RCA Camcorder CC6263 User Manual

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USER’S  
GUIDE  
CC6263  
Assistance  
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any  
questions, call:  
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...........800-283-6503 (pages 76-77 )  
Customer Service...................................800-336-1900 (page 75 )  
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 62-67)  
Table of Contents  
Assistance ..................................... 3  
First-Time Operation .................. 3  
Recording ................................... 24  
Time-Remaining Display .............. 24  
Select a Tape Length ................... 24  
Recording Tips .............................. 26  
Power Your Camcorder............. 12  
Adapter/Charger ............................ 12  
Rechargeable Battery .................... 13  
Charge the Battery ...................... 14  
Battery Level Indicator ............... 15  
Battery Care and Storage ............ 15  
Optional Car Cord Adapter ........... 16  
Use the Viewfinder to See What You  
Record ......................................... 27  
Eyepiece Focus Control .............. 27  
Viewfinder Displays...................... 28  
AutoShot™ Mode ......................... 32  
Five-Second Record Feature ......... 33  
Quick Review Feature................... 33  
Camera Edit Feature ..................... 33  
....................................................... 33  
Flying Erase Head ......................... 33  
....................................................... 33  
MENU/DISPLAY Button ............. 33  
Zooming ........................................ 34  
Use the Zoom Lever (W and T) .. 34  
Digital Zooming.......................... 34  
Tele Macro Zooming.................. 35  
Focusing ........................................ 36  
Auto Focus .................................. 36  
Manual Focus.............................. 37  
Date and Time Display ............. 17  
Install the Clock Lithium Cell....... 17  
Set the Date and Time ................... 18  
Record AUTO DATE, Date, Time, and  
Title Displays .............................. 20  
Videocassettes............................. 22  
Erase Protection – Safety Tab ..... 22  
Recording and Playback Speeds and  
Times ........................................ 22  
Insert and Remove Cassettes ...... 23  
Cassette Care and Storage........... 23  
1
Table of Contents  
Recording (Cont.)  
Optional Accessories.................. 62  
Using the Optional AC088 Tripod 64  
White Balance ............................... 38  
Auto White Balance .................... 38  
Manual White Balance................ 38  
Exposure Control .......................... 40  
Auto Exposure ............................ 40  
Manual Exposure ........................ 40  
Steady Pix™ Feature .................... 41  
Fade or Wipe In or Out ................. 42  
P. (Program) AE Button ................ 44  
16X9 Mode ................................... 45  
Preset Titles ................................... 46  
Select a Language for the Title ... 46  
Record a Preset Title ................... 47  
Animation Recording .................... 48  
Time-Lapse Recording .................. 50  
Demo Mode .................................. 52  
Attach the Shoulder Strap ............. 53  
Order Form for Camcorder Model  
CC6263 ....................................... 65  
Trouble Checks .......................... 68  
Specifications.............................. 72  
Care and Maintenance .............. 73  
Clean the Camcorder..................... 73  
Clean the Camcorder’s Lens ....... 73  
Clean the Camcorder’s Viewfinder73  
Proper Care and Storage ............... 74  
Things to Avoid ............................. 74  
Customer Assistance and Service75  
Limited Warranty ...................... 76  
Index ........................................... 78  
Playback ..................................... 55  
Use the Viewfinder for Playback .. 55  
Playback Features ........................ 56  
Position the Tape ......................... 56  
Visual Search .............................. 56  
Stop-Action Pause....................... 56  
Time Counter .............................. 57  
Tracking ...................................... 57  
TBC (Time Base Corrector)........ 57  
Use the Cassette Adapter .............. 58  
Playback on TV (or VCR) with  
Audio/Video Inputs ..................... 60  
2
First-Time Operation  
Assistance  
This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to  
the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.  
Assistance  
The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter.  
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...............800-283-6503  
Customer Service................................... 800-336-1900  
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376  
First-Time Operation  
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.  
• Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship  
or store your camcorder.  
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any  
are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.  
WARNING:  
NICKEL  
CADMIUM  
BATTERY  
MUST BE  
RECYCLED  
OR DISPOSED  
OF PROPERLY.  
Shoulder Strap  
Part No. ACS091  
Rechargeable Battery  
Part No FB1260  
Model CC6263  
Camcorder  
Caution: Do not use  
this adapter/charger  
for any purpose other  
than charging the  
FB1260, or BB99L  
battery pack or  
+
-
supplying power to  
the camcorder.  
Cassette Adapter Battery  
(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)  
Cassette Adapter  
Part No. VCA115  
AC Adapter/Charger -- Part No. 242740  
and DC Cable -- Part No. 244268  
CAUTIONS: Lithium cell must be disposed of properly. Never handle  
punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns or personal injury.  
Clock Cell  
Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed.  
If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.  
3-Volt Micro Lithium  
Cell – such as CR2025 –  
available from most local  
drug stores and camera  
shops. Use of other cells  
present a risk of fire or  
explosion.  
The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or  
chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above  
212°F (100°C), or incinerate.  
Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the +  
and – sides of the cell.  
(continues on next page)  
3
First-Time Operation  
(continued from previous page)  
2. Attach the adapter/charger.  
To AC 100-240,  
50/60 Hz  
DC In Jack  
DC Cable  
Adapter/  
Charger  
DC OUT  
Jack  
Since the battery must be charged  
before it can be used the first time,  
attach the adapter/charger to the  
camcorder.  
• Connect the other end of the DC  
cable to the DC in jack on the  
camcorder as shown above.  
• Plug the adapter/charger’s plug  
into an operating outlet.  
• Connect one end of the DC cable  
to the DC OUT jack on the  
adapter/charger.  
3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.  
LENS  
COVER  
Control  
• Lift the flap on the  
handstrap and separate  
the velcro strip.  
Handstrap  
• Insert your hand, adjust  
the strap to fit snugly,  
refasten the strap, and  
close the flap.  
Handstrap Velcro  
Strip (Under Flap)  
4. Rotate LENS COVER control to open lens cover.  
4
First-Time Operation  
5. Set POWER (CAMERA MAN/CAMERA AUTO/OFF/VCR)  
switch to CAMERA AUTO.  
POWER Switch and  
Indicator  
• The power indicator lights.  
effects do not operate in this  
mode. Details on page 32.  
• The position of this switch tells  
the camcorder whether you want  
to record (CAMERA MAN or  
CAMERA AUTO), turn the power  
off (OFF), or play back tapes  
(VCR).  
• CAMERA MAN allows you to  
control many of the special  
features of the camcorder.  
• The camcorder automatically turns  
off if it remains in record-pause  
for five minutes. Set the POWER  
switch to OFF and then back to  
CAMERA.  
CAMERA AUTO places the  
camcorder in the AutoShot™  
mode.  
In the AutoShot™ mode, the  
focus, exposure, and white balance  
are automatically controlled by the  
camcorder. Many of the special  
6. Adjust the viewfinder and eyepiece focus control.  
Electronic  
Viewfinder  
You can see what you record in the  
viewfinder.  
Eyepiece  
Focus  
Control  
• Adjust the viewfinder for a  
comfortable viewing position.  
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to  
adjust the focus of the viewfinder  
for your vision.  
118800°  
(continues on next  
page)  
5
First-Time Operation  
(continued from previous page)  
7. Insert a tape.  
Tape Wheel  
WARNING:  
Never try to  
open the door  
by prying as you  
could damage  
the camcorder.  
Push the door  
button to close  
the cassette  
Tape  
Window  
compartment.  
EJECT Switch  
• Slide the EJECT switch. The  
cassette holder opens  
automatically.  
• Press the button on the cassette  
door to close the compartment  
until the cassette holder locks  
into place.  
• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette  
to remove any slack from the tape.  
• The camcorder enters record-  
PAUSE  
pause.  
appears in the  
• Insert the cassette with the tape  
wheel facing up and the tape  
window facing out.  
viewfinder when the camcorder is  
in record-pause.  
8. Select a recording speed.  
SP/SLP  
Button  
Select SP or SLP recording speed.  
Press and hold the SP/SLP button to  
select a recording speed. The tape  
speed you select (SP or SLP)  
recording time (20 minutes with a  
TC-20 tape).  
• SLP – Extended play provides  
three times the recording time as  
SP (60 minutes with a TC-20  
tape). SLP has slightly more  
picture noise in normal playback.  
appears in the viewfinder.  
• SP – Standard play provides the  
best picture, but the shortest  
6
First-Time Operation  
9. Select a tape length.  
MENU/DISPLAY  
Button  
+
PUSH  
POWER Switch  
and Indicator  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Push In)  
1. Set the POWER switch  
to CAMERA MAN.  
TAPE LENGTH  
T20  
T30  
T35  
T40  
2. Press the PUSH dial in to display  
the menu in the viewfinder.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
EXIT  
16 X 9  
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight the type of tape you are  
using.  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
• Select T20 for a tape with 20  
minutes or less recording time  
in S.P  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight TAPE LENGTH.  
• Select T30 for a tape with 30  
minutes recording time in S.P  
• Select T35 for a tape with 35  
minutes recording time in S.P  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
• Select T40 for a tape with 40  
minutes recording time in S.P  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
6. Press the menu PUSH dial twice  
to select the tape length and  
remove the menus from the  
viewfinder.  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
4. Press the PUSH dial in to display  
the TAPE LENGTH menu.  
• Details are on pages 24-25.  
(continues on next page)  
7
First-Time Operation  
(continued from previous page)  
LENS  
COVER  
Control  
REW  
Button  
STOP Button  
PLAY/PAUSE Button  
Power Indicator  
POWER Switch  
Thumb  
Trigger  
10. Start and stop recording.  
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back  
the tape.  
• Place the POWER switch in  
CAMERA AUTO.  
• Press STOP when you are finished  
playing back the tape.  
• Press and release the thumb trigger  
REC  
Details on viewfinder playback are  
on page 55.  
to start recording.  
appears in  
the viewfinder while the camcorder  
is recording.  
12. Set the POWER switch to  
OFF to turn off the  
camcorder.  
• Press and release the thumb trigger  
again to stop recording. The  
camcorder is now in the record-  
PAUSE  
pause mode.  
appears in  
The power indicator turns off.  
the viewfinder.  
13. Close the lens cover.  
11. Play back what you have  
recorded.  
• Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
• Press REW  
to rewind the tape.  
8
First-Time Operation  
14. Review camcorder operating controls.  
FADES  
Button  
P. (Program)  
AE Button  
SEARCH R and F  
Buttons (Also REW  
and FF  
Buttons)  
STOP Button  
PLAY/PAUSE Button  
Menu PUSH Dial  
EJECT Switch  
Shoulder Strap  
Attachment Ring  
Shoulder Strap  
Attachment Ring  
SP/SLP Button  
Also COUNTER  
R/M Button  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
(continues on next page)  
9
First-Time Operation  
(continued from previous page)  
14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (Continued)  
5SEC. REC  
Button  
Zoom Lever  
STEADY PIX  
Button  
Thumb Trigger  
BATTERY  
RELEASE Lever  
POWER Switch  
and Indicator  
Service Port  
(Located Under Cover)  
This connector is for use by  
qualified service personnel  
only.  
LENS  
COVER  
control  
Attach Adapter/  
Charger’s DC  
Cord (DC IN  
jack located  
under battery)  
or rechargeable  
battery here  
Lens  
Handstrap  
Microphone  
A (Audio) and V (Video)  
jacks  
(behind small cover)  
10  
First-Time Operation  
14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (Continued)  
Eyepiece Focus Control  
Viewfinder  
Push the button on  
the cassette door to  
close and lock the  
cassette  
compartment.  
Cassette Compartment  
Clock Cell Battery  
Compartment  
Threaded Tripod  
Mount Hole  
11  
Power Your Camcorder  
Power Your Camcorder  
Adapter/Charger  
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder  
directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240  
volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the  
camcorder or recharge the battery.  
To AC 100-240,  
50/60 Hz  
DC In Jack  
Adapter/  
Charger  
DC Cable  
DC OUT  
Jack  
Attach Adapter/Charger  
Remove Adapter/Charger  
1. Connect one end of the DC cable to  
the DC OUT jack on the adapter/  
charger.  
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the  
wall outlet.  
2. Remove the DC cable from the  
adapter/charger and camcorder.  
2. Connect the other end of the DC cable  
to the DC in jack on the camcorder as  
shown above.  
Using an Optional Plug Adapter  
3. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into  
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,  
50/60Hz).  
An optional plug adapter might be  
required in some countries.  
