Sharp VLZ1H User Manual

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

MODEL

VL-Z1H

OPERATION MANUAL

Please read this operation manual
carefully before using the camcorder.

If you require any advice or assistance

regarding your Sharp product, please

visit our web-site www.sharp.co.uk/

customersupport. Customers without

Internet access may telephone 08705

274277 during office hours (or (01)676

0648 if telephoning from Ireland) .

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

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

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

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

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

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

« В„Н·Щ‹ЫЩ·ЫБ ·ıЩfi ·МЩ·ФНТflМВЩ·И ЫЩИЪ ··ИЩfiЫВИЪ Щ˘М Ф‰Б„И˛М ЩБЪ
EıТ˘·˙НfiЪ EМ˘ЫБЪ 89/336/EOK Н·И 73/23/EOK, ¸˘Ъ ФИ Н·МФМИЫПФfl ·ıЩФfl
ЫıПОБТ˛ЛБН·М ·¸ ЩБМ Ф‰Б„fl· 93/68/EOK.

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

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

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

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

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

ii

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this apparatus to
dripping or splashing. No
objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, should be placed on
the apparatus.

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

CAUTION

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

Important:

Recording and playback of any material
may require consent. Please refer
particularly to the provisions of the
Copyright Act 1956, the Dramatic and
Musical Performers Protection Act 1958,
the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and
1972 and to any subsequent statutory
enactments and orders.

CAUTION

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

Power supply:

WARNING: THIS AC ADAPTER
IS NOT FOR USE WITH TOYS.
THIS AC ADAPTER IS FOR USE
WITH SHARP CAMCORDER
MODEL VL-Z1H ONLY.

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.

iii

SPECIAL NOTE FOR USERS IN THE U.K.

The mains lead of this product is fitted with a non-rewireable (moulded) plug
incorporating a 3A fuse. Should the fuse need to be replaced, a BSI or ASTA
approved BS 1362 fuse marked or and of the same rating as above, which
is also indicated on the pin face of the plug, must be used.

Always refit the fuse cover after replacing the fuse. Never use the plug without the
fuse cover fitted.

In the unlikely event of the socket outlet in your home not being compatible with
the plug supplied, cut-off the mains plug and fit an appropriate type.

DANGER: The fuse from the cut-off plug should be removed and the cut-off plug

To fit an appropriate plug to the mains lead, follow the instructions below:
IMPORTANT: The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this product may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows:

— The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the plug terminal which

— The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the plug terminal

Ensure that neither the brown nor the blue wire is connected to the earth terminal
in your three- pin plug.

Before replacing the plug cover make sure that:

— If the new fitted plug contains a fuse, its value is the same as that removed

— The cord grip is clamped over the sheath of the mains lead and not simply

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT, CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.

destroyed immediately and disposed of in a safe manner.

Under no circumstances should the cut-off plug be inserted
elsewhere into a 13A socket outlet, as a serious electric shock may
occur.

following code:

Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live

is marked N or coloured black.

which is marked L or coloured red.

from the cut-off plug.

over the lead wires.

iv

NOTE:

The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with more
than 215,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a
pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black.
Please note that this does not affect the performance of your camcorder.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

v

Contents

Supplied Accessories ........................................................................................ ix

Optional Accessories ......................................................................................... ix

Precautions ......................................................................................................... x

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

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

Warning Indicators .................................................. 4

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack .............5

Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 7

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet .......... 8

Inserting and Removing a Cassette .......................9

Installing the Lithium Batteries ..............................10

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

Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 13

Adjusting the Hand Strap .....................................14

Using the Grip ....................................................... 14

Detaching the Lens Hood .....................................15

Using the Viewfinder .............................................15

Using the LCD Monitor .........................................17

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

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode .......... 19

Zooming ................................................................20

Power Standby Mode ...........................................21

Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 21

Auto Focus ............................................................22

Macro Shots ..........................................................22

Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 23

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................23

Playback

Playback ............................................................... 24

Volume Control......................................................25

Still ........................................................................25

Video Search.........................................................25

Watching Playback on a TV ..................................26

vi

Useful Features

Control Buttons ..................................................... 27

Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 27

Using the Menu Screens.......................................28

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital Zoom .......................................29

Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 30

Gain-up ................................................................. 31

Fade in and Fade out ............................................ 32

Quick Return ......................................................... 33

Edit Search............................................................34

Still Recording ....................................................... 34

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 35

Self Recording ...................................................... 36

Wide Screen (16:9) ............................................... 38

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode .....39

Windbreak ............................................................. 40

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode.........41

Playback

Using the Remote Control

(Not supplied) .....................................................42

Playback Functions with the Remote Control

(Not supplied) .....................................................43

Selecting the Date and Time of Recording

Display ................................................................44

Picture Effect Playback .........................................45

Rotate Playback ....................................................46

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Manual Focus .......................................................47

Returning to Auto Focus ....................................... 48

Displaying the Manual Setting Screen .................. 48

White Balance Lock .............................................. 49

Manual Iris ............................................................50

Manual Gain .......................................................... 51

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode.............52

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 53

vii

Contents

Advanced Features

Appendix

Note:

• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages 70–

72.)

Playback

Using the Time Code ............................................ 54

Editing ...................................................................55

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 56

Audio Dubbing Feature.........................................57

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 59

Picture/Backlight Adjustments ..............................60

Turning off the Confirmation Sound ......................62

Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 63

Demonstration Mode ............................................64

Useful Information .................................................65

Troubleshooting ....................................................70

Specifications .......................................................73

On-screen Display Index ...................................... 74

viii

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L226

CR1216 type

lithium battery

AC adapter

Lens cap

Optional Accessories

Standard-life

battery pack

BT-L226

External battery with

hand strap

BT-LCA1

Power cord

Audio/video/S-video

cable

ix

Precautions

• Before recording an important scene,

please perform the recording test, then
playback to check if the scene was re­corded properly. If noise occurs, use a
commercially available cleaning tape to
clean the video heads (see page xii).

• When the camcorder is not in use, re­member to remove the cassette tape,
turn off the power, and disconnect the
camcorder from the power source.

• Do not aim the lens at the sun.
Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the
camcorder lens, whether or not recording
is in progress, as it may damage the CCD
sensor. Be particularly careful when re­cording outside.

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

• Using the camcorder near a broad-

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

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

• Avoid placing the

camcorder in close
proximity to lighting
equipment.

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

• Always respect prohibitions or restric-

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

• Be aware of the temperature and humid­ity.

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

• Avoid situations where water, sand, dust

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

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

• Some small, portable tri-

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

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

x

Dew Formation

• What is “dew formation”?

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

• When dew forms in your camcorder.

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

Dew is likely to form in the following
circumstances:

— When moving the camcorder from a

cold place to a warm place.

— When placing the camcorder in a cold

room which is then heated rapidly.

— When moving the camcorder outdoors

from an air conditioned room or car.

— When placing the camcorder in the

direct path of air
blowing from an air
conditioner.

— When placing the

camcorder in a
humid room.

• How to prevent trouble.

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

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

Plastic bag

1 Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the camcorder.

2 Remove the bag when the air tem-

perature inside it reaches the tempera­ture of the room.

• “Dew” warning feature

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

1 If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,

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

2 To use the camcorder again, turn on the

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

3 Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to
the tape.

4 Since dew forms gradually, it may take

10 to 15 minutes before the dew
warning feature engages.

xi

Precautions

Dirty Video Heads

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

Striped noise

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

• playback pictures do not move.

• during playback, the whole screen
becomes blue.

Causes of video head clogging

• High-temperature and high-humidity
environment

• A lot of dust in the air

• Damaged tape

• Worn tape

• Long-time use

• Dew formation

Mosaic noise

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commer­cially Available)

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

Notes:

• Excessive use of the cleaning tape may
cause damage to the video heads. Please
read the instructions accompanying the
cleaning tape carefully before using it.

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

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

1 Insert a cleaning tape into the

camcorder.

2 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to w.

• The video head cleaning screen
appears.

3 Press m on the Operation button to

begin video head cleaning.

• “NOW CLEANING” flashes during
cleaning.

CLEAN ING

CLEANINGNOW

If the video heads become clogged, the
v indicator appears on the screen. Contact
your SHARP dealer for further advice or
refer to page 70 “Troubleshooting”.

xii

STOPSTART

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

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press l.

Operation References

Part Names

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

Front view

Operation button (p. 27)

Zoom lens

DISPLAY button (p. 27)

Monaural microphone

LCD LAMP button (p. 21)

Operation References

1

Operation References

Left view

Operation References

LCD monitor
(p. 17)

Terminal cover

(pp. 26, 55, 56)

DC IN jack (pp. 7, 8)

AV terminal
(pp. 26, 55)

DV terminal (p. 56)

Tripod socket*

* When attaching a tripod

with a guide pin, do not
attach the pin to the bottom
of the camcorder.

2

Lithium battery cover (p. 10)

Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 16)

Battery release (pp. 6, 10)

Right view

Window cleaning cover

(p. 68)

Viewfinder (pp. 15, 16)

PHOTO button
(p. 34)

Operation References

Power Zoom Wide angle/
Telephoto control (p. 20)/
VOLume control (p. 25)

STANDBY indicator

(p. 21)

POWER/CHARGE

(RED) indicator

(pp. 7, 8, 19)

DC IN jack cover
(pp. 7, 8)

Power switch (v Camera
Recording mode/w Playback
mode select switch) (pp. 19, 24)

STANDBY button
(p. 21)

Speaker

Start/Stop button
(p. 19)

Hand strap (p. 14)

Cassette holder (p. 9)

Cassette compartment
door release (p. 9)

Cassette compartment door (p. 9)

3

Operation References

Warning Indicators

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

Operation References

Displayed for the

first 3 seconds

INSERT

A CASSETTE.

