Samsung VP-M50 Owner's manual

Video Camcorder
8mm
VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54
Owner’s Instruction Book
Before operating the unit, please read
this instruction book thoroughly, and retain it for
future reference.
ELECTRONICS
Hi
VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53
VP-M54
This product meets the intent of
Directive 89/336 CEE, 73/23 CEE, 93/68 CEE.
ENGLISH

ENGLISH
Table of Contents
2
Pr
Gett
Adjusting the Hand Strap and Shoulder Strap..............................................................................................16
Lithium Battery Installation............................................................................................................................17
Connecting the Power Source......................................................................................................................18
■ To use AC Power Adapter ....................................................................................................................18
■ To use Battery Pack .............................................................................................................................19
Using the Battery Pack .................................................................................................................................20
■ Table of continuous recording time ......................................................................................................20
■ Display of Battery Level........................................................................................................................21
Inserting and Ejecting a Cassette ................................................................................................................22
Settin
Making the First Shooting.............................................................................................................................23
Tips for Stable Image Shooting ...................................................................................................................25
■ Shooting with Viewfinder......................................................................................................................25
Adjusting Focus of the VIEWFINDER...........................................................................................................25
Playing back the tape on the CAMCORDER................................................................................................26
■ Viewing a Still Picture...........................................................................................................................27
■ Picture Search......................................................................................................................................27
Zooming In and Out......................................................................................................................................28
Digital Zoom..................................................................................................................................................29
Bas
Ad
Features..........................................................................................................................................................8
Descriptions
■ Front View/Side View/Rear View................................................................................................9, 10, 11
■ OSD (On Screen Display) ...................................................................................................................12
Accessories Supplied with Camcorder .........................................................................................................14
Remote Control.............................................................................................................................................15
■ Self Recording with the Remote Control..............................................................................................15

ENGLISH
3
Table of Contents (continued)
DIS (Digital Image Stabilizer, VP-M53/M54 only).........................................................................................31
MF/AF (Manual Focus/Auto Focus)..............................................................................................................32
XDR/BLC.......................................................................................................................................................33
Program AE (Automatic Exposure)...............................................................................................................34
DSE (Digital Special Effect) in CAMERA mode............................................................................................36
Setting and Recording the DATE/TIME ........................................................................................................38
Selecting and Recording a Title....................................................................................................................40
Fade In and Out............................................................................................................................................42
PIP ................................................................................................................................................................43
Snap Shot .....................................................................................................................................................44
White Balance...............................................................................................................................................45
Setting the Remote Control...........................................................................................................................46
Demonstration...............................................................................................................................................47
Lighting Techniques ......................................................................................................................................48
Pl
To see with TV monitor.................................................................................................................................49
Various Functions in PLAYER mode.............................................................................................................51
Setting the Remote Control...........................................................................................................................52
DSE in PLAYER mode..................................................................................................................................52
Cleaning and Taking care of the Camcorder................................................................................................52
■ Cleaning the Viewfinder ......................................................................................................................52
■ Cleaning the Video Heads ...................................................................................................................53
■ Storing the Camcorder .........................................................................................................................53
M
Self Diagnosis Display .................................................................................................................................55
Moisture Condensation.................................................................................................................................58
Troublesh
Spec
Inde
Pow
Usi

Precautions and Safety Instructions
Taking care of the battery pack
4
ENGLISH
✤Do not let LENS point toward the sun.
Direct sunlight can damage the CCD.
(*CCD: Charge Coupled Device)
Precautions regarding the LENS
✤Do not allow any metal objects to touch
the terminals, as this can cause a short circuit and
damage the battery pack.
Keep the terminals clean.
✤The camera, adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminals are dirty.
Check them before use, and wipe them with a dry cloth or tissue if necessary.