CAUTION: Do not use this adapter/  
charger for any other purpose other  
than charging the FB1260 or BB99L  
battery pack or supplying power to the  
camcorder.  
AC 100-240V  
Optional AC  
Plug  
Adapter  
1. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into  
the AC plug adapter.  
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC  
outlet.  
12  
Power Your Camcorder  
Rechargeable Battery  
The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the  
first time. Initial charging takes approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged, the  
battery supplies approximately 95-105 minutes of operating time – depending on how  
much you use zoom and pause. Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off  
during recording breaks.  
Note: Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery to help remind yourself to charge  
the battery. It has no other purpose.  
Battery Safety Precautions  
Do not short the battery’s  
terminals.  
Do not attempt to disassemble or  
modify the battery. There are no  
user-serviceable parts inside.  
Use the battery only with  
specified adapter/chargers and  
camcorders.  
Throwing the battery into a fire  
or exposing it to excessive heat –  
over 149˚F (65˚C) could be  
hazardous.  
BATTERY  
RELEASE  
Marker  
Switch  
Lever  
Attach the Charged Battery  
2. Press the battery down until it locks  
into place.  
If the DC cable is attached to the  
camcorder, remove it before attaching  
the battery. Also, install the lithium  
clock cell before attaching the battery.  
Details are on page 17.  
3. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.  
The power indicator lights.  
Remove the Battery  
1. Hook the battery to the side of the  
Slide and hold the BATTERY RELEASE  
lever down while removing the battery.  
camcorder as shown above.  
ATTENTION: The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling Seal on the nickel-cadmium (Ni-  
Cd) battery indicates Thomson Consumer Electronics is voluntarily participating in an  
industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end of their useful life, when  
taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC® program provides a  
convenient alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries into the trash or the municipal  
waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERYfor  
information on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area.  
Thomson Consumer Electronics’ involvement in this program is part of our commitment to  
preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.  
Ni-Cd  
13  
Power Your Camcorder  
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder  
Reference  
Marks  
Hold Battery Flush  
and Slide  
To AC Wall  
Outlet 100-  
240 Volts, 50/  
60 Hz.  
CHG  
(Charge)  
Indicator  
REFRESH  
Indicator  
Adapter/Charger  
REFRESH  
Button  
Caution: When a battery is attached to the adapter/charger, do not turn them  
upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.  
Charge the Battery  
If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT  
jack on the adapter/charger, remove it.  
6. Remove the charged battery by  
sliding it off the adapter/charger.  
1. Align reference mark on battery with  
mark on adapter/charger.  
7. Attach the charged battery to the  
camcorder.  
2. Hold the battery flush against the  
adapter/charger and slide it in the  
direction of the arrow.  
Use the REFRESH Button  
The battery provides increased  
operation time if you “refresh” it after  
five chargings. The refresh feature  
“refreshes” the battery by completely  
discharging it.  
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC  
outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).  
4. If the battery is properly connected,  
the CHG indicator flashes.  
1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.  
Note: If you try to charge a battery that  
has not been charged for a long period of  
time, it may take a few minutes for the  
CHG indicator to flash.  
2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH  
indicator lights and the battery  
begins discharging.  
5. After the battery is charged, the CHG  
3. When discharging is completed, the  
REFRESH indicator turns off, and  
the CHG indicator flashes. The  
battery now charges.  
indicator stops flashing and lights.  
14  
Power Your Camcorder  
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (Continued)  
4. After the battery is charged, the CHG  
(charge) indicator stops flashing and  
lights.  
Battery Care and Storage  
• Recharging takes approximately 70  
minutes for the battery depending on  
the battery’s condition.  
5. Remove the battery from the adapter/  
charger.  
• Refreshing takes approximately 3-1/2  
hours for the battery depending on the  
battery’s condition.  
Battery Level Indicator  
The battery level indicator appears in the  
viewfinder and shows you the amount of  
power in the rechargeable battery.  
• After repeated charging and use,  
operation time gradually decreases.  
When operation time is too short to be  
useful, it is time to replace the battery.  
• If the battery discharging must be  
stopped in the middle, remove the  
battery from the adapter/charger before  
unplugging it from the AC outlet.  
• If the battery pack becomes too hot,  
remove it from the charger and let it  
cool down.  
• Let a hot battery cool down before  
attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.  
• When  
appears, the battery is  
fully charged.  
• As the power is used  
appear.  
and  
• When the battery power is almost  
gone, flashes in the viewfinder.  
The camcorder turns off automatically  
after a few seconds. Set the POWER  
switch to OFF to turn off the cam-  
corder before replacing the battery.  
The battery level indicator is not recorded  
on the tape.  
15  
Power Your Camcorder  
Optional Car Cord Adapter  
The optional DCC08 car cord shown on  
page 62 allows you to power your  
camcorder from the cigarette lighter  
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts  
12-volts to a 6-volt output.  
Note: Consult the installation and operating  
instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for  
complete operating instructions.  
Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to  
be used only with vehicles having  
negative ground electrical systems.  
Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with  
this camcorder. Use of any other car  
cord adapter might damage the  
camcorder and void your warranty.  
Use the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter  
To Cigarette  
Lighter Socket  
Power Connector  
Optional DCC08 Car  
Cord Adapter  
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn  
off the camcorder. The power  
5. Insert the car cord’s cigarette lighter  
plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter  
socket. The power indicator on the  
car cord adapter lights.  
indicator on the camcorder turns off.  
2. If the battery or DC cable is attached  
to the camcorder, remove it.  
6. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA to  
turn on the camcorder. The power  
indicator on the camcorder lights.  
3. Hold the bottom of the power  
connector flush against the camcorder,  
and press the connector down until it  
locks into place as shown above.  
Caution: Make sure the camcorder’s  
power is turned off before removing  
the car cord’s plug from the cigarette  
lighter socket.  
4. Take the vehicle’s cigarette lighter out  
of the socket.  
16  
Date and Time Display  
Date and Time Display  
Install the Clock Lithium Cell  
The clock cell indicator  
flashes for a few seconds in the viewfinder when  
you turn on the camcorder if the cell is not installed or needs replacing.  
Clock Cell  
Compartment  
Insert Object Here  
to Remove Cell  
Clock Cell  
Holder  
Clock Cell  
(+ Side Facing Out)  
1. Make sure camcorder is turned off,  
and remove any power supply  
attached to the camcorder.  
4. Place the clock cell holder into the  
clock cell compartment. Be sure to  
insert the holder fully into the  
compartment.  
2. Pull the clock cell holder out of the  
clock cell compartment.  
To Remove Lithium Cell  
3. Insert the clock cell with the “+”  
terminal facing out, and press it in.  
To remove battery, insert a pointed  
nonmetallic object between battery and  
clock cell holder and lift.  
Cautions: Lithium cell battery. Replace only with 3-volt lithium cell – such  
as CR2025. Use of other cell presents a risk of fire or explosion. Must be  
disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cell. May cause  
burns or personal injury.  
Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If  
swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.  
The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical  
burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212˚F (100˚C), or  
incinerate.  
Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short the + and – sides  
of the cell.  
17  
Date and Time Display  
Set the Date and Time  
You must set the correct date and time before you can display and record it  
on your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous  
page before you can set the date.  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
MENU/DISPLAY  
Button  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
highlight DATE/TIME.  
MAN.  
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
INT. TIME  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
INT. TIME  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
RETURN  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
RETURN  
18  
Date and Time Display  
Set the Date and Time (Continued)  
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the DATE/TIME menu.  
10. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When  
none of the settings are flashing, rotate  
the menu PUSH dial to highlight  
EXIT.  
DATE/TIME  
YEAR  
MONTH  
DAY  
2000  
JAN  
DATE/TIME  
1
TIME  
AM 12:00  
YEAR  
MONTH  
DAY  
2000  
NOV  
18  
TIME  
AM 8:00  
EXIT  
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight YEAR. Press the menu  
PUSH dial in. When YEAR starts  
flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
select the year. When the correct year  
appears, press the menu PUSH dial in  
to set the year.  
EXIT  
11. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
remove the menus from the  
viewfinder.  
6. Repeat step 5 to set the MONTH and  
DAY.  
7. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight TIME.  
Notes: If you decide to return the date and  
time to the previous settings while the DATE/  
TIME menu is displayed, rotate the menu  
PUSH dial to highlight EXIT, and press. Press  
the menu PUSH dial again to remove the  
menus from the viewfinder.  
DATE/TIME  
2000  
NOV  
YEAR  
MONTH  
DAY  
18  
TIME  
PM 11:00  
To display and record the date and/or time, see  
the following pages.  
EXIT  
8. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When  
the hour starts flashing, rotate the  
menu PUSH dial to set the hour  
including AM or PM.  
9. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When  
the hour stops flashing and the  
minutes start flashing, rotate the menu  
PUSH dial to set the minutes.  
19  
Date and Time Display  
Record AUTO DATE, Date, Time, and Title Displays  
You must install the clock cell and set the date and time (as shown on the previous  
pages) before the you can select and record the correct date and time.  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
Select AUTO DATE, Date, Time, or Date and Time to Record on Your Tape  
1. Attach a power supply and set  
POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.  
The power indicator lights.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
16 X 9  
Note: AUTO DATE is selected when the  
POWER switch is set to CAMERA AUTO.  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
display the DATE/TIME DISP. menu.  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
16 X 9  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
AUTO DATE  
DATE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
TIME  
DATE&TIME  
OFF  
EXIT  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight DATE/TIME DISP.  
20  
Date and Time Display  
Record AUTO DATE, Date, Time, and Title Displays (Continued)  
Viewfinder Displays  
Select the Display on the DATE/TIME DISP. Menu  
NOV 18.00  
DATE Display  
AUTO DATE  
Auto Date Display  
AM 10:25:00  
TIME Display  
OFF: No Display  
NOV 18.00 AM 10:25:00  
DATE/TIME Display  
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight the date/time display you  
want to record  
TIME: The time is displayed and  
recorded.  
DATE/TIME Display: The  
date and time are displayed  
and recorded.  
AUTO DATE: The date is auto-  
matically recorded for approxi-  
mately five seconds and then AUTO  
DATE is displayed whenever:  
OFF: No display is displayed or  
recorded.  
• The date is set or changed.  
6. Press the select PUSH dial in to select  
the date/time display you want to  
record.  
• This display mode is selected.  
• The tape is changed or the tape  
compartment opened.  
7. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
remove the menu from the viewfinder.  
• This display is selected when-  
ever the POWER switch is set to  
CAMERA AUTO.  
8. Press the thumb trigger to begin  
recording.  
DATE Display: The date is  
displayed and recorded.  
21  
Videocassettes  
Videocassettes  
Make sure you select good quality tapes for your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapes  
or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads,  
resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no  
control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not  
covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.  
Erase Protection – Safety Tab  
You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,  
just record over it.  
Safety  
Tab  
A. Remove  
safety tab or  
B. Cover hole  
with vinyl tape or  
slide tab to REC ON to  
record over tape.  
slide tab to  
REC OFF.  
Recording and Playback Speeds and Times  
The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP) or extended play  
(SLP). Select the recording speed by pressing and holding the SP/SLP button.  
The selected speed is displayed in the viewfinder. Listed below are the  
maximum SP and SLP recording times for popular VHS-C cassettes.  
• SP – Standard play provides the  
best picture (less picture noise),  
but the shortest recording time  
(20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).  
Recording Time  
Cassette  
TC-20  
TC-30  
TC-35  
TC-40  
SP  
SLP  
• SLP – Extended play provides  
three times the recording time as  
SP (60 minutes with a TC-20 tape).  
SLP has slightly more picture  
noise than SP in normal playback.  
This might not be noticeable.  
20 Min. 60 Min.  
30 Min. 90 Min.  
35 Min. 105 Min.  
40 Min. 120 Min.  
22  
Videocassettes  
Insert and Remove Cassettes  
Warning:  
CAUTION:  
Insert the  
cassette only one  
way with the  
tape wheel  
Never try to  
open the  
door by  
Tape  
Wheel  
facing up and the  
tape window  
facing out. The  
cassette should  
slide easily into  
the holder. Do  
not force the  
cassette.  
prying as  
you could  
damage the  
camcorder.  
Tape Window  
SP/SLP Button  
EJECT Switch  
Press on the button on the  
cassette door to close and  
lock the cassette  
compartment.  
Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape  
wheel on the side of the cassette in the  
direction shown to remove any slack in  
the tape.  