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

CASSETTE NOT
RECORDABLE.

THE

TAPE

ENDS SOON.

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

BATTERY IS

TOO LOW.

DEW

LAMP

Note:

• N indicates a flashing display.

Displayed after

3 seconds

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

PROTECT. TAB

TAPE END

TAPE END

DEW

LAMP

Description of warning

There is no video cassette in the camcorder.
Insert a cassette (see page 9).

The video cassette is defective and should be
removed (see page 9).

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette
has been slid to the record-protect position,
preventing recording (see page 66).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new
cassette.

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a
new cassette (see page 9).

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with
a fully charged battery pack (see pages 5, 6).

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

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

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

4

Preparation

Attaching and
Removing the Battery
Pack

Attaching

Power switch

1 Make sure that the Power

switch is set to OFF.

2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

90˚

3 Slide the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow with the “m” mark facing
out.

Preparation

“m” mark

4 Push the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow until it clicks.

5

Preparation

Removing

1 Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF, then open the LCD
monitor to a 90° angle to the
camcorder body.

Preparation

90˚

2 Slide the battery release in the

direction of the arrow.

Battery release

3 Take the battery pack out.

Notes:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY­BACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.

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

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

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

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

• Use only SHARP model BT-L226 battery
packs with this camcorder. Use of other
batteries may create a risk of fire or
explosion.

• Before closing the LCD monitor, make sure
the battery pack is properly attached to the
camcorder, otherwise the monitor may be
damaged.

6

Charging the Battery
Pack

Attach the battery pack on the

1

camcorder, and make sure that the
Power switch is set to OFF.

2 Open the DC IN jack cover.

DC IN jack cover

5 Remove the DC plug from the DC IN

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

Charging time and maximum
continuous recording and playback
times

Battery

pack

BT-L226

Charging

time

120

Max.

continuous

recording time

LCD

LCD

closed

open

120 105

105

Max.

continuous

playback time

on LCD

Preparation

3 Connect the supplied power cord

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

AC power socket

To power

outlet

4 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED)
indicator lights up red.

POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator

DC IN jack

DC plug

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator
turns off when the battery is charged.

• The chart specifies the approximate times in
minutes.

Notes:

• Charge the battery pack between 10°C and
30°C. The battery pack may not charge
properly at temperatures too low or too
high.

• The battery pack and AC adapter become
warm during charging. This is not a
malfunction.

• Using the zoom (see page 20) and other
functions or turning the power on and off
frequently will increase power consump­tion. This may result in a decrease in the
actual recording time compared to the
maximum continuous recording time listed
above.

• The charging time and recording time may
vary depending on the ambient tempera­ture and the condition of the battery pack.

• See pages 67 and 68 for more information on
using the battery pack.

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L226 battery
packs. Other types of battery packs may
burst, causing personal injury and damage.

• When attaching the supplied audio/video/S­video cable, remove the DC plug, open the
terminal cover and connect it.

7

Preparation

Powering the
Camcorder from an
AC Outlet

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

Note:

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

Preparation

1 Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF.

2 Open the DC IN jack cover.

DC IN jack cover

3 Connect the supplied power cord

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

4 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator

DC IN jack

DC plug

5 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED)
indicator lights up green.

Notes:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY­BACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.

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

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

AC power socket

To power

outlet

8

Inserting and
Removing a Cassette

Inserting

1 Attach the power source to the

camcorder, then slide and hold the
cassette compartment door release
as you open the cassette compart­ment door.

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

Cassette compartment door release

2 Insert a commercially available Mini

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

Erasure protect tab

SAVE

REC

3 Press the “PUSH” mark gently until

the cassette holder clicks into place.

• The cassette holder retracts
automatically.

4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully

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

Removing

Perform step 1 above, then take out the
cassette.

Notes:

• 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 camcorder 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
camcorder for a long period of time.

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

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

• 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.

• You can only use Mini DV cassettes. Large
DV cassettes cannot be used. Be sure to use
Mini DV cassettes with the i

• See page 66 for more information on the
video cassette tapes intended for use with
this camcorder.

mark.

Preparation

“PUSH” mark

9

Preparation

Installing the Lithium
Batteries

Installing the Memory Battery

The supplied CR 1216 type lithium battery is
used to store the memory of the date and
time settings.

1 Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF.

2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

Preparation

3 Slide the battery release in the

direction of the arrow, then take the
battery pack out.

Battery release

4 Pull out the lithium battery cover in

the direction of the arrow.

5 Insert the CR 1216 type lithium

battery into the compartment with the
H side of the battery facing out.

CR 1216 type
lithium battery

6 Close the lithium battery cover firmly

until it clicks into place.

Removing the Memory
Battery

Perform steps 1 to 4 above,
then lift out the battery by
using a pointed object such
as the tip of a ballpoint pen.

10

Lithium
battery cover

Installing the Battery to
Remote Control (Not Sup­plied)

The remote control (RRMCGA149WJSA)
is not supplied with this camcorder.
Contact the nearest SHARP service
centre or your dealer for purchasing as
specified part.
The CR 2025 type lithium battery is used
to power the remote control unit.

1 Hold the remote control facing down,

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

Ta b

2 Insert the CR 2025 type lithium

battery into the battery holder with
the H side of the battery facing the

m side of the holder.

H side, CR 2025 type

lithium battery

Notes on the Use of the Lithium
battery

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if

battery is incorrectly replaced. For
camcorder, replace only with same or
equivalent type CR1216, for remote
control unit, replace only with same or
equivalent type CR2025, both recom­mended by the equipment manufac­turer.
X KEEP THIS BATTERY
AWAY FROM CHILDREN. IF SWAL­LOWED, CONSULT A PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY
TREATMENT.
Z BATTERY MAY EXPLODE
IF MISUSED OR INSTALLED WITH
POLARITY REVERSED. DO NOT
RECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE OR
DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

• Do not short-circuit, recharge, disassemble,

or heat the lithium battery.

• Should the lithium battery leak, wipe the

battery compartment clean, and then insert a
new battery.

• The lithium batteries will last about one year

under normal usage.

Preparation

“m” side

3 Insert the battery holder back into

position.

11

Preparation

Setting the Date and
Time

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2004

(2. 6. 2004) and the time to 10:30 am
(10:30).

Operation button

Preparation

Power switch

Note:

• Before performing the steps below, make

DISPLAY button

sure that the CR1216 type lithium battery has
been installed (see page 10).

1 Hold down the Lock

button and set the
Power switch to v.

2 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

BLC GAIN/ OFF

FADE

M

ENU

SCENE

M

ENU

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

BLC GAIN/
FADE
M

ENU

SCENEMENU

Lock button

EXECUTE

4 Press m or l to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

OTHERS 2

T IME CODE OF F

12H 24H/

SETT I NG

RETURN

OFFTC OUT
24H

.1120

000:

03.

5 Press the centre of the Operation

button.

6 Press m or l to select “2” (day),

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

SETT ING

2.

1 2003.

:

000

7 Press m or l to select “6” (month),

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

SETT ING

2.

6 2003.

:

000

8 Press m or l to select “2004” (year),

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

SETT ING

2.
:

0 00

6 2004.

9 Press m or l to select “10” (hour),

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

2.

SETT ING

:

01 00

6 2004.

12

10

Press m or l to select “30” (minute),
then press the centre of the Operation
button.

SETT ING

• The internal clock now starts
operating with the seconds display.

11

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

2.

6 2004.

:

0130:00

the menu screen.

Note:

• If the date and time have been set, the

SETTING 1 screen (T) appears in step 4.
Select “SETTING” in the OTHERS 2 screen
(~) using the Operation button.

Changing to the 12-hour
Time Mode

1 After performing step 10 above, press

l or m to select “12H/24H”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button.

OTHERS 2

T IME CODE
TC OUT
12H 24H/
SETT I NG
RETURN

24

H

H12

Using the Lens Cap

Attach the strap of the lens cap to the hand
strap as shown below.

Preparation

When attaching or removing the lens cap,
grasp the indents on both sides of the cap.

Indents

When recording, remove the lens cap and
attach the lens cap cord to the fastener so
that the cap will not get in the way.

2 Press l or m to select “12H”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

21H24H

12H

3 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

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.

Fastener

Note:

• Always attach the lens cap over the lens
when not using the camcorder.

13

Preparation

Adjusting the Hand
Strap

1 Open the hand strap flap (1) and grip

strap (2).

Preparation

Hand strap flap

2 Loosen the grip strap, pass your right

hand through the hand strap, and put
your thumb close to the Start/Stop
button and your index finger on the
Power Zoom control. Then, pull the
grip strap tight until it fits snugly.

Grip strap

Using the Grip

Rotate the grip 135° forward or 90°
downward so that you can record images
easily from high or low angle (see page 18).

135°

90°

3 Seal the Velcro

strap and the hand strap flap.

14

®

fasteners of the grip

Note:

• The grip cannot rotate when a tripod is

attached.

Detaching the Lens
Hood

Before using a commercially available
conversion lens, detach the lens hood as
shown below.

Using the Viewfinder

You can record the subject using the
electronic viewfinder. You can also watch
playback through the viewfinder.

Viewfinder

Preparation

Power switch

Note:

• You cannot attach the supplied lens hood or
lens cap to a conversion lens.

1 Pull out the viewfinder completely.

2 Hold down the Lock

button and set the
Power switch to v or
w.

Lock button

(Continued on the next page)

15

Preparation

Closing the viewfinder

Push in the viewfinder completely.

Notes:

Preparation

• Do not use excessive force when moving

the viewfinder.

