RCA Autoshot CC4352 User manual

eN
co

Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING" To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture. I
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
This symbol indicates important instructions
accompanying the product.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour _viter les chocs _lectriques, introduire la lame
la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousser jusqu au fond.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recom-
mended by the manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of
batteries may burst causing damage and personal injury.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to
this equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts
and service and attach it here. Record the serial number and model
numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.
Model No:
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:
CC4352

We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty ........... 800-283-6503 (pages 74-75)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 73)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 59-62)
Safety Information ............................. ii
First Time Operation ......................... 3
Assistance ....................................... 3
Unpacking the Camcorder and
Accessories .................................. 3
Adapter/Charger ...................... 12
Attaching ............................. 12
Removing ............................. 12
Powering Your Camcorder .. 12
Using the Battery ..................... 13
Charging .............................. 13
Attaching ............................. 14
Removing ............................. 14
Battery Level Indicator ........ 15
Battery Care ......................... 16
Battery Storage .................... 16
Battery Safety Precautions ... 16
Care and Storage .................. 16
Safety Precautions ............... 16
Car Cord Adapter .................... 17
Using Videocassettes ........................ 18
Erase Protection - Safety Tab ....... 18
Recording and Playback Speed
and Times .................................. 18
Insert and Remove Cassettes ........ 19
Cassette Care and Storage ............. 19
Setting the Time and Date ............. 20
To Correct the Date or Time .... 20
Charging the Built-in
Clock Battery ....................... 21
LCD Monitor or Viewfinder
Displays ..................................... 21
Recording Time and Date ............. 21
AUTO Date ............................. 21
Auto TITLE ............................. 21
Date ......................................... 21
Selecting Display .......................... 21
Recording ......................................... 22
Using the LCD Monitor ................ 22
Using the Viewfinder .................... 23
Eyepiece Focus Control .......... 23
Adjusting the Viewfinder ........ 23
LCD Monitor or Viewfinder
Displays ..................................... 24
AE:60 (Auto Exposure)
Shutter Speed ....................... 24
Battery Level Indicator ............ 24
Digital Effects (ZM:2) ............. 24
Fade Indicator .......................... 24
INDEX Indicator ..................... 25
Status Displays ........................ 25

TapeCounterwith
MemoryStop.......................25
TapeWarnings(TAPE,
NOTAPE,andTAPEEND)25
TimeandDateDisplay............25
Tape-RemainingIndicator.......25
ZoomIndicators......................25
DISPLAYButton..........................26
Microphone...................................26
QuickReviewFeature...................26
AutoShotFeature.........................27
AutoFocus....................................27
MacroFocus..................................27
Tape-RemainingDisplay...............27
ElectronicIndexing.......................28
Zooming........................................29
UsingtheZoomButtons.........29
ZoomLevelIndicatorin
LCDMonitororViewfinder29
UsingtheInstantZoomButton
(INST.ZOOM).....................29
InstantZoomDisplayin
LCDMonitororViewfinder29
I.ZOOM..................................29
DigitalEffects...............................30
SelectingaDigitalEffect........30
LCDMonitororViewfinder
Displays................................30
16X9Mode..............................31
16X9Displayin
LCDMonitororViewfinder31
NegativeMode........................32
DigitalZooming......................32
MosaicMode...........................33
MirrorMode............................33
FadingInandOutofScenes.........34
SelectingaTypeofFade.........34
FadeIn.....................................35
FadeOut..................................35
TapeCounter.................................36
UsingtheMemory-StopFeature...36
CameraEditFeature.....................37
CreatingaTitle..............................39
CorrectinganError..................39
ChartofCharacters..................39
RecordingaTitle.....................40
RecordingTips..............................41
TravelTips....................................41
ToPlayBackaTape........................43
PlaybackFeatures........................44
TapePositioning......................44
VisualSearching......................44
Stop-ActionPause...................44
PlaybackonaTV/VCRwith
A!Vjacks..............................46
PlaybackOperation.......................47
CopyingTapesonYourVCR........47
ViewingWhattheCamcrder
isSeeing....................................47
PlaybackOperation.......................49
NormalTVViewing......................49
Troubleshooting ............................... 58
Cleaning the Camcorder ............... 62
Cleaning the Lens .................... 62
Clean the LCD Monitor ........... 62
Cleaning the Viewfinder .......... 62
Proper Care and Storage .......... 63
Things to Avoid ............................. 63
Specifications ................................ 64
Customer Assistance and Service... 65
Warranty Information .................... 66
Product Registration ....................... 67
Index ................................................. 68

