JVC GR-D720AH User manual

LYT1689-001A
GR-D720AH
CS
EN
ENGLISH
INSTRUCTIONS
պ΢ჳق
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA
ᆵሆᚸᏃʙ᝝᧛
GR-D720AH_EN_MainCover.fm Page 1 Monday, anuary 15, 2007 3:23 PM

GR-D720AH_EN_MainCover.fm Page 2 Monday, anuary 15, 2007 3:23 PM

ENGLISH
GR-D720AH
ENGLISH
LYT1689-001A
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this digital
video camera. Before use, please
read the safety information and
precautions contained in the pages
3 – 4 to ensure safe use of this
product.
INSTRUCTIONS
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA
GETTING STARTED
7
RECORDING & PLAYBACK
16
ADVANCED FEATURES
22
REFERENCES
34
TERMS
40
To deactivate the demonstration,
set “DEMO MODE” to “OFF”.
(
 pg. 22, 24)
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2
EN
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Wipe/Fader Effects
You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to
make pro-style scene transitions.
(  pg. 30)
Program AE, Effects and Shutter Effects
For example, “SPORTS” mode allows fast-
moving images to be captured one frame at
a time, for vivid, stable slow-motion.
(  pg. 30)
Backlight Compensation
Simply pressing the button brightens the
image darkened by backlight. (  pg. 28)
Data Battery
You can check the battery status by simply
pressing the DATA button. (  pg. 13)
Auto Button
You can change the recording mode
between manual setting to the standard
mode setting of the camcorder by pressing
the AUTO button. (  pg. 18)
Major Features of this Camcorder
Fade in
Fade out
MAX TIMELEVEL
LCD
110min
135min
FINDER
0
50
100%
BATTERY CONDITION
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 2 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

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3
MasterPage: Start_Right
● Before recording important video, be sure to
make a trial recording.
Play back your trial recording to make sure the
video and audio have been recorded properly.
● We recommend cleaning your video heads
before use.
If you haven’t used
your camcorder for
awhile, the heads may
be dirty. We
recommend
periodically cleaning
the video heads with a
cleaning cassette
(optional).
● Be sure to store your cassette tapes and
camcorder in the proper environment.
Video heads can become dirty more easily if
your cassette tapes and camcorder are stored
in a dusty area. Cassette tapes should be
removed from the camcorder and stored in
cassette cases. Store the camcorder in a bag or
other container.
● Use SP (Standard) mode for important video
recordings.
LP (Long Play) mode lets you record 50% more
video than SP (Standard) mode, but you may
experience mosaic-like noise during playback
depending on the tape characteristics and the
usage environment.
So, for important recordings, we recommend
using SP mode.
● For safety and reliability.
It is recommended only genuine JVC batteries
and accessories are used in this camcorder.
● This product includes patented and other
proprietary technology and will operate only
with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC
BN-VF808U/VF815U/VF823U battery packs.
Using generic non-JVC batteries can cause
damage to the internal charging circuitry.
● Remember that this camcorder is not
compatible with other digital video formats.
● It is recommended that you use JVC brand
cassette tapes.
Your camcorder is compatible with all brands of
commercially available cassette tapes
complying with the MiniDV standard, but JVC
brand cassette tapes are designed and
optimized to maximize the performance of your
camcorder.
● Remember that this camcorder is intended
for private consumer use only.
Any commercial use without proper permission
is prohibited. (Even if you record an event such
as a show, performance or exhibition for
personal enjoyment, it is strongly
recommended that you obtain permission
beforehand.)
● DO NOT leave the unit
- in place of over 50°C
- in place where humidity is extremely low
(below 35%) or extremely high (80%).
- in direct sunlight.
- in a closed car in summer.
- near a heater.
● The LCD monitor is made with high-
precision technology. However, black spots
or bright spots of light (red, green or blue)
may appear constantly on the LCD monitor.
These spots are not recorded on the tape.
This is not due to any defect of the unit.
(Effective dots: more than 99.99%)
● Do not leave the battery pack attached when
the camcorder is not in use and check the
unit regularly whether it is working or not.
