Sharp VL-SD20S Operating Instruction

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
DC 7.4 V l only or recommended AC
adapter.

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 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.

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.

ENGLISH

VL-SD20S-GB/tobira; 99/7/2/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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 07 C to
`407 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.

i

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. i-iv; 99/8/18/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

About Y our VIEWCAM

DV T echnology

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.

• High horizontal resolution

Detailed, accurate images with the highest
level of horizontal resolution for home use.

• Clear colour reproduction with virtually no
colour contamination

Provides three times the colour resolution of
conventional VCRs (based on Sharp models).
Clear images with virtually no distracting
colour contamination (which usually appears
as red).

• Standard use of TBC (Time Base Corrector)
to prevent jittery images

Ensures stable images with a high signal-to­noise ratio.

• PCM digital recording

PCM digital recording gives you high-quality
stereo sound that puts you in the middle of
the action.

The “DV” trademark can only be used on
digital VCR products which have been
evaluated and have met the specifications set
by the HD Digital VCR Conference for

Standardization of Consumer Use Digital
VCR Formats.

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.

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 VIEWCAM only operates
with Mini DV cassettes. DV cassettes cannot
be used. Be sure to use Mini DV cassettes with
the mark.

Mini DV cassette DV cassette

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

VHS cassette Beta cassette8 mm cassette

Note:

• This VIEWCAM reproduces the highest picture
quality when used with an ME tape. We
recommend you use an ME tape for high-quality
recording and playback.

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.

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. i-iv; 99/8/18/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

ii

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L241 AC adapter Power cord

Digital cable S-video cable

Audio/video cable

30-minute

Mini DV cassetteLens capShoulder strap

Infrared

remote control

CR2025 type

lithium battery 2 2

iii

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. i-iv; 99/8/18/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Optional Accessories

Standard type

battery pack

BT-L241

Extended type

battery pack

BT-L441

Video capture software

VR-PK100S

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. i-iv; 99/8/18/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

iv

Contents

Operation References

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

Part Names .................................................................... 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette .............. 11

Adjusting the Grip Strap ..............................................12

Using the Lens Cap .....................................................12

Attaching the Shoulder Strap ...................................... 12

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery ......................... 13

Selecting the Language for the On-screen Display ... 14

Setting the Area, Date and Time ................................. 15

Displaying the Date and Time of Recording............... 16

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto Mode ............. 17

Zooming ....................................................................... 18

Tips on Recording Positions......................................... 18

Remaining Recording Time Display ............................. 19

Remaining Battery Power Display ................................ 19

Playback

Playback ...................................................................... 20

Volume Control ............................................................. 20

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

Video Search ............................................................... 22

Still ............................................................................... 22

Operations of the
On-screen Displays

Useful Features

1

Using the Controls ........................................................23

Using the Menu Screens .............................................. 25

Camera Recording

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ............ 26

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode ................ 27

Setting the Digital Zoom ............................................... 27

Digital Quick Zoom (Extend Zoom) .............................. 28

Gamma Brightness Compensation .............................. 29

Gain-up (Cat’s Eye) ...................................................... 30

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS)................................... 31

Quick Review ............................................................... 31

Quick Return ................................................................ 32

Edit Search .................................................................. 32

Fade In and Fade Out .................................................. 33

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Operation References

Useful Features

Advanced Features

Auto Focus ................................................................... 35

Macro Shots ................................................................. 35

Wide Screen (16:9) ...................................................... 35

Still Recording ............................................................. 36

Multiple Strobe Recording ............................................ 37

Using the Remote Control ............................................ 38

Self Recording ............................................................. 39

Setting the VIEWCAM to Full Auto Mode ..................... 41

Playback

Slow ............................................................................. 42

Frame Advance ............................................................ 42

Strobe Playback ...........................................................42

Programme Search....................................................... 43

Using the Time Code ....................................................44

Using the Tape Counter ................................................ 45

Beep ............................................................................ 47

Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight......................... 47

Camera Recording

Scene Menu (Programme AE)...................................... 48

Picture Effects .............................................................. 49

Manual Focus .............................................................. 50

Setting the Shutter Speed ............................................ 51

White Balance Lock ......................................................53

Manual Iris ................................................................... 54

Picture/Backlight Adjustments ..................................... 55

Windbreak.................................................................... 56

Selecting Summer Time ............................................... 56

World Clock ................................................................. 57

Playback

Playback Zoom .............................................................59

Gamma Playback ......................................................... 60

Multiple Strobe Playback .............................................. 60

Still Image Overlap ....................................................... 61

Wipe ............................................................................. 62

Picture Effect Playback................................................. 63

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

Editing to Video Equipment with the DV Terminal

(IEEE1394) ................................................................ 65

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

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

Connecting to a Personal Computer ............................ 68

On-screen Displays

Operations of the

Useful FeaturesBasic Operations

Advanced Features

Appendix

Useful Information ........................................................ 69

Demonstration Mode .................................................... 74

Before Requesting Service ........................................... 75

Specifications .............................................................. 77

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

AppendixPreparation

2

Operation References

Part Names

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

Operation References

Front view

Stereo microphone [p. 66]

Zoom lens Shoulder strap loop [p. 12]

Speaker

MICrophone jack
[p. 66]

AUDIO/VIDEO jack
[pp. 21, 64]

Jack cover [p. 21]

When the cassette compartment door is open

Cassette holder [p. 11]

Cassette compartment door

[p. 11]

3

Cassette compartment
door release [p. 11]

Lithium battery holder
[p. 13]

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Rear view

LCD monitor screen

CONTROL switch [p. 23]

RECord START/STOP button [p. 17]

Power Zoom Wide angle/
Telephoto control [p. 18]
VOLume control [p. 20]

Operation References

Operation References

PC CONNECTion

jack [p. 68]

Terminal cover

[p. 21]

S-VIDEO socket [pp. 21, 64]

Operation buttons [p. 24]

DC IN jack [pp. 9, 10]

Remote sensor [p. 38]

When the lens section is rotated

DV terminal

DV terminal [p. 65]

cover [p. 65]

SNAPshot button
[pp. 36, 37, 60]

Shoulder strap
loop [p. 12]

Hand strap [p. 12]

Power switch (CAMERA/VCR
select switch) [p. 23]

CHARGE indicator [p. 9]

Bottom view

Battery compartment door [p. 8]

Tripod socket

Battery compartment door release [p. 8]

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4

Operation References

On-screen Display Index

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

Operation References

Camera Mode

pp. 29, 30 p. 31

SP SP

AUTO

EX
TEND

GAMA

­EFF.

FADE

QK.

REW

AUTO

FOCUS

MAN

UAL

-

p. 28 p. 33 p. 50 pp. 51–54

p. 55 p. 49

AUTO

PIC

-

MEN U

TURE

SCENE

MEN U

p. 48

PIC.
EFF.

p. 32 pp. 44–46

SP SP

AUTO

TIME

RE

­CODE

TURN

ME NU

-----------

AREA LONDON

SUMR TI ME
DI SPLAY
SETT ING

SET

2

---------­1
OFF
OFF

EXIT

VCR Mode

p. 20 p. 59 p. 43

AUDIO 1 2

PLAY/

+

SP

AUD IO 1+2

FF

STOPREW S T IL L

PB SE

pp. 20, 22 p. 66

p. 55

AUDIO 1 2

MENU T URE

p. 63 p. 60 pp. 44–46

PIC

+

-

PIC.
EFF.

SP

AUDIO 1 2

GAMA
PB

AUDI O
DUB .

TIME
CODE

+

SP

-

ARCHZOOM

SP

p. 31
p. 28
p. 27
p. 33
p. 37
p. 36
p. 15
p. 56
p. 16
p. 15
p. 16
p. 26
p. 35
p. 27
p. 56
p. 38
p. 74
p. 14

p. 16
p. 68
p. 44

pp. 61, 62

p. 38
p. 47
p. 60

------------------------

DISPLAY

AUD IO
TC OUT
PB EFFECT
REMOTE

----------­DIS
EXTEND
DGT L ZOOM
FADE
MULT I F RAME
PHOTO SNAP

-----------

AREA LONDON

SUMR T I ME
DI SPLAY
SETT ING

12H 24H

----------­TAPE SPEED SP
16:9
AUDIO

WIND

REMOTE
DEMO MODE
LANGUAGE

------------------------

DISPLAY

AUD IO
TC OUT
PB EFFECT
REMOTE
BEEP ON
MULT I FRAME 1

ME NU

OFF
AUDIO 1+2
OFF
OFF
ON

SET

MOD E

EXIT

1

---------­ON
2
OFF
NORMAL
1
SNAP

2

---------­1
OFF
OFF

24H

3

----------

OFF
12BI T
OFF
ON
OFF

OFF
AUDIO 1+ 2
OFF
OFF
ON

Note: See pages 23 and 25 for the procedure to display the desired screen.

5

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 005-007; 99/7/2/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Quick Reference Index

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

• To record powerful close-up images.
—See page 27 (Setting the Digital Zoom)

• To instantly zoom in on a subject.
—See page 28 (Digital Quick Zoom)

• To record a backlit subject.
—See page 29 (Gamma Brightness Compensation) or page 54 (Manual Iris)

• To record in a dark or poorly-illuminated location.
—See page 30 (Gain-up)

• To quickly check what you have just recorded.
—See page 31 (Quick Review)

• To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback.
—See page 32 (Quick Return)

• To record a still picture of a scene like a photo.
—See page 36 (Still Recording)

• To record or play back a multi-frame picture of a high-speed action, such as a

tennis or golf swing.

—See page 37 (Multiple Strobe Recording) or page 60 (Multiple Strobe

Playback)

Operation References

• To record yourself while monitoring the shot.
—See page 39 (Self Recording)

• To return to Full Auto mode for easy recording after using the manual settings.
—See page 41 (Setting the VIEWCAM to Full Auto Mode)

• To find the beginning of a recorded scene to be played back.
—See page 43 (Programme Search)

• To display the elapsed recording or playback time.
—See page 45 (Using the Tape Counter)

• To focus on an off-centred subject.
—See page 50 (Manual Focus)

• To enlarge any part of the picture during playback.
—See page 59 (Playback Zoom)

• To create an interesting presentation of recorded still images.
—See page 61 (Still Image Overlap) or page 62 (Wipe)

6

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Operation References

Warning Indicators

Operation References

Displayed for the first

3 seconds

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

DEW

BATTERY I S

TOO LOW.

INSERT

A CASSETTE.

CASSETTE NOT
RECORDABLE.

THE

TAPE

ENDS SOON.

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

Displayed after

3 seconds

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

DEW

PROTECT. TAB

TAPE END

TAPE END

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 72).
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 73).

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 70).

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).

LAMP

Note: indicates a flashing display.

7

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 005-007; 99/7/2/18:00

The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is

LAMP

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

close to the end of its service life. Call your local
authorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced.

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

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 With the lens facing up, slide the battery

compartment door release to OPEN
(Q), and open the battery compartment
door (W).

Battery

compartment

door release

3 Insert the battery pack into the com-

partment with the ∂ mark facing up, and
push it in completely until it locks into
place.

∂ mark

4 Firmly press the door closed (Q), and

slide the release to CLOSE (W).

Preparation

Removing the Battery Pack

1 Perform steps 1 and 2 above.
2 Press the battery release as shown (Q),

and remove the battery pack (W).

Battery
release

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-L241 or BT-L441
battery packs with this VIEWCAM. Use of other
batteries may present a risk of fire or explosion.

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 008-016; 99/8/10/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

8

Preparation

Charging the Battery Pack
1 Insert the battery pack into the VIEW-

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

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

2 Connect the power cord to the AC

Preparation

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

3 Insert the DC plug of the AC adapter

into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM.

• The CHARGE indicator will light up in
red.

Power switch

DC IN jack

To power
outlet

• The CHARGE indicator will light up in
green when the battery is fully charged.

4 Remove the DC plug from the VIEW-

CAM and the AC plug from the power
outlet.

Cautions:

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L241 or BT-L441
battery packs. Other types of battery packs may
burst, causing personal injury and damage.

• Charge the battery pack at a temperature of
10°C to 30°C. The battery pack may not
charge properly at temperatures too low or
too high.