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the

viewfinder.

• The viewfinder automatically turns off when
the LCD monitor is opened. If the vertical
rotation of the monitor is 180° when in
Camera mode, however, the viewfinder is on
and the subject is displayed both in the
viewfinder and on the monitor (see page 36).

• You can adjust the settings on the MENU
screen through the viewfinder by using the
Operation button (see page 27 for use of the
Operation button).

• Be sure to close the viewfinder after use.

Adjusting the dioptre

Adjust the dioptre according to your
eyesight when the picture in the viewfinder
or the characters on the on-screen display
is not clear.

1 Pull out the viewfinder completely.
2 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v.

3 While looking through the viewfinder,

turn the dioptre adjustment dial until
the indicators in the viewfinder are
clearly visible.

Dioptre adjustment dial

Note:

• For cleaning the viewfinder, see page 68.

16

Using the LCD
Monitor

You can use the LCD monitor to play back
recordings that you have made or to watch
the subject during recording.

LCD monitor

Power switch

1 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

90˚

2 Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle

that allow easy viewing of the on­screen picture.

• The LCD monitor rotates 270°
vertically.

180

90

• You can also fold the LCD monitor
into the camcorder with the screen
facing out for watching playback on
the monitor.

3 Hold down the Lock

button and set the
Power switch to v or
w.

• A picture displays on
the LCD monitor.

Note:

• Battery consumption is larger when the LCD
monitor is opened. Use the viewfinder instead
of the LCD monitor when you want to save
the battery power.

Closing the LCD monitor

Return the LCD monitor to the vertical 90°
position with the screen facing in, and fold it
into the camcorder into place.

Notes:

• Do not use excessive force when moving
the LCD monitor.

• When closing the LCD monitor, do not tilt
it; otherwise the monitor may not close
properly and may become damaged.

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the LCD
monitor.

• Do not place the camcorder with the LCD
monitor screen facing down.

• Close the LCD monitor completely with the
screen facing in when not in use.

• Before closing the LCD monitor, make sure
the battery pack is properly attached to the
camcorder, otherwise the monitor may be
damaged.

Lock button

Preparation

Note: Do not try to rotate the LCD
monitor vertically until the monitor is
completely opened.

17

Preparation

Tips on Recording
Positions

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

Holding the camcorder

Put your right hand through the hand strap, and place your left hand under the camcorder
for support.

Basic posture

Preparation

Place the viewfinder

eyecup firmly against

Place your elbows

against your sides.

Balance your

weight on both

your eye.

legs.

Shooting from a high angle

Turn the LCD

monitor so that the

screen faces

downward.

Shooting from a low angle

Turn the LCD
monitor so that the
screen faces
upward.

Note:

• 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

Easy Camera
Recording in Full
Auto Mode

• Before you start recording, perform the
operations described on pages 5 through
18 to prepare your camcorder for
recording.

Power switch

Start/Stop button

1 Remove the lens cap.
2 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v.

• The picture from the lens now
displays and the POWER/CHARGE
(RED) indicator lights up green.

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

POWER/CHARGE
(RED) indicator

AU T OAUTO

Lock button

Note:

• If “AUTO” is not displayed at this time,
set the camcorder to Full Auto mode
(see page 52).

3 Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

REC

Note:

• Before recording an important scene,
please perform the recording test, then
playback to check if the scene was
recorded properly. If noise occurs, use a
commercially available cleaning tape to
clean the video heads (see page xii).

Maximum continuous recording and
actual recording times

Max. continuous

Battery

pack

BT-L226

Note:

• Using the zoom (see page 20) and other
functions or turning the power on and off
frequently will increase power consump­tion. This may result in a decrease in the
actual recording time compared to the
maximum continuous recording time listed
above.

recording time

LCD

closed

120

LCD
open

105

Actual

recording time

LCD

closed

60

LCD

open

55

Basic Operations

19

Basic Operations
Camera Recording

To pause recording

Press the Start/Stop button again. Record­ing pauses, and the camcorder enters
Recording Standby mode.

PAUSE

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF without
pressing the Lock button.

Note:

• If the camcorder remains in Recording
Standby mode for more than 5 minutes, the

Basic Operations

power will automatically turn off to save
battery power and to protect the tape from
being damaged. To resume recording, set
the Power switch to OFF and then back to v.
(The camcorder will make a confirmation
sound when it is left in Recording Standby
mode for about 4 minutes.)

Zooming

Zooming allows you to move visually closer
to or farther from a subject without physi­cally changing your position.
When using the optical zoom, you can
enlarge the subject up to 10K.

Zooming in (when you want to centre

attention on the subject)

Zooming out (when you want to include

the surroundings)

Zooming in

Push the Power Zoom control to the T
(telephoto) side to get a close-up view (1).

Zooming out

Push the Power Zoom control to the W (wide
angle) side to get a wide field of view (2).

20

WT3ZOOM

Zoom range indicator

• The zoom range indicator shows you the
current zoom setting.

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

Notes:

• The camcorder is unable to focus when
zooming in on subjects within 1.5 m.

• See page 29 for how to use the digital zoom.

Power Zoom

control

Power Standby Mode

Power Standby mode allows you to prevent
accidental recording by locking all
operations except cancelling the mode.

Turning on/off the
Backlight

You can see the on-screen display outdoors
on a sunny day or in a location with bright
lighting even when the backlight turns off.
Also, this function is useful when watching
playback on a TV.

STANDBY button

Hold down the STANDBY button for more
than 2 seconds when you pause record­ing.

• The screen turns off and the STANDBY
indicator lights up.

STANDBY indicator

To resume operation

Press the STANDBY button again to
return to the Recording Standby mode.

• It takes about 2 seconds to be able to start

recording.

Notes:

• Power Standby will cancel and the STANDBY

indicator will turn off in these situations below:
— When the camcorder remains in Power

Standby mode more than 5 minutes

— When the camcorder is set to Playback

mode
— When removing the battery pack
— When removing a cassette

• The camcorder will turn off automatically in 5
minutes after setting Power Standby mode if
it remains in Recording Standby mode after
canceling Power Standby mode.
— When Power Standby mode, for example,

is cancelled after 3 minutes, the
camcorder will turn off if recording is not
started within 2 minutes.

Basic Operations

LCD LAMP button

Hold down the LCD LAMP button for
more than 2 seconds to turn off the
backlight.

• “BACKLIGHT OFF” will flash for two seconds,
then H appears on the LCD screen.

To turn on the backlight

Press the LCD LAMP button.

Note:

• The BACKLIGHT OFF mode will cancel when
you close the LCD monitor.

21

Basic Operations
Camera Recording

Auto Focus

The camcorder is preset to Auto Focus
mode, which is designed to focus on most
types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the
camcorder automatically focuses on the
subject in the centre of the scene. Always
keep the subject in the centre of the scene.

Notes:

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

• Auto Focus may not work in the situations
described on page 47. In these situations,
use the manual focus function.

• The camcorder may not be able to focus
correctly if the subject is closer than
approximately 1.5 m. Set the zoom control to
wide angle, and try refocusing again.

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

Basic Operations

Macro Shots

This camcorder 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 camcorder, 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 camcorder closer to the
subject until you obtain the desired angle of
view. The camcorder will automatically
focus on the subject when the lens is set for
the widest angle.

Power Zoom
control

Note:

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

22

Remaining Recording
Time Display

Remaining Battery
Power Display

When the camcorder is recording, an on­screen indicator displays the approximate
remaining tape time in minutes.

Remaining

30

min

Notes:

• The remaining recording time indicator
appears when the on-screen indicators are
turned on.

• The remaining recording time indicator
appears 10 seconds after pressing the
Start/Stop button to begin recording.

• The remaining recording time indicator only
shows the approximate time left. Also, it
varies slightly depending on the length of the
tape used. (This function is based on the
DVM60 tape standard.)

recording time
indicator

When the remaining recording time reaches
1 minute, a warning indicator will appear.
Prepare a new cassette.

Warning indicator

THE

TAPE

ENDS SOON.

TAPE END

CHANGE T HE

CASSETTE.

TAPE END

Approx. remaining

time

Less than 1 min.

The tape has reached

the end.

When using the camcorder with the battery
pack as the power source, the remaining
battery power indicator is displayed. If the
battery power becomes very low, a warning
indicator appears. Replace the battery
pack.

(Green)

(Green)

(Red)

BATTERY IS

TOO LOW.

Notes:

• The remaining battery power indicator
appears when the on-screen indicators are
turned on.

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

• The remaining battery power indicator may
change to either a higher or lower level if you
set the Power switch to OFF and then back to
v or w.

• In cold environments, the red remaining
battery power indicator may appear sooner.

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

Remaining
battery power
indicator

Warning
indicator

Basic Operations

23

Basic Operations

Basic Operations
Camera Recording

Playback

Playback

The LCD monitor screen functions as a
handy playback monitor. Nothing needs to
be connected, allowing instant on-screen
playback with the sound through the built-in
speaker.

Power switch

Operation button

1 Hold down the Lock

button and set the
Power switch to w.

Basic Operations

2 Press j (or k) on the Operation

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

Lock button

To stop playback

Press l.

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF without
pressing the Lock button.

Note:

• The tape automatically rewinds when
playback reaches the end of the tape.

Watching the playback in
the viewfinder

You can also watch the playback in the
viewfinder by closing the LCD monitor with
the screen facing in. You cannot monitor the
sound through the speaker when watching
the playback in the viewfinder.

3 Press m to begin playback.

24

Volume Control

Video Search

When the camcorder is in Playback mode,
push the Volume control to the L or + side
to increase (1) or decrease (2) the
volume.

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

VOLUME

IncreaseDecrease

Volume

control

Still

The still function allows you to pause
playback.