Also read “CAUTIONS” on pages 36 – 38.
Read This First!
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTIONS:
● If you notice smoke or a peculiar smell coming
from the camcorder or AC Adapter, shut it
down and unplug it immediately. Continue
using the camcorder or AC Adapter under
these conditions could lead to fire or electric
shock.
Contact your JVC dealer. Do not attempt to
repair the malfunction yourself.
● To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified personnel.
● When you are not using the AC Adapter for a
long period of time, it is recommended that you
disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.
CAUTION:
To avoid electric
shock or damage
to the unit, first
firmly insert the
small end of the
power cord into the
AC Adapter until it
is no longer
wobbly, and then
plug the larger end
of the power cord into an AC outlet.
CAUTIONS:
● 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 and LCD
monitor/viewfinder playback are possible
anywhere.
● This product includes patented and other
proprietary technology and will operate only
with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC
BN-VF808U/VF815U/VF823U battery packs
and, to recharge them or to supply power to
the camcorder from an AC outlet, use the
provided multi-voltage AC Adapter. (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 information and safety caution of the
AC Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a
shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all
sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm or more on both
sides, on top and at the rear).
Do not block the ventilation holes.
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a
newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be able
to get out.)
No naked flame sources, such as lighted
candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
When discarding batteries, environmental
problems must be considered and the local rules
or laws governing the disposal of these batteries
must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or
places with water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water
or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines,
flower vases, potted plants, cups etc.) on top of
this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this
equipment, fire or electric shock may be caused.)
Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly
into the sun. This can cause eye injuries, as well
as lead to the malfunctioning of internal circuitry.
There is also a risk of fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!
The following notes concern possible physical
damage to the camcorder and to the user.
When carrying, be sure to always securely attach
and use the provided strap. Carrying or holding
the camcorder by the viewfinder and/or the LCD
monitor can result in dropping the unit, or in a
malfunction.
Take care not to get your finger caught in the
cassette holder cover. Do not let children operate
the camcorder, as they are particularly
susceptible to this type of injury.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel
surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious
damage to the camcorder.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to
the camcorder and leaving it on top of the TV is
not recommended, as tripping on the cables will
cause the camcorder to fall, resulting in damage.
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5
MasterPage: Start_Right
Before cleaning, turn off the camcorder and
remove the battery pack and AC Adapter.
To clean the exterior
Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Put the cloth in
diluted mild soap and wring it well to wipe off
heavy dirt. Then wipe again with a dry cloth.
To clean the LCD monitor
Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Be careful not to
damage the monitor. Close the LCD monitor.
To clean the lens
Blow it with a blower brush, then wipe gently
with lens cleaning paper.
To clean the viewfinder lens
Remove dust from the viewfinder using a
blower brush.
NOTES:
● Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as
benzine or alcohol.
● Cleaning should be done only after the battery
pack has been removed or other power units
have been disconnected.
● Mould may form if the lens is left dirty.
● When using a cleaner or chemically treated
cloth refer to the cautions of each product.
● To clean the viewfinder, please consult your
nearest JVC dealer.
Appears if dirt is detected on the heads during
recording. Use an optional cleaning cassette
(  pg. 3)
.