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

9

CHARGE
indicator

Charging time and maximum continuous
camera recording and playback times

Battery

pack

BT-L241

BT-L441

• The chart specifies the approximate times in
minutes.

Notes:

• Using the zoom (see page 18) and other
functions or turning the power on and off
frequently will increase power consumption
which 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.

• We recommend that you have enough battery

packs on hand to provide two to three times your
estimated recording time.

• See page 71 for more information on using the
battery pack.

Charging

time

100

200

Max.

continuous

recording

time

105

210

Max.

continuous

playback

time

105

210

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 of the battery pack, it is
recommended to perform the following
procedure at least once every six months:
Q Insert the battery pack into the VIEWCAM,

and charge it until the CHARGE indicator
lights up in green.

W Set the Power switch to CAMERA without

inserting a cassette. Allow the battery pack
to fully drain by leaving it in the VIEWCAM
until the power automatically turns off.

E Remove the battery pack and store it at a

temperature of 10°C to 20°C.

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 008-016; 99/8/10/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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.

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 on the

VIEWCAM is set to OFF.

3 Insert the DC plug of the AC adapter

into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM.

Power switch

DC IN jack

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 the
VIEWCAM will not be used for a long period of
time.

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

Preparation

To power
outlet

4 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the
Power switch to
CAMERA or VCR.

Lock button

10

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 008-016; 99/8/10/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Preparation

Inserting and Removing a
Mini DV Cassette

Inserting a Cassette

1 Supply power to the VIEWCAM, then

slide the cassette compartment door
release and open the cassette
compartment door.

Preparation

• The cassette holder extends and opens
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

SAVE
REC

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

11

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 008-016; 99/8/10/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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

Adjusting the Grip Strap
1 Open the hand strap flap (Q) and grip

strap (W).

When recording, remove the lens cap (Q) and
attach the lens cap cord to the fastener (W) so
the lens cap will not get in the way.

Fastener

Preparation

2 Loosen the grip strap, pass your hand

through the loop and put your thumb
close to the Power Zoom control. Then
pull the grip strap tight until it fits snugly.

3 Seal the velcro closure of the grip strap

(Q) and close the hand strap flap (W).

Caution:

• Do not swing the VIEWCAM by the hand strap.

Using the Lens Cap

Attach the lens cap cord to the VIEWCAM as
shown below (Q), and attach the lens cap to
the lens (W).

Note:

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

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.

1 4

2

Buckle

3

5

Buckle

6

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

12

Preparation

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.

Preparation

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).

Cassette compartment
door release

2 Pull out the lithium battery holder using

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

5 Close the cassette compartment door by

pressing the centre until it clicks into
place.

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 VIEWCAM 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.

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.

4 Push the battery holder back

into position.

13

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 008-016; 99/8/10/18:00

• 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.

j mark

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Selecting the Language for
the On-screen Display

This VIEWCAM allows you to choose from
among English, German or French for the on­screen display language.

CONTROL switch

Power switch

Operation buttons

Changing the Language

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “LANGUAGE” (“SPRACHE” or
“LANGUE”), then press the CONTROL
switch (W).

• The language selection screen appears.

ME NU

DEMO MODE OFF

LANGUAGE

----------­DIS
EXTEND

DGTL ZOOM OFF

SET

1

---------­ON
2

EXIT

Preparation

Setting the Language

When using the VIEWCAM for the first time,
select the desired language for the on-screen
display by performing the procedure below.

1 Hold down the Lock

Lock button

button and slide the
Power switch to
CAMERA.

• The language selection
screen appears.

2 Press the D or C button (C or )

(Q) to select the desired language, then
press the SET (EINST. or REGLAGE)
button (B) (W).

SET

LANGUAGE

ENGL ISH

DEUTSCH

Ç

AIS

FRAN

SET

3 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select the desired language, then press
the CONTROL switch (W).

• The menu screen is displayed in the
language selected.

SPRACHE

ENGL ISH

DEUTSCH

Ç

AIS

FRAN

Ü

ME N

DEMO-BET R. AUS

SPRACHE

----------­DIS EIN

1

----------

4 Press the FERTIG (SORTIE or EXIT)

button (MODE DISPLAY) to turn off the
menu screen.

Note:

• The English, German and French portions
of this operation manual are based on the
use of on-screen displays in their respec­tive languages. The portions of this
manual in other languages, however, are
based on the use of English on-screen
displays.

AUTO

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 008-016; 99/8/10/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

14

Preparation

Setting the Area, Date and
Time

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2000

(2. 6.2000) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30)
in Paris.

Notes:

• Before performing the procedure below, make
sure that the lithium battery has been installed

Preparation

(see page 13).

• If you are in an area that observes summer time,
set the time to the standard time. You can then
correct for summer time by performing the
procedure on page 56.

CONTROL switch

Power switch

Operation buttons

1 Hold down the Lock

Lock button

button and slide the
Power switch to
CAMERA.

2 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears.

3 Press the MENU button (C) to display

the menu screen.

ME NU

MENU

-----------

AREA LONDON

SUMR T IME
DI SPLAY
SETT ING

SET

2

---------­1
OFF
OFF

EXIT

4 Press the SET button (B) until “2

PARIS” appears.

ME NU

SET

-----------

AREA PARI S

SUMR T IME
DI SPLAY
SETT ING

Note: See pages 57 and 58 for the area
number and name of the representative city
for your time zone.

SET

----------

2

2
OFF
OFF

EXIT

5 Press the D button (C) (Q) to select

“SETTING”, then press the SET button
(B) (W).

ME NU

SET

----------­AREA PARI S
SUMR T IME
DI SPLAY

SETT ING

2

---------­2
OFF
OFF

99910010.1.

15

6 Press the C or D button ( or C) to

AUTO

MEN U

PIC
TURE

-

SCENE

MEN U

PIC.
EFF.

SP

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

SETT ING

7 Press the C or D button to select “6”

(month), then press the SET button.

SETT ING

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

SET

EXIT

99910010.2.

99910060.2.

8 Press the C or D button to select “2000”

(year), then press the SET button.

SETT ING

00020060.2.

9 Press the C or D button to select “10”

(hour), then press the SET button.

Displaying the Date and Time
of Recording

Follow the procedure below to display the date,
or both the date and time, of recording on the
screen. You can display the date and time
during both recording and playback.

Preparation

SETT ING

1

00020060.2.

10 Press the C or D button to select “30”

(minute), then press the SET button.

• The internal clock now starts operating.

SETT ING

1

00020360.2.

11 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode

After performing step 10 above, press the D
or C button (C or ) (Q) to select “12H/
24H”, then press the SET button (B) (W) to
select “12H”.

ME NU

SET

SUMR T IME
DI SPLAY
SETT ING

12H 24H

-----------

Notes:

• The date and time, once set, are internally
recorded even when not displayed on the
screen.

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

• You can also use the CONTROL switch to adjust
the menu settings (see page 25).

SET

OFF
OFF

12H

3

----------

00026.2.

03MA01

EXIT

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

1 Hold down the Lock button and slide the

Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

2 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears.

3 Press the MENU button (C) to display

the menu screen.

4 Press the D or C button (C or ) (Q)

to select “DISPLAY”, then press the SET
button (B) (W) to select “DATE” or
“DATE+TIME”.

SET

ME NU

----------­AREA PARI S
SUMR T IME

DI SPLAY

SETT ING

2

---------­2
OFF
DATE+TIME

0301

00026.2.

5 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

EXIT

PIC.
EFF.

SP

000203601.2.

AUTO

PIC

-

TURE

SCENE

MEN U

MEN U

Notes:

• Before recording, make sure that the date and
time have been correctly set. If they have not
been set, the display will be left blank when
playing back the tape. (The display will also be
left blank for unrecorded or damaged portions of
the tape.)

• In VCR mode, the current date and time are
displayed when the tape is not being played
back.

• You can also display the date and time by
pressing the DATE DISPLAY button on the
remote control.

16

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Basic Operations

PAUSE

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording with
Full Auto Mode

Before you start recording, perform the opera­tions described on pages 8 through 16 to pre­pare your VIEWCAM for recording.

REC START/STOP button

LCD monitor screen

Basic Operations

1 Remove the lens cap.

Power switch

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

PAUSE

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.

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.

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 41.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

17

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

REC

Maximum Continuous Camera
Recording and Actual Recording Times

Battery

pack

BT-L241
BT-L441

• The chart specifies the approximate times in
minutes.

Note:

• Using the zoom (see page 18) and other functions
or turning the power on and off frequently will
increase power consumption which may result in
a decrease of more than 50% in the actual
recording time compared to the maximum
continuous recording time listed above.

Max. continuous

recording time

105
210

Actual

recording time

55

110

Zooming

Tips on Recording Positions

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)

Tele­photo

To Zoom In

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

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

2

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.

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

Put the fingers of your right hand through the hand
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 below the
CONTROL switch.

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.

Press your elbows
against your sides.

Basic Operations

Notes:

• 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 35 for recording macro
shots.)

• See page 27 for use of the digital zoom.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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.

18

Basic Operations
Camera Recording

Remaining Recording Time
Display

When the VIEWCAM is recording in Camera
mode, an on-screen indicator displays the
approximate remaining recording time.

MODE DISPLAY button

Approx. remaining

recording time

Basic Operations

Less than half of the

total tape 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 time-remaining indicator, press
the MODE DISPLAY button.

Notes:

• The time-remaining indicators 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 DVM60 tape
standard.)

• If you turn off the time-remaining indicator, 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

THE

TAPE

ENDS SOON.

TAPE END

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

TAPE END

Remaining Battery Power
Display

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 MODE DISPLAY button.
If the battery power becomes very low, a
warning indicator will appear. Replace the
battery pack.

MODE DISPLAY button

(Green)
(Green)
(Red)

BATTERY IS

TOO LOW.

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 functions when the warning
indicator is displayed may cause the VIEWCAM
to suddenly lose power.

Remaining battery
power display

Warning indicator

19

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Basic Operations

STOPREW ST ILL

PLAY/

FF

Playback

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

Operation buttons

Power switch

1 Hold down the Lock button and slide the

Power switch to VCR.

• The screen appears.

SP

STOPREW ST I LL

Lock button

+

AUDIO 1 2

PLAY/

FF

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

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

PLAY/

STOPREW ST ILL

FF

To Stop Playback

Press the STOP
button (A).

Notes:

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

• To use the infrared remote control, make sure
that the REMOTE menu item is set to “ON” (see
page 38).

Auto T ape 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 ` or 1 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.

Volume control

3 Press the PLAY/STILL button ( ) to

begin playback.

PLAY/

STOPREW ST ILL

FF

Decrease Increase

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

VOLUME

20

Basic Operations
Playback

Watching the Playback on a
TV

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

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.

1 Open the jack and terminal covers on the

VIEWCAM.

Jack cover

Basic Operations

AUDIO/VIDEO
jack

Terminal cover

2 Connect the VIEWCAM to your TV (or

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

CHANNEL

PAUSE
/STILL

PLAY

STOP/
EJECT

POWER

REC

TV/VCRSET UP

To S-video

socket

Yellow: To video input jack
White: To audio input (L) jack
Red: To audio input (R) jack

Audio/video cable

(supplied)

S-video cable

(supplied)

To S-VIDEO socket

To AUDIO/VIDEO jack

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.)

S-VIDEO

socket

About the S-video socket

S-video sockets are used to separately pass
the chroma (colour) and luminance (bright­ness) components of video signals. They serve
to improve the picture quality in both recording
and playback.

• If your TV or VCR has an S-video input socket,
you can connect it to the S-VIDEO socket on the
VIEWCAM with the supplied S-video cable.

21

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

4 Set the Power switch on the VIEWCAM to

VCR, and begin tape playback (see page

20).

Notes:

• If your TV or VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART
connector, use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART
conversion connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ).

21-pin Euro-SCART on TV or VCR

VIDEO AUDIO

Video

• If your TV or VCR has only one audio input jack, use
the white plug for the audio connection on the TV or
VCR.

• 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 20).

• Close the jack and terminal covers after use.

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART

0

conversion connector

AUDIO

(QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

(L/MONO)

(R)

Audio R
Audio L

Video Search

STOPREW ST ILL

PLAY/

AUDIO 1 2

+

FF

SP

Still

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

1 During playback, press the Forward

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

• The playback picture fast forwards (or
reverses).

