Sharp VL-Z900H Operating Instruction

Download

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

MODEL

VL-Z900H-S

OPERATION MANUAL

PixLab Install Key

J2413463 8773838

–

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.

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-Z900H-S 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.

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.

Trademarks

• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• Adobe, Acrobat, Acrobat Reader and Adobe Reader are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

• DirectX is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation of the United States and is copyrighted.

• DPOF is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

• SD Logo is a trademark.

• All other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

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 .............6

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

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

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

Inserting and Removing a Card ............................ 11

Installing the Lithium Batteries ..............................12

Setting the Date and Time .................................... 14

Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 16

Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 17

Using the Grip ....................................................... 17

Detaching the Lens Hood .....................................18

Using the Viewfinder .............................................18

Using the LCD Monitor ......................................... 20

Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 21

Camera Recording

Selecting the Camcorder Mode ............................ 22

Easy Camera Recording on Tape in

Full Auto Mode ................................................... 23

Zooming ................................................................24

Power Standby Mode ........................................... 25

Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 25

Auto Focus ............................................................26

Macro Shots ..........................................................26

Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 26

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 27

Information Display for Battery Usage ..................27

Using Earphones (Commercially Available) ......... 28

Adjusting the Phones Volume ...............................28

Playback

Tape Playback ...................................................... 29

Volume Control......................................................30

Still ........................................................................ 30

Video Search.........................................................30

Watching Playback on a TV ..................................31

Useful Features

Control Buttons ..................................................... 32

Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 32

Using the Menu Screens.......................................33

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 34

Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 35

Gain-up ................................................................. 36

Fine Picture ........................................................... 37

Fade In and Fade Out ........................................... 38

Quick Return ......................................................... 39

Edit Search............................................................40

Still Recording on Tape .........................................40

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 41

Wide Mode ............................................................ 42

Power Save Mode .................................................42

Self Recording ...................................................... 43

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode .....45

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode.........46

Using the Zoom Microphone

(Optional Accessary) ......................................... 47

Windbreak ............................................................. 48

Playback

Using the Remote Control ..................................... 49

Tape Playback Functions with the Remote

Control ................................................................50

Selecting the Date and Time of Recording

Display ................................................................ 51

Picture Effect Playback .........................................52

Rotate Playback ....................................................53

Fine Picture Playback ........................................... 53

Copying an Image from Tape to Card .................. 54

Stretch Playback ...................................................55

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Manual Focus ....................................................... 56

Returning to Auto Focus ....................................... 57

Displaying the Manual Setting Screen .................. 57

Adjusting White Balance ....................................... 58

Manual Iris ............................................................ 60

Manual Gain .......................................................... 61

Setting the Shutter Speed .....................................62

Tips on Manual Settings ....................................... 63

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode.............63

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 64

Digital Picture Effects ............................................ 65

vii

Contents

Advanced Features

Digital Still Camera Features

Appendix

Playback

Using the Time Code ............................................ 66

Audio Dubbing Feature.........................................67

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 69

Editing ...................................................................70

Recording from an External Source ...................... 71

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 73

Using the Camcorder as a Converter ...................75

Camera Recording

Selecting the Picture Quality and Image Size.......76

Card Recording .................................................... 78

Selecting the Flash Mode ..................................... 79

Red-eye Reduction ............................................... 80

Recording with the Self-timer ................................ 81

Formatting a Card .................................................83

Setting the File Numbering Method ...................... 84

Playback

Card Playback ...................................................... 85

Delete Protection...................................................86

Deleting Stored Images ........................................ 87

Print Order.............................................................89

Direct Print ............................................................ 91

Transferring Data on Card to Computer ............... 92

Installing the USB Driver ................................... 93

Squeeze Playback ................................................ 98

Slide Show Playback ............................................ 99

Picture/Backlight Adjustments ............................100

Turning off the Confirmation Sound .................... 101

Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings .... 101

Demonstration Mode .......................................... 102

Useful Information ...............................................103

Troubleshooting .................................................. 109

Specifications ..................................................... 113

On-screen Display Index .................................... 114

Index ................................................................... 118

Note:

• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages 109–112.)

viii

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L227 AC adapter

Remote control

CR2032 type

lithium battery

for remote control

CD-ROM8 MB SD Memory Card

CR1216 type lithium battery for camcorder

Optional Accessories

Power cord

USB cable

Audio/video/S-video

cable

Lens cap

Standard-life

battery pack

BT-L227

Zoom microphone

VR-8MC

External battery with

hand strap

BT-LCA1

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, 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 32°F to 104°F (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.

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)

Available mode:

Tape Playback

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

Notes:

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

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

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

1 Insert a cleaning tape into the

camcorder.

2 Set the camcorder to Tape Playback

mode.

• 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

If the video heads become clogged, the v indicator appears on the screen. Contact your SHARP dealer for further advice or refer to page 109 “Troubleshooting”.

xii

CLEANINGNOW

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

Zoom microphone shoe (p. 47)

Operation button (p. 32)

Zoom lens

Flash (p. 79)

Stereo microphone

Flash sensor (p. 79)

DISPLAY/MODE SET button (p. 32)/ LCD LAMP button (p. 25)

MENU button (p. 33)

Operation References

Left view

Operation References

LCD monitor (p. 20)

(pp. 28, 31, 70, 71, 73, 75, 94)

Terminal cover

USB terminal (p. 94)

Earphones jack (p. 28)

DC IN jack (pp. 8, 9)

AV terminal (pp. 31, 70, 71, 75)

DV terminal (pp. 73, 75)

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. 12)

Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 19)

Battery release (pp. 7, 12)

Card slot cover (p. 11)

Right view

Window cleaning cover

(p. 107)

PHOTO button (pp. 40, 54, 78)

Operation References

Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control (p. 24)/ VOLume control (p. 30)

Viewfinder (pp. 18, 19)

STANDBY indicator

(p. 25)

POWER/CHARGE

(RED) indicator

(pp. 8, 9, 23)

Record Start/Stop button (p. 23)

Power switch (v Camera Recording mode/w Playback mode select switch) (p. 22)

Media Selection switch (V Tape mode/u Card mode selection switch) (p. 22)

STANDBY/M button (pp. 25, 94)

Speaker

Hand strap (p. 17)

Cassette holder (p. 10)

Cassette compartment door release (p. 10)

Cassette compartment door (p. 10)

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

USB

Displayed after

3 seconds

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

PROTECT. TAB

TAPE END

DEW

LAMP

USB

Description of warning

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

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

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette has been slid to the record-protect position, preventing recording (see page 104).

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

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

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

7).

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.

The battery is almost depleted when the camcorder transfers data through the USB cable. Use the AC adapter or fully charged battery pack as the power source (see pages

6–9, 96).

Displayed for

5 seconds

MEMORY CARD

MEMORY

FULL

CARD

Description of warning

Operation References

The card is not inserted or is inserted improperly. Check that it is properly inserted (see page 11).

The capacity of the card is full and cannot store any more images. Delete unnecessary images (see page 87) or replace the card with a new one (see page 11).

NO DAT A ON

MEMORY C ARD

ERROR

FORMAT

MEMORY C ARD

MEMORY C ARD PROTECTED

DATA PROTECTED

MEMORY C ARD RE AD ERROR

CANNOT STORE DATA

PLEASE USE PHOTO BUTTON

MA X I MUM

9 99 IMAGE S

MA X I MUM F I LE NUMBER

* Formatting a card erases all stored images, including delete-protected images. Be sure to

backup important data on your computer or other media before formatting the card.

Note:

• N indicates a flashing display.

The card has no images recorded in the format the camcorder can recognize.

The images in the card are corrupted or recorded in a format which is not compatible with this camcorder. Format the card to use it with this camcorder (see page 83)*.

The card has not been formatted with this camcorder. Format the card (see page 83)*.

The card is write-protected (see page 11).

You are trying to delete a protected image. Cancel the protection setting (see page 86).

The selected image cannot be read by this camcorder. Format the card to use it with this camcorder (see page 83)*.

The card cannot record any data due to a problem with the card or data on the card. Replace the card (see page 11) or format the card (see page 83)*.

The camcorder cannot record with the Record Start/Stop button in Card Recording mode. Press the PHOTO button (see page 78).

The print order cannot be set to more than 999 images.

You cannot record any image with a file number bigger than 999–

9999. Set FILE NO. menu item to “RESET” (see page 84), then format the card (see page 83)* or replace the card with a new one (see page 11).

Preparation

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack

Attaching

Preparation

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.

“m” mark

4 Push the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow until it clicks.

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.

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 or destroy the card, rendering it unreadable and unwritable.

• 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.

Preparation

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.

Preparation

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

indicator

DC plug

Charging time and maximum continuous recording and playback times in Tape modes

Max.

continuous

time

120

recording time

LCD

closed

open

135 120

120

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 24) 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 106 and 107 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 or USB cable, remove the DC plug, open the terminal cover and connect it.