Cleaning The Camcorder
USE CLEANING CASSETTE
USER MAINTENANCE
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CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED 7
Regarding This Manual .................................7
Provided Accessories ....................................7
Index..............................................................8
Grip Adjustment...........................................11
Power ..........................................................12
Language Settings.......................................13
Date/Time Settings ......................................14
Viewfinder Adjustment.................................14
Brightness Adjustment Of The Display........14
Tripod Mounting...........................................14
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ....................15
16:9 Wide Mode ..........................................15
RECORDING & PLAYBACK 16
VIDEO RECORDING ........................................16
Basic Recording ..........................................16
Tape Remaining Time .............................16
Quick Review...........................................16
Zooming...................................................17
Journalistic Shooting ...............................17
Interface Shooting ...................................17
Time Code...............................................18
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape...18
Auto/Manual Mode ..................................18
VIDEO PLAYBACK ..........................................19
Normal Playback .........................................19
Still Playback ...........................................19
Variable Shuttle Search...........................20
Blank Search ...........................................20
Playback Snapshot..................................20
Connections To A TV Or VCR.....................21
ADVANCED FEATURES 22
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT ..............22
Changing The Menu Settings...................... 22
Recording Menus ........................................ 23
Playback Menus .......................................... 25
FEATURES FOR RECORDING ........................... 26
Snapshot (Record Still Image On Tape) ..... 26
Manual Focus.............................................. 26
Exposure Control......................................... 27
Iris Lock ....................................................... 27
Backlight Compensation.............................. 28
Spot Exposure Control ................................ 28
White Balance Adjustment .......................... 29
Manual White Balance Adjustment ............. 29
Wipe Or Fader Effects................................. 30
Program AE, Effects And Shutter Effects.... 30
EDITING ........................................................31
Dubbing To A VCR...................................... 31
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped
With A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing) .. 32
Connection To A Personal Computer.......... 33
REFERENCES 34
TROUBLESHOOTING....................................... 34
CAUTIONS.....................................................36
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................39
TERMS .......................................................... 40
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EN
7
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
Control Lever
There are two kinds of operation using the control
lever: moving the lever towards up/down/left/right,
or pressing down the lever.
They are described and illustrated as shown
below.
1) Move the control lever up/down/left/right
(
3 / 4 / 1 / 2 ) to select:
2) Press down the control lever to select SET :
NOTES:
● In order to maintain optimum performance of the
camcorder, provided cables may be equipped
with one or more core filter. If a cable has only
one core filter, the end that is closest to the filter
should be connected to the camcorder.
● Make sure to use the provided cables for
connections. Do not use any other cables.
Regarding This Manual
Operation To select
3 6 FOCUS Move the control lever up.
4 7
Move the control lever
down.
2 ¡
Move the control lever
right.
1 1
QUICK
REVIEW
Move the control lever left.
Control lever
LCD Monitor
Select
SET
Provided Accessories
AC Adapter
AP-V14E
Battery Pack
BN-VF808U
Audio/Video Cable
(ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug)
Shoulder
Strap
(pg. 11)
Lens Cap
(pg. 11)
OR
Power Cord
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 7 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

GETTING STARTED
8
EN
MasterPage: Left
Index
13%
23 20
19
6
45
u
78
18
!"9
21 22
(
26
30
25
24
$#
29
2728
2
&
How to open the LCD monitor
Pull on the end Aof the LCD monitor.
The LCD monitor can rotate 270°.
Power-linked operation
When the power switch is set to “REC”, you can
also turn the camcorder on/off by opening/
closing the LCD monitor or pulling out/pushing in
the viewfinder.
NOTES:
●The image will not appear
simultaneously on the LCD monitor and
the viewfinder. When the viewfinder is
pulled out while the LCD monitor is
opened, you can select which one to
use. Set “PRIORITY”to the desired
mode in SYSTEM Menu. (pg. 24)
●Coloured bright spots may appear all
over the LCD monitor or the viewfinder.
However, this is not a malfunction.
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 8 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

EN 9
GETTING STARTED
MasterPage: Start_Right
GETTING STARTED
Controls
11: Left/Rewind (1) (pg. 19)/
Quick Review [QUICK REVIEW] (pg. 16)
2: Right/Fast-Forward (¡) (pg. 19)
3: Up/Play/Pause (6) (pg. 19)/
Manual Focus [FOCUS] (pg. 26)
4: Down/Stop (7) (pg. 19)/
Backlight Compensation [ ] (pg. 28)/
Spot Exposure (pg. 28)
Press down : SET
216:9 Wide Screen Button [16:9] (pg. 15)
Blank Search [BLANK] (pg. 20)
3Menu Button [MENU] (pg. 22)
4Data Battery Button [DATA] (pg. 13)
5Auto Button [AUTO] (pg. 18)
6Dioptre Adjustment Control (pg. 14)
7Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT] (pg. 26)
8Power Zoom Lever [T/W] (pg. 17)
Speaker Volume Control [VOL. +, –]
(pg. 19)
9Recording Start/Stop Button [START/STOP]
(pg. 16)
!Power Switch [REC, PLAY, OFF]
"Lock Button
#Battery Release Button [BATT.] (pg. 12)
$Cassette Open/Eject Switch [OPEN/EJECT]
(pg. 15)
Connectors
%Digital Video Connector [DV OUT] (i.LINK*)
(pg. 32, 33)
* i.LINK refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry
specification and extensions thereof. The
logo is used for products compliant with the
i.LINK standard.
