RCA CC618 User manual

USER'S
GUIDE
CAM C O

Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
I ARN|NGI To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose I
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture. I
AThis 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.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour 6viler les chocs 61ectriques, introduire la lame
la plus large de la fiche dins la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousser jusqu au fond.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries
recommended 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
andservice and attach ithere. Record the serial and model numbers
located on the bottom of the camcorder.
Model No: CC618
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:

We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty..............800-283-650 (pages 84-85)
Customer Service. ......................................... .800-336-1900 (page 83)
Accessories .............................................. .800-338-0376 (pages 70-75)
Safety Information ............................. .i
Product Registration .......................... .i
Table of Contents ............................ 1-2
First-Time Operation
•Assistance ......................................... .3
•Unpack Camcorder &
Accessories ..................................... .3
• Attach the Adapter/Charger .............. .4
• Insert a Tape .................................... ..4
• Open Lens Cover .............................. .5
• Adjust Handstrap ............................ 5
• Turn on Camcorder ........................... .5
• Select a Recording Speed ............... ..6
• Set the SCENE SELECTAE Dial ..... .7
• Adjust Viewfinder and
Eyepiece Focus Control .................. .7
• Start and Stop Recording .................. .8
• Play Back Your Recording .............. .8
• Turn off the Camcorder .................... .8
• Review Camcorder's
Operating Controls .................... .9-11
Powering Your Camcorder
•Using Adapter/Charger.................... 12
•Using Rechargeable Battery.......13-15
•Using Optional Car Cord Adapter...16
Remote Control
•Install Battery Cell ........................... 17
• Remote Sensor ................................. 17
•Buttons ....................................... 18-19
Video Cassettes ......................... .20-21
Recording
•Making a Recording .................. .22-23
• Viewfinder ............................... .24-25
• Viewfinder Displays. ................. .26-29
• Tally Light ....................................... 30
• Microphone ...................................... 30
• Flying Erase Head ......................... 30
(continued on next page) 1

Recording (continued)
•Electronic Indexing ......................... 30
•Quick Review .................................. 31
• Auto Head Cleaner .......................... 31
• Camera Edit ..................................... 31
• Time Counter With Memory Stop...32
• Tape Time-Remaining Display ....... 33
• Auto Pause Feature .......................... 34
•Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS)....34
• Snapshot Feature ............................. 35
• Self-Timer (Remote Only) .............. 36
• Zooming (Power and Digital) .......... 37
•SCENE SELECTAE Dial ................ 38
• White Balance ................................. 39
•MODE Button .................................. 40
• Fading In and Out ............................ 41
• 16X9 Mode ................................. 42-43
• Focusing (Auto and Manual) ..... 44-45
• Exposure Control (Iris) .................... 46
• Titler ........................................... 47-48
• Set the Date and Time ..................... 49
• Select the Date,Time, or Title To
Record on Tape ....................... 50-51
• Install the Clock Lithium Cell ......... 52
• Attaching the Shoulder Strap ........... 53
• Animation and Time-Lapse
Recording (Remote Only) ........ 54-55
•Audio Dubbing (Remote Only) ....... 56
• Edit Insert (Remote Only) ............... 57
• Built-in Color Enhancement
Light ......................................... 58-59
• Recording Tips ................................ 60
• Traveling Tips ................................. 61
Playback
• Using the Cassette Adapter ........62-63
• Viewfinder Playback ...................... 64
• Playback Features
• Tracking ..................................... 64
• Visual Searching ........................ 65
• Tape Positioning ........................ 65
• Stop-Action Pause ...................... 65
• Playback on TV (or VCR) -
withAUDIOWIDEO IN Jacks ........66-67
• Playback on TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs .................. 68-69
Optional Accessories ................... 70-75
• Accessory Order Form ............... 73-75
Trouble Checks ........................... 76-79
Care and Maintenance ............... 80-81
Specifications .................................... 82
Customer Assistance and Service ...83
Limited Warranty ....................... 84-85
Index (Alphabetical) ................... 86-89

This section describes only 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
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
• Save the packing materials andbox in case you ever need to ship or store
your camcorder.
•The items shown below arepacked with your camcorder. If any are
missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
Remote Control
Model CC618 Part No. 221125
_ _AD_U_ B_TTER_E DIS_0_ED _
;OF PROPERLY_ =
Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery
Part No. FB1260
0
Clock and Remote Cells
3-Vo|t Micro Lithium Cells
-such as CR2025 -are
available from most local
drug stores and camera
shops. Use of other cells
present a risk of fire or
explosion.
Cassette Adapter
Battery
(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
Cassette Adapter
Part No. 221338 or VCA115A
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091

