Sharp Viewcam VL WD450U User Manual

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

MODEL

VL WD450U

VL WD650U

OPERATION MANUAL

Please read this operation manual

carefully before using the VIEWCAM.

Important

For assistance in reporting the theft or loss of

this product, record on the line below the

model number and serial number which

are located on the bottom of the unit.

Please retain this information.

Model No.:

Serial No.:

• See page 93 for use of Demo mode.

• The images of the VIEWCAM in this

operation manual are based upon the

VL-WD450U.

Thank you for purchasing this camcorder from SHARP.

The camcorder will enhance your home video enjoyment and allow you to capture those

special moments. Please read this operation manual to familiarize yourself with the

camcorder’s features, so that you will get the most out of it. The video techniques section will

help you fully enjoy the many features this camcorder offers, and expand your video world.

Important Information for Consumers in the U.S.

WARNING: TO REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELEC-

TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE

COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE

PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING

TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON-

NEL.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the

unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.

This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating

and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying

this unit.

CAUTION

(applies to the supplied AC adapter)

If the AC adapter is misplaced or

needs to be replaced, obtain the

same type of adapter from a SHARP

service center of your dealer.

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,

MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO

WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

PRODUCT DISPOSAL

This Product utilizes tin-lead solder, and a fluorescent lamp containing a small

amount of mercury. Disposal of these materials may be regulated due to environ-

mental considerations. For disposal or recycling information, please contact your

local authorities or the Electronics Industries Alliance: www.eiae.org.

BATTERY DISPOSAL

CONTAINS LITHIUM-ION RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. MUST BE RECYCLED OR

DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. CONTACT LOCAL AGENCIES FOR INFORMATION ON

RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL PLANS IN YOUR AREA.

WARNING—FCC Regulations state that any unauthorized changes or modifica-

tions to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the

user’s authority to operate this equipment.

NOTE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B

digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to

provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not

installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference

to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not

occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to

radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off

and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the

following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

A shielded I/F cable is required to insure compliance with FCC regulations for Class B

computing equipment.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Sharp Camcorder

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follow-

ing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this

device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

RESPONSIBLE PARTY:

SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430

Phone: 1-800-BE-SHARP

CAUTION ON LITHIUM BATTERY (MEMORY BACKUP BATTERY)

If a battery is reversed (positive end where the negative end belongs and vice

versa), it can overheat and rupture. This has happened when young children install

batteries backwards. Warn children not to take out batteries or install them. Parents

should install the lithium battery in the camcorder.

compliance with the copyright laws of the United States and

that prior permission be obtained from copyright owners

whenever necessary.

NOTE

The camcorder’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with more than

61,000 (VL-WD450U)/close to 90,000 (VL-WD650U) 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 your camcorder’s

performance.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Trademarks

• SmartMedia is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.

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

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

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

holders.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read Instructions—All the safety and

operating instructions should be read

before the product is operated.

2. Retain Instructions—The safety and

operating instructions should be

retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the

product and in the operating instruc-

tions should be adhered to.

product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other

similar surface. This product should not

be placed in a built-in installation such

as a

bookcase or

rack unless

proper

ventilation is

provided or

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and

use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning—Unplug this product from the

wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use

liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use

a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Attachments—Do not use attachments

not recommended by the product

manufacturer as they may cause

hazards.

7. Water and Moisture—Do not use this

product near water—for example, near

a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or

laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near

a swimming pool; and the like.

8. Accessories—Do not place this product

on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,

bracket, or table. The product may fall,

causing serious injury to a child or

adult, and

the manufacturer’s instructions have

been adhered to.

11. Power Sources—This product should

be operated only from the type of power

source indicated on the marking label. If

you are not sure of the type of power

supply to your home, consult your

product dealer or local power company.

For products intended to operate from

battery power, or other sources, refer to

the operating instructions.

12. Grounding or Polarization—This product

may be equipped with a polarized

alternating-current line plug (a plug

having one blade wider than the other).

This plug will fit into the power outlet

only one way. This is a safety feature. If

you are unable to insert the plug fully

into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If

the plug should still fail to fit, contact

your electrician to replace your obsolete

outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose

of the polarized plug.

serious damage

to the product.

Use only with a

cart, stand,

tripod, bracket,

13. Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply

cords should be routed so that they are

not likely to be walked on or pinched by

items placed upon or against them,

paying particular attention to cords at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and

the point where they exit from the

product.

14. Lightning—For added protection for this

product during a lightning storm, or

when it is left unattended and unused

for long periods of time, unplug it from

the wall outlet and disconnect the

antenna or cable system. This will

prevent damage to the product due to

lightning and power-line surges.

or table recommended by the manu-

facturer, or sold with the product. Any

mounting of the product should follow

the manufacturer’s instructions, and

should use a mounting accessory

recommended by the manufacturer.

9. A product and cart

combination should be

moved with care. Quick

stops, excessive force,

and uneven surfaces

may cause the product

and cart combination to overturn.

10. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the

cabinet are provided for ventilation and

to ensure reliable operation of the

product and to protect it from overheat-

ing, and these openings must not be

blocked or covered. The openings

should never be blocked by placing the

iii

15. Power Lines—An outside antenna

system should not be located in the

vicinity of overhead power lines or other

electric light or power circuits, or where

it can fall into such power lines or

circuits. When installing an outside

antenna system, extreme care should

be taken to keep from touching such

power lines or circuits as contact with

them might be fatal.

16. Overloading—Do not overload wall

outlets, extension cords, or integral

convenience receptacles as this can

result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

17. Object and Liquid Entry—Never push

objects of any kind into this product

through openings

f. When the product exhibits a distinct

change in performance—this

indicates a need for service.

20. Replacement Parts—When replacement

parts are required, be sure the service

technician has used replacement parts

specified by the manufacturer or have

the same characteristics as the original

part. Unauthorized substitutions may

result in fire, electric shock, or other

hazards.

21. Safety Check—Upon completion of any

service or repairs to this product, ask

the service technician to perform safety

checks to determine that the product is

in proper operating condition.

22. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The product

should be mounted to a wall or ceiling

only as recommended by the manufac-

turer.

as they may touch

dangerous

voltage points or

short-out parts

that could result in

a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid

of any kind on the product.

23. Heat—The product should be situated

away from heat sources such as

radiators, heat registers, stoves, or

other products (including amplifiers)

that produce heat.

18. Servicing—Do not attempt to service

this product yourself as opening or

removing covers may expose you to

dangerous voltage or other hazards.

Refer all servicing to qualified service

personnel.

19. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug

this product from the wall outlet and

refer servicing to qualified service

personnel under the following condi-

tions:

a. When the power-supply cord or plug

is damaged,

b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects

have fallen into the product,

c. If the product has been exposed to

rain or water,

d. If the product does not operate

normally by following the operating

instructions. Adjust only those

controls that are covered by the

operating instructions as an im-

proper adjustment of other controls

may result in damage and will often

require extensive work by a qualified

technician to restore the product to

its normal operation,

e. If the product has been dropped or

damaged in any way, and

Quick Operation Guide

Please consult this operation manual

further for details on these and other

functions of your camcorder.

Turning the Power on

Media Selection switch

Power switch

Charging the Battery Pack

Connect the supplied power cord to the

AC power socket on the AC adapter/

battery charger, and insert the AC plug

into a power outlet.

Align the s mark on the battery pack

with the a mark on the charger (1) and

guide the battery into the groove.

Pressing the battery (2), slide it in the

direction of the arrow (3) until it locks

into place.

To use the camera recording

functions, hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

Lock button

To use the playback and editing

functions, hold down the Lock

button and set the Power switch to

VCR.

Switching the Media

Attaching the Battery Pack

To use a mini DV cassette for

recording and playing back

images, set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

Lift up the viewfinder.

To use a SmartMedia card for

recording and playing back still

images, set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

Align the - mark on the side of the

battery pack with the q mark on the

camcorder (1), and slide the battery

pack down completely until it locks into

place (2).

Turning the Power off

Set the Power switch to OFF

without pressing the Lock button.

Inserting a Mini DV Cassette

Inserting a SmartMedia Card

Attach the power source to the

camcorder, then slide the cassette

compartment door release and open the

cassette compartment door.

Make sure that the power switch is set to

OFF.

Open the LCD monitor.

Card slot cover

Open the card slot cover in the direction

of arrow.

Insert the cassette fully with the window

facing outwards, and with the erasure

protect tab facing upwards.

V E S A

R E C

Insert a SmartMedia card into the slot

as shown below, and push it in as far as

it will go.

Press the W mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place. Close

the compartment door by pressing the

center until it clicks into place.

W mark

Chipped corner

Contact area

Close the card slot cover.

Quick Operation Guide

Easy Camera Recording on

Tape

Tape Playback

Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1), and open the LCD monitor

to a 90° angle to the camcorder body

(2).

Make sure that a cassette is inserted.

Remove the lens cap, and lift up the

viewfinder.

LCD monitor OPEN

release button

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

Lock button

Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that

allows easy viewing on the on-screen

picture.

Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

REC

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

VCR.

Lock button

Press e (or r) on the Operation

button to rewind (or fast forward) the

tape to the desired point.

Zooming

Push the Power Zoom control to T (1)

(telephoto) or W (2) (wide angle) side.

AUDIO1 2

Press y to begin playback.

AUDIO1 2

Power Zoom

control

To stop playback

Press d.

vii

Card Recording

Card Playback

Make sure that a SmartMedia card is

inserted.

Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1), and open the LCD monitor

to a 90° angle to the camcorder body

(2).

Remove the lens cap, and lift up the

viewfinder.

LCD monitor OPEN

release button

Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that

allows easy viewing on the on-screen

picture.

Lock button

Press the STILL button to begin

recording.

Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

AUTO

CARD

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

VCR.

10 90

Lock button

Press e or r on the Operation button

to move the selection frame to the

desired image.

Selection Frame

NORMAL

100- 0003

Press y.

CARD

100- 0003

NORMAL

viii

Supplied Accessories

AC adapter/

Battery pack

BT-L221n*

battery charger

UADP-0321TAZZ*

Power cord

QACCD0031TAPZ

DC cable

QCNW-1957TAZZ

Audio/video cable

(RCA type)

QCNW-2016TAZZ

Remote control

RRMCG0100TASA

AA battery for

remote control K 2

CR2025 type

lithium battery

PixLab Video

Capture Software

(Lite Version)

PC connecting

cable

Lens cap

Shoulder strap

GCOVH1271TASA

UBNDS0010TASA

CDSKA0059TA01

QCNW-2022TAZZ

3.3 V type 8 MB

SmartMedia™ card*

SmartMedia card

protective case

Zoom microphone

RMICC0098TAZZ

Windscreen

* The part numbers for the AC adapter/battery charger and battery pack supplied with this camcorder

are valid only in the U.S. and Latin America. If this camcorder was purchased outside of these areas,

the part numbers may be different. Please refer to the part numbers printed on the labels of the

supplied AC adapter/battery charger and battery pack.

* Including 2 index labels and 4 write-protect seals.

Optional Accessories

Standard-life

battery pack

BT-L221n

Extended-life

battery pack

BT-L441n

Zoom microphone

VR-5MCN

Note: The listed model names are for U.S. accessories.

For optional and additional accessories, contact your local dealer, call the Sharp Accesso-

ries and Supply Center at 1-800-642-2122, or visit SHARP’s website

(http://www.sharp-usa.com).

Precautions

• When the camcorder is not in use, remem-

ber to remove the cassette tape, turn off

the power, and disconnect the camcorder

from the power source.

• Always respect prohibitions or restrictions

on the use of electronic equipment on

commercial flights or in other sensitive

areas.

• Do not aim the lens at the sun.

Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the

camcorder lens or LCD monitor screen,

whether or not recording is in progress, as it

may damage the CCD sensor or LCD screen

surface. Be particularly careful when

recording outside.

• Be aware of the temperature and humidity.

You can use your camcorder at 32°F to 104°F

(0°C to L40°C), and at 30% to 80% relative

humidity. Do not store the unit in an

unventilated car in the

summer, in direct

sunlight, or near strong

heat sources; this can

• When shooting in dark places, avoid sudden

brightly lit objects or light sources, such as

the sun. Otherwise, the image may white out.

Should this happen, point the lens in a

different direction until the picture returns to

normal.

result in severe damage

to the unit casing and

circuitry.

• Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or

other foreign matter could get on or inside

the camcorder, and do not use or leave

your camcorder in areas with excessive

smoke, steam or moisture.

Such environments can

cause malfunctions or

cause mildew to form

on the lenses. Be sure

• Avoid magnetic sources.

Using the camcorder near

strong fluorescent lights,

motors, televisions, or

other magnetic sources

may adversely affect

recorded images.

to keep the unit in a

well-ventilated location.

• Using the camcorder near a broadcasting

station or other powerful transmission

source may cause buzzing or picture

deterioration.

• Some small, portable

tripods may be difficult to

attach and may not be

sturdy enough to support

your camcorder. Be sure to

use only a strong, stable

tripod.

• Avoid shocks and dropping.

Do not drop or otherwise

subject the camcorder to

hard shocks or strong

vibrations. Bumping or

striking the unit during

recording will generate noise

in the recorded image.

• When using your camcorder in a cold

environment, the LCD monitor screen often

appears less bright immediately after the

power is turned on.This is not a malfunc-

tion.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

incandescent lights

may deform the

camcorder, or cause it

to malfunction.

Contents

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

Quick Reference List ................................................. 4

On-screen Display Index ........................................... 5

Warning Indicators .................................................... 7

Operation References

Charging the Battery Pack ........................................ 9

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack.............. 10

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ........... 11

Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette .......... 12

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery..................... 13

Selecting the Language for the On-screen

Preparation

Display .................................................................. 14

Setting the Area, Date and Time ............................. 15

Displaying the Date and Time of Recording ............ 16

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

Using the Lens Cap ................................................ 17

Attaching the Shoulder Strap .................................. 17

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

Using the LCD Monitor............................................ 19

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording on Tape

Basic Operations

in Full Auto Mode .................................................. 20

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

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

Remaining Recording Time Display ........................ 22

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................... 22

Playback

Tape Playback ......................................................... 23

Volume Control........................................................ 23

Watching the Playback on a TV .............................. 24

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

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

Useful Features

Selecting the Camcorder Mode .............................. 26

Using the Controls .................................................. 27

Selecting the User Mode......................................... 28

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

Camera Recording

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ........ 30

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode ............ 31

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ............................. 31

Setting the Digital Zoom.......................................... 32

Gamma Brightness Compensation ......................... 33

Gain-up ................................................................... 34

Night Recording (Super Cat’s Eye) ......................... 35

xii

Contents

Quick Return ........................................................... 36

Edit Search ............................................................. 36

Fade In and Fade Out ............................................. 37

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

Still Recording on Tape ........................................... 39

Still Recording Effects ............................................. 40

Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot ....................... 42

Auto Focus .............................................................. 43

Macro Shots ............................................................ 43

Using the Remote Control....................................... 43

Useful Features

Playback

Playback Functions with the Remote Control ......... 45

Using the Time Code .............................................. 46

Camera Recording

Advanced Features

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

Setting the Shutter Speed ....................................... 49

Manual Exposure .................................................... 51

White Balance Lock ................................................ 52

Digital Picture Effects .............................................. 53

Scene Menu (Program AE) ..................................... 54

Using the Zoom Microphone ................................... 55

Windbreak ............................................................... 56

Setting the Confirmation Sounds ............................ 56

World Clock ............................................................. 57

Selecting Daylight Saving Time............................... 59

Playback

Playback Zoom ....................................................... 60

Gamma Playback .................................................... 61

Multiple Strobe Playback......................................... 61

Playback Effects ...................................................... 62

Picture Effect Playback ........................................... 63

Picture/Backlight Adjustments................................. 64

Editing ..................................................................... 65

Recording from an External Source ........................ 66

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) ................ 67

Audio Dubbing Feature ........................................... 68

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ........................ 70

Configuring Software for PC Connection ................ 71

xiii

Camera Recording

SmartMedia Card

Features

Inserting and Removing a SmartMedia Card .......... 73

Card Recording ....................................................... 74

Selecting the Picture Resolution ............................. 75

Recording with the Self-timer .................................. 76

Formatting a SmartMedia Card............................... 77

Playback

Card Playback ......................................................... 78

Slide Show Playback ............................................... 79

Delete-protection..................................................... 80

Deleting One Stored Image .................................... 81

Deleting All Stored Images ..................................... 82

Print Order .............................................................. 83

Transferring the Data on a SmartMedia Card

to a Computer ....................................................... 85

Useful Information ................................................... 86

Demonstration Mode ............................................... 93

Before Requesting Service ..................................... 94

Specifications .......................................................... 96

Appendix

• Guía de operación rápida en español................................................................... 97

• Visualizaciones en pantalla en español.............................................................. 101

• Affichages sur écran en français ........................................................................ 103

xiv

Operation References

Part Names

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

Left view

GAMMA/BRIGHTER button

[pp. 33, 34, 61]

W/B (White Balance) button [p. 52]/

IR (Infrared) LIGHT button [p. 35]

AUTO ON/OFF button

[p. 28]

SUPER CAT’S EYE switch [p. 35]

Operation button [p. 27]

Lens hood

Zoom lens

Infrared light

transmitter [p. 35]/

Remote sensor [p. 43]

MENU/DISPLAY button

[p. 27]

Stereo microphone

[p. 68]

Media Selection switch (TAPE/CARD

selection switch) [p. 26]

Left view

Viewfinder [p. 18]

Zoom microphone

mounting hole [p. 55]

Diopter adjustment

[p. 18]

LCD monitor [p. 19]

Power source

PUSH release

button [pp. 10, 11]

LCD monitor

OPEN release

button [p. 19]

Power source

mounting surface

[pp. 10, 11]

Lithium battery

compartment door

[p. 13]

Shoulder strap loop [p. 17]

Bottom view

Card slot cover

Tripod socket

Operation References

Right view

Power Zoom Wide angle/

Telephoto control [p. 21]/

VOLume control [p. 23]

STILL button

[pp. 39, 40, 61, 74]

S-VIDEO socket

[pp. 24, 65, 66]

VIDEO jack

[pp. 24, 65, 66]

Shoulder strap

loop [p. 17]

AUDIO L jack

[pp. 24, 65, 66]

Power switch (CAMERA/VCR

select switch) [pp. 26, 27]

AUDIO R jack

[pp. 24, 65, 66]

RECord START/STOP button

[p. 20]

Jack cover

[pp. 24, 65, 66]

Cassette compartment door [p. 12]

Cassette compartment door release [p. 12]

PC connection jack

[p. 71]

DV terminal [p. 67]

EarPHONES jack

[p. 23]

Jack cover [pp. 23, 67, 71]

Hand strap [p. 17]

Speaker [p. 23]

Quick Reference List

Below are some examples of camcorder’s features.