The connectors are located beneath the
covers.
&Audio/Video Output Connector [AV]
(pg. 21)
(DC Input Connector [DC] (pg. 12)
Indicators
á POWER/CHARGE Lamp (pg. 12)
Other Parts
à LCD Monitor (pg. 8)
â Viewfinder (pg. 14)
ä Battery Pack Mount (pg. 12)
ã Shoulder Strap Eyelet (pg. 11)
å Grip Strap (pg. 11)
ç Speaker (pg. 19)
é Lens
è Camera Sensor
(Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor
necessary for shooting is built-in here.)
ê Stereo Microphone
ë Stud Hole (pg. 14)
í Tripod Mounting Socket (pg. 14)
ì Cassette Holder Cover (pg. 15)
î Connector Cover
Power Switch Position
REC:
To perform recording on the tape.
OFF:
To switch off the camcorder.
PLAY:
To play back a recording on the tape.
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 9 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

GETTING STARTED
10 EN
MasterPage: Left
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder
Indications
During Video Recording
1Battery Remaining Power Indicator
2Operation Mode (pg. 18)
A : Auto Mode
M : Manual Mode
3: Night-Scope Indicator (pg. 30)
: Gain Up Mode (pg. 23)
4Shutter Speed (pg. 31)
5White Balance Indicator (pg. 29)
6Selected Effect Indicator (pg. 31)
7Selected Program AE Indicator (pg. 30)
8SOUND 12BIT/16BIT: Sound Mode
Indicator (pg. 24) (Appears for approx. 5
seconds after turning on the camcorder.)
9Digital Image Stabiliser (“DIS”) (pg. 23)
(only indicator is displayed)
!Approximate Zoom Ratio (pg. 17)
"Zoom Indicator (pg. 17)
#Selected Wide Mode Indicator (pg. 15)
(only 16:9 indicator is displayed)
$Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) (pg. 24)
(only LP indicator is displayed)
%Tape Remaining Time (pg. 16)
&REC: (Appears during recording.)
(pg. 16)
PHOTO : (Appears when taking Snapshot.)
(pg. 20, 26)
(: Spot Exposure Control Indicator
(pg. 28)
: Backlight Compensation Indicator
(pg. 28)
±: Exposure Adjustment Indicator
(pg. 27)
: Iris Lock Indicator (pg. 27)
)Selected Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator
(pg. 30)
~Wind Cut Indicator (pg. 23)
+Tape Running Indicator
(Rotates while tape is running.)
,Date/Time (pg. 24)
-Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator
(pg. 26)
.Time Code (pg. 24)
During Video Playback
1Battery Remaining Power Indicator
2Sound L/R Indicator (pg. 25)
3Blank Search Indicator (pg. 20)
4Tape Speed (SP/LP) (pg. 25)
(only LP indicator is displayed)
5Variable Search Speed Indicator: x-10, x-3,
x3 and x10 (pg. 20)
63: Playback
¡: Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search
1: Rewind/Shuttle Search
8: Pause
7Date/Time (pg. 25)
8VOLUME: Volume Level Indicator
(pg. 19)
9Time Code (pg. 25)
3
10 x
M
,. -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
!
&
%
$
(
)
~
"
+
1
R
:
06.
1
.
