Sharp VL-Z300E User Manual

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

OPERATION MANUAL

VL-Z300E-S VL-Z100E-S

ENGLISH

Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual

carefully, especially page vi.

OPERATION MANUAL

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:

Audio-visual material may consist of copyrighted works which must not be recorded without the authority of the owner of the copyright. Please refer to relevant laws in your country.

NOTE

The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with more than 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.

CAUTION

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

Power supply:

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

ENGLISH

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Information for Australia/New Zealand Only

WARNING:

This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 7.4 volts from a BTL227 battery or the AC adapter (UADP-A053WJZZ). CAUTION: As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adapter, do NOT remove their cabinets as touching parts inside could result in electric shock. Please refer servicing to a qualified dealer or a Camcorder service centre approved by Sharp.

NOTE

This Camcorder is a high technology product. The LCD Panel comprises 215,280 TFT Transistors. Due to the high density of transistors, it is possible that some pixels may fail.

Important:

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

ENGLISH

Contents

Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................... v

Optional Accessories .......................................................................................... v

Precautions ........................................................................................................ vi

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 .............................................. 14

Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 15

Using the Grip ....................................................... 15

Detaching the Lens Hood .....................................16

Using the Viewfinder .............................................16

Using the LCD Monitor ......................................... 18

Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 19

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode .......... 20

Zooming ................................................................21

Power Standby Mode ........................................... 22

Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 22

Auto Focus ............................................................23

Macro Shots ..........................................................23

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

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 24

Information Display for Battery Usage ..................24

Playback

Playback ............................................................... 25

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

Still ........................................................................ 26

Video Search.........................................................26

Watching Playback on a TV ..................................27

Useful Features

Control Buttons ..................................................... 28

Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 28

Using the Menu Screens.......................................29

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 30

Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 31

Gain-up ................................................................. 32

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

Quick Return ......................................................... 34

Edit Search............................................................35

Still Recording ....................................................... 35

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 36

Wide Mode ............................................................ 36

Power Save Mode .................................................37

Windbreak ............................................................. 37

Self Recording ...................................................... 38

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode .....40

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

Playback

Using the Remote Control (Not supplied) ............. 42

Selecting the Date and Time of Recording

Display ................................................................43

Picture Effect Playback .........................................44

Rotate Playback ....................................................45

Stretch Playback ...................................................46

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

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

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

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

Adjusting White Balance ....................................... 49

Manual Iris ............................................................ 51

Manual Gain .......................................................... 52

Setting the Shutter Speed .....................................53

Tips on Manual Settings ....................................... 54

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode.............54

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 55

Digital Picture Effects ............................................ 56

iii

Contents

Advanced Features

Appendix

Note:

• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages 75–

78.)

Playback

Using the Time Code ............................................ 57

Audio Dubbing Feature.........................................58

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 60

Editing ...................................................................61

Recording from an External Source

(VL-Z300 only) ....................................................62

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 64

Using the Camcorder as a Converter

(VL-Z300 only) ....................................................66

Picture/Backlight Adjustments ..............................67

Turning off the Confirmation Sound ...................... 68

Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 68

Demonstration Mode ............................................ 69

Useful Information .................................................70

Troubleshooting .................................................... 75

Specifications ....................................................... 79

On-screen Display Index ...................................... 80

Index ..................................................................... 82

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L227

CR1216 type lithium battery for camcorder Lens cap

AC adapter

Power cord

Optional Accessories

Standard-life

battery pack

BT-L227

Note:

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

External battery with

hand strap

BT-LCA1

Audio/video/S-video

cable

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 viii).

• When the camcorder is not in use, re-

member 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 humid-

ity.

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.).

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.

vii

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 the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for further advice.

viii

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. 28)

Zoom lens

DISPLAY/MODE SET button (p. 28)/

Monaural microphone

LCD LAMP button (p. 22)

MENU button (p. 29)

Operation References

Left view

Operation References

LCD monitor (p. 18)

Terminal cover

(pp. 27, 61, 62, 64, 66)

DV terminal (pp. 64, 66)

DC IN jack (pp. 7, 8)

AV terminal (pp. 27, 61, 62, 66)

Tripod socket*

* When attaching a tripod

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

Lithium battery cover (p. 10)

Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 17)

Battery release (pp. 6, 10)

Right view

Window cleaning cover

(p. 73)

PHOTO button (p. 35)

Operation References

Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control (p. 21)/ VOLume control (p. 26)

Viewfinder (pp. 16, 17)

STANDBY indicator

(p. 22)

POWER/CHARGE

(RED) indicator

(pp. 7, 8, 20)

Record Start/Stop button (p. 20)

Power switch (v Camera Recording mode/w Playback mode select switch) (pp. 20, 25)

STANDBY button (p. 22)

Speaker

Hand strap (p. 15)

Cassette holder (p. 9)

Cassette compartment door release (p. 9)

Cassette compartment door (p. 9)

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

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 71).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new cassette (see page 9).

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 and

6).

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

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

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.

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.

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-L227 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.

Charging the Battery Pack

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

2 Connect the supplied power cord to

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

AC power socket

To power

outlet

3 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

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

POWER/CHARGE (RED)

DC IN jack

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

indicator

DC plug

4 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 in Tape modes

Max.

continuous

time

120

recording time

LCD

closed

open

145 125

125

Charging

Battery

pack

BT-L227

• 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 21) 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 72 and 73 for more information on using the battery pack.

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L227 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.

Max.

continuous

playback time

on LCD

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 Connect the supplied power cord to

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

AC power socket

To power

outlet

3 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator

4 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.

DC IN jack

DC plug

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 71 for more information on the video cassette tapes intended for use with this camcorder.

mark.

Preparation

“PUSH” mark

Preparation

Installing the Lithium Batteries

Installing the Memory Battery

The supplied CR1216 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 CR1216 type lithium

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

CR1216 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.

Lithium battery cover

Installing the Battery to Remote Control (Not supplied)

The remote control (RRMCGA237WJSA) is not supplied with this camcorder. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for purchasing as specified part. The CR2032 type lithium battery is used to power the remote control unit.

1 Insert a pointed object such as the

tip of a ballpoint pen to open the battery holder.

2 Place the CR2032 type lithium

battery on the battery holder with the H side facing down.

CR2032 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 CR2032, 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

3 Close the battery holder until it

clicks.

Preparation

2. 000

1 2004.

SETT I NG

2. 000

6 2004.

Setting the Date and Time

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2005

(2. 6. 2005) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30).

Operation button

Preparation

MENU button

Note:

• Before performing the steps below, make sure that the CR1216 type lithium battery has been installed (see page 10).

• The example screens shown are for Camera mode.

Power switch

1 Hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to v or w.

Lock button

2 Press the MENU button to display the

menu screen.

OTHERS 2

POWER SAVE OFF T IME CODE OFF

12H DAT E D IS P.

SETT I NG

RETURN

24H/

OFFTC OUT 24H DAT E+TIME

12004.1.

000:

3 Press the centre of the Operation

button.

4 Press m or l to select “2” (day),