• To record the subject with higher-quality audio.

— See page 31 (Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode)

• To record powerful close-up images.

— See page 32 (Setting the Digital Zoom)

• To record a backlit subject.

— See page 33 (Gamma Brightness Compensation) or page 51 (Manual

Exposure)

• To record subjects at night, e.g. a nocturnal animal.

— See page 35 (Night Recording)

• To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback.

— See page 36 (Quick Return)

• To record yourself in the scene while monitoring the shot.

— See page 42 (Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot)

• To focus on an off-centered subject.

— See page 47 (Manual Focus)

• To turn off the confirmation sounds which are made when you operate the

camcorder.

— See page 56 (Setting the Confirmation Sounds)

• To enlarge any part of the picture during playback.

— See page 60 (Playback Zoom)

• To brighten the dark portion of the playback images without changing the bright

portion.

— See page 61 (Gamma Playback)

• To record still images on a SmartMedia card so that the images may be easily read

into a computer.

— See page 74 (Card Recording)

Operation References

On-screen Display Index

For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated.

TAPE-CAMERA mode

p. 47

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

AUTO

p. 31

p. 20

p. 49

p. 51

p. 53

p. 54

p. 37

p. 36

p. 31

p. 39

p. 40

p. 32

p. 30

p. 38

p. 31

p. 55

p. 56

p. 43

p. 56

p. 46

p. 93

p. 14

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

pp. 20, 28

QK. RETURN

DI S

QK. RETURN

DI S

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM

TAPE SPEED

16 : 9

L I GHT

12bit

AUTO

p. 22

p. 31

pp. 34, 35

AUD I O SET

AUD I O MODE

ZOOM MI C

I ND

30min SP

p. 30

OTHERS

REMOTE

SOUND

p. 22

TIME CODE

TC OUT

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

LCD VF SET

BACKL I GHT

LCD BRI GHT

LCD COLOR

LCD TI NT

Easy mode (p. 28)

p. 64

p. 37

p. 36

p. 39

p. 40

p. 56

p. 16

FADE

VF BRI GHT

QK. RETURN

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

WI ND

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

AREA

DYLT SAVE

SETT I NG

p. 16

pp. 15, 57

p. 59

p. 15

p. 16

SOUND

DI SPLAY

12H 24H

TAPE-VCR mode

AUDIO

PLAYBACK SET

AUDI O DUB

AUDI O

p. 69

p. 70

p. 63

p. 62

p. 61

p. 43

p. 56

p. 46

p. 22

p. 70

PI C. EFFECT

PB EFFECT

MULTI FRAME

OTHERS

SP p. 30

REMOTE

SOUND

TIME CODE

TC OUT

PLAYBACK SET

AUDI O DUB

AUDI O

LCD VF SET

BACKL I GHT

LCD BRI GHT

LCD COLOR

LCD TI NT

PI C. EFFECT

PB EFFECT

p. 64

p. 16

MULTI FRAME

VF BRI GHT

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

CARD-CAMERA mode

p. 47

p. 49

p. 51

p. 53

p. 54

p. 76

p. 31

p. 75

p. 40

p. 32

p. 43

p. 77

p. 56

p. 93

p. 14

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

AUTO

CARD

p. 31

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

SELF TIMER

DI S

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

SELF TIMER

DI S

p. 28

10 90

p. 74

CAMERA SET

REC MODE

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM

AUTO

CARD

OTHERS

REMOTE

FORMAT

SOUND

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

p. 22

p. 74

NORMAL

10 90

LCD VF SET

BACKL I GHT

LCD BRI GHT

LCD COLOR

LCD TI NT

p. 75

Easy mode (p. 28)

p. 64

p. 76

p. 75

p. 56

p. 16

VF BRI GHT

SELF TIMER

REC MODE

SOUND

p. 16

pp. 15, 57

p. 59

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

AREA

DYLT SAVE

SETT I NG

DI SPLAY

p. 15

p. 16

12H 24H

CARD-VCR mode

PLAYBACK SET

SL I DE SHO

CARD

p. 79

p. 63

p. 80

p. 81

p. 82

p. 83

p. 43

p. 56

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER

NORMAL

OTHERS

REMOTE

SOUND

100- 0006

p. 78

LCD VF SET

BACKL I GHT

LCD BRI GHT

LCD COLOR

LCD TI NT

p. 64

p. 16

VF BRI GHT

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

Note:

• See pages 26 to 29 for the procedure to display the desired screen.

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 12).

INSERT

A CASSETTE.

The video cassette is defective and should be

removed (see page 12).

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

EJECT THE

CASSETTE.

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette

has been slid to the record-protect position,

preventing recording (see page 88).

CASSETTE NOT

RECORDABLE.

PROTECT. TAB

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new

cassette (see page 12).

THE TAPE

TAPE END

ENDS SOON.

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a

new cassette (see page 12).

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a

fully charged battery pack (see page 10).

BATTERY I S

TOO LOW.

Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait for

a few hours until the dew disappears (see

page 91).

About 10 seconds after this warning appears,

the camcorder automatically turns off.

DEW

The video heads are clogged and should be

cleaned (see page 92).

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

When the vertical rotation of the LCD monitor is

between 135° and 180° in TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode, all warnings will be

indicated by F displayed in the center of the

viewfinder and the LCD screen. To check the

type of warning, rotate the monitor back to

within 135°.

Displayed for

5 seconds

Description of warning

The SmartMedia card is not inserted or is inserted improperly. Check

how the card is inserted (see page 73).

MEMORY CARD

The capacity of the SmartMedia card is full and cannot store any more

images. Delete unnecessary images (see page 81) or replace the

card with a new one (see page 73).

MEMORY CARD

FULL

NO DATA ON

MEMORY CARD

The SmartMedia card has no images recorded in the format the

camcorder can recognize.

The images in the SmartMedia card are corrupted or recorded in a

format which is not compatible with this camcorder. Format the card to

use it with this camcorder (see page 77).

MEMORY CARD

ERROR

The SmartMedia card has not been formatted with this camcorder.

Format the card (see page 77).

FORMAT

MEMORY CARD

A SmartMedia card with a write-protect seal is inserted. Remove the

write-protect seal to record images on the card (see page 89).

MEMORY CARD

PROTECTED

You are trying to delete a protected image. Cancel the protection

setting (see page 80).

DATA

PROTECTED

The selected image cannot be read by this camcorder. Format the

card to use it with this camcorder (see page 77).

MEMORY CARD

READ ERROR

The SmartMedia card cannot record any data due to a problem with

the card or data on the card. Replace the SmartMedia card (see

page 73).

CANNOT

STORE DATA

Note:

•N indicates a flashing display.

Preparation

Charging time and maximum continuous

recording and playback times in TAPE

modes

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge the battery pack with the supplied AC

adapter/battery charger before use.

Model

VL-WD450U

VL-WD650U

Note:

Battery pack

Charging time

BT-L221 BT-L441 BT-L221 BT-L441

• Remove the DC cable from the AC adapter/

battery charger when charging the battery pack.

100

120

160

240

100

120

160

240

LCD

closed

Max.

Connect the supplied power cord to the

AC power socket on the AC adapter/

battery charger, and insert the AC plug

into a power outlet.

continuous

recording

time

LCD

open

100

200

180

• The POWER indicator lights up.

POWER indicator

Max. continuous

playback time on LCD

AC power

socket

• The chart specifies the approximate times in minutes.

Notes:

• Charge the battery pack between 50°F and 86°F

(10°C and 30°C).The battery pack may not charge

properly at temperatures too low or too high.

• The battery pack and charger become warm

during charging.This is not a malfunction.

• Using the zoom (see page 21) and other

functions or turning the power on and off

frequently will increase power consumption.This

may result in a decrease of more than 50% in the

actual recording time compared to the maximum

continuous recording time listed above.

• The charging time and recording time may vary

depending on the ambient temperature and the

condition of the battery pack.

To power

outlet

Align the s mark on the battery pack

with the a mark on the charger (1) and

guide the battery into the groove.

Pressing the battery (2), slide it in the

direction of the arrow (3) until it locks

into place.

• The CHARGE indicator lights up.

• See page 90 for more information on using the

battery pack.

Caution:

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L221 or BT-L441

battery packs. Other types of battery packs may

burst, causing personal injury and damage.

Extending battery pack life

CHARGE indicator

Even when the battery pack is not used, the

capacity of the battery pack will naturally

deteriorate over time. To limit the deterioration

of the capacity, it is recommended to perform

the following procedure at least once every six

months:

• The CHARGE indicator turns off when

the battery is fully charged.

Slide the battery pack in the direction of

the arrow (1), and remove it (2). Then,

remove the AC plug of the power cord

from the power outlet.

1 Charge the battery pack until the CHARGE

indicator of the charger turns off.

2 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder,

and set the Power switch to CAMERA

without inserting a cassette. Allow the

battery power to fully discharge by leaving it

on the camcorder until the camcorder

power automatically turns off.

3 Remove the battery pack and store it

between 50°F and 68°F (10°C and 20°C).

Lower the viewfinder.

Attaching and Removing the

Battery Pack

Attaching the Battery Pack

Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

Removing the Battery Pack

Perform steps 1 and 2 above.

Press the power source PUSH release

button (1), and slide the battery pack

up and take it out (2).

Power switch

Lift up the viewfinder.

Power source PUSH

release button

Power source

mounting surface

Cautions:

Align the - mark on the side of the

battery pack with the q mark on the

camcorder (1), and slide the battery

pack down completely until it locks into

place (2).

• BEFORE REMOVINGTHE BATTERY PACK,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK

AND TURN THE POWER OFF. Removing the

battery pack while shooting or during playback

may damage the tape by causing it to wrap

around the video head drum or may destroy the

SmartMedia card, rendering it unreadable and

unwritable.

• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder if

you will not use the camcorder for a long period

of time.

• Use only SHARP model BT-L221 or BT-L441

battery packs with this camcorder. Use of other

batteries may present a risk of fire or explosion.

Preparation

Insert the DC cable plug into the DC

OUT jack on the AC adapter. Connect

the supplied power cord to the AC

adapter, and insert the AC plug into a

power outlet.

• The POWER indicator on the AC adapter

lights up, and the camcorder is supplied

power.

Powering the Camcorder

from an AC Outlet

You can also power the camcorder from a

power outlet by using the supplied AC adapter/

battery charger and DC cable.

Caution:

• The supplied AC adapter/battery charger is

specially designed for use with this camcorder,

and should not be used as a power supply for

other camcorders.

DC OUT jack

POWER

indicator To power

outlet

Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

Lift up the viewfinder.

Align the = mark on the side of the

DC cable connecting plate with the q

mark on the camcorder (1), and slide

the connecting plate down completely

until it locks into place (2).

Note:

• When the AC adapter/battery charger is used to

power the camcorder, it cannot be used to

charge the battery pack.

Removing the DC cable from the

camcorder

Perform steps 1 and 2 above. Press the power

source PUSH release button (1), and slide the

connecting plate up and take it out (2).

DC cable

connecting

plate

Power source PUSH

release button

Lower the viewfinder.

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVINGTHE DC CABLE,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK

AND TURN THE POWER OFF. Removing the DC

cable while shooting or during playback may

damage the tape by causing it to wrap around

the video head drum or may destroy the

SmartMedia card, rendering it unreadble and

unwritable.

• Disconnect the camcorder from the AC adapter

if you will not use the camcorder for a long

period of time.

Press the W mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place.

• A confirmation sound is made, and the

cassette holder retracts automatically.

Inserting and Removing a

Mini DV Cassette

Inserting a Cassette

W mark

Attach the power source to the

camcorder, then slide the cassette

compartment door release and open the

cassette compartment door.

• A confirmation sound is made, and the

cassette holder extends and opens

automatically.

Wait for the cassette holder to fully

retract. Close the compartment door by

pressing the center until it clicks into

place.

Cassette compartment

door release

Note:

Removing a Cassette

• If the hand strap is pulled too tight, it can

obstruct the opening of the cassette

compartment door and the cassette holder

may be unable to extend. Should this occur,

loosen the hand strap and open the

cassette compartment door completely.

Perform step 1 above, then take out the

cassette.

Cautions:

• 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 W mark to close it.

• Do not tilt the camcorder or hold it upside down

when you are inserting or removing a cassette. It

may damage the tape.

Insert the cassette fully with the window

facing outwards, and with the erasure

protect tab facing upwards.

Erasure protect tab

• 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.

V E S A

R E C

• Do not attempt to pick up the camcorder by the

cassette compartment door.

Notes:

• 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.

• See page 88 for more information on the video

cassette tapes intended for use with this camcorder.

Preparation

Close the LCD monitor until it clicks into

place.

Installing the Lithium Memory

Battery

Removing the lithium battery

Installing the Lithium Battery

Perform steps 1 and 2 above.

Lift up the battery using a

pointed object, and take it out.

The supplied lithium battery is used to store the

memory of the date and time settings.

Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1) and open the LCD monitor

(2).

Note:

• Replace the battery with a new CR2025 lithium

battery when the time indicator of the camcorder

starts to fall behind the correct time.

LCD monitor OPEN

release button

Notes on the Use of the Lithium

battery

REPLACE BATTERY WITH TOSHIBA,

MATSUSHITA OR HITACHI MAXELL TYPE

CR2025 ONLY. USE OF A DIFFERENT

BATTERY MAY PRESENT A RISK OF FIRE OR

EXPLOSION.

X KEEP THIS BATTERY AWAY FROM

CHILDREN. IF SWALLOWED, CONSULT A

PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY

TREATMENT.

Open the lithium battery compartment

door using the tip of a ballpoint pen or

other pointed object.

Z BATTERY MAY EXPLODE IF MIS-

USED OR INSTALLED WITH POLARITY

REVERSED. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISAS-

SEMBLE 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 battery will last about one year under

normal usage.

Insert the lithium battery into the

compartment with the H side facing out.

Replace the compartment door, and

close it firmly until it clicks into place.

Press d or y (1) on the operation

button to select the desired language,

then press e (2).

Selecting the Language for

the On-screen Display

This camcorder allows you to choose from

among English, French or Spanish for the on-

screen display language.

LANGUAGE

ENGL I SH

FRAN AI S

ESPAÑOL

Note:

• The operation procedures in the following

sections of this operation manual are based

on the use of on-screen displays in English.

SET

[

BUTTON]

OTHERS

MENU/DISPLAY button

Power switch

REMOTE

SOUND

TIME CODE

TC OUT

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

ENGL I SH

Changing the Language

Operation button

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

Setting the Language

When using the camcorder for the first time,

select the desired language for the on-screen

display by performing the procedure below.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “LANGUAGE”

(“LANGUE” or “IDIOMA”) (1), then

press r (2).

Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1) and open the LCD monitor

(2).

• The language selection screen appears.

OTHERS

REMOTE

SOUND

TIME CODE

TC OUT

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

ENGL I SH

LCD monitor

OPEN release

button

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

LANGUAGE

ENGL I SH

• The language selection screen

FRAN AI S

ESPAÑOL

appears on the LCD screen.

Lock button

SET

[

BUTTON]

Perform step 3 in “Setting the

Language”.

• The menu screen is displayed in the

language selected.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Preparation

Press r on the Operation button.

Setting the Area, Date and

Time

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

AREA

LONDON

Example: Setting the date to June 2, 2002

(JUN. 2. 2002) and the time to 10:30 am

(10:30 AM) in New York.

DYLT SAVE

SETT I NG

12H 24H

Notes:

• Before performing the procedure below, make

sure that the lithium battery has been installed

(see page 13).

• If you are in an area that observes daylight

saving time, set the time to the standard time.

You can then correct it for daylight saving time

by performing the procedure on page 59.

Press d or y (1) until “20 NEW

YORK” appears, then press e (2).