1
2
E
1
0
3
7
C
2
#
LP
SOUND 12 BIT
–––min
16:9
15:55
WH
1
L
2
2 0 :
/
2
M
V
1
I
O
:
X
L
2
1
2.
1
.
1
2
:
0
1
0
3
7
x 3
6
BIT
U
5
M E
21 346
5
7
8
9
LP
BLANK SEARCH
PUSH "STOP" BUTTON
TO CANCEL
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EN 11
GETTING STARTED
MasterPage: Start_Right
GETTING STARTED
How To Attach The Lens Cap
To protect the lens, attach
the provided lens cap to the
camcorder as shown in the
illustration.
NOTE:
To confirm the lens cap is on
correctly make sure the cap is
flush to the camcorder.
How To Attach The Shoulder Strap
Open the pad and make grip adjustments.
●Before making the adjustment, remove any
security tags that may be attached to the
velcro.
1Peel off the pad
and thread the end
of the strap
through the eyelet.
2Thread the
strap through the
buckle, adjust its
length, and use the
strap guide to fix it
in place.
3Position the
buckle near the
eyelet and reattach
the pad.
Place here during
shooting.
Eyelet
Strap Guide
Buckle
Grip Adjustment
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 11 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

GETTING STARTED
12 EN
MasterPage: Left
Charging The Battery Pack
1Set the Power Switch to “OFF”.
2With the arrow on the battery pack pointing
upward, push the battery pack slightly against
the battery pack mount 1.
3Slide up the battery pack until it locks in
place 2.
4Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet.
5Connect the Power Cord to the AC Adapter.
6Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder.
●The POWER/CHARGE lamp on the camcorder
blinks to indicate charging has started.
●When the POWER/CHARGE lamp goes out,
charging is finished. Unplug the AC Adapter
from the AC outlet. Disconnect the AC Adapter
from the camcorder.
To detach the battery pack
Slide the battery pack downward while
pressing BATT. to detach it.
* Provided
NOTES:
●If the protective cap is attached to the battery
pack, remove it first.
●During charging, the camcorder cannot be
operated.
●Charging is not possible if the wrong type of
battery is used.
●When charging the battery pack for the first time
or after a long storage period, the POWER/
CHARGE lamp may not light. In this case,
remove the battery pack from the camcorder,
then try charging again.
●If a fully charged battery pack is attached to the
unit, POWER/CHARGE lamp will blink for
approx. 10 seconds before it turns off.
●If the battery operation time remains extremely
short even after having been fully charged, the
battery is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Please purchase a new one.
●Since the AC Adapter processes electricity
internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure
to use it only in well-ventilated areas.
●After 5 minutes have elapsed in Record-
Standby mode with the cassette inserted and no
operation is performed, the camcorder will
automatically turn off its power supplied from
the AC adapter. In this case, the battery charge
starts if the battery is attached to the camcorder.
●Please do not pull or bend the AC adapter plug
and cable. This may damage the AC adapter.
About Batteries
DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries
apart, or expose them to flame or excessive
heat, as it may cause a fire or explosion.
WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its
terminals to come in contact with metals, as
this can result in a short circuit and possibly
start a fire.
To restore the accuracy of the battery
power indicator
If the battery power indication differs from the
actual operating time, fully charge the battery,
and then run it down. However this method
may not work if the battery was used for a long
period of time under extremely high/low
temperature condition or charged too many
times.
Power
Battery pack Charging time
BN-VF808U* Approx. 1 hr. 30 min.
BN-VF815U Approx. 2 hrs. 40 min.
BN-VF823U Approx. 3 hrs. 50 min.
1
2
Battery
pack
BATT.
Lock
Button
Battery pack
mount
To DC
connector
AC
Adapter
Arrow
POWER/CHARGE Lamp
Power switch
To AC outlet
Power Cord
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EN 13
GETTING STARTED
MasterPage: Start_Right
GETTING STARTED
Using The Battery Pack
Perform steps 2–3in “Charging The Battery
Pack”(pg. 12).
Maximum continuous recording time
* Provided
NOTES:
●Recording time is reduced significantly under
the following conditions:
•Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged
repeatedly.