During playback, press m on the Operation
button.

To return to normal playback, press m
again.

Notes:

• The sound is off in Still mode.

• To protect the tape, the camcorder automati­cally returns to normal playback if it is left in
Still mode for more than 5 minutes.

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

Searching for a Scene Near
the Current Tape Position

1 During playback, press k (or j) on

the Operation button.

• The playback picture fast forwards
(or reverses).

Basic Operations

2 When you find the scene, press m to

return to normal playback.

Searching for a Scene Far
from the Current Tape Posi­tion

1 During fast forward (or rewind), press

and hold k (or j) on the Operation
button.

• The fast forward (or rewind) picture
displays.

2 If the scene is still rather far from the

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

3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 above until you

find the scene.

4 Press m to begin normal playback.

Notes:

• The sound is off during search.

• You may experience picture noise during
search. This is not a malfunction.

25

Basic Operations

0

VIDEO AUDIO

(L/MONO)

AUDIO

(R)

Playback

Watching Playback
on a TV

You can connect the camcorder to a TV to
allow a larger audience to enjoy playback.

1 Open the terminal cover on the

camcorder (see page 2).

Terminal cover

2 Connect the camcorder to your TV (or

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

Basic Operations

26

TV or VCR

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

To AV

terminal

:

L-AUDIO-R(MONO)

AV-IN

The arrow shows the signal flow.

Black: To S-video input socket
Yellow: To video input jack
White: To audio input (L) jack
Red: To audio input (R) jack

Note:

• Check that the camcorder, TV, VCR and
other equipment to be used are turned
off before making any connections.
Picture noise or malfunction may occur
if any of the above is left on while
making a connection.

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 view the
signal from the VCR. (See the
operation manuals of your TV and
VCR.)

4 Set the Power switch on the

camcorder to w, and begin playback
(see page 24).

Notes:

• If your TV or VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART
connector, use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART
conversion connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ)
available from our main parts distributor
detailed on page 70.

21-pin Euro-SCART on TV or VCR

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART
conversion connector
(QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

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.

• If your TV or VCR has an S-video input
socket, you do not need to connect the
yellow video plug.

• Close the terminal cover after use.

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.

Audio R
Audio L

Useful Features

Control Buttons

Operation button

6.

Power switch

Information
display on

4002.2
03:01

Mode screen

Information
display off

DISPLAY button

Operation button

Use the Operation button to select and set
the desired setting.

DISPLAY button

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

• The example screens shown are for Camera
mode.

AUTO

3 0min

ENU

3 0min

M

OFF

ENU

SELECT SET

BLC GAI N/

FADE
M
SCENE

AUTO

Using the Mode Screens

In the mode screens, you can adjust the
camcorder settings by using the Operation
button.

1 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

• See pages 74 and 75 for the mode
items you can select in each mode.

• Steps 2 to 4 show how to change the
SCENE MENU setting in Camera
mode.

2 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

BLC GA IN/ OFF

FADE
M

ENU

SC ENE

M

ENU

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select the desired mode
item (SCENE MENU), then press the
centre of the Operation button.

Example

BLC GA IN/
FADE
M

ENU

SC ENE

M

ENU OF F

4 Press l or m to select the desired

mode setting (DUSK), then press the
centre of the Operation button.

Example

BLC GA IN/
FADE
M

ENU

SCENEMENU

To turn off the mode screen

Press the DISPLAY button.

Note:

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

DUS K

Useful Features

27

Useful Features

Using the Menu Screens

Use the menu screens to adjust the various
camcorder settings.

Operation button

DISPLAY button

Power switch

1 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

• See pages 74 and 75 for the menu
items you can select in each mode.

• Steps 2 to 8 show how to change the
DGTL ZOOM menu setting in
Camera mode.

2 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears (see page 27).

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

Useful Features

the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

ENU

Example

EXECUTE

BLC GA IN/
FADE
M
SCENE MENU

5 Press l or m to select the desired

menu screen (T), then press the
centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING 1

Example

RETURN

QK.

DGT L

ZOOM
TAPE SPEED
RE TURN

START
OFF
SP

• You can press k, instead of the

centre of Operation button.

6 Press l or m to select the desired

menu item (DGTL ZOOM), then press
the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING 1

Example

RETURN

QK.
DGT L

ZOOM
TAPE SPEED
RE TURN

OF F

40
500

• You can press k, instead of the

centre of the Operation button.

7 Press l or m to select the desired

menu setting (40), then press the
centre of the Operation button.

DGTL Z OOM

• You can press j, instead of the

centre of the Operation button.

• To adjust another menu item, press

l or m to select “RETURN” and
press the centre of the Operation
button, then perform steps 5 to 7.

04

28

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK.
DGT L
TAPE SPEED
RE TURN

Note:

• The menu screen does not appear
during recording.

ZOOM

START
OFF
SP

8 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Notes:

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

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

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital
Zoom

You can select three different zoom ranges:
1–10K (optical zoom), 10–40K (digital
zoom) or 10–500K (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 1–500K.

• As the image is enlarged digitally, the

picture quality decreases when higher
digital zoom settings are used.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

BLC GA IN/ OFF

FADE

M

ENU

SC ENE

M

ENU

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select T, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

Press l or m to select “DGTL

5

ZOOM”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK.
DGT L

TAPE SPEED

RE TURN

ZOOM

OF F

40
500

6 Press l or m to select “40” or “500”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

DGTL Z OOM

04

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

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

WT 52D-ZOOM

Digital zoom indicator

To use optical zoom only

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.

Power Zoom

control

Useful Features

29

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Backlight
Compensation (BLC)

When the subject is backlit, the image will
appear dark if it is recorded normally. Use
the backlight compensation (BLC) function
to improve the picture.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

BLC GA IN/ OFF

FADE

M

ENU

M

SC ENE

ENU

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “BLC/GAIN”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button.

3 Press l or m to select “ON x”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

BLC / GA I N ON

Useful Features

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

•“x” appears when on-screen

indicators are turned on, indicating that
the backlight compensation is now
working.

AU T OAUTO

3 0min3 0min

To cancel the backlight compensa­tion function

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

30

Gain-up

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

Note:

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

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

BLC GA IN/ OFF

FADE
M

ENU

SC ENE

M

ENU

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “BLC/GAIN”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button.

3 Press l or m to select “ON e”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

BLC / GA I N ON

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

•“e” appears when on-screen

indicators are turned on, indicating that
the gain-up function is now working.

To cancel the gain-up function

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Notes:

• You may experience some picture noise in
Gain-up mode, which increases when the
e appears.

• When the e indicator appears, you may
get a shadow image behind a subject that is
moving around a lot.

• Fine brightness adjustments are possible
when using manual iris (see page 50).

• The e indicator will disappear and
Gain-up mode will cancel if you aim the
camcorder in a bright location.

Useful Features

AUTO

3 0min

3 0min

31

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 for creating
scene transitions. This is especially effective
in creating a dramatic change in scenery.

Operation button

Start/Stop button

Useful Features

DISPLAY button

Fade in

Fade out

Using

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “FADE”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

BLC GA IN/

FADE

M

ENU

SC ENE

M

OFF

ENU

3 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

32

4 Press the DISPLAY button until on-

screen indicators appear.

5 Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

• The picture turns white, and the
image and sound fade in.

REC

REC

F AD E I N

FADE IN

A UT O

AUTO

3 0min

3 0min

6 Press the Start/Stop button at the

point where you wish to stop
recording.

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

REC

F AD E OUTOUT

FADE

A UT O

AUTO

2 727min

min

To cancel Fade mode

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

To use Fade Out only

1 During camera recording, press the

DISPLAY button until the mode
screen appears.

2 Perform steps 2 and 3 in “Using”.
3 Press the Start/Stop button at the

point where you wish to stop
recording.

Note:

• Fade mode automatically cancels after Fade
Out.

Quick Return

If while playing back your tape you want to
quickly return to the last recorded scene
and start recording again, use the quick
return function.

1 In Recording Standby mode, press

the DISPLAY button until the mode
screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select T, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “QK.

RETURN”, then press the centre of
the Operation button.

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK.
DGT L
TAPE SPEED
RE TURN

ZOOM

START

STOP

6 Press l or m to select “START”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

• “SEARCH” flashes, and the tape
begins fast forwarding or rewinding
to the end of the last recorded scene.

SEARCH

• When the tape reaches the end of
the last recorded scene, “FINISHED”
is displayed, and the camcorder
enters Recording Standby mode.

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Notes:

• To cancel the quick return function while
“SEARCH” is flashing, press the centre of
Operation button twice.

• Quick return will not work if you remove the
cassette and reload it after recording or if
nothing has been recorded since loading.

Useful Features

33

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Edit Search

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

Operation button

1 In Recording

Standby mode,
press and hold
down j (reverse
edit search) or k
(forward edit
search) on the
Operation button.

Useful Features

2 When you find the point where you

want to begin recording, release the
button.

Notes:

• The sound is off during search.

• Forward edit search is performed at the same
speed as normal playback, and reverse edit
search at 6.5 times the normal playback.

• You may experience picture noise during
reverse edit search.

Still Recording

You can record continuous still images of
subjects.

1 In Recording Standby mode,

press the PHOTO button fully.

• A still image of the subject is
displayed.

2 Press the Start/Stop

button.

• The still image of the
subject will be recorded.

To pause recording

Press the Start/Stop button.

To cancel the still image

Press the PHOTO button fully.

Notes:

• Still Recording can also be used during
recording by pressing the PHOTO button
fully.