Precautions and Safety Instructions
Precautions regarding electronic viewfinder
5
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1) Do not place the camcorder so 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) Unintended rotation may cause damage
to the viewfinder.
123
1) A sudden rise in atmospheric temperature may cause condensa-
tion to form inside the camcorder.
for example:
■When you take the camcorder from cold temperature outside to
warm temperature inside during the winter.
■When you take the camcorder from cool temperature inside to hot
temperature outside during the summer.
2) If the “DEW” protection feature is activated, leave the camcorder
in the dry and warm room with the cassette compartment opened
and the battery removed.
3) If the “DEW” protection feature is activated unexpectedly, and you
want to override it, reinstall the battery pack and the lithium battery
after detaching the battery pack and lithium battery.
Please make sure that the condensation has disappeared com-
pletely. (see page 58)
Precautions regarding moisture condensation
DEW

Precautions and Safety Instructions
Precautions regarding the battery pack
6
ENGLISH
✤Make sure that the battery pack is charged before shooting outdoors.
✤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 STANDBY for more than 5~7 minutes without
operation, it will automatically turn off to protect against unexpected battery discharge.
✤Make sure that the battery pack is fitted firmly into place.
Dropping the battery pack might damage it.
✤When the battery reaches the end of its life please contact your local dealer. The batteries have to
be dealt as chemical waste.
Warning: Keep the LITHIUM BATTERY out of the reach of children. Should the battery be swal-
lowed, consult a doctor immediately.
✤The lithium battery maintains the clock function, title and preset contents memory; even if the battery
pack or AC power adapter is removed.
✤The lithium battery for the camcorder lasts about 8~10 months under normal operation from time of
installation.
✤When the lithium battery becomes weak or dead, the date/time indicator flashes about 5 seconds
when you set the power switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the lithium battery with CR2025 type.
(see page 17)
Pr
*When the lithium battery
becomes weak or dead please
contact your local dealer. The
batteries have to be dealt with
as chemical waste.
WARNING:
LITHIUM BATTERY MUST BE
RECYCLED OR DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.

Precautions and Safety Instructions
Precautions regarding the hand strap
7
ENGLISH
✤To protect against tape and head-drum wear, your camcorder will automatically turn off if it is left in
STANDBY mode without operation for more than 5~7 minutes.
5 minutes off timer in STANDBY mode
✤It is very important to adjust the hand strap for better
shooting. (see page 16)
✤Do not insert your hand in the hand strap forcibly,
the buckle may be damaged.
✤To ensure normal recording and clear picture, clean the video heads. When playing back the pictures ,
if they are noisy or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty. If this happens, clean the video heads
with the dried type cassette cleaner.
✤Do not use a wet type cassette cleaner. It may damage the video heads. (see page 53)
Precautions regarding the video head cleaning

Getting to Know Your Camcorder
Features
8
ENGLISH
Your camcorder has many features for shooting and playing back.
Snap Shot (VP-M53/M54 only)
The Snap Shot function lets you shoot an object at a standstill for a limited time in Camera mode.
(see page 44)
PIP (VP-M53/M54 only)
The PIP function shows where the center of image is while shooting in Digital Zoom of the Camera mode.
(see page 43)
XDR/BLC
■ BLC for VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53.
When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background,
use the XDR/BLC function. (see page 33)
■ XDR: Extended Dynamic Range
DSE (Digital Special Effects)
The DSE allows a creative look to your films by adding various special effects.(see page 36)
Program AE (Auto Exposure)
The Program AE allows the shutter speed and aperture to adjust to the type of picture to be filmed.
(see page 34)
DIS (VP-M53/M54 only)
The DIS compensates unstable images caused by hand shake, particularly at high magnification.
(see page 31)
22x High ratio zoom lens
Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the picture.
For more professional recordings, use the zoom function. (see page 28)
Digital Zoom
Higher than 22x zoom is achieved digitally. (see page 29)
Macro
The macro function allows you to shoot your subject at close range.
You have to adjust the zoom fully wide for macro shooting. (see page 28)

Getting to Know Your Camcorder
Front View
9
ENGLISH
3. PLAY/STILL
2. Edit/SEARCH (REW)
1. Lens
15. Remote Sensor
14. MIC
11. POWER
12. MF Dial
4. Edit/SEARCH (FF)
5. DATE/TIME(STOP)
6. TAPE EJECT
7. EVF
8. PIP(Z.RETURN)
9. FADE
10. XDR/BLC
13. MF
1. Lens (see page 59)
2. EDIT/SEARCH (REW)
EDIT/SEARCH works in STANDBY mode.
(see page 24)
REW works in PLAYER mode. (see page 51)
3. PLAY/STILL
PLAY/STILL works in PLAYER mode.
(see page 50)
4. EDIT/SEARCH (FF)
EDIT/SEARCH works in STANDBY mode.
(see page 24)
FF works in PLAYER mode. (see page 51)
5. DATE/TIME(STOP)
DATE/TIME works in CAMERA mode.
(see page 38)
STOP works in PLAYER mode. (see page 50)
.
6. TAPE EJECT
Use when ejecting the tape. (see page 22)
7. EVF(Electronic Viewfinder, see page 52)
8. PIP(Z.RETURN)
PIP works in CAMERA mode.
(VP-M53/M54 only, see page 43)
9. FADE
FADE works in CAMERA mode. (see page 42)
10. XDR/BLC
XDR/BLC works in CAMERA mode.
(BLC for VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53,
see page 33)
11. POWER switch (see page 18)
- CAMERA : Select to shoot.
- OFF : Select to turn off the camcorder.
- PLAYER : Select to play back.
12. MF dial (see page 32)
MF dial works in CAMERA mode.
13. MF (see page 32)
MF works in CAMERA mode.
14. MIC
MIC works in CAMERA mode.
15. Remote Sensor (see page 15)

ENGLISH
Getting to Know Your Camcorder
10
22. TITLE
20. PROGRAM AE
21. DSE
17. ENTER
18. MENU Dial
19. S-VIDEO out
16. MENU ON/OFF (see page 30)
MENU ON/OFF works in CAMERA and
PLAYER mode.
17. ENTER (see page 30)
ENTER works in MENU mode.
18. MENU dial
Menu dial works in MENU mode. (see page 30)
19. S-VIDEO out (VP-M54 only, see page 50)
20. PROGRAM AE (see page 34)
PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) works in
CAMERA mode.
21. DSE (see page 36)
DSE works in CAMERA and PLAYER mode.
22. TITLE (see page 40)
TITLE works in CAMERA mode.
23. C. RESET (Counter Reset)
Use to reset the tape counter.
24. DISPLAY
Use to turn the OSD on or off.
25. Lithium Battery (see page 17)
16. MENU ON/OFF
23. C.RESET
24. DISPLAY
25. Lithium Battery
Side View

Getting to Know Your Camcorder
Rear View
11
ENGLISH
26. ZOOM
27. Cassette holder
38. SNAP SHOT/D.ZOOM
29. AUDIO/VIDEO out
34. External MIC
30. LENS cap
31. Hand strap
37. BATTERY EJECT
28. Hooks for
shoulder strap
36. Battery Pack
compartment
39. Recharging Indicator
35. DC jack
33. START/STOP
32. LOCK/STANDBY
26. ZOOM (see page 28)
27. Cassette holder
28. Hooks for shoulder strap (see page 17)
29. AUDIO/VIDEO out (see page 49)
30. LENS cap
31. Hand strap (see page 16)
32. LOCK/STANDBY (see page 18)
- LOCK : off
- STANDBY : CAMERA
33. START/STOP (see page 23)
START/STOP works in CAMERA mode.
34. External MIC (see page 59)
35. DC jack (see page 18)
36. Battery pack compartment (see page 19)
37. BATTERY EJECT
38. SNAP SHOT/D.ZOOM
SNAP SHOT works in CAMERA mode.
(VP-M53/M54 only, see page 44)
D.ZOOM works in CAMERA mode.
(VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52 only, see page 30)
39. Recharging Indicator (see page 19)

Getting to Know Your Camcorder
OSD (On Screen Display)
ENGLISH
12
✤ The OSD on/off switch is operated by using the DISPLAY button.
✤ The title and date/time functions can be operated even after the OSD is turned off.
✤ The OSD is displayed in the viewfinder and the monitor.
OSD in CAMERA mode
OSD in PLAYER mode
a. Zoom position (see page 29)
Indicates zoom position.
b. DIS (VP-M53/M54 only)
(see page 31)
Indicates DIS is activating.
c. Battery level (see page 21)
Indicates the power left in the battery.
( )
d. Manual Focus (see page 32)
Indicates manual focus is on.
Auto Focus is not displayed.
e. XDR/BLC (see page 33)
(BLC for VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53)
Indicates XDR or BLC is activating.
f. Program AE (see page 34)
Indicates Program AE mode is
activating. ( , , , , HSS )
g.
Self record waiting timer. (see page 15)
Indicates 10 seconds timer.
h. Self record recording timer.
(see page 15)
(30 seconds or END).
i. Date (see page 38)
Indicates the date of the shooting.
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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
OSD (On Screen Display)
13
ENGLISH
j. Time (see page 38)
Indicates the time of the shooting.
k. Title (see page 40)
Indicates the title of the recording.
It is superimposed on the scene.
l. Self diagnosis (see page 55)
(TAPE, TAPE END) Checks the operation of the Camcorder.
m. DSE (Digital Special Effect) (see page 36)
Indicates the DSE mode is activating.
The operation modes are MAKE-UP, EMBOSS, WIDE(16:9), CINEMA, NEG., MIRROR, MOSAIC,
B&W, SEPIA, GHOST, STROBE and LSS.
n. Tape counter
Indicates amount of the tape used.
We recommend that you reset the tape counter with the COUNTER RESET button before you start
shooting.
o. Operation mode
Indicates the operation mode is activating.
The operation modes are STBY, REC, STOP, PLAY, FF, REW.
p. Hi8 (VP-M54 only) (see page 50)
Indicates the use of the Hi8 tape in shooting or playing back.
q. DEW condensation (see page 58)
Monitors the moisture condensation.
r. Digital zoom (see page 29)
Indicates digital zoom is activating.
s. Snap Shot (see page 44)
Indicates the left time of the Snap Shot Shooting.
t. Playback speed (see page 50)
Indicates the playback speed in PLAYER mode.
SP is not displayed.
u. Zero return (see page 51)
Indicates that the zero return is activating.
v. White Balance mode (see page 45)
Indicates the White Balance mode is activing.
The White Balance modes are AUTO, INDOOR and OUTDOOR.

Getting to Know Your Camcorder
Accessories Supplied with Camcorder
14
ENGLISH
Make sure that the following basic accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
Basic Accessory
1. AC Power Adapter. (see page 18)
2. AC cord. (see page 18)
3. Battery Pack. (see page 19)
4. Audio/Video Cable. (see page 49)
5. Shoulder strap. (see page 17)
6. Instruction Book.
7. Remote Control. (see page 15)
(VP-M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54)
8. Batteries for Remote Control. (see page 15)
9. Lithium Battery for Clock.
(TYPE: CR2025, see page 17)
Optional Accessory
10. Scart adapter. (see page 49)
11. S-VIDEO cable. (see page 50)
(VP-M54 only)
12. Cassette. (see page 22)
13. Carrying Case.
Note:Optional accessories may be included with
the camcorder, depending on the country
in which it is purchased.
1. AC Power Adapter 2. AC cord 3. Battery Pack
5. Shoulder Strap
4. AUDIO/VIDEO Cable 6. Instruction Book
7. Remote Control
Video Camcorder
8mm
8. Two R6 AA batteries 9. Lithium Battery
13. Carrying Case
11. S-VIDEO cable 12. Cassette
10. Scart adapter

Getting to Know Your Camcorder
Remote Control (VP-M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54)
15
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Description of Parts
1. Start/Stop (see page 23)
2. Self Timer
3. Still (see page 51)
4. WIDE (see page 28)
5. TELE (see page 28)
6. Display (see page 12)
7. (Play) (see page 50)
8. (FF) (see page 51)
9. (REW) (see page 51)
10. (Stop) (see page 50)
Battery Installation to the Remote Control
✤You must insert or replace these batteries when:
- You purchase the camcorder.
- The remote control doesn’t work.
✤Insert two AA batteries, following the + and - markings.
✤Be careful not to reverse the polarity of the battery.
Self Recording with the Remote Control
✤The Self Timer function on the remote control allows you to
start and stop recording automatically.
Example: picture with all members of your family
✤Two options are available
- WAIT-10S/SELF-30S: wait 10 seconds, followed by 30
seconds of recording.
- WAIT-10S/SELF-END: wait 10 seconds, followed by
recording until you press the START/STOP button
again.
1
2
3
7
9
10
4
5
6
8

ENGLISH
Setting-up the Camcorder
16
1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and
LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode.
2. Press Self Timer button until the appropriate
indicator is displayed on the Viewfinder:
■WAIT-10S/SELF-30S
■WAIT-10S/SELF-END
3. Press START/STOP button to start the timer.
: After waiting for 10 seconds, 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.
Note: When recording with the timer, you can press START/STOP button again to cancel the function.
Adjusting the Hand Strap and Shoulder Strap
Hand Strap
✤It is very important to adjust the hand strap for better shooting.
✤The hand strap enables you to:
- Hold the camcorder in a stable, comfortable position.
- Press the Zoom and the red Record button without having to change the position of your hand.
1. Pull open the Hand Strap cover and release the
Hand Strap, adjust its length and stick it back onto
the Hand Strap cover.
2. Close the Hand Strap cover back up again.
1
3
2
WAIT-10S
SELF-30S

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Setting-up the Camcorder
17
Shoulder Strap
✤The Shoulder Strap allows you to carry your camcorder with complete safety.
1. Insert each end of the strap into the hooks on
the camcorder.
2. Put the end of each strap through the buckle then,
adjust the length of the strap.
✤The lithium battery maintains the clock function, title 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 8~10 months under normal operation from the time of
installation.
✤When the lithium battery becomes weak or dead, the date/time indicator flashes about 5 seconds
when you set the power switch to CAMERA.
In this case, replace the lithium battery with CR2025 type.
1. Take out the holder from the lithium battery
compartment.
2. Insert the side of the lithium battery toward
the bottom of the holder.
3. Reinsert the holder into the lithium battery
compartment.
Note: If the holder is inserted into a wrong direction,
it will not fit correctly.
Warning: Keep the LITHIUM BATTERY out of the reach of the children. Should the battery be
swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
Lithium Battery Installation

Setting-up the Camcorder
Connecting the Power Source
18
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✤There are two ways to connect power source.
- Using the AC Power Adapter : used for indoor shooting.
- Using the Battery Pack: used for outdoor shooting.
To use AC Power Adapter
1. Connect the AC Power Adapter to a AC cord.
2. Connect the AC cord to a wall socket.
Note: The plug and wall socket type can be different
according to the regional conditions.
3. Connect the other end of the DC cable to DC jack of
the camcorder.
4. To set the camcorder to CAMERA mode.
a. Hold down the tab of the power switch and push the switch
to CAMERA mode.
b. Set LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode.
c. Make sure that the Lens Cap is opened.
d. Make sure that the image appears in the Viewfinder.
Note: If the adapter is used next to the TV or the camcorder,
it may cause the TV or camcorder to emit noise.
Move the adapter away from the TV, camcorder or
the antenna cable.
1
2
3
4-a
4-b
CAMERA
STANDBY

Setting-up the Camcorder
To use Battery Pack
ENGLISH
How long will the battery last for shooting?
✤It depends how often it’s used in STANDBY mode.
✤How often zoom lens are used in shooting. Prepare as many battery packs as possible.
Recharging the Battery Pack
1. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder.
2. Connect the AC Power Adapter to a AC cord and
Connect the AC cord to a wall socket.
3. Connect DC cable to DC jack of the camcorder.
4. Turn off the power of camcorder, and the recharg-
ing indicator will start blinking and begin recharging.
- Blinking once a second : Indicates less than
50% has been charged.
- Blinking twice a second : Indicates 50% ~ 75%
has been recharged.
- Blinking three times a second : Indicates 75% ~ 100% has been recharged.
- Blinking stops and stays on : Recharging has been completed.
- On for a second and off for a second : Indicates there are some error.
Reset the battery pack and DC cable.
5. If recharging is completed, separate the camcorder, AC power adapter, and battery pack.
- Even if the power is turned off, battery will be discharged.
Note: Battery pack may be charged a little at the time of purchase.
1
4
2 3
OFF
19

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Setting-up the Camcorder
20
Using the Battery Pack
✤The continuous recording times given in the table are approximate. Actual recording time
depends on usage.
Notes:
✤The battery pack should be recharged in a room temperature that is between 0°C and 40°C.
It should never be charged in a room temperature that is below 0°C.
✤The life and capacity of the battery pack will be reduced if it is used in temperatures below 0°C,
even when it is fully recharged.
✤The life and capacity of the battery pack will be reduced if the battery pack is left in temperatures
above 40°C for a long period, even when it is fully recharged.
✤Do not put the battery pack near any heat source (fire or flames, for example).
Table of continuous recording time based on model and battery type
VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52 VP-M53 VP-M54
Approximately Approximately Approximately
180 minutes 160 minutes 140 minutes
Approximately Approximately Approximately
360 minutes 320 minutes 280 minutes
Approximately Approximately Approximately
540 minutes 480 minutes 420 minutes
SB-L160
SB-L320
SB-L480
Battery Type Model