To AC 100-
240V, 50/60 Hz
Adapter/Charger
POWER
Indicator DC OUT Jack Reference Marks
Power Connector
2. Attach the adapter/charger.
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
A. Connect the power connector's
small plug into the DC OUT jack
on the adapter/charger.
B. Align the reference mark on the
power connector with the mark on
the camcorder. Hold the top of the
power connector flush against the
back of the camcorder, and press
the bottom of the power connector
down until it locks into place.
C. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
an operating outlet. The adapter/
charger's POWER indicator will
light.
3. Insert atape.
•Slide EJECT.
•Turn the tape wheel on the cassette
to remove any slack from the tape.
•Insert the cassette with the tape
wheel facing up and the tape window
facing out.
• Press on the area labeled PUSH until
the cassette door locks into place.
(continued on next page)

EJECT Button
_Tape Wheel
Tape Window _1/ _-._)_ LcE__°VnSR!
_SH trol
Handstrap Flap
POWER Switch and
Indicator Handstrap Velcro Strip
(Under Flap)
4. Slide LENS COVER control
to open lens cover.
5. Adjust the handstrap to fit
your hand.
• Lift the flap on the handstrap and
separate the velcro strip.
• Insert your hand, adjust the strap
to fit snugly, and refasten the
strap.
6. Place POWER (CAMERA/
OFF/VCR) switch in
CAMERA.
• The power indicator will light and
the camcorder will enter record
pause. -=PAUSE= appears in the
viewfinder when the camcorder is in
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 will automatically
turn off if it remains in record pause
for five minutes. Place POWER in
OFF and then back in CAMERA.

SP.SLP/T20°30"40
Switch
7. Select a recording speed and tape length using
SP.SLP/T20.30o40 switch.
Select SP or SLP recording speed.
• SP - Standard play provides the best
picture, but the shortest recording
time (20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).
•SLP - Extended play provides three
times the recording time as SP
(60 minutes with a TC-20 tape).
SLP has slightly more picture noise
in normal playback.
Set the length of the tape you are using
so the camcorder can correctly
calculate the recording time remaining
on the tape.
Repeatedly press the SP'SLP!
T20"30,40 switch.
• Select T20 SP if you are using a tape
with 20 minutes or less recording
time and want to record in SP speed.
• Select T20 SLP if you are using a
tape with 20 minutes or less
recording time and want to record in
SLP speed.
• Select T30 SP if you are using a tape
with 30 minutes recording time and
want to record in SP speed.
•Select T30 SLP if you are using a
tape with 30 minutes recording time
and want to record in SLP speed.
°Select T40 SP if you are using a tape
with 40 minutes recording time and
want to record in SP speed.
• Select T40 SLP if you are using a
tape with 40 minutes recording time
and want to record in SLP speed.
6

Electronic Viewfinder
Eyepiece Focus Control
SCENE SELECT AE Dial
8. Set the SCENE SELECTAE
dial to A UTO.
• This places the camcorder in the
AUTO mode. FULL AUTO will
appear in the side display panel.
• In theAUTO mode, the fade, 16X9,
manual focus, exposure, display, and
titler controls will not operate.
9. Adjust the viewfinder and
eyepiece focus control.
• Rotate the viewfinder into a
comfortable operating position.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder for
your vision.
(continued on next page)
7

Button
_TOP Button
PLAY Button
Thumb Trigger
(VCR/OFF/CAMERA) Switch
Power Indicator
10. Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. REC • • •
appears in the viewfinder, and the
tally light will light when the
camcorder is recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
again to stop recording. The
camcorder is now in the record-
pause mode ( ---PAUSE--=appears in
the viewfinder).
11. Play back what you have
recorded.
•Place the POWER switch in VCR.
•Press REW to rewind the tape.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back
the tape in the viewfinder.
• Press STOP when you are finished
playing back the tape.
•Details on viewfinder playback are
on page 64.
12. Place the POWER switch in
OFF to turn off the camcorder.
The power indicator will turn off.

13. Review camcorder's operating controls.
Built-in Color Enhancement Light
Lens
LENS COVER
Control
Remote
Control
Sensor
Tally Light
Microphone
Power Zoom Lever
"W" -Wide Angle
"T" -Telephoto
SNAPSHOT Button
Viewfinder
Eyepiece Focus Control
Eyepiece
MODE Button
F2 Button
ton
ELECT Button
AUTO PAUSE
ON.OFF Switch
OFFoA UTO •
ON Switch
Door
PUSH here to close.
Image
Stabilizer) Button
;CENE SELECT AE Dial
,Panel
(continued oll next page)
9

13. Review camcorder's operating controls.
B(Bright) Control Located
On Side of Viewfinder (See
Trouble Checks
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Clock Cell
Attach Battery or
Power Connector for
AC Adapter/Charger
Here
Shoulder Strap
Attachmenl
BA
AUDIO, RF DC OUT,
VIDEO Jacks
dstrap
Thumb Trigger
POWER (VCR/OFF/CAMERA) Switch
and Indicator
10

13. Review camcorder's operating controls.
DATE/TIME/CHAR + and -Buttons
(Also TRACKING Buttons) _SET Button
t \
SpoSLP/T20"30"4OButton_.......ISP-SLpFr2O.aO.4O DATE,q-IME/'CHAR-- SET
(Also COUNTER R/M Button) ]_['---'_ _ _
ICOUNTER R/M TRACKING
I
MAN.W.BAL (Manual White IMAN'W'_BAL
Balance) Button [-_ +] PLA Y/PA USE
FF STOI PLAY/PAUSE Button
REW Button
(Also EDIT SEARCH - Button)
+ Button)
11

Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The power connector attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder
directly from standard household power. The adapter/chargeroperates on 100-240
volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the
camcorder or recharge the battery.
To AC 100-240V,
50/60 Hz
Power Connector
POWER
Indicator DC OUT Jack BATT. RELEASE Button
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Plug power connector's plug into DC
OUT jack on adapter/charger.
2. Align the reference mark on the power
connector with the mark on the
camcorder. Hold the top of the power
connector flush against the back of the
camcorder, and press the bottom of
the power connector onto the
camcorder until it locks into place.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).
4. If the adapter/charger is properly
connected, its POWER indicator will
light.
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/chargerfrom the
wall outlet.
2. Press and hold BATT. RELEASE on
the camcorder while removing the
power connector.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter may be required
in some countries.
Optional _r AC 100-240V
Plug Adapter
1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the
AC outlet.
12

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
The battery must be charged as described on the nextpage before it can be used the
first time. Initial charging will take approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged,
the battery should supply about 60 minutes of operating time (depending on how much
you use the light, zoom, and pause). Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder
off during recording breaks.
Note: The small marker switch on top of the battery is for use as a personal reminder to help
you remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.
Reference Marks
Marker
Switch
BA TT. RELEASE Button
Attach the Charged Battery
If the power connector is attached to the
camcorder, remove it before attaching the
battery. Also, install the lithium clock
cell before attaching the battery pack.
Details on page 52.
1. Align the reference mark on the battery
with mark on back of camcorder.
2. Hold the top of the battery flush against
the camcorder and press the bottom of
the battery down until it locks into
place.
3. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.
The power indicator will light.
Remove the Battery
Press and hold BATT. RELEASE on the
camcorder while removing the battery.
ATTENTION: NICKEL CADMIUM BATFERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED USES A
RECHARGEABLE BATI'ERY. AT THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE,
UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, IT MAY BE ILLEGAL TO
DISPOSE OF THIS BAqTERY INTO THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM.
CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS
IN YOUR AREA FOR RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.
Ni -Cd
13

CHG
Indicator
POWER
Indicator
END
Indicator_
REFRESH-
Button
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Reference Marks
To AC Wall
Outlet 100-240
Volts, 50/60 Hz.
Indicator Adapter/Charger
Charge the Battery
If the power connector is attached to the
DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger,
remove its plug.
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 (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
4. If the battery is properly connected, the
adapter/charger's CHG (charge)
indicator will light.
Note: If you try to charge abattery that
has not been charged for a long period o[
time, it may take a few minutes for the
CHG iwdicato_ to light.
5. After the battery is charged, the END
indicator will light.
6. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it off the adapter/charger.
7. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder.
Use the REFRESH Button
The battery will provide increased
operation time if you "refresh" it after
five chargings. The refresh feature
"refreshes" the battery by completely
discharging it.
1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.
2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH
indicator will light and the battery will
begin discharging.
3. When discharging is completed, the
REFRESH indicator will turn off, and
the CHG indicator will light. The
battery will then charge.
4. After the battery is charged, the END
indicator will light. Remove the
battery from the adapter/charger.
14

Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the
viewfinder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.
Battery Level Indicator
in Viewfinder
• When _ appears, the battery is
fully charged.
•As the power is used _ and
appear.
• When the battery power is almost gone,
'C_, _ flashes in the viewfinder. The
camcorder will turn off automatically
after a few seconds. Place the POWER
switch in OFF to turn off the
camcorder before replacing the battery.
The battery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears in
the viewfinder.
Battery Care and Storage
• Recharging takes approximately 70
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
• Refreshing takes approximately 210
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
• After repeated charging and use,
operation time will gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes too short
to be useful, it is time to replace the
battery.
• If the battery discharging must be
stopped in the middle, remove the
battery from the adapter/charger before
unplugging it from the AC outlet.
•Let a hot battery cool down before
attaching it to the adapter/charger.
The battery will also provide better
service if its power is completely
drained before storing it for long
periods of time (30 days or more).
The battery should be charged in the
temperature range of 50-95°F (10-35C)
to prevent damage.
Do not operate the battery at
temperatures below 32°F (0C) or above
104°F (40C). The battery may be
damaged if operated at temperatures
above 122°F (50C). Operation time
will decrease at extremely low
temperatures.
Store the battery at normal room
temperature.
15

Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC08 car cord shown on
page 70 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts
12-volts to a 6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructions enclosed with the DCC08for
complete operating instructions.
Using the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
Cigarette
-_ Lighter Socket POWER Indicator _,JJ_,_._
"__- -- I cPnOrWe_or __
Optional DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
1.Place the POWER switch in OFF to
turn off the camcorder. Power
indicator turns off.
2. If the battery is attached to the
camcorder, remove it.
3. Hold the top of the power connector
flush against the camcorder and press
the bottom of the power connector
down until it locks into place as
shown.
4. Take the vehicle's cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
16
5. Insert the car cord's cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket. The POWER indicator on the
car cord adapter will light.
6. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA
to turn on the camcorder. The power
indicator lights.

Lithium Cell Installation
The remote's lithium cell is packed separately. Install it as follows:
Holder
IBack°f 1_Remote Control
Insert Pencil Here
Lithium Cell
1. Turn remote over, insert a pencil or
paper clip in small hole and remove
battery holder.
2. Insert lithium cell in holder with its
positive (+) terminal facing up.
3. Replace battery holder in remote until
it clicks into place.
Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of
the remote control or lay it upside-down.
Replace cell when camcorder fails to respond
to remote.
Remove cell from remote if it will not be used
for a month or more. This will prevent
possible damage from cell leakage.
If leakage occurs, wipe up liquid inside
compartment and replace cell.
Remote Sensor
The remote operates the camcorder by infrared light, so it is protected from electrical
and sound interference. However, the remote must be aimed directly at the
camcorder's remote sensor. There cannot be any obstructions between them.
Remote Control Sensor /_l// //_
Note: The camcorder may not respond to the remote if its sensor is exposed to direct
sunlight or strong artificial light.
17

A brief description of the remote button's functions is given here. Many of the buttons
perform the same functions as the corresponding controls on the camcorder.
03-- sU
PLAY TIME LAPSE
INSERT A.gUB
-0
-@
-@
--@
--@
--@
-@
_) ZOOM (T and 140Buttons
Camcorder's POWER switch in
CAMERA:
• Press Tto move the lens in the
telephoto (close-up) direction.
• Press Wto move the lens in the
wide-angle direction.
_PLA YButton
Press PLAY when the camcorder's
POWER switch is in VCR to begin
playback.
STOP Button
When the camcorder's POWER
switch is in VCR, press STOP to stop
playback, rewind, or fast-forward
operation.
REW (Rewind) Button
Camcorder's POWER switch in
CAMERA:
• When the camcorder is in record
pause, press and hold REW to
visually search the tape in reverse.
Release REW to return to record-
pause.
Camcorder's POWER switch in VCR:
• When the camcorder is stopped,
press REW to rewind the tape.
• When a tape is playing, press and
release REW to visually search the
tape in reverse. Press PLAY to
return to normal playback. For
brief searching, press and hold
REW for at least two seconds to
visually search in reverse. Release
REW to return to normal playback.
18 (continued on next page)