Sharp VL Z 1 H User Manual

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

MODEL

VL Z1H

OPERATION MANUAL

Please read this operation manual

carefully before using the camcorder.

If you require any advice or assistance

regarding your Sharp product, please

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

customersupport. Customers without

Internet access may telephone 08705

274277 during office hours (or (01)676

0648 if telephoning from Ireland) .

WARNING

CAUTION

To prevent shock, do not open the

cabinet. No user serviceable parts

inside. Refer servicing to a qualified

dealer or service centre.

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.

Power supply:

WARNING: THIS AC ADAPTER

IS NOT FOR USE WITH TOYS.

THIS AC ADAPTER IS FOR USE

WITH SHARP CAMCORDER

MODEL VL-Z1H ONLY.

This unit can be operated by

connecting it to either the AC adapter

or battery pack. The AC adapter

incorporates the AUTO VOLTAGE (AC

110–240 V, 50/60 Hz) function.

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

Musical Performers Protection Act 1958,

the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and

1972 and to any subsequent statutory

enactments and orders.

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

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.

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

following code:

Blue: Neutral

Brown: Live

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

is marked N or coloured black.

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

which is marked L or coloured red.

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

from the cut-off plug.

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

over the lead wires.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT, CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.

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.

Contents

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

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

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

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

Operation References

Preparation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Playback

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful Features

Camera Recording

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Playback

Using the Remote Control

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

Playback Functions with the Remote Control

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

Selecting the Date and Time of Recording

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

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

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

Camera Recording

Advanced Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vii

Contents

Playback

Advanced Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appendix

Note:

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

72.)

viii

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L226

Audio/video/S-video

cable

AC adapter

Power cord

CR1216 type

lithium battery

Lens cap

Optional Accessories

Standard-life

battery pack

BT-L226

External battery with

hand strap

BT-LCA1

Precautions

• Always respect prohibitions or restric-

tions on the use of electronic equipment

on commercial flights or in other sensi-

tive areas.

• Before recording an important scene,

please perform the recording test, then

playback to check if the scene was re-

corded properly. If noise occurs, use a

commercially available cleaning tape to

clean the video heads (see page xii).

• Be aware of the temperature and humid-

ity.

You can use your camcorder at 0°C to

L40°C, and at 30% to 80% relative hu-

midity. Do not store the unit in an

unventilated car in the summer, in direct

sunlight, or near

• 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.

strong heat

• 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 re-

cording outside.

sources; this can

result in severe

damage to the unit

casing and cir-

cuitry.

• 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 ex-

cessive smoke, steam or moisture.

Such environments can cause malfunc-

tions or cause mil-

• Avoid magnetic sources.

Using the camcorder near

strong fluorescent lights,

motors, televisions, or

other magnetic sources

may adversely affect re-

corded images.

dew to form on the

lenses. Be sure to

• Using the camcorder near a broad-

casting station or other powerful trans-

mission source may cause buzzing or

picture deterioration.

keep the unit in a

well-ventilated loca-

tion.

• Some small, portable tri-

pods may be difficult to

attach and may not be

sturdy enough to sup-

port your camcorder. Be

sure to use only a

• Avoid shocks and dropping.

Do not drop or otherwise sub-

ject the camcorder to hard

shocks or strong vibrations.

Bumping or striking the unit

during recording will gener-

ate noise in the recorded im-

age.

strong, stable tripod.

• When using your camcorder in a cold

environment, the LCD monitor screen of-

ten appears less bright immediately af-

ter 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.).

• Avoid placing the

camcorder in close

proximity to lighting

equipment.

The heat from in-

candescent lights

may deform the

camcorder, or

cause it to malfunction.

For example, when bringing the

camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in

a plastic bag.

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.

Plastic bag

Dew is likely to form in the following

circumstances:

1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the camcorder.

2Remove the bag when the air tem-

perature inside it reaches the tempera-

ture of the room.

—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

• “Dew” warning feature

If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on

the screen, and the power will automati-

cally turn off in approximately 10 seconds.

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.

1If “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.

2To use the camcorder again, turn on the

power after waiting for a few hours. Be

sure that “DEW” has disappeared.

3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to

the tape.

4Since dew forms gradually, it may take

10 to 15 minutes before the dew

warning feature engages.

Precautions

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commer-

cially Available)

Dirty Video Heads

When the video heads have become

clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating

particles),

You can clean the video head with a

commercially available cleaning tape.

Mosaic noise

Striped noise

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.

• mosaic-like noise appears on the

playback picture. (see illustrations above)

• playback pictures do not move.

• during playback, the whole screen

becomes blue.

1 Insert a cleaning tape into the

Causes of video head clogging

camcorder.

• High-temperature and high-humidity

environment

• A lot of dust in the air

• Damaged tape

• Worn tape

• Long-time use

2 Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to w.

• The video head cleaning screen

appears.

3 Press m on the Operation button to

begin video head cleaning.

• “NOW CLEANING” flashes during

cleaning.

• Dew formation

CLEAN I NG

NOW CLEAN I NG

S T A R T

S T OP

• After about 20 seconds, video head

cleaning automatically finishes, and

“EJECT THE CASSETTE.” displays.

If the video heads become clogged, the

v indicator appears on the screen. Contact

your SHARP dealer for further advice or

refer to page 70 “Troubleshooting”.

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press l.

xii

Operation References

Part Names

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

parentheses.

Front view

Operation button (p. 27)

Zoom lens

DISPLAY button (p. 27)

Monaural microphone

LCD LAMP button (p. 21)

Operation References

Left view

LCD monitor

(p. 17)

DC IN jack (pp. 7, 8)

AV terminal

(pp. 26, 55)

Terminal cover

(pp. 26, 55, 56)

DV terminal (p. 56)

Lithium battery cover (p. 10)

Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 16)

Tripod socket*

Battery release (pp. 6, 10)

* When attaching a tripod

with a guide pin, do not

attach the pin to the bottom

of the camcorder.

Right view

Power Zoom Wide angle/

Window cleaning cover

PHOTO button Telephoto control (p. 20)/

(p. 68)

(p. 34)

VOLume control (p. 25)

Viewfinder (pp. 15, 16)

STANDBY indicator

(p. 21)

STANDBY button

POWER/CHARGE

(RED) indicator

(pp. 7, 8, 19)

(p. 21)

Speaker

DC IN jack cover

(pp. 7, 8)

Start/Stop button

(p. 19)

Power switch (v Camera

Hand strap (p. 14)

Recording mode/w Playback

mode select switch) (pp. 19, 24)

Cassette holder (p. 9)

Cassette compartment

door release (p. 9)

Cassette compartment door (p. 9)

Operation References

Warning Indicators

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

Displayed for the

first 3 seconds

Displayed after

3 seconds

Description of warning

There is no video cassette in the camcorder.

Insert a cassette (see page 9).

I NSERT

CASSE TTE.

The video cassette is defective and should be

removed (see page 9).

E J ECT THE

CASSE TTE.

E J ECT THE

CASSE TTE.

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette

has been slid to the record-protect position,

preventing recording (see page 66).

CASSE TTE NOT

RECORDABLE.

PROTECT. TAB

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new

cassette.

THE TAPE

TAPE END

ENDS SOON.

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a

new cassette (see page 9).

CHANGE THE

CASSE TTE.

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with

a fully charged battery pack (see pages 5, 6).

BAT TERY I S

TOO LOW.

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.

DEW

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.

LAMP

Note:

• N indicates a flashing display.

Preparation

Slide the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow with the “m” mark facing

out.

Attaching and

Removing the Battery

Pack

Attaching

Power switch

“m” mark

Make sure that the Power

switch is set to OFF.

Push the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow until it clicks.

Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

90˚

Preparation

Notes:

Removing

• BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY-

BACK 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.

Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF, then open the LCD

monitor to a 90° angle to the

camcorder body.

• 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.

90˚

• To prevent damage to the battery pack when

removing, be sure to firmly hold the battery

pack while pressing the release.

• Use only SHARP model BT-L226 battery

packs with this camcorder. Use of other

batteries may create a risk of fire or

explosion.

Slide the battery release in the

direction of the arrow.

• Before closing the LCD monitor, make sure

the battery pack is properly attached to the

camcorder, otherwise the monitor may be

damaged.

Battery release

Take the battery pack out.

Remove the DC plug from the DC IN

jack, then remove the AC adapter

from the power outlet.

Charging the Battery

Pack

Attach the battery pack on the

camcorder, and make sure that the

Power switch is set to OFF.