1. Slide the EJECT switch. The cassette  
holder opens automatically.  
2. Insert the cassette with the tape wheel  
facing up and tape window facing out.  
3. Press on the cassette door button until  
the cassette holder locks into place.  
Tape Wheel  
Cassette Care and Storage  
• When you are finished with a cassette,  
rewind it, remove it from the cam-  
corder, and label it.  
• Keep dust from entering the cassette  
compartment. All dust is abrasive and  
causes excessive wear on the tape and  
the camcorder’s recording or playback  
heads.  
• Store cassettes vertically in their  
protective cases at normal room  
temperatures. Do not leave your  
camcorder or cassettes in a car or  
outdoors for an extended period.  
Excessive heat or cold might damage  
your cassettes.  
• Do not use cassettes with damaged or  
spliced tape.  
• Do not use a cassette if it has been  
damaged or exposed to moisture. The  
tape might jam and/or damage your  
camcorder.  
• Keep the cassette away from strong  
magnetic fields such as electric motors  
and other devices.  
23  
Recording  
Recording  
Time-Remaining Display  
The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder for the tape  
speed you select is displayed. You must set the correct tape length in the  
TAPE LENGTH feature of the menu before the camcorder can correctly  
calculate time remaining.  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
SP/SLP  
Button  
Select a Tape Length  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
highlight TAPE LENGTH.  
MAN.  
2. Press and hold the SP/SLP button to  
select a tape speed.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
3. Press the PUSH dial in to display the  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
menu in the viewfinder.  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
5. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
display the TAPE LENGTH menu.  
24  
Recording  
Time-Remaining Display (Continued)  
--MIN  
(Calculating)  
Tape Length  
Indicator  
--MIN  
T30  
SP  
29MIN  
Tape Speed  
Indicator  
3MIN  
TAPE END  
2MIN  
(Flashing)  
Time-Remaining Display  
in Viewfinder  
1MIN  
(Flashing)  
0MIN  
(Flashing)  
• Select T30 for a tape with 30  
TAPE LENGTH  
minutes recording time in SP  
T20  
T30  
T35  
T40  
.• Select T35 for a tape with 35  
minutes recording time in S.P  
• Select T40 for a tape with 40  
minutes recording time in S.P  
EXIT  
7. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
select the tape length and remove the  
menus from the viewfinder.  
6. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight the type of tape you are  
using.  
• Select T20 for a tape with 20  
minutes or less recording time  
in S.P  
25  
Recording  
Recording Tips  
• Try to make sure indoor scenes are  
well-lit. This improves picture quality  
and color reproduction.  
• Learn to use the special P. AE produc-  
tion effects available with your  
camcorder to add variety to your  
recordings.  
• Do not move the camcorder rapidly  
from side-to-side while recording.  
A stead,ygradual “pan” avoids  
blurring and “jitter”.  
• Be aware of video and audio back-  
grounds. Background details barely  
noticed while you are taping may  
show up as visual “clutter” on your  
recording. Background noises  
(especially TV sets, radios, household  
appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) might  
detract from the sound you want  
to record.  
• Use the viewfinder to make sure the  
camcorder is level while recording so  
that your scene isn’t “tilted”.  
• Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s  
microphone while recording because  
this sound is recorded.  
• Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks  
and scenic attractions. Recordings are  
more interesting if they include people  
and details. “Local color” gives travel  
videos lasting appeal. Consider  
recording a familiar or landmark  
scene from an unfamiliar vantage  
point.  
• Include close-ups of individuals  
when taping family outings or  
group functions.  
• Fading and wiping in and out of scenes  
makes your videos appear more  
professional.  
26  
Recording  
Use the Viewfinder to See What You Record  
The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the  
picture seen by the camcorder when recording.  
Eyepiece Focus Control  
CAUTIONS:  
Viewfinder  
Do not force the viewfinder  
to rotate completely  
around. This will damage  
the viewfinder and/or the  
camcorder.  
When carrying the cam-  
corder with the shoulder  
strap, put the viewfinder  
down and in to help prevent  
possible damage to the  
viewfinder from bumping  
against your body as you  
move.  
118800°  
Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing  
For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder up or down.  
Eyepiece Focus Control  
The eyepiece focus control lets you set  
the focus of the viewfinder for your  
vision. If you wear eyeglasses, you  
probably can operate the camcorder  
without them.  
screen displays. Look through the  
viewfinder and adjust the eyepiece focus  
control for your vision.  
The eyepiece focus control does not affect  
the focus of the picture actually recorded  
by the camcorder.  
It is easiest to set the correct focus by  
focusing on one of the viewfinder’s on-  
27  
Recording  
Viewfinder Displays  
Several displays appear in the viewfinder to aid in the operation of the  
camcorder. You can press and hold the MENU/DISPLAY button for more  
than one second to remove or display the battery level indicator, tape-  
length indicator, and tape-remaining display.  
REC  
AT  
SEPIA  
MWB  
PAUSE  
4X  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY  
NOV 18.00  
PM 8:30:03  
AUTO DATE, Date, Time,  
or Date and Time  
Battery Level Indicator (  
)
This indicator shows the amount of  
power left in the rechargeable battery.  
Display the DATE/TIME DISP. menu  
to display AUTO DATE, Date, Time,  
or the Date and Time.  
This indicator flashes when the battery  
is almost empty.  
• These displays are recorded when  
they are displayed. If you do not  
want to record one of them, select  
OFF in the menu.  
Cassette Warning  
• The indicator flashes when the  
POWER switch is set to CAMERA and  
there is no cassette in the camcorder.  
Details are on pages 20-21.  
• The  
indicator flashes when the  
POWER switch is set to CAMERA and  
the safety tab is set to REC OFF or  
removed from the cassette.  
P. (Program) AE Button  
Special Effect Indicators  
SEPIA  
This indicator appears when you  
select  
SEPIA to give your  
recordings a brown-tone like old  
photographs.  
28  
Recording  
Viewfinder Displays (Continued)  
Sports  
appears when you select  
This indicator appears when you select  
SPORTS to record fast-moving  
action, such as sporting events.  
:FINE to record outdoors on a  
sunny day.  
SD:SHADOW  
appears when you select  
This indicator appears when you select  
SD:SHADOW to darken the picture  
and reduce glare.  
:CLOUD to record outdoors on a  
cloudy day.  
HZ: HAZE  
appears when you select  
This indicator appears when you select  
HZ:HAZE to soften the picture and  
give it a misty white effect.  
:HALOGEN to record using  
halogen or tungsten lighting.  
MWB appears when you select MWB  
TWILIGHT  
to adjust the color temperatures.  
This indicator appears when you select  
TWILIGHT to record scenes at  
twilight, fireworks, etc.  
• Details are on pages 38-39.  
Status Displays  
The REC indicator appears when the  
camcorder is recording.  
2 S 1/2000  
This indicator appears when you select  
1/2000 to record faster-moving action  
than the SPORTS mode.  
PAUSE  
The  
indicator appears  
during record-pause.  
appears when the camcorder plays  
back a tape.  
NEGA POSI  
This indicator appears when you select  
NEGA POSI to reverse the colors and  
create a negative image.  
appears during play-pause.  
appears during fast forward and  
flashes during forward search.  
Details are on page 44.  
appears during rewind and flashes  
during reverse search.  
Preset Titles  
The preset title selected in the TITLE  
(AT or MT) Tracking Indicator  
menu appears here. It will be recorded  
on the tape when it appears.  
AT appears during automatic tracking.  
MT appears during manual tracking.  
Details are on pages 46-47.  
Zoom Indicator (4X )  
M. W. B. (Manual White Balance  
The zoom indicators appear here when  
you use the zoom lever.  
Indicators)  
The indicator for the manual white  
balance selected in the MWB menu  
appears here.  
(continues on next page)  
29  
Recording  
(continued from previous page)  
Viewfinder Displays  
T
30  
5MIN  
EFFECT  
M 0:00:00  
TBC SP  
FADER  
BK  
+03  
BK  
LENS COVER  
TAPE END  
15  
1
S
S
Exposure Indicators (+03)  
Focus Indicators (  
)
This indicator appears when you are  
adjusting brightness manually using the  
EXPOSURE menu. Make sure the  
POWER switch is set to CAMERA MAN.  
These indicators appear when you are  
adjusting focus manually using the  
FOCUS menu. Make sure the POWER  
switch is set to CAMERA MAN.  
Details are on pages 40-41.  
• The focus indicators (  
) flash  
when the auto-focus system cannot  
operate properly.  
Fade and Wipe Indicators (  
B
K
FADER)  
Press the FADES button to display the  
indicator for the fade or wipe you want  
to select.  
appear when you have  
selected MENU in the FOCUS menu.  
FADER for black fade.  
MOSAIC for mosaic fade.  
SCROLL for scroll wipe.  
SLIDE for slide wipe.  
DOOR for door wipe.  
B
K
and  
manual focus and  
you cannot adjust the focus any farthe.r  
• Details are on pages 36-37.  
flash while you adjust  
and flash when  
CW: CORNER for corner wipe.  
WW: WINDOW for window wipe.  
Details are on pages 42-43.  
30  
Recording  
Viewfinder Displays (Continued)  
TBC (Time Base Corrector)  
Lithium Cell (  
)
• During playback, press and hold the  
STEADY PIX button to turn TBC on or  
off. TBC appears when the time base  
corrector is turned on. Details are on  
page 57.  
• This indicator appears for a few  
seconds when you turn on the cam-  
corder and the clock cell is missing or  
needs to be replaced.  
• Details are on page 17.  
Time Counter (M0:00:00)  
Animation, Time-Lapse, and Five-  
The time counter appears during  
Second Recording Indicators (  
15S  
playback. It is not recorded.  
and  
5S )  
• An M” appears in front of the time  
5S appears when you press the  
5SEC. REC button for five-second  
counter when memory-stop is on.  
recording. Details are on page 33.  
Details are on page 57.  
• The interval time selected for time-  
Time-Remaining Display (5MIN)  
lapse recording (  
or 5MIN) appears here. Details are on  
pages 50-51.  
15S, 30S, 1MIN,  
The approximate time remaining on the  
tape is automatically displayed. The  
correct tape length must be set in the  
TAPE LENGTH menu.  
• The recording time selected for  
animation or time-lapse recording  
• Details are on pages 24-25.  
(
1/4S, 1/2S, 1S, or 5S)  
Warnings and Information  
appears here.Details are on pages  
CONDENSATION OPERATION  
PAUSED PLEASE WAIT appears when  
excessive moisture has entered the  
camcorder. Place the camcorder in a  
warm, dry area until this indicator  
disappears.  
48-50 and 50-51.  
Steady Pix™ Indicator (  
)
• Press the STEADY PIX button to turn  
the Steady Pix feature on or off.  
• The Steady Pix indicator ( ) appears  
when the Steady Pix feature is on.  
LENS COVER briefly flashes to  
• Details are on page 41.  
remind you to open the lens cover.  
Tape Length (T30)  
LENS COVER might flash when the  
camcorder is used in dark areas -- even  
if the lens cover is open.  
The tape length (T20, T30, T35, or T40)  
selected in the TAPE LENGTH menu  
appears here.  
• TAPE END appears when the end of  
the tape is reached during recording or  
a cassette is inserted with its tape  
already at the end.  
• Details are on pages 22-24.  
Tape Speed Indicators (SP or SLP)  
The tape speed selected with the SP/SLP  
button appears here.  
HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED USE  
CLEANING CASSETTE appears when  
the tape head is dirty.  
Details are on page 22.  
31  
Recording  
5SEC. REC Button  
SEARCH R  
Button  
SEARCH F  
Button  
MENU/  
DISPLAY  
Button  
Thumb  
Trigger  
POWER  
Switch  
SP/SLP  
Button  
Microphone  
AutoShot™ Mode  
The POWER switch lets you select  
automatic or manual control of several  
features.  
• The camcorder automatically  
controls focus, exposure, and white  
balance.  
• The MENU/DISPLAY button and  
To Turn on the AutoShot™ Mode  
menu PUSH dial will not operate.  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
AUTO. The power indicator lights  
and the camcorder enters record-  
AUTO DATE is selected for the  
date and time display.  
To Turn Off the AutoShot™ Mode  
PAUSE  
pause.  
viewfinder.  
appears in the  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
2. Press the thumb trigger to start  
recording.  
MAN.  
32  
Recording  
Five-Second Record Feature  
Camera Edit Feature  
The five-second record feature allows you The camera edit feature allows you to  
to record for five seconds providing short  
scene transitions.  
position the tape when the camcorder is  
in record-pause. Set POWER switch to  
CAMERA AUTO or CAMERA MAN.  
1. Set POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO  
or CAMERA MAN.  
• Press and hold SEARCH R  
to visually search the recorded tape  
in reverse.  
2. Make sure the SP/SLP button is set to  
SP. Press and hold to change.  
• Press and hold SEARCH F  
to visually search forward on the  
recorded tape.  
3. Press 5SEC. REC to display  
5S in  
the viewfinder.  
4. Press the thumb trigger to start  
Release the button to return the cam-  
corder to record-pause at that point on  
the tape. Press the thumb trigger to start  
recording at this point.  
recording. The camcorder records for  
five seconds and enters record-pause.  
To Turn Off the Five-Second Record  
Mode  
1. Press the 5SEC. REC button to  
remove  
5S from the viewfinder.  
Flying Erase Head  
A separate erase head is mounted on  
the spinning headwheel (hence the term  
“flying”). This allows you to make clean  
edits without the “glitches” or “rainbow  
noise” that might occur at the beginning  
or the end of recordings.  
Quick Review Feature  
Press and release SEARCH R  
when the  
camcorder is in record-pause to review  
the last few seconds of a recording. The  
POWER switch must be set to CAMERA  
AUTO or CAMERA MAN.  
The camcorder plays back the last few  
seconds of the recording, returns the tape  
to its previous position, and returns to  
record-pause.  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
Press and hold the MENU/DISPLAY  
button for more than one second to  
remove or display the battery level  
indicator, tape-length indicator, and  
tape-remaining display.  
33  
Recording  
Zooming  
You can zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots just by moving the  
zoom lever on the camcorder. The camcorder automatically focuses when you  
zoom at most distances. Digital zooming allows you to zoom up to 200 times.  
To record a close-up of a small subject closer than three feet. Turn on the TELE  
MACRO feature in the menu. You can record a small subject at a distance of  
approximately 23 inches.  
Zoom Lever  
(T and W)  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
Use the Zoom Lever (W and T)  
Digital Zooming  
Digital zooming makes zooming possible  
from 16X (the optical zoom limit) to a  
maximum of 200X.  
1. To zoom in or out (up to 16 times),  
rotate the zoom lever.  
• To move the lens in the telephoto  
(close-up) direction, rotate the  
zoom lever toward T.  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
MAN.  
• To move the lens in the wide angle  
direction, rotate the zoom lever  
toward W.  
2. Press MENU/DISPLAY to display the  
menu. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight D. ZOOM.  
• The zoom level indicator appears in  
the viewfinder during zooming.  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
INT. TIME  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
4X  
RETURN  
34  
Recording  
Zooming (Continued)  
• Select ON to turn digital zooming  
3. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
on.  
display the D. ZOOM menu.  
• Select OFF to turn digital zooming  
D. ZOOM  
off.  
ON  
OFF  
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
turn digital zooming on or off and  
remove the menus from the  
viewfinder.  
Notes: As the zoom level increases, the  
picture gradually becomes less sharp.  
Digital zooming is recommended mainly for  
special effects.  
EXIT  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight OFF or ON.  
Tele Macro Zooming  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
TELE MACRO  
MAN.  
OFF  
ON  
2. Press MENU/DISPLAY to display the  
menu. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight TELE MACRO.  
EXIT  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight ON or OFF and press the  
dial in.  
INT. TIME  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
RETURN  
• Select ON if you want to record a  
small subject within approximately  
24 inches.  
3. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
• Select OFF for normal zooming.  
display the TELE MACRO menu.  
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
turn tele macro zooming on or off and  
remove the menus.  
35  
Recording  
Focusing  
The camcorder adjusts focus automatically under normal conditions.  
You might need to focus manually under certain conditions.  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
Auto Focus  
During auto focus the camcorder  
focuses on the object located in the  
center area of the viewfinder.  
operate correctly due to low  
illumination, low or no contrast, repeated  
patterns, or two subjects at different  
distances overlapping.  
• Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
AUTO to turn on the auto focus  
feature. No focus indicator appears  
in the viewfinder.  
Use tele macro zooming when recording a  
subject close to the lens or the camcorder  
may zoom out to focus.  
The lens must be clean for the camcorder  
to focus accurately.  
Notes: The low-contrast indicator  
(
) in the viewfinder indicates  
the auto-focus system might not  
36  
Recording  
Focusing (Continued)  
Manual Focus  
You might need to focus manually under  
certain conditions.  
6. Adjust the focus for a subject nearer  
or farther away.  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
• Rotate the menu PUSH dial up to  
focus on a subject farther away.  
flashes while you are  
MAN.  
2. Rotate the zoom lever to T to zoom in  
on the subject and center the subject  
in the viewfinder.  
adjusting the focus and  
flashes  
when you cannot adjust the focus  
any more.  
3. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
FOCUS is highlighted.  
• Rotate the menu PUSH dial down  
to focus on a subject nearer.  
flashes while you are adjusting the  
focus and flashes when you  
cannot adjust the focus any more.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
7. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
remove the menus.  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
Note: To return to auto focus, select  
AUTO in the FOCUS menu or set the  
POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO.  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
Conditions Requiring Manual Focus  
display the FOCUS menu.  
• When recording a subject through a  
window.  
FOCUS  
AUTO  
MANU  
• When recording a subject having a  
close foreground and a background  
that is far away.  
• When recording in low-light situa-  
tions.  
EXIT  
• When recording two subjects at  
different distances that overlap in the  
same scene.  
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight MANU and press the dial in.  
appears in the viewfinder.  
• When the subject is not in the center  
of the scene.  
The focus is locked at this point.  
• When recording a scene with fast  
motions, like a tennis swing.  
37  
Recording  
White Balance  
Making colors look natural is what white balance is all about. This is achieved by  
adjusting the way the camcorder “sees” and records the light source in the scene  
you record. Your camcorder is equipped with automatic white balance.  
You might want to adjust white balance manually under certain conditions, such as  
recording an object with various shades of the same color or when recording a  
predominantly red or brown object outdoors.  
Zoom Lever  
(T and W)  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
Auto White Balance  
Manual White Balance  
During auto white balance, the camcorder 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
adjusts the white balance.  
MAN.  
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
FOCUS is highlighted.  
• Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
AUTO to turn on the automatic white  
balance feature. No indicator appears  
in the viewfinder.  
38  
Recording  
White Balance (Continued)  
M.W.B.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
AUTO  
:FINE  
:CLOUD  
:HALOGEN  
MWB  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
EXIT  
Note: Connecting your camcorder to a  
color TV monitor may be helpful when  
making white balance adjustments.  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight M.W.B. and press the dial in  
to display the M.W.B. menu.  
A.Point camcorder at a white, flat  
object such as a piece of white  
paper.  
M.W.B.  
AUTO  
:FINE  
B. While MWB is highlighted,  
press and hold the menu PUSH  
dial until MWB starts flashing.  
:CLOUD  
:HALOGEN  
MWB  
The MWB indicator flashes  
while the camcorder is adjusting  
white balance and stops flashing  
when it is ready to record.  
EXIT  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight the white balance you want  
to use.  
Note: To change the tint for special  
recording, substitute colored paper for  
white. The white balance is  
• No indicator appears when you  
adjusted based on the color.  
select AUTO white balance.  
• Select  
:FINE when recording  
Red paper – deeper green  
Blue paper – orange  
outdoors on a sunny day.  
Yellow paper – deeper purple  
• Select  
:CLOUD when record-  
5. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
ing outdoors on a cloudy day.  
remove the menus.  
• Select  
:HALOGEN when  
recording using halogen or tungsten  
lighting.  
Notes: To return to auto white balance,  
select AUTO in the M.W.B. menu or set  
the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO.  
• Select MWB when shooting  
subjects with different color  
temperatures and adjust the white  
balance as follows:  
39  
Recording  
Exposure Control  
The camcorder controls the iris for you when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA  
AUTO. The camcorder adjusts brightness automatically under normal conditions. You  
might need to adjust brightness manually when the background is too bright or too dark  
in comparison with the subject.  
STEADY PIX  
Button  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
FOCUS is highlighted.  
Auto Exposure  
The camcorder adjusts the iris for  
the best possible picture during  
auto exposure.  
• Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
AUTO to turn on the automatic  
exposure feature. No indicator  
appears in the viewfinder.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
Manual Exposure  
You may need to adjust exposure  
manually under certain conditions, such  
as those listed on the next page.  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight EXPOSURE, and press the  
dial in to display the EXPOSURE  
menu.  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
MAN.  
40  
Recording  
Exposure Control (Continued)  
Steady Pix™ Feature  
The Steady Pix feature corrects slight  
shaking of images during some recording  
modes.  
EXPOSURE  
AUTO  
MANU  
• While zooming in on a distant subject.  
• When recording an approaching small  
subject.  
• When recording while walking or  
riding in a vehicle.  
EXIT  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight MANU (manual) and press  
the dial in. The exposure indicator  
(00) appears in the viewfinder.  
• When recording through a vehicle’s  
window.  
To Use the Steady Pix™ Feature  
5. Adjust the exposure for a dark or  
bright subject. The exposure you  
select appears in the viewfinder.  
• Press the STEADY PIX button to turn  
the Steady Pix feature on. The Steady  
Pix indicator ( ) appears in the  
viewfinder.  
• To brighten the image, rotate the  
menu PUSH dial up. You can  
adjust the exposure to +06.  
• Press the STEADY PIX button to turn  
the Steady Pix feature off. The Steady  
Pix indicator ( ) disappears.  
Notes: Turn the Steady Pix feature off when  
using a tripod.  
• To darken the image, rotate the  
menu PUSH dial down. You can  
adjust the exposure to –06.  
There is a small change in the picture size  
when using the Steady Pix feature.  
6. Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to  
select an exposure and remove the  
menus from the viewfinder.  
Accurate stabilization may not be possible if  
hand shake is excessive or when shooting the  
following:  
Note: To return to auto exposure, select  
AUTO in the EXPOSURE menu or set the  
POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO.  
Subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes.  
Dark or dim subjects.  
Conditions Requiring Manual  
Exposure  
Subjects with excessive backlighting.  
Scenes with movement in various  
directions.  
• When recording with a bright back-  
ground or reverse lighting.  
Scenes with low-contrast backgrounds.  
• When recording with a very dark  
background or very bright subject.  
• When recording a reflective natural  
background — such as a beach or  
when skiing.  
41  
Recording  
Fade or Wipe In or Out  
You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade or wipe in  
and out of scenes. The picture gradually appears or disappears. The speed of  
the fade or wipe is controlled by the camcorder.  
• Select  
SCROLL wipe to have  
the scene wipe in with a black  
screen from the bottom to the top  
or wipe out from the top to the  
bottom.  
• Select  
SLIDE wipe in with a  
new image from right to left or  
wipe out with a black screen  
moving from left to right.  
FADES  
Button  
• Select  
DOOR wipe to have the  
scene wipe in with a black screen  
moving from the center out to the  
sides or wipe out moving from the  
sides into the center.  
To Fade or Wipe In or Out  
• Select CW:CORNER to wipe in  
from the upper right corner to  
lower left corner or wipe out from  
the lower left corner to the upper  
right corner.  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
MAN.  
2. Repeatedly press the FADES button.  
The indicator for the fade or wipe you  
select will appear.  
• Select WW:WINDOW to have the  
next scene wipe in from the center  
to the corners covering the  
previous scene.  
FADER  
B
K
• Select OFF if you do not want to  
fade or wipe in or out.  
BK  
3. Press the thumb trigger to start or  
stop recording. The camcorder fades  
in or out of the scene.  
Notes: The screen becomes slightly reddish  
if fade is used with the sepia feature.  
• Select  
out to/from a black screen.  
• Select MOSAIC to fade in and  
out to/from a mosaic effect.  
B
K
FADER to fade in and  
If the haze feature is selected,  
BK  
FADER  
fades in and out from a white screen.  
42  
Recording  
Fade or Wipe In or Out (Continued)  
Viewfinder Displays  
Repeatedly Press the FADES Button  
MOSAIC  
FADER  
B
K
Mosaic Fade  
Black Fade  
SCROLL  
Scroll Wipe  
Normal Picture (No Fade)  
WW:WINDOW  
Window Wipe  
SLIDE  
Slide Wipe  
CW:CORNER  
Corner Wipe  
DOOR  
Door Wipe  
Fade or Wipe In  
Fade or Wipe Out  
1. Press the thumb trigger to pause  
recording.  
1. During recording, repeatedly press  
FADES to select a fade or wipe.  
Note: The last fade or wipe used appears  
the first time you press FADES.  
2. Repeatedly press FADES to select the  
fade or wipe you want to use.  
2. Press FADES to stop recording. The  
Note: The last fade or wipe used appears  
the first time you press FADES.  
picture and sound gradually disappear.  
3. Press the thumb trigger to start  
recording. The picture and sound  
gradually appear in place of the blank  
screen.  
43  
Recording  
P. (Program) AE Button  
The P. (Program) AE button lets you select one of several different effects. Press  
the button to select the effect you want. The name and indicator for the effect  
appears briefly and then the indicator remains.  
P. (Program)  
AE Button  
Indicator and Name  
Uses  
Picture is recorded in sepia (brownish red) and offers the  
vintage look of old movies.  
SEPIA  
Use to capture fast-moving action with less blurring. Use  
when playing back a recording on a VCR featuring special  
effects, such as pause or slow motion.  
SPORTS  
Use to counter effects of glare and darken the picture with a  
black mist.  
SD:SHADOW  
HZ:HAZE  
Use to soften the image and give the picture a misty white  
effect.  
Use for twilight scenery, fireworks, etc. to make them look  
more natural and dramatic.  
TWILIGHT  
2 S 1/2000  
Sets shutter speed to 1/2000. Use to record faster moving  
action than sports mode with less blurring. Use when  
playing back a recording on a VCR featuring special effects,  
such as pause or slow motion.  
NEGA POSI  
OFF  
Use to reverse the color (create a negative image).  
Use to turn off all special effects.  
44  
Recording  
16X9 Mode  
The camcorder has a wide recording mode that lets you make recordings compatible  
with the 16X9 format. When 16X9 is activated, the camcorder records black bars at  
the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect. This is also known  
as “letterbox” recording.  
New 16x9 TV Screen  
+
PUSH  
Standard Shape TV Screen  
Menu PUSH  
Dial  
(Rotate or  
Press In)  
Caution: Do not use this mode unless you  
have a compatible 16 X 9 TV. When played on  
a regular TV, black bars appear in the picture.  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
MAN.  
highlight OFF or ON.  
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
FOCUS is highlighted.  
• Select ON to record 16X9.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
• Select OFF to turn off 16X9.  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight 16X9 and press it in to  
display the 16X9 menu.  
16X9  
OFF  
ON  
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
turn 16X9 on or off and remove the  
menus from the viewfinder.  
EXIT  
45  
Recording  
Preset Titles  
The title feature lets you choose one of eight preset titles. You can also choose  
the language for your titles.  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
Select a Language for the Title  
menu PUSH dial in to display the  
TITLE LANG. menu.  
You can select English, French, or  
Spanish to record your preset titles.  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
TITLE LANG.  
MAN.  
ENGLISH  
FRENCH  
SPANISH  
2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
D. ZOOM is highlighted.  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
EXIT  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
INT. TIME  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight the language you want to  
use to record the preset title.  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
RETURN  
5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
select the language and remove the  
menus.  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight TITLE LANG. and press the  
46  
Recording  
Preset Titles (Continued)  
Record a Preset Title  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight the title you want to record,  
and press the dial twice to select the  
title and remove the menus.  
MAN.  
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
FOCUS is highlighted.  
6. Start recording. The title you  
selected is superimposed and  
recorded on your tape.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
To Stop Recording the Title  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
MAN.  
2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
FOCUS is highlighted.  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight TITLE.  
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight TITLE and press the dial in  
to display the TITLE menu.  
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
OFF  
FOCUS  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight OFF and press the dial in  
twice to turn off the title and remove  
the menus.  
EXPOSURE  
M. W. B.  
16 X 9  
T30  
TAPE LENGTH  
TITLE  
DATE/TIME DISP.  
RETURN  
.
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to  
display the TITLE menu.  
TITLE  
OFF  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY  
HAPPY HOLIDAYS  
CONGRATULATIONS  
OUR FAMILY  
SOMEONE SPECIAL  
VACATION  
SUPER STAR  
FIRST  
EXIT  
47  
Recording  
Animation Recording  
You can produce an illusion of movement for an otherwise stationary scene  
or object by shooting a series of pictures of slightly different poses (such as  
cartooning).  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
To Record Using Animation  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
MAN.  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
2. Press and hold SP/SLP to select SP.  
SP appears in the viewfinder.  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
INT. TIME  
3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
D. ZOOM is highlighted.  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
RETURN  
48  
Recording  
Animation Recording (Continued)  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight REC TIME and press the  
dial in to display the REC TIME  
menu.  
8. Press the thumb trigger to start  
recording.  
Note: The recording stops automatically  
after the selected period of recording time.  
You might want to take two to five shots of  
the subject in the same position.  
REC TIME  
OFF  
1/4 S  
1/2 S  
1 S  
9. Move the subject and repeat step 8 for  
the desired number of shots.  
Note: Fade does not operate during animation  
5 S  
or time-lapse recording.  
EXIT  
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight the amount of time you want  
the camcorder to record.  
To Stop Animation Recording  
Set the REC TIME in the menu to OFF.  
• Select 1/4S to record for 1/4  
second.  
• Select 1/2S to record for 1/2  
second.  
• Select 1S to record for one second.  
• Select 5S to record for five seconds.  
• Select OFF if you do not want to  
record for a selected amount of  
time.  
6. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
exit the menu.  
7.  
and the amount of recording time  
appear in the viewfinder.  
5S  
49  
Recording  
Time-Lapse Recording  
You can make automatic recordings at preset time intervals. The recording  
shows subtle changes (such as shifts in cloud formations or plant growth)  
when it remains focused on an object.  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
MENU/DISPLAY Button  
To Record Using Time Lapse  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
MAN.  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight REC TIME and press it in to  
display the REC TIME menu.  
2. Press and hold SP/SLP to select SP.  
SP appears in the viewfinder.  
REC TIME  
3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
D. ZOOM is highlighted.  
OFF  
1/4 S  
1/2 S  
1 S  
5 S  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
EXIT  
INT. TIME  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
RETURN  
50  
Recording  
Time-Lapse Recording (Continued)  
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight the amount of time you want  
the camcorder to record.  
• Select 1 MIN to delay the recording  
for one minute.  
• Select 5 MIN to delay the recording  
• Select 1/4S to record for 1/4  
for five minutes.  
second.  
• Select OFF if you do not want the  
• Select 1/2S to record for 1/2  
camcorder to delay recording.  
second.  
9. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to  
• Select 1S to record for one  
select a time and exit the menus.  
second.  
and the amount of recording time  
• Select 5S to record for five  
and  
and the amount of interval  
time between recordings appear in  
the viewfinde.r  
seconds.  
6. Press the menu PUSH dial in to select  
a recording time and return to the  
menu.  
7. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to  
highlight INT. TIME and press it in to  
display the INT. TIME menu.  
15S  
5S  
Note: You cannot select an INT. TIME if  
no REC TIME is selected.  
INT. TIME  
10. Press the thumb trigger to start  
recording.  
OFF  
15 S  
30 S  
1 MIN  
5 MIN  
Note: The camcorder starts and stops  
recording the selected amount of time.  
Note: Fade does not operate during animation  
or time-lapse recording.  
EXIT  
8. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight the desired time between  
recordings (15S, 30S, 1 MIN, or  
5 MIN).  
To Stop Time-Lapse Recording  
Set the REC TIME and INT. TIME in the  
menus to OFF.  
• Select 15S to delay the recording  
for 15 seconds.  
• Select 30S to delay the recording  
for 30 seconds.  
51  
Recording  
Demo Mode  
You can turn on the DEMO mode in the MENU to have a demonstration of some  
of the camcorder’s features.  
+
PUSH  
Menu PUSH Dial  
(Rotate or Press In)  
POWER Switch in  
CAMERA MAN  
To Turn the Demo Mode On  
DEMO  
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
MAN.  
OFF  
ON  
2. If a cassette is inserted, remove the  
safety tab or set it to REC OFF.  
3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to  
display the menu in the viewfinder.  
D. ZOOM is highlighted.  
EXIT  
5. Rotate the menu dial to highlight OFF  
or ON. Press the menu PUSH dial  
twice to select ON or OFF and  
remove the menus.  
ON  
D. ZOOM  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
TELE MACRO  
REC TIME  
INT. TIME  
• Select ON if you want the cam-  
corder to demonstrate some of the  
recording features.  
DATE/TIME  
TITLE LANG.  
DEMO MODE  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
RETURN  
Note: Zoom is the only feature that  
operates during the demo mode.  
• Select OFF if you do not want a  
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to  
highlight DEMO MODE and press it  
in to display the DEMO menu.  
demonstration.  
To Turn the Demo Mode Off  
Turn off the camcorder.  
52  
Recording  
Attach the Shoulder Strap  
The camcorder’s shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your  
shoulder and – when you are ready to shoot – bring the camcorder to shooting position  
in one quick movement.  
To Attach the Shoulder Strap  
1. If the strap keeper is over a  
double section of the strap,  
slide the strap keeper off  
the end of the strap.  
Replace the keeper on  
the strap between the  
buckle and the end  
of the strap as  
3. Thread the end of the strap back  
through the keeper and buckle  
making sure it is threaded under the  
outer strap. Make sure the strap is  
not twisted.  
shown.  
Keeper  
2. Loop the end of the strap over the top  
of the shoulder strap attachment ring.  
Keeper  
Buckle  
4. Attach the other end of the strap to the  
other shoulder strap attachment ring.  
5. Adjust the shoulder strap to the  
desired length.  
6. Slide both keepers up snugly against  
the shoulder strap attachment rings to  
prevent the strap from slipping.  
Attachment  
Rings  
Cautions: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you  
may find it convenient to rotate the viewfinder down. This helps prevent  
possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as  
you move. Make sure the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it  
to carry the camcorder.  
53  
Travel Tips  
Traveling Tips  
• Write down your camcorder’s serial  
number and keep it separate from the  
camcorder when traveling. If your  
camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be  
able to identify it.  
• Use extra care to avoid damage to your  
camcorder and accessories when  
operating them at a beach or pool.  
Spray, sand, and dust should be  
avoided. If your lens has been exposed  
to the elements, clean it only with  
proper lens cleaning supplies.  
• Make sure you have any plug adapters  
that you might need before taking your  
camcorder to other countries. Consult  
your dealer for advice.  
• Carry your camcorder in a carrying  
case when traveling. See page 62 for a  
case designed especially for this  
camcorder. An ordinary suitcase or  
carry bag does not offer the protection  
your camcorder needs. Treat your  
camcorder as carry-on luggage to  
protect it from rough handling.  
54  
Playback  
Playback  
Use the Viewfinder for Playback  
You can see tapes using the viewfinder. There is no sound during  
viewfinder playback.  
Eyepiece Focus Control  
Viewfinder  
REW (Rewind)  
FF (Fast Forward)  
Button  
Button  
STOP Button  
PLAY/PAUSE Button  
EJECT  
Switch  
POWER Switch  
in VCR  
To Play Back a Tape  
3. Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
1. Attach a power supply.  
The power indicator lights.  
Attach the adapter/charger, charged  
battery, or optional car cord.  
4. Adjust the viewfinder for a  
comfortable viewing position.  
2. Insert a tape.  
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to  
adjust the focus of the viewfinder  
for your vision.  
• Slide the EJECT switch to open the  
cassette compartment.  
• Turn the tape wheel on the cassette  
to remove any slack from the tape.  
5. Press the PLAY/PAUSE button to  
begin playback.  
• Insert the cassette with the tape  
wheel facing up and the tape  
window facing out.  
• If necessary, adjust tracking.  
• During playback, use the playback  
features on the following pages.  
• Press on the PUSH button to lock  
6. Press the STOP button when you  
the cassette compartment closed.  
are finished.  
55  
Playback  
Playback Features  
Eyepiece Focus Control  
Viewfinder  
TBC Button  
(also STEADY PIX Button)  
P.AE and FADES Buttons  
(Also Tracking Buttons)  
REW (Rewind)  
Button  
Button  
FF (Fast Forward)  
STOP Button  
PLAY/PAUSE Button  
EJECT Switch  
COUNTER R/M Button  
POWER Switch  
in VCR  
Position the Tape  
Set POWER switch to VCR and  
forward)  
button for more than two  
press STOP.  
seconds. Release the button to return  
to normal playback.  
• Press and quickly release the REW  
(rewind)  
forward)  
forward the tape.  
button or FF (fast  
button to rewind or fast-  
Stop-Action Pause  
• During playback, press PLAY/PAUSE  
to “stop the action” and view one  
frame of the tape.  
• Press STOP to stop the tape.  
Visual Search  
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to return to normal  
playback.  
• During playback, press and release  
REW (rewind)  
button or FF (fast  
forward) button if you want to  
search the tape visually in forward or  
reverse.  
Caution: Pause is designed for momen-  
tary interruptions and should not be used  
for an extended period of time. If the  
camcorder remains in pause for more than  
five minutes, it enters the stop mode and  
turns off to prevent excessive tape wear.  
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to return to normal  
playback.  
For brief searching, press and hold  
REW (rewind)  
button or FF (fast  
56  
Playback  
Playback Features (Continued)  
activate manual tracking. Press either  
button again until the streaks disappear.  
MT appears during manual tracking.  
Time Counter  
The time-counter display shows the  
actual time elapsed when playing back a  
segment of tape. The memory-stop  
feature helps locate a certain point on the  
tape. Turn memory stop on to stop the  
tape automatically during rewind or fast  
forward when the time counter reaches  
M 0:00:00.  
MT  
Press both tracking buttons again to turn  
automatic tracking back on. AT flashes in  
the viewfinder for a few seconds and then  
disappears.  
Note: The tracking buttons may have no  
effect on tapes recorded on other camcorders or  
VCRs.  
To Use the Memory-Stop Feature  
1. Locate the place on the tape you want  
to return to, set the POWER switch to  
VCR, and press COUNTER R/M for  
more than two seconds to reset the  
counter to 0:00:00.  
TBC (Time Base Corrector)  
2. Press COUNTER R/M for less than  
one second to turn the time counter’s  
memory-stop feature on or off. When  
memory stop is on, an M appears  
before the time counter.  
During playback, TBC reduces jitter from  
fluctuating video signals even on old  
tapes. If picture appears distorted, try  
turning TBC off.  
Press and hold the STEADY PIX button  
for at least one second to turn TBC off or  
on. It may take a few seconds before  
TBC actually starts working.  
M 0:00:00  
The TBC indicator appears in the  
viewfinder when TBC is turned on and  
disappears when TBC is turned off.  
3. Continue to play the tape. When you  
want to return to the place you  
marked, press the STOP button.  
TBC  
4. Press REW  
. The tape rewinds to  
the time counter reading of  
M 0:00:00.  
Notes: TBC does not operate during visual  
search or stop-action pause. The picture may  
be distorted when normal playback resumes  
after visual search or stop-action pause.  
Tracking  
During playback, streaks may appear in  
the playback picture. Press both tracking  
buttons (P.AE and FADES buttons) to  
The picture may be distorted if TBC is turned  
on or off at the edit in/out points.  
57  
Playback  
Use the Cassette Adapter  
The camcorder uses a smaller size cassette, but records in standard VHS format. The  
cassette adapter allows you to play your VHS-C cassettes in a VCR just like other  
standard VHS cassettes.  
Insert the VHS-C cassette into the cassette adapter. Insert the cassette adapter into the  
VHS VCR like a normal VHS cassette.  
Install Cassette Adapter’s Battery  
Battery  
Compartment  
Cover  
1. Remove battery compartment cover.  
Notes: Replace the battery when the load time  
becomes much longer than normal.  
2. Install supplied “AA” battery so  
positive (+) and negative (–) ends  
align properly with (+) and (–)  
terminals in battery compartment.  
Remove the battery from the cassette adapter  
if it is not used for a month or more. This  
prevents possible damage from battery  
leakage. If leakage occurs, wipe up the liquid  
inside the compartment and replace the battery  
with a new one.  
3. Replace battery compartment cover.  
Insert Cassette into Cassette Adapter  
Tape Wheel  
Cassette  
Compartment  
Lid  
EJECT Switch  
1. Before inserting the cassette into the  
adapter, remove any slack in the tape  
by turning the tape wheel on the side of  
the cassette.  
3. Insert the cassette with the tape  
window on the left and facing up.  
Allow the cassette to drop into the  
adapter. Do not force the cassette.  
2. Slide EJECT to the right to open the  
cassette compartment lid.  
58  
Playback  
Use the Cassette Adapter (Continued)  
Load Detector  
Caution: If the load detector is  
still extending from the side of the  
cassette adapter after you have  
attempted to load the cassette,  
loading is not complete. Try to  
load the cassette again. Attempting  
to insert the cassette adapter into a  
VCR with the load detector  
4. Gently close the cassette compartment  
lid until it locks into place. Make sure  
the cassette reel area under the adapter  
is free to turn while the cassette is  
loading.  
Note: You should hear a whirring sound  
while the tape loads. The adapter’s load  
detector will automatically retract into the  
adapter.  
extending may cause damage to the  
adapter and/or VCR.  
Remove Cassette from Cassette Adapter  
Access Hole  
Caution: Do not touch the  
reels during loading and  
unloading. It could cause  
injury or damage the cassette  
adapter or tape.  
Reels  
2. Use the access hole on the bottom of  
the adapter to push the cassette up and  
remove it from the adapter.  
1. Slide the adapter’s EJECT switch to  
the right. The load detector extends  
from the side and the whirring sound  
indicates the tape is being released  
before the adapter’s cassette  
3. Gently close the adapter’s cassette  
compartment lid.  
compartment lid opens.  
59  
Playback  
Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs  
To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with audio/video inputs, you  
need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 63. If your TV is  
already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the  
camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.  
Back of  
Mono VCR or  
TV Monitor  
White  
Audio Plug  
Audio/Video  
Output Cable  
(Optional)  
AUDIO  
IN  
VIDEO  
IN  
V (Video)  
Jack  
Yellow Video Plug  
OR  
Back of  
Stereo VCR or  
TV Monitor  
White  
Audio  
Plug  
A (Audio) Jack  
Y-Adapter  
(Optional)  
Audio/Video  
Output Cable  
(Optional)  
L
AUDIO  
IN  
R
VIDEO  
IN  
Yellow Video Plug  
Installation  
1. Attach the white plug on one end of  
the audio/video cable to the AUDIO  
IN jack on the TV (or VCR).  
2. Attach the yellow plug to the VIDEO  
IN jack on the TV (or VCR).  
3. Attach the white plug on the other end  
of the audio/video cable to the A  
Notes: If your cable does not have white  
and yellow plugs, attach the same color to  
the audio jacks.  
(audio) jack (located under the small  
cover) on the side of the camcorder.  
If your TV (or VCR) has stereo AUDIO IN  
jacks, attach the plug to the one labeled  
MONO. If one is not labeled MONO, you  
need a Y-adapter, such as AH25, shown on  
page 63 to hear both channels.  
4. Attach the yellow plug to the yellow V  
(video) jack on the camcorder.  
60  
Playback  
Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs (Continued)  
Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR  
1. A. Camcorder connected directly to  
TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to  
the video input channel.  
• During playback, use the playback  
features on pages 56-57.  
4. To copy what the camcorder is  
playing, place a blank cassette in the  
VCR, and press the VCR’s RECORD  
button.  
B. Camcorder connected to VCR that  
is already connected to TV: Turn  
on VCR and place it in the “line”  
or “camera mode”. (If your VCR  
does not have a “line” or “camera  
mode”, consult the VCR owner’s  
manual.) Operate the TV as you  
normally do to see the signal  
Note: Make sure the memory-stop feature  
is turned off (press COUNTER R/M) or the  
camcorder enters play-pause when the  
counter reaches M 0:00:00.  
5. Press STOP when you are finished.  
coming from the VCR.  
2. Set the POWER switch to VCR to  
turn on the camcorder. The power  
indicator lights.  
Caution: The unauthorized recording  
of copyrighted material may infringe  
the rights of others.  
3. Press PLAY/PAUSE.  
Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording)  
1. A. Camcorder connected directly to  
TV: Turn on the TV, and tune it to  
the video input channel.  
2. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.  
Note: Turn the TV’s volume down to  
prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by  
feedback.  
B. Camcorder connected to VCR that  
is already connected to TV: Turn  
on VCR and place it in the “line”  
or “camera mode”. (If your VCR  
does not have a “line” or “camera  
mode”, consult the VCR owner’s  
manual.) Operate the TV as you  
normally do to see the signal  
3. Press the thumb trigger to begin  
recording. You can watch what the  
camcorder is seeing (or recording) on  
the TV screen.  
coming from the VCR.  
61  
Optional Accessories  
Optional Accessories  
We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to  
the fun of using your compact VHS camcorder. The following pages have a selection  
of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.  
These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your  
videos more enjoyable.  
To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.  
If a dealer is not nearby, all accessories are available through toll-free ordering or by  
using the order form on page 65.  
AC201A Soft Carrying Case  
DCC08 Car Cord Adapter  
Do not use any other car cord  
with this camcorder.  
Custom compact soft case designed  
especially to provide protection and  
utility for your compact VHS camcorder  
and most accessories. Rugged fabric  
lined with soft non-abrasive material and  
generous padding. Has three outside  
pockets with storage for lens filters,  
adapters, batteries, and tapes.  
This car cord adapter enables you to  
operate your camcorder from your car,  
truck, or RV by plugging the car cord  
directly into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter  
socket. The DCC08 is designed  
specifically to convert power from a  
12-volt battery to a 6-volt output.  
62  
Optional Accessories  
FB1260 Rechargeable Battery  
CPS91 AC Battery Charger  
CHARGE  
The CPS91 battery charger plugs directly  
into an AC outlet and charges the FB1260  
and BB99L camcorder batteries.  
Because the CPS91 operates on 100-240  
Volts, 50/60 Hz, it can be used virtually  
anywhere in the world. A plug adapter  
might be required in some countries.  
Charging takes approximately seven  
hours for the FB1260 (1-hour battery),  
and 13 hours for the BB99L (2-hour  
battery).  
This rechargeable, 1-hour, nickel-  
cadmium battery is designed  
specifically for long life. The FB1260  
can be recharged with the AC adapter/  
charger that came with your camcorder.  
BB99L Rechargeable Battery  
VH83 Audio/Video Cable  
This six foot audio/video cable can be  
used to connect the camcorder to a TV  
monitor or VCR for tape playback or  
copying tapes.  
This rechargeable 2-hour, nickel metal  
hydride battery is designed specifically  
for long life. The FB1260 is a 1-hour  
nickel cadmium battery. The BB99L  
powers your camcorder approximately  
twice as long as the FB1260 (depending  
on how much you use zoom and pause).  
The BB99L can be recharged with the AC  
adapter/charger that came with your  
camcorder.  
AH25 Y-Adapter  
This Y-adapter allows you to connect your  
camcorder’s mono audio cable to a stereo  
TV or VCR.  
All specifications and descriptions  
of accessories are subject to change  
without notice.  
63  
Optional Accessories  
Using the Optional AC088 Tripod  
Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, keeps the  
camcorder steady and produces excellent video results.  
This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt.  
The quick-release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the  
camcorder. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to  
26" when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing.  
Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the  
camcorder without falling over. Do not transport the camcorder attached to  
the tripod.  
When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripod  
screw into the camcorder’s tripod mounting hole.  
The tripod screw should not protrude into the camcorder more than approxi-  
mately three-eighth (3/8) inch. Forcing the screw could damage the  
mounting hole on the bottom of the camcorder.  
64  
Accessory Order Form  
Order Form for Camcorder Model CC6263  
Description  
Part No.  
AC088  
AC201A  
ACS091  
AH25  
Price  
Qty.  
Total  
Super Lightweight Tripod  
Soft Camcorder Case  
Shoulder Strap  
$ 49.95  
$ 34.95  
$ 12.95  
Y-Adapter  
$
2.95  
Rechargeable Battery (Extended)  
AC Battery Charger  
Car Cord Adapter  
Rechargeable Battery (Standard)  
Audio/Video Cable  
DC Cable  
BB99L  
CPS91  
$ 77.60  
$ 59.95  
$ 89.95  
$ 49.95  
DCC08  
FB1260  
VH83  
$
5.95  
244268  
$ 28.60  
and  
AC Adapter/Charger  
Cassette Adapter  
242740  
$ 91.25  
$ 49.95  
VCA115  
Prices are subject to change without notice.  
Total Merchandise ........................................................................................... $_________  
Sales Tax .......................................................................................................... $_________  
We are required by law to collect the appropriate  
sales tax for each individual state, county, and  
locality to which the merchandise is being sent.  
Shipping and Handling .................................................................................... $  
5.00  
Total Amount Enclosed ................................................................................. $_________  
Use VISA, MasterCard, or Discover.  
Money order or check must be in U.S.  
currency only. No COD or cash.  
Please complete other side also  
65  
Accessory Order Form  
Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard,  
or Discover Card by filling in below  
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD  
IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card  
¤
Expiration date:  
IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard  
s
r
r
TM  
Expiration date:  
Copy Number above your name on MasterCard  
IMPORTANT:  
Copy complete account number from your Discover Card  
Expiration date:  
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE  
Prices are subject to change without notice.  
A complete and correct order will  
save you days of waiting.  
Print or type your name and  
address clearly.  
Name:  
Street:  
Apt:  
Zip:  
City:  
State:  
Daytime Phone No.:  
Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely.  
• Allow 4 weeks for delivery.  
• All accessories are subject to availability.  
66  
Accessory Order Form  
To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.  
If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by  
telephone or direct-by-mail.  
United States and Canada Orders  
To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card ready  
and call the toll-free number listed below.  
Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on  
this order form.  
1-800-338-0376  
To place your order by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with credit  
card information, money order, or check in U.S. currency (made payable to  
Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.) to the following address:  
Video Accessories  
PO Box 8419  
Ronks, PA 17573  
67  
Trouble Checks  
Trouble Checks  
Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct without  
the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies.  
Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service  
Center, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the  
simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.  
If service should be necessary, the warranty information lists what your warranty  
covers and explains how to get service.  
Trouble  
Checks and Adjustments  
No power  
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR to turn on  
the camcorder. The power indicator lights.  
If using battery, it might need to be recharged.  
If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged  
into a working outlet.  
Won’t record or  
playback  
If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged  
into a working outlet.  
If CONDENSATION OPERATION PAUSED PLEASE  
WAIT flashes in the viewfinder, there is moisture in the  
camcorder. Wait until the warning no longer appears  
before operating the camcorder.  
Make sure POWER switch is set to correct position for  
desired operation.  
There might not be a cassette in the camcorder.  
Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette.  
The cassette tape might be broken, try another cassette.  
You might have reached the end of the cassette, try  
rewinding it.  
Won’t playback  
Won’t record  
POWER switch must be set to VCR position.  
Safety tab removed or closed. (See page 22.)  
POWER switch must be set to CAMERA.  
No picture  
Open lens cover.  
Camcorder turns  
itself off  
Set POWER switch to OFF and then to CAMERA or  
VCR to turn back on. If camcorder is left in record-  
pause or play-pause for several minutes, it turns off to  
prevent tape wear.  
68  
Trouble Checks  
Trouble  
Checks and Adjustments  
Time-counter memory might be on. Whenever an “M”  
appears with the time-counter display, the camcorder  
stops rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads  
Tape stops during  
rewind or fast  
forward  
M 0:00:00. Press REW  
or FF  
again to continue  
rewinding or fast forwarding, or press COUNTER R/M  
to turn off the memory-stop feature.  
Press PLAY/PAUSE to return to normal playback.  
Camcorder remains in  
pause mode  
If CONDENSATION OPERATION PAUSED PLEASE WAIT  
flashes, there is moisture in the camcorder. Wait until warning  
no longer appears before operating the camcorder.  
Dew indicator flashes  
in viewfinder  
Poor auto-focus  
operation  
Subject is dark or behind glass. Auto-focus may not  
work under these conditions. Place POWER switch in  
CAMERA MAN and focus manually. See pages 36-37.  
Subject not in center of viewfinder or two subjects are at  
different distances. Place POWER switch in CAMERA  
MAN and focus manually. See pages 36-37.  
Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused.  
Viewfinder displays  
are out of focus  
Lens is smudged and image appears unfocused.  
Eyepiece focus control is misadjusted.  
Picture is too dark or  
subject too dark  
For best results, only use higher shutter speeds outdoors.  
Press P. AE button to select SPORTS or 1/2000.  
See page 44.  
Place POWER switch in CAMERA MAN and adjust the  
exposure manually. See pages 40-41.  
Sound is too low or  
distorted  
Subject was too far from camcorder.  
Picture recorded with  
special effect  
• Place POWER switch in CAMERA AUTO.  
Colors do not look  
natural on recording  
Try adjusting white balance. See pages 38-39.  
Title recorded on tape  
Title is recorded when it appears in viewfinder. Remove  
the title. See pages 46-47.  
69  
Trouble Checks  
Trouble  
Checks and Adjustments  
Date and/or time are  
recorded on tape  
Displays are recorded on tape whenever they appear  
in the viewfinder. Remove them from viewfinder  
when recording. See pages 20-21.  
When AUTO DATE is selected (POWER switch in  
CAMERA AUTO), date display is automatically  
recorded when you begin recording or change the  
cassette. See pages 20-21.  
Date and/or time are  
incorrect  
Clock lithium cell battery might need replacing.  
See page 17.  
Date or time might need to be set. See pages 18-19.  
Cannot set REC or  
INT. TIME for  
animation or time-  
Make sure there is a tape in the camcorder.  
Check tape speed setting. Tape speed must be set  
to SP for time-lapse or animation recording.  
Make sure POWER switch is not set to CAMERA  
AUTO to display the menu. See pages 50-53.  
lapse recording  
Cannot record at  
Record for at least five seconds at beginning of tape  
to start tape running smoothly.  
Use fade-in feature before starting to record at  
beginning of tape.  
beginning of tape  
using animation or  
time-lapse recording  
Vertical white lines  
appear when shoot-  
ing bright object  
This might occur when the background extremely  
contrasts with the subject.  
Error number (E01,  
E02, etc.) appears in  
viewfinder  
Try disconnecting power source. Wait ten seconds  
and then connect power source again. If error  
number does not disappear from viewfinder, consult  
your Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center.  
Streaks in picture  
during playback or  
play-pause  
• Adjust tracking with P.AE and FADES buttons. See  
page 57.  
Sunlight is directly entering the lens.  
Bright, crystal-  
shaped spots in  
viewfinder  
70  
Trouble Checks  
Trouble  
Checks and Adjustments  
If battery has not been used for some time, completely  
drain the battery’s power and recharge it.  
Rechargeable  
battery runs down  
sooner than  
Battery run times are measured when the camcorder is  
recording continuously. You can check your battery by first  
fully charging it and then aiming the camcorder at a clock  
and recording the picture of the clock. When the recording  
stops, play the last recorded section and note the clock  
time. A one-hour battery should give you about 60 minutes  
of recording time. In practical use, you might not be able  
to record for the full time because the camera uses battery  
power when it is waiting between recordings (record-  
pause) and zooming.  
expected  
71  
Specifications  
Specifications  
General  
Camera Section  
Image sensor: 1/4" CCD imager  
Lens: F1.6, f=3.9 to 62.4mm  
16:1 power zoom lens  
200:1 digital zoom  
Power requirement: 6VDC  
Power consumption: 3.6 watts  
Weight: 1.6 lbs. (720g)  
Filter diameter: 40.5 mm  
Dimensions – Including Viewfinder:  
3-9/16" (W) x 4-11/16" (H) x 7-13/16" (D)  
90 (W) x 119 (H) x 198 (D) mm  
Tripod Mount  
One 1/4" x 20 threaded hole  
Video Recorder Section  
Format: VHS-C  
AC Adapter/Charger  
Record/playback system:  
Four video record/playback heads  
One flying erase head  
Video signal: EIA standard  
NTSC color  
Power requirement: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.  
Power consumption: 23 watts  
Weight: .71 lbs. (300g)  
Dimensions:  
5-9/16"(W) x 1-11/16"(H) x 2-11/16"(D)  
140 (W) x 42 (H) x 68 (D) mm  
Viewfinder  
0.44" Color electronic viewfinder  
Service Port  
3.5 mm, 4 pole, mini-head jack  
72  
Care and Maintenance  
Care and Maintenance  
Clean the Camcorder  
To clean the camcorder’s exterior, remove  
any power source connected to the  
camcorder and gently wipe it with a clean  
soft cloth.  
Caution: Use of strong  
cleaning products, such as  
those containing alcohol or  
benzine, might damage the  
camcorder.  
Clean the Camcorder’s Lens  
To clean the camcorder’s lens, blow it with a blower brush and gently  
wipe the lens with cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning  
solution designed for use on camera lens. Improper cleaning might  
scratch the lens.  
Caution: Do not touch  
Lens  
the lens with your fingers.  
The oil from your skin  
might damage the lens.  
Clean the Camcorder’s Viewfinder  
You can remove the viewfinder eyepiece for cleaning.  
1. Turn the eyepiece  
counterclockwise and pull it out.  
2. Remove dust using a blower  
brush.  
3. Reattach the eyepiece by  
aligning the reference marks, and  
then turn the eyepiece clockwise  
until it clicks.  
73  
Care and Maintenance  
Proper Care and Storage  
• The camcorder might be damaged by  
improper storage or handling. Do not  
subject the camcorder to swinging,  
shaking, or dropping.  
• Keep dust and grit from entering the  
camcorder’s cassette door. Dust and  
grit are abrasive and cause excessive  
wear to both the camcorder’s  
recording/playback heads and  
cassettes.  
• Do not store the camcorder in  
temperatures below -22˚F (-30˚C) or  
above 149˚F (65˚C).  
• Always close the lens cover when the  
camcorder is not in use.  
• When the camcorder is not in use,  
always remove the cassette and AC  
adapter/charger or battery.  
• Before handling your camcorder, make  
sure your hands and face are free from  
any chemical products such as suntan  
lotion, as it might damage the finish.  
• Retain the original carton for future  
storage or shipping purposes.  
Things to Avoid  
• Do not attempt to disassemble your  
camcorder. There are no user-  
serviceable parts inside.  
• Do not operate the camcorder near the  
ocean as salt water or salt water spray  
might damage the internal parts of the  
camcorder.  
• Avoid operating your camcorder  
immediately after moving it from a  
cold location to a warm location. Give  
the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach  
a stable temperature before inserting a  
cassette. When the camcorder is  
moved from cold to warm,  
• Do not operate the camcorder for  
extended periods in temperatures  
below 40˚F (4˚C) or above 95˚F  
(35˚C).  
• Do not expose the camcorder or  
adapter/charger to rain or moisture.  
If any component becomes wet, turn  
off the power and take the unit to an  
Authorized RCA Camcorder  
Service Center.  
condensation might cause the tape to  
stick to the headwheel and damage the  
headwheel or tape.  
• Do not aim your camcorder at the sun  
or other bright objects.  
• Do not use an adapter/charger or  
batteries other than the ones specified  
for the camcorder. Use of the wrong  
accessories might cause damage to the  
camcorder.  
• Do not leave your camcorder in direct  
sunlight for extended periods of time.  
The resulting heat buildup might  
permanently damage the camcorder’s  
internal parts.  
• Do not operate the camcorder in  
extremely humid environments.  
74  
Customer Assistance and Service  
Customer Assistance and Service  
Thomson provides a toll-free telephone  
You can reach Thomson at the  
following number:  
number to help you with any problems you  
may encounter with your camcorder. Many  
can be diagnosed over the phone, and if  
necessary, repair or replacement will be  
arranged. Please have your camcorder model/  
serial number and date of purchase ready  
when you call. If your unit is out of warranty,  
we will quote the cost of a repair or  
800-283-6503  
(Toll free inside U.S.A.)  
Our toll-free Camcorder number  
operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., CST  
Monday – Friday  
for U.S. customers only  
replacement unit to you.  
Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange  
Always consult Thomson and get a Return  
If we are unable to resolve your problem over  
the phone, we will gladly service your unit or  
exchange it for a new or refurbished  
camcorder. Refer to the limited warranty on  
the reverse side to learn about your specific  
rights and responsibilities.  
Authorization number before returning  
anything! Obtain a Service Request (SR)  
number from the telephone representative  
before returning your equipment to avoid  
delays, accounting errors, or even loss of  
your unit.  
Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to  
Thomson Consumer Electronics  
The Thomson representative who authorized  
the return of your equipment will give you an  
SR number over the phone. They will also  
provide you with instructions on where and  
how to return your Camcorder. Write the  
number in large, clear characters on the  
outside of the box. To avoid confusion and  
misunderstandings, shipments without an SR  
number clearly visible on the outside of the  
box will be returned to you at your expense.  
are located on the bottom of your unit.  
If your Camcorder is within the warranty  
period, please provide a copy of the bill of sale  
to verify purchase date. Use the original box  
and packing material to protect the equipment  
from damage in shipment.  
For your protection, insure all shipments for  
full replacement value and use a reliable  
shipper. Thomson assumes no responsibility  
for warranty shipments from the customer to  
the factory if not shipped in the manner  
prescribed by Thomson.  
Include a brief note describing the problem  
and any conversations about the problem you  
have had with Thomson personnel.  
Include your name, address and model/serial  
number of your Camcorder. These numbers  
75  
Limited Warranty  
Limited Warranty  
What your warranty covers:  
Option I  
1. Provide your Discover, MasterCard, or  
Visa account number and expiration date  
to our phone representative. This is for  
security purposes. If we receive your unit,  
excluding all accessories, within 14 days  
from the date you were provided the SR  
number, only items not covered by  
warranty will be charged to your account.  
IF YOUR UNIT IS NOT RECEIVED  
WITHIN 14 DAYS, THE SUGGESTED  
RETAIL VALUE OF THE  
Any defect in materials or workmanship.  
For how long after your purchase:  
90 days for labor charges.  
One year for parts.  
The warranty period for rental units begins  
with the first rental or 45 days from date of  
shipment to the rental firm, whichever  
comes first.  
What we will do:  
CAMCORDER WILL BE CHARGED  
TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. This  
amount, less $10.00 handling, will be  
credited if the unit is subsequently  
received.  
During the initial 90 days  
Exchange your camcorder with a new or  
refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder.  
The option will be ours. There will be no  
cost to you.  
2. We will send you a replacement unit.  
3. Ship the unit back to us, excluding all  
accessories, using the replacement unit’s  
carton. Shipping instructions will be  
included in the carton along with your SR  
number which will allow you to easily  
ship the unit back to us. Make sure you  
insure your shipment in case of damage  
or loss. Include with the shipment:  
After the 90 days and within one year  
Exchange your camcorder with a new or  
refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder.  
The option will be ours. Parts will be  
provided at no charge, but you will be  
responsible for the cost of labor required  
for the repair.  
How you get service:  
Evidence of purchase date, such as a  
bill of sale to verify your unit’s  
warranty eligibility.  
Call 1-800-283-6503 and have your unit’s  
date of purchase and model/serial number  
ready. The model/serial number  
information is on the bottom of your  
camcorder.  
A brief note describing your  
camcorder’s problem.  
Your name, address and phone number.  
Return transportation, storage, handling, and  
insurance costs are your sole responsibility.  
We accept no liability in case of damage or loss.  
A representative will troubleshoot your  
problem over the phone. If the  
representative determines that you should  
receive a replacement unit, you will be  
provided with a Service Request (SR)  
number and the location of a nearby  
exchange point if one exists. No returns  
will be accepted without the SR number.  
Option II  
1. We will send a replacement unit to the  
exchange point.  
To receive a replacement Camcorder before  
you return yours:  
2. The exchange location will notify you of  
its arrival.  
3. Take your unit, excluding all accessories,  
and your evidence of purchase date, such  
76  
Limited Warranty  
as a bill of sale, to the exchange location  
and you will be provided the new or  
refurbished unit.  
Pick up your camcorder when repairs are  
complete.  
4. If the repairs were covered by your  
warranty, you will not be billed.  
What your warranty does not cover:  
Adjustment of customer controls.  
Damage from misuse or neglect.  
To receive a replacement unit after we have  
received your unit:  
1. Write the SR number on the outside of  
the carton used to return the unit.  
Make sure you insure your shipment in  
case of damage or loss.  
A unit that has been modified or  
incorporated into other products or is used  
for institutional or other commercial  
purposes.  
2. Carefully pack the unit, excluding all  
accessories, using the original box and  
packing material if possible.  
Batteries for remote control and clock.  
Cleaning of video/audio heads.  
Camcorders purchased or serviced outside  
the U.S.A.  
3. Include with the shipment:  
Evidence of purchase date, such as a  
bill of sale, to verify your unit’s  
warranty eligibility.  
Return transportation, storage and handling  
costs of your unit, including insurance for  
loss or damage.  
A brief note describing your  
camcorder’s problem.  
Acts of God, such as but not limited to  
lightning damage.  
Your name, address and phone number.  
Return transportation, storage, handling, and  
insurance costs are your sole responsibility.  
We accept no liability in case of damage or  
loss.  
Product Registration:  
Please complete and mail the Product  
Registration Card packed with your  
camcorder. It will make it easier to contact  
you should it ever be necessary. The return  
of the card is not required for warranty  
coverage.  
4. The representative will advise the address  
to mail a cashier’s check or money order  
for payment if there are any out of  
warranty labor or parts charges and you  
elect not to use your credit card.  
5. Upon receipt of your product, a new or  
refurbished unit will be shipped to you.  
How State Law relates to warranty:  
This warranty gives you specific legal  
rights and you also may have other rights  
that vary from state to state.  
To have your Camcorder repaired by an  
Authorized RCA Camcorder Service  
Center:  
If you purchased your camcorder outside  
the United States:  
Check with your dealer or call 1-800-336-  
1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder  
Service Center nearest you.  
This warranty does not apply. Contact your  
dealer for warranty information.  
Take your unit to the Authorized RCA  
Camcorder Service Center of your choice.  
Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder  
Service Center representative evidence of  
purchase date, such as a bill of sale.  
77  
Index  
Index  
Camera edit feature 33  
Car cord adapter 16  
Care and maintenance  
battery 15  
camcorder cleaning 73  
cassette 23  
storage 74  
things to avoid 74  
Cassette  
adapter 58  
inserting and removing  
23  
tape wheel 23  
warning 28  
Cautions i2  
Checks and adjustments  
68  
Clock cell battery com-  
partment 11, 17  
Clock cell indicator  
17, 31  
Copy tapes 61  
COUNTER R/M button  
9, 57, 61  
Customer assistance and  
service 75  
Erase protection 22  
Exposure control 41  
indicators 30  
Exposure indicators 41  
Eyepiece focus control  
5, 11, 27, 55  
Symbols  
5SEC. REC button 31  
A
A (audio) and V (video)  
jacks 60  
F
Accessories  
included 3  
optional 62  
order form 65  
Fade and wipe indicators  
30, 42  
Fade/wipe feature 43  
FADES button 57  
Adapter/charger 4, 12  
charging battery 14  
Animation indicator 49  
Animation recording 48  
Assistance 1, 3  
Assistance, customer 75  
Audio/video jacks 10, 60  
AUTO DATE display  
20, 21  
Auto date feature 32  
Auto exposure 40  
Auto focus 36  
Auto white balance 38  
AutoShot™ 5, 32  
Fast forward indicator 29  
FF button 9, 56  
First time operation 3  
Five-second recording 33  
Five-second recording  
indicator 31  
Flying erase head 33  
Focus indicators 30, 37  
Focusing 36, 37  
H
Handstrap 4  
B
I
D
Battery  
Indicators  
Date and time display  
recording 20  
attaching and removing  
13  
care and storage 15  
cassette adapter 58  
charging 14  
refreshing 14  
Battery level indicator  
15, 28, 33  
animation 49  
AUTO DATE display  
28  
setting 18  
DATE/TIME menu  
7, 35, 37, 46, 51  
DC cable 12, 13, 14, 16  
DC in jack 4, 10, 12  
Demo mode 52  
Digital zooming 34  
Displays in viewfinder 28  
Displays, status 29  
battery level 15  
cassette warning 28  
clock cell 17, 31  
date and time 28  
exposure 30, 41  
fade and wipe 30, 42  
five-second recording  
31  
BATTERY RELEASE  
lever 10, 13  
focus 30, 37  
C
E
interval time 51  
LENS COVER 31  
manual white balance  
29  
Camcorder, cleaning 73  
Camcorder controls 9  
EJECT button  
6, 9, 23, 55  
78  
Index  
Indicators (Cont.)  
P. (program) AE 28, 44  
record time 49, 51  
REFRESH 14  
MENU/DISPLAY button  
7, 9, 18, 28, 32, 33,  
34, 35, 46, 48, 50, 52 Product registration i2  
Microphone 10, 32  
Preset titles 46  
Problem solving 68  
PUSH button 55  
special effects 28  
steady pix 31, 41  
TAPE END 31  
tape length 31  
O
Q
Operating controls 10  
Optional accessories 62  
Optional plug adapter 12  
Order form, accessories  
65  
Quick review feature 33  
tape speed 31  
tape-remaining 31  
time counter 31  
time display 28  
time-lapse 51  
title display 28  
tracking 29  
white balance 39  
zoom level 29, 34  
Information to user 81  
Inserting/removing  
cassettes 23  
R
REC TIME menu 49  
Record date and time  
display 20  
P
Record indicator 8  
Record time indicators 49  
Recording 8  
indicator 29  
speeds 6, 22  
time-lapse 50  
tips 26  
REFRESH 14  
P. (program) AE button  
9, 28, 44, 57  
Pause indicator 6, 8, 29  
Pause, stop-action 56  
Play indicator 29  
PLAY/PAUSE button  
8, 55, 61  
Playback  
first 8  
on TV (or VCR) 60  
using cassette adapter  
58  
Interval time indicators  
51  
Registration i2  
REW button 8, 56, 57  
Rewind indicator 29  
L
Lens 10  
Lens cover 8  
S
Safety  
battery 13  
Safety information i2  
Safety tab 22  
SEARCH buttons 33  
Search indicators 29  
Service port 10  
Shoulder strap  
viewfinder 55  
LENS COVER control 4  
LENS COVER indicator  
31  
Letterbox recording 45  
Lithium cell 17, 31  
Low-contrast indicator 36  
Playback features  
memory-stop 57  
position the tape 56  
speeds 22  
stop-action pause 56  
time counter 57  
tracking 57  
visual searching 56  
Plug adapter 12  
Power indicator  
5, 8, 10, 16, 32  
POWER switch  
5, 15, 24, 28, 34, 35, 40,  
42, 57, 61  
M
Attaching 53  
M.W.B. menu 39, 40  
Manual focus 37  
Manual white balance 38  
indicator 29  
attachment rings 9  
Shoulder strap attachment  
rings 53  
Shutter speed indicator 44  
Solving problems 68  
SP/SLP button  
Memory stop 57  
Menu PUSH dial  
7, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 32, Powering your camcorder  
9, 22, 24, 31, 33, 48, 50  
Special effects 28  
35, 37, 38, 40, 45, 46, 47,  
49, 51, 52  
adapter/charger 12  
car cord adapter 16  
rechargeable battery 13  
79  
Index  
Specifications 72  
Speeds, recording and  
playback 22  
Sports feature 44  
Status displays 29  
STEADY PIX button  
10, 31, 41  
Tripod mount hole 11  
Tripod, using 64  
Trouble checks 68  
TWILIGHT indicator 29  
V
Videocassettes 22  
Viewfinder 5, 11, 27  
adjust for viewing 27  
cautions 27  
Steady pix indicator 31  
STOP button  
8, 55, 57, 61  
Stop-action pause 56  
displays 28  
displays (turning on and  
off) 33  
eyepiece focus control  
T
Tape copying 61  
TAPE END indicator 31  
Tape, inserting 6  
Tape length indicators 31  
TAPE LENGTH menu  
24, 31  
27  
playback 55  
Visual searching 56  
W
Tape speed  
SLP 6, 22  
SP 6, 22  
White balance 38  
Wipe/fade feature 42  
Tape speed indicators 31  
Tape wheel 6  
Z
TELE MACRO menu 35  
Tele macro zooming 35  
Thumb trigger  
10, 21, 32, 49, 51, 61  
Time counter 57  
Time-lapse indicator 51  
Time-lapse recording 50  
Time-remaining display  
24, 31  
Zoom buttons 37  
Zoom level indicator  
29, 34  
Zoom lever 10, 29, 34  
Zooming 34  
tele macro 35  
Tips  
recording 26  
travel 54  
TITLE LANG. menu 46  
TITLE menu 29, 47  
Tracking 55  
indicators 29  
Tracking buttons 57  
Tracking indicators 57  
Travel tips 54  
80  
Information to User  
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 separation 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.  
Alterations or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may  
invalidate the user’s FCC right to operate the equipment.  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with the Canadian ICES-003.  
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
10330 N Meridian Street  
Indianapolis, IN 46290  
©2000 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.  
®
Trademark(s) Registered  
Marca(s) Registrada(s)  
Printed in Japan  
TOCOM 15530270  
Part No. LYT0520-001A (VP)  

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