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

MENU/DISPLAY button

Power switch

AREA

20 NEW YORK

DYLT SAVE

SETT I NG

12H 24H

Note:

• See “Time Zone Chart” and “Area Table” on

pages 57 and 58 for the area number and

name of the representative city for your time

zone.

Operation button

Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1) and open the LCD monitor

(2).

Press d or y (1) to select

“SETTING” , and then press r (2).

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

AREA

DYLT SAVE

SETT I NG

12H 24H

JAN. 1. 2001

12 00AM

LCD monitor OPEN

release button

Press d or y to select “JUN”

(month), and then press r.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

SETT I NG

JUN. 1. 2001

12 00AM

Lock button

Press d or y to select “2” (day), and

then press r.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

SETT I NG

JUN. 2. 2001

12 00AM

Press d or y to select “2002” (year),

and then press r.

Displaying the Date and Time

of Recording

SETT I NG

JUN. 2. 2002

Follow the procedure below to display the date,

or both the date and time, of recording on the

screen. You can display the date and time

during both recording and playback.

12 00AM

10 Press d or y to select “10 AM”

(hour), and then press r.

• The example screens for this feature are for

TAPE-CAMERA mode.

SETT I NG

JUN. 2. 2002

10 00AM

Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

11 Press d or y to select “30” (minute),

and then press e.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

• The internal clock now starts operating.

SETT I NG

JUN. 2. 2002

Select P, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DISPLAY” (1),

then press r (2).

10 30AM

12 Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

CLOCK SET

turn off the menu screen.

DI SPLAY

AREA

OFF

DATE

DYLT SAVE DATE TIME

SETT I NG

Changing to the 24-hour Time Mode

12H 24H

After performing step 11 above, press

d or y (1) to select “12H/24H”, and

then press r (2).

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

AREA

Press d or y to select “DATE” or

“DATEHTIME”, and then press e.

DYLT SAVE

SETT I NG

12H 24H

12H

24H

DATE TIME

DI SPLAY

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The date (or the date and time) is

displayed.

Press d or y to select “24H”, and

then press e.

12H 24H

24H

JUN. 2. 2002

10 : 30AM

50min SP

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Notes:

• 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.)

Notes:

• The date and time, once set, are internally

recorded even when not displayed on the

screen.

• The menu screen automatically turns off if no

settings are made within 5 minutes.

• In TAPE-VCR or CARD-VCR mode, the current

date and time are displayed when the tape or

SmartMedia card is not being played back.

Preparation

When attaching or

removing the lens cap,

press both tabs on the

top and bottom of the

cap.

Adjusting the Hand Strap

Tabs

Open the hand strap flap (1) and the

grip strap (2).

Hook

When recording, hang

the hook of the lens cap

on the hand strap so that

the cap will not get in the

way.

Note:

Loosen the grip strap, pass your right

hand through the loop, and put your

thumb on the REC START/STOP button.

Then, pull the grip strap tight until it fits

snugly.

• Always replace the lens

cap on the lens when the

camcorder is not in use.

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

Remove the battery pack.

Hold one end of the strap and thread it

through the loop on the left side of the

power source mounting surface.

Loosen the strap in the buckle, then feed

the end of the strap through the buckle,

as shown.

REC START/STOP button

Draw the strap in the direction of the

arrow to secure.

Seal the velcro fasteners of the grip

strap and the hand strap flap.

5–7 To attach the other end of the strap to

the loop on the left side of the hand

strap, open the hand strap flap,

Caution:

• Do not swing the camcorder by the hand strap.

perform the same procedure, and then

attach the battery pack.

Using the Lens Cap

Attach the strap of the lens cap to the hand

strap as shown below.

Loop

Buckle

Closing the viewfinder

Using the Viewfinder

Lower the viewfinder.

You can record the subject using the electronic

LCD viewfinder. You can also watch playback

through the viewfinder.

Cautions:

• Do not use excessive force when moving the

viewfinder.

Viewfinder

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder.

Notes:

• The viewfinder automatically turns off when the

LCD monitor is opened. When the vertical

rotation of the monitor is between 135° and 180°,

however, the viewfinder is on and the subject is

displayed both in the viewfinder and on the

monitor (see page 42).

• Be sure to close the viewfinder after use.

Power switch

Adjusting the Diopter

Lift up the viewfinder.

Adjust the diopter according to your eyesight

when the picture in the viewfinder is not clear.

Lift up the viewfinder.

Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to CAMERA.

While looking through the viewfinder,

turn the Diopter adjustment until the

indicators in the viewfinder are clearly

visible.

Note:

• You can raise the viewfinder to aim the

camcorder better depending on your

position.

Diopter

adjustment

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA or VCR.

• A picture is displayed in the

viewfinder.

Lock button

Preparation

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA or VCR.

Using the LCD Monitor

You can use the LCD monitor to play back

recordings that you have made. You can also

watch the subject on the LCD monitor while

recording.

Lock button

Notes:

Power switch

• Battery consumption is larger when the LCD

monitor is open. Use the viewfinder instead of

the LCD monitor when you want to save battery

power.

• Use the viewfinder if the LCD screen becomes

difficult to see in bright daylight.

Closing the LCD monitor

LCD monitor

Return the LCD monitor to the vertical 90°

position with the screen facing in, and fold it

into the camcorder until it clicks into place.

Press the LCD monitor OPEN release

button (1), and open the LCD monitor

to a 90° angle to the camcorder body

(2).

LCD monitor OPEN

release button

Cautions:

• Do not use excessive force when moving the

LCD monitor.

Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that

allows easy viewing on the on-screen

picture.

• Do not try to rotate the LCD monitor vertically

until the monitor is completely opened.

• When closing the LCD monitor, do not tilt it;

otherwise the monitor may not close properly

and may become damaged.

• The LCD monitor rotates 270° vertically.

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the LCD

monitor.

180

• Do not expose the LCD monitor to shocks.

• Do not apply pressure to the LCD screen

surface.

• Do not place the camcorder with the LCD

screen facing down.

Notes:

Note:

• Take care not to touch the LCD screen with your

fingers, as perspiration and dirt will smudge it.

• Close the LCD monitor completely with the

screen facing in when not in use.

• You can also fold the LCD monitor into the

camcorder with the screen facing out for

watching playback on the monitor.

• Use a soft cloth to clean the LCD screen.

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

To pause recording

Easy Camera Recording on

Tape in Full Auto Mode

Press the REC START/STOP button again.

Recording pauses, and the camcorder enters

Recording Standby mode.

• Before you start recording, perform the

operations described on pages 9 through 19

to prepare your camcorder for recording.

PAUSE

Media Selection switch

Power switch

To turn the power off

REC START/

STOP button

Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing

the Lock button.

Remove the lens cap, and lift up the

viewfinder.

Notes:

• Battery power is consumed in Recording Standby

mode. Turn off the power if you will not be recording

again soon.

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

• If the camcorder remains in Recording Standby

mode for more than 5 minutes in TAPE-CAMERA

mode, 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 CAMERA. (The

camcorder will make a confirmation sound when it is

left in Recording Standby mode for about 4

minutes.)

Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to CAMERA.

• The picture from the lens is now

displayed in the viewfinder.

• The camcorder is now ready to record

(Recording Standby mode).

Auto mode indicator

Maximum continuous recording and

actual recording times in TAPE-

CAMERA mode

AUTO

PAUSE

Model

VL-WD450U

VL-WD650U

Battery pack

BT-L221 BT-L441 BT-L221 BT-L441

Lock button

LCD

closed

Max.

120

100

240

200

120

100

120

240

180

120

continuous

recording

time

Note: If “MANUAL” is displayed at this time,

press the AUTO ON/OFF button to set the

camcorder to Auto mode.

LCD

open

Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

LCD

closed

Actual

recording

time

LCD

open

REC

• The chart specifies the approximate times in minutes.

Note:

• Using the zoom (see page 21) and other

functions or turning the power on and off

frequently will increase power consumption.This

may result in a decrease of more than 50% in the

actual recording time compared to the maximum

continuous recording time listed above.

Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Zooming

Tips on Recording Positions

Zooming allows you to move visually closer to

or farther from a subject without physically

changing your position.

To create images that are easy to watch during

playback, try to record with a stable posture

while steadying your camcorder to prevent the

image from shaking.

Zooming in (when you want to center

attention on the subject)

Holding the camcorder

Put your right hand through the hand strap, and

place your left hand under the camcorder for

support.

Wide

angle

Tele-

photo

Basic posture

Zooming out (when you want to

show the surroundings)

Place the viewfinder

eyecup firmly

against your eye.

To zoom in

Push the Power Zoom control to the T (tele-

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

Place your elbows

against your sides.

To zoom out

Push the Power Zoom control to the W (wide

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

Balance your

weight on both

legs.

Zoom range indicator

Shooting from a high angle

ZOOM

Turn the LCD monitor so

that the screen faces

downward.

Shooting from a low angle

Using the viewfinder

Power Zoom

control

Raise the viewfinder to

view the subject.

• The zoom range indicator shows you the current

zoom setting.

• The zoom speed depends on how far you push

the Power Zoom control.

Using the LCD monitor

Notes:

• The camcorder is unable to focus when zooming

in on subjects within 6 feet (1.8 m). The

camcorder will automatically zoom out until it is

able to focus on the subject. (See page 43 for

recording macro shots.)

Turn the LCD monitor so

that the screen faces

upward.

• See page 32 for use of the digital zoom.

Note:

• Take care not to touch the microphone with your

fingers during recording. It will cause noise on

the audio track.

Remaining Recording Time

Display

Remaining Battery Power

Display

When the camcorder is recording in TAPE-

CAMERA mode, an on-screen indicator

displays the approximate remaining tape time

in minutes.

When using the camcorder with the battery

pack as the power source, you can turn on and

off the remaining battery power indicator by

pressing the MENU/DISPLAY button. If the

battery power becomes very low, a warning

indicator will appear. Replace the battery pack.

During camera recording in TAPE-CAMERA

mode, press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the remaining recording time indicator ap-

pears.

(Green)

Remaining battery

power indicator

(Red)

(Green)

30min SP

Remaining recording

time indicator

BATTERY I S

TOO LOW.

To turn off the indicator, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button again.

Warning indicator

Notes:

• The remaining recording time indicator

appears 10 seconds after pressing the REC

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 tape used.

(This function is based on the DVM60 tape

standard.)

Notes:

• 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

CAMERA or VCR.

• In cold environments, the red remaining battery

power indicator may appear sooner. The battery

pack, however, can be used until the warning

indicator appears.

• Use of the zoom functions when the warning

indicator is displayed may cause the camcorder

to suddenly lose power.

When the remaining recording time reaches 1

minute, a warning indicator will appear.

Prepare a new cassette.

Warning indicator

Approx. remaining time

THE TAPE

ENDS SOON.

Less than 1 min.

TAPE END

CHANGE THE

CASSETTE.

(The tape has reached

the end.)

TAPE END

Basic Operations

Playback

To stop playback

Tape Playback

Press d.

The LCD monitor screen functions as a handy

playback monitor. Nothing needs to be

connected, allowing instant on-screen play-

back with the sound through the built-in

speaker.

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing

the Lock button.

Media Selection switch

Power switch

Notes:

• The tape is automatically rewound when

playback reaches the end of the tape.

• Stereo earphones with a 3.5 mm diameter plug

can be plugged directly into the PHONES jack.

When you use this jack, the speaker automati-

cally turns off.

Operation button

Open the LCD monitor and adjust the

angle (see page 19).

PHONES jack

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

Watching the Playback in the

Viewfinder

You can also watch the playback in the

viewfinder by closing the LCD monitor with the

screen facing in. You cannot monitor the sound

through the speaker when watching the

playback in the viewfinder.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

VCR.

Lock button

Volume Control

Press e (or r) on the Operation

button to rewind (or fast forward) the

tape to the desired point.

When the camcorder is in TAPE-VCR mode,

push the Volume control to the L or + side to

increase (1) or decrease (2) the volume.

AUDIO1 2

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.

Press y to begin playback.

Volume control

AUDIO1 2

VOLUME

Decrease

Increase

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 see the signal from

the VCR. (See the operation manuals of

your TV and VCR.)

Watching the Playback on a

You can connect the camcorder to a TV to

allow a larger audience to enjoy playback.

Open the jack cover on the camcorder.

Set the Power switch on the camcorder

to VCR, and begin playback (see page

23).

Caution:

• Make sure that the camcorder, TV, VCR and

other equipment to be connected have been

turned off before you make connections. Making

connections with any of the components left

turned on may cause picture noise or malfunc-

tion.

Jack cover

Connect the camcorder to your TV (or

VCR) with the supplied audio/video

cable, as shown.

Notes:

• 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 can connect it to the S-VIDEO socket on the

camcorder with a commercially available S-video

cable.

CHANNEL

AUSE

/STILL

PLAY

• When the camcorder is connected to a TV for

playback, the picture on the TV screen may

flicker if the volume on the camcorder is set to

maximum. Should this occur, turn the volume

down (see page 23).

STOP/

EJECT

POWER

REC

Yellow: To video input jack

White: To audio input (L) jack

Red: To audio input (R) jack

To S-video input

socket

• Close the jack cover after use.

About the S-video socket

Audio/video cable (supplied)

S-video sockets are used to separately pass

the chroma (color) and luminance (brightness)

components of video signals. They serve to

improve the picture quality in both recording

and playback.

S-video cable (commercially available)

To S-VIDEO socket

Yellow: To VIDEO jack

White: To AUDIO L jack

Red: To AUDIO R jack

Basic Operations

Playback

Video Search

Still

The video search function makes it easy to

search for a desired scene on the tape.

The still function makes it possible to pause

playback in TAPE-VCR mode.

Operation button

During playback in TAPE-VCR mode, press

y on the Operation button.

During playback in TAPE-VCR mode,

press r (or e) on the Operation

button.

• The playback picture fast forwards (or

reverses).

AUDIO1 2

To return to normal playback, press y

again.

When you find the desired scene, press

y to return to normal playback.

Notes:

• The sound is off in Still mode.

• To protect the tape, the camcorder automatically

returns to normal playback if it is left in Still mode

for more than 5 minutes.

Notes:

• The sound is off during search.

• Some picture noise appears during search. This

is not a malfunction.

Useful Features

Selecting the Camcorder Mode

This camcorder includes functions for use as both

a video camera for recording and playing back

images on tapes and as a digital still camera for

recording and playing back still images on

SmartMedia cards. One of the following

camcorder modes needs to be set before starting

any operations.

Media Selection switch

Power switch

Camcorder modes

TAPE-CAMERA mode

TAPE-VCR mode

For recording motion and still images on

tapes.

For playing back or editing motion and still

images recorded on tapes.

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

VCR.

Lock button

CARD-CAMERA mode

CARD-VCR mode

For recording still images on SmartMedia

cards.

For playing back still images recorded on

SmartMedia cards.

Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

VCR.

Lock button

Caution:

• Do not change the camcorder mode by operating the Media Selection switch during recording or

playback, as this may cause damage to the tape or SmartMedia card.

Useful Features

MENU/DISPLAY button

Using the Controls

The MENU/DISPLAY button is used to

turn the on-screen indicators and the

menu screens on or off. Each time you

press the MENU/DISPLAY button, the

on-screen display changes as shown

below.

The following controls on the camcorder can

be used to select and operate the various

functions, settings and on-screen displays.

MENU/DISPLAY button

Power switch

Example

Indicators off

AUTO

Operation button

Menu screen

MANUAL SET

Power switch

AN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

To turn the power on, hold down the

Lock button and set the Power

switch to CAMERA or VCR.

Lock button

Indicators on

AUTO

To turn the power off, set the Power

switch to OFF without pressing the

Lock button.

12bit

30min SP

Note:

• The warning indicators and some other

indicators cannot be turned off by pressing the

MENU/DISPLAY button.

Operation button

The Operation button is used to select and set

the various menu settings by pressing

y (1), e (2), d (3) or r (4).

Press the AUTO ON/OFF button.

• Each time you press the AUTO ON/OFF

button, the user mode changes between

Auto mode and Manual mode.

• To select Easy mode, hold down the

AUTO ON/OFF button for more than two

seconds.

Selecting the User Mode

This camcorder features three user modes for

the camera recording functions. The selectable

items on the menu screen are different

depending on the user mode.

User mode

Auto mode (AUTO): Lets you adjust all menu

settings except manual settings.

Manual mode (MANUAL): Lets you adjust all

settings including the following manual

settings.

Notes:

• All manual settings in Manual mode will be

canceled when you press the AUTO ON/OFF

button to return to Auto mode.

• To cancel Easy mode, hold down the AUTO

ON/OFF button for more than two seconds.

• There is no user mode for playback functions.

• The example screens in this operation manual

assume the use of Auto mode unless otherwise

indicated.

—MAN. FOCUS, SHUT. SPEED, EXPOSURE

Easy mode (EASY): Lets you adjust only the

following basic menu settings.

—FADE, QK. RETURN, PHOTO SNAP, SNAP

EFF., WIND, SOUND, DISPLAY, SELF

TIMER, REC MODE

Media Selection switch

Power switch

AUTO ON/OFF button

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE or CARD.

Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to CAMERA.

• The user mode indicator is displayed.

AUTO

User mode indicator

Lock button

Useful Features

Press d or y (1) to select the

desired menu item, then press r (2).

Using the Menu Screens

The menu screens can be used to adjust the

various settings of camcorder.

Example

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

Set the Media Selection

switch to TAPE or CARD.

DGTL ZOOM OFF

TAPE SPEED

16 : 9

100

780

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA or VCR.

Press d or y (1) to select the

desired menu setting, then press e

(2).

Lock button

• To adjust another menu item, press e,

then perform steps 4 to 6.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Example

MANUAL SET

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM

TAPE SPEED

16 : 9

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

100

QK. RETURN

DI S

Press d or y (1) on the Operation

button to select the desired menu

screen, then press r (2).

To turn off the menu screen

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button.

Example

Notes:

• Certain menu items are common among

Camcorder modes. If the REMOTE menu item,

for example, is set to “OFF” in TAPE-CAMERA

mode, it will be automatically set to “OFF” in

other modes.

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP SNAP

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM

TAPE SPEED

16 : 9

• The menu screen automatically turns off if no

settings are made within five minutes.

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The recording mode indicator changes

from “SP” to “LP”.

Recording in LP (Long Play

Recording) Mode

This camcorder allows you to record in LP

(Long Play Recording) mode for approximately

50% more recording time with the same picture

quality as that in SP (Standard Play Recording)

mode.

Recording mode indicator

45min LP

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

To return to SP mode

Select “SP” in step 4 above.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Notes on the use of LP mode

MANUAL SET

• To record in LP mode, be sure to use a Mini DV

cassette labeled 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.

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

—When a tape recorded in LP mode under

high-temperature conditions is played

back.

—When a tape recorded in LP mode with the

camcorder is played back on a Mini DV

player or camcorder from another manu-

facturer.

—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.

Select Y, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “TAPE SPEED”

(1), then press r (2).

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM

TAPE SPEED SP

16 : 9

Press d or y to select “LP”, then

press e.

TAPE SPEED

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Selecting the 16-bit Audio

Recording Mode

Digital Image Stabilization

(DIS)

This camcorder allows you to select between

the 12-bit and 16-bit audio recording modes.

The camcorder normally records audio in the

12-bit audio recording mode. For higher-quality

audio recording, select the 16-bit audio

recording mode.

The digital image stabilization (DIS) function is

factory preset to on to stabilize the image by

electronically compensating for relatively minor

image shaking that is often annoying in close-

up shots.

AUTO

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

DIS indicator

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Note:

• The DIS function cannot compensate for

excessive image shaking.

Select U, then press r on the Opera-

tion button. Select “AUDIO MODE” (1),

then press r (2).

Turning Off the DIS Function

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.

AUD I O SET

AUD I O MODE 12bit

ZOOM MI C

16bit

I ND

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Press d or y to select “16bit”, then

press e.

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DIS” (1), then

press r (2).

16bit

AUD I O MODE

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The audio recording mode indicator

changes from “12bit” to “16bit”.

MANUAL SET

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

Audio recording

mode indicator

OFF

AUTO

16bit

Press d or y to select “OFF”, then

press e.

DI S

OFF

To return to 12-bit audio recording

mode

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Select “12bit” in step 4 above.

• The z indicator is turned off.

Note:

• When using Audio Dubbing with 16-bit audio

recordings, both the dubbed and original

sounds will be recorded in mono (see page 68).

To return to DIS mode

Select “ON” in step 4 above.

Press d or y to select “50”, “100” or

“780”, then press e.

Setting the Digital Zoom

You can select from among four different zoom

ranges: 1–26K (optical zoom), 26–50K (digital

zoom), 26–100K (digital zoom) or 26–780K

(digital zoom). The digital zoom allows you to

record powerful close-up pictures with the

same operation as normal zooming.

DGTL ZOOM

100

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The “D” digital zoom indicator is

displayed during digital zooming.

Notes:

Digital zoom indicator

• The digital zoom is in addition to the optical

zoom giving a combined maximum zoom range

of 1–780K.

• As the image is enlarged digitally, the picture

quality decreases when higher digital zoom

settings are used.

T D-ZOOM 50

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

MANUAL SET

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

To use optical zoom only

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

Select Y, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DGTL ZOOM”

(1), then press r (2).

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM OFF

TAPE SPEED

16 : 9

100

780

Useful Features

Camera Recording

To obtain a brighter picture

Gamma Brightness

Compensation

Press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button again.

• The x indicator appears.

When the subject is backlit, the image will

appear dark if it is recorded normally. The

gamma brightness compensation function

improves the picture by increasing the

brightness of the subject while leaving the

brighter portion of the image unaffected.

GAMMA

AUTO

GAMMA/BRIGHTER button

Note:

• When the x indicator is displayed, the

background will become slightly brighter.

To cancel Gamma Brightness

Compensation

Press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button until

“GAMMA” disappears.

In TAPE-CAMERA or CARD-CAMERA mode,

press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button once.

• “GAMMA” appears, indicating that Gamma

Brightness Compensation is now working.

AUTO

GAMMA

AUTO

To obtain a brighter picture

Gain-up

Press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button again.

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.

• The ` indicator appears.

GAMMA

AUTO

Note:

• At locations where lighting is adequate, “LIGHT”

will not appear. The gain-up function cannot be

used in this case.

GAMMA/BRIGHTER button

To cancel the gain-up function

Press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button until

“GAMMA” disappears.

Notes:

• Some picture noise appears in Gain-up mode.

The picture noise increases when the `

indicator is displayed.

• When the ` indicator is displayed, a

residual image may appear behind a subject

that exhibits a lot of movement.

In TAPE-CAMERA or CARD-CAMERA mode,

press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button once.

• “GAMMA” appears, indicating that the gain-up

function is now working.

• Fine brightness adjustment is possible using the

manual exposure function (see page 51).

L I GHT

AUTO

GAMMA

L I GHT

AUTO

Useful Features

Camera Recording

To obtain a brighter picture

Night Recording (Super Cat’s

Eye)

Press the IR LIGHT button.

• “SUPER CAT’S EYE” changes to “IR LIGHT”, and

the camcorder emits infrared light from the

transmitter.

The night recording function allows you to

record the subject in absolute darkness. This is

useful when you want to record subjects at

night, e.g. a nocturnal animal, without artificial

light.

• The picture becomes monochrome.

AUTO

Note:

• Use Night Recording when “LIGHT” is displayed.

Do not use in a bright location such as outdoors

in broad daylight.

IR L IGHT

SUPER CAT’S EYE switch

IR LIGHT button

To cancel Night Recording

Set the SUPER CAT’S EYE switch to OFF.

Notes:

• The picture will turn white if you use Night

Recording in a bright location.

• The camcorder may not be able to focus

correctly when using Night Recording. In such

cases, use the manual focus function to obtain

proper focus (see page 47).

• Infrared light emitted from the camcorder

illumines an area up to about 10 feet (3 m) away.

• The following functions do not work when using

Night Recording.

Infrared light transmitter

In TAPE-CAMERA or CARD-CAMERA mode,

set the SUPER CAT’S EYE switch to ON.

• “SUPER CAT’S EYE” appears, and the picture

becomes brighter.

— Manual shutter speed

L I GHT

AUTO

— Manual exposure

— White balance lock

— Scene menu

• You can obtain a much brighter picture of the

subject by pressing the GAMMA/BRIGHTER

button to select Gain-up mode and then setting

the SUPER CAT’S EYE switch to ON.

L I GHT

AUTO

SUPER CAT’’S EYE

Quick Return

Edit Search

When you have been playing back what you

have recorded on the tape, and wish to quickly

return to recording from the end of the last

recorded scene, use the quick return function.

The edit search function lets you search,

without switching from TAPE-CAMERA mode to

TAPE-VCR mode, for the point on the tape

where you wish to start recording next.

Operation button

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

In Recording Standby mode, press the

MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu

screen appears.

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “QK. RETURN”

(1), then press r (2).

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

In Recording Standby

mode, press and hold

down r (forward edit

search) or e (reverse

edit search) on the

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN START

DI S

STOP

Operation button.

Press d or y to select “START”,

then press e.

• “SEARCH” flashes, and the tape begins

fast forwarding or rewinding to the end

of the last recorded scene.

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 5.5 times the normal playback speed.

• Some picture noise appears during reverse edit

search.

QK. RETURN SEARCH

When the tape reaches the end of the last

recorded scene, “FINISHED” is displayed,

and the camcorder enters Recording

Standby mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Notes:

• To cancel the quick return function, press r to

select “STOP”, then press e.

• If the cassette has been removed since the last

recording or if no recording has been made

since the cassette was loaded, the quick return

function cannot be used.

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• “FADE” is displayed.

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 transi-

tions. This is especially effective for indicating a

dramatic change in scenery.

AUTO

12bit

Fade in

FADE

30min SP

FADE indicator

Using Fade Mode

Fade out

Press the REC START/STOP button to

begin recording.

Setting Fade Mode

• The picture turns white, and the image

and sound fade in.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

AUTO

12bit

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

FADE I N

30min SP

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “FADE” (1),

then press r (2).

MANUAL SET

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

Press the REC START/STOP button at

the point where you wish to stop

recording.

• The image and sound fade out as the

picture gradually turns white. The

camcorder then returns to Recording

Standby mode.

OFF

QK. RETURN ON

DI S

Press d or y to select “ON”, then

press e.

AUTO

12bit

FADE

FADE OUT

27min SP

To cancel Fade mode

Wide Screen (16:9)

Select “OFF” in step 4 in “Setting Fade Mode”.

The wide screen function lets you record

scenes with the wide-screen feel of a movie

shown in a theater. The top and bottom of the

picture are masked with black bands to

produce an effective screen aspect ratio of

16:9.

To use Fade Out only

During camera recording in TAPE-

CAMERA mode, perform steps 2 to 5 in

“Setting Fade Mode” to display “FADE”.

Normal screen

Wide screen

Press the REC START/STOP button at

the point where you wish to stop

recording.

Note:

• Fade mode is automatically canceled after Fade

Out.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Select Y, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “16:9” (1), then

press r (2).

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM

TAPE SPEED

16 : 9

OFF

Press d or y to select “ON”, then

press e.

16 : 9

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The picture is displayed with the top and

bottom portions masked.

To return to normal screen

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

Notes:

• You can only use the wide screen function when

the camcorder is in TAPE-CAMERA mode.

• Each frame picture will not be displayed in Wide

Screen mode when a still recording effect is set

during Wide Screen mode.

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press d or y to select the desired

still recording mode, then press e.

Still Recording on Tape

You can record still images of subjects with

normal sound on a tape by selecting one of two

still recording modes.

PHOTO SNAP STI LL

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Type of Still Recording modes

SNAP: A still picture is recorded for 6 seconds.

Using Still Recording

STILL: A continuous still image is recorded.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

Selecting Still Recording Mode

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

In Recording Standby

mode, press the STILL

button.

• A still image of the subject

is displayed.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Select Y, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “SNAP EFF.”

(1), then press r (2).

Press the REC START/STOP

button.

• The still image of the subject

will be recorded.

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

OFF

DGTL ZOOM PHOTO SHOT

TAPE SPEED P

I N

16 : 9

FRAMES

16 FRAMES

-P

In SNAP mode, the camcorder returns to

Recording Standby mode after recording

a still image for 6 seconds.

To pause recording

Press d or y to select “OFF”, then

press e.

Press the REC START/STOP button.

SNAP EFF.

OFF

To cancel the still image

In SNAP mode, press the STILL button while

the camcorder is in Recording Standby

mode.

Press y (1) to select “PHOTO

SNAP”, then press r (2).

CAMERA SET

In STILL mode, press the STILL button.

PHOTO SNAP SNAP

SNAP EFF.

DGTL ZOOM

TAPE SPEED

16 : 9

STI LL

Notes:

• Still Recording can also be used during

recording by pressing the STILL button.

• The picture quality in Still Recording mode will

be slightly lower than normal pictures.

Using PHOTO SHOT, 9 FRAMES or

16 FRAMES mode

Still Recording Effects

You can select one of these still recording

effects to record the still images with an effect.

Perform the steps in “Selecting a still

recording effect” to select “PHOTO

SHOT”, “9 FRAMES” or “16 FRAMES”.

Type of Still Recording Effects

PHOTO SHOT: A still picture is recorded

following the sound and visual effects of a

camera shutter closing.

In Recording Standby

mode, press the STILL

button.

• In TAPE-CAMERA mode,

a still image of the subject

is displayed with the

selected effect. Perform step 3.

• In CARD-CAMERA mode, the still image

of the subject will be recorded with the

selected effect. Omit step 3.

P-IN-P: A still image is recorded within an inset

image displayed on a motion picture.

9 FRAMES: A still picture is recorded at

intervals of 1/10 of a second using a 9-frame

picture.

16 FRAMES: A still picture is recorded at

intervals of 1/10 of a second using a 16-frame

picture.

Press the REC START/

STOP button.

• The still image of the subject

will be recorded on tape.

Selecting a still recording effect

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

To cancel the still image in TAPE-

CAMERA mode

Select Y, then press r on the

Operation button.

In SNAP mode, press the STILL button while

the camcorder is in Recording Standby

mode.

Note:

• In TAPE-CAMERA mode, select the

desired still recording mode (see page

39).

In STILL mode, press the STILL button.

Notes:

• Still recording effects can also be used during

recording on tape by pressing the STILL button.

• If you use PHOTO SHOT during recording on

tape, the visual effects of a camera shutter

closing are recorded.

• You can use PHOTO SHOT without the sound

effect of a camera shutter closing by setting the

SOUND menu item to “OFF” (see page 56).

• The picture quality in Still Recording Effects

mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

Press d or y (1) to select “SNAP

EFF.”, then press r (2).

CAMERA SET

PHOTO SNAP

SNAP EFF.

OFF

DGTL ZOOM PHOTO SHOT

TAPE SPEED P

I N

16 : 9

FRAMES

16 FRAMES

-P

Press d or y to select the desired

still recording effect, then press e.

PHOTO SHOT

SNAP EFF.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Press y to freeze the inset

image.

Using P-IN-P mode

Perform the steps in “Selecting a still

recording effect” to select “P-IN-P” (see

page 40).

Note:

• Pressing y, e or r while

the inset image is frozen cancels

the still image.

In Recording Standby mode, press the

STILL button.

Press the REC START/

STOP button.

• An inset image of the subject is

displayed.

• The still image of the

subject will be recorded.

• In CARD-CAMERA mode,

press the STILL button,

instead of the REC START/

STOP button.

AUTO

To pause recording on tape

Press the REC START/STOP button.

• To change the position of the inset

image, press e or r on the Opera-

tion button. The inset image moves as

shown below.

To turn off the inset image

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button.

To cancel still recording effects

AUTO

Select “OFF” in step 5 of “Selecting a still

recording effect”.

Note:

• P-IN-P mode cannot be used together with the

following functions.

—Mosaic picture effect

—DIS

—16:9

—Brighter mode (`) of the gain-up function

—Digital zoom

AUTO

Adjust the Power Zoom control to frame

the inset subject.

AUTO

Set the Power switch to CAMERA.

• The subject is displayed in the

viewfinder, and a mirror image of the

subject is displayed on the LCD monitor.

Letting the Subject Monitor

the Shot

Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180°

vertically so that the screen faces the other way

and the subject can monitor the shot while you

are recording with the viewfinder.

If the camcorder is steadied, you can record

yourself in the scene by watching yourself on

the LCD monitor. The supplied remote control is

useful for such occasions.

Set the Media Selection switch to TAPE

or CARD, and begin recording.

Caution:

• Do not invert the image by rotating the monitor

during recording.

Notes:

• The screen image is automatically inverted when

the vertical rotation of the monitor is between

135° and 180°. When the monitor is rotated back

to within 135°, the image returns to normal.

• If the F indicator flashes when the monitor is in

the inverted position, this indicates a warning. To

check the type of warning, rotate the monitor

back to within 135°. (See pages 7 and 8 for

descriptions of the warning indicators.)

Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to

the camcorder body (1), and then

rotate it 180° vertically (2).

180

Useful Features

Camera Recording

Auto Focus

Using the Remote Control

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 whatever is in the

center of the scene. Always keep the subject in

the center of the scene.

Use the supplied remote control to operate the

camcorder from a distance, such as when you

want to record yourself in a scene, or when the

camcorder is connected to a TV for use as a

VCR.

Installing the Batteries in the

Remote Control

Notes:

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

focus area will expand and the subject nearest

the center will be focused on.

• If no subject is displayed, the camcorder will

automatically zoom out until a subject comes

into the frame.

• Auto Focus may not work in the situations

described on page 47. In these situations, use

the manual focus function.

Open the battery compartment cover.

Insert the two supplied AA (R6 or UM/

SUM-3) batteries with the battery poles

positioned as indicated.

Macro Shots

This camcorder lets you shoot close-up images

of small objects such as flowers and insects, or

make title frames for your videos. When you

want to record a magnified image of a subject

which is within approximately 6 feet (1.8 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.

Replace the cover.

Caution:

• Do not use old and new batteries together or

batteries of different brands together.

Turning on the Remote Control

Mode

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Power Zoom control

Tripod

Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “REMOTE”

(1), then press r (2).

OTHERS

REMOTE

OFF

SOUND

Notes:

TIME CODE

TC OUT

• When you are recording a macro shot, be sure

that the subject receives sufficient illumination.

• It is recommended that you use a tripod for

recording macro shots, to prevent image

shaking.

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

REW button [pp. 23, 78]

Press d or y to select “ON”, then

press e.

CARD REC button [p. 74]

REMOTE

TAPE REC START/STOP button [p. 20]

ZOOM W/T buttons

[pp. 21, 60]

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

VOL. +/L buttons

[p. 23]

Operating the Remote Control

PLAY button

[pp. 23, 78]

Open the LCD monitor completely (1),

then rotate it 180° vertically (2).

FF button

[pp. 23, 78]

STOP button

[pp. 23, 78]

180

SLOW button

[p. 45]

Shift buttons [p. 60]

Advance/reverse buttons [p. 45]

PAUSE/STILL button [pp. 25, 45]

Set the Media Selection switch on the

camcorder to TAPE or CARD.

Notes:

• Be careful not to allow direct sunlight or bright

light from interior illumination to fall onto the

remote sensor, 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.

• When the batteries are depleted and the remote

control does not operate, replace them with new

AA (R6 or UM/SUM-3) batteries.

Set the Power switch on the camcorder

to CAMERA or VCR.

Aim the remote control at the remote

sensor of the camcorder, and press the

control buttons for operation.

Remote sensor

Approximate operating

range of remote control

Useful Features

Playback

Frame Advance

Playback Functions with the

Remote Control

The frame advance function allows you to play

back still images frame by frame.

These playback functions can be operated

using the supplied remote control. (See pages

43 and 44 for use of the remote control.)

During playback in TAPE-VCR

mode, press the PAUSE/STILL

button (g) to pause playback.

PAUSE/STILL button

PLAY button

Press the h (or j) button.

• Each time you press the

button, the picture advances

one frame forward (or

SLOW button

backward).

To return to normal playback, press the PLAY

button (t).

Advance/reverse

buttons

Notes:

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

advance playback.

Reverse 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.

• Clearer still images can be achieved by

recording with a fast shutter speed (see page

49).

The reverse playback function allows you to

play back video in reverse.

During playback in TAPE-VCR

mode, press the j button.

To return to normal playback, press the PLAY

button (t).

Slow

The slow function allows you to play back

images in slow motion.

During playback in TAPE-VCR

mode, press the SLOW button (f).

To view slow playback in reverse, press the j

button.

To return to normal playback, press the PLAY

button (t).

Note:

• To protect the tape, the camcorder automatically

returns to normal playback if it is left in Slow

mode for more than 10 minutes.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Using the Time Code

• The time code appears.

The time code shows the hour, minute and

second of recording, and the frame number

(1 frame = approx. 1/30 sec.). This is automati-

cally recorded along with the subject when you

are recording on the tape. You can display the

time code on the screen as an accurate

counter in both TAPE-VCR and TAPE-CAMERA

modes.

Time code

TC0 : 05 : 35

To turn off the time code

Display format

TC0 00 10 20

Frame number*

Select “DISP. OFF” in step 3 above.

Note:

• When the tape reaches an unrecorded section,

the time code returns to zero (TC0:00:00). Once

recorded, the time code cannot be changed.

Second

* Displayed during still

or frame advance

Minute

Displaying the time code on a TV

during playback

Hour

playback.

• The example screens for this feature are for

TAPE-VCR mode.

In TAPE-VCR mode, select I, then

press r on the Operation button.

Select “TC OUT” (1), then press r

(2).

During playback or camera recording in

TAPE modes, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button until the menu screen

appears.

OTHERS

REMOTE

SOUND

TIME CODE

TC OUT

OFF

Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “TIME CODE”

(1), then press r (2).

OTHERS

REMOTE

SOUND

TIME CODE DI SP. OFF

TC OUT

DI SP. ON

Press d or y to select “ON”, then

press e.

TC OUT

Press d or y to select “DISP. ON”,

then press e.

TIME CODE DI SP. ON

_AA_dd_vav_nca_edn_Fc_eae_tud_resFeatures

Camera Recording

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

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.

Press the AUTO ON/OFF button to

select Manual mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “MAN. FOCUS”

(1), then press r (2).

Lack of contrast, e.g. snow

Subject is too dark.

scene.

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS AUTO

ANUAL

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

Fast-moving subject.

Background is too bright.

QK. RETURN

DI S

Subject is being shot through a

dirty or wet window.

Subject has horizontal stripes.

Light reflects off the subject.

Press e to display the focus setting

screen.

Two subjects at different distances

overlap in the same scene.

MANUAL

12bit

FOCUS

FAR

NEAR

Subjects at different distances

appear in the center of the scene

at the same time.

Subject has fine, repeated

patterns.

SET

[

BUTTON]

Adjust the Power Zoom

control to frame the

subject as you desire.

Fast-speed shutter being used

under fluorescent lighting.

Press d or y (1) to focus on the

subject, then press e (2).

To cancel Manual Focus mode

After performing step 4 above, select “AUTO”,

then press e.

MANUAL MF

12bit

Notes:

• The camcorder may not be able to focus

correctly if the subject is within approximately 6

feet (1.8 m). Set the zoom control to wide angle,

and then try refocusing.

FOCUS

FAR

NEAR

• If the lens is dirty or fogged, the camcorder may

not be able to correctly focus.

SET

[

BUTTON]

• When “MF” is displayed, you can manually

adjust the focus by pressing d or y, even if

the focus setting screen is not displayed.

• When you want to cancel all manual settings and

return to Auto mode, press the AUTO ON/OFF

button.

MANUAL MF

12bit

FOCUS

AUTO

SET

[

BUTTON]

Press e.

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

MANUAL

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• “MF” is displayed.

Manual focus indicator

MAUANTOUAL MF

12bit

30min SP

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Press d or y (1) to select the

desired shutter speed, then press e

(2).

• The selected shutter speed is displayed

on the menu screen.

Setting the Shutter Speed

The shutter speed is preset to auto mode,

which automatically chooses the optimal

shutter speed for the ambient light. However,

depending on the subject or situation, you may

want to set the shutter speed manually to

create a high-quality picture.

MANUAL

12bit

10000

2000

SHUT. SPEED

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

AUTO

Press the AUTO ON/OFF button to

select Manual mode.

SET

[

BUTTON]

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED 2000

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “SHUT.

SPEED” (1), then press r (2).

QK. RETURN

DI S

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED AUTO

ANUAL

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

To return to Auto Shutter Speed mode

After performing step 4 above, select “AUTO”,

then press e.

Press e to display the shutter speed

setting screen.

MANUAL

12bit

10000

AUTO

SHUT. SPEED

SET

[

BUTTON]

Shutter speed

indicator

Shutter speed

10000

4000

2000

1000

500

250

100

1/10,000 sec.

1/4,000 sec.

1/2,000 sec.

1/1,000 sec.

1/500 sec.

1/250 sec.

1/100 sec.

1/60 sec.

AUTO

Variable

Notes:

Recommended Shutter Speeds

• Recording with a shutter speed faster than 1/60

sec. tends to darken the picture. Record in

bright locations when you use a fast shutter

speed.

• Using a fast shutter speed under fluorescent

lighting will cause flickering in the picture and

possibly periodic color shifts.

• The manual shutter speed setting will be

canceled if a scene setting is selected

thereafter.

• The manual shutter speed setting cannot be

used with Night Recording.

• When you want to cancel all manual settings and

return to Auto mode, press the AUTO ON/OFF

button.

The faster the shutter speed, the darker the

picture becomes. Select the most appropriate

shutter speed for the ambient light.

Recommended

Situation

shutter speed

• Recording sports action in

1/10,000 sec.

bright daylight.

• Recording in bright daylight

1/1,000 sec.

at a ski resort.

• Recording outdoor sports on

a partially cloudy day.

• Recording an outside scene

through a car window (when

you want to minimize blur

caused by the camera

shaking).

1/1,000 sec.

1/250 sec.

• When you want to reduce

the light by half. Use as a

substitute for an ND2 filter.

1/100 sec.

Tips on Using the Manual Shutter

Speed

• Fast shutter speeds can be used with the still

recording function (see page 39) to record

higher quality still images of fast-moving

subjects.

• If the on-screen picture flickers when

recording under fluorescent lighting, you may

be able to compensate by setting the shutter

speed to 1/100 sec.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Press e to display the exposure setting

screen.

Manual Exposure

The camcorder is preset to Auto Exposure

mode, which automatically chooses the optimal

aperture. When there is too much contrast in

brightness between the subject and back-

ground, however, you may not be able to

record a clear image. In this case, use the

manual exposure function to correct the

exposure level.

MANUAL

12bit

EXPOSURE

SET

[

BUTTON]

Background is too bright and subject too

dark (backlit subject).

• Increase the exposure level to allow more light

through the lens.

Press d or y to select the desired

exposure level.

• The number shown is the selected

exposure level. The adjustment range is

from +5 (least light) to L5 (most light).

MANUAL

12bit

EXPOSURE

Subject is too bright against background.

• Decrease the exposure level to allow less light

through the lens.

SET

[

BUTTON]

Press e.

• The selected exposure level is displayed

on the menu screen.

MANUAL SET

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

AN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

Press the AUTO ON/OFF button to

select Manual mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “EXPOSURE”

(1), then press r (2).

To cancel Manual Exposure mode

MANUAL SET

After performing step 4 above, select “AUTO”,

AN. FOCUS

then press e.

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

AUTO

ANUAL

Notes:

• Manual Exposure mode will be canceled if a

scene setting is selected thereafter.

• Manual Exposure cannot be used with Night

Recording.

• When you want to cancel all manual settings and

return to Auto mode, press the AUTO ON/OFF

button.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to set

the white balance lock.

White Balance Lock

• “W/B LOCK” flashes during the locking

procedure. To cancel the locking proce-

dure, press the MENU/DISPLAY button

while “W/B LOCK” flashes.

The color of the subject on the screen tends to

look different depending on the lighting

condition. The camcorder is preset to Auto

White Balance mode, which automatically

adjusts the hue of the picture for the current

lighting condition.

MANUAL

W B LOCK

Auto White Balance may not work properly for

the following subjects. In this case, use the

white balance lock function.

• Subjects with one dominant color or subjects

against background with one dominant color

• Subjects under very bright light source, e.g.

video lights

MANUAL

W B LOCK

• Subjects under light source with red hue, e.g.

glow of sunset

• Close-up images of small objects

Press the W/B button to turn off the

white balance lock screen.

• “W/B LOCK” is displayed.

Note:

• White Balance Lock cannot be set when the

camcorder is in Easy mode or the SUPER

CAT’S EYE switch is set to ON.

MANUAL

12bit

W B LOCK

W/B button

30min SP

To cancel White Balance Lock

Press the W/B button, then press the

MENU/DISPLAY button.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

• “W/B LOCK” changes to “WHITE BAL.”.

Press the W/B button to display the

white balance lock screen.

Press the W/B button to turn off the

white balance lock screen.

AUTO

WH I T E BAL .

Notes:

• If the light source changes or if you move from

indoors to outdoors, or vice versa, when

recording with the white balance locked, the

white balance may shift. Reset the white

balance.

• Do not move the camcorder while “W/B LOCK” is

flashing in step 4.

SET MENU DI SPLAY

• If “W/B LOCK” does not stop flashing in step 4,

press the MENU/DISPLAY button to cancel the

locking procedure, and repeat step 4.

• White Balance Lock will be canceled if a

scene setting is selected thereafter.

Aim the lens at a white object.

• Adjust the distance of the object so that the

entire screen is white.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Press d or y to select the desired

digital picture effect, then press e.

• The selected digital picture effect is

displayed on the menu screen.

Digital Picture Effects

These digital picture effects let you record the

subject with a more dramatic effect.

PI C. EFFECT

B W

Type of Digital Picture Effects

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

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

SEPIA: To record in sepia color similar to that

of an old photograph.

To cancel the digital picture effect

MOSAIC: To record a picture divided up into

tiles.

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

SOLARI: To record with enhanced contrast,

creating a unique artistic image.

Note:

• Digital picture effects cannot be used when a

still image is displayed.

NEGA: To record a picture whose blacks and

whites of the image are reversed and colors

of the image are inverted.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

MANUAL SET

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “PIC. EFFECT”

(1), then press r (2).

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT OFF

SCENE MENU B W

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

SEPI A

MOSAI C

SOLARI

NEGA

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “SCENE

MENU” (1), then press r (2).

Scene Menu (Program AE)

You can set the camcorder to the shooting

mode that will create the best results for a

specific situation. Just select one of four 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.

MANUAL SET

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

OFF

SPORT

QK. RETURN SUNL I GHT

DI S

DUSK

PARTY

Type of Scene Settings

SPORT: When you want to record a fast-

moving subject.

Press d or y to select the scene

setting that best fits the recording

situation, then press e.

• The selected scene setting is displayed on

the menu screen.

SUNLIGHT: When the background is very

bright.

DUSK: When you want to faithfully record the

red of the setting sun, and the surrounding

twilight.

SCENE MENU

SPORT

PARTY: When the illumination is from a

spotlight or candles.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The selected scene setting indicator is

displayed.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

Scene setting indicator

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

SPORT

MANUAL SET

AN. FOCUS

30min SP

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

To cancel the scene setting

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

Note:

• Scene settings cannot be used when Night

Recording is used or a still image is dis-

played.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Selecting Zoom Microphone Mode

Using the Zoom Microphone

Select a Zoom Microphone mode when the

zoom microphone is mounted.

With the zoom microphone, you can record

audio according to the magnification of the

zoom lens for producing the optimum sound.

You can also set the zoom microphone to

record only sounds at a distance.

Type of Zoom Microphone modes

AUTO: The camcorder automatically selects

the optimum sound according to the magnifi-

cation of the zoom lens. When the zoom lens

is at a wide-angle setting, the built-in micro-

phone is used to record sounds. As the zoom

magnification increases, the sounds from the

zoom microphone and built-in microphone

are mixed according to the zoom setting.

Mounting the Zoom Microphone

Align the mounting pin of the zoom

microphone with the mounting hole on

the camcorder, and slide the zoom

microphone in the direction of the arrow

until it locks into place.

TELE: The zoom microphone is fixed to record

sounds at a distance. (The built-in micro-

phone is turned off.)

Mounting hole

OFF: The zoom microphone is turned off. (The

built-in microphone is on.)

Mount the zoom microphone to the

camcorder.

Mounting pin

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

Turn the screw in the direction of the

arrow to secure the zoom microphone.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Screw

Select U, then press r on the Opera-

tion button. Select “ZOOM MIC” (1),

then press r (2).

AUD I O SET

AUD I O MODE

ZOOM MI C

AUTO

TELE

OFF

I ND

Removing the zoom microphone

Turn the screw in the opposite direction than

when mounting, and then pull off the zoom

microphone.

Press d or y to select the desired

zoom microphone mode, then press e.

• The selected zoom microphone mode is

displayed on the menu screen.

Caution:

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the zoom

microphone, as this may cause the camcorder

or zoom microphone to break down.

ZOOM MI C

AUTO

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Note:

• When the camcorder is in Easy mode, the Zoom

Microphone mode is fixed to “AUTO” and cannot

be selected on the menu screen.

Windbreak

Setting the Confirmation

Sounds

The windbreak function allows you to reduce

annoying noise from strong winds when

recording.

A confirmation sound is made when you turn

on or off the Power switch, press the REC

START/STOP button, or perform other desig-

nated operations. Use the procedure below to

change the type of sound or to turn off the

confirmation sounds altogether.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA

mode.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Type of Confirmation Sound

Settings

Select U, then press r on the Opera-

tion button. Select “WIND” (1), then

press r (2).

CHIME: A chiming sound is made.

BEEP: An electronic beeping sound is made.

OFF: No confirmation sound is made.

AUD I O SET

AUD I O MODE

ZOOM MI C

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

I ND

OFF

Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “SOUND” (1),

then press r (2).

OTHERS

REMOTE

Press d or y to select “ON”, then

press e.

SOUND

CHIME

TIME CODE BEEP

TC OUT

OFF

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

I ND

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

To cancel Windbreak

Press d or y to select the desired

sound setting, then press e.

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

BEEP

SOUND

Note:

• Keep the windbreak function off during normal

recording. If it is left on, the recorded audio may

sound somewhat muffled when played back.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Note:

• If “OFF” is selected, the sound effect of a

camera shutter closing in PHOTO SHOT mode

and CARD-CAMERA mode will also be turned

off.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Select P, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “AREA” (1),

then press r (2).

World Clock

The world clock function allows you to easily

adjust the clock to the local time when you use

the camcorder while travelling anywhere

around the world.

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

AREA

20 NEW YORK

DYLT SAVE

SETT I NG

• Set the area, date and time for your home time

zone if they have not already been set (see

page 15).

12H 24H

Example: Changing the clock from New York

time to Los Angeles time.

Press d or y (1) to select “17 L.A.”,

then press e (2).

• The camcorder is now set to Los

Angeles time.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

AUTO

AREA

17 L. A.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

JUN. 2. 2002

30min SP

10 : 30AM

JUN. 2. 2002

7 : 30AM

30min SP

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

Time Zone Chart

ANCHRGE

LONDON

PARIS

MOSCOW

CAIRO

CHICAGO

AZORES

NEW YORK

CARACAS

DENVER

L. A.

TOKYO

HNGKNG

KARACHI

DUBAI

DACCA

HAWAII

BANGKOK

FN ISL.