Max.

continuous

playback time

on LCD

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

4 Remove the DC plug from the DC IN

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

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.

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 or destroy the card, rendering it unreadable and unwritable.

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

Preparation

DC IN jack

DC plug

Preparation

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

Preparation

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 pages 103 and 104 for more information on the video cassette tapes intended for use with this camcorder.

mark.

“PUSH” mark

Inserting and Removing a Card

You can use an SD Memory Card (supplied) or a MultiMediaCard (commercially available) for storing still images.

Inserting

1 Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF.

2 Open the card slot cover.

Card slot cover

3 Insert a card into the slot as shown

below, and push it in fully.

Write-protect

switch

Label

Clipped corner

4 Close the card slot cover securely.

Removing

Perform steps 1 and 2 above, push the card and release slowly (1). Then pull the card straight out (2) as shown below.

Notes:

• You can use only the SD Memory Card or the MultiMediaCard (see page 105).

• The supplied card is preformatted for immediate use.

• See page 105 for more information on the cards intended for use with this camcorder.

• Do not remove the card from the

camcorder while recording data on the card (S indicator flashes during recording). This may delete the recorded image or damage the card.

• You cannot insert or remove the card when using a tripod.

About the write-protect switch

SD Memory Card has a write-protect switch. When the switch is set to the locked position, you cannot record/delete data or format the card. Set it to the unlocked position to record/delete data or format the card.

Back view

Unlocked position

Preparation

Locked position

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 smaller 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

The supplied 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 larger lithium battery on

the battery holder with the H side facing down.

CR2032 type lithium battery

3 Close the battery holder until it

clicks.

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

2. 000

1 2004.

SETT ING

2. 000

6 2004.

Setting the Date and Time

Available modes:

All modes

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2005

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

Preparation

Note:

• Before performing the steps below, make sure that the CR1216 type lithium battery has been installed (see page 12).

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

Operation button

MENU button

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 OF F T IME CODE OFF

12H

24H/

DAT E D I SP.

SETT I NG

RETURN

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),

then press the centre of the Operation button.

5 Press m or l to select “6” (month),

then press the centre of the Operation button.

6 Press m or l to select “2005” (year),

then press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING

2. :

0 00

6 2005.

7 Press m or l to select “10” (hour),

then press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING

01 00

6 2005.

8 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.

6 2005.2.

100030RETURN

9 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

Note:

• If the date and time have been set, the

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

Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode

1 After performing step 8 above, press

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

OTHERS 2

ER SAVE

TIME

CODE TC OUT 12H 24H/ DAT E D I SP. SETT I NG RETURN

24H

12H

2 Press l or m to select “12H”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

21H24H

12H

3 Press the MENU 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.

Preparation

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.

Fastener

Note:

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

Adjusting the Hand Strap

Open the hand strap flap (1) and grip

strap (2).

Using the Grip

Rotate the grip 135° forward or 105° downward so that you can record images easily from high or low angle (see page 21).

Preparation

Grip strap

Hand strap flap

2 Loosen the grip strap, pass your right

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

3 Seal the Velcro

strap and the hand strap flap.

fasteners of the grip

135°

105°

Note:

• The grip cannot rotate when a tripod is attached.

Preparation

Detaching the Lens Hood

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

Preparation

Note:

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

Using the Viewfinder

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

Viewfinder

Power switch

1 Pull out the viewfinder completely.

2 Hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to v or w.

Lock button

Closing the viewfinder

Push in the viewfinder completely.

Notes:

• 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 Tape Camera or Card Camera mode, however, the viewfinder is on and the subject is displayed both in the viewfinder and on the monitor (see page 43).

• You can adjust the settings on the MENU

screen through the viewfinder by using the Operation button (see page 32 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 107.

Preparation

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.

Preparation

Power switch

LCD monitor

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°

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

• 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.

• When carrying the camcorder in a bag, for exmaple, close the LCD monitor with the screen facing in.

Lock button

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.

Preparation

Basic posture

Place the viewfinder

eyecup firmly against

against your sides.

your eye.

Place your elbows

Balance your

weight on both

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. Also, take care not to touch the flash or flash sensor with your fingers during Card Recording.

Basic Operations

Basic Operations Camera Recording

Camera Recording

Selecting the Camcorder Mode

This camcorder includes functions for use as both a video camera for recording and playing back images on tapes and as a digital still camera for recording and playing back still images on cards. One of the following camcorder modes needs to be set before starting any operation.

Camcorder modes

Tape Camera mode

For recording motion and still images on a tape.

1 Set the Media

Selection switch to V.

2 Hold down the Lock

button and set the

Basic Operations

Power switch to v.

Card Camera mode

For recording still images on a card.

1 Set the Media Selection

switch to u.

Lock button

Tape Playback mode

For playing back or editing motion and still images recorded on a tape.

1 Set the Media Selection

2 Hold down the Lock

Card Playback mode

For playing back still images recorded on a card.

1 Set the Media Selection

switch to V.

button and set the Power switch to w.

switch to u.

Media Selection

switch

Power switch

Lock button

2 Hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to v.

Lock button

Notes:

• To turn the power off, set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.

• Do not change the camcorder mode by operating the Media Selection switch during recording or playback, as this may cause damage to the tape or card.

2 Hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to w.

Lock button

Easy Camera Recording on Tape in Full Auto Mode

4 Press the Record Start/Stop button to

begin recording.

Available mode:

Tape Camera

• Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 6 through 21 to prepare your camcorder for recording.

Media Selection switch

Power switch

Record Start/Stop button

1 Remove the lens cap. 2 Set the Media Selection

switch to V.

3 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

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 in Tape Camera mode

Max. continuous

Battery

pack

BT-L227

• The chart specifies the approximate times in minutes.

Note:

• Using the zoom (see page 24) and other functions or turning the power on and off frequently will increase power consumption. This may result in a decrease in the

PAUSE

actual recording time compared to the maximum continuous recording time listed above.

recording time

LCD

closed

135

LCD

open

120

REC

Actual

recording time

LCD

closed

Basic Operations

LCD

open

AU T OAUTO

Lock button

Note:

• If “AUTO” is not displayed at this time, set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see page 63).

(Continued on the next page)

Basic Operations

WT3ZOOM

Camera Recording

To pause recording

Press the Record 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.

Remaining in Recording Standby mode for 5 minutes

Basic Operations

If the camcorder remains in Recording Standby mode over 5 minutes in Tape Camera mode, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode to protect the tape from damage.

— To resume Recording Standby mode from

stop mode, press the STANDBY button (see page 25).

— To resume recording from stop mode

directly, press the Record Start/Stop button. However, it may need several seconds to resume recording after pressing the Record Start/Stop button.

Zooming

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

Zooming allows you to move visually closer to or further 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

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).

the surroundings)

Power Zoom

control

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 closer than 1.5 m.

• See page 34 for how to use the digital zoom.

Power Standby Mode

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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

STANDBY/M button

Hold down the STANDBY/M button for more than 2 seconds when you pause recording in Tape Camera mode.

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

STANDBY indicator

To resume operation

Press the STANDBY/M 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 for more than 5 minutes

— When the camcorder is set to Card

Camera, Tape Playback or Card Playback

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

• The camcorder will enter stop mode automatically 5 minutes after setting Power Standby mode if it remains in Recording Standby mode after cancelling Power Standby mode. — When Power Standby mode, for example,

is cancelled after 3 minutes, the camcorder will enter stop mode if recording is not started within 2 minutes.

Turning on/off the Backlight

Available modes:

All modes

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.

LCD LAMP button

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

• H will flash for 2 seconds, then lights up.

To turn on the backlight

Hold down the LCD LAMP button for more than 2 seconds.

Note:

• The backlight off mode will cancel when you close the LCD monitor.

Basic Operations

min

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

TAPE END

Camera Recording

Auto Focus

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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 57. 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

Basic Operations

may not be able to focus correctly.

Macro Shots

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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.

Note:

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

Remaining Recording Time Display

Available mode:

Tape Camera

When the camcorder is recording in Tape Camera mode, an on-screen indicator displays the approximate remaining tape time in minutes.

Remaining recording time

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 Record 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.)

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

indicator

Approx. remaining

time

Less than 1 min.

The tape has reached

the end.

Remaining Battery Power Display

Information Display for Battery Usage

Available modes:

All modes

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)

(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

Available modes:

All modes

When the camcorder operates with the battery pack, the battery usage indicator appears beside the remaining battery power indicator.

Battery usage indicator for the battery pack attached to the camcorder

Battery usage indicator for the optional external battery with hand strap BT-LCA1

When both indicators appear, the camcorder consumes power from both battery packs. When one indicator appears, it consumes power from the indicated battery pack.

