Sharp ViewCam VL-WD250U User manual

VL-WD250U/hyou; 00/11/14/18:00
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER
OPERATION MANUAL
MODEL
VL-WD250U
Important
Model No.:
Serial No.:
Please read this operation manual
carefully before using the VIEWCAM.
For assistance in reporting the theft or loss of
this product, record on the line
below the
model number and serial number which
are located on the bottom of the unit.
Please retain this information.
• See page 69 for use of Demo mode.
;;
;;
;;
Valid for warranty service in the U.S.only
TO OBTAIN SUPPLY, ACCESSORY OR PRODUCT INFORMATION, GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT www.sharp-usa.com
OR CALL 1-800-BE-SHARP
SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430-2135
SHARP CORPORATION
Osaka, Japan
Printed in Malaysia
TINSE0392TAZZ
0P11-M-G
Appendix
Preparation Useful Features
Operation References Basic Operations Advanced Features
CONSUMER LIMITED WARRANTY
SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants to the first consumer purchaser that this Sharp brand
product (the “Product”), when shipped in its original container, will be free from defective workmanship
and materials, and agrees that it will, at its option, either repair the defect or replace the defective
Product or part thereof with a new or remanufactured equivalent at no charge to the purchaser for parts
or labor for the period(s) set forth below.
This warranty does not apply to any appearance items of the Product nor to the additional excluded
item(s) set forth below nor to any Product the exterior of which has been damaged or defaced, which
has been subjected to improper voltage or other misuse, abnormal service or handling, or which has
been altered or modified in design or construction.
In order to enforce the rights under this limited warranty, the purchaser should follow the steps set forth
below and provide proof of purchase to the servicer.
The limited warranty described herein is in addition to whatever implied warranties may be granted to
purchasers by law. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR USE ARE LIMITED TO THE PERIOD(S) FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE SET FORTH
BELOW. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply to you.
Neither the sales personnel of the seller nor any other person is authorized to make any warranties other
than those described herein, or to extend the duration of any warranties beyond the time period
described herein on behalf of Sharp.
The warranties described herein shall be the sole and exclusive warranties granted by Sharp and shall
be the sole and exclusive remedy available to the purchaser. Correction of defects, in the manner and
for the period of time described herein, shall constitute complete fulfillment of all liabilities and
responsibilities of Sharp to the purchaser with respect to the Product, and shall constitute full
satisfaction of all claims, whether based on contract, negligence, strict liability or otherwise. In no event
shall Sharp be liable, or in any way responsible, for any damages or defects in the Product which were
caused by repairs or attempted repairs performed by anyone other than an authorized servicer. Nor
shall Sharp be liable or in any way responsible for any incidental or consequential economic or property
damage. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
exclusion may not apply to you.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS
WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
Model Specific Section
Your Product Model
Number & Description:
Warranty Period for this Product:
Additional Item(s) Excluded
fromWarranty Coverage (if any):
Where to Obtain Service:
What to do to Obtain Service:
VL-WD250U Camcorder
(Be sure to have this information available when you need service
for your Product.)
One (1) year parts and ninety (90) days labor from date of pur-
chase except for the rechargeable battery incorporated in this Prod-
uct which is warranted for thirty (30) days from date of purchase.
Non-rechargeable batteries.
From a Sharp Authorized Servicer located in the United States. To
find the location of the nearest Sharp Authorized Servicer, call Sharp
toll free at 1-800-BE-SHARP.
Ship prepaid or carry in your Product to a Sharp Authorized Servicer.
Be sure to have Proof of Purchase available. If you ship the Prod-
uct, be sure it is insured and packaged securely.

i
Thank you for purchasing this camcorder from SHARP.
The camcorder will enhance your home video enjoyment and allow you to capture those
special moments. Please read this operation manual to familiarize yourself with the
camcorder’s features, so that you will get the most out of it. The video techniques section will
help you fully enjoy the many features this camcorder offers, and expand your video world.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Important Information for Consumers in the U.S.
WARNING: TO REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELEC-
TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON-
NEL.
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the
unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating
and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying
this unit.
CAUTION
(applies to the supplied AC adapter)
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO
WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION
If the AC adapter is misplaced or
needs to be replaced, obtain the
same type of adapter from a SHARP
service center of your dealer.
BATTERY DISPOSAL
CONTAINS LITHIUM-ION RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. CONTACT LOCAL AGENCIES FOR INFORMATION ON
RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL PLANS IN YOUR AREA.
PRODUCT DISPOSAL
This Product utilizes tin-lead solder, and a fluorescent lamp containing a small
amount of mercury. Disposal of these materials may be regulated due to environ-
mental considerations. For disposal or recycling information, please contact your
local authorities or the Electronics Industries Alliance: www.eiae.org.

ii
WARNING—FCC Regulations state that any unauthorized changes or modifica-
tions to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
A shielded I/F cable is required to insure compliance with FCC regulations for Class B
computing equipment.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Sharp Camcorder
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Phone: 1-800-BE-SHARP
CAUTION ON LITHIUM BATTERY (MEMORY BACKUP BATTERY)
If a battery is reversed (positive end where the negative end belongs and vice
versa), it can overheat and rupture. This has happened when young children install
batteries backwards. Warn children
not to take out batteries or install them. Parents
should install the lithium battery in the camcorder.
COPYRIGHTWARNING: It is the intent of SHARP that this unit be used in full
compliance with the copyright laws of the United States and
that prior permission be obtained from copyright owners
whenever necessary.
NOTE
The camcorder’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with more than
61,000 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 your camcorder’s performance.
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

iii
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should not
be placed in a built-in installation such
as a
bookcase or
rack unless
proper
ventilation is
provided or
the manufacturer’s instructions have
been adhered to.
11. Power Sources—This product should
be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your
product dealer or local power company.
For products intended to operate from
battery power, or other sources, refer to
the operating instructions.
12. Grounding or Polarization—This product
may be equipped with a polarized
alternating-current line plug (a plug
having one blade wider than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet
only one way. This is a safety feature. If
you are unable to insert the plug fully
into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized plug.
13. Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply
cords should be routed so that they are
not likely to be walked on or pinched by
items placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the
product.
14. Lightning—For added protection for this
product during a lightning storm, or
when it is left unattended and unused
for long periods of time, unplug it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the
antenna or cable system. This will
prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.
1. Read Instructions—All the safety and
operating instructions should be read
before the product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions—The safety and
operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the
product and in the operating instruc-
tions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions—All operating and
use instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning—Unplug this product from the
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use
a damp cloth for cleaning.
6. Attachments—Do not use attachments
not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause
hazards.
7. Water and Moisture—Do not use this
product near water—for example, near
a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or
laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near
a swimming pool; and the like.
8. Accessories—Do not place this product
on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The product may fall,
causing serious injury to a child or
adult, and
serious damage
to the product.
Use only with a
cart, stand,
tripod, bracket,
or table recommended by the manu-
facturer, or sold with the product. Any
mounting of the product should follow
the manufacturer’s instructions, and
should use a mounting accessory
recommended by the manufacturer.
9. A product and cart
combination should be
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces
may cause the product
and cart combination to overturn.
10. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and
to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheat-
ing, and these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placing the

iv
15. Power Lines—An outside antenna
system should not be located in the
vicinity of overhead power lines or other
electric light or power circuits, or where
it can fall into such power lines or
circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should
be taken to keep from touching such
power lines or circuits as contact with
them might be fatal.
16. Overloading—Do not overload wall
outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
17. Object and Liquid Entry—Never push
objects of any kind into this product
through openings
as they may touch
dangerous
voltage points or
short-out parts
that could result in
a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid
of any kind on the product.
18. Servicing—Do not attempt to service
this product yourself as opening or
removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug
this product from the wall outlet and
refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following condi-
tions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug
is damaged,
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects
have fallen into the product,
c. If the product has been exposed to
rain or water,
d. If the product does not operate
normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the
operating instructions as an im-
proper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to
its normal operation,
e. If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way, and
f. When the product exhibits a distinct
change in performance—this
indicates a need for service.
20. Replacement Parts—When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have
the same characteristics as the original
part. Unauthorized substitutions may
result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
21. Safety Check—Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this product, ask
the service technician to perform safety
checks to determine that the product is
in proper operating condition.
22. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The product
should be mounted to a wall or ceiling
only as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
23. Heat—The product should be situated
away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other products (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.

v
Quick Operation Guide
Please consult this operation manual
further for details on these and other
functions of your camcorder.
SAVE
REC
SAVE
REC
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 smark on the battery pack
with the amark 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.
Inserting a Mini DV Cassette
1Attach the power source to the
camcorder, then slide the cassette
compartment door release and open the
cassette compartment door.
2Insert the cassette fully with the window
facing outwards, and with the erasure
protect tab facing upwards.
3Press the Wmark gently until the
cassette holder clicks into place. Close
the compartment door by pressing the
center until it clicks into place.
Attaching the Battery Pack
1Make sure that the Power switch is set
to OFF.
2Lift up the viewfinder.
3Align the -mark on the side of the
battery pack with the qmark on the
camcorder (1), and slide the battery
pack down completely until it locks into
place (2).
Wmark

vi
Easy Camera Recording
1Make sure that a cassette is inserted.
2Remove the lens cap, and lift up the
viewfinder.
3Hold down the Lock button
and set the Power switch to
CAMERA.
4Press the REC START/STOP button to
begin recording.
Lock button
REC
Power Zoom
control
Tape Playback
1Press the LCD monitor OPEN release
button (1), and open the LCD monitor
to a 90° angle to the camcorder body
(2).
2Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that
allows easy viewing on the on-screen
picture.
90
3Hold down the Lock button
and set the Power switch to
VCR.
4Press e(or r) on the Operation
button to rewind (or fast forward) the
tape to the desired point.
5Press yto begin playback.
AUDIO 12
+
AUDIO 12
+
To stop playback
Press d.
Zooming
Push the Power Zoom control to T (1)
(telephoto) or W (2) (wide angle) side.
LCD monitor OPEN
release button
Lock button

vii
Supplied Accessories
Battery pack
BT-L221n*
AC adapter/
battery charger
UADP-0321TAZZ* Power cord
QACCD0031TAPZ DC cable QCNW-1957TAZZ
Remote control
RRMCG0101TASA AA battery for remote control K2 CR2025 type lithium battery
Audio/video cable
(RCA type)
QCNW-2016TAZZ
Lens cap
GCOVH1271TASA Shoulder strap UBNDS0010TASA
* The part numbers for the AC adapter/battery charger and battery pack supplied with this camcorder
are valid only in the U.S. and Latin America. If this camcorder was purchased outside of these areas,
the part numbers may be different. Please refer to the part numbers printed on the labels of the
supplied AC adapter/battery charger and battery pack.

viii
Optional Accessories
Standard-life
battery pack
BT-L221n
Extended-life
battery pack
BT-L441nZoom microphone VR-5MCN
Note: The listed model names are for U.S. accessories.
For optional and additional accessories, contact your local dealer, call the Sharp Accesso-
ries and Supply Center at 1-800-642-2122, or visit SHARP’s website
(http://www.sharp-usa.com).
PixLab Video Capture Software
(Lite Version)
VR-PK50E

ix
•When the camcorder is not in use, remem-
ber to remove the cassette tape, turn off
the power, 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 or 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 32°F to 104°F
(0°C to L40°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 malfunc-
tion.To prevent the camcorder from
becoming too cold, wrap it in a thick cloth
(a blanket, etc.).
Precautions

x
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.
•High horizontal resolution
Detailed, accurate images with the highest
level of horizontal resolution for home use.
•Clear color reproduction with virtually no
color contamination
Provides three times the color resolution of
conventional VCRs (based on Sharp models).
Clear images with virtually no distracting
color contamination (which usually appears
as red).
•Standard use ofTBC (Time Base Corrector)
to prevent jittery images
Ensures stable images with a high signal-to-
noise ratio.
•PCM digital recording
PCM digital recording gives you high-quality
stereo sound that puts you in the middle of
the action.
The “DV”trademark can only be used on
digital VCR products which have been
evaluated and have met the specifications set
by the HD DigitalVCR Conference for
Standardization of Consumer Use Digital
VCR Formats.
This product incorporates copyright protec-
tion 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 engineering or disas-
sembly is prohibited.
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 i 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
recommended you use an ME tape for high-
quality recording and playback.
Mini DV cassette DV cassette
8 mm cassette VHS cassette Beta cassette
AboutYour Camcorder

xi
Part Names ............................................................... 1
Quick Reference List ................................................. 4
On-screen Display Index ........................................... 5
Warning Indicators .................................................... 6
Contents
Operation References
Preparation
Basic Operations
Useful Features
Charging the Battery Pack ........................................ 7
Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack................ 8
Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet............. 9
Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette .......... 10
Installing the Lithium Memory Battery..................... 11
Selecting the Language for the On-screen
Display .................................................................. 12
Setting the Date and Time ...................................... 13
Displaying the Date and Time of Recording............ 14
Adjusting the Hand Strap ........................................ 15
Using the Lens Cap ................................................15
Attaching the Shoulder Strap .................................. 15
Using the Viewfinder ............................................... 16
Using the LCD Monitor............................................ 17
Camera Recording
Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode ............ 18
Zooming .................................................................. 19
Tips on Recording Positions ................................... 19
Remaining Recording Time Display ........................20
Remaining Battery Power Display........................... 20
Playback
Playback.................................................................. 21
Volume Control........................................................ 21
Watching the Playback on a TV .............................. 22
Video Search .......................................................... 23
Still .......................................................................... 23
Using the Controls .................................................. 24
Selecting the User Mode......................................... 25
Using the Menu Screens......................................... 26
Camera Recording
Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode........ 27
Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode............ 28
Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ............................. 28
Setting the Digital Zoom.......................................... 29
Gamma Brightness Compensation ......................... 30
Gain-up ................................................................... 31
Night Recording (Cat’s Eye).................................... 32

xii
Useful Features Fade In and Fade Out ............................................. 33
Quick Return ........................................................... 34
Edit Search ............................................................. 34
Still Recording ......................................................... 35
Still Recording Effect (PHOTO SHOT) .................... 36
Auto Focus .............................................................. 37
Macro Shots ............................................................ 37
Using the Remote Control....................................... 37
Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot....................... 39
Playback
Playback Functions with the Remote Control ......... 40
Using the Time Code .............................................. 41
Advanced Features Camera Recording
Manual Exposure .................................................... 42
Manual Focus.......................................................... 43
Setting the Shutter Speed....................................... 45
White Balance Lock ................................................ 47
Scene Menu (Program AE) .....................................48
Digital Picture Effects .............................................. 49
Setting the Confirmation Sounds ............................ 49
Using the Zoom Microphone
(Optional Accessory) ............................................ 50
Playback
Playback Zoom ....................................................... 51
Gamma Playback .................................................... 52
Playback Effects...................................................... 53
Picture Effect Playback ........................................... 54
Picture/Backlight Adjustments................................. 55
Editing ..................................................................... 56
Recording from an External Source........................ 57
Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) ................ 58
Audio Dubbing Feature ........................................... 59
Selecting the Audio Playback Mode........................ 61
Configuring Software for PC Connection ................ 62
Appendix Useful Information ................................................... 64
Demonstration Mode ............................................... 69
Before Requesting Service ..................................... 70
Specifications .......................................................... 72
•Guía de operación rápida en español................................................................... 73
•Visualizaciones en pantalla en español................................................................ 75
•Affichages sur écran en français .......................................................................... 76
Appendix
Preparation Useful Features
Operation References Basic Operations Advanced Features

1
Operation References
Operation References
Part Names
For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in brackets.
;;
;;
Left view
W/B (White Balance) button [p. 47]
CAT’S EYE switch [p. 32]
Lens hood
Zoom lens
Remote sensor [p. 37]
Stereo microphone
[p. 59]
GAMMA/BRIGHTER button
[pp. 30, 31, 52]
AUTO ON/OFF button
[p. 25]
Operation button [p. 24]
MENU/DISPLAY button
[p. 24]
Operation References
DIS (Digital Image Stabilization) switch
[p. 28]

2
Operation References
;
;
Left view
Zoom microphone
mounting hole [p. 50]
LCD monitor [p. 17]
LCD monitor
OPEN release
button [p. 17]
Lithium battery
compartment door
[p. 11]
Viewfinder [p. 16]
Diopter adjustment
[p. 16]
Power source
PUSH release
button [pp. 8, 9]
Power source
mounting surface
[pp. 8, 9]
Shoulder strap loop [p. 15]
Bottom view
Tripod socket

3
Operation References
Operation References
Right view
S-VIDEO socket
[pp. 22, 56, 57]
VIDEO jack
[pp. 22, 56, 57]
AUDIO L jack
[pp. 22, 56, 57]
AUDIO R jack
[pp. 22, 56, 57]
STILL button
[pp. 35, 36]
Power Zoom Wide angle/
Telephoto control [p. 19]/
VOLume control [p. 21]
Jack cover
[pp. 22, 56, 57]
RECord START/STOP button
[p. 18]
Power switch (CAMERA/VCR
select switch) [p. 24]
Cassette compartment door [p. 10]
Cassette compartment door release [p. 10]
PC connection jack
[p. 62]
DV terminal [p. 58]
EarPHONES jack
[p. 21]
Jack cover [pp. 21, 58, 62]
Speaker [p. 21]
Hand strap [p. 15]
Shoulder strap
loop [p. 15]

4
Operation References
Quick Reference List
Below are some examples of camcorder’s features.
•To record the subject with higher-quality audio.
—See page 28 (Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode)
•To record powerful close-up images.
—See page 29 (Setting the Digital Zoom)
•To record a backlit subject.
—See page 30 (Gamma Brightness Compensation) or page 42 (Manual
Exposure)
•To record subjects at night, e.g. a nocturnal animal.
—See page 32 (Night Recording)
•To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback.
—See page 34 (Quick Return)
•To record yourself in the scene while monitoring the shot.
—See page 39 (Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot)
•To focus on an off-centered subject.
—See page 43 (Manual Focus)
•To turn off the confirmation sounds which are made when you operate the
camcorder.
—See page 49 (Setting the Confirmation Sounds)
•To enlarge any part of the picture during playback.
—See page 51 (Playback Zoom)
•To brighten the dark portion of the playback images without changing the bright
portion.
—See page 52 (Gamma Playback)

5
Operation References
Operation References
On-screen Display Index
For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated.
AUTO
AUTO LIGHT
SP
12bit
30
min
M AN. FOCUS
EXPOSURE
SHUT. SPEED
PIC. EFFECT
SCENE MENU
FADE
QK. RETURN
MANUAL SET
PHOTO SNAP
DGTL ZOOM
SNAP EFF.
TAPE SPEED
CAMERA SET
AUDIO MODE
ZOOM MIC
AUDIO SET
BACKL IGHT
LCD BRIGHT
BRIGHT
LCD COLOR
LCD
VF TINT
LCD VF SET
DISPLAY
SETT ING
12H 24H
CLOCK SET
AUDIO DUB
PIC.EFFECT
AUDIO
PB EFFECT
PLAYBACK SET
LCD BRIGHT
LCD COLOR
LCD TINT
BACKL IGHT
BRIGHT
VF
VF SET
LCD
DISPLAY
CLOCK SET
M AN. FOCUS
EXPOSURE
SHUT. SPEED
PIC. EFFECT
SCENE MENU
FADE
QK. RETURN
MANUAL SET
AUDIO DUB
PIC.EFFECT
AUDIO
PB EFFECT
PLAYBACK SET
REMOTE
SOUND
TIME CODE
TC OUT
DEMO MODE
LANGUAGE
OTHERS
FADE
PHOTO
SNAP
SOUND
DISPLAY
EFF.
SNAP
QK. RETURN
MENU
REMOTE
SOUND
TIME CODE
TC OUT
OTHERS
AUDIO 12
+
SP
CAMERA mode
VCR mode
p. 28
p. 18
pp. 18, 25
p. 20
pp. 31, 32
p. 28
p. 20
p. 27
p. 33
p. 34
p. 35
p. 36
p. 49
p. 14
p. 43
p. 45
p. 42
p. 49
p. 48
p. 33
p. 34
p. 55
p. 14
p. 20 p. 61
p. 27
p. 60
p. 61
p. 54
p. 53
Easy mode (p. 25)
p. 35
p. 36
p. 29
p. 27
p. 28
p. 50
p. 37
p. 49
p. 41
p. 13
p. 14
Note:
•See pages 24 to 26 for the procedure to display the desired screen.
p. 41
p. 69
p. 12
p. 37
p. 49
p. 41
p. 41
p. 55
p. 14

6
Operation References
Warning Indicators
If a warning indicator appears on the screen, follow the specified instructions.
Displayed for the first
3 seconds Displayed after 3 seconds Description of warning
There is no video cassette in the camcorder.
Insert a cassette (see page 10).
INSERT
A CASSETTE.
BATTERY IS
TOO LOW.
PROTECT. TAB
CHANGE THE
CASSETTE.
EJECT THE
CASSETTE.
EJECT THE
CASSETTE.
CASSETTE NOT
RECORDABLE.
The video cassette is defective and should be
removed (see page 10).
The erasure protect tab on the video cassette
has been slid to the record-protect position,
preventing recording (see page 65).
The tape is about to end. Prepare a new
cassette (see page 10).
THE
ENDS SOON.
TAPE
DEW
LAMP LAMP
DEW
The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a
new cassette (see page 10).
The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a
fully charged battery pack (see page 8).
Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait for
a few hours until the dew disappears (see
page 67).
About 10 seconds after this warning appears,
the camcorder automatically turns off.
The video heads are clogged and should be
cleaned (see page 68).
The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is
close to the end of its service life. Call your local
authorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced.
When the vertical rotation of the LCD monitor is
between 135°and 180°in CAMERA mode, all
warnings will be indicated by Fdisplayed in
the center of the viewfinder and the LCD
screen. To check the type of warning, rotate the
monitor back to within 135°.
TAPE END
TAPE END
Note:
•Nindicates a flashing display.

7
Preparation
Preparation
Preparation
Charging the Battery Pack
Charge the battery pack with the supplied AC
adapter/battery charger before use.
POWER indicator
Note:
• Remove the DC cable from the AC adapter/
battery charger when 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.
• The POWER indicator lights up.
To power
outlet
AC power
socket
2Align the smark on the battery pack
with the amark 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 CHARGE indicator turns off when
the battery is fully charged.
3Slide the battery pack in the direction of
the arrow (1), and remove it (2).Then,
remove the AC plug of the power cord
from the power outlet.
CHARGE indicator
Charging time and maximum continuous
recording and playback times
• The chart specifies the approximate times in
minutes.
Battery
pack Charging
time
Max. continuous
recording time
LCD
closed LCD open
Max.
continuous
playback
time on
LCD
BT-L221
BT-L441
100 120 100 100
160 240 200 200
Notes:
•Charge the battery pack between 50°F and 86°F
(10°C and 30°C).The battery pack may not charge
properly at temperatures too low or too high.
•The battery pack and charger become warm
during charging.This is not a malfunction.
•Using the zoom (see page 19) and other
functions or turning the power on and off
frequently will increase power consumption.This
may result in a decrease of more than 50% in the
actual recording time compared to the maximum
continuous recording time listed above.
•The charging time and recording time may vary
depending on the ambient temperature and the
condition of the battery pack.
• See page 66 for more information on using the
battery pack.
Caution:
• Charge only SHARP model BT-L221 or BT-L441
battery packs. Other types of battery packs may
burst, causing personal injury and damage.
Extending battery pack life
Even when the battery pack is not used, the
capacity of the battery pack will naturally
deteriorate over time. To limit the deterioration
of the capacity, it is recommended to perform
the following procedure at least once every six
months:
1Charge the battery pack until the CHARGE
indicator of the charger turns off.
2Attach the battery pack to the camcorder,
and set the Power switch to CAMERA
without inserting a cassette. Allow the
battery power to fully discharge by leaving it
on the camcorder until the camcorder
power automatically turns off.
3Remove the battery pack and store it
between 50°F and 68°F (10°C and 20°C).