• The picture quality in Still Recording function
will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

34

Digital Image
Stabilization (DIS)

The digital image stabilization (DIS) function
allows you to stabilize the image by
electronically compensating for relatively
minor image shaking that is often annoying
in close-up shots.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “DIS”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

SETT ING 2

DIS
16 9:
AUDI O MODE

W

IND

RETURN

ON

OFF

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The DIS indicator only appears when
the on-screen indicators are turned
on.

To cancel DIS function

Select “OFF” in step 6 above. The z
indicator will disappear.

Notes:

• The DIS function cannot compensate for
excessive image shaking.

• When image shaking does not occur (e.g.
when using the camcorder on a tripod), turn
off the DIS function. The picture will appear
more natural when the DIS function is off.

DIS indicator

T AP E

Useful Features

6 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

ONDIS

35

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Self Recording

Normal self recording

Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180°
vertically so that the screen faces the other
way and the subject can monitor the shot
while you are recording with the viewfinder.

If the camcorder is steadied, you can record
yourself in the scene by watching yourself
on the LCD monitor.

Useful Features

1 Pull out the viewfinder completely.

Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle
to the camcorder body (1), and then
rotate it 180° vertically (2).

2 Set the Power switch to v.

• The subject is displayed in the
viewfinder, and a mirror image of the
subject is displayed on the LCD
monitor.

3 Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

Note:

• You can play back images while the monitor
is in the self recording position. Set the
camcorder to Playback mode.

36

180˚

90˚

Self recording with reversed
grip

Rotate the grip 90° and the LCD monitor
180° vertically so that you can record
yourself while holding the grip.

1 Turn the camcorder downward as

shown below.

2 Rotate the lens section 90° vertically

as shown below.

90°

3 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body (1), and then
rotate it 180° vertically (2).

90˚

180˚

4 Set the Power switch to v.
5 Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

Notes:

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

• During self recording, the mode or menu
screen cannot be displayed.

• All of the manual settings are set to AUTO
and some other settings will set to OFF in self
recording.

• You may experience image noise when using
self recording.

• To operate self recording with reversed grip
correctly, make sure to turn the grip and the
lens section so that the Start/Stop button and
the tripod socket face upward, and the lens
faces toward you. The I indicator will
appear.

• Be sure that the LCD monitor rotation is
exactly 180°, otherwise the image recorded
will be rotated 180° upside-down.

• The viewfinder does not work in self
recording with reversed grip.

Useful Features

37

Useful Features
Camera Recording

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 Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

BLC GA IN/ OFF

FADE
M

ENU

M

ENU

SC ENE

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

Useful Features

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “16:9”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

SETT ING 2

DIS

16 9:
AUDI O MODE

W

IND

RETURN

OFF

ON

6 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

• The picture is displayed with the top
and bottom portions masked.

16 9:

ON

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

To return to normal screen

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.

38

Recording in LP (Long
Play Recording) Mode

This camcorder 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 Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

BLC GA IN/ OFF

FADE
M

ENU

SC ENE

M

ENU

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select T, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “TAPE

SPEED”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK.
DGT L

ZOOM
TAPE SPEED
RE TURN

SP

LP

6 Press l or m to select “LP”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

TAPE SPEED

LP

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The long play recording mode
indicator only appears when the on­screen indicators are turned on.

LP

T AP E

Long play recording mode indicator

To return to SP mode

Select “SP” in step 6 above.

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 a tape recorded in LP mode

under high temperature conditions is
played back.

—When a tape recorded in LP mode with

the camcorder 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 recording.

Useful Features

39

Useful Features
Camera Recording

Windbreak

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

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears
(see page 27).

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “WIND”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

SETT ING 2

DIS
16 9:

Useful Features

AUDI O MODE
W

IND

RETURN

OFF

ON

6 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

W

IND

ON

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

To cancel Windbreak

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.

Note:

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

40

Selecting the 16-bit
Audio Recording
Mode

The camcorder normally records audio in
the 12-bit audio recording mode. For higher­quality audio recording, select the 16-bit
audio recording mode.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears
(see page 27).

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “AUDIO

MODE”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

SETT ING 2

DIS
16 9:
AUDI O MODE
W

IND

RETURN

bit

112

6

bit

6 Press l or m to select “16bit”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

AUD I O MODE

1 6bit

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The 16-bit audio recording mode
indicator only appears when the on­screen indicators are turned on.

T AP E

16 bit

16-bit audio recording mode indicator

To return to 12-bit audio recording
mode

Select “12bit” in step 6 above.

Note:

• When using Audio Dubbing with 16-bit audio
recordings, both the dubbed and original
sounds will be recorded in mono (see page

57).

Useful Features

41

Useful Features

Useful Features
Playback

Playback

Using the Remote
Control
(Not supplied)

The remote control (RRMCGA149WJSA) is
not supplied with this camcorder. Contact
the nearest SHARP service centre or your
dealer for purchasing as specified part.

Activating

• The example screens shown are for
Playback mode.

1 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

Useful Features

5 Press l or m to select “REMOTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT
REMOTE
BEEP

RETURN

ON

OFF

6 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

REMOT E

ON

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Operating

Aim the remote control at the remote sensor
of the camcorder, and press the control
buttons to operate.

5 m

Remote sensor

SLOW button

TAPE REC START/STOP button

* CARD REC button

ZOOM (W/T) buttons

* Shift buttons

* CARD PLAY/MULTI button

VOLUME +/L buttons

Advance/reverse buttons

Notes:

• Be careful not to expose the remote sensor to
direct sunlight or strong interior lighting, as
this may prevent the remote control from
operating properly.

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

• The buttons with an asterisk mark (*) do

not work with this camcorder.

PAUSE/STILL
button

STOP button

PLAY button

FF button

REW button

T/C (Time
Code) button

DATE button

42

Playback Functions
with the Remote
Control
(Not supplied)

You can use the following playback
functions with the remote control (not
supplied), if you purchase it as a specified
part by contacting the nearest SHARP
service centre or your dealer. (See page 42
for use of the remote control.)

SLOW button

PAUSE/STILL
button

Advance/reverse
buttons

Reverse Playback

The reverse playback function allows you to
play back images in reverse.

During playback, press the j
button.

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

Note:

• The camcorder automatically returns to
normal playback if it is left in reverse
playback for more than 30 minutes.

Slow

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

During playback, press the SLOW
button (f).
Then, select the tape direction using
the advance/reverse buttons (j or
h).

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

Note:

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

Frame Advance

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

1 During playback, press the

PAUSE/STILL button (g) to
pause playback.

2 Press the h (or j)

button.

• Each time you press the
button, the picture
advances one frame
forward (or backward).

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

Notes:

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

• The reverse frame advance moves about 30
frames.

Useful Features

43

Useful Features
Playback

Selecting the Date
and Time of
Recording Display

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

• The example screens shown are for Playback
mode.

1 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

2 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

PI C. EFF ECT

AUD I O DUB

M

ENU

DATE D ISP.

OF F

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “DATE DISP.”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button.

Useful Features

PI C. EFFECT
AUD I O DUB
M

ENU

DAT E DI S P.

DAT E+TIME

4 Press l or m to select the desired

setting, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

DATE D I SP. DATE

5 Press the DISPLAY button until the

date (or date and time) appears.

4002.26.

FFREWSTOPPLAY

Notes:

• The date (or date and time) appears when
the on-screen indicators are turned on.

• 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 recording. (The
display will also be left blank for unrecorded
or damaged portions of the tape.)

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

44

• Each time you press l or m, the
setting changes as shown below.

DATE+TIME

DATE

OFF

Picture Effect
Playback

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

Types

B/W: The picture is displayed in

black-and-white.

SEPIA: The picture is displayed in

sepia colour similar to that of an old
photograph.

SOLARI: The contrast of the subject

is enhanced, creating an unique
artistic image.

NEGA: The blacks and whites of the

image are reversed and colours of
the image are inverted.

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

To cancel Picture Effect Playback

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Note:

• Video images in Picture Effect Playback
mode cannot be transferred via DV cable to a
personal computer.

1 During playback, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “PIC. EFFECT”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button.

PI C. EFFECT
AUD I O DUB
M

ENU

DAT E DI S P.

OFF

3 Press l or m to select the desired

picture effect, then press the centre of
the Operation button.

P IC. EFFECT

BW

Useful Features

45

Useful Features
Playback

Rotate Playback

This function allows you to play back
images rotated 180°.

1 In Playback mode, press the DIS-

PLAY button until the mode screen
appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select V, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “ROTATE

PB”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

PLAYBACK

SET

ROTAT E P B
AUDI O
RET URN

EXECUTE

RET URN

Useful Features

6 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

• Rotate Playback indicator appears.

To cancel Rotate Playback

Press the centre of the Operation button
in step 7 above.

Notes:

• When executing Rotate Playback during
playback, playback will stop. Press m to
begin Rotate Playback.

• Even if the camcorder is in Rotate Playback
mode, the image output via a DV connection
will display as normal playback.

• The camcorder will stop and cancel Rotate
Playback when the LCD monitor is closed.

• When you want to display the menu screen
during Rotate Playback, press the centre of
the Operation button.

• In Rotate Playback mode, you cannot
perform frame advance, slow, or picture
effect playback.

+

21

AUDIO
ROT ATE PB

Rotate Playback indicator

7 Press m to begin Rotate Playback.

• The image is rotated 180° upside
down.

46

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Manual Focus

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

Subject is too dark.

Fast-moving subject. Background is too bright.

Subject has horizontal

stripes.

Light reflects off the

subject.

Subject has fine, repeated

patterns.

Fast-speed shutter being

used under fluorescent

lighting.

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.

Operation button

DISPLAY button

1

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

Power Zoom control

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “FOCUS”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

M

ENU

SCENE MENU

SET

M

ANUAL

FOCUS

/

3 Adjust the Power Zoom control to

frame the subject as you desire.