•The LCD monitor is used repeatedly.
•The playback mode is engaged repeatedly.
●Before extended use, it is recommended that
you prepare enough battery packs to cover
3 times the planned shooting time.
A
TTENTION:
Before detaching the power source, make sure
that the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to
do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.
Data Battery System
You can check the remaining battery power
and the recordable time.
When the battery is attached, press DATA.
●When the Power Switch is set to “OFF”, it is
displayed for approx. 3 seconds if the button
is pressed and released quickly, and for
approx. 15 seconds if the button is pressed
and hold for several seconds.
●When the Power Switch is set to “PLAY”or
“REC”, press DATA again to return to the
normal screen.
●Data battery status cannot be displayed
during playback or while recording is in
progress.
●If “COMMUNICATION ERROR”appears
instead of the battery status even though you
tried to press DATA several times, there may
be a problem with your battery. In such a
case, consult your nearest JVC dealer.
Using AC Power
Perform step 4–6in “Charging The Battery
Pack”(pg. 12).
NOTE:
The provided AC Adapter features automatic
voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to
240 V.
INFORMATION:
The following explanations in this manual
supposes the use of LCD monitor in your
operation. If you want to use the viewfinder,
close the LCD monitor and pull out the
viewfinder fully.
The language on the display can be changed.
(pg. 24)
1Open the LCD monitor fully.
2Set the Power Switch to “REC”or “PLAY”
while pressing down the Lock Button located
on the switch.
●If set to “REC”, the recording mode should be
set to “
M ”(pg. 18).
3Press MENU.
4Select “SYSTEM”(Ձ஛ඊ౐ ), press
SET or
2
.
5 Select “LANGUAGE”, press SET or
2
.
6
Select the desired language, press SET or
2
.
7
Press MENU .
Press 1 whenever you want to return to the
previous menu screen.
Battery pack LCD monitor
on Viewfinder on
BN-VF808U* 1 hr. 50 min. 2 hrs. 15 min.
BN-VF815U 3 hrs. 40 min. 4 hrs. 30 min.
BN-VF823U 5 hrs. 30 min. 6 hrs. 45 min.
MAX TIMELEVEL
LCD
110min
135min
FINDER
0
50
100%
BATTERY CONDITION
Language Settings
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
1 Select
2 SET
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GETTING STARTED
14
EN
MasterPage: Left
The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all
times, but its display can be turned on or off.
(
 pg. 24, 25)
Perform steps
1 – 3 in “Language Settings”
(
 pg. 13).
1 Select “DISPLAY”, press SET or
2
.
2
Select “CLOCK ADJ.”, press SET or
2
.
3
Select the desired date display format,
press
SET or
2
.
● Repeat this step to input time display format
(Select from “24h”or “12h”), month, date, year,
hour and minutes.
4
Press MENU.
Press 1whenever you want to return to the
previous menu screen/setting.
1Set the Power Switch to “REC”while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.
2Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and
locked. Pull out the viewfinder fully.
3Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until
the indications in the viewfinder are clearly
focused.
CAUTION:
When retracting the viewfinder, take care not to
pinch your fingers.
Perform steps 1–3in “Language Settings”
(pg. 13).
●To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder,
pull out the viewfinder fully and set
“PRIORITY”to “FINDER”(pg. 24).
1Select “DISPLAY”, press SET or 2.
2Select “BRIGHT”, press SET or 2.
3Select the appropriate brightness, press
SET or 2.
4Press MENU.
Press 1whenever you want to return to the
previous menu screen.
To attach the
camcorder to a tripod,
align the direction stud
and screw to the
mounting socket and
stud hole on the
camcorder. Then
tighten the screw
clockwise.
●Some tripods are not
equipped with studs.
Date/Time Settings
Viewfinder Adjustment
CLOCK ADJ.