Basic Operations

– +

PHONES VOL

Camera Recording

Using Earphones (Commercially Available)

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Tape Playback

You can monitor the sound via stereo earphones (commercially available) during playback or recording. Stereo earphones with a 3.5 mm diameter plug can be used with this camcorder.

Connect the plug of stereo earphones to the earphones jack on the camcorder as shown below.

Basic Operations

Earphones jack

Notes:

• Before connecting stereo earphones, turn the camcorder volume down to the lowest setting.

• The built-in speaker automatically turns off when stereo earphones are connected to the earphones jack.

Adjusting the Phones Volume

Available mode:

Tape Camera

You can adjust the phones volume if sound through the earphones is difficult to hear.

1 Set the Media Selection switch to V,

then hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v (see page

22).

2 Press the MENU button to display the

menu screen.

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING 2

DIS

AUDI O MODE W

IND PHONES VOL RETURN

bit

12 OFF –+

4 Press l or m to select “PHONES

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

5 Press j or k to adjust to the desired

volume level, then press the centre of the Operation button.

Decrease Increase

6 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

Note:

• During playback, you can use the Volume

control to adjust the earphones (see page

30).

Basic Operations

Playback

Tape Playback

Available mode:

Tape 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.

Operation button

Media Selection

switch

Power switch

1 Set the Media Selection

switch to V.

2 Hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to w.

Lock button

3 Press j (or k) on the Operation

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

4 Press m to begin playback.

Note:

• If you press the Record Start/Stop button in

Tape Playback mode, the “g” mark appears and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode. If you do not intend to record, press l to turn the “g” mark off, then press m to begin playback. This will ensure your previous recording is not erased (see pages 71–74).

To stop playback

Press l.

To turn the power off

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

Notes:

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

• When selecting “5 MIN” or “10 MIN” in power save mode and remaining in stop mode without any operation for 5 or 10 minutes, the camcorder will turn off automatically.

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.

Basic Operations

Basic Operations Playback

Volume Control

Available mode:

Tape Playback

When the camcorder is in Tape 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.

Basic Operations

VOLUME

IncreaseDecrease

Still

Available mode:

Tape Playback

The still function allows you to pause in Tape Playback mode.

During Tape 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.

Volume control

Video Search

Available mode:

Tape Playback

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 Tape Playback, press k (or

j) on the Operation button.

• The playback picture fast forwards (or reverses).

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) in

Tape Playback mode, 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.

Watching Playback

VIDEO AUDIO

(L/MONO)

AUDIO

(R)

on a TV

Available modes:

Tape Playback, Card Playback

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.

TV or VCR

VIDEO

L-AUDIO-R

S-VIDEO

(MONO)

AV-IN

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

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 29).

Notes:

• If your TV or VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART connector, use a commercially available RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion connector.

21-pin Euro-SCART on TV or VCR

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion connector

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.

Audio R Audio L

Basic Operations

About the S-video socket

S-video sockets are used to separately pass

To AV

terminal

The arrow shows the signal flow.

the chroma (colour) and luminance (brightness) components of video signals. They serve to improve the picture quality in both recording and playback.

Useful Features

EXECUTE

BLC/GAIN

SET

ANUAL

FOCUS AUTO F OCUS

Useful Features

Control Buttons

Operation button

DISPLAY/MODE SET button

Operation button

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

DISPLAY/MODE SET button

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

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

Useful Features

AUTO

3 0min

SET

ANUAL

FOCUS AUTO FOCUS

BLC /GA IN

AUTO

3 0min

Media Selection switch

PAUSE

5002.2

6. 03:01

PAUSE

EXECUTE

SELECT SET

PAUSE

Power switch

Information display on

Mode screen

Information display off

Using the Mode Screens

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

1 Set to the desired camcorder mode

by using the Media Selection switch and the Power switch (see page 22).

• See pages 114 to 117 for the mode items you can select in each camcorder mode.

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

2 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button until the mode screen appears.

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

AUTO F OCUS BLC GAI N/ FADE SC ENEMENU OF F

4 Press l or m to select the desired

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

Example

AUTO F OCUS BLC GAI N/ FADE

SCENEMENU DUS K

To turn off the mode screen

Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET button.

Note:

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Using the Menu Screens

DGTL ZOOM

Use the menu screens to adjust the various camcorder settings.

Operation button

MENU button

Media Selection switch

Power switch

1 Set to the desired camcorder mode

by using the Media Selection switch and the Power switch (see page 22).

• See pages 114 to 117 for the menu items you can select in each camcorder mode.

• Steps 2 to 5 show how to change the DGTL ZOOM menu setting in Tape Camera mode.

2 Press the MENU button to display the

menu screen.

SETT ING 1

Note:

• The menu screen does not appear during recording.

Example

RETURN

QK. W

I DE MODE

ZOOM

DGT L TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C RE TURN

START OFF OFF SP AUTO

3 Press l or m on the Operation

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

SETT ING 1

Example

QK. RETURN

I DE MODE

DGT L

ZOOM TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C RE TURN

START

OFF OFF SP

AUTO

4 Press l or m to select the desired

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

SETT ING 1

Example

QK.

RETURN

I DE MODE

DGT L

ZOOM TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C RE TURN

OF F

40 700

• You can press k, instead of the

centre of the Operation button.

5 Press l or m to select the desired

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

• 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 3 to 5.

To turn off the menu screen

Press the MENU button.

Notes:

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

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

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Useful Features

• You can press k, instead of the

centre of Operation button.

Useful Features

WT 52D-ZOOM

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital Zoom

Available mode:

Tape Camera

You can select three different zoom ranges: 1–10K (optical zoom), 10–40K (digital zoom) or 10–700K (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 1–700K.

• As the image is enlarged digitally, the

picture quality decreases when higher digital zoom settings are used.

1 In Tape Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select T, then press the centre of the Operation button.

Useful Features

3 Press l or m to select “DGTL

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

SETT ING 1

QK.

RETURN

I DE MODE DGT L TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C RE TURN

ZOOM

OF F

40 700

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

Power Zoom

control

Digital zoom indicator

To use optical zoom only

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

4 Press l or m to select “40” or “700”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

DGTL ZOOM

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

Backlight Compensation (BLC)

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

EXECUTE

ANUAL

SET

FOCUS AUTO F OCUS BLC/GAIN

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.

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the mode screen.

•“x” appears when on-screen

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

PAUSEPAUSE

AU T OAUTO

3 0min3 0min

To cancel the backlight compensation function

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Useful Features

BLC / GA I N ON

Useful Features

min

Camera Recording

Gain-up

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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.

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

ANUAL

SET

FOCUS AUTO F OCUS BLC/GAIN

2 Press l or m on the Operation

Useful Features

button to select “BLC/GAIN”, then

EXECUTE

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/MODE SET

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 60).

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

AUTO

3 0min

30min

PAUSE

Fine Picture

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

When the subject is backlit, the image will appear dark if it is recorded normally. The fine picture function improves the picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portion of the image unaffected. It is useful if using the BLC function causes undesired effects because of a great difference between the brightness of the subject and background.

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

EXECUTE

ANUAL

SET

FOCUS AUTO F OCUS BLC/GAIN

2 Press l or m on the Operation

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

3 Press l or m to select the desired

fine picture setting then press the centre of the Operation button.

FINE PIC. LEVEL 1

• Each time you press l or m, the

setting changes as shown below. “LEVEL 1” is the least bright, and “LEVEL 3” is the brightest.

Fine picture setting On-screen indicator

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 1

OFF

None

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the mode screen.

•“Q”, “R” or “S” appears when

on-screen indicators are turned on, indicating that the fine picture function is now working.

PAUSEPAUSE

AU T OAUTO

3 0min3 0min

Useful Features

To cancel the fine picture function

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Useful Features

REC

min

Camera Recording

Fade In and Fade Out

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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

DISPLAY/MODE SET button

Fade in

Record Start/Stop button

Useful Features

Fade out

Using

1 In Tape Camera mode, press the

DISPLAY/MODE SET 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.

FOCUS AUTO F OCUS BLC GAI N/

FADE

OFF

3 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE

SETbutton until on-screen indicators appear.

5 Press the Record Start/Stop button to

begin recording.

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

REC

F AD E I N

FADE I N

A UT O

AUTO

3 0min

30min

6 Press the Record 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 in Tape

Camera mode, press the DISPLAY/ MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

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

the point where you wish to stop recording.

Note:

• Fade mode automatically cancels after Fade Out.

Quick Return

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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 Set the camcorder to Tape Camera

mode.

2 In Recording Standby mode, press

the MENU button to display the menu screen.

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select T, then press the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “QK.

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

SETT ING 1

QK. RETURN W

I DE MODE

DGT L

TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C

RE TURN

ZOOM

START

STOP

5 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.

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

6 Press the MENU 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.

• When the camcorder remains in Recording Standby mode for more than 5 minutes and enters stop mode, quick return will not work.