Charging time and maximum

continuous recording and playback

times

Open the DC IN jack cover.

Max.

DC IN jack cover

Max.

continuous

playback time

on LCD

continuous

recording time

Charging

time

Battery

pack

LCD

closed open

BT-L226

120

105

Connect the supplied power cord

to the AC power socket on the AC

adapter, and insert the AC plug

into a power outlet.

• 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.

AC power socket

• The battery pack and AC adapter become

warm during charging.This is not a

malfunction.

• Using the zoom (see page 20) and other

functions or turning the power on and off

frequently will increase power consump-

tion.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 tempera-

ture and the condition of the battery pack.

• See pages 67 and 68 for more information on

using the battery pack.

To power

outlet

Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator lights up red.

POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L226 battery

packs. Other types of battery packs may

burst, causing personal injury and damage.

• When attaching the supplied audio/video/S-

video cable, remove the DC plug, open the

terminal cover and connect it.

DC IN jack

DC plug

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator

turns off when the battery is charged.

Preparation

Insert the DC plug into the DC IN

jack of the camcorder.

Powering the

Camcorder from an

AC Outlet

POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator

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.

DC IN jack

Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF.

DC plug

Open the DC IN jack cover.

Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator lights up green.

DC IN jack cover

Notes:

• BEFORE REMOVINGTHE DC PLUG,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY-

BACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.

Removing the DC plug while shooting or

during playback may damage the tape by

causing it to wrap around the video head

drum.

• Disconnect the AC adapter from the

camcorder if you will not use the camcorder

for a long period of time.

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

Wait for the cassette holder to fully

retract. Close the compartment door

by pressing its centre until it clicks

into place.

Inserting and

Removing a Cassette

Inserting

Attach the power source to the

camcorder, then slide and hold the

cassette compartment door release

as you open the cassette compart-

ment door.

• After confirmation sound, the

cassette holder extends and opens

automatically.

Cassette compartment door release

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.

Insert a commercially available Mini

DV cassette fully with the window

facing outwards, and with the erasure

protect tab facing upwards.

• 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.

Erasure protect tab

V E S A

• 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 mark.

• See page 66 for more information on the

video cassette tapes intended for use with

this camcorder.

Press the “PUSH” mark gently until

the cassette holder clicks into place.

• The cassette holder retracts

automatically.

“PUSH” mark

Preparation

Insert the CR 1216 type lithium

battery into the compartment with the

H side of the battery facing out.

Installing the Lithium

Batteries

Installing the Memory Battery

CR 1216 type

lithium battery

The supplied CR 1216 type lithium battery is

used to store the memory of the date and

time settings.

Make sure that the Power switch is

set to OFF.

Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

Close the lithium battery cover firmly

until it clicks into place.

Slide the battery release in the

direction of the arrow, then take the

battery pack out.

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.

Battery release

Pull out the lithium battery cover in

the direction of the arrow.

Lithium

battery cover

Notes on the Use of the Lithium

battery

Installing the Battery to

Remote Control (Not Sup-

plied)

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if

battery is incorrectly replaced. For

camcorder, replace only with same or

equivalent type CR1216, for remote

control unit, replace only with same or

equivalent type CR2025, both recom-

mended by the equipment manufac-

turer.

X KEEP THIS BATTERY

AWAY FROM CHILDREN. IF SWAL-

LOWED, CONSULT A PHYSICIAN

IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY

TREATMENT.

The remote control (RRMCGA149WJSA)

is not supplied with this camcorder.

Contact the nearest SHARP service

centre or your dealer for purchasing as

specified part.

The CR 2025 type lithium battery is used

to power the remote control unit.

Hold the remote control facing down,

and pull out the battery holder while

pressing the tab toward the centre.

Tab

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.

Insert the CR 2025 type lithium

battery into the battery holder with

the H side of the battery facing the

m side of the holder.

H side, CR 2025 type

lithium battery

“m” side

Insert the battery holder back into

position.

Preparation

Press m or l to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Setting the Date and

Time

O T H E RS

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2004

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

(10:30).

T I ME CODE

T C OUT

OF F

2 4 H

1 2 H / 2 4 H

S E T T I NG

RE TURN

1 . 1. 2 0 0 3

0 : 0 0

Operation button

Press the centre of the Operation

button.

Power switch

DISPLAY button

Note:

• Before performing the steps below, make

sure that the CR1216 type lithium battery has

been installed (see page 10).

Press m or l to select “2” (day),

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

SE TT I NG

2. 1. 20 0 3

Hold down the Lock

button and set the

Power switch to v.

0 0 0

Press m or l to select “6” (month),

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Lock button

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

SE TT I NG

2. 6. 20 0 3

0 0 0

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

Press m or l to select “2004” (year),

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

E NU

SC EN E

E NU

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

SE TT I NG

2. 6. 20 0 4

0 0 0

Press m or l to select “10” (hour),

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

E NU

E X E CU T E

SC EN E

E NU

SE TT I NG

2. 6. 20 0 4

10 0 0

10 Press m or l to select “30” (minute),

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Using the Lens Cap

Attach the strap of the lens cap to the hand

strap as shown below.

SE TT I NG

2. 6. 20 0 4

10 3 0 0 0

• The internal clock now starts

operating with the seconds display.

11 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Note:

• If the date and time have been set, the

SETTING 1 screen (T) appears in step 4.

Select “SETTING” in the OTHERS 2 screen

(~) using the Operation button.

When attaching or removing the lens cap,

grasp the indents on both sides of the cap.

Changing to the 12-hour

Time Mode

After performing step 10 above, press

l or m to select “12H/24H”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

O T H E RS

Indents

T I ME CODE

T C OUT

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.

1 2 H / 2 4 H

S E T T I NG

RE TURN

2 4 H

1 2 H

Press l or m to select “12H”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

12H 24H

12H

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Notes:

• The date and time, once set, are internally

recorded even when not displayed on the

screen.

Fastener

• The menu screen automatically turns off if no

settings are made within 5 minutes.

Note:

• Always attach the lens cap over the lens

when not using the camcorder.

Preparation

Using the Grip

Adjusting the Hand

Strap

Rotate the grip 135° forward or 90°

downward so that you can record images

easily from high or low angle (see page 18).

Open the hand strap flap (1) and grip

strap (2).

Grip strap

135°

Hand strap flap

Loosen the grip strap, pass your right

hand through the hand strap, and put

your thumb close to the Start/Stop

button and your index finger on the

Power Zoom control. Then, pull the

grip strap tight until it fits snugly.

90°

Note:

• The grip cannot rotate when a tripod is

attached.

Seal the Velcro^®fasteners of the grip

strap and the hand strap flap.

Detaching the Lens

Hood

Using the Viewfinder

You can record the subject using the

electronic viewfinder. You can also watch

playback through the viewfinder.

Before using a commercially available

conversion lens, detach the lens hood as

shown below.

Viewfinder

Power switch

Pull out the viewfinder completely.

Note:

• You cannot attach the supplied lens hood or

lens cap to a conversion lens.

Hold down the Lock

button and set the

Power switch to v or

Lock button

(Continued on the next page)

Preparation

Closing the viewfinder

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.

Push in the viewfinder completely.

Pull out the viewfinder completely.

Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v.

While looking through the viewfinder,

turn the dioptre adjustment dial until

the indicators in the viewfinder are

clearly visible.

Notes:

• Do not use excessive force when moving

the viewfinder.

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the

viewfinder.

Dioptre adjustment dial

• The viewfinder automatically turns off when

the LCD monitor is opened. If the vertical

rotation of the monitor is 180° when in

Camera mode, however, the viewfinder is on

and the subject is displayed both in the

viewfinder and on the monitor (see page 36).

• You can adjust the settings on the MENU

screen through the viewfinder by using the

Operation button (see page 27 for use of the

Operation button).

Note:

• For cleaning the viewfinder, see page 68.

• Be sure to close the viewfinder after use.

• You can also fold the LCD monitor

into the camcorder with the screen

facing out for watching playback on

the monitor.

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.

Hold down the Lock

button and set the

Power switch to v or

Power switch

LCD monitor

• A picture displays on

Lock button

the LCD monitor.

Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body.

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.

90˚

Notes:

Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle

that allow easy viewing of the on-

screen picture.

• The LCD monitor rotates 270°

vertically.

• 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.

180

• 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.

Note: Do not try to rotate the LCD

monitor vertically until the monitor is

completely opened.