YEAR. MONTH. DATE 24 h
14 : 10
2007 1 6
1 Select
2 SET
Dioptre Adjustment Control
Example:
Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display
Tripod Mounting
1 Select
2 SET
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 14 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

EN 15
GETTING STARTED
MasterPage: Start_Right
GETTING STARTED
The camcorder needs to be powered up to
load or eject a cassette.
1Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the
direction of the arrow, then pull the cassette
holder cover open until it locks. The cassette
holder opens automatically.
●Do not touch internal components.
2Insert or remove a tape and press “PUSH”
to close the cassette holder.
●Be sure to press only the section labeled
“PUSH”to close the cassette holder; touching
other parts may cause your finger to get caught
in the cassette holder, resulting in injury or
product damage.
●Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely
before closing the cassette holder cover.
●When the battery pack’s charge is low, you may
not be able to close the cassette holder cover.
Do not apply force. Replace the battery pack
with a fully charged one or use AC power before
continuing.
3Close the cassette holder cover firmly until
it locks into place.
NOTES:
●If you wait a few seconds and the cassette
holder does not open, close the cassette holder
cover and try again. If the cassette holder still
does not open, turn the camcorder off then on
again.
●If the tape does not load properly, open the
cassette holder cover fully and remove the
cassette. A few minutes later, insert it again.
●When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a
cold place to a warm environment, wait a short
time before opening the cassette holder cover.
•Appears if a tape is loaded while the Power
Switch is set to “REC”.
•Blinks when no tape is loaded.
Appears if a tape is not loaded when the
Recording Start/Stop Button is pressed while the
Power Switch is set to “REC”.
Appears when the erase protection tab is set to
“SAVE”while the Power Switch is set to “REC”.
You can record videos at 4:3 size and 16:9
size. By default, the camera is set to record
videos at the 16:9 size.
1Set the Power Switch to “REC”.
2Each press 16:9 switches the screen size.
On the LCD monitor:
On the viewfinder:
NOTE:
If you record videos in 16:9 size, the image may
appear to be slightly vertically stretched when
playing back on TV with the 4:3 screen.
(pg. 24, 25)
Loading/Unloading A Cassette
Make sure the window
side is facing out.
OPEN/
EJECT
PUSH
Cassette holder
Erase
protection
tab
Cassette
holder
cover
TAPE!
CHECK TAPE’S ERASE PROTECTION TAB
16:9 Wide Mode
16:9
16 : 9
4 : 3
16 : 9
4 : 3
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 15 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

16 EN
MasterPage: Left
VIDEO RECORDING
NOTE:
Before continuing, perform the procedures listed
below:
●Power (pg. 12)
●Loading A Cassette (pg. 15)
●Remove the lens cap. (pg. 11)
●Open the LCD monitor fully.
●Select videos at 4:3 size or 16:9 (wide) size.
(pg. 15)
1Set the Power Switch to “REC”while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.
2Press START/STOP button to start
recording. “REC”appears on the display while
recording is in progress. To stop recording,
press START/STOP again.
Approximate recording time
NOTES:
●If the Record-Standby mode continues for
5 minutes and no operation is performed, the
camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. To
turn the camcorder on again, push back and pull
out the viewfinder again or close and re-open
the LCD monitor.
●When a blank portion is left between recorded
scenes on the tape, the time code is interrupted
and errors may occur when editing the tape. To
avoid this, refer to “Recording From The Middle
Of A Tape”(pg. 18).
●To record in LP (Long Play) mode, pg. 24.
Tape Remaining Time
Approximate tape
remaining time appears on
the display. “– ––min”
means the camcorder is
calculating the remaining
time. When the remaining time reaches
2 minutes, the indication starts blinking.
●The time required to calculate and display the
remaining tape length, and the accuracy of the
calculation, may vary according to the type of
tape used.
Quick Review
Enables to check the end of the last recording.
1) Press QUICK REVIEW during
the Recording-Standby mode.
2) Tape is rewound for about
several seconds and played back
automatically, then pauses in the
Recording-Standby mode for the next shot.
●Distortion may occur at start of playback. This is
normal.
●Slide the Power Zoom lever repeatedly to
change the sound to on/off.