Useful Features

Useful Features Camera Recording

Edit Search

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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

Operation button

1 Set the camcorder to Tape Camera

mode.

2 In Recording

Standby mode, press and hold down j (reverse

Useful Features

edit search) or k (forward edit search) on the Operation button.

3 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.

• When the camcorder remains in Recording Standby mode for more than 5 minutes and enters stop mode, edit search will not work.

Still Recording on Tape

Available mode:

Tape Camera

You can record continuous still images of subjects.

1 Set the camcorder to Tape Camera

mode.

2 In Recording Standby

mode, press the PHOTO button fully.

• A still image of the subject is displayed.

3 Press the Record Start/

Stop button.

• The still image of the subject will be recorded.

• During still recording, “RECORDED ON TAPE” appears on the screen.

To pause recording

Press the Record 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.

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS)

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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 Tape Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “DIS”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING 2

DIS AUDI O MODE

IND PHONES VOL RETURN

OFF

4 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

ONDIS

5 Press the MENU 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 4 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

PAUSE

Useful Features

Useful Features Camera Recording

Wide Mode

Available mode:

Tape Camera

The wide mode function lets you record scenes with squeezed images so that you can enjoy high-density wide images when you playback the images via widescreen TV.

Normal recording Wide mode recording

1 In Tape Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select T, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “WIDE

MODE”, then press the centre of the

Useful Features

Operation button.

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK. W

I DE MODE DGT L TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C RE TURN

ZOOM

OFF

4 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

IDE MODE

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

To cancel the wide mode

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

Power Save Mode

Available modes:

All modes

The power save function will turn off the camcorder automatically to save battery power when the camcorder is not in use for 5 or 10 minutes.

Note:

• To resume recording or playback, set the Power switch to OFF, then back to v or w.

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

1 Turn on the camcorder, the press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select ~, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “POWER

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

OTHERS 2

ER SAVE

PO TIME TC

OU T 12H 24H/ DAT E D I SP. SETT I NG RETURN

CODE

OFF

5 MI N 10 MIN

4 Press l or m to select “5 MIN” or “10

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

POWER SAVE 5 MI N

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

To cancel the power save mode

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

Notes:

• The camcorder will not turn off when recording, playing back, AV or DV inputting or connecting the USB cable.

• The camcorder will turn off prior to Power Standby mode.

Self Recording

Normal self recording

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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. The remote control is useful for such occasions.

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 Media Selection switch to V

or u.

3 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.

4 Begin recording.

Notes:

• Use the remote control to begin/stop recording on tape.

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

Useful Features

180°

90°

(Continued on the next page)

Useful Features Camera Recording

Self recording with reversed grip

Available mode:

Tape Camera

Rotate the grip 105° and the LCD monitor 180° vertically so that you can record yourself while holding the grip.

1 Turn the camcorder downward as

shown below.

Useful Features

2 Rotate the lens section 105° vertically

as shown below.

105°

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 Media Selection switch to V. 5 Set the Power switch to v. 6 Begin recording.

Notes:

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

• During self recording with reversed grip, 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 with reversed grip.

• 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 Record 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.

• In self recording with reversed grip in Card Camera mode, the still images will be recorded rotated 180° upside down. The J indicator will appear in this case.

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

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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 Tape Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select T, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “TAPE

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

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK. W

I DE MODE

DGT L

ZOOM TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C RE TURN

4 Press l or m to select “LP”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

TAPE SPEED

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

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

PAUSE

T AP E

Long play recording mode indicator

To return to SP mode

Select “SP” in step 4 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

Useful Features Camera Recording

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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 Tape Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “AUDIO

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

SETT ING 2

Useful Features

DIS AUDI O MODE W

IND PHONES VOL RETURN

bit

112

bit

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

press the centre of the Operation button.

AUD I O MODE

1 6bit

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

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

PAUSE

T AP E

16 bit

16-bit audio recording mode indicator

To return to 12-bit audio recording mode

Select “12bit” in step 4 above.

Note:

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

67).

Using the Zoom Microphone (Optional Accessory)

Available mode:

Tape Camera

With the optional zoom microphone VR8MC, you can record audio according to the magnification of the zoom lens for producing the optimum sound.

Removing

Turn the screw in the opposite direction than when mounting, then pull off the zoom microphone.

Notes:

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the zoom microphone, as this may damage the equipment.

• The zoom microphone shoe on the camcorder is designed only for use with the specified equipment.

Mounting

1 Align the zoom microphone with the

zoom microphone shoe on the camcorder, and slide it in the direction of the arrow until it locks into place.

Zoom microphone shoe

2 Turn the screw in the direction of the

arrow to secure the microphone.

Screw

Selecting the Zoom Microphone Mode

Select a zoom microphone mode when the zoom microphone is mounted.

Types

AUTO: The camcorder automatically

selects the optimum sound according to the magnification of the zoom lens. When the zoom lens is at a wide-angle setting, the built-in microphone is used to record sounds. As the zoom magnification increases, the sounds from the zoom microphone and built-in microphone are mixed according to the zoom setting.

TELE: The zoom microphone is fixed

to record sounds at a distance. (The built-in microphone is turned off.)

OFF: The zoom microphone is turned

off. (The built-in microphone is on.)

Useful Features

(Continued on the next page)

Useful Features Camera Recording

1 Mount the optional zoom microphone

to the camcorder.

2 In Tape Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select T, then press the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “ZOOM MIC”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING 1

RETURN

QK.

I DE MODE

DGT L

ZOOM TAPE SPEED ZOOM MI C RE TURN

AUTO

TELE OFF

5 Press l or m to select the desired

zoom microphone mode, then press the centre of the Operation button.

TELEZOOM MIC

6 Press the MENU button to turn off the

Useful Features

menu screen.

When the zoom microphone is active, the zoom microphone indicator appears and the zoom range indicator changes as shown below.

Zoom microphone indicator

WT10ZOOM

Zoom range indicator

PAUS E

Windbreak

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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

1 In Tape Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “WIND”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING 2

DIS AUDI O MODE W

IND PHONES VOL RETURN

OFF

4 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

IND

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

To cancel Windbreak

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

Note:

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

Useful Features

Playback

Using the Remote Control

Available modes:

All modes

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

Activating

• The example screens shown are for Tape Playback mode.

1 Press the MENU button to display the

menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Z, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “REMOTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT REMOTE BEEP S- V I DEO I N RETURN

OFF

4 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

REMOT E

5 Press the MENU 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

ZOOM (W/T) buttons

TAPE REC START/STOP button

CARD REC button

CARD PLAY/MULTI button

SLOW button

FF button

PLAY/STILL button

Advance/reverse buttons Shift buttons

VOLUME +/L buttons T/C (Time Code) button DATE button

STOP button

REW button

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.

Useful Features

Useful Features Playback

Tape Playback Functions with the Remote Control

Available mode:

Tape Playback

You can use the following playback functions with the supplied remote control. (See page 49 for use of the remote control.)

SLOW button

PLAY/STILL button

Advance/reverse buttons

Useful Features

Reverse Playback

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

During Tape Playback, press the j button.

To return to normal playback, press the PLAY/STILL 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 Tape 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/STILL button (t) twice.

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 Tape Playback, press

the PLAY/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/STILL 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 frame advance moves about 45 frames.

Selecting the Date and Time of Recording Display

Available modes:

All modes

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 Tape Playback mode.

1 Press the MENU button to display the

menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select ~, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “DATE

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

OTHERS 2

ER SAVE

CODE

TIME TC OUT 12H 24H/ DAT E D I SP. SETT I NG RETURN

DAT E

DAT E OFF

TIME

4 Press l or m to select the desired

setting, then press the centre of the Operation button.

DATE D ISP. DATE

5 Press the MENU button until the date

(or date and time) appears.

5002.6.2

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

• You can also press the DATE button on the remote control to display the date (or date and time).

Useful Features

Useful Features Playback

Picture Effect Playback

Available modes:

Tape Playback, Card 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.

• The example screens shown are for Tape Playback mode.

Useful Features

1 During Tape Playback (or Card

Playback), press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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.

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the mode screen.

To cancel picture effect playback

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Notes:

• Video images in picture effect playback mode cannot be transferred via DV cable to a personal computer.

• You cannot use picture effect playback with slide show playback.

PIC.

EFFECT F INE P IC. AUD I O DUB STRETCH PB

3 Press l or m to select the desired

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

PIC. EFFECT

OFF

Rotate Playback

OFF

AUD I O DUB STRETCH PB

F INE P IC.

PI C. EFFECT

Available mode:

Tape Playback

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

1 In Tape Playback mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select V, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “ROTATE

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

• Rotate playback indicator appears.