Preparation

Tips on Recording

Positions

To create images that are easy to watch during playback, try to record with an upright

posture and steady hands to prevent a shaky image.

Holding the camcorder

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

for support.

Basic posture

Shooting from a high angle

Place the viewfinder

Turn the LCD

eyecup firmly against

monitor so that the

your eye.

screen faces

downward.

Place your elbows

against your sides.

Shooting from a low angle

Turn the LCD

monitor so that the

screen faces

upward.

Balance your

weight on both

legs.

Note:

• Take care not to touch the microphone with your fingers during recording. It will cause noise on

the audio track.

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

Easy Camera

Recording in Full

Auto Mode

REC

• Before you start recording, perform the

operations described on pages 5 through

18 to prepare your camcorder for

recording.

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).

Power switch

Maximum continuous recording and

actual recording times

Start/Stop button

Remove the lens cap.

Max. continuous

recording time

Actual

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).

recording time

Battery

pack

LCD

open

LCD

closed

open

120

BT-L226

105

POWER/CHARGE

(RED) indicator

Note:

• Using the zoom (see page 20) and other

functions or turning the power on and off

frequently will increase power consump-

tion.This may result in a decrease in the

actual recording time compared to the

maximum continuous recording time listed

above.

AU TO

Lock button

Note:

• If “AUTO” is not displayed at this time,

set the camcorder to Full Auto mode

(see page 52).

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Zooming

To pause recording

Press the Start/Stop button again. Record-

ing pauses, and the camcorder enters

Recording Standby mode.

Zooming allows you to move visually closer

to or farther from a subject without physi-

cally changing your position.

When using the optical zoom, you can

enlarge the subject up to 10K.

PAUSE

Zooming in (when you want to centre

attention on the subject)

Zooming out (when you want to include

the surroundings)

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF without

pressing the Lock button.

Zooming in

Push the Power Zoom control to the T

(telephoto) side to get a close-up view (1).

Zooming out

Note:

• If the camcorder remains in Recording

Standby mode for more than 5 minutes, the

power will automatically turn off to save

battery power and to protect the tape from

being damaged. To resume recording, set

the Power switch to OFF and then back to v.

(The camcorder will make a confirmation

sound when it is left in Recording Standby

mode for about 4 minutes.)

Push the Power Zoom control to the W (wide

angle) side to get a wide field of view (2).

Power Zoom

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 within 1.5 m.

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

Power Standby Mode

Turning on/off the

Backlight

Power Standby mode allows you to prevent

accidental recording by locking all

operations except cancelling the mode.

You can see the on-screen display outdoors

on a sunny day or in a location with bright

lighting even when the backlight turns off.

Also, this function is useful when watching

playback on a TV.

STANDBY button

Hold down the STANDBY button for more

than 2 seconds when you pause record-

ing.

• The screen turns off and the STANDBY

indicator lights up.

LCD LAMP button

Hold down the LCD LAMP button for

more than 2 seconds to turn off the

backlight.

• “BACKLIGHT OFF” will flash for two seconds,

then H appears on the LCD screen.

STANDBY indicator

To turn on the backlight

Press the LCD LAMP button.

Note:

To resume operation

• The BACKLIGHT OFF mode will cancel when

you close the LCD monitor.

Press the STANDBY button again to

return to the Recording Standby mode.

• It takes about 2 seconds to be able to start

recording.

Notes:

• Power Standby will cancel and the STANDBY

indicator will turn off in these situations below:

— When the camcorder remains in Power

Standby mode more than 5 minutes

— When the camcorder is set to Playback

mode

— When removing the battery pack

— When removing a cassette

• The camcorder will turn off automatically in 5

minutes after setting Power Standby mode if

it remains in Recording Standby mode after

canceling Power Standby mode.

— When Power Standby mode, for example,

is cancelled after 3 minutes, the

camcorder will turn off if recording is not

started within 2 minutes.

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Auto Focus

Macro Shots

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.

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.

Notes:

• If no subject is in the centre of the scene, the

focus area will expand and the subject

nearest the centre will be focused on.

• Auto Focus may not work in the situations

described on page 47. In these situations,

use the manual focus function.

• The camcorder may not be able to focus

correctly if the subject is closer than

approximately 1.5 m. Set the zoom control to

wide angle, and try refocusing again.

• If the lens is dirty or fogged, the camcorder

may not be able to focus correctly.

Power Zoom

control

Note:

• When you are recording a macro shot, be

sure that the subject receives sufficient

illumination.

Remaining Recording

Time Display

Remaining Battery

Power Display

When the camcorder is recording, an on-

screen indicator displays the approximate

remaining tape time in minutes.

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.

Remaining

recording time

indicator

3 0 min

Notes:

(Green)

• The remaining recording time indicator

appears when the on-screen indicators are

turned on.

Remaining

battery power

indicator

(Green)

(Red)

• The remaining recording time indicator

appears 10 seconds after pressing the

Start/Stop button to begin recording.

• The remaining recording time indicator only

shows the approximate time left. Also, it

varies slightly depending on the length of the

tape used. (This function is based on the

DVM60 tape standard.)

BAT TERY I S

TOO LOW.

Warning

indicator

Notes:

When the remaining recording time reaches

1 minute, a warning indicator will appear.

Prepare a new cassette.

• The remaining battery power indicator

appears when the on-screen indicators are

turned on.

Approx. remaining

• 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.

Warning indicator

time

THE TAPE

ENDS SOON.

Less than 1 min.

• 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.

TAPE END

CHANGE THE

CASSE TTE.

The tape has reached

the end.

TAPE END

_BB_aa_sics_Oic_perO_atiop_ne_srations

Camera Recording

Playback

To stop playback

Playback

Press l.

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.

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF without

pressing the Lock button.

Note:

Power switch

• The tape automatically rewinds when

playback reaches the end of the tape.

Operation button

Hold down the Lock

button and set the

Power switch to w.

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.

Lock button

Press j (or k) on the Operation

button to rewind (or fast forward) the

tape to the desired point.

Press m to begin playback.

Volume Control

Video Search

When the camcorder is in Playback mode,

push the Volume control to the L or + side

to increase (1) or decrease (2) the

volume.

The volume level indicator will appear on

the LCD screen during adjustment only.

Once the Volume control is released, the

volume level indicator will disappear shortly

afterwards.

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

During playback, press k (or j) on

the Operation button.

• The playback picture fast forwards

(or reverses).

When you find the scene, press m to

return to normal playback.

Volume

control

Searching for a Scene Far

from the Current Tape Posi-

tion

VOLUME

Decrease

Increase

During fast forward (or rewind), press

and hold k (or j) on the Operation

button.

Still

• The fast forward (or rewind) picture

displays.

The still function allows you to pause

playback.

During playback, press m on the Operation

button.

If the scene is still rather far from the

current tape position, release the

Operation button to normal fast

forward (or rewind).

Repeat steps 1 and 2 above until you

find the scene.

Press m to begin normal playback.

To return to normal playback, press m

again.

Notes:

• The sound is off during search.

• You may experience picture noise during

search. This is not a malfunction.

• The sound is off in Still mode.

• To protect the tape, the camcorder automati-

cally returns to normal playback if it is left in

Still mode for more than 5 minutes.

Basic Operations

Playback

Note:

Watching Playback

on a TV

• 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.

You can connect the camcorder to a TV to

allow a larger audience to enjoy playback.

Open the terminal cover on the

camcorder (see page 2).

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.)

Set the Power switch on the

camcorder to w, and begin playback

(see page 24).

Terminal cover

Connect the camcorder to your TV (or

VCR) with the supplied audio/video/S-

video cable, as shown.

Notes:

• If your TV or VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART

connector, use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART

conversion connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

available from our main parts distributor

detailed on page 70.

TV or VCR

VIDEO (MONO)L-AUDIO-R

AV-IN

S-VIDEO

Black: To S-video input socket

Yellow: To video input jack

White: To audio input (L) jack

Red: To audio input (R) jack

21-pin Euro-SCART on TV or VCR

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART

conversion connector

(QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

VIDEO

AUDIO

(R)

(L/MONO)

Audio R

Audio L

Video

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

• 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.

To AV

terminal

About the S-video socket

S-video sockets are used to separately pass

the chroma (colour) and luminance

The arrow shows the signal flow.

(brightness) components of video signals.

They serve to improve the picture quality in

both recording and playback.

Useful Features

Using the Mode Screens

Control Buttons

Operation button

In the mode screens, you can adjust the

camcorder settings by using the Operation

button.

Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

• See pages 74 and 75 for the mode

items you can select in each mode.

• Steps 2 to 4 show how to change the

SCENE MENU setting in Camera

mode.

Power switch

DISPLAY button

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

Operation button

Use the Operation button to select and set

the desired setting.

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

E NU

SC EN E

E NU

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select the desired mode

item (SCENE MENU), then press the

centre of the Operation button.

DISPLAY button

Each time you press the DISPLAY button,

the screen changes as shown below.

• The example screens shown are for Camera

mode.

Example

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

E NU

SC EN E

E NU OF F

Information

display on

Press l or m to select the desired

mode setting (DUSK), then press the

centre of the Operation button.

2 . 6 . 2 0 0 4

AU TO

3 0min

1 0 : 3 0

Example

Mode screen

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

E NU

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

S C E N E

E NU DUS K

E NU

S C E N E

E NU

AU TO

To turn off the mode screen

3 0min

S E L E C T

S E T

Press the DISPLAY button.

Information

display off

Note:

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Useful Features

Press l or m to select the desired

menu screen (T), then press the

centre of the Operation button.

Example

Using the Menu Screens

Use the menu screens to adjust the various

camcorder settings.

S E T T I NG

Operation button

QK . R E T URN

DGT L Z OOM

T A PE S P E E D

RE T URN

S T AR T

OF F

S P

• You can press k, instead of the

centre of Operation button.

Power switch

Press l or m to select the desired

menu item (DGTL ZOOM), then press

the centre of the Operation button.

DISPLAY button

Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

Example

• See pages 74 and 75 for the menu

items you can select in each mode.

S E T T I NG

QK . R E T URN

DGT L Z OOM

T A PE S P E E D

RE T URN

OF F

4 0

5 0 0

• Steps 2 to 8 show how to change the

DGTL ZOOM menu setting in

Camera mode.

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears (see page 27).

• You can press k, instead of the

centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select the desired

menu setting (40), then press the

centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

DGTL ZOOM 4 0

• You can press j, instead of the

centre of the Operation button.

• To adjust another menu item, press

l or m to select “RETURN” and

press the centre of the Operation

button, then perform steps 5 to 7.

Example

B L C / GA I N

F A D E

E NU

E X E CU T E

SC E NE ME NU

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

S E T T I NG

S T AR T

OF F

QK . R E T URN

DGT L Z OOM

Notes:

T A PE S P E E D S P

RE T URN

• Certain menu items are common in both

Camera and Playback modes. If the BEEP

menu item, for example, is set to “OFF” in

Camera mode, it will be automatically set to

“OFF” in Playback mode.

• The menu screen automatically turns off if no

settings are made within 5 minutes.

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Note:

• The menu screen does not appear

during recording.

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press l or m to select “DGTL

ZOOM”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

Setting the Digital

Zoom

S E T T I NG

You can select three different zoom ranges:

1–10K (optical zoom), 10–40K (digital

zoom) or 10–500K (digital zoom). The

digital zoom allows you to record powerful

close-up pictures with the same operation

as normal zooming.

QK . R E T URN

DGT L Z OOM

T A PE S P E E D

RE T URN

OF F

4 0

5 0 0

Notes:

Press l or m to select “40” or “500”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

• The digital zoom is in addition to the optical

zoom giving a combined maximum zoom

range of 1–500K.

• As the image is enlarged digitally, the

picture quality decreases when higher

digital zoom settings are used.

DGTL ZOOM 4 0

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

The “D” digital zoom indicator is displayed

during digital zooming.

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

E NU

SC EN E

E NU

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Power Zoom

ZOOM 25

control

Press l or m to select T, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Digital zoom indicator

To use optical zoom only

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

• “x” appears when on-screen

indicators are turned on, indicating that

the backlight compensation is now

working.

Backlight

Compensation (BLC)

When the subject is backlit, the image will

appear dark if it is recorded normally. Use

the backlight compensation (BLC) function

to improve the picture.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

AU TO

3 0min

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

E NU

SC EN E

E NU

To cancel the backlight compensa-

tion function

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “BLC/GAIN”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Press l or m to select “ON x”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

BLC / GA I N

To cancel the gain-up function

Gain-up

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

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.

Notes:

• You may experience some picture noise in

Gain-up mode, which increases when the

e appears.

Note:

• When the e indicator appears, you may

get a shadow image behind a subject that is

moving around a lot.

• Fine brightness adjustments are possible

when using manual iris (see page 50).

• The e indicator will disappear and

Gain-up mode will cancel if you aim the

camcorder in a bright location.

• At locations where lighting is adequate,

“LIGHT” will not appear. The gain-up function

cannot be used in this case.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

E NU

SC EN E

E NU

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “BLC/GAIN”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “ON e”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

BLC / GA I N

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

• “e” appears when on-screen

indicators are turned on, indicating that

the gain-up function is now working.

AU T O

3 0min

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press the DISPLAY button until on-

screen indicators appear.

Fade In and Fade Out

The fade function allows you to gradually

bring the image and sound in or out at the

beginning or end of a scene for creating

scene transitions. This is especially effective

in creating a dramatic change in scenery.

Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

• The picture turns white, and the

image and sound fade in.

Operation button

REC

F A D E I N

AU TO

3 0min

Press the Start/Stop button at the

point where you wish to stop

recording.

Start/Stop button

DISPLAY button

• The image and sound fade out as the

picture gradually turns white. The

camcorder then returns to Recording

Standby mode.

Fade in

REC

F A D E OUT

Fade out

Using

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

AU TO

2 7min

To cancel Fade mode

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “FADE”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

To use Fade Out only

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

During camera recording, press the

DISPLAY button until the mode

screen appears.

E NU

SC EN E

E NU

Perform steps 2 and 3 in “Using”.

Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press the Start/Stop button at the

point where you wish to stop

recording.

Note:

• Fade mode automatically cancels after Fade

Out.

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.

Quick Return

If while playing back your tape you want to

quickly return to the last recorded scene

and start recording again, use the quick

return function.

In Recording Standby mode, press

the DISPLAY button until the mode

screen appears.

SE ARCH

• When the tape reaches the end of

the last recorded scene, “FINISHED”

is displayed, and the camcorder

enters Recording Standby mode.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Notes:

Press l or m to select T, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

• 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.

Press l or m to select “QK.

RETURN”, then press the centre of

the Operation button.

S E T T I NG

QK . R E T URN

S T AR T

DGT L Z OOM S T OP

T A PE S P E E D

RE T URN

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Still Recording

Edit Search

You can record continuous still images of

subjects.

The edit search function lets you search,

without switching from Camera mode to

Playback mode, for the point on the tape

where you wish to start recording next.

In Recording Standby mode,

press the PHOTO button fully.

• A still image of the subject is

displayed.

Press the Start/Stop

button.

• The still image of the

subject will be recorded.

Operation button

In Recording

Standby mode,

press and hold

down j (reverse

edit search) or k

(forward edit

search) on the

Operation button.

To pause recording

Press the Start/Stop button.

To cancel the still image

Press the PHOTO button fully.

Notes:

• Still Recording can also be used during

recording by pressing the PHOTO button

fully.

• The picture quality in Still Recording function

will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

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.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The DIS indicator only appears when

the on-screen indicators are turned

Digital Image

Stabilization (DIS)

The digital image stabilization (DIS) function

allows you to stabilize the image by

electronically compensating for relatively

minor image shaking that is often annoying

in close-up shots.

on.

DIS indicator

T A P E

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

To cancel DIS function

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Select “OFF” in step 6 above. The z

indicator will disappear.

Notes:

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

• 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.

Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “DIS”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

S E T T I NG

D I S

OF F

1 6 : 9

AUD I O MODE

I ND

RE TURN

Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

DIS

Useful Features

Camera Recording

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.

Self Recording

Normal self recording

Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180°

vertically so that the screen faces the other

way and the subject can monitor the shot

while you are recording with the viewfinder.

If the camcorder is steadied, you can record

yourself in the scene by watching yourself

on the LCD monitor.

Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

Note:

• You can play back images while the monitor

is in the self recording position. Set the

camcorder to Playback mode.

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).

180˚

90˚

Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle

to the camcorder body (1), and then

rotate it 180° vertically (2).

Self recording with reversed

grip

Rotate the grip 90° and the LCD monitor

180° vertically so that you can record

yourself while holding the grip.

90˚

180˚

Turn the camcorder downward as

shown below.

Set the Power switch to v.

Press the Start/Stop button to begin

recording.

