

p. 35 p. 12 p. 13

SETT ING 1

EFFECTPIC. SCENE MENU QK.

RETURN

OTHERS

BEEP T IME CODE TC OUT DEMO RETURN

MOD E

p. 49 p. 42 p. 42 p. 55

VCR mode

PLAYBACK

p. 18

AU DIOAUDIO

21+21

p. 47

OTHERS

PLAYBACK

PIC.

EFFECT AUDI O DUB AUDI O RETURN

SET

Note:

• See page 22 for procedures on how to display the desired screen.

SET

EFFECT

PIC. AUDI O DUB AUDI O RET URN

REMO TE BEEP T IME CODE TC OUT RETURN

p. 36 p. 46 p. 47

p. 34 p. 49 p. 42 p. 42

LCD SE T

BACKL IGHT LCD BRI GHT LCD COLOUR RET URN

CLOCK SET

DISPLAY RETURN

p. 48

p. 35

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Operation References

AUT O

min

EFFECT

SETT ING

PIC. SCENE MENU QK. RETURN

RETURN

Manual screens

Operation References

Each time you press the MANUAL button, the screen changes as shown below.

Focus setting screen

AUTO

MAN. FOCUS AUTO

(p. 37)

MANUAL button

On-screen indicators on/off

Each time you press the MENU button, the screen changes as shown below.

• The example screens shown are for CAMERA mode.

MENU button

AUTO

EXPOSURE

AUTO

HITE BAL.

AUT O

AUTO

Exposure setting screen (p. 38)

White balance screen (p. 39)

Normal screen

min

Indicators on

Menu screen

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Indicators off

Warning Indicators

If a warning indicator appears on the screen, follow the specified instructions.

Operation References

Displayed for the first

3 seconds

INSERT

A CASSETTE.

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

CASSETTE NOT RECORDABLE.

THE

TAPE

ENDS SOON.

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

BATTERY IS

TOO LOW.

DEW

LAMP LAMP

Displayed after

3 seconds

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

PROTECT. TAB

TAPE END

DEW

Description of warning

There is no video cassette in the camcorder. Insert a cassette (see page 10).

The video cassette is defective and should be removed (see page 10).

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette has been slid to the record-protect position, preventing recording (see page 52).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new cassette (see page 10).

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a new cassette (see page 10).

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a fully charged battery pack (see page 7).

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

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

The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is close to the end of its service life. Call your local authorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced.

Note:

• N indicates a flashing display.

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Preparation

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack

Attaching

Power switch

Preparation

1 Make sure that the Power

switch is set to OFF.

2 Align the = mark on the side of the

battery pack with the = mark on the camcorder (1), and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow completely until it locks into place (2).

Removing

1 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

2 Rotate the monitor section of the

camcorder (1), then press the battery release (2). Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow and take it out (3).

Battery release

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF. Removing the

battery pack while shooting or during playback may damage the tape by causing it to wrap around the video head drum.

• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder if you will not use the camcorder for a long period of time.

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

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

• Use only SHARP model BT-L225 or BT-L445 battery packs with this camcorder. Use of other batteries may create a risk of fire or explosion.

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Charging the Battery Pack

Charging time and maximum continuous recording and playback times

Attach the battery pack on the camcorder, and make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF.

2 Connect the supplied power cord to the

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

AC power socket

To power

outlet

3 Insert the DC plug into the DC input

jack.

• The charge indicator lights up.

DC input jack

Charge indicator

• The charge indicator turns off when the battery is charged.

4 Remove the DC plug from the DC input

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

Battery

BT-L225

BT-L445

Notes:

• Charge the battery pack between 10°C and

• The battery pack and charger become warm

• Using the zoom (see page 17) and other

• The charging time and recording time may

• See page 53 for more information on using the

Caution:

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L225 or BT-L445

Charging

pack

3hr. 30min.

30°C. The battery pack may not charge properly at temperatures too low or too high.

during charging. This is not a malfunction.

functions or turning the power on and off frequently will increase power consumption. This may result in a decrease in the actual recording time compared to the maximum continuous recording time listed above.

vary depending on the ambient temperature and the condition of the battery pack.

battery pack.

battery packs. Other types of battery packs may burst, causing personal injury and damage.

time

approx.

2hr.

approx.

Max. continuous

recording time

approx.

1hr. 30min.

approx.

3hr.

Max. continuous

playback time

approx.

1hr. 30min.

approx.

3hr.

Extending battery pack life

Even when the battery pack is not used, the capacity of the battery pack will naturally deteriorate over time. To limit the deterioration of the capacity, it is recommended to perform the following procedure at least once every six months:

1Fully charge the battery pack. 2Attach the battery pack to the camcorder,

and set the Power switch to CAMERA without inserting a cassette. Allow the battery power to fully discharge by leaving it on the camcorder until the camcorder power automatically turns off.

3Remove the battery pack and store it

between 10°C and 20°C.

Preparation

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Preparation

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet

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

Caution:

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

Preparation

1 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

2 Connect the supplied power cord to the

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

AC power socket

To power

3 Insert the DC plug into the DC input

jack.

• The camcorder is supplied power.

DC input jack

Note:

• When using the AC adapter to power the camcorder, the battery pack is not charged.

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG, ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF. Removing the DC plug while

shooting or during playback may damage the tape by causing it to wrap around the video head drum.

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

outlet

4 Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

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Lock button

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