PLAYBACK

AUDI O ANLG OFFDGTL RET URN

AUDIO

ROT ATE P B

Rotate playback indicator

SET

EXECUTEROTATE PB

1+2

4 Press m to begin rotate playback.

• The image is rotated 180° upside down.

To cancel rotate playback

Press the centre of the Operation button in step 4 above.

Notes:

• When executing rotate playback during Tape

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.

• 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, and picture effect playback or copy an image from tape to card.

Fine Picture Playback

Available mode:

Tape Playback

Fine picture playback improves the image in Tape Playback mode by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portions of the image unaffected.

1 In Tape Playback mode, press the

DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

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

Useful Features

Useful Features Playback

3 Press l or m to select the desired

fine picture setting then press the centre of the Operation button.

FINE PIC. LEVEL 1

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the mode screen.

•“Q”, “R” or “S” appears when

on-screen indicators are turned on, indicating that the fine picture function is now working.

To cancel the fine picture playback

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Notes:

• Fine picture playback will set to “OFF” automatically after turning off the camcorder.

• Fine picture setting for recording and fine picture playback setting are separate

Useful Features

settings.

• Fine picture playback may have no effect during still playback.

Copying an Image from Tape to Card

Available mode:

Tape Playback

You can capture your favourite image frame from a video tape recording and save it on card.

1 Insert the recorded Mini DV cassette

and a card in the camcorder.

2 Set the camcorder to Tape Playback

mode, then begin tape playback.

3 Press m on the Operation button at

the point where the desired image appears.

• A still picture of the image appears.

2+21

AUDIO

Note:

• To cancel the still picture, press m

again.

4 Press the PHOTO button to copy the

image to the card.

• The S indicator flashes red while the image is copied.

AUDIO

2+21

Stretch Playback

Available mode:

Tape Playback

Stretch playback allows you to playback a squeezed image with the wide screen feel of a movie shown in a theatre. Useful when you want to play back images recorded in wide mode on a 4:3 TV.

Squeezed image

(4:3)

Stretch playback

(16:9)

1 In Tape Playback mode, press the

DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

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

PIC.

EFFECT F INE P IC. AUD I O DUB

STRETCH PB

EXECUTE

To cancel stretch playback

Press the centre of the Operation button in step 3 above.

Notes:

• “Squeeze” is an image compression technology. A 16:9 image is compressed and recorded (squeeze recorded) as a 4:3 image.

• In stretch playback mode, you cannot perform frame advance, slow, and picture effect playback or copy an image from tape to card.

• When outputting the stretch playback image from the DV terminal, the original image signal will be output.

• When performing stretch playback, the normal recorded image (picture aspect ratio 4:3) will be stretched as shown below.

4:3 picture aspect

ratio image

Stretch playback

Useful Features

• Playback will stop after turning on stretch playback.

3 Press m to begin stretch playback.

AUDIO

S TR ETCH

STRETCH

• The picture displays with black bands.

C AN C E LCANCE L

FFREWSTOPPAUSE

Advanced Features

Advanced Features Camera Recording

Camera Recording

Manual Focus

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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.

Advanced Features

Subject has fine, repeated

patterns.

Lack of contrast, e.g.

snow scene.

Subject is being shot through a

dirty or wet window.

Two subjects at different distances

overlap in the same scene.

Subjects at different distances

appear in the centre of the scene

at the same time.

Operation button

DISPLAY/MODE SET button

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

Power Zoom control

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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.

SET

ANUAL FOCUS AUTO F OCUS BLC/GAIN

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/MODE SET

button to turn off the mode screen.

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

Manual focus indicator

Fast-speed shutter being

used under fluorescent

lighting.

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.

Returning to Auto

HITE BAL.

IRIS

GA IN

RETURN

FULL AUTO

SHUT. SPEED

AUTO AUTO AUTO

AUTO

EXECUTE

BLC/GAIN

SET

ANUAL

FOCUS AUTO F OCUS

Focus

Displaying the Manual Setting Screen

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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.

SET

ANUAL FOCUS

AUTO F OCUS

BLC/GAIN

EXECUTE

• The FOCUS setting returns to Auto Focus mode.

Note:

• You can return to Auto Focus mode

when you press j after selecting “FOCUS”.

3 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the mode screen.

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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

• White Balance (see pages 58, 59)

• Manual Iris (see page 60)

• Manual Gain (see page 61)

• Shutter speed (see pages 62, 63)

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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.

Notes:

• Tape Camera and Card Camera mode do not share manual settings.

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

• “MANUAL SET” cannot be selected when a

scene setting is selected.

Advanced Features

Advanced Features Camera Recording

Adjusting White Balance

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

The colour of the subject on the screen looks different depending on lighting conditions. Selecting a White Balance setting that matches the lighting conditions.

Types

AUTO: Colouring adjusted automati-

cally for the current lighting condition.

LOCK MODE: Fix the setting to the

standard balance (White Balance Lock).

OUTDOOR: For recording outdoors on

a sunny day.

INDOOR: For recording indoors with

halogen lamps or incandescent lighting.

Selecting

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then

Advanced Features

press the centre of the Operation button (see page 57).

3 Press l or m to select “WHITE

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

FULL AUTO

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN SHUT. SPEED RETURN

AUTO

4 Press l or m to select a white

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

FULL AUTO

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN SHUT. SPEED RETURN

• When selecting “LOCK MODE”, perform the steps in “Locking” on the next page.

EXECUTE OUTDOOR AUTO AUTO AUTO

5 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the MANUAL SET screen.

Locking

1 Select “LOCK MODE” in step 4 in

“Selecting” on the previous page.

2 Aim the lens at a white object.

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

White paper or white cloth

3 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 3.

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto White Balance mode

Press j in step 4 in “Selecting” on the previous page or step 3 in “Locking” to display “AUTO”.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see page 63).

Note:

• White Balance setting cannot be used

when a scene setting is selected.

Advanced Features

Advanced Features Camera Recording

Manual Iris

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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 Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

Advanced Features

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then press the centre of the Operation button (see page 57).

3 Press l or m to select “IRIS”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

FULL AUTO

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN SHUT. SPEED RETURN

AUTO

4 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 SHUT. SPEED 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 AUTO

5 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto Iris mode

Press j in step 4 above to display “AUTO”.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see page 63).

Note:

• Manual Iris mode cannot be used when a

scene setting is selected.

Manual Gain

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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 Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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 57).

3 Press l or m to select “GAIN”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

FULL AUTO

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN SHUT. SPEED RETURN

AUTO

4 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

SHUT. SPEED 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

AUTO

5 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto Gain mode

Press j in step 4 above to display “AUTO”.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see page 63).

Note:

• Manual Gain mode cannot be used when a

scene setting is selected.

Advanced Features

Advanced Features Camera Recording

Setting the Shutter Speed

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

The shutter speed is preset to auto mode, which automatically selects the optimal shutter speed for the ambient light. However, depending on the subject or situation, you may want to set the shutter speed manually to create a high-quality picture.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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 57).

3 Press l or m to select

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

FULL AUTO

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN SHUT. SPEED RETURN

4 Press l or m to select the desired

shutter speed, then press the centre

Advanced Features

of the Operation button.

FULL AUTO W

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN

SHUT. SPEED

RETURN

• In Tape Camera mode, you can select 18 speeds from 1/12 sec. (“1/12”) to 1/10,000 sec. (“1/10000”).

• In Card Camera mode, you can select 10 speeds from 1/12 sec. (“1/12”) to 1/500 sec. (“1/500”).

AUTO

EXECUTE AUTO AUTO AUTO 1/250

5 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto Shutter Speed mode

Press j in step 4 above to display “AUTO”.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see page 63).

Recommended Shutter Speeds

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

Situation

• Recording sports action in bright daylight.

• Recording in bright daylight at a ski resort.

• Recording outdoor sports on a partially cloudy day.

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

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

• Recording in a poorlyilluminated location.

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

Recommended

shutter speed

1/10,000 sec.

1/1,000 sec.

1/250 sec.

1/120 sec.

1/25 sec. 1/12 sec.

HITE BAL.

IRIS

GA IN

RETURN

FULL AUTO

SHUT. SPEED

AUTO AUTO AUTO

AUTO

EXECUTE

Tips on Using the Manual Shutter Speed

• Fast shutter speeds can be used with the still recording functions (see pages 40 and 78) to record higher quality still images of fast-moving subjects.

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

Notes:

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

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

• When selecting 1/25 sec. or 1/12 sec. shutter speed, you may get a shadow image behind a subject that is moving around a lot.

• The Manual Shutter Speed setting cannot

be used when a scene setting is selected or the e indicator appears.

• The shutter speed will be set to AUTO when selecting “ON e” in gain-up function.

Tips on Manual Settings

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

When the mode or menu screen is off, press and hold down the centre of the Operation button until the screen shown as below appears. You can set focus, white balance, iris, gain and shutter speed manually.

FULL AUTO

FO CUS

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN SHUT. SPEED RETURN

EXECUTE

AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

You can set all the settings shown in the screen to Full Auto mode in one operation.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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 57).

FULL AUTO

HITE BAL.

IRIS GA IN SHUT. SPEED RETURN

EXECUTE LOCK F4 0. +

1 /500

3 Press l or m to select “FULL

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

FULL AUTO

HITE BAL.

IRIS

GA IN

SHUT. SPEED

RETURN

EXECUTE

4 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

5 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the MANUAL SET screen.

Note:

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

Advanced Features

Advanced Features Camera Recording

Scene Menu (Program AE)

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

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.

• The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode.

1 In Tape Camera or Card Camera

mode, press the DISPLAY/MODE SET 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.

AUTO F OCUS BLC GAI N/ FADE 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/MODE SET

button to turn off the mode screen.

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

T AP EPAUSE

Advanced Features

Scene setting indicator

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.

Digital Picture Effects

Available mode:

Tape Camera

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

1 In Tape Camera mode, press the

DISPLAY/MODE SET 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.

Types

B/W: To record in black-and-white.

SEPIA: To record in sepia colour similar

to that of an old photograph.

SOLARI: To record with enhanced

contrast, creating an unique artistic image.

NEGA: To record a picture whose

blacks and whites of the image are reversed and colours of the image are inverted.

BLC GAI N/ FADE SC ENE

ENU

PI C. EF FECT OFF

3 Press l or m to select the desired

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

PIC. EFFECT

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE

SETbutton to turn off the mode screen.

To cancel the digital picture effect

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Note:

• Digital picture effects will not work when a

still image is displayed.

Advanced Features

01:02:0

AUDIO

Advanced Features Playback

Playback

Using the Time Code

Available modes:

Tape Camera, Tape Playback

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 Tape Playback and Tape Camera modes.

Display format

0 01 20 20TC

Frame number*

Second

Minute

* Displayed during still or

Hour

• The example screens shown are for Tape Playback mode.

frame advance playback.

1 During playback or camera recording

in Tape mode, press the MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select ~, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “TIME

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

Advanced Features

OTHERS 2

ER SAVE

TIME

CODE TC OUT 12H 24H/ DAT E D I SP. SETT I NG RETURN

4 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

TIME CODE

OFF

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

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

Time code

To turn off the time code

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

Notes:

• When the tape reaches an unrecorded section, the time code returns to zero (TC 0:00:00). Once recorded, the time code cannot be changed.

• You can also press the T/C button on the remote control to display the time code.

Displaying the time code on a TV during playback

1 In Tape Playback mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select ~, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “TC OUT”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

OTHERS 2

ER SAVE

CODE

TIME TC OUT 12H 24H/ DAT E D I SP. SETT I NG RETURN

OFF

4 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

TC OUT

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

Audio Dubbing Feature

Available mode:

Tape Playback

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 stereo microphone to record narration.

Built-in stereo

Notes:

• Audio dubbing does not function through the

• You cannot use audio dubbing with

• You cannot use the built-in stereo microphone

• You cannot use the zoom microphone to

microphone

DV terminal.

recordings made in LP mode.

for audio dubbing when the audio/video/Svideo cable is connected.

record narration.

Audio Recording

In normal recording mode

12-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in stereo on Audio 1.

Audio 1: Stereo (left and right) sound Audio 2: No audio

16-bit audio recording

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

Audio 1: Left sound Audio 2: Right sound

In Audio Dubbing mode

12-bit audio recording

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2.

Audio 1: Original stereo (left and right)

sound

Audio 2: Dubbed stereo (left and right)

sound

16-bit audio recording

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

Audio 1: Original left sound Audio 2: Dubbed sound

Notes:

• You can select the 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording mode by performing the procedure on page 46.

• You can perform audio dubbing, such as music, on Audio 2 if you connect another source via the AV cable. If the audio to be dubbed was recorded in 12-bit audio recording mode, it can be recorded on Audio 2 in stereo sound.

Advanced Features

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/MODE SET

button until the mode screen appears.

4 Press l or m to select “AUDIO

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

• The audio dubbing screen appears.

PI C. EFFECT F INE P IC.

AUD I O DUB

STRETCH PB

AUDIO

AUDIO DUB

START STOP CANC EL

EXECUTE

00:00:0

5 Press m to begin audio dubbing.

Record your narration.

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

1 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to turn off the audio dubbing screen.

2 Repeat steps 1 to 5 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 69).

• “AUDIO DUB” cannot be selected when the Mini DV cassette is recorded in LP mode.

Advanced Features

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 4. The audio dubbing screen disappears.

Selecting the Audio

AUDI O

Playback Mode

Available mode:

Tape Playback

You can select any of the following audio playback modes.

Audio 1H2

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

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

Audio 1

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

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

Audio 2

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

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

1 Playback a Mini DV cassette with

dubbed audio.

2 Press the MENU button to display the

menu screen.

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select V, then press the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “AUDIO”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

PLAYBACK SET

ROTAT E PB AUDI O ANLG DGTL RET URN

1 2

5 Press l or m to select the desired

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

6 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

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

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

Advanced Features Playback

Editing

Available mode:

Tape Playback

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

Advanced Features

Notes:

• If your VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART

connector, use a commercially available RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion connector.

Video

(MONO)

AV-IN

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

To AV

The arrow shows the signal flow.

21-pin Euro-SCART on VCR

VIDEO AUDIO

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

(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 66). 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 66).

Recording from an

VIDEO AUDIO

(L/MONO)

AUDIO

(R)

External Source

Available mode:

Tape Playback

You can use this camcorder to record or edit videos from another source, such as a VCR or TV.

Preparation

Connect the camcorder to the source equipment with the supplied audio/video/Svideo cable, as shown.

Playback

(VCR or TV)

VIDEO

AV-OUT

L-AUDIO-R(MONO)

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

Recording

S-VIDEO

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

Notes:

• If your TV or VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART connector, use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion connector (QSOCZ0305TAZZ) available from our main parts distributor detailed on page 109.

21-pin Euro-SCART on TV or VCR

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion connector (QSOCZ0305TAZZ)

Video

Audio R Audio L

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

• If the source equipment has only one audio output jack, use the white plug for the audio connection on the source equipment. (The input audio will only be recorded on the left channel of the tape.)

• Even if the source equipment has an S-video output socket, connect both the yellow video plug and S-video plug.

Advanced Features

To AV

terminal

The arrow shows the signal flow.

Advanced Features Playback

To Record from an External Source

1 In Tape Playback mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Z, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “S-VIDEO

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

OTHERS 1

DEF AULT REMOTE BEEP S- V I DEO I N RETURN

OFF

4 Press l or m to select “ON” (for S-

video connection) or “OFF” (for video connection), then press the centre of the Operation button.

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

•“S-VIDEO” appears on the screen during a pause or Recording Standby mode when you set the SVIDEO IN menu item to “ON” in step 4 above.

6 Begin playback on the source

equipment connected to the camcorder.

• Check the camcorder screen to see if

Advanced Features

the picture is properly received.

7 Press the Record Start/Stop button

on the camcorder, then press m to begin recording.

Notes:

• To pause recording, press m. Press m again

to resume recording.

• To operate by remote control, perform steps 1 to 6 above, and press the TAPE REC START/ STOP button, then press the PLAY/STILL button (g).

• If a digital video recording with a copyright protection signal is used as the playback source, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.” appears on the camcorder monitor and the recording function is disabled.

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394)

Available mode:

Tape Playback

This camcorder can be used as a digital video editor. A DV cable transfers all dubbing signals including video and audio directly to the camcorder.

Preparation

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

To Record to Video Equipment

See “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” on page 70 using the video equipment as the recording source.

Note:

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

To DV

terminal

DV cable (commercially available)

To DV

terminal

Note:

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

Video equipment

with DV terminal

(e.g. DV camcorder)

Advanced Features

Advanced Features Playback

To Record from Video Equipment

1 Set the camcorder to Tape Playback

mode, and insert a Mini DV cassette.

2 Begin playback on the video equip-

ment connected to the camcorder.

• Check the camcorder screen to see if the picture is properly received.

3 Press the Record Start/Stop button

on the camcorder.

• The camcorder enters Recording Standby mode.

4 Press m on the Operation button to

begin recording.

To stop recording

Press l on the Operation button.

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

1 Press m to pause recording when the

source tape reaches the beginning of the sequence to be cut.

2 Press m to resume recording when

the source tape reaches the end of the sequence to be cut.

Notes:

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

• If the video equipment is not set to playback mode or the DV cable is not properly connected, “NO SIGNAL” is displayed on the camcorder screen.

• If no picture or sound is input to the camcorder even if the DV cable is properly connected and you are playing back the source media from the video equipment, set the Power switch on the camcorder to OFF and then back to w, or disconnect the DV cable and connect it again.