Notes:

• Do not rotate the monitor section to the self

recording position during recording or

playback.

• During self recording, the mode or menu

screen cannot be displayed.

• All of the manual settings are set to AUTO

and some other settings will set to OFF in self

recording.

• You may experience image noise when using

self recording.

Rotate the lens section 90° vertically

as shown below.

• To operate self recording with reversed grip

correctly, make sure to turn the grip and the

lens section so that the Start/Stop button and

the tripod socket face upward, and the lens

faces toward you. The I indicator will

appear.

• Be sure that the LCD monitor rotation is

exactly 180°, otherwise the image recorded

will be rotated 180° upside-down.

• The viewfinder does not work in self

recording with reversed grip.

90°

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press l or m to select “16:9”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Wide Screen (16:9)

The wide screen function lets you record

scenes with the wide-screen feel of a movie

shown in a theatre. The top and bottom of

the picture are masked with black bands to

produce an effective screen aspect ratio of

16:9.

S E T T I NG

D I S

1 6 : 9

OF F

AUD I O MODE ON

I ND

RE TURN

Normal screen

Wide screen

Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

• The picture is displayed with the top

and bottom portions masked.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

16 : 9

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

E NU

To return to normal screen

SC EN E

E NU

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “LP”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Recording in LP (Long

Play Recording) Mode

This camcorder allows you to record in LP

(Long Play Recording) mode for approxi-

mately 50% more recording time with the

same picture quality as that in SP (Standard

Play Recording) mode.

TAPE SPEED

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The long play recording mode

indicator only appears when the on-

screen indicators are turned on.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

T A P E

B L C / GA I N

F AD E

OF F

E NU

SC EN E

E NU

Long play recording mode indicator

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

To return to SP mode

Select “SP” in step 6 above.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Notes on the use of LP

mode

4 Press l or m to select T, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

• 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.

5 Press l or m to select “TAPE

SPEED”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

S E T T I NG

QK . R E T URN

DGT L Z OOM

T A PE S P E E D S P

RE T URN

L P

—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

Camera Recording

To cancel Windbreak

Windbreak

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.

The windbreak function allows you to

reduce annoying noise from strong winds

when recording.

Note:

• Keep the windbreak function off during

normal recording. If left on, the recorded

audio may sound somewhat muffled when

played back.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears

(see page 27).

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “WIND”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

S E T T I NG

D I S

1 6 : 9

AUD I O MODE

I ND

OF F

RE TURN

Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

I ND

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Press l or m to select “16bit”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Selecting the 16-bit

Audio Recording

Mode

AUD I O MODE 1 6bit

The camcorder normally records audio in

the 12-bit audio recording mode. For higher-

quality audio recording, select the 16-bit

audio recording mode.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The 16-bit audio recording mode

indicator only appears when the on-

screen indicators are turned on.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears

(see page 27).

T A P E

16 bit

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

16-bit audio recording mode indicator

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

To return to 12-bit audio recording

mode

Press l or m to select Y, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Select “12bit” in step 6 above.

Note:

• When using Audio Dubbing with 16-bit audio

recordings, both the dubbed and original

sounds will be recorded in mono (see page

57).

Press l or m to select “AUDIO

MODE”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

S E T T I NG

D I S

1 6 : 9

1 2 bit

1 6 bit

AUD I O MODE

I ND

RE TURN

_UU_ss_efue_lf_Fu_eal_tuF_ree_satures

Playback

Operating

Using the Remote

Control

(Not supplied)

Aim the remote control at the remote sensor

of the camcorder, and press the control

buttons to operate.

The remote control (RRMCGA149WJSA) is

not supplied with this camcorder. Contact

the nearest SHARP service centre or your

dealer for purchasing as specified part.

Activating

• The example screens shown are for

Playback mode.

Remote sensor

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

SLOW button

TAPE REC START/STOP button

* CARD REC button

ZOOM (W/T) buttons

PAUSE/STILL

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

button

STOP button

Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

PLAY button

FF button

Press l or m to select “REMOTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

REW button

T/C (Time

Code) button

DATE button

OTH E RS

DE F AUL T

REMO T E

B E E P

OF F

RE TURN

* Shift buttons

* CARD PLAY/MULTI button

VOLUME +/L buttons

Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Advance/reverse buttons

Notes:

• Be careful not to expose the remote sensor to

direct sunlight or strong interior lighting, as

this may prevent the remote control from

operating properly.

• Be sure that there are no obstacles between

the remote control and the remote sensor.

• The buttons with an asterisk mark (*) do

not work with this camcorder.

REMOTE

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Slow

Playback Functions

with the Remote

Control

The slow function allows you to play back

images in slow motion.

(Not supplied)

During playback, press the SLOW

button (f).

You can use the following playback

functions with the remote control (not

supplied), if you purchase it as a specified

part by contacting the nearest SHARP

service centre or your dealer. (See page 42

for use of the remote control.)

Then, select the tape direction using

the advance/reverse buttons (j or

h).

To return to normal playback, press the

PLAY button (t).

SLOW button

Note:

• To protect the tape, the camcorder automati-

cally returns to normal playback if it is left in

Slow mode for more than 10 minutes.

PAUSE/STILL

button

Frame Advance

Advance/reverse

buttons

The frame advance function allows you to

play back still images frame by frame.

During playback, press the

PAUSE/STILL button (g) to

pause playback.

Press the h (or j)

button.

Reverse Playback

• Each time you press the

button, the picture

advances one frame

forward (or backward).

The reverse playback function allows you to

play back images in reverse.

During playback, press the j

button.

To return to normal playback, press the

PLAY button (t).

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.

To return to normal playback, press the

PLAY button (t).

Note:

• The camcorder automatically returns to

normal playback if it is left in reverse

playback for more than 30 minutes.

• The reverse frame advance moves about 30

frames.

Useful Features

Playback

Press the DISPLAY button until the

date (or date and time) appears.

Selecting the Date

and Time of

Recording Display

2 . 6 . 2 0 0 4

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.

P L A Y

S T OP

R EW F F

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.)

• The example screens shown are for Playback

mode.

Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v or w.

• In Playback mode, the current date and time

are displayed when the tape is not being

played back.

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

P I C. E F F E C T OF F

AUD I O DUB

E NU

D A T E D I SP.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “DATE DISP.”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

P I C . E F F E C T

AUD I O DUB

E NU

DA T E D I S P. DA T E T I ME

Press l or m to select the desired

setting, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

DATE D I SP. DATE

• Each time you press l or m, the

setting changes as shown below.

DATE T IME

OFF

DATE

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

Picture Effect

Playback

To cancel Picture Effect Playback

These picture effects let you play back

images with a more dramatic effect.

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Note:

Types

• Video images in Picture Effect Playback

mode cannot be transferred via DV cable to a

personal computer.

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.

During playback, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “PIC. EFFECT”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

P I C . E F F E C T

AUD I O DUB

OF F

E NU

DA T E D I S P.

Press l or m to select the desired

picture effect, then press the centre of

the Operation button.

P I C. E F FECT

B W

Useful Features

Playback

To cancel Rotate Playback

Rotate Playback

Press the centre of the Operation button

in step 7 above.

This function allows you to play back

images rotated 180°.

Notes:

In Playback mode, press the DIS-

PLAY button until the mode screen

appears.

• When executing Rotate Playback during

playback, playback will stop. Press m to

begin Rotate Playback.

• Even if the camcorder is in Rotate Playback

mode, the image output via a DV connection

will display as normal playback.

• The camcorder will stop and cancel Rotate

Playback when the LCD monitor is closed.

• When you want to display the menu screen

during Rotate Playback, press the centre of

the Operation button.

• In Rotate Playback mode, you cannot

perform frame advance, slow, or picture

effect playback.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select V, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “ROTATE

PB”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

P L A Y B AC K S E T

ROT A T E P B

AUD I O

E X E C UT E

RE T URN

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

• Rotate Playback indicator appears.

ROT A¹T E PB

AUDIO

Rotate Playback indicator

Press m to begin Rotate Playback.

• The image is rotated 180° upside

down.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Operation button

Power Zoom control

Manual Focus

Auto Focus may not be able to focus on the

subject in the situations shown below. In

such situations, set the camcorder to

Manual Focus mode and focus manually.

DISPLAY button

Lack of contrast, e.g.

Subject is too dark.

snow scene.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “FOCUS”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Fast-moving subject.

Background is too bright.

E NU

S C EN E ME NU

ANU A L S E T

F OCUS

Subject has horizontal

stripes.