SOLOMON

SAMOA

RIO

SYDNEY

WLLNGTN

120˚

90˚

60˚

30˚

150˚

0˚

30˚

60˚

90˚

120˚

150˚

180˚

Area

number

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

10 11 12 13

Area Table

Area number Area name

Countries or areas*

LONDON

PARIS

England, Morocco, GMT (Greenwich mean time)

Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzer-

land, Portugal, CST (Continental Standard Time), Tunisia

CAIRO

Egypt, Finland, Greece, Turkey

MOSCOW

Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Russia

(Moscow)

DUBAI

United Arab Emirates

KARACHI

DACCA

Maldives, Pakistan

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar

Cambodia, Indonesia (Jakarta), Thailand, Vietnam

BANGKOK

HNGKNG

Australia (Perth), China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (Borneo, Bali), Malaysia,

Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan

TOKYO

Japan, Korea

SYDNEY

SOLOMON

WLLNGTN

SAMOA

Australia (Sydney)

New Caledonia

Fiji, New Zealand

Western Samoa

HAWAII

Hawaii Is., Tahiti, HST (Hawaii Standard Time)

U.S.A. (Alaska), AST (Alaska Standard Time)

U.S.A. (Los Angeles, San Francisco), PST (Pacific Standard Time)

U.S.A. (Denver), MST (Mountain Standard Time)

Mexico (Mexico City), U.S.A. (Chicago), CST (Central Standard Time)

ANCHRGE

L.A.

DENVER

CHICAGO

NEW YORK

Canada (Montreal), Jamaica, Peru, U.S.A. (New York, Washington D.C.),

EST (Eastern Standard Time)

CARACAS

RIO

Chile, Dominican Republic, Venezuela

Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

Fernando de Noronha

FN ISL.

AZORES

Azores Islands

*These are commonly used names. The formal names may be different.

Advanced Features

Camera Recording

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The Q indicator appears when the date/

time is displayed.

Selecting Daylight Saving

Time

Perform the procedure below to advance the

clock of the camcorder one hour to daylight

saving time.

JUN. 2. 2002

30min SP

11 : 30AM

Set the camcorder to TAPE-CAMERA or

CARD-CAMERA mode.

Daylight saving time indicator

AUTO

To reset to standard time

Select “OFF” in step 4 above.

JUN. 2. 2002

30min SP

10 : 30AM

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

MANUAL SET

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

Select P, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DYLT SAVE”

(1), then press r (2).

CLOCK SET

DI SPLAY

AREA

DYLT SAVE OFF

SETT I NG

12H 24H

Press d or y to select “ON”, then

press e.

• The time automatically changes to daylight

saving time.

DYLT SAVE

Advanced Features

Playback

To cancel Playback Zoom

Playback Zoom

Press the ZOOM W button to zoom out to the

widest angle.

The playback zoom function allows you to

magnify the playback picture up to 10 times its

original size and to shift the magnified picture

by using the remote control (see pages 43 and

44 for use of the remote control).

Notes:

• Use of Playback Zoom may cause a reduction in

picture quality for still images.

• Images in Playback Zoom mode cannot be

transferred via DV or PC connect cable to a

personal computer.

ZOOM buttons

Shift buttons

• The example screens for this feature are for

TAPE-VCR mode.

During playback in TAPE-VCR (or

CARD-VCR) mode, press the ZOOM T

button to zoom in.

AUDIO

Press the Shift q, w, a, or s button to

shift the displayed image.

AUDIO

Advanced Features

Playback

Gamma Playback

Multiple Strobe Playback

The gamma playback function improves the

playback picture in TAPE-VCR mode by

increasing the brightness of the subject while

leaving the brighter portions of the image

unaffected.

The multiple strobe playback function can be

used to capture the action of a fast-moving

subject at intervals of 1/10 of a second using a

9- or 16-frame picture. This is useful when you

want to check your form in sports such as

tennis or golf.

GAMMA/BRIGHTER button

In TAPE-VCR mode, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button until the menu screen

appears.

Select V, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “MULTI

FRAME” (1), then press r (2).

During playback in TAPE-VCR mode, press the

GAMMA/BRIGHTER button once.

• “GAMMA1” appears, and the picture

becomes brighter.

PLAYBACK SET

AUDI O DUB

AUDI O

PI C. EFFECT

PB EFFECT

GAMMA1 AUDIO

MULTI FRAME

OFF

FRAMES

16 FRAMES

Press d or y to select “9 FRAMES”

(9-frame picture) or “16 FRAMES” (16-

frame picture), then press e.

To obtain a brighter picture, press the GAMMA/

BRIGHTER button again.

MULTI FRAME 16 FRAMES

• “GAMMA2” appears.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen, and then

begin playback.

1 2

GAMMA2 AUDIO

Press the STILL button at

the point where you want to

begin the multiple strobe

playback.

• A multi-frame picture of the

image is displayed.

To cancel Gamma Playback

To cancel Multiple Strobe Playback

Press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button until

“GAMMA1” and “GAMMA2” disappear.

Press the STILL button again.

Note:

• Gamma Playback has no effect during still

• Multiple Strobe Playback cannot be used

during video search, still or slow playback.

playback.

Using Playback Effect

Playback Effects

In TAPE-VCR mode, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button until the menu screen

appears.

Playback effects can be used to create an

interesting scene transition between a still

image and the following image during play-

back in TAPE-VCR mode.

Select V, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “PB EFFECT”

(1), then press r (2).

Type of Playback Effects

OVERLAP: A still image fades out as the next

image fades in, replacing the previous image.

The two scenes momentarily dissolve.

PLAYBACK SET

AUDI O DUB

AUDI O

PI C. EFFECT

PB EFFECT OFF

MULTI FRAME OVERLAP

I PE

Press d or y to select “OVERLAP”

or “WIPE”, then press e.

PB EFFECT

WIPE

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

WIPE: A still image is replaced with the next

image first appearing in the middle of the

screen and gradually expanding to fill the

screen.

Rewind or fast forward the tape to just

before the position where you want to

use the playback effect, and then begin

playback.

• The still image is replaced with the next

image with the selected playback effect.

To cancel the playback effect

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

Notes:

• Playback effects will be canceled if Multiple

Strobe Playback is used thereafter.

• Scene transition does not occur if Playback

Zoom or Picture Effect Playback is used

thereafter.

• Playback effects will be canceled if the power

source is interrupted.

Preparation

Plan the scene transition, and record still

images with the still recording function (see

page 39).

Notes:

• Playback effects can also be used to provide a

transition from a still image to a moving image.

• Record images for 6 seconds or longer. An

image recorded for less than 6 seconds may not

dissolve properly.

Advanced Features

Playback

To cancel Picture Effect Playback

Picture Effect Playback

Select “OFF” in step 3 above.

These picture effects let you play back images

with a more dramatic effect.

Notes:

• Images in Picture Effect Playback mode cannot

be transferred via DV or PC connecting cable to

a personal computer.

• Picture Effect Playback cannot be used with

Multiple Strobe Playback or Slide Show

Playback.

Type of Picture Effects

B/W: The picture is displayed in black-and-

white.

SEPIA: The picture is displayed in sepia color

similar to that of an old photograph.

MOSAIC*: The picture is divided up into tiles.

SOLARI: The contrast of the subject is

enhanced, creating a unique artistic image.

NEGA: The blacks and whites of the image are

reversed and colors of the image are

inverted.

*Available only in TAPE-VCR mode.

• The example screens for this feature are for

TAPE-VCR mode.

During playback in TAPE-VCR or CARD-

VCR mode, press the MENU/DISPLAY

button until the menu screen appears.

Select V, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “PIC. EFFECT”

(1), then press r (2).

PLAYBACK SET

AUDI O DUB

AUDI O

PI C.

EFFECT OFF

B W

PB EFFECT

SEPI A

ULTI FRAME

OSA I C

SOLARI

NEGA

Press d or y to select the desired

picture effect, then press e.

PI C. EFFECT

B W

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Adjusting the Backlight

Picture/Backlight

Adjustments

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

If the picture is difficult to see due to ambient

lighting or other factors, adjust the monitor

picture settings.

Select O, then press r on the

Operation button. Press d or y to

select “BACKLIGHT” (1), then press r

(2).

• The example screens for this feature are for

TAPE-CAMERA mode.

LCD VF SET

BACKL I GHT AUTO

Adjusting the Picture

NORMAL

BRI GHT

LCD BRI GHT

LCD COLOR

LCD TI NT

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

VF BRI GHT

Press d or y to select O (1), then

press r (2) on the Operation button.

LCD VF SET

BACKL I GHT AUTO

LCD BRI GHT

LCD COLOR

Press d or y to select “AUTO”,

“NORMAL” or “BRIGHT”, then press e.

LCD TI NT

VF BRI GHT

BACKL I GHT BRI GHT

AUTO: The camcorder automatically

switches between “NORMAL” and

“BRIGHT” depending on the ambient

lighting. This mode is only available in

TAPE-CAMERA or CARD-CAMERA

mode.

Press d or y to select the item you

wish to adjust, then press r.

NORMAL: For use indoors or under

moderate lighting conditions.

Press d or y to adjust the item to

the desired setting.

BRIGHT: For use outdoors under strong

lighting conditions, such as bright

daylight.

LCD BRI GHT

Darker

Brighter

Increase

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

LCD COLOR

Decrease

Note:

LCD TI NT

• When the color or tint is adjusted, the picture on

the LCD monitor may differ from the picture

actually recorded. Do not change the color and

tint settings unless it is necessary. (These

adjustments only affect the monitor picture, not

the recorded image.)

Red

Green

VF BRI GHT

Darker

Brighter

Note:

• Close the LCD monitor to turn on the

viewfinder when adjusting the “VF

BRIGHT”.

Press e, then press the MENU/

DISPLAY button to turn off the menu

screen.

Advanced Features

Playback

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

Editing

Play back the tape to be edited on the

camcorder, and locate the beginning

and end of the sequence you wish to

cut. Write down the time code reading at

the beginning and end of that sequence

(see page 46). Then, rewind the tape to

before the beginning of the portion that

you wish to keep.

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.

Connect the camcorder to a VCR with the

supplied audio/video cable, as shown.

Load a video cassette into the recording

VCR.

Yellow: To video input jack

White: To audio input (L) jack

Red: To audio input (R) jack

Press y on the camcorder to begin

playback, and then press the Record

button on the VCR to begin recording.

Recording

CHANNEL

AUSE

/STILL

PLAY

STOP/

EJECT

POWER

TV/VCR SET UP

REC

To S-video input socket

Audio/video cable (supplied)

Press the Pause/Still button on the VCR

to pause recording when the source

tape reaches the beginning of the

sequence to be cut.

S-video cable (commercially available)

To S-VIDEO socket

Press the Pause/Still (or Record) button

on the VCR to resume recording when

the source tape reaches the end of the

sequence to be cut.

To stop editing

Yellow: To VIDEO jack

White: To AUDIO L jack

Red: To AUDIO R jack

Press d on the camcorder and press the Stop

button on the VCR.

Playback

Notes:

• Some of the transitions between edited

sequences may be slightly off.

• There may be picture noise during video search

or still playback. This does not imply a defect in

the camcorder.

• The time code display will be recorded along

with the edited sequences if the TC OUT item is

set to “ON”. Set to “OFF” before editing (see

page 46).

• 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 can

use a commercially available S-video cable for

the video connection. (The yellow video plug

does not need to be connected to the VCR.)

To Record from an External Source

Recording from an External

Source

Set the camcorder to TAPE-VCR mode.

You can use this camcorder to record or edit

videos from another source, such as a VCR, TV,

or video disc player.

Begin playback on the source equipment

connected to the camcorder.

• Check the camcorder screen to see if

the picture is being properly received.

Connect the camcorder to the source equip-

ment with the supplied audio/video cable, as

Press the REC START/STOP button on

the camcorder.

• The camcorder enters the Recording

Standby mode.

shown.

Recording

To S-VIDEO socket

Press y on the Operation button to

begin recording.

Notes:

Yellow: To VIDEO jack

White: To AUDIO L jack

Red: To AUDIO R jack

• To pause recording, press y. Press y

again to resume recording.

• To operate by remote control, perform steps 1

and 2 above, and press the TAPE REC START/

STOP button, then press the PAUSE/STILL

button (g).

• If “NO SIGNAL” is displayed on the camcorder

screen, check that the S-video cable or audio/

video cable is properly connected.

S-video cable (commercially available)

Audio/video cable (supplied)

To stop recording

Press d on the Operation button.

Yellow: To video output jack

To S-video output

socket

White: To audio output (L) jack

Red: To audio output (R) jack

Playback

TV with monitor output

VCR

Video disc player

Notes:

• If the source equipment has only one audio

output jack, use the white plug for the audio

connection on the source equipment. (The input

audio will only be recorded on the left channel of

the tape.)

• If the source equipment has an S-video input

socket, you can use a commercially available S-

video cable for the video connection. (The yellow

video plug does not need to be connected to the

VCR.)

Advanced Features

Playback

To Record from Video Equipment

Editing with the DV Terminal

(IEEE1394)

Set the camcorder to TAPE-VCR mode,

and insert a Mini DV cassette.

This camcorder enables you to perform digital

video editing. Connect the camcorder to video

equipment with a DV terminal using a commer-

cially available DV cable. A DV cable is able to

transfer all dubbing signals including video

and audio.

Begin playback on the video equipment

connected to the camcorder.

• Check the camcorder screen to see if

the picture is being properly received.

Video equipment

with DV terminal

(e.g. DV camcorder)

Press the REC START/STOP button on

the camcorder.

• The camcorder enters the Recording

Standby mode.

To DV terminal

Press y on the Operation button to

begin recording.

DV cable

(commercially available)

To stop recording

Press d on the Operation button.

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

Press y to pause recording when the

source tape reaches the beginning of

the sequence to be cut.

To DV terminal

Press y to resume recording when

the source tape reaches the end of the

sequence to be cut.

To Record to Video Equipment

See “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” on page

65, using the video equipment as the recording

source.

Notes:

• Make sure that the video equipment from which

you are recording can output dubbing signals

via the DV terminal.

• If the video equipment is not set to the playback

mode or the DV cable is not properly connected,

“NO SIGNAL” is displayed on the camcorder

screen.

Note:

• Make sure that the video equipment to which

you are recording can input dubbing signals via

the DV terminal.

• If no picture or sound is input to the camcorder

even if the DV cable is properly connected and

you are playing back the source media from the

video equipment, set the Power switch on the

camcorder to OFF and then back to VCR, or

disconnect the DV cable and connect it again.

• If a digital video recording with a copyright

protection signal is used as the playback source,

“COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.” appears on the

camcorder monitor and the recording function is

disabled (see page 88).

Audio Recording

Audio Dubbing Feature

In normal recording mode

You can add narration to recordings made with

this camcorder, while preserving the original

audio and video recordings.

12-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in stereo on Audio 1.

Audio 1: Stereo (left and right) sound

Audio 2: No audio

Microphone for Audio Dubbing

16-bit audio recording

The audio is recorded in stereo with the left and

right sound on two separate channels.

You can use the built-in stereo microphone to

record narration.

Audio 1: Left sound

Audio 2: Right sound

In Audio Dubbing mode

12-bit audio recording

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2.

Audio 1: Original stereo (left and right) sound

Audio 2: Dubbed stereo (left and right) sound

Built-in stereo microphone

16-bit audio recording

Note:

The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2 over

the original right sound. Both the dubbed and

original sounds are in mono.

• Audio dubbing cannot be performed via the DV

terminal.

Audio 1: Original left sound

Audio 2: Dubbed sound

Note:

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

recording mode by performing the procedure on

page 31.

Advanced Features

Playback

To pause audio dubbing

Audio Dubbing

Press e.

Play back the recorded Mini DV cassette

and locate the tape position where you

wish to start audio dubbing.

To quit audio dubbing

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button. The audio

dubbing screen disappears.

Press y to pause playback.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

If you wish to change the dubbed audio

or dub additional scenes

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the audio dubbing screen.

Select V, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “AUDIO DUB”

(1), then press r (2).

Repeat steps 1 to 5 above.

• The audio dubbing screen appears.

PLAYBACK SET

AUDI O DUB

AUDI O

Notes:

• Audio dubbing cannot be used with record-

ings made in LP mode.

PI C. EFFECT

PB EFFECT

• 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 e to resume

operation.

MULTI FRAME

• Audio dubbing will automatically stop if a portion

recorded in LP mode is encountered.

• You can play back the dubbed audio and the

original audio together or separately (see

“Selecting the Audio Playback Mode” on next

page).

AUDIO

AUDI O DUB

START

STOP

CANCEL MENU DI SPLAY

Press e to begin audio dubbing.

Record your narration.

AUDIO

AUDI O DUB

START

STOP

Play back a Mini DV cassette with

dubbed audio.

Selecting the Audio Playback

Mode

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

You can select any of the following audio

playback modes.

Select V, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “AUDIO” (1),

then press r (2).

Audio 1+2

• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1 and Audio

2 channels)

• 16-bit recording in stereo (left and right

channels)

PLAYBACK SET

AUDI O DUB

AUDI O

PI C. EFFECT

PB EFFECT

Audio 1

• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1 channel

only)

MULTI FRAME

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

Audio 2

• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 2 channel

only)

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

Press d or y to select the desired

audio playback mode, then press e.