• If a digital video recording with a copyright protection signal is used as the playback source, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.” appears on the camcorder monitor and the recording function is disabled (see page

104).

• 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. This “i.LINK” mark is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Advanced Features

Using the Camcorder as a Converter

Available mode:

Tape Playback

You can use this camcorder to convert from analog signal (e.g. video recorded on 8 mm or Hi8 tapes) to digital signal.

Preparation

Connect the audio/video/S-video cable and DV cable as shown below.

Recording

(digital equipment)

e.g. computer

1 Set the camcorder to Tape Playback

mode, and make sure that playback is stopped.

2 Press the MENU button to display the

menu screen.

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select V, then press the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select

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

PLAYBACK

SET

ROTAT E PB AUDI O ANLG DGTL RET URN

OFF

To DV terminal

DV cable (commercially available)

Digital signal

To DV terminal

To AV terminal

Analog signal

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

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

Playback (analog equipment)

L-AUDIO-R

e.g. 8 mm or Hi8 camcorder

(MONO)

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

AV-OUT

The arrow shows the signal flow.

Note:

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

5 Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

ONANLG DGTL

6 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

7 Press the Play button on the analog

equipment.

• Check the monitor on the digital equipment to see if the picture is being properly received.

8 Press the Record button on the digital

equipment.

Notes:

• The camcorder is not guaranteed to work with all digital/analog equipment. Contact the manufacturer of your equipment for advice.

• If the camcorder outputs a video recording with a copyright signal, the digital equipment cannot record or save it.

• The camcorder may not convert some input video recordings properly (e.g. discolouration, picture noise, muted sound), depending on the input condition.

Advanced Features

Digital Still Camera Features

REC MODE

ECONOMY

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording

Camera Recording

Selecting the Picture Quality and Image Size

Available mode:

Card Camera

The picture quality of still images recorded on the card depends on the picture quality and image size setting. Select the appropriate setting to match your recording objectives.

Approximate number of recordable images with the supplied 8 MB SD memory card

Picture

quality setting

NORMAL

ECONOMY

FINE

Note:

• The number of recordable images differs depending on the combination of picture quality settings used and the images shot.

Selecting the Picture Quality

The camcorder compresses each image with the picture quality setting to save memory on a card.

Types

NORMAL: Records images with

standard picture quality.

ECONOMY: Allows you to take more

shots than in NORMAL mode but with lower quality.

FINE: Records images with higher

quality than in NORMAL mode but with lower number of recordable

Digital Still Camera Features

images.

Approx. number of images

1280 G 960

1280 G 720

640 G 480

160

1 Set the Media Selection switch to u,

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

Lock button

2 In Card Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “REC

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

SETT ING

FILE

NO.

SELF T IMER

REC

MOD E IMAGE SI Z E FLASH RED E YE RE TURN

NORMAL

ECONOMY FINE

5 Press l or m to select the desired

setting, then press the centre of the Operation button.

6 Press the MENU button to turn off the

IMAGE S I ZE

1280 960

menu screen.

• The selected picture quality indicator only appears when the on-screen indicators are turned on.

0821

/040

ECONOMY

Picture quality indicator

Selecting the Image Size

Still images recorded on a card are made up of pixels. You can select the number of pixels in still images. Larger numbers of pixels provide greater image detail, but also use more card memory.

Types

1280G960 [1280]: Images are

recorded in 1280K960 pixels.

1280G720 [1280]: Images are

recorded in 1280K720 pixels.

640G480 [640]: Images are recorded

in 640K480 pixels.

1 In Card Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “IMAGE

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

SETT ING

F I L E NO. SELF T IMER REC MODE

IMAGE SI Z E

][

FLASH RED E YE RE TURN

1280 960

1280 7 640 4

4 Press l or m to select the desired

setting, then press the centre of the Operation button.

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

• The selected image size indicator appears when the on-screen indicators are turned on.

Image size indicator

To record with widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9

Select “1280K720” in step 4 above. The black bands will appear on the top and bottom to produce an effective screen aspect ratio of 16:9.

040

E CO NOMY

064

EC ONOMY

][

0821

Digital Still Camera Features

][

0821

AUTO

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording

Card Recording

Available mode:

Card Camera

You can take a still picture in the same way as you do with a standard camera and record that image on the card.

PHOTO button

Media Selection switch

Power Zoom control

Power switch

1 Insert a card into the camcorder (see

page 11).

2 Remove the lens cap. 3 Set the Media Selection switch to u. 4 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v.

• The picture from the lens now displays.

Number of shots taken/remaining

Lock button

AUTO

5 Adjust the Power Zoom control to

frame the subject as you desire.

Digital Still Camera Features

/911

NORMAL

6 Press the PHOTO button half-way

down to focus on the subject.

• The camcorder automatically focuses on the subject. When it is set, you will hear a sound and see T mark with green light, then the camcorder locks the focus.

• When camcorder locks out of focus, T mark lights up yellow.

7 Press the PHOTO button fully to

begin recording.

AUTO

• The S indicator flashes red while data is being recorded on the card, and returns to white when recording completes.

• To record another image, release the PHOTO button and make sure the picture is not frozen in the monitor, then perform steps 6 and 7.

Notes:

][

0821

• Recording under insufficient lighting may result in blurred images. It is recommended that you use a tripod to record insufficiently illuminated subjects.

• Recording under the light of a fluorescent, mercury, or sodium lamp may cause flickering in the image and, depending on the timing of the shot, may result in changes to colour hue in the image.

• Set the BEEP menu item to “OFF” to turn off the focus locking sound.

• Do not turn the power off or remove the

card while the S indicator is flashing in step 7.

/911

NORMAL

/911

NORMAL

][

0821

][

0821

Selecting the Flash

FLASH

Mode

Available mode:

Card Camera

Using the flash function enables you to record good-quality still images even in dark locations.

Note:

• The effective flash range for both wide angle and telephoto is about 1 to 2.5 m.

Flash

1 In Card Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “FLASH”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING

FILE

NO. SELF T IMER REC MODE

IMAGE SI Z E FLASH RED E YE RE TURN

AUTO

ON OFF

4 Press l or m to select the desired

flash mode, then press the centre of the Operation button.

Flash sensor

Types

AUTO: Flash automatically fires in

dark locations (when “LIGHT” is displayed on the screen) each time you press the PHOTO button. The s indicator appears when on-screen indicators are turned on.

ON: Flash fires every time you press

the PHOTO button. The q indicator appears when on-screen indicators are turned on.

OFF: Flash does not fire. The 0

indicator appears when on-screen indicators are turned on.

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

• The flash indicator appears when on-screen indicators are turned on.

0821

911

NORMAL

Flash indicator

Notes:

• Do not use the flash in front of a person’s

eyes, especially children, as flashing directly into the eyes from close range can damage vision. Be particularly careful around children and maintain a distance of 1 m or more from your subject.

• Do not block the flash sensor with fingers when using the flash.

• The q indicator flashes while the flash is being charged.

][

Digital Still Camera Features

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording

Red-eye Reduction

Available mode:

Card Camera

Red-eye reduction allows you to minimize the camera flash capturing the red at the back of the iris.

1 In Card Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Make sure the flash mode is set to

“AUTO” or “ON”. If not, set to either one (see page 79).

4 Press l or m to select “RED EYE”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

SETT ING

FILE

NO. SELF T IMER REC MODE

IMAGE SI Z E FLASH RED E YE RE TURN

OFF

CORRECT

5 Press l or m to select “CORRECT”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

6 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

• Red-eye indicator appears when on-screen indicators are turned on.

Notes:

• The flash fires twice when the red-eye reduction is set to “CORRECT”. The first flash is to reduce the “red-eye”, and the second flash is for recording the still image.

• The effect of red-eye reduction depends on individual. Reduction may not be as effective as desired on conditions like shooting distance or the subject not watching the preflash.

• Red-eye cannot be used when the flash is set to “OFF”.

Red-eye indicator

0821

911

NORMAL

][

Digital Still Camera Features

CORREC TRED E YE

Recording with the Self-timer

Available mode:

Card Camera

The self-timer function allows you to record images after a time lag. This is convenient when you want to record an image of you and your friends together.

Selecting the time-lag

When you hold the PHOTO button half-way down in 2 SEC mode, the camcorder will lock the focus. This will prevent the camera movement. But it will not lock the focus in 10 SEC mode.

1 In Card Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “SELF

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

SETT ING

FILE

NO. SELF T IMER REC

MOD E

IMAGE SI Z E FLASH RED E YE RE TURN

10 SEC

2 SE C

4 Press l or m to select the desired

time-lag, then press the centre of the Operation button.

SE L F T IMER

SEC10

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

Digital Still Camera Features

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording

Recording

1 Select the desired time lag. 2 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button until the mode screen appears.