This section describes the basic 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
.Unpacking 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.
Model CC4352
N
Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 227327 or
Stock No. 241305
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044
DC Cable: Stock No. 233328
(continued on next page)
3

2. Attaching the Adapter and Charger.
To AC
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
OUTPUT
Jack
Since the battery must be charged before
it can be used the first time, attach the
adapter/charger to the camcorder.
1. Attach one end of the adapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC
OUTPUT jack on the side of the
adapter/charger.
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
2. Attach the other end of the cable
to the DC IN 9.6V jack on the
camcorder.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug
into an operating outlet.
4. Details are on page 12.
3. Adjusting the Handstrap, Removing the Lens Cap,
and Attaching it to the Camcorder.
on
Handstrap
andstrap
1. Open the handstrap, insert your
hand, and adjust the handstrap
to fit your hand.
2. Remove the lens cap and attach
it to the handstrap as shown.

4. Inserting a Tape.
STOP/EJECT
Button
Safety Tab
Tape Windows
Cassette
_Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
1. Press STOP/EJECTto open the
cassette compartment.
2. Insert the cassette with the safety
tab facing up and the tape windows
facing out.
3. Press the cassette down gently
until it locks into place, and close
the cassette compartment door.
4.Details are on page 19.
5. Turning on the Camcorder.
Switch
Note: If you want the date and
time displayed on your
recordings, you must set it.
See Date and Time Display on
pages 20-21.
• Press and hold the small button on
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch
while you slide it to CAMERA.
The camcorder enters record-
pause.
• The position of this switch tells
the camcorder whether you want
to record (CAMERA), turn the
power off (OFF), or play back
tapes (VCR).
• The camcorder automatically
turns off if it remains in record-
pause for five minutes. Place
the switch to OFF and then back
to CAMERA.
(continued on next page)
5

Electronic
Viewfinder (Grasp
here to move.)
Eyepiece__ __
Eyepiece F°cus f I-'4 .... _g It[
Control _ tIll
OPEN_IV01Itl Shoulder
Button "_'_/I S I_l _l_l [1[ Extension
Bright .._//_f-_10_ //_ad
o.trolv Monitor
6. Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder to See What's Recording.
You can watch what you're recording on the LCD monitor or in the black-and-
white viewfinder. When you open the LCD monitor more than 45°, the viewfinder
automatically turns off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder
automatically turns on. When you extend the LCD monitor 90° and rotate it all the
way around (screen side facing toward the person you're recording), both the
viewfinder and the LCD monitor show what's being recorded.
Use the LCD Monitor
1.Unfold the shoulder extension pad.
2. Press the OPEN button to open the
LCD monitor. Make sure the
monitor is open at least 45°. The
viewfinder automatically turns off.
3. Rotate the monitor around only
when it is open 90°. When you
rotate the monitor 90° or more, the
image becomes a mirror image
and the viewfinder turns on.
4. To adjust the brighmess of the
image in the monitor, turn the
bright control.
5. Fit the shoulder extension pad to
your shoulder for convenient
viewing using the LCD monitor.
Use the Viewfinder
1.Make sure the monitor is closed
and locked. If the monitor is open
more than 45°, the viewfinder
automatically turns off.
2. Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it
horizontally.
3. Pull the viewfinder out from the
camcorder and rotate the eyepiece
into a comfortable viewing
position.
4. Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.

REC/PA USE
Button
.Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE button to start recording. REC appears
in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor, when the camcorder is recording.
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE button again to stop recording. The
camcorder is now in the record-pause mode ( II appears in the viewfinder
or on the LCD monitor when the camcorder is in record-pause).
(continued on next page)
7

CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
REW/ PLAY
RE VIE WButton
Button
REC/PA USE
8. Play back what you have
recorded.
1. Press the REC/PAUSE button to
pause recording.
2. Press and hold the small button
on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch while you slide it to VCR.
3. Press REW/REVIEWto rewind
the tape.
4. Press PLAYto play back the tape.
5. Press STOP/EJECTwhen you are
finished playing back the tape.
Details on LCD monitor and
viewfinder playback are on
pages 42-43.
.
10.
Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
Close the LCD monitor and
replace the lens cap.

11. Review camcorder's operating controls.
DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
s?
RE W(Rewind)/RE VIE WButton
(A! _o - Button)
PLAY Button
EFWD (Fast Forward)
Button
(Also + Button)
STOP_nJECT
(Also EDIT-AD V
Button)
Microphone
Lens
Lens Hood Checks for
details.)
VIDEO, AUDIO OUT,
and RF DC OUT Jacks
(Located Behind Small Cover)
(continued on next page)

11. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
Built-In Speaker
OPEN
Bright
Volume
Control
LCD Monitor
INST.
(Instant) FADE
ZOOM Button
Button DIGITAL
EFFECTS
Button
Rechargeable
Battery Here
tach Adapter/
Charger's DC
Cord Here
Shoulder
Extension
Pad
Eyepiece Focus BRIGHT and FOCUS Controls
(See Trouble Checks
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ri_
BATTER Y
EJECT
Button
Button
Power Zoom Buttons
(Wand T)
Also TRACKING
Buttons
with Lens Cap
Holder
10
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Cassette Door
(Press here to
close.)

Attaching 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. Unfasten one end of the shoulder
strap from the buckle. Make sure you
leave the buckle on the strap.
2.
Bu e
Thread one end of the shoulder strap
through one of the shoulder strap rings
as shown below.
Shoulder Strap
Attaclment_/Ring_
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
.
4.
5.
Thread the end of the strap back
through the buckle making sure it is
threaded over the outer strap. Make
sure the strap is not twisted.
Repeat steps 1-3 to attach the other
end of the strap.
Pull on the straps and make sure they
are securely fastened before using the
shoulder strap to support your
camcorder.
11

Use the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder
directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 120 volts,
50/60 Hz, and can be used to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Attach one end of the adapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC
OUTPUTjack on the adapter/charger.
2. Attach the other end of the cable to
the DC IN 9. 6V jack on the camcorder.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into an
operating outlet. The POWER
indicator on the adapter/charger lights
when it is properly connected.
Notes: The adapter/charger cannot charge the
battery and operate the camcorder at the same
time. If you connect both, the adapter/charger
powers the camcorder. Remove the adapter/
charger's cable from the DC OUTPUT jack to
charge the battery.
When using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder, the battery level indicator might
display _. This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder.
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
12

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
Charge the Battery
The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging takes
approximately two hours. The camcorder's operating time depends on how often you
turn the power on and off and how much you use the monitor, zoom, and pause. To
conserve battery power, turn the camcorder off during recording breaks.
To AC 120V,
50/60 Hz Rechargeable Battery
(Hold battery flush and
slide down.)
CHARGE
Indicator
Align
Charger
Charge the Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the
DC OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger,
remove it.
1. Align reference mark on battery with
mark on adapter/charger.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
adapter/charger and slide it in the
direction of the arrow.
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
outlet (120V, 50/60Hz).
4. If the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger's CHARGE
indicator lights.
Note: Your battery will provide better
service if you charge it before and after use
and store it at room temperature.
5. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it up and off the adapter/charger.
6. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder as shown on the next page.
13

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
BATTER Y
EJECT
Button
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
Rechargeable
Battery
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Down
Attaching the Charged Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the
camcorder, remove it before attaching
the battery.
1. Align the reference arrow on the
battery to the arrow on the back of
the camcorder.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
camcorder while you slide it down in
the direction of the arrow.
3. Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
set it to CAMERA.
Removing the Battery
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF.
2. Press and hold the BATTERY EJECT
button while removing the battery.
ATTENTION: THE RECHARGABLE BATTERY
CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCT IS RECYCLABLE. AT THE
END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE LAWS,
IT MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY IN
THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM. CHECK WITH YOUR
LOCAL SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR
AREA FOR RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.
RECYCLE
Pb
14

