JVC GR-AX210EA User manual

GR-AX210

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER
INSTRUCTIONS
YU30052-557-1
Compact VHS

PAL
ENGLISH
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Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS
camcorder. Before use, please read the safety
information and precautions contained in the
following pages to ensure safe use of your new
camcorder.
Using This Instruction Manual
•All major sections and subsections are listed in the
Table Of Contents (Zpg. 3).
•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to
read these as well.
•Basic and advanced features/operation are
separated for easier reference.
It is recommended that you . . .
.... refer to the Index (Zpgs. 34, 35) and
familiarize yourself with button locations, etc.
before use.
.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that
follow and cautions (Zpgs. 36, 37). They
contain extremely important information
regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.
SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
CAUTIONS:
nTo prevent shock, do not open the cabinet.
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
nWhen you are not using the AC Power
Adapter/Battery charger for a long period of
time, it is recommended that you disconnect
the power cord from AC outlet.
nCamcorder is designed exclusively for the
VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked
VHS-C can be used with this unit.
nHQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS
equipment.
Warning on lithium battery
The battery used in this device may present a
fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do
not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or
incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita
Electronic), Sanyo or Maxell CR2025; use of
another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion.
nDispose of used battery promptly.
nKeep away from children.
nDo not disassemble and do not dispose of in
fire.
Crossed Out Dust Bin Mark
nThe Crossed Out Dust Bin
Mark on the battery pack
indicates that the product
complies with Directives
91/157/EEC and 93/86/
EEC.
nNickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
battery pack must be
recycled or disposed of
properly.
This camcorder is designed to be used with
PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be
used for playback with a television of a different
standard. However, live recording is possible
anywhere. Use the BN-V12U/V22U/V25U
battery packs and, to recharge them, the
provided multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/
Charger. (An appropriate conversion adapter
may be necessary to accommodate different
designs of AC outlets in different countries.)
NOTES:
● The rating plate (serial number plate) and
safety caution are on the bottom and/or the
back of the main unit.
● The rating plate (serial number plate) of the
AC Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.
This unit is produced to comply with Standard
IEC Publ. 65.
PAL
2
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nProgramme AE with Special Effects (ZP. 12)
nIntelligent Function Control (ZP. 14 – 21)
n12x Variable-Speed Hyper
Zoom (ZP. 11)
nEasyEdit (Random
Assemble Editing)
(ZP. 28 – 31)
REMEMBER
The Logical Choice
PAL
The only compact video
cassettes that can be
used with your VHS VCR*
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES
•Shoulder Strap
•AC Power Adapter/
Charger AA-V11EG
•Battery Pack
BN-V12U
•Cassette Adapter
C-P7U
•Cable adapter
•Lithium Battery
CR2025
CONTENTSMAJOR FEATURES
3
GETTING STARTED 4
Power............................................ 4
Clock (Lithium) Battery
Removal/Insertion ............................. 6
Date/Time Settings ............................ 6
Viewfinder Adjustment ........................ 7
Tape Length Setting ............................ 7
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ............... 7
Grip Adjustment ................................ 8
Shoulder Strap Attachment ................... 8
Tripod Mounting ................................ 8
RM-V20U Remote Control Unit .............. 9
RECORDING 10
Basic Recording ............................... 10
Basic Features ................................ 11
Advanced Features ........................... 12
PLAYBACK 24
Using The Cassette Adapter ................ 24
Basic Connections............................. 25
Basic Playback ................................ 26
Features ....................................... 27
EDITING 28
Tape Dubbing.................................. 28
Random Assemble Editing (R.A.Edit) ...... 28
Insert Editing.................................. 32
Audio Dubbing ................................ 33
INDEX 34
Controls........................................ 34
Connectors .................................... 34
Indicators ...................................... 34
Other Parts ................................... 34
Viewfinder .................................... 35
CAUTIONS 36
TROUBLESHOOTING 38
SPECIFICATIONS 39
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 39
•AUDIO/VIDEO
(A/V) cable
•Editing cable
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4
GETTING STARTED
Power
This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you
choose the most appropriate source of power.