Subject is being shot through a

dirty or wet window.

Adjust the Power Zoom control to

frame the subject as you desire.

Light reflects off the

subject.

Two subjects at different distances

overlap in the same scene.

Press l or m to focus on the

subject.

p: To focus on a closer subject

o: To focus on a more distant subject

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

• “MF” appears when the on-screen

indicators are turned on.

Subjects at different distances

appear in the centre of the scene

at the same time.

Subject has fine, repeated

patterns.

Manual focus indicator

Fast-speed shutter being

used under fluorescent

lighting.

3 0min

Note:

• When “MF” is displayed, you can manually

adjust the focus by pressing l or m, even if

the focus setting screen is not displayed.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Returning to Auto

Focus

Displaying the Manual

Setting Screen

You can set Manual Focus mode to Auto

Focus mode with the operation below.

You can manually adjust these settings as

shown below in the manual setting screen.

• White Balance (see page 49)

• Manual Iris (see page 50)

• Manual Gain (see page 51)

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “AUTO FOCUS”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

S C EN E ME NU

ANU A L S E T

F OCUS

AUTO F OCUS EX E CUT E

F A DE

E NU

SC E NE ME NU

ANU A L S E T E X E CU T E

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

• The FOCUS setting returns to Auto

Focus mode.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

F U L L AU T O

E X E CU T E

AU T O

H I T E B A L.

I R I S

AU T O

GA I N

AU T O

RE TURN

Note:

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

6 Aim the lens at a white object.

White Balance Lock

White paper or white cloth

The colour of the subject on the screen

looks different depending on lighting

conditions. Lock the White Balance if the

Auto White Balance does not work properly.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button (see page 48).

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

• Adjust the distance of the object so

that the entire screen is white.

Press l or m to select “WHITE

BAL.”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

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.

F U L L AU T O

H I T E B A L. AU T O

I R I S

GA I N

RE TURN

Note:

Press l or m to select “LOCK

MODE”.

• If you move the camcorder while

“LOCK” is flashing, “LOCK” may not

stop flashing. If this occurs, repeat

step 7.

LOCK MODE

H I TE BA L .

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto White Balance

mode

Press k in step 5 above, then press the

centre of the Operation button.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see

page 52).

Note:

• White Balance setting cannot be used

when a scene setting is selected.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Press l or m to select “IRIS”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Manual Iris

The camcorder is preset to Auto Iris mode,

which automatically selects the optimal

aperture. However, when there is too much

contrast in brightness between the subject

and background, you may not be able to

record a clear image. In this case, use the

manual iris function to correct the iris value.

F U L L AU T O

H I T E B A L.

AU T O

I R I S

GA I N

RE TURN

Press l or m to select the desired

iris value, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

Background is too bright and subject too

dark (backlit subject).

• Decrease the iris value to allow more light

through the lens.

F U L L AU T O

E X E CU T E

AU T O

H I T E B A L.

I R I S

F 2 . 0

GA I N

AU T O

RE TURN

Subject is too bright against background.

• Increase the iris value to allow less light

through the lens.

• The number shown is the selected

iris value. The adjustment range is 15

steps from F1.8 (most light) to F19

(least light).

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

To return to Auto Iris mode

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button (see page 48).

Press k in step 5 above, then press the

centre of the Operation button.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see

page 52).

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Note:

• Manual Iris mode cannot be used when a

scene setting is selected.

Press l or m to select “GAIN”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Manual Gain

When recording in a dark or poorly

illuminated location with Auto Gain mode,

the light sensitivity of the camcorder (gain)

will be automatically adjusted and the

recorded image may be brighter than the

subject actually is. If you want to faithfully

record a dark scene in this case, use the

manual gain function. You can also adjust

the gain to record a backlit subject brighter.

F U L L AU T O

H I T E B A L.

I R I S

GA I N

RE TURN

AU T O

Press l or m to select the desired

gain value, then press the centre of

the Operation button.

Example of use

Faithfully recording a dark scene

• Select a smaller gain value (to decrease the

light sensitivity).

F U L L AU T O

E X E CU T E

AU T O

H I T E B A L.

I R I S

AU T O

GA I N

3 d B

RE TURN

Background is too bright and subject is

too dark (backlit subject)

• Select a larger gain value (to increase the

light sensitivity).

• The number shown is the selected

gain value. The adjustment range is 7

steps from 0dB (lowest sensitivity) to

L18dB (highest sensitivity).

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Note: If you select a large gain value,

the image may appear grainy.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button (see page 48).

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

To return to Auto Gain mode

Press k in step 5 above, then press the

centre of the Operation button.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see

page 52).

Note:

• Manual Gain mode cannot be used when a

scene setting is selected.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Setting the

Camcorder to Full

Auto Mode

F U L L AU T O

E X E CU T E

AU T O

You can set all manual settings, including

white balance, iris, gain, but not focus, to

Full Auto mode in one operation.

H I T E B A L.

I R I S

AU T O

GA I N

AU T O

RE TURN

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the MANUAL SET screen.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MANUAL SET”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button (see page 48).

Note:

• You cannot select “FULL AUTO” when no

manual settings are currently in use.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

F U L L AU T O

E X E C UT E

F 4 . 0

H I T E B A L. L OCK

I R I S

GA I N

3 d B

RE TURN

Press l or m to select “FULL

AUTO”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

F U L L AU T O

E X E C UT E

H I T E B A L.

I R I S

GA I N

RE TURN

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Scene Menu

(Program AE)

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “SCENE MENU”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

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.

B L C / G A I N

F A D E

E NU

SC E NE ME NU OF F

Types

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.

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.

SCENE MENU

DUSK

PARTY (C): When the illumination is

from a spotlight or candle.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the mode screen.

• The selected scene setting indicator

displays when the on-screen

indicators are turned on.

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.

T A P E

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.

_AA_dd_vav_nca_edn_Fc_eae_tud_resFeatures

Playback

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Using the Time Code

• The time code appears when the on-

screen indicators are turned on.

The time code shows the hour, minute and

second of recording, and the frame number

(1 frame = approx. 1/25 sec.). This is

automatically recorded along with the

subject when you are recording on the tape.

You can display the time code on the screen

as an accurate counter in both Playback

and Camera modes.

T C

0 : 1 0 : 2 0

AUDIO

Time code

To turn off the time code

Display format

Select “OFF” in step 5 above.

TC0 00 10 20

Note:

• When the tape reaches an unrecorded

section, the time code returns to zero

(TC0:00:00). Once recorded, the time code

cannot be changed.

Frame number*

Second

Minute

* Displayed during still or

Displaying the time code on

a TV during playback

frame advance playback.

Hour

• The example screens shown are for Playback

mode.

In Playback mode, press the DIS-

PLAY button until the mode screen

appears.

During playback or camera recording,

press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

Select “MENU”, then “EXECUTE” by

using the Operation button (see page

28).

Select “MENU”, then “EXECUTE” by

using the Operation button (see page

28).

Press l or m to select ~, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select ~, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “TC OUT”,

then press the centre of the Opera-

tion button.

Press l or m to select “TIME

CODE”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

OTH E RS

T I ME CODE

T C OU T

OF F

RE TURN

OTH E RS

T I ME CODE

T C OU T

OF F

RE TURN

Press l or m to select “ON”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

TC OUT

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

T IME CODE ON

• 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.

Editing

Video editing lets you refine your videos by

removing unwanted sequences from your

tape, or transposing one sequence with

another.

This camcorder lets you monitor the source

program on the built-in LCD monitor without

having to connect it to an external TV or

video monitor.

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

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

Preparation

Connect the camcorder to a VCR with the

supplied audio/video/S-video cable, as

shown.

sequence (see page 54). Then, rewind

the tape to before the beginning of the

portion that you wish to keep.

Recording (VCR)

Load a video cassette into the

recording VCR.

VIDEO (MONO)L-AUDIO-R

S-VIDEO

AV-IN

Black: To S-video input socket

Yellow: To video input jack

White: To audio input (L) jack

Red: To audio input (R) jack

Press m on the camcorder to begin

playback, then press the Record

button on the VCR to begin recording.

Press the Pause/Still button on the

VCR to pause recording when the

source tape reaches the beginning of

the sequence to be cut.

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

Playback

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 AV

terminal

To stop editing

Press l on the camcorder and press the

The arrow shows the signal flow.

Stop button on the VCR.

Notes:

• If your VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART

connector, use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART

conversion connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

available from our main parts distributor

detailed on page 70.

• Some of the transitions between edited

sequences may be slightly off.

• There may be picture noise during video

search or still playback. This does not imply a

defect in the camcorder.

• The time code display will be recorded along

with the edited sequences if the TC OUT

menu item is set to “ON”. Set to “OFF” before

editing (see page 54).

21-pin Euro-SCART on VCR

RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART

conversion connector

(QSOCZ0033TAZZ)

VIDEO

AUDIO

(R)

(L/MONO)

Audio R

Audio L

Video

Advanced Features

Playback

Cutting Unwanted Se-

quences

Editing with the DV

Terminal (IEEE1394)

See “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” on

page 55, using the video equipment as the

recording source.

This camcorder enables you to perform

digital video editing. A DV cable transfers all

dubbing signals including video and audio.

Notes:

• Make sure that the video equipment to which

you are recording can input dubbing signals

via the DV terminal.

• When displaying the playback picture on the

PC, you may find black bands around the

image. This is caused by the differences of

the image display sizes.

• “i.Link” refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry

specification and extensions thereof. The z

logo is used for products compliant with the

i.Link standard.

Preparation

Connect the camcorder to video equipment

with a DV terminal using a commercially

available DV cable.

To DV

Video equipment

terminal

with DV terminal

(e.g. DV camcorder)

DV cable (commercially available)

To DV

terminal

The arrow shows the signal flow.

Audio Recording

Audio Dubbing

Feature

In normal recording mode

12-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in monaural on Audio

Audio 1: Monaural sound

Audio 2: No audio

You can add narration to recordings made

with this camcorder, while preserving the

original audio and video recordings.

Microphone for Audio Dubbing

16-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in monaural on two

separate channels.

You can use the built-in monaural micro-

phone to record narration.

Audio 1: Monaural sound

Audio 2: Monaural sound

In Audio Dubbing mode

12-bit audio recording

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2.

Audio 1: Original monaural sound

Audio 2: Dubbed monaural sound

16-bit audio recording

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2

over the original monaural sound.

Audio 1: Original monaural sound

Audio 2: Dubbed monaural sound

Built-in monaural

microphone

Note:

• You cannot use audio dubbing with

recordings made in LP mode.

Note:

• You can select the 12-bit or 16-bit audio

recording mode by performing the procedure

on page 41.

Advanced Features

Playback

Audio Dubbing

If you wish to change the

dubbed audio or dub addi-

tional scenes

Play back the Mini DV cassette

recorded in SP mode and locate the

tape position where you wish to start

audio dubbing.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the audio dubbing screen.

Press m on the Operation button to

pause playback.

Notes:

Repeat steps 1 to 6 above.

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

• 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 unre-

corded portion of the tape is encountered.

• You can play back the dubbed audio and the

original audio together or separately (see

page 59).

Press l or m to select “AUDIO

DUB”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

P I C . E F F E C T

AUD I O DUB

E X E CUT E

E NU

DA T E D I S P.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

• “AUDIO DUB” cannot be selected when the

Mini DV cassette is recorded in LP mode.

• The audio dubbing screen appears.

T C 0 : 0 0 : 0 0

AUD I ¹O ²DUB

AUDIO

S T A R T

S T O P

CANC E L

Press m to begin audio dubbing.

Record your narration.

To pause audio dubbing

Press l. To resume audio dubbing, press

m again.

To cancel audio dubbing

Press the centre of the Operation button in

step 5. The audio dubbing screen disap-

pears.

Press l or m to select V, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Selecting the Audio

Playback Mode

Press l or m to select “AUDIO”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

You can select any of the following audio

playback modes.

Audio 1H2

P L A Y B AC K S E T

• 12-bit recording in mono (Audio 1

and Audio 2 channels)

• 16-bit recording in mono

Audio 1

ROT A T E P B

AUD I O

RE T URN

• 12-bit recording in mono (Audio 1

channel only)

• 16-bit recording in mono

Audio 2

• 12-bit recording in mono (Audio 2

channel only)

• 16-bit recording in mono

Press l or m to select the desired

audio playback mode, then press the

centre of the Operation button.

1 2

AUD I O

Note:

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• This camcorder can output stereo sound

when a tape is recorded in stereo.

• The selected audio playback mode

indicator only appears when the on-

screen indicators are turned on.

Playback a Mini DV cassette with

dubbed audio.

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

AUDIO

Select “MENU”, then “EXECUTE” by

using the Operation button (see page

28).

Audio playback mode indicator

Note:

• The audio playback mode indicator,

“AUDIO”, displays in different colours

depending on the recording mode (12- or 16-

bit) used for the recording being played

back. A white display indicates 12-bit

recording mode, while a green indicates 16-

bit.

_AA_pp_pep_nde_ixndix

Press j or k to adjust the item to

the desired setting, then press the

centre of the Operation button.

Picture/Backlight

Adjustments

If the picture is difficult to see due to

ambient light or other factors, adjust the

monitor picture settings.

–

LCD BR I GHT

Darker

Brighter

–

LCD COLOUR

• The example screens shown are for Camera

mode.

Decrease

Increase

Adjusting the Picture

VF BR I GHT

–

Darker

Brighter

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Notes:

• When adjusting the colour, the picture on the

LCD monitor may differ from the picture

actually recorded. Do not change the colour

setting unless necessary. (This adjustment

only affects the monitor picture, not the

recorded image.)

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select O, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

• The viewfinder turns on if you select “VF

BRIGHT”.

L C D S E T

NORMAL

BA CK L I GHT

L C D BR I GHT

L C D C OL OUR

V F BR I GHT

RE T URN

–

Press l or m to select “LCD

BRIGHT”, “LCD COLOUR” or “VF

BRIGHT”, then press the centre of

the Operation button.

Adjusting the Backlight

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select O, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “BACK-

LIGHT”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

L C D S E T

BA CK L I GHT

NORMA L

L C D BR I GHT BR I GHT

L C D C OL OUR

V F BR I GHT

RE T URN

Press l or m to select “NORMAL” or

“BRIGHT”, then press the centre of

the Operation button.

BACKL I GHT BR I GHT

NORMAL: For use indoors or under

moderate lighting conditions.

BRIGHT: For use outdoors under

strong lighting conditions, such

as bright daylight.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

Appendix

Press l or m to select “OFF”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Turning off the

Confirmation Sound

A confirmation sound is made when you

turn on or off the Power switch, press the

Start/Stop button, or perform other

designated operations. Use the procedure

below to turn off the confirmation sounds.

BEEP

OFF

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

• The example screens shown are for Camera

mode.

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “BEEP”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

OTH E RS

DE F AUL T

REMO T E

B E E P

DEMO MODE

RE TURN

OF F

Press l or m to select “YES”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Setting the

Camcorder to

Factory Presettings

• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off

the menu screen.

You can set the camcorder to the factory

presettings in one operation.

Note:

• The example screens shown are for Camera

mode.

• Even when you perform the steps above, the

clock setting maintains the memory.

Press the DISPLAY button until the

mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “DEFAULT”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

OTH E RS

DE F AUL T

REMO T E

B E E P

E X E CUT E

RE T URN

DEMO MODE

RE TURN

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

DE F A U L T

R E T URN T O P RE S E T T I NGS

E X C E P T C E R T A I N I T EMS .

Y E S

S E L E C T

S E T

Appendix

Press l or m to select “ON”, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Demonstration Mode

You can watch a brief demonstration of the

special camcorder features in Demo mode.

If the demonstration appears on the screen

when you turn on the camcorder for the first

time, cancel the Demo mode to use your

camcorder.

DEMO MODE ON

Set the Power switch to OFF, then

hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to v.

• The demonstration begins.

Watching

Cancelling

Remove the Mini DV cassette from

the camcorder (see page 9).

During the demonstration, press the

centre of the Operation button to

pause the demonstration.

In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY

button until the mode screen appears.

Press l or m on the Operation

button to select “MENU”, then press

the centre of the Operation button.

Perform step 3 to 6 in “Watching”,

then select “OFF” in step 7.

Notes:

• The demonstration will pause if you press the

centre of the Operation button. If you leave it

for 60 seconds, or turn the power off

temporarily and then set the Power switch to

v, the demonstration will begin again.

• Demonstration mode does not work in self

recording with reversed grip.

Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,

then press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select Z, then

press the centre of the Operation

button.

Press l or m to select “DEMO

MODE”, then press the centre of the

Operation button.