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor and
shows you the amount of power in the rechargeable battery.
!
Battery Level Indicator Display in
Viewfinder or on the LCD Monitor
Note: If you can't see the battery level
display, press DISPLAY
•When appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used and
appear.
• When the battery power is almost
gone, flashes in the viewfinder
or on the LCD monitor. Recharge the
battery or use the adapter/charger
before continuing to use the camcorder.
Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF to turn off the camcorder before
replacing the battery.
Notes: When you record using the recharge-
able battery, the battery level indicator still
flashes to warn you of low battery power
even if you do not have the battery level
indicator displayed.
The battery level indicator isn't recorded on
the tape.
The battery level indicator has no meaning
when you use the adapter/charger or optional
car cord to power the camcorder.
15

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Care
•Your battery will provide better service
and longer performance if you charge
if before and after use, and store it at
normal room temperature.
• The battery should be charged at a
temperature of 32°F-95°F (0°C-35°C)
to prevent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at tempera-
tures below 14°F (-10°C) or above 95°F
(35°C). You might damage the
battery if you use it at temperatures
above 122°F (50°C). Operation
time decreases at extremely low
temperatures.
After repeated chargings and use
the operation time decreases. When
the operation time becomes too
short to be useful, it is time to
replace the battery.
Battery Storage ....................
Store the battery at normal room
temperature.
Lead acid batteries discharge if not
used. Recharge the battery at least
once ever six months or you may not
be able to recharge it.
A battery stored for long periods
might not supply power for the
specified time. Additional
rechargings might help restore
the battery's operation time.
Batteries being recharged that have not
been used for an extended period may
continue to charge after the normal
time. Do not charge a battery for more
than 24 hours.
• If the CHARGE indicator on the
adapter/charger starts flashing, remove
the battery, and reattach it. If after
several attempts, the indicator contin-
ues to flash, your battery cannot take a
charge and must be replaced.
• Throwing the battery into a fire or
exposing the battery to excessive heat -
over 149°F (65°C) could be hazardous.
• Do not short the battery's terminals.
• Allow the battery to cool down before
attaching it to the adapter/charger. The
CHARGE indicator will not light and
the battery will not charge if you attach
a hot battery.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or
modify the battery. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside.
• Use the battery only with specified AC
adapter/chargers and camcorders.
• If leakage from a damaged battery
contacts your skin or clothing, wash it
off immediately with running water.
16

Use the RCA Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC096 car cord shown on
page 50 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. it converts
12-volts to a 9.6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructions enclosed with the DCC096 for
complete operating instructions.
Use the DCC096 Car Cord Adapter
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
O/./CigaretteLighter
Socket
Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF to turn off the camcorder.
If the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.
Insert the small plug on the car cord to
the DC IN 9.6V jack located on the
back of the camcorder.
Take the vehicle's cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
Insert the car cord's cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket.
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
.To turn on the camcorder, press and
hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
set it to CAMERA.
Notes: The vehicle does not have to be
running for the camcorder to operate from
the DC car cord.
The battery level indicator has no meaning
when you use the car cord to power the
camcorder.
17

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.
If a snowy picture or no-picture condition persists, consider the use of a dry chemical
nonabrasive head-cleaning tape. Be sure to follow the directions with the head-
cleaning kit carefully. Improper use of a head cleaner might damage your camcorder.
Erase Protection - Safety Tab
You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,
just record over it.
_ _Safetv Tab
=t
To prevent accidental
erasure, break off the tab.
@
To record on the tape again, cover
the hole with vinyl tape.
Recording and Playback Speed and Times
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). Listed below are
the maximum recording times for popular VHS cassettes.
T-60 60 Min.
T- 120 2 Hrs.
T-160 2 Hrs., 40 Min.
T- 180 3 Hrs.
18