RCA CC4371 User manual

nCR
camcorder
user's guide
CC4371

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
RISKOFELECTRICSI-IOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
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 6viter les chocs 61ectriques, 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:
CC4371

Wewanttomakesureyouenjoyyournewcamcorder.If youhaveany
questions,call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty ...........800-283-6503 (pages74-75)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 73)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 59-62)
Safety Information .............................. i
First Time Operation
• Assistance ....................................... 3
•Unpack the Camcorder and
Accessories ................................. 3
•Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 4
• Adjust the Handstrap, Remove
Lens Cap and Attach
It to the Handstrap ....................... 4
• Insert a Tape .................................... 5
• Turn on the Camcorder ................... 5
• Use the LCD Monitor or
Viewfinder to See What
You Are Recording ..................... 6
• Set LIGHTAUTO/OFF/ON
Switch to AUTO ......................... 7
• Start and Stop Recording ................ 7
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 8
• Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
Switch to OFF ............................ 8
• Close the LCD Monitor
and Replace the Lens Cap ...... :... 8
• Review Camcorder's
,Operating Controls ................ 9-10
Attach the Shoulder Strap .............. 11
Built-In Color Enhancement
Light .................................... 12-13
Power Your Camcorder
•Use the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 14
•Use the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder .................. 15- i 9
•Use the Optional DCC096
Car Cord Adapter ..................... 19
Videocassettes
• Erase Protection ............................ 20
• Recording and Playback
Speed and Times ...................... 20
• Insert and Remove Cassettes ........ 21
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 21
Date and Time Display
• Set the Time and Date ................... 22
• Record Time and Date, AUTO
Date, Auto TITLE, or Date ......... 23
• Charge the Built-in Clock
Battery ..................................... .23

Recording
• UsetheLCD Monitor orViewfinder
to SeeWhatYouRecord.....24-25
• LCD Monitor orViewfinder
Displays...............................26-27
•DISPLAY Button ........................... 28
• Microphone ................................... 28
• Quick Review Feature ................... 28
• AutoShot TM Feature ...................... 28
• Auto Focus .................................... 29
• Macro Focus .................................. 29
• Steady Pix TM Feature .................... 29
• Tape-Remaining Display ............... 30
•Electronic Indexing ....................... 30
• Zooming
• Use the Zoom Buttons .............. 31
• Use Instant Zoom ..................... 31
• Digital Effects ........................ ....... 32
• 16X9Mode ............................. 33
• Negative Mode ......................... 34
• Digital Zooming ....................... 34
° Mirror Mode ............................. 35
• Mosaic Mode ............................ 35
• Fade In and Out of Scenes ....... 36-37
• Tape Counter ................................. 38
Editing Features ................................. 39
• Camera Edit .............................. 39
• Flying Erase Head .................. .. 39
• Audio Dub ........................... 40-41
• Audio and Video Dub .......... 42-43
• Titler .................................... 44-46
• Recording Tips .............................. 47
Record from a VCR or
TV Monitor ............................ 48-49
Playback
•Use the LCD Monitor
or Viewfinder for Playback. 50-51
• Playback Features
• Tape Positioning ....................... 52
• Visual Searching ....................... 52
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 52
•Tracking .................................... 53
•Playback on TV (or VCR) with
Audio/Video Input Jacks ..... 54-55
• Playback on TV Without
Audio/Video Input Jacks ..... 56-57
Travel Tips ........................................ 58
Optional Accessories ................... 59-65
• Accessory Order Form ............. 63-65
Trouble Checks ........................... 66-69
Care and Maintenance
•Clean the Camcorder ..................... 70
• Clean the Camcorder's Lens ......... 70
•Clean the Camcorder's LCD
Monitor ..................................... 70
• Clean the Camcorder's
Viewfinder ................................. 70
•Proper Care and Storage ............... 71
•Things to Avoid ............................. 71
Specifications .................................... 72
Information to User ......................... 72
Customer Assistance ........................ 73
Limited Warranty ....................... 74-75
Index ............................................ 76-80
2

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
lo 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.
Model CC4371
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044
DC Cable: Stock No. 241308
Rechargeable 10-Volt BatterY
Stock No. EP096FS
%
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 227327
or Stock No. 241305
(continued on next page)3

2. Attach the adapter/charger.
To AC 120V,
50/60 Hz
Ad._
Charger
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 14.
3. Adjust the handstrap, remove lens cap, and attach
it to the handstrap. _ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Cap on
Handstrap
4
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. Insert a tape. SafetyTab
STOP/EJECT
Button
Tape Windows
Cassette
Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
1.Press STOP/EJECT to 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 21.
5. Turn 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 22-23.
•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.
Eyel "
Eyepiece Focus
Control
OPEN Shoulder
Button Extension
Pad
Bright
Control LCD
Monitor
6. Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to see what you are recording.
6
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 900 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
I. 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.
The on-screen display on the LCD
monitor will also be as if reflected
on a mirror.
4. To adjust the brightness of the
image in the monitor, tum 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.
i : :ito
4. Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision. "

RECIPA USE
Button
LIGHT
AUTO/OFF/
ON Switch
.Set the LIGHT A UTO/OFF/
ON switch to A UTO.
•The color enhancement light helps
you create brighter and sharper
images.
•Set the LIGHTAUTO/OFF/ON
switch to AUTO if you want the
color enhancement light to turn on
automatically when you aim the
camcorder at a dark object and
turn off when you aim it at a
bright object.
•Details are on pages 12-13.
.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/PA USE
button again to stop recording.
The camcorder is now in the
record-pause mode ( I| 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
REVIEW Button
Button
REC/PA USE
8
9. 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/REVIEW to rewind
the tape.
4. Press PLAY to play back the tape.
5. Press STOP/EJECT when you are
finished playing back the tape.
Details on LCD monitor and
viewfinder playback are on
pages 50-51.
10. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
11. Close the LCD monitor and
replace the lens cap.