EXECUTE

ANUAL

BLC/GAIN

SET

FOCUS AUTO F OCUS

3 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “SELF TIMER”, then press the center of the Operation button.

• The self timer mode indicator, U (10 SEC mode) or T (2 SEC mode), appears.

Self timer mode indicator

NORMAL

AUTO

CANCEL

4 Press the PHOTO button to start the

self-timer.

• The self-timer operating indicator flashes while the timer counts down.

Self-timer operating indicator

To cancel the countdown

Press the PHOTO button in step 4.

To cancel the self-timer

Press the center of the Operation button again in step 3.

Notes:

• When recording with the self-timer, stabilize the camcorder in the horizontal plane by attaching it to a tripod, etc.

• Self-timer mode cancels after recording one image. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to record another image with the self-timer.

• Do not turn the power off or remove the card once the self-timer operating indicator begins flashing.

][

0821 11/9

AUTO

Digital Still Camera Features

• The shutter automatically releases after the time lag you selected, and a still image of the subject is recorded.

][

NORMAL

0821 11/9

Formatting a Card

OTHERS 2

RETURN

ER SAVE

EXECUTEFORMAT

SETT I NG

DAT E D I SP .

12H 24H/

SELECT SET

62005.2.

10 30:00:

OFF 24H DAT E+TIME

F ORMAT

ALL DATA WI LL BE

YES

ERASED.

Available modes:

Card Camera, Card Playback

Before using a commercially available card with this camcorder, you must first have it formatted. Also, if any of the following warning indicators displays, you will need to format your card.

• “FORMAT MEMORY CARD”

• “MEMORY CARD ERROR”

• “MEMORY CARD READ ERROR”

• “CANNOT STORE DATA”

Notes:

• Formatting a card erases all stored images, including delete-protected images. Be sure to backup important data on your computer or other media before formatting the card (see pages 92–97).

• Do not remove the power source during formatting, as this may cause damage to the camcorder or card. It is recommended that you use the AC outlet for the power supply.

• The example screens shown are for Card Camera mode.

1 In Card Camera or Card Playback

mode, press the MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select ~, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “FORMAT”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

• To cancel formatting, press l or m

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

4 Press l or m to select “YES”, then

press the centre of the Operation button to begin formatting.

• The menu screen displays when formatting finishes.

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

Notes:

• The supplied card is preformatted for immediate use.

• Use this camcorder to format a card. The

camcorder may not recognize the images on a card formatted by a computer or other equipment.

Digital Still Camera Features

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording

Setting the File Numbering Method

Available mode:

Card Camera

The camcorder automatically assigns file numbers to captured images. You can select two different methods of file numbering.

Types

SERIAL: Defines file numbers by

incrementing up from the last image captured when inserting a new card.

RESET: Defines a new set of file

numbers when inserting a new card.

1 In Card Camera mode, press the

MENU button to display the menu screen.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “FILE NO.”,

then press the centre of the Operation button.

SETTING

FILE SELF TIMER REC MODE

IMAGE FLASH RED E YE RE TURN

NO.

SIZE

SERIAL

RESET

4 Press l or m to select “SERIAL” or

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

RESETFILE NO.

5 Press the MENU button to turn off the

menu screen.

Note:

• When a warning indicator “MAXIMUM FILE NUMBER” appears on the screen, set FILE NO. menu item to “RESET”, then format the card (see page 83) or replace the card with a new one (see page 11).

Digital Still Camera Features

Playback

Card Playback

Available mode:

Card Playback

You can play back and view still images recorded on a card on the LCD monitor.

Media Selection switch

Operation button

Power switch

1 Set the Media Selection switch to u. 2 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to w.

• The images recorded on the card are displayed in a thumbnail format.

0100-00

Lock button

FULLSELECT IMG MULTI

NORMAL

2/2PAGE

Page number/total thumbnail pages

3 Press j, k, l or m on the Opera-

tion button to move the selection frame to the desired image.

• Each time you press j, k, l or m, the selection frame moves as shown below.

FULLSELECT IMG MULTI

NORMA L

Note:

• Holding down j or k increases the

speed of motion of the selection frame.

4 Press the centre of the Operation

button.

• The selected image displays in fullscreen.

Image file name

0-0 0 1001

0-001001

Playback image number/

number of recordings

Available Operations during Full-screen Display

• You can display the full-screen picture of the

previous or next image by pressing j or k.

• When holding down j or k, you can search

through the images on the card. The search can be very fast, so it is recommended that the onscreen indicators turns on to display the image number.

• To return to a thumbnail of the images, press

the centre of the Operation button again.

Notes:

• You can also set in the mode screen to display the images in full screen or thumbnails.

• Depending on the amount of image data recorded by a camera other than this camcorder, the picture quality indicator displayed during playback may not match the picture quality setting used during recording.

• The images bigger than 1280K960, e.g. images recorded on other equipment, display as thumbnails, not full screen.

• Do not play back any card storing a defective

image (with noise and distortion) created on other equipment. If you mistakenly play back data on such a card, set the Power switch to

OFF, remove, and never use it with this camcorder.

1000-00 2/1PAGE

C ARD

NO RMA

NORMAL

LS E L E CT I MG MULULT I

F UL

FULLSELECT IMG MULT I

Picture quality

indicator

][

0821

1 0/1

10/1

Digital Still Camera Features

3000-00 2/1PAGE

NORMA L

PROTECT

SET DI SPLAY CANCEL:

][

3000-00 2/1PAGE

NORMA L

PROTECT

SET DI SPLAY CANCEL:

][

Playback

Delete Protection

Available mode:

Card Playback

You can prevent your important images recorded on the card from accidental erasure.

1 In Card Playback mode, press the

DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

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

• The PROTECT indicator appears.

DEL ETE ONE DELETE ALL DI RECT PR I

PROTECT

SET DI SPLAY CANCEL:

PROTECT indicator

EX ECUTE

][

3 Press j, k, l or m to select the

image for delete protection.

PROTECT

Digital Still Camera Features

SET DI SPLAY CANCEL:

][

NORMA L

4 Press the centre of the Operation

button to set delete protection.

• The R indicator appears.

Delete protection indicator

• If you want to protect another image, repeat steps 3 to 4.

5 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to finish the setting.

To cancel the protection setting

1 Select the image for delete protection

1000-00 2/1PAGE

cancellation in step 3 above.

2 Press the centre of the Operation

button to cancel the protection.

• The R indicator disappears.

3 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to finish the setting.

Note:

• Formatting a card erases all stored images,

3000-00

including delete-protected images.

2/1PAGE

Deleting Stored

3000-00 2/1PAGE

NORMA L

DELE TE

SET DI SPLAY CANCEL:

][

3000-00

NORMA L

DELETE?

YES

SETSELECT

4000-001

DELE TE

Images

Available mode:

Card Playback

Deleting One Stored Image

You can delete unwanted images to free up memory of a card for new images.

Note:

• Deleted images cannot be restored. Check whether or not you want the images before performing the procedure below.

1 In Card Playback mode, press the

DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

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

• The DELETE indicator appears.

FULL MULTI PI C.EFFECT

DELETE ALL

EX ECUTEDEL ETE ONE

3 Press j, k, l or m to select the

image to be deleted.

4 Press the centre of the Operation

button to set the image.

5 Press l or m to select “YES”, then

press the centre of the Operation button to delete the image.

DELE TE

SET DI SPLAY CANCEL:

DELETE indicator

][

NORMA L

1000-00 2/1PAGE

• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.

• If you want to delete another image, repeat steps 3 to 5.

6 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to finish the setting.

Notes:

• The protected images cannot be deleted. Cancel the protection setting to delete the image (see page 86).

• Do not turn the power off while deleting an image.

Digital Still Camera Features

Digital Still Camera Features Playback

Deleting All Stored Images

You can delete all stored images on a card in one operation.

Notes:

• Deleted images cannot be restored. Check whether or not you want the images before performing the procedure below.

• If you want to keep some images on the card, first delete-protect them (see page 86), and then perform the procedure below.

1 In Card Playback mode, press the

DISPLAY/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

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

• The DELETE ALL? indicator appears.

FULL MULTI PI C.EFFECT DEL ETE ONE

DELETE ALL

DELETE

DELETE ALL? indicator

YES

EX ECUTE

ALL?

SETSELECT

NORMA L

3 Press l or m to select “YES”, then

press the centre of the Operation button.

• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.

4 Press the DISPLAY/MODE SET

button to finish the setting.

Notes:

• The protected images cannot be deleted. Cancel the protection setting to delete the image (see page 86).

• If a print order is assigned to deleteprotected images and you perform the procedure above, the print order will cancel (the protection setting will not cancel).

• It may take several seconds to delete all images from the card.

• Do not turn the power off while deleting images.

1000-00

Digital Still Camera Features

Sharp VL-Z900H Operating Instruction

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual