Sharp ViewCam-Slim VL-ME10E User manual

ENGLISH
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER
OPERATION MANUAL
VL-ME10E
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OPERATION MANUAL ENGLISH
WARNING
TO PREVENT SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
This equipment should be used with
the recommended AC adapter or
battery pack.
CAUTION
To prevent electric shocks and fire
hazards, do NOT use any other power
source.
CAUTION
To prevent shock, do not open the
cabinet. No user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified
dealer or service centre.
Important:
Audio-visual material may consist of
copyrighted works which must not be
recorded without the authority of the
owner of the copyright. Please refer to
relevant laws in your country.
Power supply:
This unit can be operated by
connecting it to either the AC adapter
or battery pack. The AC adapter
incorporates the AUTO VOLTAGE (AC
110–240 V, 50/60 Hz) function.
NOTE
The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with close to
90,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may
appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that
this does not affect the performance of your camcorder.
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks
• Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
• DPOF is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., and
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
• All other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
holders.
WARNING
To prevent the MultiMediaCard and SD
Memory Card from being swallowed by
children, keep these items out of their
reach. If swallowed, seek medical
advice immediately.
• Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual carefully, espe-
cially pages ix to xi.
• The table of contents is located on pages xii to xiv.
• The illustrations of the screen and the actual screen can be different.

Information for Australia/New Zealand Only
WARNING:
This Camcorder must be supplied with D.C. 7.4 volts only from a BT-LS222,
BT-L221, BT-L441, or BT-LS442A battery or the AC adapter (UADP-0321TAZZ).
CAUTION:
As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adapter, do
NOT remove their cabinets as touching parts inside could result in electric
shock. Please refer servicing to a qualified dealer or a Camcorder service
centre approved by Sharp.
Note:
This Camcorder is a high technology product.
The LCD Panel comprises 89,856 TFT Transistors. Due to the high density of
transistors, it is possible that some pixels may fail.
Important:
Copyright may exist in material you wish to record.
Copying such material without permission of the relevant licensees or owners of the
copyright is prohibited by law.
Sharp is not in a position to authorize the recording of copyright works and nothing
in this operation manual should be read or implied as giving that authority.
ENGLISH

Quick Operation Guide
i
Quick Operation Guide
Please consult this operation manual further for
details on these and other functions of your
camcorder.
Charging the Battery Pack
1Connect the supplied power cord to the
AC power socket on the AC adapter/
battery charger, and insert the AC plug
into a power outlet.
2Align the dmark on the battery pack
with the fmark on the charger (1) and
guide the battery into the groove.
Pressing the battery (2), slide it in the
direction of the arrow (3) until it locks
into place.
• The CHARGE indicator lights up. The
indicator goes off when the battery is
fully charged.
Attaching the Battery Pack
1Make sure that the POWER switch is set
to OFF.
2Pull out the viewfinder completely, then
lift it up.
3Align the mark on the side of the
battery pack with the amark on the
camcorder (1). Press the battery pack
and slide it down completely until it locks
into place (2).
CHARGE indicator
1
2
3
Inserting a Mini DV Cassette
1Supply power to the camcorder.
2Hold the camcorder as shown, slide the
cassette compartment door release and
open the cassette compartment door
completely.
3Insert the cassette fully with the window
facing upwards and the erasure protect
tab facing outwards.
4Press the mark gently until the
cassette holder clicks into place.
5Close the compartment door by pressing
the centre until it clicks into place.
SAVE
REC
SAVE
REC
mark
1
2

ii
Inserting a Card
This camcorder accepts an SD Memory Card
(commercially available) or a MultiMediaCard
(supplied) for storage of still images.
1Make sure that the POWER switch is set
to OFF.
2Hold the camcorder as shown, and slide
the card slot cover release in the
direction of the arrow to open the cover.
3Insert a card into the slot with the label
facing upwards and the chipped corner
facing the lens, and then push it in as far
as it will go.
4Close the card slot cover.
Label
Chipped
corner
Using the Viewfinder
1Pull out the viewfinder completely.
2Raise the viewfinder to better aim the
camcorder depending on your position.
Using the LCD Monitor
1Press the LCD monitor OPEN release in
the direction of the arrow (1), and open
the LCD monitor (2).
2Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that
allows easy viewing of the on-screen
picture.
70
1
2
90
90
180

Quick Operation Guide
iii
Camera Recording on Tape
1Make sure that a Mini DV cassette is
inserted.
2Remove the lens cap. Pull out the
viewfinder completely or open the LCD
monitor.
3Set the Media Selection
switch to TAPE.
4Hold down the Lock
button and set the
POWER switch to
CAMERA.
5Press the Power Zoom T (Telephoto) or
W (Wide angle) button to zoom in on or
out from the subject.
6Press the REC START/STOP button to
begin recording.
REC
Lock button
To pause recording
Press the REC START/STOP button again.
To turn the power off
Set the POWER switch to OFF without pressing
the Lock button.
Tape Playback
1Make sure that the recorded Mini DV
cassette is inserted.
2Open the LCD monitor and adjust the
angle.
3Set the Media Selection
switch to TAPE.
4Hold down the Lock
button and set the
POWER switch to VCR.
5Press e(or r) to rewind (or fast
forward) the tape to the desired point.
6Press yto begin playback.
To stop playback
Press b.
Power Zoom buttons
Media Selection switch
REC START/STOP button
POWER switch
Lock button
eyr
y

iv
Lock button
NORMAL
CARD
10/90
AUTO
GAMMA
GAMMA
GAMMA
To turn the power off
Set the POWER switch to OFF without pressing
the Lock button.
Card Playback
1Make sure that the recorded card is
inserted.
2Open the LCD monitor and adjust the
angle.
3Set the Media Selection
switch to CARD.
4Hold down the Lock
button and set the
POWER switch to VCR.
5If the image you want to play back does
not appear, press qor wto scroll
through the thumbnail images.
6Press qor wto move the selection
frame to the desired image, and then
press PB to set.
•The selected image is displayed in full-
screen.
Power Zoom buttons
STILL button
Media Selection switch
POWER switch
Lock button
NORMAL
PL AY BAPLAYBACK 1 0 0 0 0 33100 00-
-
21
PAGE
CK
54
123
6
00
PB qw
100-0003100-0003
3/12
100-0003
CARD
3/12
NORMALNORMAL
NORMAL
MULTIMULTI qw
qw
PB
Card Recording
1Make sure that a card is inserted.
2Remove the lens cap. Pull out the
viewfinder completely or open the LCD
monitor.
3Set the Media Selection
switch to CARD.
4Hold down the Lock
button and set the
POWER switch to
CAMERA.
5Press the Power Zoom buttons to frame
the subject as you desire.
6Press the STILL button to record a still
image of the subject.

Quick Operation Guide
v
Dual Recording
The Dual Recording function makes it possible
to record motion images on a tape and still
images on a card.
1Make sure that a Mini DV cassette and a
card are inserted.
2Remove the lens cap. Pull out the
viewfinder completely or open the LCD
monitor.
3Set the Media Selection
switch to DUAL.
4Hold down the Lock
button and set the
POWER switch to
CAMERA.
5Press the Power Zoom buttons to frame
the subject as you desire.
6Press the REC START/STOP button to
begin recording motion images of the
subject on a tape.
•Press the REC START/STOP button
again to pause recording.
Press the STILL button to record a still
image of the subject on a card.
To turn the power off
Set the POWER switch to OFF without pressing
the Lock button.
Lock button
Media Selection switch
STILL button
REC START/STOP button
POWER switch
NORMAL
CARD
2/98
CARD
AUTO
60 min
Q
GAMMA
FADE
SRCH
NORMAL
REC
2/98
AUTO
60 min
GAMMA FADE
SRCHSRCH

vi
SD Memory Cards and
MultiMediaCards
SD Memory Cards and MultiMediaCards are
compact recording media just 32 mm long and
24 mm wide which support the needs of the
digital network society where music, images,
games and various other provider services are
offered.
• It is possible to use SD Memory Cards
(commercially available) and
MultiMediaCards (supplied) as recording
media for still images with this camcorder.
(SmartMedia™ cards and Memory Stick™
media cannot be used.) In this operation
manual, “card” refers to these SD Memory
Cards and MultiMediaCards.
• SD Memory Cards are superior to
MultiMediaCards in terms of copyright
protection functions and high-speed transfer.
• SD Memory Cards are compatible with
MultiMediaCards, and data stored on
MultiMediaCards can be used with SD
Memory Cards.
About Your Camcorder
SD Memory Card MultiMediaCard
SmartMedia™ card Memory Stick™ media
DV Technology
Digital video, DV, is a revolutionary technology
that enables recording and playback of high
quality images with the use of special digital
features previously unavailable with conven-
tional analog formats.
DV and conventional video cassette
tapes
There are two kinds of DV-format video
cassette tapes: the Mini DV cassette and the
larger DV cassette used for extended playback
and recording. This camcorder only operates
with Mini DV cassettes. DV cassettes cannot
be used. Be sure to use Mini DV cassettes with
the mark.
8 mm, VHS, and Beta cassettes cannot be
used for playback or recording with this
camcorder.
Note:
• This camcorder reproduces the highest picture
quality when used with an ME tape. It is recom-
mended that you use an ME tape for high-quality
recording and playback.
This product incorporates copyright
protection technology that is protected by
method claims of certain U.S. patents and
other intellectual property rights owned by
Macrovision Corporation and other rights
owners. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended
for home and other limited viewing uses
only unless otherwise authorized by
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineer-
ing or disassembly is prohibited.
Mini DV cassette DV cassette
VHS cassette Beta cassette8 mm cassette

vii
Supplied Accessories
Intelligent
battery pack
BT-L221
AC adapter/
battery charger Power cord
Audio/video/S-video
cable
CR2025 type
lithium battery
Infrared
remote control
DC cable
Zoom microphone Windscreen Shoulder strap
8 MB
MultiMediaCard
PixLab Video
Capture Software
(Lite version) PC connecting cable
AA battery for
remote control ×2
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Lens cap
Note:
•A ferrite core is attached to the Audio/video/S-video cable supplied with the Camcorder purchased in
Australia and New Zealand.

viii
Optional Accessories
Standard-life
battery pack
BT-L221
Extended-life
battery pack
BT-L441
Standard-life intelligent
battery pack
BT-LS222
Extended-life intelligent
battery pack
BT-LS442A
IR & Flash Light
VR-3VIF
Mini DV video cassette
VR-DVM60N
Soft case
VR-33SC
Notes:
•Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.
•When using the IR & Flash Light VR-3VIF with this camcorder, it can only be used as a flash.
PixLab USB Digital Moving Picture Kit
VR-PKU10E

ix
Precautions
•When the camcorder is not in use, make
sure to turn off the power, remove the
cassette and card, and disconnect the
camcorder from the power source.
•Do not aim the lens at the sun.
Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the
camcorder lens, the viewfinder eyepiece, or
the LCD monitor screen, whether or not
recording is in progress, as it may damage
the CCD sensor or LCD screen surface. Be
particularly careful when recording outside.
• When shooting in dark places, avoid sudden
brightly lit objects or light sources, such as
the sun. Otherwise, the image may white out.
Should this happen, point the lens in a
different direction until the picture returns to
normal.
•Avoid magnetic sources.
Using the camcorder near
strong fluorescent lights,
motors, televisions, or
other magnetic sources
may adversely affect
recorded images.
•Using the camcorder near a broadcasting
station or other powerful transmission
source may cause buzzing or picture
deterioration.
•Avoid shocks and
dropping.
Do not drop or otherwise
subject the camcorder to
hard shocks or strong
vibrations. Bumping or
striking the unit during
recording will generate
noise in the recorded image.
•Avoid placing the camcorder in close
proximity to lighting
equipment.
The heat from
incandescent lights
may deform the
camcorder, or cause
it to malfunction.
•Always respect prohibitions or restrictions
on the use of electronic equipment on
commercial flights or in other sensitive
areas.
•Be aware of the temperature and humidity.
You can use your camcorder at 0°C to
=40°C, and at 30% to 80% relative humidity.
Do not store the unit in an unventilated car in
the summer, in direct
sunlight, or near strong
heat sources; this can
result in severe damage
to the unit casing and
circuitry.
•Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or
other foreign matter could get on or inside
the camcorder, and do not use or leave
your camcorder in areas with excessive
smoke, steam or moisture.
Such environments can
cause malfunctions or
cause mildew to form on
the lenses. Be sure to
keep the unit in a well-
ventilated location.
•Some small, portable
tripods may be difficult
to attach and may not be
sturdy enough to
support your camcorder.
Be sure to use only a
strong, stable tripod.
•When using your camcorder in a cold
environment, the LCD monitor screen
often appears less bright immediately after
the power is turned on. This is not a
malfunction. To prevent the camcorder
from becoming too cold, wrap it in a thick
cloth (a blanket, etc.).

x
Plastic bag
Dew Formation
•What is “dew formation”?
When cold water is poured into a glass, dew
drops form on the glass. This clinging of
water drops is called dew formation.
•When dew forms in your camcorder.
Dew will gradually form on the head drum of
your camcorder and make the video tape
stick to the head. This causes damage both
to the head and the tape. When dew forma-
tion occurs, recording and playback may not
function properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following circum-
stances:
—When moving the camcorder from a cold
place to a warm place.
—When placing the camcorder in a cold
room which is then heated rapidly.
—When moving the camcorder outdoors from
an air conditioned room.
—When placing the camcorder in the direct
path of air blowing from
an air conditioner.
—When placing the
camcorder in a humid
room.
•How to prevent trouble due to dew
formation.
When using the camcorder in a place where
dew formation is likely to occur, allow the
camcorder and the video tape to acclimatise
to the surroundings for about one hour.
For example, when bringing the camcorder
indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag.
1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag
containing the camcorder.
2Remove the bag when the air temperature
inside it reaches the temperature of the
room.
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•“Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the
screen, and the power will automatically turn
off in approximately 10 seconds.
1If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,
leave the cassette compartment open,
and wait for a few hours to allow the
camcorder to acclimatise to the surround-
ing temperature.
2To use the camcorder again, turn on the
power after waiting for a few hours. Be
sure that “DEW” has disappeared.
3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is
flashing; this may result in damage to the
tape.
4Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10
to 15 minutes before the dew warning
feature engages.

Precautions
xi
Dirty Video Heads
Using the camcorder when the video tape is
dirty may cause the heads to clog, producing
noise on the recorded image or preventing the
image from being recorded at all.
If the video heads become clogged, the
indicator appears on the screen. Contact the
nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer
for further advice.
Using a Cleaning Tape (Commercially
Available)
Video head cleaning can be done by using a
commercially available cleaning tape.
Notes:
•Excessive use of the cleaning tape, however,
may cause damage to the video heads.
Please read the instructions accompanying
the cleaning tape carefully before using it.
•The fast forward and rewind functions cannot be
used when the cleaning tape is in the
camcorder.
1Insert a cleaning tape into the
camcorder.
•Follow the procedure on page 14 to
insert and remove the cleaning tape.
2Open the LCD monitor and adjust the
angle.
POWER switch
Media Selection switch
3Set the Media Selection
switch to TAPE.
4Hold down the Lock
button and set the
POWER switch to VCR.
•The video head cleaning
screen appears.
5Press START to begin video head
cleaning.
•“NOW CLEANING”flashes during
cleaning.
After about 20 seconds, video head
cleaning automatically finishes, and
“EJECT THE CASSETTE.”is displayed.
6Remove the cleaning tape.
To cancel cleaning, press STOP.
Lock button
CLEANING
START STOP
CLEANING
CLEAN I NGNOW
START STOP

xii
Contents
Preparation
Basic Operations
Operation
References
Part Names ............................................................. 1
Quick Reference Index ........................................... 4
On-screen Display Index ........................................ 5
Warning Indicators .................................................. 9
Charging the Battery Pack ................................... 11
Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack .......... 12
Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ....... 13
Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette ....... 14
Inserting and Removing a Card ............................ 15
Installing the Lithium Memory Battery .................. 16
Setting the Area, Date and Time .......................... 17
Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 19
Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 20
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ............................... 20
Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 21
Using the LCD Monitor.......................................... 22
Camera Recording
Easy Camera Recording on Tape in Full Auto
Mode ................................................................... 23
Zooming ................................................................ 24
Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 24
Remaining Tape Time Display .............................. 25
Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 25
Playback
Tape Playback....................................................... 26
Volume Control ...................................................... 27
Video Search ......................................................... 27
Still......................................................................... 27
Watching the Playback on a TV ............................ 28
Summary of
Operations
Selecting the Camcorder Mode ............................ 29
Using the Controls ................................................ 30
Selecting the User Mode ...................................... 31
Using the Menu Screens....................................... 32
Appendix
Preparation Summary of
Operations
Useful
Features
Basic
Operations
Advanced
Features
Digital Still Camera
Features
Operation
References

xiii
Camera Recording
Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ..... 33
Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode......... 34
Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 35
Setting the Digital Zoom........................................ 36
Gamma Brightness Compensation ....................... 37
Edit Search ............................................................ 38
Quick Return ......................................................... 38
Dual Recording ..................................................... 39
Still Recording on Tape ......................................... 40
Still Recording Effects ........................................... 41
Digital Picture Effects ............................................ 42
Fade In and Fade Out ........................................... 43
Wide Screen (16:9) .............................................. 44
Macro Shots .......................................................... 44
Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot ..................... 45
Auto Focus ............................................................ 45
Playback
Using the Infrared Remote Control ....................... 46
Tape Playback Functions with the Infrared
Remote Control ................................................... 48
Displaying the Date and Time of Recording ......... 49
Using Earphones (Commercially Available) ......... 49
Using the Time Code ............................................ 50
Playback Effects ................................................... 51
Picture Effect Playback ......................................... 52
Playback Zoom ..................................................... 53
Gamma Playback .................................................. 54
Multiple Strobe Playback ...................................... 54
Useful Features
Advanced Features Camera Recording
Manual Focus ........................................................ 55
Setting the Shutter Speed ..................................... 57
Scene Menu (Programme AE) .............................. 59
Adjusting the White Balance ................................. 60
Manual Exposure .................................................. 61
Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode............. 62
Using the Zoom Microphone ................................ 63
Windbreak ............................................................. 64
Dialogue Recording .............................................. 64
•Be sure to read “Summary of Operations” on pages 29 to 32 before performing the
operations described in the following chapters.
Contents

xiv
Playback
Editing ................................................................... 65
Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 66
Audio Dubbing Feature......................................... 67
Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 69
Using the Camcorder with Your Computer ........... 70
Advanced Features
Digital Still Camera
Features
Camera Recording
Card Recording .................................................... 73
Selecting the Picture Quality ................................. 74
Recording with the Guide Frame .......................... 75
Recording with the Self-timer ................................ 76
Using the Flash Light (Optional Accessory) ......... 77
Formatting a Card ................................................. 78
Playback
Card Playback ...................................................... 79
Delete-protection .................................................. 80
Deleting Stored Images ........................................ 81
Slide Show Playback............................................. 83
Dubbing Images from a Card to a Tape ............... 84
Directly Transferring the Data on a Card
to a Computer ..................................................... 85
Print Order ............................................................. 86
Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 89
Setting the Confirmation Sound ............................ 90
Selecting Summer Time ........................................ 91
World Clock ........................................................... 92
Useful Information ................................................. 94
Demonstration Mode ........................................... 100
Before Requesting Service ................................. 101
Specifications ...................................................... 103

Operation
References
Operation References
1
Operation References
Part Names
For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in brackets.
Front view
Zoom lens
Accessory shoe [pp. 63, 77]
Power Zoom W (Wide angle) /
T (Telephoto) control buttons [p. 24] /
VOLume control buttons [p. 27]
CONTROL dial [p. 30]
EarPHONES jack [p. 49]
Infrared remote sensor [p. 47]
Stereo microphone
[p. 67]

Operation
References
2
Left view
;
Bottom view
Tripod socket
EASY/MANUAL/AUTO Selection switch [pp. 55–62]
LCD monitor OPEN
release [p. 22]
LCD monitor [p. 22]
Viewfinder [p. 21]
Dioptre adjustment dial
[p. 21]
Power source
UNLOCK release
[pp. 12, 13]
MENU/DISPLAY button
[p. 30]
Power source connection
panel [pp. 12, 13]
Shoulder strap loop [p. 20]

Operation
References
Operation References
3
Lithium battery holder [p. 16]
Cassette compartment
door [p. 14]
mark [p. 14]
Card slot cover
release [p. 15]
Cassette holder
[p. 14]
Card slot cover [p. 15]
Card slot [p. 15]
Cassette compartment
door release [p. 14]
When the cassette compartment door is open
Right view
White Balance (W/B) button [p. 60]
DV terminal [p. 66]
STILL button
[pp. 39–41, 54, 73]
Terminal cover [p. 28]
Media Selection switch (DUAL/TAPE/CARD
selection switch) [p. 29]
Hand strap [p. 20]
Audio/Video=S-video
(AV=S) terminal
[pp. 28, 66]
Speaker [p. 26]
Shoulder strap loop [p. 20]
POWER switch
(CAMERA/VCR
selection switch)
[pp. 29, 30]
RECord START/STOP
button [pp. 23, 39]
PC COMMUNICATION
jack [p. 70]