1 2

AUDI O

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The selected audio playback mode

indicator is displayed.

AUDIO

Audio playback

mode indicator

Note:

• The audio playback mode indicator, “AUDIO”, is

displayed in different colors depending on the

recording mode (12- or 16-bit) used for the

recording being played back. A white display

indicates 12-bit recording mode, and a green

display, 16-bit recording mode.

Advanced Features

Playback

Connecting the camcorder to a

Personal Computer

Configuring Software for

PC Connection

Turn off the PC.

This camcorder can transfer still playback

images in TAPE-VCR mode or still images in

TAPE-CAMERA and CARD modes to a

personal computer by using the supplied Video

Capture Software.

Connect the camcorder as shown below.

• Before connecting the camcorder to the

PC, make sure that the PC power is off

to insure that images are transferred

properly.

System Requirements

To RS-232C port

(D-sub 9-pin port)

• IBM PC/AT or compatible with Intelb Pentiumb

133 MHz or faster processor

• Microsoft Windowsb 95B, Windowsb 95C,

Windowsb 98, Windowsb 98 Second Edition,

Windowsb 2000 Professional*, or Windowsb

Me operating system

PC connecting cable (supplied)

• 32 MB or more of RAM

• 9 MB minimum of available hard-disk space

• SVGA (800 K 600 pixels) color display

monitor with 16-bit color or higher

• CD-ROM drive (for installation)

• RS-232C serial port

• Mouse or other pointing device

* In the Windowsb 2000 Professional environ-

ment, only the system administrator has

installation access rights.

To PC connection jack

Installing the Software

Turn on the PC.

Turn on the PC and start up Windows.

Notes:

• It is recommended to use the AC adapter/battery

charger as a power source for extended periods

of use.

Insert the CD-ROM of the Video Capture

Software into the CD-ROM drive.

• Images with the following functions cannot be

transferred to a personal computer.

—TAPE-VCR/CARD-VCR mode: Playback Zoom,

Picture Effect Playback

—TAPE-CAMERA/CARD-CAMERA mode: Digital

Zoom, Digital Picture Effects, Scene Menu

• Using a commercially available floppy disk

adapter or PC card adapter, it is possible to

directly transfer still images on a SmartMedia

card to a PC (see page 85).

Double click on the “My Computer” icon.

Double click on the “CD-ROM” drive

icon.

Double click on the “Setup.exe” file.

Follow the instructions as they appear

on the PC monitor until the installation is

complete.

• To edit still images transferred with the Video

Capture Software, use a commercially available

image editing software.

Restart the PC.

Double click on the “CD-ROM” drive

icon.

Using the Software

For tips on how to use the Video Capture

Software, refer to the operation manual located

on the CD-ROM in PDF format. Follow the steps

below to open the PDF file containing the

manual.

Double click on the “Acroread” folder.

Double click on the desired language

version.

Note:

Follow the instructions as they appear

on the PC monitor until the installation is

complete.

• For the latest product information, be sure to

read the “Readme” text file located in the

“Readme” folder of the Video Capture Software

CD-ROM. Select the “Readme” text file you

prefer. The letters between “Readme” and “.txt”

define the language; for example, “en” in

“Readmeen.txt” stands for English, etc.

Restart the PC.

Opening the PDF Manual

Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader

Insert the CD-ROM of the Video Capture

Software into the CD-ROM drive.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later is required

for viewing the PDF manual of the Video

Capture Software. If the Adobe Acrobat Reader

is not installed on your PC, perform steps

below to install one.

Double click on the “My Computer” icon.

Double click on the “CD-ROM” drive

icon.

Language

Chinese, Simplified

Chinese, Traditional

Dutch

File name

ar40chs.exe

Double click on the “Manual” folder.

ar405cht.exe

ar405dut.exe

ar405eng.exe

ar405fre.exe

ar405deu.exe

ar405ita.exe

ar405kor.exe

ar405por.exe

ar405esl.exe

ar405swe.exe

Double click on the PDF file of the

desired language version.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader launches and

the selected PDF manual opens.

English

French

Note:

German

• If the PDF file does not open, Adobe Acrobat

Reader may not be properly installed. Refer to

the steps of “Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader”

to check the installation procedure.

Italian

Korean

Portugese, Brazilian

Spanish, Castilian

Swedish

Printing the PDF Manual

Print out the PDF manual so that you can

consult it whenever necessary.

Insert the CD-ROM of the Video Capture

Software into the CD-ROM drive.

Open the PDF manual.

Select “Print” in the “File” menu.

Double click on the “My Computer” icon.

Note:

• The menu expressions such as “Print” and

“File” may vary according to the language

version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed

on the PC.

Select your print settings, then click

“OK”.

SmartMedia Card Features

Camera Recording

Close the card slot cover.

Inserting and Removing a

SmartMedia Card

Inserting a SmartMedia Card

Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

Open the LCD monitor.

Removing a SmartMedia Card

Perform steps 1 and 2 above, and then pull the

SmartMedia card straight out as shown below.

Card slot cover

Open the card slot cover in the direction

of the arrow.

Notes:

• The supplied SmartMedia card is preformatted

for immediate use.

• Be sure not to apply pressure to the card slot

cover, as the camcorder may not record the still

image properly.

Insert a SmartMedia card into the slot

as shown below, and push it in as far as

it will go.

Chipped corner

Contact area

Adjust the Power Zoom

control to frame the

subject as you desire.

Card Recording

It is possible to take a still picture in the same

way as you do with a standard camera and

record that image on the SmartMedia card.

Press the STILL button to

begin recording.

Media Selection switch

• The S indicator flashes

red while data is being

recorded on the

SmartMedia card, and

returns to white when recording completes.

AUTO

CARD

STILL button

Power Zoom control

10 90

Notes:

• Recording under insufficient lighting may result

in blurred images. It is recommended that you

use a tripod to record insufficiently illuminated

subjects.

• Recording under the light of a fluorescent,

mercury, or sodium lamp may cause flickering in

the image and, depending on the timing of the

shot, may result in changes to color hue in the

image.

Power switch

Insert a SmartMedia card into the

camcorder.

Remove the lens cap, and lift up the

viewfinder.

Caution:

• Do not turn the power off while the S indicator

is flashing in step 6.

Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to CAMERA.

• The picture from the lens is now

displayed in the viewfinder.

Number of shots taken

1 0 90

Number of shots remaining

Lock button

Perform steps in “Selecting a still

recording effect” to select the desired

still recording effect (see page 40).

SmartMedia Card Features

Camera Recording

In CARD-CAMERA mode, press the

MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu

screen appears.

Selecting the Picture

Resolution

The picture quality of still images recorded on

the SmartMedia card depends on the resolu-

tion setting. Select the appropriate setting to

match the purpose of recording.

Select Y, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “REC MODE”

(1), then press r (2).

CAMERA SET

REC MODE

SNAP EFF.

NORMAL

FI NE

Type of resolution settings

DGTL ZOOM ECONOMY

NORMAL: Records images with standard

picture quality.

FINE: Records images with higher quality than

in NORMAL mode but with a lower number of

recordable images.

ECONOMY: Allows you to take more shots than

in NORMAL mode but with a lower quality.

Press d or y to select the desired

setting, then press e.

Approximate number of recordable

images for each resolution setting

REC MODE

NORMAL

Resolution setting

Capacity of

SmartMedia

card

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

• The selected resolution setting indicator

is displayed.

NORMAL

FINE

ECONOMY

8 MB

16 MB

32 MB

64 MB

Note:

104

211

424

849

195

395

132

265

531

NORMAL

10 90

795

1,592

Resolution setting indicator

Note:

• The number of recordable images differs

depending on the combination of resolution

settings being used and the images being shot.

• The resolution setting indicator is also displayed

in CARD-VCR mode. The resolution setting

indicator displayed during playback is based on

the amount of data for that recorded image.

Since the amount of data differs depending on

factors such as image detail, sometimes the

resolution setting indicator displayed during

playback may not match the resolution setting

used during recording.

Frame the subject, and then press the

STILL button to set the timer.

• The self-timer operating indicator flashes

while the timer counts down.

• The shutter will be automatically released

10 seconds after, and a still image of the

subject is recorded.

Recording with the Self-timer

The self-timer function allows you to record

images after a time-lag of 10 seconds. This is

convenient when you want to record an image

of you and your friends together.

Self-timer operating indicator

In CARD-CAMERA mode, press the

MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu

screen appears.

AUTO

CARD

MANUAL SET

CARD

AN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

SELF TIMER

DI S

NORMAL

10 90

CANCEL

[ ST I LL]

Notes:

• When recording with the self-timer, stabilize the

camcorder in the horizontal plane by attaching it

to a tripod, etc.

• To cancel the self-timer, press the STILL button

again in step 3 above.

Select T, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “SELF TIMER”

(1), then press r (2).

• Self-timer mode will be canceled after recording

one image. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to record

another image with the self-timer.

MANUAL SET

CARD

MAN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

SELF TIMER

DI S

Caution:

• Do not turn the power off or remove the

SmartMedia card once the self-timer operating

indicator begins flashing.

AUTO

CARD

NORMAL

CANCEL

10 90

[

BUTTON]

SmartMedia Card Features

Camera Recording

Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “FORMAT” (1),

then press r (2) to display the format

screen.

Formatting a SmartMedia

Card

In order to use a commercially available

SmartMedia card with this camcorder, format-

ting is necessary before its first use. You also

need to format a SmartMedia card when one of

the following warning indicators appears, in

order to use the card with the camcorder.

• “FORMAT MEMORY CARD”

OTHERS

REMOTE

FORMAT

SOUND

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

• “MEMORY CARD ERROR”

• “MEMORY CARD READ ERROR”

• “CANNOT STORE DATA”

Cautions:

FORMAT

• Formatting a SmartMedia card deletes all

images on the card including the delete-

protected images. Be sure to copy important

data on your computer or other media before

formatting the card (see pages 71 and 72).

• Do not remove the power source during

formatting, as this may cause damage to the

camcorder or SmartMedia card. It is recom-

mended that you use the AC outlet for the power

supply.

ALL DATA WI LL

BE ERASED.

YES

[

BUTTON]

• To cancel formatting, press d.

Press y to begin formatting.

Insert a SmartMedia card to be format-

ted into the camcorder.

ALL DATA WI LL

BE ERASED.

Set the camcorder to CARD-CAMERA

mode.

YES

[

BUTTON]

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

OTHERS

REMOTE

MANUAL SET

FORMAT

CARD

AN. FOCUS

SOUND

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

SELF TIMER

DI S

DEMO MODE

LANGUAGE

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Notes:

• The supplied SmartMedia card is preformatted

for immediate use.

• Use this camcorder to format a SmartMedia

card. The camcorder may not recognize the

images on a card formatted by a computer or

other equipment.

• You cannot format a SmartMedia card with a

write-protect seal affixed.

SmartMedia Card Features

Playback

Press e or r on the Operation button

to move the selection frame to the

desired image.

• Each time you press e or r, the

selection frame moves backward or

forward.

Card Playback

It is possible to play back and view still images

recorded on a SmartMedia card on the LCD

monitor.

Media Selection switch

Power switch

Selection frame

Operation button

NORMAL

Open the LCD monitor and adjust the

angle.

100- 0003

Notes:

• You can display a thumbnail of the previous

(or next) 6 images by pressing e (or r)

when the selection frame is on the image at

the top left (or bottom right).

Set the Media Selection

switch to CARD.

• Holding down e or r increases the

speed of motion of the selection frame.

Hold down the Lock button and set the

Power switch to VCR.

• The images recorded on the

SmartMedia card are displayed in a

thumbnail format.

Press y.

• The selected image is displayed in full-

screen.

Total thumbnail pages

CARD

100- 0003

NORMAL

Lock button

NORMAL

100- 0006

Available Operations during Full-

screen Display

Image number

Page number

• You can display the full-screen picture of the

previous or next image by pressing e or r.

• To return to a thumbnail of the images,

press d.

Note:

• Depending on the amount of data for the

recorded image, the resolution setting indicator

displayed during playback may not match the

resolution setting used during recording.

SmartMedia Card Features

Playback

Press y.

Slide Show Playback

• Beginning from the image selected in

step 2, the recorded images will be

displayed in full-screen one after

another in order of recording.

It is possible to automatically play back

consecutive still images recorded on a

SmartMedia card at intervals of 5 seconds.

This is useful when confirming the data

recorded on a SmartMedia card.

SL I DEE SHOW

CARD

Set the camcorder to CARD-VCR mode.

Press e or r to select the image from

which you want to begin slide show

playback.

CANCEL [

BUTTON]

After playing back all the images on the

SmartMedia card once, Slide Show

Playback automatically stops.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen, then press d

to display a thumbnail of images.

NORMAL

100- 0003

To stop Slide Show Playback

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

During slide show playback, press d, then

press the MENU/DISPLAY button to turn off the

menu screen.

Select S, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “SLIDE SHOW”

(1), then press r (2).

PLAYBACK SET

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER

SL I DE SHOW

CARD

START

CANCEL

[

BUTTON]

Press y to set the protection.

• The R indicator appears.

Delete-protection

It is possible to prevent your important images

recorded on the SmartMedia card from being

accidentally erased.

Delete-protection indicator

In CARD-VCR mode, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button until the menu screen

appears.

PROTECT

Select S, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “PROTECT”

(1), then press r (2).

NORMAL

SET

[

BUTTON]

CENADNCEL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

• If you want to protect another image,

PLAYBACK SET

repeat steps 3 and 4.

CARD

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

Press d, then press the MENU/

DISPLAY button to turn off the menu

screen.

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER

To cancel the protection setting

Select the image for which the protec-

tion setting is to be canceled in step 3

above.

PROTECT

SET

CENADNCEL [

PROTECT

NORMAL

[

BUTTON]

NORMAL

SET

[

BUTTON]

BUTTON] 100- 0006

CENADNCEL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

Press the e or r to select the image

to be protected.

Press y to cancel the protection.

• The R indicator disappears.

PROTECT

NORMAL

SET

END

[

BUTTON]

NORMAL

SET

[

BUTTON]

BUTTON] 100- 0004

CENADNCEL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

Press d, then press the MENU/

DISPLAY button to turn off the menu

screen.

Note:

• Formatting a SmartMedia card deletes all

images on it, including the ones with the delete-

protection setting.

SmartMedia Card Features

Playback

Press y to set the image.

• To cancel deletion, press d.

Deleting One Stored Image

You can delete unwanted images to free up

memory of a SmartMedia card for new images.

DEL ETE

Note:

• Deleted images cannot be restored. Check

whether or not you want the images before

performing the procedure below.

DEL ETE ?

YES [

BUTTON]

[

In CARD-VCR mode, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button until the menu screen

appears.

Press y to delete the image.

Select S, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DELETE” (1),

then press r (2).

PLAYBACK SET

CARD

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

DELETE

NORMAL

SET

END

[

BUTTON]

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER

BUTTON] 100- 0003

• If you want to delete another image,

repeat steps 3 to 5.

Press d, then press the MENU/

DISPLAY button to turn off the menu

screen.

Notes:

• The protected images cannot be deleted.

Cancel the protection setting to delete the image

(see page 80).

• You cannot delete images on the SmartMedia

card with a write-protect seal affixed.

DELETE

NORMAL

SET

END

[

BUTTON]

BUTTON] 100- 0006

Caution:

• Do not turn the power off while deleting an

image.

Press e or r to select the image to

be deleted.

DELETE

NORMAL

SET

[

BUTTON]

CENADNCEL

BUTTON] 100- 0003

Press y to delete all the images.

Deleting All Stored Images

DELETE ALL

You can delete all images stored on a

SmartMedia card in one operation.

Notes:

• Deleted images cannot be restored. Check

whether or not you want the images before

performing the procedure below.

• If you want to keep some images on the

SmartMedia card, first delete-protect them (see

page 80), and then perform the procedure

below.

NOW DELET I NG

In CARD-VCR mode, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button until the menu screen

appears.

PLAYBACK SET

CARD

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

NORMAL

100- 0004

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER

Notes:

• The protected images cannot be deleted.

Cancel the protection setting to delete the image

(see page 80).

• You cannot delete images on the SmartMedia

card with a write-protect seal affixed.

• Deleting all stored images will not erase DPOF

assigned images with delete-protection setting.

Select S, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DELETE ALL”

(1), then press r (2).

Caution:

• Do not turn the power off while deleting images.

PLAYBACK SET

CARD

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER

DELETE ALL

YES

[

BUTTON]

• To cancel deletion, press d.

SmartMedia Card Features

Playback

Press d or y (1) to select “PRI.

SELECT”, then press e (2) to display

a thumbnail of the recorded images.

Print Order

The print order function allows you to add print

information called DPOF to still images

recorded on a SmartMedia card.

PLAYBACK SET

CARD

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

About DPOF

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER PRI . SELECT

PRI . ALL

DPOF is an abbreviation of “Digital Print Order

Format”. This format defines print information

such as the specified number of pages to be

printed. In the future, it will be possible to easily

print still images using the DPOF feature when

you use a DPOF-compatible printer or visit a

shop with a service for printing DPOF images.

PRI . NONE

CANCEL

Notes:

• It is possible to print an image even if no print

order has been assigned.

• You cannot assign a print order to images on a

SmartMedia card with a write-protect seal

affixed.

PRI NT

SET

CEANNDCEL [

NORMAL

[

BUTTON]

BUTTON] 100- 0006

Assigning Print Order to an Image

Press e or r (1) to select the image

to which you want to assign a print

order, then press y (2).

In CARD-VCR mode, press the MENU/

DISPLAY button until the menu screen

appears.

Select S, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “PRI. ORDER”

(1), then press r (2).

PLAYBACK SET

CARD

SL I DE SHO

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

PRI NT

SET

END

NORMAL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

[

BUTTON]

DELETE

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER PRI . SELECT

PRI . ALL

PRI . NONE

Press e or r to select the number of

printouts.

CANCEL

• 1 through 99 can be set for the number

of printouts.

PRI NT

SET

END

NORMAL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

[

BUTTON]

Number of printouts

Press y to set the print order, then

press d.

• The M indicator appears.

• If you want to assign another print order,

repeat steps 4 to 6.

Assigning Print Order to All Images

Perform steps 1 and 2 in “Assigning

Print Order to an Image”.

Press d or y (1) to select “PRI.

ALL”, then press e (2).

Print order indicator

PRI NT

SET

END

[

BUTTON]

NORMAL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

100- 0006

Press d, then press the MENU/

DISPLAY button to turn off the menu

screen.

To cancel the print order for all images

Perform steps 1 and 2 in “Assigning

Print Order to an Image”.

To cancel the print order for an image

Press d or y (1) to select “PRI.

NONE”, then press e (2) to cancel the

print order for all images.

Select the image for which you want to

cancel the print order in step 4 above,

then press y.

PLAYBACK SET

CARD

SL I DE SHO

Press e (1) to select “0”, and press

y (2), then press d.

PI C. EFFECT

PROTECT

DELETE

• The M indicator disappears.

DELETE ALL

PRI . ORDER PRI . SELECT

PRI . ALL

PRI . NONE

CANCEL

• The M indicators are turned off.

PRI NT

SET

END

[

BUTTON]

NORMAL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

PRI NT

SET

END

[

BUTTON]

NORMAL

BUTTON] 100- 0004

Press d, then press the MENU/

DISPLAY button to turn off the menu

screen.

SmartMedia Card Features

Playback

Adapters for the SmartMedia Card

Transferring the Data on a

SmartMedia Card to a

Computer

To floppy

Via a floppy

disk drive

disk adapter

In addition to using the supplied PC connect-

ing cable, it is possible to directly transfer still

images on the SmartMedia card by using a

commercially available floppy disk adapter or

PC card adapter.

Image Folders and File Names

Still images recorded using the camcorder are

stored on a SmartMedia card as shown below.

Via a PC card

To PC card

adapter

slot

Notes:

• Be careful when using a floppy disk adapter as it

is possible to write and erase data even when a

write-protect seal is affixed to the SmartMedia

card.

• • • • • •

DCIM

Folder of still images

• Remove the write-protect seal from the

SmartMedia card before inserting the card to a

PC card adapter.

• For details, see the operation manuals of the

computer, floppy disk adapter, and PC card

adapter.

100SHARP

Sub-folder of still

images

Serial number

(100 to 999)

Still image

DVC00001.JPG

DVC00002.JPG

Appendix

Lighting

Useful Information

For clear, good-quality recording, 500 to

100,000 lux is needed. Recording is possible

with less light, but the picture quality may

suffer. Adequate lighting is also essential for

correct white balance.

Hints for Better Shooting

• Position the subject in the center of the

scene. When you are using auto focus,

whatever is in the center of the scene is kept

in focus.

Brightness

Situation (Lux)

(Lux)

Blue sky

100,000 Clear day at noon (100,000)

Clear day at 10 am (65,000)

Position the subject in Focus manually when you

the center.

need to position the

subject off center (see

pages 47 and 48).

Clear day at 3 pm (35,000)

Cloudy day at noon (32,000)

Cloudy day at 10 am (25,000)

10,000

• 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 with this lighting, use

Gamma Brightness Compensation or correct

the exposure level to improve the picture (see

pages 33 and 51).

Cloudy day, one hour after sunrise (2,000)

Clear day, one hour before sunset (1,000)

Fluorescent light near window (1,000)

1,000

Factory floor (700–800)

Sales counter in department store (500–700)

Bowling alley (500)

Library (400–500)

Office with fluorescent lighting (400–500)

Fluorescent desk lamp (400)

Flashlight at 3 ft (1 m) (250)

Shop stairway (100)

100

During intermission at movie theater (15–35)

Cigarette lighter at 1 ft (30 cm) (15–20)

Candles on birthday cake at 8 inches (20 cm) (10–15)

Light from behind

Backlighting

• Before zooming, think about how to best

frame the shot. Frequent zooming produces

unattractive pictures. It also increases the

battery power consumption.

Candlelight

Note: The figures in the chart are approximations.

• 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.

• Horizontal panning (lateral movement) and

tilting (vertical movement) should be done

slowly to emphasize the wide expanse of a

scene or the height of a building, and to

make scenes easy to watch during playback.

• Use a wide-angle setting for fast-moving

subjects.

Tips on good lighting

In most outdoor, daytime scenes, natural

lighting is adequate for home videos. Indoors,

however, artificial lighting is usually required.

Video lights with halogen lamps provide the

most natural artificial light over a long operating

life.

Note:

• It may take longer to focus when zooming and

panning are used frequently.

Appendix

DV Technology

DV and conventional video cassette

tapes

Digital video, DV, is a revolutionary technology

that enables recording and playback of high

quality images with the use of special digital

features previously unavailable with conven-

tional analog formats.

There are two kinds of DV-format video

cassette tapes: the Mini DV cassette and the

larger DV cassette used for extended playback

and recording. This camcorder only operates

with Mini DV cassettes. DV cassettes cannot

be used. Be sure to use Mini DV cassettes with

the imark.

• High horizontal resolution

Detailed, accurate images with the highest

level of horizontal resolution for home use.

• Clear color reproduction with virtually no

color contamination

Mini DV cassette

DV cassette

Provides three times the color resolution of

conventional VCRs (based on Sharp models).

Clear images with virtually no distracting

color contamination (which usually appears

as red).

• Standard use of TBC (Time Base Corrector)

to prevent jittery images

Ensures stable images with a high signal-to-

noise ratio.

• PCM digital recording

8 mm, VHS, and Beta cassettes cannot be

used for playback or recording with this

camcorder.

PCM digital recording gives you high-quality

stereo sound that puts you in the middle of

the action.

8 mm cassette VHS cassette

Beta cassette

The “DV” trademark can only be used on

digital VCR products which have been

evaluated and have met the specifications set

by the HD Digital VCR Conference for

Standardization of Consumer Use Digital

VCR Formats.

Note:

• This camcorder reproduces the highest picture

quality when used with an ME tape. It is

recommended you use an ME tape for high-

quality recording and playback.

This product incorporates copyright protec-

tion technology that is protected by method

claims of certain U.S. patents and other

intellectual property rights owned by

Macrovision Corporation and other rights

owners. Use of this copyright protection

technology must be authorized by

Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for

home and other limited viewing uses only

unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision

Corporation. Reverse engineering or disas-

sembly is prohibited.

To protect recordings against acciden-

tal 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

the i mark.

To record over a previously recorded tape,

slide the protect tab to the “REC” position.

• 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 labeled 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 an area

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.

The digital VCR has far superior recording and

playback ability than the traditional analog

VCR, and in order to protect digital video

software copyrights, a system for managing

copyrights has been established. Some digital

video recording with pre-recorded copyright

protection signals can still be played back on

this camcorder. However, these recordings

cannot be output to a TV or an external monitor.

If you play a digital video recording that has a

with a DV terminal and attempt to record a

copy of that software on this camcorder,

“COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.” appears on the

screen and the recording is disabled.

• 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.

COPYRI GHT

PROTECTED.

Appendix

Precautions on handling the

SmartMedia card

SmartMedia™ Card

Contact area

• The card is a precision device. Do not bend,

apply excessive pressure, subject to shock,

or drop.

• Do not store or use in a location subject to a

strong electromagnetic field or electronic

noise.

Write-protect area

Index area

• When not in use, store the card in the

supplied protective case to prevent damage

from static electricity.

• Do not put the card in your pocket or other

unprotected location as it may break due to

pressure applied when you sit.

SHARP

Write-protect seals

Index labels

• Do not store or use in an environment subject

to high temperature, humidity, lots of dust, or

corrosion.

Contact area

• The contact area shows hardware connec-

tions.

• Be careful not to scratch the contact area.

• Do not touch or allow dirt or foreign matter to

attach to the contact area. If the contact area

becomes dirty, gently wipe with a soft, dry

cloth.

• Do not expose the card to fire.

• The card has a life expectancy. After a long

period of use, the card will become incapable

of recording new information.

• Do not remove the card from the camcorder

or turn off the camcorder power while

recording or erasing data as this may result in

accidental erasure of data or damage to the

card.

• Remove the write-protect seal (if any) before

attaching a card to a commercially available

PC card adapter.

• Be careful when operating using a commer-

cially available floppy disk adapter as it is

possible to write and erase data even when a

write-protect seal is affixed to the card.

• Always format cards on this camcorder. This

camcorder may not recognize the data on

cards formatted on your computer.

Index area

• Affix the supplied index labels to the index

area. Do not affix other commercially

available labels. Use of labels other than

those supplied may result in damage to the

card.

Write-protect area

• Affixing one of the supplied write-protect

seals to the write-protect area will disable

recording and erasure of the card, making it

read-only. (This prevents accidental erasure

and recording.) Removing the seal will once

again enable recording and erasure.

• Affix the supplied write-protect seals to the

write-protect area. Do not affix other commer-

cially available seals. Use of seals other than

those supplied may result in damage to the

card.

Write-protect seals

• Affix write-protect seals so that they do not

stick beyond the write-protect area, come

loose or peel off.

• If the write-protect seal becomes dirty, wipe it

gently with a soft, dry cloth.

• Do not reuse a write-protect seal once it has

been affixed and removed.

Storage

Battery Pack

• Store the battery pack in a fully discharged

state.

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

• When storing a fully charged battery pack,

put the cover on it so that the “CHARGE”

mark printed on the label is seen through the

window, as shown.

This camcorder uses a lithium-ion type

battery pack.

Charging

• Charge the battery pack immediately (or a

day) before use. The battery pack gradually

self-discharges even if stored in a fully

charged state.

Battery pack

Label

• Charge the battery pack between 50°F and

86°F (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.

CHARGE

Cover

Window

When storing a battery pack that is not fully

charged, put the cover upside down so that

only the battery pack casing can be seen

through the window.

Use

• To conserve battery power, be sure to turn off

the camcorder power when not in use.

• Battery consumption may vary depending on

the condition of use. Recording with many

starts and stops, frequent zooming, and

recording in low temperatures will shorten

actual recording times.

Cautions:

• Improper handling of the battery pack may

present a risk of fire or explosion. Pay close

attention to the following:

—Do not allow metallic objects to come in

contact with the terminals. This can cause a

short circuit.

—Do not disassemble or repair the battery pack

by yourself.

—Do not use any battery charging equipment

other than that designed for use with these

battery packs.

—Do not place the battery pack under direct

sunlight or in excessively hot places (over

140°F or 60°C) such as the dashboard of

cars.

—Do not expose the battery pack to moisture or

water.

• 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 20 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 10).

—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 being used.

Note:

• Use only SHARP BT-L221 or BT-L441 battery

packs. These are designed specifically for use

with this camcorder.

Notes:

• The battery pack will become warm during

charging and use. This is not a malfunction.

• The battery pack has a limited service life. If the

period of use becomes noticeably shorter with a

normal charge, the battery pack is at the end of

its service life. Replace it with a new battery

pack.

• If the terminals of the battery pack are dirty, wipe

the terminals with a soft, dry cloth.

Appendix

• How to prevent trouble due to dew

formation.

AC Adapter/Battery Charger

• The AC adapter/battery charger may interfere

with reception if used near a radio.

• Prevent flammables, liquids, and metal

objects from entering the adapter/charger.

• The adapter/charger is a sealed unit. Do not

attempt to open or modify it.

When using the camcorder in a place where

dew formation is likely to occur, allow the

camcorder and the video tape to acclimate to

the surroundings for about one hour.

For example, when bringing the camcorder

indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag.

• Do not damage, drop, or subject the adapter/

charger to vibration.

• Do not leave the adapter/charger in direct

sunlight.

• Avoid using the adapter/charger in humid or

extremely hot places.

Replacing the Fluorescent Lamp

Plastic bag

This camcorder uses a fluorescent lamp to

backlight the LCD monitor. If the monitor

becomes dark or difficult to view, the fluores-

cent lamp may need to be replaced. Contact

the nearest SHARP service center or your

dealer for further advice.

1 Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing the camcorder.

2 Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside it reaches the temperature of the

room.

• “Dew” warning feature

Dew Formation

If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the

screen, and the power will automatically turn

off in approximately 10 seconds.

• 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 forma-

tion occurs, recording and playback may not

function properly.

Dew is likely to form in the following circum-

stances:

—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.

—When placing the camcorder in the direct

path of air blowing from

1 If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette, leave

the cassette compartment open, and wait for

a few hours to allow the camcorder to

acclimate to the surrounding temperature.

2 To use the camcorder again, turn on the

power after waiting for a few hours. Be sure

that “DEW” has disappeared.

3 Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to the

tape.

4 Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to

15 minutes before the dew warning feature

engages.

an air conditioner.

—When placing the

camcorder in a humid

room.

Dirty Video Heads

Cleaning

Using the camcorder when the video tape is

dirty may cause the heads to clog, producing

noise on the recorded image or preventing the

image from being recorded at all.

• Many plastic parts are used in the camcorder

casing. Do not use thinner, benzene or other

strong chemical cleaners. These may cause

discoloration and damage to the casing.

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

casing is particularly dirty, wipe the casing

with a tightly wrung cloth dampened with a

diluted, neutral detergent. Then wipe it again

with a soft, dry cloth.

If the video heads become clogged, the

v indicator appears on the screen. Contact

the nearest SHARP service center or your

dealer for further advice.

• Use a soft cloth to wipe finger marks and

other soiling off the LCD screen.

• Use a soft cloth, or compressed air and lens

paper designed for photographic lenses to

clean the lens and the viewfinder eyepiece.

UsingYour 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/battery

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commer-

cially Available)

charger or connecting the camcorder to a TV.

Video head cleaning can be done by using a

commercially available cleaning tape.

AC Adapter/Battery Charger

(Supplied Accessory)

Notes:

The supplied AC adapter/battery charger is

compatible with 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical

systems in the range of 110 V to 240 V AC.

An AC plug adapter may be required depending

on the design of the electrical outlet.

• Excessive use of the cleaning tape, however,

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.

AC 110–240 V

Suitable AC plug

adapter

Insert a cleaning tape into the camcorder.

Set the camcorder to TAPE-VCR mode.

• The video head cleaning screen appears.

Television Signal Standards

Press e on the Operation button to begin

video head cleaning.

• “NOW CLEANING” flashes during cleaning.

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 NTSC-M system

compatible. NTSC-M is used in the following

areas:

The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Myanmar

(previously Burma), Canada, Chile, Colombia,

Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, El Salvador, Greenland, Guam,

Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan,

South Korea, Mexico, the Netherland Antilles,

Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Philippines,

Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Surinam,

Taiwan, Trinidad, the U.S.A., Venezuela,

Southern Vietnam, and the Virgin Islands.

CLEANI NG

NOW CLEANI NG

START

STOP

After about 20 seconds, video head cleaning

automatically finishes, and “EJECT THE

CASSETTE.” is displayed.

Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press e.

Appendix

Demonstration Mode

Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DEMO MODE”

(1), then press r (2).

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.

OTHERS

REMOTE

SOUND

TIME CODE

TC OUT

DEMO MODE OFF

LANGUAGE

SUPER CAT’S EYE switch

MENU/DISPLAY button

Power switch

Press d or y to select “ON”, then

press e.

DEMO MODE ON

Set the Power switch to OFF, then hold

down the Lock button and set the Power

switch to CAMERA.

Operation button

Note:

• The demonstration is only displayed in English.

• The demonstration begins.

Watching the Demonstration

Canceling Demo Mode

Remove the Mini DV cassette from the

camcorder (see page 12), and set the

SUPER CAT’S EYE switch to OFF.

During the demonstration, press

the MENU/DISPLAY button to

pause the demonstration.

Hold down the Lock button

and set the Power switch to

CAMERA.

Select I, then press r on the

Operation button. Select “DEMO

MODE”, then press r.

Lock button

Press d or y to select “OFF”, then

press e.

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until

the menu screen appears.

MANUAL SET

DEMO MODE OFF

AN. FOCUS

SHUT. SPEED

EXPOSURE

PI C. EFFECT

SCENE MENU

FADE

QK. RETURN

DI S

Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to

turn off the menu screen.

Note:

• The demonstration will pause if you press the

MENU/DISPLAY button. If you leave it for 60

seconds, or turn the power off temporarily and

then set the Power switch to CAMERA, the

demonstration will begin again.

Before Requesting Service

Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table.

Symptom

No power.

Possible cause