O T H E RS

DE F AUL T

REMO T E

B E E P

DEMO MODE

RE TURN

OF F

• Horizontal panning (lateral movement) and

tilting (vertical movement) should be done

slowly to emphasize the wide expanse of

a scene or the height of a building, and to

make scenes easy to watch during

playback.

Useful Information

Hints for Better Shooting

• Position the subject in the centre of the

scene. When using auto focus, whatever

is in the centre of the scene is kept in

focus.

• Use a wide-angle setting for fast-moving

subjects.

Note:

• It may take longer to focus when zooming

and panning are used frequently.

Focus manually when

you need to position

the subject off centre

(see page 47).

Position the

subject in the

centre.

• Avoid backlit subjects. For the best

picture, shoot with the light source behind

you.

When the background is brighter than the

subject, the subject often becomes too

dark. If you have to record in this lighting,

use Backlight Compensation or correct

the iris value to improve the picture (see

pages 30 and 50).

Light from behind

Backlighting

• Before zooming, think about how to best

frame the shot. Frequent zooming

produces unattractive pictures. It also runs

down the battery more quickly.

• When image shaking is noticeable during

zoomed-in telephoto shooting, use a

tripod or push the Power Zoom control to

the W side to zoom out.

Appendix

To protect recordings against

accidental erasure

Mini DV Cassette

Slide the protect tab on the rear of the Mini

DV cassette to the “SAVE” position.

Erasure protect tab

Precautions when using a Mini DV

cassette

• Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes with

To record over a previously recorded tape,

slide the protect tab to the “REC” position.

the i mark.

• This camcorder can record and play back

using Mini DV cassettes with cassette

memory, but it cannot record or play back

this memory.

• To record in LP mode, use a Mini DV

cassette labelled for use with LP mode.

• Do not insert anything into the holes on the

bottom of the Mini DV cassette or block

them in any way.

• Avoid placing the Mini DV cassette in

areas conducive to dust or mold.

• Do not place the Mini DV cassette near

magnetic sources such as electric clocks

or magnetic devices as this may adversely

affect recorded material.

• When a previously recorded Mini DV

cassette is used again for recording, the

previously recorded material will be

automatically erased.

• The Mini DV cassette will not operate if

inserted in the wrong direction.

• Do not repeatedly insert and eject the Mini

DV cassette without running the tape as

this may cause uneven tape winding and

damage the tape.

• Do not place the Mini DV cassette in direct

sunlight, near strong heat sources, or in

areas with excessive steam.

• Store the Mini DV cassette in its case and

stand it in an upright position.

• If the tape is not properly wound, rewind

the tape.

• Do not drop the Mini DV cassette or

subject it to excessive shocks.

Storage

Battery Pack

• Store the battery pack in a fully dis-

charged state.

This camcorder uses a lithium-ion type

battery pack.

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

• When storing the battery pack, put it in the

original protective plastic bag.

Charging

• Charge the battery pack immediately (or a

day) before use. The battery pack

gradually self-discharges even if stored in

a fully charged state.

Notes:

• Improper handling of the battery pack may

present a risk of fire or explosion. Pay close

attention to the following:

—Do not allow metallic objects to come in

contact with the terminals. This can

cause a short circuit.

—Do not disassemble or repair the

battery pack by yourself.

—Do not use any battery charging

equipment other than that designed for

use with these battery packs.

• Charge the battery pack between 10°C

and 30°C.

• Fully charge the battery pack. Use of an

insufficiently charged battery pack will

shorten actual time of use.

• Refresh (discharging before charging) is

unnecessary.

Use

—Do not place the battery pack under

direct sunlight or in excessively hot

places (over 60°C) such as the

dashboard of cars.

• To conserve battery power, be sure to turn

off the camcorder power when not in use.

• Battery consumption may vary depending

on the condition of use. Recording with

many starts and stops, frequent zooming,

and recording in low temperatures will

shorten actual recording times.

—Do not expose the battery pack to

moisture or water.

—Do not drop the battery pack or subject

it to strong force.

—Keep the battery pack out of reach of

children.

—Dispose of used battery packs

promptly. Do not dispose of them in fire.

• To protect the terminals, put the cover on the

battery pack when it is not in use.

• The battery pack will become warm during

charging and use. This is not a malfunction.

• The battery pack has a limited service life. If

the period of use becomes noticeably shorter

with a normal charge, the battery pack is at

the end of its service life. Replace it with a new

battery pack.

• Use of a weak battery pack may cause

loss of power while operating the

camcorder. Use a fully charged battery

pack to protect both the battery pack and

the unit.

• It is recommended that you have enough

battery packs on hand to handle two or

three times your estimated recording time.

See page 19 for the approximate times of

actual recording for the battery packs.

Battery power is consumed even when

the camcorder power is turned off. If you

are not going to use your camcorder

immediately, remove the battery pack

(see page 6).

• If the terminals of the battery pack are dirty,

wipe the terminals with a soft, dry cloth.

Note:

• Use only SHARP BT-L226 battery packs.

These are designed specifically for use with

this camcorder.

Appendix

Extending battery pack life

Cleaning

Even when the battery pack is not used, the

capacity of the battery pack will naturally

deteriorate over time. To limit the deteriora-

tion of the capacity, it is recommended to

perform the following procedure at least

once every six months:

1Charge the battery pack until the

POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator turns

off.

2Attach the battery pack to the

camcorder, and set the Power switch to

v without inserting a cassette. Allow

the battery power to fully discharge by

leaving it on the camcorder until the

camcorder power automatically turns

off.

• Many plastic parts are used in the

camcorder casing. Do not use thinner,

benzene or other strong chemical

cleaners. These may cause discolouration

and damage to the casing.

• Clean the casing with a soft, dry cloth. If

the casing is particularly dirty, wipe the

casing with a tightly wrung cloth damp-

ened with a diluted, neutral detergent.

Then wipe it again with a soft, dry cloth.

• Use a soft cloth to wipe finger marks and

other smudges off the LCD screen.

• Use a soft cloth, or compressed air and

lens paper designed for photographic

lenses to clean the lens.

3Remove the battery pack and store it

between 10°C and 20°C.

• Pull out the viewfinder and open the

window cleaning cover as shown below so

that you can clean up the inside of the

viewfinder with a camera blower.

Window cleaning cover

AC Adapter

• The AC adapter may interfere with

reception if used near a radio.

• Prevent flammables, liquids, and metal

objects from entering the adapter.

• The adapter is a sealed unit. Do not

attempt to open or modify it.

• Do not damage, drop, or subject the

adapter to vibration.

• Do not leave the adapter in direct sunlight.

• Avoid using the adapter in humid or

extremely hot places.

Replacing the Fluorescent

Lamp

This camcorder uses a fluorescent lamp to

backlight the LCD monitor. If the monitor

becomes dark or difficult to view, the

fluorescent lamp may need to be replaced.

Contact the nearest SHARP service centre

or your dealer for further advice.

Note:

• After cleaning, close the window cleaning

cover securely. Closing the viewfinder with

the window cleaning cover opened may

cause malfunction.

Using Your Camcorder

Abroad

Television signal standards and electrical

voltages and frequencies vary substantially

from country to country. When you are

abroad, check the sections below before

using the AC adapter or connecting the

camcorder to a TV.

AC Adapter (Supplied Accessory)

The supplied AC adapter is compatible with

50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in the

range of 110 V to 240 V AC.

Television Signal Standards

In any country, you can always watch the

video picture by using the LCD monitor

screen. However, if you want to watch the

picture on a TV screen, the TV must be PAL

system compatible. PAL is used in the

following areas:

Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland,

Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Belgium,

Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, Finland,

Portugal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand,

Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait,

China, etc.

Appendix

Troubleshooting

The following conditions do not always denote trouble. Therefore, perform the checks described

below before calling for service. If the problem cannot be corrected by the use of this guide,

remove the main plugs from the wall socket, and contact the dealer or supplier from whom the

unit was purchased in order to obtain service. Where this is not possible, please visit our web-site

www.sharp.co.uk/customersupport.

Customers without Internet access may telephone 08705 274277 during office hours (or

(01)676 0648 if telephoning from Ireland).

Certain replacement parts and accessories may be obtained from our main parts distributor, who

can be contacted on the following numbers:

W^ILLOWVALE ELECTRONICS LTD.: 0121 766 5414

In the unlikely event of this equipment requiring repair during the guarantee period, you will need

to provide proof of the date of purchase to the repairing company. Please keep your invoice or

receipt, which is supplied at the time of purchase.

Symptom

No power.

Possible cause