Sharp VL-Z900H Operating Instruction

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),