4 Press l or m to focus on the

subject.

p: To focus on a closer subject
o: To focus on a more distant subject

5 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

• “MF” appears when the on-screen
indicators are turned on.

Manual focus indicator

MF

3 0min3 0min

Note:

• When “MF” is displayed, you can manually

adjust the focus by pressing l or m, even if
the focus setting screen is not displayed.

Advanced Features

47

Advanced Features
Camera Recording

Returning to Auto
Focus

You can set Manual Focus mode to Auto
Focus mode with the operation below.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “AUTO FOCUS”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button.

SCENE MENU

M

SET

ANUAL
FOCUS
AUTO FOCUS EXECUTE

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

• The FOCUS setting returns to Auto
Focus mode.

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

Advanced Features

Displaying the Manual
Setting Screen

You can manually adjust these settings as
shown below in the manual setting screen.

• White Balance (see page 49)

• Manual Iris (see page 50)

• Manual Gain (see page 51)

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button.

FADE
M

ENU

SCENE MENU

SET

M

ANUAL

EXECUTE

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

FULL AUTO

W

HITE BAL.

IRIS
GA IN
RETURN

Note:

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

EXECUTE

AUTO
AUTO
AUTO

48

White Balance Lock

The colour of the subject on the screen
looks different depending on lighting
conditions. Lock the White Balance if the
Auto White Balance does not work properly.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button (see page 48).

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select “WHITE

BAL.”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

FULL AUTO

W

HITE BAL.

IRIS
GA IN
RETURN

AUTO

5 Press l or m to select “LOCK

MODE”.

W

HITE BAL.

LOCK MODE

6 Aim the lens at a white object.

White paper or white cloth

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

7 Press the centre of the Operation

button to set the white balance lock.

• “LOCK MODE” will change to
“LOCK” after pressing the centre of
the Operation button.

• “LOCK” flashes during the locking
procedure, and stops flashing after
locking the white balance.

Note:

• If you move the camcorder while
“LOCK” is flashing, “LOCK” may not
stop flashing. If this occurs, repeat
step 7.

8 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

Advanced Features

To return to Auto White Balance
mode

Press k in step 5 above, then press the
centre of the Operation button.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see
page 52).

Note:

• White Balance setting cannot be used
when a scene setting is selected.

49

Advanced Features
Camera Recording

Manual Iris

The camcorder is preset to Auto Iris mode,
which automatically selects the optimal
aperture. However, when there is too much
contrast in brightness between the subject
and background, you may not be able to
record a clear image. In this case, use the
manual iris function to correct the iris value.

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

• Decrease the iris value to allow more light
through the lens.

Subject is too bright against background.

• Increase the iris value to allow less light
through the lens.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button (see page 48).

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

Advanced Features

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select “IRIS”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

FULL AUTO

W

HITE BAL.

IRIS
GA IN
RETURN

AUTO

5 Press l or m to select the desired

iris value, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

FULL AUTO
W

HITE BAL.

IRIS

GA IN
RETURN

• The number shown is the selected
iris value. The adjustment range is 15
steps from F1.8 (most light) to F19
(least light).

EXECUTE
AUTO
F2.0
AUTO

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto Iris mode

Press k in step 5 above, then press the
centre of the Operation button.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see
page 52).

Note:

• Manual Iris mode cannot be used when a
scene setting is selected.

50

Manual Gain

When recording in a dark or poorly
illuminated location with Auto Gain mode,
the light sensitivity of the camcorder (gain)
will be automatically adjusted and the
recorded image may be brighter than the
subject actually is. If you want to faithfully
record a dark scene in this case, use the
manual gain function. You can also adjust
the gain to record a backlit subject brighter.

Example of use

Faithfully recording a dark scene

• Select a smaller gain value (to decrease the
light sensitivity).

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

• Select a larger gain value (to increase the
light sensitivity).

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button (see page 48).

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select “GAIN”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

FULL AUTO

W

HITE BAL.

IRIS
GA IN
RETURN

AUTO

5 Press l or m to select the desired

gain value, then press the centre of
the Operation button.

FULL AUTO
W

HITE BAL.

IRIS

GA IN

RETURN

• The number shown is the selected
gain value. The adjustment range is 7
steps from 0dB (lowest sensitivity) to
L18dB (highest sensitivity).

Note: If you select a large gain value,
the image may appear grainy.

EXECUTE
AUTO
AUTO

+

3dB

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto Gain mode

Press k in step 5 above, then press the
centre of the Operation button.

Advanced Features

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see
page 52).

Note:

• Manual Gain mode cannot be used when a
scene setting is selected.

51

Advanced Features
Camera Recording

Setting the
Camcorder to Full
Auto Mode

You can set all manual settings, including
white balance, iris, gain, but not focus, to
Full Auto mode in one operation.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then
press the centre of the Operation
button (see page 48).

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

FULL AUTO

W

HITE BAL.

IRIS
GA IN
RETURN

EXECUTE
LOCK

F4 0.
+

3dB

4 Press l or m to select “FULL

AUTO”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

FULL AUTO
W

HITE BAL.

IRIS
GA IN
RETURN

EXECUTE

5 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

FULL AUTO

W

HITE BAL.

IRIS
GA IN
RETURN

EXECUTE

AUTO
AUTO
AUTO

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

Note:

• You cannot select “FULL AUTO” when no
manual settings are currently in use.

Advanced Features

52

Scene Menu
(Program AE)

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

Types

SPORT (A): When you want to record

a fast-moving subject.

DUSK (B): When you want to

faithfully record the red of the setting
sun, and the surrounding twilight.

SUNLIGHT (F): When background is

very bright.

PARTY (C): When the illumination is

from a spotlight or candle.

NIGHT LUMI (D): When you want to

record fireworks or an illuminated
object in the dark.

SLOW SHUT. (E): When you want to

record an object in a dim place and
make it emerge brightly.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “SCENE MENU”,
then press the centre of the Operation
button.

BLC GA I N/
FADE
M

ENU

SCENE MENU

OFF

3 Press l or m to select the scene

setting that best fits the recording
situation, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

• The selected scene setting displays
on the mode screen.

SCENE MENU

DUSK

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

• The selected scene setting indicator
displays when the on-screen
indicators are turned on.

T AP E

Scene setting indicator

Advanced Features

To cancel the scene setting

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Note:

• Scene settings cannot be used when using
any manual setting except focus. Also not
selectable when e displays.

53

Advanced Features

Advanced Features
Playback

Playback

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 when you are recording on the tape.
You can display the time code on the screen
as an accurate counter in both Playback
and Camera modes.

Display format

0 00 10 20TC

Frame number*

Second

Minute

* Displayed during still or

Hour

• The example screens shown are for Playback
mode.

frame advance playback.

1 During playback or camera recording,

press the DISPLAY button until the
mode screen appears.

2 Select “MENU”, then “EXECUTE” by

using the Operation button (see page

28).

3

Press l or m to select ~, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “TIME

CODE”, then press the centre of the

Advanced Features

Operation button.

OTHERS 2

T IME CODE
TC OUT
RETURN

OFF

ON

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The time code appears when the on­screen indicators are turned on.

TC

01:02:0

+

21

AUDIO

Time code

To turn off the time code

Select “OFF” in step 5 above.

Note:

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

Displaying the time code on
a TV during playback

1 In Playback mode, press the DIS-

PLAY button until the mode screen
appears.

2 Select “MENU”, then “EXECUTE” by

using the Operation button (see page

28).

3

Press l or m to select ~, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “TC OUT”,

then press the centre of the Opera­tion button.

OTHERS 2

T IME CODE
TC OUT
RETURN

OFF

ON

5 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

TIME CODE

54

ON

5

Press l or m to select “ON”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

TC OUT

ON

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Editing

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

Preparation

Connect the camcorder to a VCR with the
supplied audio/video/S-video cable, as
shown.

Recording (VCR)

VIDEO

L-AUDIO-R

S-VIDEO

terminal

Notes:

• If your VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART

connector, use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART
conversion connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ)
available from our main parts distributor
detailed on page 70.

Video

(MONO)

AV-IN

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

To AV

:

The arrow shows the signal flow.

21-pin Euro-SCART on VCR

0

VIDEO AUDIO

(L/MONO)

Black: To S-video input socket
Yellow: To video input jack
White: To audio input (L) jack
Red: To audio input (R) jack

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART
conversion connector

AUDIO

(QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

(R)

Audio R
Audio L

Playback

• See page 2 for how to open the terminal
cover.

• 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
do not need to connect the yellow video plug.

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

1 Play back the tape to be edited on the

camcorder, and locate the beginning
and end of the sequence you wish to
cut. Write down the time code reading
at the beginning and end of that
sequence (see page 54). Then, rewind
the tape to before the beginning of the
portion that you wish to keep.

2 Load a video cassette into the

recording VCR.

3 Press m on the camcorder to begin

playback, then press the Record
button on the VCR to begin recording.

4 Press the Pause/Still button on the

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

5 Press the Pause/Still (or Record) button

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

To stop editing

Press l on the camcorder and press the
Stop button on the VCR.

Notes:

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

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

• 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 54).

Advanced Features

55

Advanced Features
Playback

Editing with the DV
Terminal (IEEE1394)

This camcorder enables you to perform
digital video editing. A DV cable transfers all
dubbing signals including video and audio.

Preparation

Connect the camcorder to video equipment
with a DV terminal using a commercially
available DV cable.

To DV

terminal

DV cable (commercially available)

To DV

terminal

:

The arrow shows the signal flow.