Basic Recording
Tape Recording mode
SP LP
30 min. 30 min. 45 min.
60 min. 60 min. 90 min.
80 min. 80 min. 120 min.
Recording Start/Stop
Button
Lock Button
Zoom Lever
RECORDING & PLAYBACK
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 16 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

EN 17
VIDEO RECORDING
MasterPage: Start_Right
RECORDING & PLAYBACK
Zooming
While recording
●You can zoom in up to 28X by using the optical
zoom.
●Zoom magnification over 28X is done through
digital image processing, and is therefore called
digital zoom. Digital zooming is possible up to
800X. Set (ZOOM) to [56X] or [800X].
(pg. 23)
NOTES:
●Macro shooting is possible as close as approx.
5 cm to the subject when the zoom lever is set
all the way to W.
●When you zoom into a subject close to the lens,
the camera may automatically zoom out
depending on the distance to the subject. In this
case, set “TELE MACRO”to “ON”. (pg. 23)
Journalistic Shooting
In some situations,
different shooting
angles may provide
more dramatic
results. Hold the
camcorder in the
desired position and
tilt the LCD monitor
in the most
convenient direction.
It can rotate 270°
(90°downward, 180°
upward).
Interface Shooting
The person you shoot
can view himself/
herself in the LCD
monitor, and you can
even shoot yourself
while viewing your
own image in the
LCD monitor.
1) Open the LCD
monitor and tilt it
upward to 180°so
that it faces forward.
Then, pull out the
viewfinder fully.
2) Point the lens
toward the subject (yourself when self-
recording) and start recording.
●During Interface Shooting, the monitor image
appears inverted as it would when viewing a
mirror. However, the actual recorded image
does not appear inverted.
●If the Quick Review (pg. 16) is executed
during the interface shooting, the LCD monitor
will be turned off. In such a case, check the
playback picture in the viewfinder.
●To check the playback picture in the LCD
monitor, close the viewfinder.
Zoom out Zoom in
W: Wide angle T: Telephoto
Optical zoom (up to 28X)
Digital zoom (up to 800X)
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 17 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM

VIDEO RECORDING
18 EN
MasterPage: Left
Time Code
During recording, a time code is recorded on
the tape. This code is to confirm the location of
the recorded scene on the tape during
playback.
* Frames are not displayed during recording.
If recording starts from a blank portion, the
time code begins counting from “00:00:00”
(minute:second:frame). If recording starts from
the end of a previously recorded scene, the
time code continues from the last time code
number. If during recording a blank portion is
left partway through the tape, the time code is
interrupted. When recording is resumed, the
time code starts counting up again from
“00:00:00”. This means the camcorder may
record the same time codes as those existing
in a previously recorded scene. To prevent this,
perform Recording From The Middle Of A Tape
(pg. 18) in the following cases;
●When shooting again after playing back a
recorded tape.
●When power shuts off during shooting.
●When a tape is removed and re-inserted during
shooting.
●When shooting using a partially recorded tape.
●When shooting on a blank portion located
partway through the tape.
●When shooting again after shooting a scene
then opening/closing the cassette holder cover.
NOTES:
●The time code cannot be reset.
●During fast-forwarding and rewinding, the time
code indication does not move smoothly.
●The time code is displayed only when “TIME
CODE”is set to “ON”. (pg. 24)
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape
1) Play back a tape or use Blank Search
(pg. 20) to find the spot at which you want
to start recording, then engage the Still
Playback mode. (pg. 19)
2) Set the Power Switch to “REC”while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch, then start recording.
Auto/Manual Mode
Press AUTO button repeatedly to switch to
auto/manual recording mode. When manual
mode is selected, the indicator “ M ”appears
on the LCD monitor.
Auto Mode : A
You can record using no special effects or
manual adjustments.
Manual Mode : M
Manual recording is possible by setting various
functions.
12:34:24
Minutes
Seconds
Frames*
(25 frames =
1 second)
Display
MANUAL
AUTO
GR-D720AH_EN.book Page 18 Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM