Samsung VP-D15 Owner's manual

ENGLISH
Digital Video Camcorder
AF Auto Focus
CCD Charge Coupled Device
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
Owner’s Instruction Book
Before operating the unit, please read this instruction book
thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
ELECTRONICS
This product meets the intent of
Directive 89/336 CEE, 73/23 CEE, 93/68 CEE.
VP-D10/D11/D15
VP-D10i/D11i/D15i
START/
STOP
SELF
TIMER
X2
SLOW F.ADV
A.DUB
ZERO
MEMORY
STILL
PHOTO DISPLAY
W
T

Contents
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2
Features........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Accessories Supplied with your camcorder .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Descriptions
FRONT & LEFT VIEW ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
LEFT SIDE VIEW............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
RIGHT & TOP VIEW ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
REAR & BOTTOM VIEW................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
REMOTE CONTROL......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
OSD (On Screen Display).................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
How to use the Remote Control ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Lithium Battery installation......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Adjusting the Hand Strap and Shoulder Strap.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Connecting a Power Source ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Using the Lithium Ion Battery Pack ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
Inserting and Ejecting a Cassette.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Making your First Recording...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Hints for Stable Image Recording.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Adjusting the LCD...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Using the VIEWFINDER............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Playing back a tape you have recorded on the LCD ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Controlling Sound from the Speaker ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Using the various Functions
Setting the menu item........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
Availability of functions in each mode................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33
LCD ADJUST..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
CUSTOM SET.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
DIS...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
PIP...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Zooming In and Out with DIGITAL ZOOM......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
PROGRAM AE................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
DSE (Digital Special Effects) ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
WHITE BALANCE.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
SHUTTER........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
IRIS..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Preparing
Advanced Recording
Basic Recording
Notices and Safety Instructions
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Getting to Know Your Camcorder

Contents
REC MODE........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 45
REC LAMP......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
WIND CUT ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 46
AUDIO MODE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ .... 47
DISPLAY................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ............. 48
DATE/TIME......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
DEMO................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 50
CLOCK SET....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Easy mode ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 52
Custom mode............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 53
MF/AF(Manual Focus/Auto Focus)............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 54
BLC ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 55
Fade In and Out......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Audio dubbing ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 57
PHOTO................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ....................... 59
Using the video light (VP-D11(i)/D15(i) only) ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Lighting Techniques................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ .... 62
Various Recording Techniques.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 63
To watch with the LCD............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
To watch with a TV monitor ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Playback..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Various Functions in PLAYER mode......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
After finishing a recording.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Cleaning and Maintaining the Camcorder................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76
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Playing back a Tape
Using Your Camcorder Abroad ............................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 80
Index .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 82
Power Source (United Kingdom Only) .............................................................................................................................................................. 83
IEEE 1394 Data Transfer
.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
USB interface (VP-D15/D15i only)
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 71
Maintenance
................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 75

Notices and Safety Instructions
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4
Please rotate the LCD screen carefully as illustrated. Unintended rotation may cause damage to the inside of the hinge that connects the LCD
screen to the Camcorder.
1. LCD screen closed.
2. Standard recording by using the LCD screen.
3. Making a recording by looking at the LCD screen from the top.
4. Making a recording by looking at the LCD screen from the front.
5. Making a recording with the LCD screen closed.
Notices regarding rotation of LCD screen
1
2
3
4
5
90°
90°
90°
90°

Notices and Safety Instructions
5
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Notices regarding COPYRIGHT
Notices regarding moisture condensation
Television programs, video tapes, DVD titles, films, and other program materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material may be against the law.
1. A sudden rise in atmospheric temperature may cause condensation to form inside the camcorder.
for example:
- When you move the camcorder from cold outside to warm inside during the winter.
- When you move the camcorder from cool inside to hot outside during the summer.
2. If the “DEW” protection feature is activated, leave the camcorder for at least two hours in a dry, warm room with the cassette compartment
opened and the battery removed.
1. Do not leave the camcorder exposed to high temperature(above 60˚C or 140˚F).
For example, in a parked car in the sun or under direct sunlight.
2. Do not let the camcorder get wet.
Keep the camcorder away from rain, sea water, and any other form of moisture. If the camcorder gets wet, it may be damaged.
Sometimes malfunction cannot be repaired.
Notices regarding CAMCORDER

Notices and Safety Instructions
- Make sure the battery pack is fully charged before recording starts.
- To preserve battery power, keep your camcorder
turned off when you are not operating it.
- When your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, if it is left in STBY mode without operation for
more than 5 minutes with a tape installed, it will automatically turn off to protect against
unnecessary battery discharge.
- Make sure that the battery pack is fitted firmly into place.
Dropping the battery pack may damage it.
- A brand new battery pack is not charged.
Before using the battery pack, charge it completely.
- It is a good idea to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD when recording for a long time,
because the LCD uses up more battery power.
* When the battery reaches the end of its life, please contact your local dealer.
The batteries have to be dealt with as chemical waste.
- To ensure normal recording and a clear picture, clean the video heads reguarly. If a square block-shaped noise distorts playback pictures,
or if only a blue screen is displayed during playback, the video heads may be dirty. If this happens, clean the video heads with a dry type
cleaning cassette.
- Do not use a wet type cleaning cassette.It may damage the video heads.
ENGLISH
6
Notices regarding the battery pack
Notices regarding video head cleaning

Notices and Safety Instructions ENGLISH
- Do not film with the camera lens pointing directly at the sun.
Direct sunlight can damage the CCD(Charge Coupled Device).
1. Do not position the camcorder such that the viewfinder is pointing towards the sun.
Direct sunlight can damage the inside of the viewfinder.
Be careful when placing the camcorder under sunlight or by a window.
2. Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder.
3. Over-rotation of the viewfinder may damage it.
1. The LCD display is manufactured using high precision technology.
However, there can be tiny dots(red, blue or green in colour) that appear on the LCD display.
These dots are normal and do not affect the recorded picture in any way.
2. When you use the LCD display in direct sunlight or outdoors, it may be difficult to see the
picture.
If this occurs, we recommend that the viewfinder is used.
3. Direct sunlight can damage the LCD monitor.
- To ensure a steady picture during filming, check that the hand strap is properly adjusted.
- Do not force your hand into the hand strap as you could damage it.
7
Notice regarding the LENS
Notices regarding electronic viewfinder
Notices regarding Record or Playback using LCD
Notices regarding the hand strap

Notices and Safety Instructions
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8
Precautions regarding the Lithium battery
Notice regarding VIDEO LIGHT (VP-D11(i)/D15(i) only)
Warning: Keep the LITHIUM BATTERY out of the reach of children. Should any battery be swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
1. The lithium battery maintains the clock function and user settings;even if the battery pack or AC adapter is removed.
2. The lithium battery for the camcorder lasts about 6 months under normal operation from time of installation.
3. When the lithium battery becomes weak or dead, the date/time indicator will flash for about five seconds when you set the power switch to
CAMERA.
In this case, replace the lithium battery with a new one(type CR2025 ).
Danger:
■
The video light can become extremely hot.Do not touch it during operation or after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result.
Take 5 minutes (approx.) for the light to cool down.
■Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light. The video light will be hot.
Please allow time for it to cool down.
■
Do not use near flammable or explosive materials.
■
It is recommended that you consult your nearest SAMSUNG dealer for replacement bulbs.
DANGER - NOT TO BE HANDLED BY CHILDREN. EMITS INTENSE HEAT AND LIGHT. USE WITH CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR INJURY TO PERSONS.DO NOT DIRECT LIGHT AT PERSONS OR MATERIALS FROM LESS THAN FOUR FEET DURING USE
AND UNTIL COOL. DISCONNECT WHEN NOT IN USE.
DANGER - TO PREVENT POSSIBLE BURN HAZARD, DISCONNECT SUPPLY CORD AND ALLOW LAMP TO COOL BEFORE REPLACING.

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
9
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• Digital data transfer function with IEEE1394
By incorporating IEEE 1394 (i.LINK™ : i.LINK is a serial data transfer protocol and interconnection system, used to transmit DV data) high speed data transport port,
moving and still images can be transferred to PC, making it possible to produce or edit various images.
(VP-DXXiis able to record and receive digital data from another DV Device.
VP-DXX is not able to record and receive digital data from another DV Device.)
• USB interface for digital image data transfer (VP-D15/D15i only)
You can transfer standstill images and short video clip to PC using the USB interface without any add-on card.
• PHOTO
The PHOTO function lets you capture an object as a still along with sound, while in Camera mode.
• 500x Digital zoom
Allow you to magnify an image to up to 500 times its original size.
• ColourTFT LCD
A high-resolution colour TFT LCD (with 112,320 pixels) gives you clean, sharp images as well as the ability to review your recordings immediately.
• Digital Image Stabilizer
The DIS compensates for handshake, reducing unstable images particularly at high magnification.
• Various digital effects
The DSE (Digital Special Effects) allows you to give your films a special look by adding various special effects.
• Back Light Compensation ( BLC )
When you record a subject with the light source behind it or a subject with a light background, the BLC function compensates for the bright background.
• Program AE
The Program AE enables you to alter the shutter speed and aperture to suit the type of scene/action to be filmed.
Features

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
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10
Make sure that the following basic accessories are supplied with your digital video camera.
Basic Accessories
1. Lithium Ion Battery pack
2. AC Power Adapter
3. AC cord
4. AUDIO/VIDEO cable
5. Instruction Book
6. Shoulder Strap
7. Lithium batteries for Remote Control and Clock.
(TYPE: CR2025,2 EA)
8. S-VIDEO cable
9. Remote Control
10. Scart adapter
11. USB cable
(VP-D15/D15i only)
12. Software CD
(VP-D15/D15i only)
13. Audio cable
(VP-D15/D15i only)
1. Lithium Ion Battery pack
3. AC cord
4. AUDIO/VIDEO cable
9. Remote Control
8. S-VIDEO cable7. Lithium batteries
(2EA)
5. Instruction Book
2. AC Power Adapter
6. Shoulder Strap
START/
STOP
SELF
TIMER
X2
SLOW F.ADV
A.DUB
ZERO
MEMORY
STILL
PHOTO DISPLAY
W
T
10. Scart adapter
13. Audio cable
(VP-D15/D15i only)
11. USB cable
(VP-D15/D15i only) 12. Software CD
(VP-D15/D15i only)
Accessories Supplied with camcorder
Digital Video Camcorder
START/
STOP
SELF
TIMER
X2
SLOWF.ADV
A.DUB
ZERO
MEMORY
WIDE
TELE
STILL
PHOTODISPLAY

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
11
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1. Lens
2. REC lamp
3. Remote sensor
4. Video Light (see page 61)
(VP-D11(i)/D15(i) only)
5. Hook for hand strap (see page 20)
6. Internal MIC
7. CUSTOM button (see page 53)
8. EASY button (see page 52)
9. TFT LCD monitor
10. Viewfinder (see page 29)
Front & Left View
1. Lens
2. REC lamp
3. Remote sensor
5. Hook for Hand Strap
6. Internal MIC
10.Viewfinder
9.TFT LCD monitor
8. EASY button
7. CUSTOM button
4.Video Light (VP-D11(i)/D15(i))

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
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12
PLAYER CAMERA
: (STOP) BLC (see page 55)
: (REW) REC SEARCH –
: (PLAY/STILL) FADE (see page 56)
: (FF) REC SEARCH +
: (SLOW) MF/AF (see page 54)
1. Function Keys 2. Speaker
Left Side View
1. Function Keys
2. SPEAKER

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
13
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1. Zoom lever and Volume control (see page 31, 37)
2. PHOTO button (see page 59)
3. Power switch (CAMERA or PLAYER) (see page 21)
4. S-VIDEO out
5. DV IN/OUT:VP-DXXi (see page 70)
DV OUT:VP-DXX
6. External MIC in (see page 57)
7. Audio/Video out
8. OPEN/EJECT button (see page 25)
Right & Top View
1. Zoom lever and Volume Control
2. PHOTO button
3. Power switch
(CAMERA or PLAYER)
8. OPEN/EJECT button
7. Audio/Video out
6. External MIC in
5. DV IN/OUT:VP-DXXi
DV OUT:VP-DXX)
4. S-VIDEO out

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
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14
1. Charging indicator (see page 22)
2. MENU ON/OFF button (see page 32)
3. ENTER/DISPLAY button
4. MENU DIAL (see page 32)
5. LCD open
6. LIGHT switch (see page 61)
(VP-D11(i)/D15(i) only)
7. Hook for shoulder strap
8. USB jack (see page 74)
(VP-D15(i) only)
9. DC jack (see page 21)
10. START/STOP button (see page 26)
11. Battery Release button (see page 75)
12. Lithium Battery holder (see page 19)
Rear & Bottom View
11. Battery Release button
10. START/STOP button
12. Lithium Battery
Holder
1. Charging indicator
2. MENU ON/OFF button
3. ENTER/DISPLAY button
4. MENU DIAL
5. LCD open
6. LIGHT switch
(VP-D11(i)/D15(i) only)
7. Hook for shoulder strap
8. USB jack (VP-D15(i) only)
9. DC jack

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
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1. PHOTO
2. START/STOP
3. SELF TIMER (see page 18)
4. ZERO MEMORY (see page 68)
5. (FF)
6. (REW)
7. (PLAY)
8. X2 (see page 67)
9. (SLOW)
10. Frame Advance (see page 67)
11. (STOP)
12. (STILL)
13. A.DUB (see page 57)
14. Zoom TELE
15. Zoom WIDE
16. DISPLAY (see page 17)
Remote control
START/
STOP
SELF
TIMER
X2
SLOW F.ADV
A.DUB
ZERO
MEMORY
W
T
STILL
PHOTO DISPLAY
1. PHOTO
2. START/STOP
3. SELF TIMER
4. ZERO MEMORY
5. (FF)
6. (REW)
7. (PLAY)
8.X2
9. (SLOW)
16. DISPLAY
15. Zoom WIDE
14. ZoomTELE
13. A.DUB
12. (STILL)
11. (STOP)
10. Frame Advance

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
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16
1. Battery level (see page 24)
2. Zoom position (see page 37)
3. Manual focus (see page 54)
4. DSE (Digital Special Effect) mode (see page 40)
5. White Balance mode (see page 42)
6. Shutter speed and IRIS (see page 43, 44)
7. Audio record mode (see page 47)
8. Self record and waiting timer (see page 18)
9. WIND CUT(see page 46)
10. DATE/TIME (see page 49)
11. Self diagnosis (see page 78)
12. DEW condensation (see page 78)
13. PIP (Picture in Picture) (see page 36)
14. Photo (see page 59)
15. Digital zoom mode (see page 38)
16. Remaining Tape (measured in minutes)
17. Tape counter
18. Zero memory indicator (see page 68)
19. Operating mode
20. Record speed mode (see page 45)
21. Light ON (see page 61) (VP-D11(i)/D15(i) only)
22. Custom or Easy mode (see page 52, 53)
23. DIS (Digital Image Stabilizer) (see page 35)
24. Program AE (see page 39)
OSD in CAMCORDER RECORD mode
WAIT-10S
CUSTOM SP STBY
MIRROR PHOTO
OUTDOOR
1/500 TAPE
M.FOCUS 100 MIN
DEW
PIP
23:30
SELF-30S 31.DEC.2001
500 0:00:00 18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
25 24 23 22 21 20 19
WBLC T M
x
I29
W.CUT
USB
9
I
8
16BIT
7
OSD (On Screen Display)

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
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25. BLC (Back Light Compensation) (see page 55)
26. Volume control (see page 31)
27. Audio playback channel (see page 58)
28. Audio playback mode
29. DV IN (VP-DXXi only) (DV data receiving mode) (see page 70)
30. A. DUB (see page 57)
31. USB (see page 71) (VP-D15(i) only)
Turning the OSD on/off (On Screen Display)
✤ When you set the power switch to CAMERA, and the OSD is automatically turned on.
✤ When you set the power switch to PLAYER, and the OSD is automatically turned off.
✤Refer to page 48.
•
Turning OSD on/off
Press the ENTER (DISPLAY) button on the rear side panel.
- Each press of the button toggles the OSD function on and off.
- When you turn the OSD off,
In CAMERA mode:You only see those features being used.
In PLAYER mode: All OSD messages flash for 3 seconds then disappear.
•
Turning on/off the DATE/TIME
- The DATE/TIME is not affected when the OSD function is switched ON or OFF.
- To turn the DATE/TIME on or off, access the menu and change the DATE/TIME mode. (see page 49 )
OSD (On Screen Display)
OSD in CAMCORDER PLAYBACK mode
SOUND2
SP STILL
A.DUB
TAPE
100 MIN
DEW
USB
DV IN
VOLUME
0 16 31
23:30
16BIT 31.DEC.2001
0:00:00:00 17
16
30
29
10
1
13
11
26
27
28
20 19
31

Getting to KnowYour Camcorder
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18
Battery Installation for the Remote Control
✤You must insert or replace the lithium battery when :
- You purchase the camcorder.
- The remote control doesn’t work.
✤ Ensure that you insert the lithium cell correctly, following the + and – markings.
✤Be careful not to reverse the polarity of the battery.
Self Record using the Remote Control
The Self-Timer function on the remote control allows you to start and stop recording automatically.
Example: Scene with all members of your family
Two options are available
■
WAIT-10S/SELF-30S: 10 seconds wait, 30 seconds of recording.
■
WAIT-10S/SELF-END: 10 seconds wait, records until you press the START/STOP button again.
1. Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode.
2. Press the SELF TIMER button until the appropriate indicator is displayed in the viewfinder :
■
WAIT-10S/SELF-30S
■
WAIT-10S/SELF-END
3. Press the START/STOP button to start the timer.
: After a 10 second wait, recording starts.
: If you have selected SELF-30S, recording stops automatically after 30 seconds.
: If you have selected SELF-END, press START/STOP again when you wish to stop recording.
START/
STOP
SELF
TIMER
X2
SLOW F.ADV
A.DUB
ZERO
MEMORY
STILL
PHOTO DISPLAY
W
T
SELF
TIMER
How to use the Remote Control

Preparing
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✤The lithium battery maintains the clock function and preset contents of the memory; even if the battery pack or AC power adapter is removed.
✤The lithium battery for the camcorder lasts about 6 months under normal operation from the time of installation.
✤When the lithium battery becomes weak or dead, the date/time indicator flashes for about 5 seconds when you set the power switch to CAMERA.
In this case, replace the lithium battery with CR2025 type.
1. Remove the Lithium battery holder from the camera.
2. Position the Lithium cell in the holder, with the positive ( ) terminal face down.
3. Reinsert the holder into the lithium battery compartment.
Reference The holder must be inserted in the correct direction or it will not fit properly.
Warning: Keep the LITHIUM BATTERY out of the reach of the children.
Should any battery be swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
Lithium Battery Installation

Preparing
It is very important to ensure that the Hand strap is correctly adjusted before you begin your recording.
The hand strap enables you to :
- Hold the camcorder in a stable, comfortable position.
- Press the Zoom and START/STOP button without having to change the position of your hand.
Hand strap
a. Pull open the Hand Strap cover and release the Hand Strap.
b. Adjust its length and stick it back onto the Hand Strap cover.
c. Close the Hand Strap cover back up again.
Shoulder Strap
The Shoulder Strap enables you to carry your camcorder around in complete safety.
1. Insert the end of strap into the Shoulder Strap hook on the camcorder.
Insert the other end of strap into ring inside hand strap.
2. Thread each end into the buckle, adjust the length of the strap and then pull it tight in the buckle.
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20
Adjusting the Hand Strap and Shoulder Strap
ac
b
12