NOTES:
● No function is available without power supply.
● Use only specified power supply.
● Do not use provided power supply units with other
equipment.
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
SUPPLY POWER
1
Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall
outlet. The power indicator lights.
ATTACH BATTERY PACK
2
Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the
direction of the arrow until it locks in place.
The CHG. indicator lights.
DETACH BATTERY PACK
3
When charging is completed, the END indicator
lights. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction
of the arrow.
USING THE BATTERY PACK
ATTACH BATTERY PACK
1
Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the
battery pack in until it locks in place.
DETACH BATTERY PACK
2
Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.
BATT. PACK RECORDING TIME
BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 5 min.
BN-V22U approx. 2 hrs. 15 min.
BN-V25U approx. 3 hrs
BATT. PACK CHARGE DISCHARGE
BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx.
3 hrs. 30 min.
BN-V22U approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs.
BN-V25U approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.
REFRESH indicatorREFRESH switch
CHG. (charge) indicator
To AC outlet
Marks
END
indicator
Hook on.
Push in.
BATT. RELEASE
POWER
indicator
**REFRESH
The AC power adapter features a REFRESH function that
allows you to fully discharge the battery pack before
recharging.
To discharge the battery . . .
.... attach the battery pack to the adapter as shown in the
illustration to the left. Then push REFRESH. The
REFRESH indicator lights when discharging starts,
and goes out when discharging is complete.
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5
**CHARGE MARKER
A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to
help you remember whether it has been charged or
not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you
choose which one means charged and which
means discharged.
NOTES:
● The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record/Standby mode and
the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.
● Charging times noted on page 4 are for fully discharged battery pack, and discharging times are for fully
charged battery pack.
● Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery
pack.
● Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from
your camcorder.
● Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.
● High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t
allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.
● If you stop recharging or discharging partway through, make sure to remove the battery pack before
unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.
● Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.
● To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.
● Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.
● A blinking CHG. indicator means that the battery pack has become hot. Wait until it cools down to
continue.
● The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that’s been stored
for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG.
indicator should light during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.
Charge marker
USING A CAR BATTERY
Use the optional Car Battery Cord or Car Battery
Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the illustra-
tion to the left).
NOTES:
● When using the car battery, leave the engine
idling.
● The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3E) can
also be used to charge the battery pack.
● When using the optional Car Battery Charger or
Car Battery Cord (AP-V7E), refer to the respective
instruction booklet.
USING AC POWER
Use the AC Power Adapter (connect as shown in
the illustration to the left).
NOTE:
The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features
automatic voltage selection in the AC range from
110 V to 240 V.
DC OUT terminal
To AC outlet
AC Power
Adapter/Charger
AA-V11EG
DC cord
Car Battery Cord
AP-V7E (optional)
To car's
cigarette
lighter
socket
Car Battery Charger/Adapter
BH-V3E (optional)
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6

DATE 1.1.00
TIME 0:00
A
GETTING STARTED (cont.)
Clock (Lithium) Battery Removal/Insertion
This battery is necessary to operate the clock and to
perform date/time settings.
SWITCH OFF POWER
1
Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power
supply unit.
OPEN COVER
2
Open the clock battery compartment cover while
pressing the release tab.
REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)
3
Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the
battery and the compartment ( A) and pull the
battery out.
INSERT BATTERY
4
Ensuring the plus (+) side is up, insert the supplied
lithium battery and push it in.
CLOSE COVER
5
Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.
NOTE:
See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS”( Z pg. 2) for information
on safe handling of lithium batteries.
Date/Time Settings
SELECT MODE
1
Set the power switch to CAMERA.
SET DATE/TIME
2
Press SET and the day blinks. Press +or –to set
the day. Repeat to set month, year, hour and minute.