12. Review camcorder's operating controls•
DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
I.
AV DUB Button
REW (Rewind)/REVIEW Button
Also -Button)
PLAY Button
F.FWD (Fast Forward)
Button
(Also + Button)
STOP/EJECT
Button
(Also EDIT-ADV
Button)
Light
Microphone
Lens
Lens Hood
Reset Switch
(See Trouble
Checks for
details.)
VIDEO, AUDIO IN/OUT, and
RF DC OUT Jacks (Located
Behind Small Cover)
(continued on next page)
9

12. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
Built-In Speaker
OPEN
Button
Bright
Volume
Control
LCD Monitor
INST.
(Instant) FADE
ZOOM Button STEADY PIX
Button Button
DIGITAL
EFFECTS
Button LIGHT AUTO/
OFF/ON Switch
Attach
Rechargeable
Battery Here
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
Cord Here
Shoulder
Extension
Pad
Viewfinder Eyepiece Focus
Control
BRIGHT and FOCUS
Controls
(See Trouble Checks
for details.)
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring REC/PA USE Button
BATTERY
EJECT
Button
Zoom Buttons
(W and T)
Also TRACKING
Buttons
DC IN 9.6V 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 3.
strap from the buckle. Make sure you
leave the buckle on the strap.
Buckle
.\
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.
.Thread one end of the shoulder strap
through one of the shoulder strap rings
as shown below.
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
.
.
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

Built-In Color Enhancement Light
The built-in color enhancement light automatically adds light when
needed. To operate the video light, press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you set it to CAMERA.
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
Video
Light
LIGHT A UTO/OFF/ON Switch
To Use the Light
Set the LIGHTAUTO/OFF/ON switch.
•To turn the light on, set the switch
to ON.
If you want the light to come on
automatically when the camcorder
senses there is insufficient light, set
the switch to AUTO.
Notes: For the light to operate in AUTO,
you must have atape in the camcorder.
If the lighting condition is unstable, the
light may turn on and off. Set the light to
ON or OFF.
° To turn the light off, set the switch to
OFF. To save battery power, turn the
light off when you are not recording.
Notes: When the light is turned on, the
camcorder may turn off if the battery's power
is low even though the battery level indicator
is not flashing.
Avoid bumping or shaking the light when in
use. The light's bulb is sensitive when hot and
might burn out.
12

Replace Light Bulb
Light Case
ht Cover
Reflection
Plate Lower Hook
To Remove and Replace the Light
Bulb:
1. Press and hold the lower hook of the
light cover while removing the light
cover from the light case.
2. Replace the light bulb.
Note: See the installation instructions
packed with the replacement bulb for
detailed instructions.
3. To replace the light cover, pass the
bulb through the hole of the reflection
plate and attach the lower hook to the
light case on the camcorder.
4. Press gently on the front of the light
cover until it locks into place.
Note: Make sure the front cover of the
light is properly attached.
13

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.
-|
on a power souree6ther!ith_
power
converters. They
CPS014,
POWER
Indicator
To AC 120V,
50/60 Hz DC IN 9.6V
Jack
Adapter/
Charger DC Cable
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Attach one end of the adapter/charger's
DC cable to the DC OUTPUT jack 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/chargercannot charge the
battery and operate the camcorder at the same
time. If you connect both, the adapter/charger
powers the camcorder. Remove the adapter/
14
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 dis-
play _ ]. 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.
.Remove the DC cable from the adapter/
charger and camcorder.

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.)
Align
Arrows
CHARGE
Indicator
._r/
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.
15

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
BATTERY
EJECT
Button
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch\
Rechargeable
Battery
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Down
Attach 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.
.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.
Remove the Battery
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF.
2. Press and hold the BATTERY EJECT
button while removing the battery.
ATTENTION: LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED
USES A RECHARGEABLE BATFERY. AT THE END OF ITS
USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, IT
MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE
MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL
SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR AREA FOR
RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL. Pb
16

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor and shows
you the amount of power in the rechargeable battery.
Battery Level Indicator Display in
Viewfinder or 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 _ I1 and _ _-I
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.
17

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 nor-
mal room temperature.
• The battery should be charged at a tem-
perature of 32°F-95°F (0°C-35°C) to pre-
vent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at tempera-
tures below 14°F (-10°C) or above 95°F
(35°C). You might damage the bat-
tery if you use it at temperatures
above 122°F (50°(2). Operation time
decreases at extremely low tempera-
tures.
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 bat-
tery.
Battery Storage _!_i_:_!_!_!:_:_!_!i!!::i_!!:!_,!_
Store the battery at normal room tem-
perature.
Lead acid batteries discharge if not used.
Recharge the battery at least once ever
six months or you may not be able to re-
charge 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.
Battery Safety Precautions __:_::_:_::::_:::-_y_
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 bat-
tery, and reattach it. If after several at-
tempts, the indicator continues to flash,
your battery cannot take a charge and
must be replaced.
•Throwing the battery into a fire or ex-
posing 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-service-
able parts inside.
• Use the battery only with specified AC
adapter/chargers and camcorders.
• If leakage from a damaged battery con-
tacts your skin or clothing, wash it off
immediately with running water.
18