+

AUDIO 1 2

PLAY/

FF

Forward Search button

Reverse Search button

SP

STOPREW ST I LL

2 When you find the desired scene, press

the PLAY/STILL button (
normal playback.

Notes:

• The sound is off during search.

• Some picture noise appears during search. This
is not a malfunction.

) to return to

The still function makes it possible to pause
playback.

During playback, press the PLAY/STILL button
( ).

Basic Operations

To return to normal playback, press the PLAY/
STILL␣ button again.

Notes:

• The sound is off in 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.

22

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Useful FeaturesUseful Features

Operations of the On-screen Displays

Using the Controls

The following controls on the VIEWCAM can be
used to select and operate the various
functions, settings and on-screen displays.

CONTROL switch

Power switch

Operation buttons

Power switch

For use of the camera recording functions, hold
down the Lock button and slide the Power
switch to CAMERA to set the VIEWCAM to
Camera mode.

Lock button

For use of the VCR playback functions, hold
down the Lock button and slide the Power
switch to VCR to set the VIEWCAM to VCR
mode.

CONTROL switch

The CONTROL switch is used to
select the mode screens. Each time
you press the CONTROL switch, the

mode screen changes from to

.

Camera mode

SP SP

AUTO

GAMA

EX

­EFF.

TEND

AUTO

PIC

-

MENU

TURE

VCR mode

+

AUDIO 1 2

PLAY/

FADE

SCENE

MENU

FF

QK.

STOPREW S T ILL

REW

PIC.
EFF.

AUTO

FOCUS

SP SP

AUTO

TIME

RE

­CODE

TURN

SP SP

AUD IO 1+2

AUDI O

PB SE

DUB.

MAN

-

UAL

-

ARCHZOOM

Lock button

To turn the power off, slide the Power switch to
OFF.

23

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

AUDIO 1 2

PIC

MENU TURE

+

-

SP SP

PIC.
EFF.

AUDIO 1 2

GAMA

TIME

PB

CODE

+

The CONTROL switch can also be used to
easily adjust the settings on the following
screens.

• Language selection screen

• Menu screen

• Manual focus screen

• Manual setting screen

• Picture/backlight adjustment screen

• Playback zoom screen

Operation buttons

The Operation buttons are used to select
recording and playback functions on the
screens. Press the Operation button
corresponding to the indicator of the desired
function displayed on the screen.

• Press the SET button (B) when indicated to
press the CONTROL switch.

Example

MANUAL

SET

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

SET

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

AUTO E X IT

Note:

• The Operation button indicators are normally
displayed in blue. When a function is selected,
its indicator is displayed in yellow. When a
function cannot be used, its indicator is
displayed in gray.

The Operation buttons can also be used to
adjust the settings on the language selection,
menu, manual setting and picture/backlight
adjustment screens. The procedures for
adjusting these settings in the following sec­tions of this operation manual are based upon
the use of the CONTROL switch. To adjust
these settings with the Operation buttons,
follow the rules below.

• Press the D or C button (C or ) when
indicated to toggle the CONTROL switch.

Example

MANUAL

SET

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

SET

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

AUTO E X IT

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

About the MODE DISPLAY button

Press the MODE DISPLAY button
to turn the on-screen indicators on
or off.

Notes:

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

• The MODE DISPLAY button functions as the EXIT
button on the menu, manual setting and picture/
backlight adjustment screens (“EXIT” is displayed
above the MODE DISPLAY button). When the
EXIT button is pressed, the screen returns to the
mode screen.

On-screen Displays

Operations of the

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 023-025; 99/7/14/18:00

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24

Operations of the On-screen Displays

Using the Menu Screens

The menu screens can be used to adjust the
various settings of the VIEWCAM.

• The example screens on this page are for
Camera mode.

1 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the
Power switch to
CAMERA or VCR.

Lock button

2 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears.

AUTO

PIC

-

TURE

SCENE

Operations of the

On-screen Displays

MEN U

3 Press the MENU button (C) to display

the menu screen.

ME NU

MENU

-----------

DIS

EXTEND
DGT L ZOOM
FADE

MULT I F RAME

SET

MEN U

1

PIC.
EFF.

----------

ON

2
OFF
NORMAL

1

4 Press the D or C button (C or ) or

toggle the CONTROL switch to select
the desired menu item.

• You can display additional menu items
by continually pressing the D or C
button or toggling the CONTROL switch
in either direction.

SET

----------­DIS

EXTEND

DGT L ZOOM
FADE
MULT I F RAME

5 Press the SET button (B) or the

CONTROL switch to select the desired
setting.

• Each time you press the SET button or

SP

the CONTROL switch, the setting
changes.

SET

-----------

DIS

EXTEND

DGT L ZOOM

6 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

EXIT

Notes:

• Certain menu items are common in both Camera
and VCR modes. If the REMOTE menu item, for
example, is set to “OFF” in Camera mode, it will
be automatically set to “OFF” in VCR mode.

• The menu screen is not displayed during
recording.

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

Example

ME NU

SET

Example

ME NU

2

1

---------­ON
2
OFF
NORMAL
1

1

---------­ON
2
OFF

4

EXIT

01LLA

25

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Recording in LP (Long Play
Recording) Mode

This VIEWCAM allows you to record in LP
(Long Play Recording) mode for approximately
50% more recording time with the same picture
quality as that in SP (Standard Play Recording)
mode.

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “TAPE SPEED”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “LP”.

ME NU

-----------

TAPE SPEED LP

16:9
AUDIO

WIND

REMOTE

MOD E

SET

3

----------

OFF
12BI T
OFF
ON

EXIT

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

• The recording mode indicator changes
from “SP” to “LP”.

EXIT

Notes on the Use of LP Mode

• To record in LP mode, be sure to use a Mini
DV cassette labelled for use with LP mode.

• Frozen images, mosaic-pattern picture noise,
audio interruptions or audio loss may occur in
the following cases:
—When using a tape which is not designated

for use with LP mode.

—When playing back a tape recorded in LP

mode at high temperature.

—When a tape recorded in LP mode with the

VIEWCAM is played back on a Mini DV
player or camcorder from another
manufacturer.

—When a tape recorded in LP mode is

played back on a Mini DV player or
camcorder without an LP function.

• Audio dubbing is not possible with LP mode
recordings.

Useful Features

AUTO

-

SCENE

MEN U

PIC.
EFF.

PIC

MEN U

TURE

Recording mode indicator

To return to SP mode

Press the CONTROL switch to set the TAPE
SPEED menu item to “SP” in step 2 above.

LP

26

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Useful Features

04MOOZ-DTW

Camera Recording

Selecting the 16-bit Audio
Recording Mode

This VIEWCAM allows you to select between
the 12-bit and 16-bit audio recording modes.
The VIEWCAM normally records audio in the
12-bit audio recording mode. For higher-quality
audio, select the 16-bit audio recording mode.

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “AUDIO MODE”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “16BIT”.

ME NU

MOD E

MODE

SET

OFF
16BI T
OFF
ON
OFF

16:9

AUDIO

WIND

REMOTE
DEMO
LANGUAGE

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

To return to 12-bit audio recording
mode

Press the CONTROL switch to set the AUDIO
MODE menu item to “12BIT” in step 2 above.

Note:

• When using the audio dubbing feature with 16-

Useful Features

bit audio recordings, both the dubbed and
original sounds will be recorded in mono (see
page 66).

Setting the Digital Zoom

You can select from among three different zoom
ranges: 1–102 (optical zoom), 10–402 (digital
zoom) or 10–1002 (digital zoom). The digital
zoom allows you to record powerful close-up
pictures with the same operation as normal
zooming.

Notes:

• The digital zoom is in addition to the optical zoom
giving a combined maximum zoom range of 1–

1002.

• As the image is enlarged digitally, the picture

may become distorted when higher digital
zoom settings are used.

• The digital zoom cannot be used with the
Digital Quick Zoom or the STRETCH or SLIM
EFF. picture effects.

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to select

EXIT

“DGTL ZOOM”, then press the CONTROL
switch (W) to select “40@” or “100@”.

----------­DIS
EXTEND

DGT L ZOOM

FADE
MULT I FRAME

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

• The “D” digital zoom indicator is displayed
during digital zooming.

ME NU

1

---------­ON
2
40
NORMAL
1

SET

04001

EXIT

Digital zoom indicator

To return to optical zoom

Press the CONTROL switch to set the DGTL
ZOOM menu item to “OFF” in step 2 above.

27

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Digital Quick Zoom

2

401

(Extend Zoom)

The digital quick zoom function allows you to
instantly zoom in on a subject. You can select
from among three digital quick zoom ranges,
22, 42 or 102.

Using Digital Quick Zoom

1 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears (Camera mode).

QK.

SP

REW

AUTO

EX
TEND

GAMA

­EFF.

FADE

2 During recording, press the EXTEND

button (C).

• The zoom range indicator appears and
the subject is instantly magnified.

Zoom range indicator

-

EX
TEND

AUTO

EX
TEND

GAMA

­EFF.

FADE

2

QK.

SP

REW

Notes:

• The picture quality decreases when the
Digital Quick Zoom is used.

• The Digital Quick Zoom cannot be used in the
digital zoom range or together with the
STRETCH or SLIM EFF. picture effects.

Setting the Digital Quick Zoom
Ranges

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “EXTEND”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “2@”,
“4@”, “10@”, or “ALL”.

ME NU

----------­DIS

EXTEND

DGT L ZOOM
FADE

MULT I F RAME

1

---------­ON
2
OFF
NORMAL
1

SET

2

EXIT

4

01LLA

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

• When “ALL” is selected, each time you press
the EXTEND button (C) during recording,
the zoom range changes as shown.

Normal image

Useful Features

Normal image

Image with

Digital Quick Zoom

To cancel Digital Quick Zoom

Press the EXTEND button until the zoom range
indicator disappears.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Note:

• When the Digital Quick Zoom is used with the
optical zoom at 102,
—“22” increases the zoom power to 202,
—“42” increases the zoom power to 402,
—“102” increases the zoom power to 1002.

28

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Gamma Brightness
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 CONTROL switch until

appears (Camera mode).

Note: At locations where lighting is
insufficient, “LIGHT” appears on the screen.
The Gamma Brightness Compensation
cannot be used in this case.

2 Press the GAMA EFF. button ( )

once.

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

GAMA
EFF.

SP

QK.

QK.

REW

REW

SP

AUTO

AUTO

EX

EX

TEND

TEND

GAMA

GAMA

-

-

EFF .

FADE

EFF.

FADE

To obtain a brighter picture

Press the GAMA EFF. button ( ) again.

• The indicator appears.

GAMMA

AUTO

AUTO

EX

EX

TEND

TEND

GAMMA

GAMA

GAMA

-

-

EFF .

EFF.

FADE

FADE

QK.

QK.

REW

REW

GAMA
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.

SP

SP

Useful Features

29

GAMMA

GAMMA

SP

QK.

QK.

REW

REW

SP

AUTO

AUTO

EX

EX

TEND

TEND

GAMA

GAMA

-

-

EFF .

FADE

EFF.

FADE

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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 CONTROL switch until

appears (Camera mode).

Note: At locations where lighting is adequate,
“LIGHT” will not appear. The gain-up function
cannot be used in this case.

2 Press the GAMA EFF. button ( )

once.

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

L IGHT

GAMA

GAMA

EFF .

EFF.

GAMMA

GAMMA

FADE

FADE

L I GHT

QK.

QK.

L IGHTL IGHT

REW

REW

SP

SP

GAMA
EFF.

AUTO

AUTO

EX

EX

TEND

TEND

-

-

To cancel the gain-up function

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

Notes:

• Gain-up mode will disengage 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.

Useful Features

AUTO

AUTO

EX

EX

TEND

TEND

GAMA

GAMA

-

-

EFF .

EFF.

FADE

FADE

QK.

QK.

REW

REW

To obtain a brighter picture

Press the GAMA EFF. button ( ) again.

• The indicator appears.

GAMMA

AUTO

AUTO

EX

EX

TEND

TEND

GAMMA

GAMA

GAMA

-

-

EFF .

EFF.

FADE

FADE

QK.

QK.

REW

REW

GAMA
EFF.

SP

SP

SP

SP

30

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Digital Image Stabilization
(DIS)

The digital image stabilization (DIS) function is
factory preset to on to stabilize the image by
electronically compensating for relatively small
image shakes that are often annoying in close­up shots.

AUTO

DIS indicator

The DIS function cannot compensate for
excessive image shakes, or for the subjects or
situations described below. In these cases,
turn off the DIS function and use the VIEWCAM
on a tripod.

• Subject with low contrast

• Subject with a plain background

• Dark or dimly lit subject

• Many moving subjects in a single frame

• Subject with vertical or horizontal stripes

Turning Off the DIS Function

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

Useful Features

select “DIS”, then press the CONTROL
switch (W) to select “OFF”.

ME NU

-----------

DIS

EXTEND
DGT L ZOOM
FADE
MULT I F RAME

SET

1

OFF
2
OFF
NORMAL
1

----------

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.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

CONTROL switch until

AUTO

EX

-

TEND

2 Press the QK. REW button (A).

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

QK.

REW

AUTO

EX

-

TEND

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

EXIT

GAMA
EFF.

GAMA
EFF.

appears.

QK.

REW

FADE

QK.

REW

FADE

SP

SP

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

• The indicator is turned off.

To return to DIS mode

Press the CONTROL switch to set the DIS
menu item to “ON” in step 2 above.

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Quick Return

Edit Search

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

CONTROL switch until

AUTO

RE
TURN

appears.

SP

TIME

­CODE

2 Press the RETURN button (C).

• The tape will begin fast forwarding or
rewinding to the end of the last recorded
scene.

RE

-

TURN

QUI CK RE TURN

AUTO

TIME

RE

­CODE

TURN

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

Notes:

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

• If the cassette has been removed since the last
recording or if no recording has been made
since the cassette was loaded, the quick return
function cannot be used.

SP

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.

MODE DISPLAY button

Forward Edit Search button

Reverse Edit Search button

1 In Recording Standby mode, make sure

that no Operation button indicators are
displayed on the screen.

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

2 Press and hold down the Forward Edit

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

Forward edit
search

Reverse edit
search

3 When you find the point where you want

to begin recording, release the button.

Useful Features

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 five times the normal playback speed.

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32

Useful Features
Camera Recording

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 four
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 HOLIDAYS!HAPPY HO LI DAY S!HAPPY HOL I DAYS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!HAPPY HOL I DAYS !HAPPY HOLI DAYS!

BIRTHDAY: The picture fades in from an

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

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!HAPPY HOL I DAYS !HAPPY HOLI DAYS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!HAPPY HOL I DAYS !HAPPY HOLI DAYS!

VACATION: The picture fades in from an

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

HAPPY VACATI ON!VACATI ON!HAPPY HAPPY VACAT ION!VACATI ON!HAPPY

HAPPY VACAT ION!VACATI ON!HAPPYHAPPY VACAT ION!VACATI ON!HAPPY

PARTY: The picture fades in from an animated

musical note sequence with the title “HAPPY
PARTY!”, and fades out to white.

HAPPY PARTY!PARTY!HAPPY HAPPY PARTY!PARTY!HAPPY

HAPPY PARTY!PARTY!HAPPY HAPPY PARTY!PARTY!HAPPY

Useful Features

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

33

Note:

• When playing back images recorded with the

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

animated fade, first turn off the date/time and
time code (or tape counter) displays to fully
enjoy the animated fade (see pages 16, 44
and 45).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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Selecting Fade Mode

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “FADE”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select the
desired fade mode.

ME NU

----------­DIS
EXTEND
DGT L ZOOM

FADE

MULT I F RAME

1

ON
2
OFF
BIRTHDAY
1

SET

----------

EXIT

3 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

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

HAPPY B IRTHDAY!HAPP Y B IRTHDAY !

ROAMLN

LODIAYH

RIHTDAYBRAYTP

ACITONAV

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

Using Fade Mode

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

CONTROL switch until

AUTO

EX
TEND

-

GAMA
EFF.

appears.

Blue

QK.

FADE

REW

SP

2 Press the FADE button (B).

• “FADE” changes from blue to yellow and
the selected fade mode indicator
appears. (“FADE” is displayed for the
NORMAL fade mode indicator.)

FADE

Yellow

B IRTHDAY
AUTO

GAMA

EX

­EFF.

TEND

FADE

QK.

SP

REW

FADEFADE
AUTOAUTO

EX

EX

TEND

TEND

GAMA

GAMA

-

-

EFF.

FADE REW

EFF.

FADE

QK.

QK.

SPSP

REW

4 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.

FADEFADE OUTOUT
AUTOAUTO

GAMA

EX

EX

GAMA

-

-

EF F.

TEND

TEND

EFF.

FADE REW

FADE

QK.

QK.

SPSP

REW

To cancel Fade mode

Press the FADE button. “FADE” returns to blue.

To use fade out only

1 During recording, press the FADE button

(B) on the

screen.

2 Press the REC START/STOP button at

the point where you wish to stop
recording.

Useful Features

Fade mode indicator

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34

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Auto Focus

The VIEWCAM is preset to Auto Focus mode,
which 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.

• The Auto Focus may not work in the situations
described on page 50. In these situations, use
the manual focus function.

Macro Shots

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.

Useful Features

Wide Screen (16:9)

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.

Normal screen Wide screen

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “16:9”, then press the CONTROL
switch (W) to select “ON”.

ME NU

MOD E

SET

SP
ON
12BI T
OFF
ON
OFF

EXIT

TAPE SPEED

16:9

AUDIO

WIND

REMOTE
DEMO MODE

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

• The screen displays the picture with the
top and bottom portions masked.

To return to normal screen

Press the CONTROL switch to set the 16:9
menu item to “OFF” in step 2 above.

Tripod

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.

Power Zoom control

35

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Note:

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

Still Recording

You can record still images of subjects with
normal sound by selecting one of three still
recording modes.

Type of Still Recording Modes

SNAP: A still picture (snapshot) is recorded for

6 seconds.

STILL: A continuous still image is recorded.
PHOTO SHOT: A still picture is recorded for

6 seconds following␣ the sound and visual
effects of a camera shutter closing. (The
sound and visual effects are not recorded.)

Selecting Still Recording Mode

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “MULTI FRAME”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “1”.

ME NU

DIS ON
EXTEND
DGT L ZOOM
FADE

MULT I F RAME

PHOTO SNAP

SET

2
OFF
NORMAL

1

SNAP

EXIT

3 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “PHOTO SNAP”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select the
desired still recording mode.

MULT I F RAME

PHOTO SNAP

-----------

1
SNAP

2

----------

SET

ANPS

TOOHOHTSP

EXIT

ITLLS

Using Still Recording

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

SNAP button.

• A still image of the subject is displayed.

SNAP button

2 Press the REC START/

STOP button.

• The still image of the
subject will be recorded.

In SNAP and PHOTO SHOT modes, the
VIEWCAM returns to Recording Standby
mode after recording a still image for
6␣ seconds.

SNAP/PHOTO SHOT

To pause recording, press the REC START/

STOP button.

To cancel the still image, press the SNAP

button in Recording Standby mode.

STILL

To pause recording, press the REC START/

STOP button.

To cancel the still image, press the SNAP

button.

Notes:

• SNAP and STILL can also be used during
recording by pressing the SNAP button.

• If PHOTO SHOT is used during recording, a
still picture will be recorded for 6 seconds
without the sound and visual effects of a
camera shutter closing.

• The picture quality in these modes will be slightly
lower than normal pictures.

Useful Features

4Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

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36

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Multiple Strobe Recording

The multiple strobe recording function allows
you to record a fast-moving subject at intervals
of 1/10 of a second using a 9- or 16-frame
picture. This is useful when you want to check
your form in sports such as tennis or golf.

Setting Multiple Strobe Recording
Mode

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “PHOTO SNAP”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “SNAP”
or “STILL”.

ME NU

Useful Features

SNAP: A multi-frame picture is recorded

for 6 seconds.

STILL: A multi-frame picture is continu-

ously recorded until the REC START/
STOP button is pressed again.

Note: The Multiple Strobe Recording cannot
be used with PHOTO SHOT mode.

EXTEND
DGT L ZOOM
FADE

FADE
MULT I F RAME

PHOTO SNAP

-----------

SET

2
OFF
NORMAL

NORMAL
1
SNAP

2

----------

3 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “MULTI FRAME”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “9” (9­frame picture) or “16” (16-frame picture).

MULT I F RAME

PHOTO SNAP16SNAP

-----------

4 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

Using Multiple Strobe Recording

1 In Recording Standby mode,

press the SNAP button.

• A multi-frame picture of the
subject is displayed.

2 Press the REC START/STOP button.

• The multi-frame picture will be recorded.

In SNAP mode, the VIEWCAM returns to
Recording Standby mode after recording
a multi-frame picture for 6 seconds.

SNAP

To pause recording, press the REC START/

STOP button.

To cancel the multi-frame picture, press the

SNAP button in Recording Standby mode.

STILL

EXIT

To pause recording, press the REC START/

STOP button.

To cancel the multi-frame picture, press the

SNAP button.

Notes:

• The Multiple Strobe Recording can also be used
during recording by pressing the SNAP button.

• The picture quality in Multiple Strobe Recording
mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

• The Multiple Strobe Recording cannot be
used with the digital zoom, Digital Quick
Zoom, picture effects, or 1/30 sec. shutter
speed.

2

----------

SET

EXIT

9161

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Using the Remote Control

Use the remote control to operate the VIEW­CAM from a distance, such as when you want
to record yourself in a scene, or when the
VIEWCAM is connected to a TV for use as a
VCR.

Installing the Battery

1 Hold the remote control

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

2 Insert the supplied lithium battery into

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

3 Insert the holder in

the direction of the
arrow.

• Make sure that the j
side faces the back
of the remote control.

Notes:

• See page 13 for use of the lithium battery.

• When the battery is depleted and the remote
control does not operate, replace it with a new
CR2025 lithium battery.

Turning On the Remote Control Mode

1 Display the menu screen (see page 25).
2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “REMOTE”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “ON”.

Camera mode

ME NU

TAPE SPEED SP
16:9
AUDIO

WIND

REMOTE

DEMO MODE

MOD E

SET

OFF
12BI T
OFF
ON
OFF

EXIT

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

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

PICTURE EFFECT button [p. 63]

REC START/STOP button [p. 17]

SLOW button [p. 42]

ZOOM buttons [pp. 18, 59]

STOP button [p. 20]

PLAY button [p. 20]

FF button [p. 20]

REW button [p. 20]

PAUSE/STILL
button [p. 22]

TIME CODE
buttons [p. 44]

PLAYBACK ZOOM buttons [p. 59]

DATE DISPLAY button [p. 16]

VOLUME buttons [p. 20]

F. ADV/STROBE button [p. 42]

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 D, A, , C and B buttons on the remote
control do not correspond to the Operation
buttons when using the mode and menu screens
except for the screen in VCR mode.

Useful Features

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38

Useful Features
Camera Recording

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, using the remote control.

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

4 Press the REC START button (B) to

begin recording.

ME S

-

SAGE

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:

• In Self Recording mode, only the REC START/STOP
button and the ZOOM buttons can be used on the
remote control.

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. (See page 7 for descriptions of the
warning indicators.)

• In Self Recording mode, it is not possible to
display other mode and menu screens or use
some functions and settings.

• 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 button still
works as the Play/Still button.)

REC
START

ME S

SAGE

3 Push the Power Zoom

control to obtain the desired
angle of view.

39

-

REC
START

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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 39, then perform the
procedure below.

EXTEND button

REC START/
REC STOP buttonMESSAGE button

1 Press the MESSAGE button (A) to

display the self-recording message
screen.

ME S

ME S

SAGE

-

SAGE

PRESS

REC START FOR

LEAV I NG YOUR MESSAGE.

-

REC
START

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.

-

ME S
SAGE

PLEASE START SPEAK I NG.

REC
STOP

When the remaining recording time
reaches 5␣ seconds, “EXTEND” will begin
flashing.

ME S

-

EX

-

SAGE

TEND

5

REC
STOP

3 When you want to extend

the recording time, press
the EXTEND button (C)
within 5 seconds.

• You may record continu­ously for 10 more
seconds.

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).

EX

-

TEND

Useful Features

REC
START

02

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Useful Features
Camera Recording

Setting the VIEWCAM to Full
Auto Mode

This VIEWCAM is equipped with auto exposure,
auto focus, auto shutter speed, auto white
balance, and auto iris functions. For easy, high­quality camera recording, record subjects in
Full Auto mode.

If “AUTO” is not displayed on the screen,
perform the procedure below to set the
VIEWCAM to Full Auto mode.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

CONTROL switch until
“MAN’L FOCUS” is displayed, press the

button to change it to “FOCUS”.

MAN’L
FOCUS

appears. If

FOCUS

2 If “MANUAL” is displayed in yellow, press

the MANUAL button (A) to display the
manual setting screen, then press the
AUTO button (A).

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

Useful Features

MAN

UAL

-

MAN

UAL

3 Press the CONTROL switch until

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

SPORT

SP

-

SCENE

MEN U

B/W
EFF.

PIC

MENU TURE

4 If “PIC. EFF.” is not displayed above the

A button, press this button until “PIC.
EFF.” appears.

B/W
EFF.

PIC.
EFF.

SP

SP

-

AUTO

MEN U

PIC-SCENE
TURE

MEN U

5 Press the MODE DISPLAY button.

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

AUTO

AUTO

MANUAL

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)
to turn off the manual setting screen.

41

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AUTO E X IT

SET

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Full Auto mode indicator

Useful Features

Playback

You can operate the functions on this page
using the supplied remote control.

SLOW button

PLAY button

F. ADV/STROBE
button

Slow

The slow function allows you to play back
images in slow motion.

During playback, press the SLOW button (E).

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

Notes:

• To protect the tape, the VIEWCAM automatically
returns to normal playback if it is left in Slow
mode for more than 10 minutes.

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

Strobe Playback

The strobe playback function allows you to
quickly play back a series of still images.

During normal playback, press the F. ADV/
STROBE button ( ).

• The VIEWCAM plays back one frame at a time at
approximately 1/4 sec. intervals.

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

Notes:

• The sound is off during slow, frame advance and
strobe playback.

• If you use the slow or frame advance function
with the tape recorded in LP mode, the picture
may advance several frames at a time.

Frame Advance

The frame advance function allows you to play
back still images frame by frame.

During still playback, press the F. ADV/STROBE
button ( ).

• Each time you press the button, the picture
advances one frame.

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

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

42

Useful Features
Playback

Programme Search

The programme 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.

Note:

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

1 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears (VCR mode).

AUD I O 1+2

AUDI O

PB SE

DUB .

2 Press the SEARCH button (A).

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

SE

-

ARCH

PROG. SEARCH

AUD I O 1+2

Useful Features

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.

REW

PROG. SEARCH

AUD I O 1+2

REW

SP

EXI TFF

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

SP

-

ARCHZOOM

SP

EXI TREW FF

during normal playback.

• 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 after the
last (or before the first) recording, the FF (or
REW) indicator will be displayed in gray and the
FF (or REW) button cannot be used.

• To cancel programme search, press the EXIT
button (MODE DISPLAY).

Example: When using a tape with 5 different scenes.

Monitor display

PROG. SEARCH

AUDI O 1+2

Current tape position

Video tape

Beginning of each scene

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.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

PROG. SEARCH

SP

AUDI O 1+2

FF

REWREW FF FF

EX IT

PROG. SEARCH

SP

AUDI O 1+2

EX IT

First recording Last recording

SP

EX ITREW

Using the Time Code

The time code shows the hour, minute and
second of recording, and the frame number
(1 frame = approx. 1/25 sec.). This is automat­ically recorded along with the subject. You can
display the time code on the screen as an
accurate counter in both VCR and Camera
modes.

Display format

0 00 10 20TC

Frame number*

Second

Minute

Hour

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

*Displayed during still

or frame advance
playback.

1 During playback (or recording), press

the CONTROL switch until

AUDIO 1 2

GAMA

TIME

PB

CODE

+

appears.

SP

2 Press the TIME CODE button ( ) to

display the time code.

TIME
CODE

Time code

+

AUDIO 1 2

0TC

50 35

GAMA

TIME
CODE

MEM

ORYPB

SP

RE

-

­SET

• When images are played back in Still or
Frame Advance mode (see pages 22 and

42), the frame number is displayed for each
frame.

Frame number

AUDIO 1 2

0 50 36 24TC

PLAY/

+

FF

SP

STOPREW ST I LL

To turn off the time code

Press the TIME CODE button on the
screen.

Notes:

• When the tape reaches an unrecorded section,
the time code returns to zero (TC0:00:00). Once
recorded, the time code cannot be changed.

• You can also turn on and off the time code by
pressing the TIME CODE DISPLAY button on the
remote control.

Displaying the Time Code on a TV
During Playback

1 In VCR mode, display the menu screen

(see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “TC OUT”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “ON”.

ME NU

-----------------------­DISPLAY
AUD IO

TC OUT

PB EFFECT
REMOTE

OFF
AUDIO 1+ 2
ON
OFF
ON

SET

EXIT

Useful Features

Note: If “TC” does not appear, press the
MEMORY button (B) until “TC” is displayed.

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44

Useful Features
Playback

Using the Tape Counter

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.

VCR mode

1 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears.

AUDIO 1 2

GAMA

TIME

PB

CODE

+

SP

2 Press the TIME CODE button ( ) to

display the time code.

TIME
CODE

Time code

AUDIO 1 2

0TC

50 35

GAMA

TIME
CODE

+

MEM

ORYPB

SP

RE

-

­SET

4 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears, then begin playback.

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

AUDIO 1 2

0 00 02

PLAY/

+

FF

SP

STOPREW ST ILL

Camera mode

1 Perform steps 1 to 3 above.
2 Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

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

Note:

• 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
difference of several seconds.

To turn off the tape counter

Perform step 1 above for VCR mode, and press
the TIME CODE button.

Useful Features

3 Press the RESET button (A).

• The time code display changes to the
tape counter display, which is set to
“0:00:00”.

RE

-

SET

Tape counter

AUDIO 1 2

0 00 00

GAMA

PB

45

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SP

RE

-

­SET

TIME
CODE

+

MEM

ORY

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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 (M 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 CONTROL

switch until

appears.

5 Press the REW button (C).

• The tape will automatically stop when the
counter reaches “M 0:00:00”.

REW

+

AUDIO 1 2

0M 11 24

PLAY/

FF

SP

STOPREW ST ILL

+

AUDIO 1 2

0TC

50 35

GAMA

TIME

PB

CODE

MEM

ORY

RE

-

­SET

• If “MEMORY” is not displayed, press the
TIME CODE button ( ).

2 Press the MEMORY button (B) to

display the counter memory.

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

-

MEM

ORY

Memory indicator

+

AUDIO 1 2

0M 81 31

GAMA

TIME
CODE

MEM

RE

-

­SET

ORYPB

3 Press the RESET button (A) to reset

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

RE

-

SET

+

AUDIO 1 2

0M

00 00

GAMA

TIME
CODE

MEM

RE

-

­SET

ORYPB

AUDIO 1 2

0M

00 00
PLAY/

SP

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/STILL button ( ) to

view the desired scene.

Camera mode

1 During recording, press the CONTROL

switch until

• If “MEMORY” is not displayed, press the
TIME CODE button ( ).

SP

2 Perform steps 2 and 3 above.

appears.

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 turn off the counter memory

Press the MEMORY button on the screen.
The counter memory display will change to the
time code display.

SP

Note:

• This feature does not work during video search.

+

FF

SP

STOPREW ST ILL

Useful Features

4 Press the CONTROL switch until

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

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46

Useful Features
Playback

Beep

This VIEWCAM provides confirmation sounds
in the following situations.

Situation

Before the cassette holder
extends or retracts.

When the Power switch is set
from OFF to CAMERA or VCR.

When the Power switch is set
from CAMERA or VCR to OFF.

When the REC START/STOP
button is pressed to begin
recording.

When the REC START/STOP
button is pressed to stop
recording.

After leaving the VIEWCAM in
Recording Standby mode for
about 4 minutes. (Warning that
the power will turn off in one
minute.)

After leaving the VIEWCAM in
Recording Standby mode for
more than 5 minutes. (The power
automatically turns off to save
battery power and to protect the
tape.)

Useful Features

Turning Off the Beep

Single beep

Single beep

Single beep

Single beep

Double beep

Double beep

Single beep

Sound

Turning Off the LCD Monitor
Backlight

The LCD monitor uses a fluorescent lamp for
backlighting (see page 72). In order to reduce
battery consumption, you can turn off the lamp
when backlighting is not necessary (e.g. when
you are watching playback on the screen of a
connected TV).

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

Power switch

MODE DISPLAY button

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

Note:

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

1 In VCR mode, display the menu screen

(see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “BEEP”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “OFF”.

ME NU

SET

AUDIO
OFF
OFF
ON

AUD IO
TC OUT

PB EFFECT
REMOTE

BEEP OFF

MUL T I F RAME 1

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

1+2

EXIT

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Scene Menu (Programme AE)

You can select one of four scene settings to
create the best results for a specific type of
recording situation. 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.

PARTY: When the illumination is from a

spotlight or candles.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

CONTROL switch until

AUTO

MEN U

PIC
TURE

appears.

-

SCENE

MEN U

PIC.
EFF.

SP

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.

• We recommend that you select “SCENE
MENU” to record outdoor parties.

• Changing the scene setting when a still
image is displayed does not affect the still
image.

2 Press the B button to select the scene

setting that best fits the recording
situation.

• Each time you press the B button, the
scene setting changes as shown below.

SCENE

MENU

SP

PIC

MENU TURE

SCENE

MENU

OPTRS

TRYAPKSUD

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PIC.

­EFF.

SPORT

SUN

LIGHT

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Advanced Features

48

Advanced Features
Camera Recording

Picture Effects

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

Type of 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.

MOSAIC: The picture is divided up into tiles.
SOLARI: The contrast of the subject is

enhanced, creating a unique artistic image.

STRETCH: The image is stretched horizontally

to make the subject look wider.

SLIM EFF.: The image is stretched vertically to

make the subject look taller.

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

CONTROL switch until

AUTO

MEN U

PIC
TURE

-

appears.

PIC.

SCENE

EFF.

MEN U

SP

3 Press the MODE DISPLAY button to

turn off the Operation button indicators.

To cancel the picture effect

Select “PIC. EFF.” in step␣ 2 above.

Notes:

• Picture effects cannot be selected when a still
image is displayed.

• The STRETCH and SLIM EFF. picture effects
cannot be used with the digital zoom or
Digital Quick Zoom.

• The PICTURE EFFECT button on the remote
control can be used only when the VIEWCAM is
in VCR mode.

2 Press the A button to select the

desired picture effect.

• Each time you press the A button, the
picture effect changes as shown below.

PIC.
EFF.

Advanced Features

PIC

MENU TURE

49

PIC.

EFF.
NEGA

EFF.

B/W
EFF.

SLIM
EFF.

SEPA
EFF.

STRE

-

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SP

B/W

-

SCENE

EFF.

MEN U

MO

-

SA I C
SO

TCH

-

LARI

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Manual Focus

UAL

MAN

-

MAN’L
FOCUS NEARFAR

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.

Subject is too dark.

Fast-moving subject. Background is too bright.

Subject has vertical or

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.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

CONTROL switch until

AUTO

FOCUS

appears.

MAN

UAL

SP

-

2 Press the FOCUS button ( ) to set

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

FOCUS

Manual focus indicator

MF

MAN’L
FOCUS

MAN

UAL

NEARFAR

SP

-

3 Push the Power Zoom

control to frame the subject
as you desire.

4 Toggle the CONTROL switch upwards

(far) or downwards (near), or press the
FAR (C) or NEAR (B) button, to focus
on the subject.

High-speed shutter being

used under fluorescent

lighting.

Advanced Features

To cancel Manual Focus mode

Perform step 1 above, and press the
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.

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Advanced Features
Camera Recording

Setting the Shutter Speed

The shutter speed of the VIEWCAM is preset to
the standard speed (1/50 sec.). According to
the subject or situation, you may want to select
the appropriate shutter speed to create a
higher-quality picture.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

CONTROL switch until

AUTO

FOCUS

appears.

MAN

UAL

SP

-

2 Press the MANUAL button (A) to

display the manual setting screen.

MAN

UAL

-

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

AUTO E X IT

SET

4 Toggle the CONTROL switch to select

the desired shutter speed.

MANUAL

SHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

Shutter speed

indicator

10000
4000
2000
1000
500
250
120
NORMA L
30

1000

Shutter

speed

1/10,000 sec.

1/4,000 sec.
1/2,000 sec.
1/1,000 sec.

1/500 sec.
1/250 sec.
1/120 sec.

1/50 sec.
1/30 sec.

5 Press the CONTROL switch to set the

shutter speed.

MANUAL

1000SHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

AUTO E X IT

SET

3 Press the CONTROL switch.

• “SHUT. SPEED” is displayed in yellow.

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

Advanced Features

51

MANUAL

SET

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

AUTO E X IT

6 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the manual setting screen.

To return to the standard shutter speed

Select “NORMAL” in step 4 above.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Recommended Shutter Speeds

The faster the shutter speed, the darker the
picture becomes. Select the most appropriate
shutter speed for the ambient light.

Situation

• Recording sports action
in bright daylight.

• Recording in bright day­light at a ski resort.

• Recording outdoor
sports on a partially
cloudy day.

• Recording an outside
scene through a car win­dow (when you want to
minimize blurs caused
by camera shake).

• When you want to
reduce the light by half.
Use as a substitute for
an ND2 filter.

• Recording in a poorly­illuminated location.

• When you want to create
artistic trailing images of
fast-moving subjects.

Recommended

shutter speed

1/10,000 sec.

l

1/1,000␣ sec.

1/1,000 sec.

l

1/250␣ sec.

1/120 sec.

1/30 sec.

Notes:

• Using a fast shutter speed under fluorescent
lighting will cause flickering in the picture and
possibly periodic colour shifts.

• Recording with a shutter speed faster than 1/50
sec. (“NORMAL”) tends to darken the picture.
Record in bright locations when you use a fast
shutter speed.

• The Auto Focus does not work when the shutter
speed is set to 1/30 sec. (“30”). Use the manual
focus function (see page␣ 50).

• The shutter speed setting will be cancelled if
the Scene Menu is set thereafter.

Tips on Using the Shutter Speed

• Fast shutter speeds can be used with the still
recording function (see page 36) to record
higher quality still images of fast-moving
subjects.

• If the picture on the monitor flickers when
recording under fluorescent lighting, you may
be able to compensate by setting the shutter
speed to 1/120 sec.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Advanced Features

52

Advanced Features
Camera Recording

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

CONTROL switch until

appears.

2 Press the MANUAL button (A) to

display the manual setting screen.

3 Toggle the CONTROL switch to select

“WHITE BALANCE”.

MANUAL

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

SET

4 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

Advanced Features

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

AUTO E X IT

5 Press the CONTROL switch to set the

white balance.

• “LOCK” flashes during the locking
procedure.

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE LOCK

IRIS

AUTO E X IT

SET

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE LOCK

IRIS

6 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the manual setting screen.

7 Aim the lens at the desired subject and

press the REC START/STOP button to
begin recording.

To cancel White Balance Lock

Perform steps 1 to 3 above, and press the
CONTROL switch. “LOCK” changes to
“AUTO”.

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 “LOCK” is
flashing in step 5.

• If “LOCK” does not stop flashing in step 5, press
the CONTROL switch to cancel the locking
procedure and repeat step 5.

• The White Balance Lock will be cancelled if

the Scene Menu is set thereafter.

53

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Manual Iris

The VIEWCAM is preset to Auto Iris 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 iris function to correct the iris value.

3 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “IRIS”, then press the CONTROL
switch (W).

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

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

• Select a larger iris value to allow more light
through the lens.

Subject is too bright against background.

• Select a smaller iris value to allow less light
through the lens.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

CONTROL switch until

appears.

2 Press the MANUAL button (A) to

display the manual setting screen.

MAN

UAL

-

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

AUTO E X IT

SET

AUTO E X IT

SET

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

4 Toggle the CONTROL switch to select

the desired iris value.

• The bar indicates the selected iris value.

IRIS

Less light More light

5 Press the CONTROL switch to set the

iris value.

MANUAL

NORMA LSHUT. SPEED

WHITE BALANCE AUTO

IRIS

AUTO E X IT

SET

6 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the manual setting screen.

Advanced Features

To cancel Manual Iris mode

Select the centre setting in step 4 above.

Note:

• Manual Iris mode will be cancelled if the
Scene Menu is set thereafter.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

54

Advanced Features
Camera Recording

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 CONTROL switch until

appears.

2 Press the PICTURE button ( ) to

display the adjustment screen.

PI C

TURE

-

PICTURE

BACKLIGHT AUTO

BRIGHT

COLOUR

SET

EXIT

3 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select the item you wish to adjust, then
press the CONTROL switch (W).

Example

PICTURE

BACKLIGHT AUTO

BRIGHT

COLOUR

4 Toggle the CONTROL switch to adjust

the item to the desired setting.

BACKLIGHT

BACKLIGHT

BACKLIGHT BRIGHT

BRIGHT

COLOUR

Decrease Increase

NORMAL

AUTO

Darker Brighter

Type of Backlight modes
(“BACKLIGHT”)

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.

5 Press the CONTROL switch to set the

picture/backlight setting.

6 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the adjustment screen.

Advanced Features

55

Notes:

SET

PICTURE

BACKLIGHT AUTO

BRIGHT

EXIT

• 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.)

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Windbreak

Selecting Summer Time

The windbreak function allows you to reduce
annoying noise from strong winds when
recording.

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “WIND”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “ON”.

ME NU

AUDIO MODE 12BIT

WIND

REMOTE
DEMO
LANGUAGE

----------- ----------

MODE

SET

ON
ON
OFF

1

----------

EXIT

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

To cancel Windbreak

Press the CONTROL switch to set the WIND
menu item to “OFF” in step 2 above.

Note:

• Keep the windbreak function off during normal
recording. If it is left on, the recorded audio may
sound somewhat altered when played back.

Perform the procedure below to advance the
clock of the VIEWCAM one hour to summer
time.

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch to select

“SUMR TIME”.

ME NU

----------­AREA PARI S

SUMR T IME

DI SPLAY
SETT ING

SET

2

----------

2
OFF
DATE TIME+

00026.2.

0301

EXIT

3 Press the CONTROL switch to select

“ON”.

• The time automatically changes to
summer time.

ME NU

----------­AREA PARI S

SUMR T IME

DI SPLAY
SETT ING

SET

2

----------

2
ON
DATE TIME+

00026.2.

0311

EXIT

4 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

• The indicator appears when the date/
time is displayed.

EXIT

To reset to standard time

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

AUTO

MEN U

Summer time

indicator

PIC

-

SCENE

TURE

MEN U

PIC.
EFF.

Advanced Features

SP

000203611.2.

56

Advanced Features
Camera Recording

World Clock

The world clock function allows you to easily
adjust the clock to the local time when you use
the VIEWCAM while travelling anywhere around
the world.

• Set the area, date and time for your home time
zone if they have not already been set (see
page␣ 15).

Example: Changing the clock from Paris time
to London time.

1 In Recording Standby mode, display the

menu screen (see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch to select

“AREA”.

ME NU

Time Zone Chart

-----------

AREA PARI S

SUMR T IME
DI SPLAY
SETT ING

SET

2

---------­2
OFF
OFF

00026.2.

0301

EXIT

3 Press the CONTROL switch to select

“1 LONDON”.

• The VIEWCAM is now set to London
time.

ME NU

-----------

AREA LONDON

SUMR T IME
DI SPLAY
SETT ING

SET

2

----------

1
OFF
OFF

00026.2.

039

EXIT

4 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

HAWAII

SAMOA

Advanced Features

Area

number

57

ANCHRGE

150˚

LONDON

MOSCOW

CHICAGO

NEW YORK

DENVER

L. A.

CARACAS

FN ISL.

RIO

23

PARIS

AZORES

30˚60˚90˚120˚

24 2 3 4 5 61 7 8 9 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

CAIRO

DUBAI

KARACHI

DACCA

HNGKNG

BANGKOK

TOKYO

SOLOMON

SYDNEY

WLLNGTN

180˚150˚120˚90˚60˚30˚0˚

10

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Area T able

Area number

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Area name

LONDON

PARIS

CAIRO

MOSCOW

DUBAI

KARACHI

DACCA

BANGKOK

HNGKNG

TOKYO

SYDNEY

SOLOMON

WLLNGTN

SAMOA

HAWAII

Countries or areas*

England, Morocco, GMT (Greenwich mean time)

Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Portugal, CST (Continental Standard Time), Tunisia

Egypt, Finland, Greece, Turkey

Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Russia
(Moscow)

United Arab Emirates

Maldives, Pakistan

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar

Cambodia, Indonesia (Jakarta), Thailand, Vietnam

Australia (Perth), China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (Borneo, Bali), Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan

Japan, Korea

Australia (Sydney)

New Caledonia

Fiji, New Zealand

Western Samoa

Hawaii Is., Tahiti, HST (Hawaii Standard Time)

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

* These are commonly used names. The formal names may be different.

ANCHRGE

L.A.

DENVER

CHICAGO

NEW YORK

CARACAS

RIO

FN ISL.

AZORES

U.S.A. (Alaska), AST (Alaska Standard Time)

U.S.A. (Los Angeles, San Francisco), PST (Pacific Standard Time)

U.S.A. (Denver), MST (Mountain Standard Time)

Mexico, U.S.A. (Chicago), CST (Central Standard Time)

Canada (Montreal), Jamaica, Peru, U.S.A. (New York, Washington D.C.),
EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Chile, Dominica, Venezuela

Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

Fernando de Noronha

Azores Islands

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Advanced Features

58

Advanced Features

Advanced Features

Playback

Playback

Playback Zoom

The playback zoom function allows you to
magnify the playback picture up to 10 times of
the original size.

1 During playback, press the CONTROL

switch until

appears.

AUD I O 1+2

AUDI O

PB SE

DUB .

SP

-

ARCHZOOM

2 Press the PB ZOOM button (C) to

display the playback zoom screen.

PB ZOOM

AUDIO 1 2

AUDIO 1 2

PB ZOOM

+

+

SP

SP

EXI T

EXI T

PB
ZOOM

4 Press the B (C), A ( ), D (B) or C

(A) button to shift the displayed image.

PB ZOOM

PB ZOOM

SP

+

+

AUDIO 1 2

AUDIO 1 2

To cancel Playback Zoom

Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY).

Notes:

• To pause the playback picture, press the PAUSE/
STILL button ( ) on the remote control.

• Use of the Playback Zoom may cause a reduc­tion in picture quality for still images.

• You cannot transfer images to a personal
computer in Playback Zoom mode.

• The Playback Zoom cannot be used with the
STRETCH or SLIM EFF. Picture Effect
Playback.

Operating with the Remote Control

ZOOM buttons

SP

EXI T

EXI T

3 Toggle the CONTROL switch upwards

to zoom in.

PB ZOOMPB ZOOM

+

+

AUDIO 1 2

AUDIO 1 2

• Toggle the CONTROL switch downwards
to zoom out.

Advanced Features

Note: The Power Zoom/Volume control can
only be used to adjust the volume when the
VIEWCAM is in VCR mode.

59

PLAYBACK
ZOOM buttons

SP

SP

1 During playback, press the ZOOM T

EXI T

EXI T

button to zoom in.

• Press the ZOOM W button to zoom out.

2 Press the PLAYBACK ZOOM ß, ©, ƒ

or ∂ button to shift the displayed image.

To cancel Playback Zoom

Press the ZOOM␣ W button until the widest
angle is obtained.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Gamma Playback

Multiple Strobe 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 CONTROL

switch until

appears.

AUDIO 1 2

GAMA

TIME

PB

CODE

+

SP

2 Press the GAMA PB button (C).

• “GAMMA” appears and the picture
becomes brighter.

GAMA
PB

+

+

AUDIO 1 2

AUDIO 1 2

GAMA

TIME

GAMA

T IME

PB

CODE

PB

CODE

The multiple strobe playback function can be
used to capture the action of a fast-moving
subject at intervals of 1/10 of a second using a
9- or 16-frame picture. This is useful when you
want to check your form in sports such as
tennis or golf.

Selecting Multiple Strobe Playback
Mode

1 In VCR mode, display the menu screen

(see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “MULTI FRAME”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “9”
(9-frame picture) or “16” (16-frame
picture).

TC OUT

PB EFFECT
REMOTE
BEEP ON

MULT I FRAME 16

------------------------

SP

SP

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

ME NU

OFF
OFF

ON

SET

EXIT

9161

GAMMAGAMMA

+

+

AUDIO 1 2

AUDIO 1 2

GAMA

T IME

GAMA

TIME

PB

CODE

PB

CODE

To cancel Gamma Playback

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

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 059-063; 99/7/2/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Using Multiple Strobe Playback

During playback, press the SNAP button at the
point where you want to begin the multiple
strobe playback.

SP

SP

• A multi-frame picture of the image is displayed.

SNAP button

To cancel the Multiple Strobe Playback, press
the SNAP button again.

Note:

• The Multiple Strobe Playback cannot be used
during still or slow playback, or together with
the Playback Zoom or Picture Effect Playback.

Advanced Features

60

Advanced Features
Playback

Still Image Overlap

The still image overlap function can be used to
create a dissolve effect between images during
playback. A still image recorded in Still
Recording mode fades out while the next
image fades in. The two scenes momentarily
overlap during the transition.

Preparation

1 Plan the scene transition, and record still

images with the still recording function
(see page 36).

Notes:

• The still image overlap function can also be
used to provide a transition from a still
image to a moving image.

• Record images for 6 seconds or longer. An
image recorded for less than 6 seconds
may not dissolve properly.

2 Rewind the tape to just before the

position you want to playback.

Using Still Image Overlap

1 In VCR mode, display the menu screen

(see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “PB EFFECT”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select
“OVERLAP”.

ME NU

-----------------------­DISPLAY
AUD IO
TC OUT

PB EFFECT

REMOTE

OFF
AUDIO 1+ 2
OFF
OVERLAP
ON

SET

EXIT

4 Press the button to begin playback.

• The still image fades out as the following
image fades in, replacing it. The two
scenes momentarily overlap.

To cancel Still Image Overlap mode

Press the CONTROL switch to set the PB
EFFECT menu item to “OFF” in step 2 above.

Note:

• Still Image Overlap mode will be cancelled if
the Playback Zoom, Multiple Strobe Playback
or Picture Effect Playback is used thereafter.

Advanced Features

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen, then press
the MODE DISPLAY button to turn off
the mode screen.

61

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Wipe

The wipe function can be used to create an
interesting presentation of playback images in
which a still image is replaced with the next
image appearing in the middle of the screen.

Preparation

1 Plan the scene transition, and record still

images with the still recording function
(see page 36).

Notes:

• The wipe function can also be used to
provide a transition from a still image to a
moving image.

• Record images for 6 seconds or longer. An
image recorded for less than 6 seconds
may not dissolve properly.

2 Rewind the tape to just before the

position you want to playback.

4 Press the button to begin playback.

• The still image is replaced with the next
image appearing in the middle of the
screen.

To cancel Wipe mode

Press the CONTROL switch to set the PB
EFFECT menu item to “OFF” in step 2 above.

Using Wipe

1 In VCR mode, display the menu screen

(see page 25).

2 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “PB EFFECT”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “WIPE”.

ME NU

-----------------------­DISPLAY
AUD IO
TC OUT

PB EFFECT

REMOTE

OFF
AUDIO 1+ 2
OFF
WIPE

ON

SET

EXIT

3 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen, then press
the MODE DISPLAY button to turn off
the mode screen.

Note:

• Wipe mode will be cancelled if the Playback
Zoom, Multiple Strobe Playback or Picture
Effect Playback is used thereafter.

Advanced Features

62

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Advanced Features
Playback

Picture Effect Playback

These picture effects let you play back images
with a more dramatic effect.

Type of Picture Effects

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

and-white.

SEPA EFF.: The picture is displayed in sepia

colour similar to that of an old photograph.

MOSAIC: The picture is divided up into tiles.
SOLARI: The contrast of the subject is

enhanced, creating a unique artistic image.

STRETCH: The image is stretched horizontally

to make the subject look wider.

SLIM EFF.: The image is stretched vertically to

make the subject look taller.

NEGA EFF.: The blacks and whites of the

image are reversed and colours of the image
are inverted.

1 During playback, press the CONTROL

switch until

appears.

AUDIO 1 2

PIC

MENU TURE

PIC.
EFF.

SP

+

-

3 Press the MODE DISPLAY button to

turn off the Operation button indicators.

To cancel Picture Effect Playback

Select “PIC. EFF.” in step␣ 2 above.

Notes:

• You can also select the picture effect by
pressing the PICTURE EFFECT button on the
remote control during playback.

• You cannot transfer images to a personal
computer in Picture Effect Playback mode.

• The Picture Effect Playback will be cancelled
if Still Image Overlap or Wipe mode is set
thereafter.

• The Picture Effect Playback cannot be used
during still or slow playback.

• The STRETCH and SLIM EFF. Picture Effect
Playback cannot be used with the Playback
Zoom.

2 Press the A button to select the

desired picture effect.

• Each time you press the A button, the
picture effect changes as shown below.

PIC.
EFF.

Advanced Features

PIC.

EFF.
NEGA

EFF.

63

AUDIO 1 2

PIC

MENU TURE

B/W
EFF.

SLIM
EFF.

SEPA
EFF.

STRE

-

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 059-063; 99/7/2/18:00

B/W
EFF.

MO

SA I C
SO

LARI

SP

-

-

+

-

TCH

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Editing

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

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 pro­gramme 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 input jack

Recording

POWER

Playback

White: To audio input (L) jack
Red: To audio input (R) jack

CHANNEL

PAUSE
/STILL

PLAY

STOP/
EJECT

REC

TV/VCRSET UP

To S-video socket

Audio/video cable

(supplied)

S-video cable

(supplied)

To S-VIDEO socket

To AUDIO/VIDEO jack

Notes:

• If your VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART connector,
use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion
connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ).

21-pin Euro-SCART on VCR

0

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART

VIDEO AUDIO

Video

conversion connector

AUDIO

(L/MONO)

(R)

(QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

Audio R
Audio L

• If your VCR has only one audio input jack, use
the white plug for the audio connection on the
VCR.

• If your VCR has an S-video input socket, you can
connect it to the S-VIDEO socket on the VIEW­CAM with the supplied S-video cable.

1 Play back the tape to be edited, and

locate the beginning and end of the
sequence you wish to cut. Write down
the time code or tape counter readings
at the beginning and end of that
sequence (see pages 44 and 45). Then
rewind the tape to the beginning of the
portion that you wish to keep.

2 Load a video cassette into the recording

VCR.

3 Set the Power switch on the VIEWCAM

to VCR. Press the PLAY/STILL button
(

) on the VIEWCAM and the REC
(Record) button on the VCR at the same
time.

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 REC) 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.

• The time code display will be recorded along
with the edited sequences if the TC OUT menu
item is set to “ON”. Set to “OFF” before editing
(see page 44).

• The VIEWCAM cannot be used as the recording
source.

Advanced Features

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 064-068; 99/8/18/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

64

Advanced Features
Playback

Editing to Video Equipment
with the DV Terminal
(IEEE1394)

This VIEWCAM enables you to perform digital
video editing, using the VIEWCAM as the
playback source. Connect the VIEWCAM to
video equipment with a DV terminal using the
supplied DV cable. The DV cable is able to
transfer all dubbing signals including video,
audio and subcode.

Recording

To DV terminal

DV cable (supplied)

To DV terminal

Video equipment

with DV terminal

Playback

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

Perform “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” on
page 64, using the video equipment as the
recording source.

Notes:

• The DV terminal on the VIEWCAM outputs the
normal playback signal regardless of use of the
strobe playback, playback zoom or picture effect
playback function.

• The VIEWCAM cannot be used as the record-

ing source.

Advanced Features

65

Slide the DV terminal cover in the
direction of the arrow to open.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Audio Dubbing Feature

You can add narrations to recordings made
with the VIEWCAM using the built-in
microphone or an external microphone, while
preserving the original audio and video
recordings.

Built-in stereo
microphone

Audio recording in normal recording
mode

12-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in stereo on two
channels. The same stereo audio signals are
recorded on both channels.

Audio 1: Stereo (left and right) sound
Audio 2: Stereo (left and right) sound

16-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in stereo with the left and
right sound on two separate channels.

Audio 1: Left sound
Audio 2: Right sound

To MIC jack

MIC jack*

External stereo

microphone

*About the MIC jack

This external microphone jack outputs a DC voltage of

4.0 V. It is for use with microphones that comply with
the specifications listed on page 77. Use of any other
type of microphone may result in damage to the
microphone or the VIEWCAM. A microphone with a
separate power plug cannot be used.

Note:

• The built-in microphone automatically turns off
when an external microphone is connected to
the MIC jack.

Audio recording in Audio Dubbing
mode

12-bit audio recording

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2 over
the original stereo sound.

Audio 1: Original stereo (left and right) sound
Audio 2: Dubbed stereo (left and right) sound

16-bit audio recording

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2 over
the original right sound. Both the dubbed and
original sounds are in mono.

Audio 1: Original left sound
Audio 2: Dubbed sound

Note:

• You can select the 12-bit or 16-bit audio record­ing mode by performing the procedure on page

27.

Advanced Features

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66

Advanced Features
Playback

Audio Dubbing

Note:

• Audio dubbing cannot be used with recordings
made in LP mode.

1 Play back the recorded Mini DV cassette

and locate the tape position where you
wish to start audio dubbing.

2 Press the PLAY/STILL button ( ) to

pause playback.

3 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears.

AUD I O 1+2

AUDI O

PB SE

DUB .

SP

-

ARCHZOOM

4 Press the AUDIO DUB. button ( ) to

display the audio dubbing screen.

AUDI O
DUB.

AUD I O DUB.

If you wish to change the dubbed audio
or dub additional scenes

1 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the audio dubbing
screen.

2 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears.

3 Repeat steps 1 to 5 above.

Notes:

• We recommend that you use the audio dubbing
feature only with recordings made with the
VIEWCAM. Use of recordings made with other
digital camcorders may result in poor audio
quality.

• Audio dubbing will automatically pause if the
original audio changes from 12-bit mode to 16­bit mode or vice versa. Press the START button
(B) to resume operation.

• Audio dubbing will automatically stop if a portion
recorded in LP mode is encountered.

• You can play back the dubbed audio and the
original audio together or separately (see
“Selecting the Audio Playback Mode” on next
page).

AUD I O 1+2

START

5 Press the START button (B)

to begin audio dubbing.
Record your narration.

Advanced Features

To pause audio dubbing

Press the STOP button (A).

To quit audio dubbing

Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY). The
audio dubbing screen will disappear.

67

SP

STOP EXI T

START

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Selecting the Audio Playback
Mode

You can select any of the following audio
playback modes.

Audio 1~2

• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1 and Audio
2 channels)

• 16-bit recording in stereo (left and right
channels)

Audio 1

• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1 channel
only)

• 16-bit recording in mono (left channel only)

Audio 2

• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 2 channel
only)

• 16-bit recording in mono (right channel only)

Note:

• The audio playback mode indicator is displayed
in different colours depending on the recording
mode (12- or 16-bit) used for the recording
being played back. A white display indicates 12­bit recording mode, and a green display, 16-bit
recording mode.

Connecting to a Personal
Computer

The VIEWCAM can be connected to a personal
computer for editing still images with the
optional VR-PK100S video capture software.

To RS-232C port
(D-sub 9-pin port)

1 Play back a Mini DV cassette with

dubbed audio.

2 Display the menu screen (see page 25).
3 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “AUDIO”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select the
desired audio playback mode.

ME NU

-----------------------­DISPLAY

AUD IO

TC OUT

AUDIO 1+2

AUD IO 2 AUD IO 1

OFF
AUDIO 1+ 2
OFF

4 Press the EXIT button (MODE DISPLAY)

to turn off the menu screen.

• The selected audio playback mode
indicator is displayed.

EXIT

Audio playback
mode indicator

+

AUDIO 1 2

PIC

-

MENU TURE

PIC.
EFF.

SP

RS-232C connecting cable*

To PC CONNECT
jack

*Included with the optional VR-PK100S

video capture software.

Notes:

• Still playback images or still images can be
transferred to a personal computer. Use Sharp
PixLab Browser and PixLab TWAIN (YUV)
Module to transfer images to a personal
computer.

• Images with the following functions cannot be
transferred to a personal computer.
—VCR mode: Playback Zoom, Picture Effect

Playback

—Camera mode: Digital Zoom, Digital Quick

Zoom, picture effects, 1/30 sec. shutter speed

• For details, see the operation manual of the
optional video capture software.

Advanced Features

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68

Appendix

Appendix

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 iris to improve the picture (see pages 29
and 54).

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.

Focus manually when

you need to position

the subject off centre

(see page 50).

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)

10

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

Note:

Appendix

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

69

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Mini DV Cassette

To protect recordings against acciden­tal erasure

Slide the protect tab on the rear of the Mini DV
cassette to the “SAVE” position.

Precautions when using a Mini DV
cassette

• Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes with
the mark.

• This VIEWCAM can record and play back
using Mini DV cassettes with cassette
memory, but it cannot record or play back
this memory.

• To record in LP mode, use a Mini DV cassette
labelled for use with LP mode.

• Do not insert anything into the holes on the
bottom of the Mini DV cassette or block them
in any way.

• Avoid placing the Mini DV cassette in an area
conducive to dust or mold.

• Do not place the Mini DV cassette near
magnetic sources such as electric clocks or
magnetic devices as this may adversely
affect recorded material.

• When a previously recorded Mini DV cassette
is used again for recording, the previously
recorded material will be automatically
erased.

• The Mini DV cassette will not operate if
inserted in the wrong direction.

• Do not repeatedly insert and eject the Mini DV
cassette without running the tape as this may
cause uneven tape winding and damage the
tape.

• Do not place the Mini DV cassette in direct
sunlight, near strong heat sources, or in areas
with excessive steam.

• Store the Mini DV cassette in its case and
stand it in an upright position.

• If the tape is not properly wound, rewind the
tape.

• Do not drop the Mini DV cassette or subject it
to excessive shocks.

Erasure protect tab

To record over a previously recorded tape,
slide the protect tab to the “REC” position.

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Appendix

70

Appendix

Battery Pack

This VIEWCAM uses a lithium-ion type
battery pack.

• The lithium-ion type battery pack gradually
self-discharges even if stored in a fully
charged state.
—Charge the battery pack soon (a day)

before use.

• The lithium-ion type battery pack does not
need to be stored in a fully discharged state.

Charging

Charge the battery pack at a temperature of
10°C to 30°C.

Use

• To conserve battery power, be sure to turn off
the VIEWCAM power when not in use.

• Recording with many starts and stops,
frequent zooming, and recording in low
temperatures will shorten actual recording
times.

• 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.

• Use of additional battery packs is
recommended to prevent undesirable
interruptions in your recording.

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

Note:

• Use only SHARP BT-L241 or BT-L441 battery
packs. These are designed specifically for use
with this VIEWCAM.

Storage

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

• 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

Cover

• 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.

Cautions:

• Improper handling of the battery pack may
present a risk of fire or explosion. Pay close
attention to the following:
—Do not dispose of the battery pack in fire.
—Do not allow metallic objects to come in

contact with the terminals. This can cause a
short circuit.

—Do not disassemble or repair the battery pack

by yourself.

—Do not use any battery charging equipment

other than that designed for use with these
battery packs.

—Do not place the battery pack under direct

sunlight or in excessively hot places (over
60°C) such as the dashboard of cars.

—Do not expose the battery pack to moisture or

water.

—Do not drop the battery pack or subject it to

strong force.
—Keep the battery pack out of reach of children.
—Dispose of used battery packs promptly.

• To protect the terminals, put the cover on the
battery pack when it is not being used.

CHARGE

Window

Appendix

71

Notes:

• The battery pack will become warm during
charging and use. This is not a malfunction.

• 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.

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

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.

Replacing the Fluorescent Lamp

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

• “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.

Appendix

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72

Appendix

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.

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commercially
Available)

Video head cleaning can be done by using a
commercially-available cleaning tape.

Notes:

• Excessive use of the cleaning tape, however,
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 VIEWCAM.

1 Insert a cleaning tape into the VIEWCAM.
2 Hold down the Lock button and slide the

Power switch to VCR.

• The video head cleaning screen appears.

3 Press the START button ( ) to begin

video head cleaning.

• “NOW CLEANING” flashes.

START

CLEANINGNOW

Cleaning

• Many plastic parts are used in the VIEWCAM
casing. Do not use thinners, benzenes or
other strong chemical cleaners. These may
cause discoloration 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 Y our 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.

START

Video head cleaning automatically finishes in
about 20 seconds.

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

Appendix

To cancel cleaning, press the STOP button (A).

73

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STOP

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Demonstration 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.

Note:

• The demonstration is only displayed in English.

CONTROL switch

Power switch

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

Lock button

button and slide the
Power switch to
CAMERA.

3 Press the CONTROL switch until

appears.

4 Press the MENU button (C)

to display the menu screen.

5 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “DEMO MODE”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “ON”.

• The demonstration begins.

ME NU

REMOTE ON

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

----------­DIS
EXTEND

SET

ON

1

---------­ON
2

Cancelling Demo Mode

1 During the demonstration,

press the CONTROL switch.

2 Perform steps 3 and 4 above.
3 Toggle the CONTROL switch (Q) to

select “DEMO MODE”, then press the
CONTROL switch (W) to select “OFF”.

ME NU

REMOTE ON

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

----------­DIS
EXTEND

SET

OFF

1

---------­ON
2

4 Press the EXIT button (MODE

DISPLAY) to turn off the menu screen.

MENU

EXIT

EXIT

Note:

• The demonstration will stop if you press the
CONTROL switch. 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.

AUTO

MEN U

PIC
TURE

-

SCENE

MEN U

PIC.
EFF.

SP

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Appendix

74

Appendix

Before Requesting Service

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

Symptom

No power.

PowerCamera mode

REC START/STOP button
does not work.

Power suddenly turns off.

Auto focus does not
work.

Bright subject produces
wide vertical lines.

Automatically zooms out
without operating Zoom
control.

On-screen displays
automatically change.

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 open.

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.

Suggested solution

Connect power source properly
(pp.␣ 8, 10).

Charge battery pack sufficiently
(p.␣ 9).

Wait until dew dries (p. 72).

Set Power switch to OFF and remove
battery pack; wait for 2 seconds, then
reinstall battery pack and turn on
power (p. 8).

Close tab or use a new cassette
(p.␣ 70).

Set Power switch to OFF and then
back to CAMERA.

Set to Auto Focus mode (p. 50).

Zoom out from subject (p. 18).

Focus manually (p. 50).

——

——

Direct lens to some subject, or set
zoom to widest angle before shooting
(p. 18).

Set DEMO MODE menu item to “OFF”
(p. 74).

Appendix

75

Tape stops during rewind
or fast forward.

No image appears on
connected TV screen.

VCR mode

Counter memory is on.

Video input channel on TV or TV
channel is not selected properly.

A/V or S-video cable is not properly
connected.

Turn off counter memory (p.␣ 46).

Select video input channel or TV
channel properly (p. 21).

Connect A/V or S-video cable
properly (p. 21).

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G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Symptom

Cannot play back, rewind
or fast forward tape.

Video noise in image.

VCR modeGeneral

Cassette will not eject.

No image on monitor.

Monitor picture is hard to
see.

CHARGE indicator
flashes when charging
battery pack.

Cannot edit to connected
video equipment.

Lens makes rattling
sound when VIEWCAM is
moved in VCR mode or
with power off.

Remote control does not
function.

Possible cause

Position at beginning or end of tape.

Dirty video heads.

Old or worn tape.

Power source is not properly
connected.

Battery pack is not charged.

VIEWCAM is recording.

Backlight has been turned off.

Fluorescent lamp is burned out.

Inappropriate picture adjustments.

AC adapter or battery pack has
malfunctioned.

A/V, S-video or DV cable is not
properly connected.

Does not indicate a malfunction.

REMOTE menu item is set to “OFF”.

Remote control lithium battery has run
down.

Remote control used beyond
operating range.

Intense daylight falling on VIEWCAM
remote sensor.

Obstacle between remote control and
VIEWCAM remote sensor.

Suggested solution

Rewind or fast forward tape to
desired point (p. 20).

Call for service, or use a
commercially-available video head
cleaning tape (p. 73).

Use a new cassette.

Connect power source properly
(pp.␣ 8, 10).

Charge battery pack sufficiently
(p.␣ 9).

Stop tape and try again (p. 17).

Turn on backlight (p. 47).

Call for service.

Adjust picture (p. 55).

Call for service.

Connect A/V, S-video or DV cable
properly (pp. 64, 65).

——

Set REMOTE menu item to “ON”
(p.␣ 38).

Replace remote control lithium battery
with a new one (p. 38).

Use remote control within operating
range (p. 38).

Protect remote sensor from exposure
to intense daylight (p. 38).

Remove obstacle or use remote
control from different angle (p. 38).

Notes:

• This unit is equipped with a microprocessor. Its performance could be adversely affected by external
electrical noise or interference. If this should happen, turn off the power and disconnect the unit from
any power sources, including the lithium battery, etc. Then reconnect the power sources to resume
operation.

• If the characters displayed on the monitor screen appear to malfunction, disconnect the power source
and remove the lithium battery, then reconnect the power source, insert the lithium battery, and turn the
power on again. The characters on the monitor should be normal. Set the date and time, then resume
operation.

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 075-077; 99/8/9/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo

Appendix

76

Appendix

Specifications

VIEWCAM

Signal System: PAL standard

Recording System: 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system

Recording/Playback Time: 90 minutes (DVM60, LP mode)

Lens Filter Diameter: 30 mm

Colour Temperature Compensation: Auto white balance with white balance lock

Minimum Illumination: 6 lux* (with gain-up, F1.8)

Video Output Level: 1.0 Vp-p 75-ohm unbalanced
Audio Output Level: 18 dBs, impedance less than 2.2 kohms

External Microphone Input: 3.5 mm diameter mini-plug, 166 dBs, output impedance

Power Requirement: DC 7.4 V

Power Consumption: 4.8 W (during camera recording in Full Auto mode with zoom

Operating Temperature: 07C to `407C

Operating Humidity: 30% to 80%

Storage Temperature: 1207C to `607C

Dimensions (approx.): 158 mm (W) 2 98 mm (H) 2 74 mm (D)

Cassette: Digital VCR Mini DV video cassette

Tape Speed: SP mode: 18.831 mm/second

LP mode: 12.568 mm/second

Pickup Device:1⁄39 (8.5 mm, effective size: 6.0 mm) CCD image sensor (with

approx. 770,000 pixels including optical black)

Lens: 102 optical/1002 digital power zoom lens (F1.8–2.8,

f44.5–45 mm), full-range auto focus

Monitor: 39 (7.5 cm) full-colour LCD screen (TFT active matrix)

Microphone: Electret stereo microphone

Speaker Output: 300 mW

6.8 kohms, DC 4.0 V, for plug-in-power microphone use

motor off and backlight in normal mode)

Weight (approx.): 555 g (without battery pack, lithium battery, video cassette, and

lens cap)

AC Adapter

Power Requirement: AC 110–240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption: 15 W

Dimensions (approx.): 68 mm (W) 2 37 mm (H) 2 130␣ mm␣ (D)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

*Minimum illumination: Since there is no widely accepted testing procedure for determining minimum

DC Output: 9.0 V

Weight (approx.): 230 g

illumination capability, lux ratings are comparable only between models from the
same manufacturer.

Appendix

77

VL-SD20S-GB/pp. 075-077; 99/8/9/18:00

G. K. Associates, Tokyo