START CLOCK
3
Press SET. The blinking stops. The date and time are
both displayed for confirmation, then the time
display disappears.
NOTE:
The clock does not keep time while the date and time are
blinking.
–/+ SET
POWER
Date
Day/Month/Year
DATE ... Date setting is performed
Time
24-hour indication
TIME .... Time setting is performed
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7
T30
Viewfinder Adjustment
POSITION VIEWFINDER
1
Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability
(see illustration at left).
SELECT MODE
2
Set the power switch to CAMERA.
ADJUST DIOPTER
3
Turn the diopter adjustment control until the
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.
Tape Length Setting
SET TAPE LENGTH
1
Set the tape length button according to the length of
the tape used. T30 = 30 minutes of recording time
and T45 = 45 minutes.
NOTE:
The tape remaining time indicator does not work with
tapes other than EC30 and EC45. (See Basic Recording
on pg. 10 for “tape remaining time indicator”.)
Loading/Unloading A Cassette
OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER
1
Slide EJECT until holder opens. Do not use force to
open.
INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE
2
Make sure label is facing outward.
CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER
3
Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and
locked.
NOTES:
● A cassette holder can't be opened unless a power
supply is attached.
● Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the
cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the
cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the
slack.
● Make sure the Erase Protection tab is present. If not,
cover the hole with adhesive tape. (Some cassettes
have sliding tabs – in this case, check the tab's
position.)
Set POWER to "CAMERA".
TAPE30•45 tape length select button
Tape length indicator
GearErase Protection
Turn to take up
slack.
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8
2
3
1
2
1
GETTING STARTED (cont.)
Grip Adjustment
EXPAND LOOP
1
Separate the Velcro strip.
INSERT HAND
2
Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the
grip.
ADJUST STRAP LENGTH
3
Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate
the Recording Start/Stop button and Power Zoom
switch. Refasten the Velcro strip.
Shoulder Strap Attachment
ATTACH STRAP
1
Following the illustration at left, thread the strap
through the top of the eyelet (1), then fold it back
and thread it through the keeper (2), and then
through the buckle (3). Repeat the procedure to
attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet,
making sure the strap isn’t twisted.
ADJUST LENGTH
2
Adjust as shown in the illustration at left (1), then
slide both keepers snug against the eyelets to
prevent slipping (2).
Tripod Mounting
ALIGN AND TIGHTEN
1
Align the screw and camera direction stud on the
tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud
hole. Then tighten the screw.
Recording Start/Stop button
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9
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
8
9
0
!
@
#
$
%
^
&
RM-V20U Remote Control Unit
The RM-V20U (optional) permits VCR functions to
be controlled from a distance. When using the
RM-V20U, connect its cable to the camcorder's
REMOTE jack.
* Before use, refer to the RM-V20U instruction
booklet.
To REMOTE
Buttons Functions
With the camcorder's power switch With the camcorder's power switch set
set to “CAMERA“. to “PLAY“.
1LED indicator Lights when a signal is transmitted.
2KEY-LOCK switch Switching to “;“ turns off the remote control unit‘s power. Decreases battery power
consumption, and prevents accidental operation by young children, etc.
3REC ——
4STOP — Stop (ZP. 26)
5PAUSE/MONITOR — Pause (ZP. 27)
6AUDIO DUB — Audio Dubbing (ZP. 33)
7INSERT — Insert Editing (ZP. 32)
8REC TIME Animation/Time-Lapse (ZP. 23) —
9INTERVAL Self-Timer (ZP. 22)/Time-Lapse (ZP. 23) —
0POWER OFF Power off
!POWER ON Power on
@ZOOM (T/W) Slow-speed zoom (ZP. 11) —
#FF/RETAKE Retake (Forward) (ZP. 11) FF/FF Shuttle Search (ZP. 26)
$PLAY — Playback start (ZP. 26)
%REW/RETAKE Retake (Rewind) (ZP. 11) Rew/Rew Shuttle Search (ZP. 26)
^START/STOP Functions same as the Recording/Stop button of a camcorder.
&VISS Index Code Marking (ZP. 11) —
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10
45MIN 44MIN 3MIN
2MIN (Blinking)
1MIN (Blinking)
0MIN (Blinking)
* MIN.....(Now calculating)
RECORDING Basic Recording
NOTE:
You should already have performed the procedures listed
below. If not, do so before continuing.
● Power ( Z pg. 4)
● Tape Length Setting ( Z pg. 7)
● Grip Adjustment ( Z pg. 8)
LOAD A CASSETTE
1
Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert
the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to
ensure the holder is closed and locked.
ENTER RECORD–STANDBY MODE
2
Slide the LENS COVER open/close switch to open
the lens cover, then set the power switch to
CAMERA.
•The power indicator lights and the camcorder
enters the Record–Standby Mode.
•The scene you’re aimed at appears on the
viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE”
superimposed upon it.
START SHOOTING
3
Press the Recording Start/Stop button.
•The tally lamp lights while recording is in progress,
and “REC” appears in the viewfinder.
STOP RECORDING
4
Press the Recording Start/Stop button again.
•The comcorder re-enters the Record-Standby
mode.
NOTES:
● A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power
supply is attached.
● There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the
holder opens. Do not use force.
● The tape‘s remaining time is displayed in the
viewfinder as shown.
● ”TAPE END“ appears when the tape recheas its end,
and the power goes off automatically if left in this
condition for 5 minutes.”TAPE END“ also appears
when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is
loaded.
● If the Record–Standby mode continues for 5 minutes,
the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the
power switch to POWER OFF, and then back to
CAMERA to turn the camcorder on again.
● If you’re recording on a cassette from the middle, use
the RETAKE function ( Z pg. 11) to find the end of the
last recording so you don’t erase any of it.
● The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds
when the camcorder is turned on, whether the cover is
open or closed.
LENS COVER
SWITCH
POWER
Tally lamp
Start/Stop
The power indicator
Tape remaining time
indicator
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11
T
W
T
W
T
W
T
W
FEATURE: Zooming
PURPOSE: To vary the length of the focal lens and
produce zoom in/out effect.
OPERATION:
Zoom In
1) Pull the power zoom switch down
toward “T”.
Zoom Out
2) Push the switch up toward “W”.
NOTES: ●
The further the power zoom switch is
pushed or pulled, the faster the zoom
speed becomes.
● Focusing may become unstable during
zooming. In this case, set zoom while in
Record–Standby, set manual focus or
Focus Lock (
Z pg. 16), then zoom in or
out in RECORD mode.
FEATURE: Quick Review
PURPOSE: To check end of last recording for
confirmation.
OPERATION: 1) Press “ ” for less than 2 seconds during
Record–Standby mode.
• Tape is rewound for about 2 seconds
and played back automatically, then
pauses in Record–Standby mode for
next shot.
NOTE:
Distortion may occur at start of playback.
This is normal.
FEATURE: Retake
PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments.
OPERATION: 1) Make sure camcorder is in
Record–Standby mode.
2) Press either RETAKE button to reach start
point for new recording.
3) Press Recording Start/Stop to start
recording.
NOTE:
Noise may appear during Retake.
This is normal.
FEATURE: Index Code Marking
PURPOSE: To give you automatic access to any selected
point on a recording. Auto Marking and
Manual Marking are available.
OPERATION:
Auto Marking
An index code is always marked to start the
first recording on a new date after a cassette
is inserted.
Manual Marking
1) Press VISS once to place index code.
INDEX blinks in the viewfinder during
marking.
NOTES: ●
If VISS is pressed during
Record–Standby mode, the mark is
placed where START/STOP is pressed.
● If the date changes during a recording, it
becomes the first recording of the new
date and an index mark is placed at that
point.
RETAKE
Power zoom switch
RM-V20U (optional)
START/STOP
VISS
Zoom indicator
RECORDING Basic Features
Zoom-in
Zoom-out
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12
DIAL VIEWFINDER MODE
SYMBOL
Sports
High shutter speed clearly captures fast-moving
action.
High-Speed Shutter (1/2000s.)
Captures faster action than Sports mode.
15sec. Self-Timer
Lets you delay recording start after Recording Start/
Stop is pressed. If camcorder is secured, operator
can enter scene before recording starts.
1) Set PROGRAM AE dial to “ ”. “ 15S” appears
in viewfinder.
2) Press Recording Start/Stop.
•Recording starts after 15 seconds.
•Tally lamp begins blinking; blinking speed
increases about 5 seconds before recording starts.
Blinking stops when recording begins but light
stays on.
NOTES:
● Only one effect can be engaged at a time.
● When the PROGRAM AE select dial is switched
from one mode to another, the newly selected
mode's name and its indication is displayed in the
viewfinder for approx. 3 seconds. Then the name
disappears, and only the indication remains.
● The screen becomes slightly reddish when the
fader ( Z pg. 14) is used in the Sepia mode.
● The screen becomes slightly dark in the High
Speed Shutter mode. Use in well-lighted
situations.
● In the High Speed Shutter or Sports modes,
picture colour may be adversely affected if
subject is lit by alternating discharge-type light
sources such as flourescent or mercury-vapour
lights.
DIAL VIEWFINDER MODE
SYMBOL
Auto Mode Lock
Locks camcorder in Full Auto mode, preventing
accidental misoperation/button pressing during
shooting.
•CINEMA, FADER, FOCUS, EXPOSURE, DISPLAY,
TITLES and MWB (Manual White Balance)
controls are disabled in this mode.
Auto Mode Release
Re-enables controls that were disabled by Auto
Mode Lock.
Electronic Fog Filter
Makes picture look misty white, as when external
fog filter is attached to lens. Softens image and gives
it “fancy“ look.
ND EFFECT
Black mist darkens picture, as when ND filter is
used. Helps to counter effects of glare on subject.
Sepia
Scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted
(reddish-brown) monochrome, giving effect of older
movie. Use together with Cinema (Zpg. 15) for
authentic look of classic Hollywood movie.
Twilight
Disengages auto gain control and auto focus, locks
focus to infinity and white balance to “ ”
(outdoor) mode. Dusk, twilight scenery, fireworks,
etc., look more natural and dramatic.
RECORDING Advanced Features
A
Auto Mode Lock
LOCK AUTO LOCK
Auto Mode 
Release
RELEASE AUTO RELEASE
M
Electronic Fog Filter
FG:FOGFG
Sports
SPORTS
15 sec. Self-Timer
SELF TIMER
Program AE With Special Effects
All you have to do to access any of the variety of
shooting effects is to turn the PROGRAM AE select
dial until the desired indication appears in the
viewfinder. The mode is activated about 1 second
later. PROGRAM AE
select dial
Tally lamp
ND EffectND:ND EFFECTND
Sepia
SEPIA
Twilight
TWILIGHT
High Speed Shutter
1/2000 S 1/2000
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13
No indication 
(Auto)
MWB
White balance mode indicator
MWB
White Balance Adjustment
This camcorder’s Automatic Colour Temperature system
senses the colour temperature of the ambient lighting for
automatic white balance adjustment. However, precise
colour adjustment is not possible under the following
conditions:
•When an object is in various shades of the same colour.
•When a predominantly red or brown object is being
shot outdoors.
In these cases, use the camcorder’s built-in preset filters
for white balance adjustment.
SELECT MODE
1
Press MWB (Manual White Balance) until the
required indication appears in the viewfinder.
“” .............. Outdoors on cloudy day
“” ............... Outdoors on sunny day
“ ” ................ Light source is halogen or tungsten
...................... lamp
“MWB” .......... With a memorized personal White
...................... Balance setting (see below)
MWB sets the colour temperature for the subject’s light
source so you can shoot with natural colours that are
unaffected by surroundings, even when there are
multiple subjects with different colour temperatures.
ADJUST FOCUS
1
Point the camcorder at a white, flat object such as a
sheet of white paper, and adjust focus manually
(Zpg. 17).
ADJUST WHITE BALANCE
2
Press MWB until ”MWB“ appears, then press and
hold MWB for more than 3 seconds.
•”MWB” blinks in the viewfinder during
adjustment, then stops blinking but stays lit when
adjustment is complete.
NOTES:
● To switch to automatic white balance adjustment, press MWB until the indication disappears, or turn the
PROGRAM AE dial to LOCK.
● Re-adjust the White Balance Mode when the lighting has changed, when the camcorder has been turned
on and off again, or when the PROGRAM AE dial’s position has been changed.
● It is helpful to connect your camcorder to a colour monitor when adjusting the white balance
(“BASIC CONNECTIONS” Z pg. 25).
● When adjusted by putting coloured paper in front of the subject in step 2 , this unit makes its colour
temperature standard for automatic white balance. So you can enjoy shooting with different colours. For
example, when adjusting with red, blue or yellow colours, the image becomes the colour which
aproximates to green, orange or purple respectively.
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14
SEL
F1
F2
FADER CINEMA
FADER CINEMA
FOCUS
EXP.
TITLE
DISP.
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
SEL.
SEL.
SEL.
F1 F2
F1 F2
F2
F1
F1 F2
RECORDING Advanced Features
INTELLIGENT FUNCTION CONTROL
This feature makes it easier for you to make selections
during the following modes: Fader, Cinema, Manual
Focus Adjust, Exposure Control, Display, and Instant
Title.
PREPARATION
1
Set the PROGRAM AE dial to any position except
LOCK.
SELECT MODE
2
Press Function SEL. until the required function’s
indication appears in the viewfinder.
ENTER SELECTION
3
Press either F1 or F2 (the one to the immediate left
of the desired function name).
NOTE:
If you set the PROGRAM AE dial to LOCK, F1 and F2
disappear from the viewfinder, indicating that IFC
(Intelligent Function Control) is unusable.
Fader
This feature allows smooth fade-in and fade-out to black
blank screen. Fade-in works at recording start, and
fade-out works at recording end or when you enter
Record–Standby mode.
SELECT MODE
1
Press Function SEL. until “FADER” appears to the
right of F1.
ENGAGE FADE–STANDBY MODE
2
Press F1 to engage the Fade–Standby mode.
“FADER”appears in the viewfinder.
START RECORDING
3
Press Recording Start/Stop to start recording and
activate fade-in.
OR . . .
END RECORDING
Press Recording Start/Stop to end recording and
engage fade-out.
NOTES:
● Pressing and holding the Recording Start/Stop button
allows you to record a black blank screen.
● The screen becomes slightly reddish when the Fader is
used with Sepia ( Z pg. 12).
● With the Electronic fog filter mode ( Z pg. 12)
engaged, the image fades in/out to a white screen.
Viewfinder
F2 buttonF1 button
PROGRAM AE select dial
Function SEL. button
FADE OUT
FADE IN
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15
Cinema
This feature allows you to record black bars at the top
and bottom of the screen to produce a cinema-like
“wide-screen” effect.
SELECT MODE
1
Press Function SEL. until “CINEMA” appears to the
right of F2.
ENGAGE CINEMA MODE
2
Press F2.
RESTORE NORMAL SCREEN
3
Press F2 again while “CINEMA” appears next to F2
in the viewfinder.
Cinema mode
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16
RECORDING Advanced Features
Focus
detection zone
Focusing
Auto Focus
The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous
shooting ability from close-up to infinity. However,
correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations
listed below (in these cases use manual focusing):
•When two subjects overlap in the same scene.
•When illumination is low.*
•When the subject has no contrast (difference in
brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one-colour
wall, or a clear, blue sky.*
•When a dark object is barely visible in the viewfinder.*
•When the scene contains minute patterns or identical
patterns that are regularly repeated.
*The low-contrast warning “ ” appears in the
viewfinder.
Focus Lock
This feature locks the focus in place, which is especially
helpful in the following situations:
•When things pass between your subject and the
camcorder. Engage the focus lock function to lock your
subject in before recording.
•When you want your subject to be focused, and to
appear in a corner of the screen. First, centre on the
subject and focus using auto focus mode. Then engage
the focus lock function and move the camcorder until
the subject is where you want it.
SELECT MODE
1
Press Function SEL. until “FOCUS” appears to the
right of F1.
LOCK FOCUS
2
Press F1. The focus lock indication “ ” appears
in the viewfinder.
RELEASE FOCUS LOCK
3
Press F1. Focus lock is immediately released. The
focus lock indication disappears.
NOTES:
● If the lens is smeared or blurred, accurate focusing is
not possible. Keep the lens clean, wiping with a piece
of soft cloth if it gets dirty. When condensation occurs,
wipe with a soft cloth or wait for it to dry naturally.
● When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom-out
first ( Z pg. 11). If zoomed-in in the auto focus mode,
the camcorder could automatically zoom out
depending on the distance between the camcorder and
the subject.
F1 F2
Function SEL.
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17
SEL
F1
F2
FOCUS EXP.
F1 F2
F1+F1+
Manual Focus
NOTE:
You should already have made the necessary viewfinder
adjustments ( Z pg. 7). If you haven’t, do so before
continuing.
SELECT MODE
1
Press Function SEL. until “FOCUS” appears to the
right of F1.
ADJUST FOCUS
2
A
TO FARTHER SUBJECT
2
While holding down F1, slide the power zoom
switch to T. The Manual Focus indications “ ”
appear and “ ” blinks.
Go to step 3.
B
TO NEARER SUBJECT
While holding down F1, slide the power zoom
switch to W. The Manual Focus indications
“” appear and “ ” blinks.
Go to step 3.
LOCK FOCUS
3
Release the power zoom switch. The focus
indication is replaced by the focus lock indication
“ ” and the adjusted focus is locked in.
RELEASE MANUAL FOCUS MODE
4
Press F1. The Manual Focus mode is immediately
released and the focus lock indication disappears.
NOTES:
● Be sure to focus the lens in the maximum telephoto
position when you use the Manual Focus mode. If you
focus in on a certain subject in the wide-angle position,
sharply focused images cannot be obtained when
zoomed up because the depth-of-field is reduced at
longer focal lengths.
● Two manual focusing speeds are available. For
slow-speed, push the switch slightly and hold that
position. For fast-speed, push the switch fully.
● When the focus level cannot be adjusted any farther or
closer, “ ” or “ ” will blink.
F1 button F2 button
Function SEL.
button
Power zoom switch
Viewfinder
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18
SEL
F1
F2
FOCUS EXP.
F1 F2
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
F2
+
F2
RECORDING Advanced Features
Exposure Control
This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best
available picture quality, but you can override and make
the adjustment manually.
SELECT MODE
1
Press Function SEL. until “EXP.” appears to the right
of F2.
BRIGHTEN IMAGE
2
While holding down F2, slide the power zoom
switch to T. The Exposure indicator bar appears in
the viewfinder.
OR . . .
DARKEN IMAGE
While holding down F2, slide the power zoom
switch to W. The Exposure indicator bar appears in
the viewfinder.
When you want to return to the factory setting . . .
RESTORE INITIAL SETTING
3
Press F2. The standard setting is immediately
restored and the Exposure indicator bar disappears.
F1 button F2 button
Function SEL.
button
Power zoom switch
Viewfinder
Exposure indicator bar
To brighten the image
To darken the image
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19
NOTES:
● In the On-Screen Display mode, the date is
displayed and recorded.
● The on-screen display is not available during recording.
Date/Time Character Insert
This feature allows you to display date, time and characters
in your viewfinder and on a connected colour monitor,
record them manually or automatically, and even make
your own titles.
NOTE:
You should already have performed the Date/Time Setting
procedure (
Z pg. 6). If you haven’t, do so before continuing.
DISPLAY
SELECT DISPLAY
1
Press Function SEL. until “DISP.” appears to the right
of F2.
CHOOSE DISPLAY MODE
2
Press F2 while in Record–Standby to cycle through
the modes as shown in the illustration at left.
NOTES:
● The selected display can be recorded.
● If you don’t want to record the display, select Date-off mode
before shooting.
● If you want to delete the display during shooting, press F2.
● If you want to call back a deleted display, engage the Record–
Standby mode and then select the desired display mode using F2.
AUTO DATE RECORD
Your camcorder automatically records the month, day
and year for about 5 seconds after recording is initiated
in the following situations:
•After changing the date.
•After loading a cassette.
•After Auto Date Record mode is selected by pressing
F2. In this mode, the month, day and year are replaced
after 5 seconds with “AUTO DATE”.
NOTES:
● Setting PROGRAM AE to LOCK always engages this mode, and
disables all other modes.
● In the Auto Date Record mode, if the date changes while you’re
shooting, the date indication is recorded for about 5 seconds
from that point. It is not recorded during any other recordings
made on that day.
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY
CONNECT CAMCORDER TO
MONITOR
1
Connect the camcorder to a monitor as instructed in
“BASIC CONNECTIONS” (Zpg. 25).
DISPLAY VIEWFINDER
INDICATIONS
2
Press F2 until the indications appear on the
connected monitor.
Date display Auto Date Record mode
Date/Time display
Date-off mode On-screen display
Character Generator
25.12.9625.12.96
AUTO DATE
Date display Auto Date Record mode
Date/Time display Character Generator
Auto date
record mode Auto date
record executed
No Characters
stored

Example of
stored characters
IN PARIS, FRANCE
25.12.96 10:50
SET CHAR
TITLE DISP.
F1 F2
SEL
F1
F2
F2 button
Function SEL. button
F1 button
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20
SET CHAR
IN PARIS, FRANCE
CHARACTER SET MODE
J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z Ä Ö Ü
À È Ì Ò Ù Ñ Æ Ø Å &
: . , ' - / ! ? ¿ k
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A B C D E F G H I
CHARACTER SET MODE
J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z Ä Ö Ü
À È Ì Ò Ù Ñ Æ Ø Å &
: . , ' - / ! ? ¿ k
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A B C D E F G H I
IN PARIS, FR
RECORDING Advanced Features
Character Generator
SELECT MODE
1
Press Function SEL. until “DISP.” appears to the right
of F2.
SET CHARACTER OR TITLE
2
Press F2 until “SET CHAR” or a previously stored
title appears in the viewfinder.
ACCESS CHARACTER MODE
SCREEN
3
Press SET. A character grid appears in the view
finder.
ENTER DESIRED CHARACTERS
4
Press +or –to move the cursor on the character grid
to the desired character, then press SET to enter. The
selected characters appears at the bottom of the
screen. When you’re done, press SET as many times
as necessary to exit the screen. The title you made
appears at the bottom of the screen.
NOTES:
● You can store up to 18 characters.
● You can only make and store one title at a time. To
replace it, repeat the procedure.
● To create a space between two characters in a title you
make, choose “ ” on the CHARACTER SET MODE
screen.
SET–/+
CHARACTER
SET MODE screen
CHARACTER
SET MODE screen
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