Video equipment

with DV terminal

(e.g. DV camcorder)

Cutting Unwanted Se­quences

See “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” on
page 55, using the video equipment as the
recording source.

Notes:

• Make sure that the video equipment to which
you are recording can input dubbing signals
via the DV terminal.

• When displaying the playback picture on the
PC, you may find black bands around the
image. This is caused by the differences of
the image display sizes.

•“i.Link” refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry
specification and extensions thereof. The z
logo is used for products compliant with the
i.Link standard.

Advanced Features

56

Audio Dubbing
Feature

You can add narration to recordings made
with this camcorder, while preserving the
original audio and video recordings.

Microphone for Audio Dubbing

You can use the built-in monaural micro­phone to record narration.

Built-in monaural

microphone

Note:

• You cannot use audio dubbing with
recordings made in LP mode.

Audio Recording

In normal recording mode

12-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in monaural on Audio

1.

Audio 1: Monaural sound
Audio 2: No audio

16-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in monaural on two
separate channels.

Audio 1: Monaural sound
Audio 2: Monaural sound

In Audio Dubbing mode

12-bit audio recording

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2.

Audio 1: Original monaural sound
Audio 2: Dubbed monaural sound

16-bit audio recording

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

Audio 1: Original monaural sound
Audio 2: Dubbed monaural sound

Note:

• You can select the 12-bit or 16-bit audio
recording mode by performing the procedure
on page 41.

Advanced Features

57

Advanced Features
Playback

Audio Dubbing

1 Play back the Mini DV cassette

recorded in SP mode and locate the
tape position where you wish to start
audio dubbing.

2 Press m on the Operation button to

pause playback.

3 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

4 Press l or m to select “AUDIO

DUB”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

PI C. EFFECT
AUD I O DUB
M

ENU

DAT E DI S P.

EX ECUTE

5 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

• The audio dubbing screen appears.

TC

00:00:0

+

21

AUDIO
AUDIO DUB

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

1 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the audio dubbing screen.

2 Repeat steps 1 to 6 above.

Notes:

• It is recommended that you use Audio

Dubbing only with recordings made with this
camcorder. Use of recordings made with
other digital video equipment may result in
poor audio quality.

• Audio dubbing will automatically pause if the

original audio changes from 12-bit mode to
16-bit mode or vice versa. Press m to
resume operation.

• Audio dubbing will automatically stop if a

portion recorded in LP mode or an unre­corded portion of the tape is encountered.

• You can play back the dubbed audio and the

original audio together or separately (see
page 59).

• “AUDIO DUB” cannot be selected when the

Mini DV cassette is recorded in LP mode.

START STOP CANCEL

Advanced Features

6 Press m to begin audio dubbing.

Record your narration.

To pause audio dubbing

Press l. To resume audio dubbing, press
m again.

To cancel audio dubbing

Press the centre of the Operation button in
step 5. The audio dubbing screen disap­pears.

58

Selecting the Audio
Playback Mode

You can select any of the following audio
playback modes.

Audio 1H2

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

• 16-bit recording in mono

Audio 1

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

• 16-bit recording in mono

Audio 2

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

• 16-bit recording in mono

Note:

• This camcorder can output stereo sound
when a tape is recorded in stereo.

1 Playback a Mini DV cassette with

dubbed audio.

2 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

3 Select “MENU”, then “EXECUTE” by

using the Operation button (see page

28).

4 Press l or m to select V, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “AUDIO”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

PLAYBACK SET

ROTAT E P B
AUDI O
RET URN

+

2

1

1
2

6 Press l or m to select the desired

audio playback mode, then press the
centre of the Operation button.

+

AUDI O

12

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The selected audio playback mode
indicator only appears when the on­screen indicators are turned on.

+

21

AUDIO

Audio playback mode indicator

Note:

• The audio playback mode indicator,
“AUDIO”, displays in different colours

depending on the recording mode (12- or 16­bit) used for the recording being played
back. A white display indicates 12-bit
recording mode, while a green indicates 16­bit.

Advanced Features

59

Appendix

Appendix

Picture/Backlight
Adjustments

If the picture is difficult to see due to
ambient light or other factors, adjust the
monitor picture settings.

• The example screens shown are for Camera
mode.

Adjusting the Picture

1 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select O, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

LCD SET

BACKL IGHT

LC D BRI GHT
LCD COLOUR

VF BRIGHT
RET URN

NORMAL

–
–
–

+
+
+

5 Press l or m to select “LCD

BRIGHT”, “LCD COLOUR” or “VF
BRIGHT”, then press the centre of
the Operation button.

6 Press j or k to adjust the item to

the desired setting, then press the
centre of the Operation button.

LCD BR I GHT

LCD COLOUR

VF BR IGHT

Decrease

–

Darker

–

–

Darker

+

Brighter

+

Increase

+

Brighter

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Notes:

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

• The viewfinder turns on if you select “VF
BRIGHT”.

Appendix

60

Adjusting the Backlight

1 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select O, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “BACK-

LIGHT”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

LCD SET

BACKL IGHT
LC D BRI GHT
LC D C OLOUR
VF BRIGHT
RET URN

NORMAL

BRI GHT

6 Press l or m to select “NORMAL” or

“BRIGHT”, then press the centre of
the Operation button.

BACKL I GHT

NORMAL: For use indoors or under

moderate lighting conditions.

BRIGHT: For use outdoors under

strong lighting conditions, such
as bright daylight.

BRI GHT

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Appendix

61

Appendix

Turning off the
Confirmation Sound

A confirmation sound is made when you
turn on or off the Power switch, press the
Start/Stop button, or perform other
designated operations. Use the procedure
below to turn off the confirmation sounds.

• The example screens shown are for Camera
mode.

1 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “BEEP”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT
REMOTE
BEEP
DE MO MO DE

RETURN

ON

OFF

6 Press l or m to select “OFF”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

OFFBEEP

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Appendix

62

Setting the
Camcorder to
Factory Presettings

You can set the camcorder to the factory
presettings in one operation.

• The example screens shown are for Camera

mode.

1 Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

4 Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select “DEFAULT”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT
REMOTE
BEEP
DE MO MO DE

RETURN

EXE CUTE

RET URN

7 Press l or m to select “YES”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.

8 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Note:

• Even when you perform the steps above, the
clock setting maintains the memory.

6 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

DEFAULT

RE TURN PRE SE TT I NGSTO
EXCEPT CERTA I N I TEMS.

NO

YES

SELECT

SET

Appendix

63

Appendix

Demonstration Mode

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

Watching

1 Remove the Mini DV cassette from

the camcorder (see page 9).

2 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press
the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation
button.

5 Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

6 Press l or m to select “DEMO

MODE”, then press the centre of the
Operation button.

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT
REMOTE
BEEP

D EMO MOD E
RETURN

OFF

ON

7 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation
button.

D EMO MOD E

ON

8 Set the Power switch to OFF, then

hold down the Lock button and set
the Power switch to v.

• The demonstration begins.

Cancelling

1 During the demonstration, press the

centre of the Operation button to
pause the demonstration.

2 Perform step 3 to 6 in “Watching”,

then select “OFF” in step 7.

Notes:

• The demonstration will pause if you press the
centre of the Operation button. If you leave it
for 60 seconds, or turn the power off
temporarily and then set the Power switch to
v, the demonstration will begin again.

• Demonstration mode does not work in self
recording with reversed grip.

Appendix

64

;;;;

Useful Information

Hints for Better Shooting

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

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

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

Note:

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

Position the

subject in the

centre.

Focus manually when

you need to position

the subject off centre

(see page 47).

• 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 in this lighting,
use Backlight Compensation or correct
the iris value to improve the picture (see
pages 30 and 50).

Light from behind Backlighting

• Before zooming, think about how to best

frame the shot. Frequent zooming
produces unattractive pictures. It also runs
down the battery more quickly.

• When image shaking is noticeable during

zoomed-in telephoto shooting, use a
tripod or push the Power Zoom control to
the W side to zoom out.

Appendix

65

Appendix

Mini DV Cassette

Precautions when using a Mini DV
cassette

• Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes with

the i mark.

• This camcorder 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

areas 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

Appendix

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.

66

To protect recordings against
accidental erasure

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

Erasure protect tab

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

Battery Pack

This camcorder uses a lithium-ion type
battery pack.

Charging

• Charge the battery pack immediately (or a

day) before use. The battery pack
gradually self-discharges even if stored in
a fully charged state.

• Charge the battery pack between 10°C

and 30°C.

• Fully charge the battery pack. Use of an

insufficiently charged battery pack will
shorten actual time of use.

• Refresh (discharging before charging) is

unnecessary.

Use

• To conserve battery power, be sure to turn

off the camcorder power when not in use.

• Battery consumption may vary depending

on the condition of use. Recording with
many starts and stops, frequent zooming,
and recording in low temperatures will
shorten actual recording times.

• Use of a weak battery pack may cause

loss of power while operating the
camcorder. Use a fully charged battery
pack to protect both the battery pack and
the unit.

• It is recommended that you have enough

battery packs on hand to handle two or
three times your estimated recording time.
See page 19 for the approximate times of
actual recording for the battery packs.

Battery power is consumed even when
the camcorder power is turned off. If you
are not going to use your camcorder
immediately, remove the battery pack
(see page 6).

Note:

• Use only SHARP BT-L226 battery packs.

These are designed specifically for use with
this camcorder.

Storage

• Store the battery pack in a fully dis­charged state.

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

• When storing the battery pack, put it in the
original protective plastic bag.

Notes:

• Improper handling of the battery pack may
present a risk of fire or explosion. Pay close
attention to the following:

— 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. Do not dispose of them in fire.

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

• 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.

• If the terminals of the battery pack are dirty,
wipe the terminals with a soft, dry cloth.

Appendix

67

Appendix

Extending battery pack life

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

1 Charge the battery pack until the

POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator turns
off.

2 Attach the battery pack to the

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

3 Remove the battery pack and store it

between 10°C and 20°C.

AC Adapter

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

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

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

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

• Do not leave the adapter in direct sunlight.

• Avoid using the adapter in humid or
extremely hot places.

Cleaning

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

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

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

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

• Pull out the viewfinder and open the
window cleaning cover as shown below so
that you can clean up the inside of the
viewfinder with a camera blower.

Window cleaning cover

Replacing the Fluorescent

Appendix

Lamp

This camcorder 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.

68

Note:

• After cleaning, close the window cleaning

cover securely. Closing the viewfinder with
the window cleaning cover opened may
cause malfunction.

Using Your Camcorder
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
camcorder 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 areas:
Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland,
Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Belgium,
Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, Finland,
Portugal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand,
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait,
China, etc.

Appendix

69

Appendix

Troubleshooting

The following conditions do not always denote trouble. Therefore, perform the checks described
below before calling for service. If the problem cannot be corrected by the use of this guide,
remove the main plugs from the wall socket, and contact the dealer or supplier from whom the
unit was purchased in order to obtain service. Where this is not possible, please visit our web-site
www.sharp.co.uk/customersupport.
Customers without Internet access may telephone [phone] during office hours (or
[phone] if telephoning from Ireland).

Certain replacement parts and accessories may be obtained from our main parts distributor, who
can be contacted on the following numbers:

ILLOW VALE ELECTRONICS LTD.: 0121 766 5414

W

In the unlikely event of this equipment requiring repair during the guarantee period, you will need
to provide proof of the date of purchase to the repairing company. Please keep your invoice or
receipt, which is supplied at the time of purchase.

Appendix

70

Symptom

No power.

Power

Start/Stop button
does not work.

Power suddenly turns
off.

Auto focus does not
work.

Camera mode

Bright subject pro­duces wide vertical
lines.

Display automatically
changes in Camera
mode.

Possible cause

Power source is not properly con­nected.

Battery pack is not charged.

Dew in camcorder.

Safety function is in effect.

Erasure-protect tab on video cas­sette is open.

Camcorder left in Recording
Standby mode for 5 minutes in
Camera mode.

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.

Camcorder is in Demo mode.

Suggested solution

Connect power source properly
(pp. 5, 8).

Charge battery pack sufficiently
(p. 7).

Wait until dew dries (p. xi).

Set Power switch to OFF and re­move battery pack. Wait for 2 sec­onds, then reinstall battery pack
and turn on power (pp. 5, 6).

Close tab or use a new cassette
(p. 66).

Set Power switch to OFF and then
back to Camera mode.

Set to Auto Focus mode (p. 48).

Zoom out from subject (p. 20).

Focus manually (p. 47).

——

Set the DEMO MODE menu item to
“OFF” (p. 64).

Symptom

No image appears
on connected TV
screen.

Cannot rewind or fast
forward tape.

Video noise in image.

Playback mode

No sound.

Tape does not work.

Motion images are
rotated 180° upside
down.

Battery pack is easily
depleted.

Clock has been re­set.

Cassette will not

General

eject.

No image on monitor.

Possible cause

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

Audio/video/S-video cable is not
properly connected.

Position at beginning or end of tape.

Using a cleaning tape

Dirty video heads.

Old or worn tape.

Using a 12-bit recording tape with
AUDIO menu item set to “AUDIO 2”.

Power switch is set to Camera
mode.

Battery pack is depleted.

Improper self recording.

Using camcorder in extremely cold
environment.

Battery pack is not fully charged.

Lithium battery is not properly in­stalled.

Lithium battery is depleted.

Power source is not properly con­nected.

Battery pack is not charged.

Camcorder is recording.

Backlight has been turned off.

Fluorescent lamp has burned out.

Suggested solution

Select video input channel or TV
channel properly (p. 26).

Connect audio/video/S-video cable
properly (p. 26).

Rewind or fast forward tape to de­sired point (p. 24).

The cleaning tape will automatically
rewind after cleaning finishes (p.
xii).

Call for service (p. 70) or use a
commercially available cleaning
tape (p. xii).

Use a new cassette.

Set the AUDIO menu item to “AU­DIO 1” or “AUDIO 1L2” (p. 59).

Set the Power switch to Playback
mode (p. 24).

Charge battery pack or replace it
with a fully charged one (pp. 5–7).

Turn on Rotate Playback (p. 46).

Warm up battery pack, for example
in your pocket, just before using it.

Charge battery pack sufficiently (p.

7).

Install lithium battery properly (p.

10).

Replace new lithium battery (p. 10).

Connect power source properly
(pp. 5, 8).

Charge battery pack sufficiently
(p. 7).

Stop recording and try again (p. 20).

Turn on backlight (p. 21).

Call for service (p. 70).

Appendix

71

Appendix

Symptom

Viewfinder picture is
hard to see.

Monitor picture is
hard to see.

POWER/CHARGE
(RED) indicator
flashes in red when
charging battery

General

pack.

Cannot edit to con­nected VCR.

“E007” is displayed
on the screen, and
unable to operate
normally.

Possible cause

Viewfinder dioptre is not properly
adjusted.

Inappropriate picture adjustments.

Inappropriate picture adjustments.

AC adapter or battery pack may
have malfunctioned.

Audio/video/S-video cable is not
properly connected.

The camcorder may be damaged.

Suggested solution

Adjust dioptre (p. 16).

Adjust picture (p. 60).

Adjust picture (p. 60).

Call for service (p. 70).

Connect audio/video/S-video cable
properly (p. 55).

Do not take out a cassette, and call
for service (p. 70).

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 in the viewfinder or on the LCD 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.

Appendix

72

Specifications

Camcorder

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

Built-in microphone: Electret monaural microphone

Colour Temperature Compensation: Auto white balance with white balance lock

Minimum Illumination: 2 lux* (with gain-up, F1.8)

Power Requirement: DC 7.4 V

Power Consumption: 3.6 W (during camera recording in Camera mode

Operating Temperature: 0°C to L40°C

Operating Humidity: 30% to 80%

Storage Temperature: +20°C to L60°C

Dimensions (WKHKD) (approx.): 82.8 mm K 82.2 mm K 101.5 mm

AC Adapter (UADP-A016WJZZ)

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

Dimensions (WKHKD) (approx.): 49.0 mm K 27.5 mm K 79.0 mm

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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

Cassette: Digital VCR Mini DV video cassette

Tape Speed: SP mode: 18.831 mm/second

Pickup Device:

Monitor: 2.5" (6.4 cm) CGSilicon

Weight (approx.): 475 g (without battery pack, lithium battery, video

DC Output: 10 V

Weight (approx.): 125 g

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

LP mode: 12.568 mm/second

1

⁄4" (6.4 mm, effective size: 4.5 mm) CCD image sensor
(with approx. 800,000 pixels including optical black,
effective pixels: approx. 414,000 pixels)

Lens: 10K optical zoom lens (F1.8, f=3.8–38 mm)

using the viewfinder in Full Auto mode with the DIS
function on)

4.2 W (during camera recording in Camera mode
using the LCD monitor in Full Auto mode with the DIS
function on and backlight in normal mode)

cassette and lens cap)

Appendix

73

Appendix

On-screen Display Index

Camera mode

Appendix

p. 23

p. 52

A UT OAUTO

AUTO

BLC GA IN/

FADE

M

ENU

SC ENE

A UT OAUTO

AUTO

3 0min

3 0min

p. 23

M

ENU

pp. 30, 31

p. 35

OFF

SELECT

p. 32
p. 28
p. 53
p. 48
p. 47
p. 48
p. 44

4002.6.2
03:01

SET

BLC GAIN/
FADE
M

ENU

M

ENU

SC ENE

M

ANUAL SET
FOCUS
AUTO FOCUS
DATE DI SP.

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK.
DGT L

TAPE SPEED

RE TURN

SETT ING 2

DIS

16 9:
AUDI O MODE

W

IND

RETURN

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT
REMOTE
BEEP

D EMO MOD E
RETURN

OTHERS 2

T IME CODE
TC OUT

12H 24H/
SETT I NG
RETURN

LCD SET

BACKL IGHT
LC D BRI GHT

LCD COLOUR

VF BRIGHT

RET URN

ZOOM

p. 33
p. 29
p. 39

p. 35
p. 38
p. 41
p. 40

p. 63
p. 42
p. 62
p. 64

p. 54
p. 54
p. 13
p. 12

p. 61
p. 60
p. 60
p. 60

74

Playback mode

p. 23

+

21

AUDIO

p. 59

4002.6.2
03:01

FFREWSTOPPLAY

PI C.EFFECT

AUD I O DUB
M

ENU

DAT E DI SP.

OFF

SELECT SET

p. 45
p. 58
p. 28
p. 44

PIC.
AUDIO

M

ENU

DAT E

EFFECT

DUB

DISP.

PLAYBACK

ROTAT E P B

AUDI O

RET URN

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT

REMOTE

BEEP

RETURN

OTHERS 2

T IME CODE
TC OUT
RETURN

LCD SET

BACKL IGHT

LC D BRI GHT

LCD COLOUR

VF BRIGHT

RET URN

SET

p. 46
p. 59

p. 63
p. 42
p. 62

p. 54
p. 54

p. 61
p. 60
p. 60
p. 60

Appendix

75

SHARP CORPORATION

SHARP ELECTRONICS (U.K.) LTD.

Sharp House, Thorp Road, Newton Heath

Manchester M40 5BE

Printed in Japan
TINSEA058WJZZ
03P04-JKG