Sharp ViewcamZ VL-Z1E User manual

VL-Z1E/hyou; 03/03/25/18:00
SHARP CORPORATION
VL-Z1E
ENGLISH
OPERATION MANUAL
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER
VL-Z1E
OPERATION MANUAL
Printed in Japan
TINSLA076WJZZ
03P04-JKG

VL-Z1E/hyou2/3; 03/03/26/18:00
ENGLISH
OPERATION MANUAL
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this apparatus to
dripping or splashing. No
objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, should be placed on
the apparatus.
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
more than 215,000 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.
Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual
carefully, especially page vi.

i
WARNING:
This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 7.4 volts from a BT-
L226 battery or the AC adapter (UADP-A016WJZZ).
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.
Information for Australia/New Zealand Only
ENGLISH
NOTE
This Camcorder is a high technology product.
The LCD Panel comprises 215,280 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.

ii
Part Names ............................................................. 1
Warning Indicators .................................................. 4
Operation References
Preparation
Basic Operations
Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 5
Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 7
Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet .......... 8
Inserting and Removing a Cassette ....................... 9
Installing the Lithium Batteries .............................. 10
Setting the Date and Time .................................... 12
Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 13
Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 14
Using the Grip ....................................................... 14
Detaching the Lens Hood ..................................... 15
Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 15
Using the LCD Monitor ......................................... 17
Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 18
Camera Recording
Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode .......... 19
Zooming ................................................................ 20
Power Standby Mode ........................................... 21
Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 21
Auto Focus ............................................................ 22
Macro Shots .......................................................... 22
Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 23
Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 23
Playback
Playback ............................................................... 24
Volume Control ...................................................... 25
Still ........................................................................ 25
Video Search ......................................................... 25
Watching Playback on a TV .................................. 26
Contents
Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................... v
Optional Accessories .......................................................................................... v
Precautions ........................................................................................................ vi

iii
Useful Features Control Buttons ..................................................... 27
Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 27
Using the Menu Screens....................................... 28
Camera Recording
Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 29
Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 30
Gain-up ................................................................. 31
Fade in and Fade out ............................................ 32
Quick Return ......................................................... 33
Edit Search ............................................................ 34
Still Recording ....................................................... 34
Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 35
Self Recording ...................................................... 36
Wide Screen (16:9) ............................................... 38
Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ..... 39
Windbreak ............................................................. 40
Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode......... 41
Playback
Using the Remote Control
(Not supplied) ..................................................... 42
Playback Functions with the Remote Control
(Not supplied) ..................................................... 43
Selecting the Date and Time of Recording
Display ................................................................ 44
Picture Effect Playback ......................................... 45
Rotate Playback .................................................... 46
Advanced Features Camera Recording
Manual Focus ....................................................... 47
Returning to Auto Focus ....................................... 48
Displaying the Manual Setting Screen .................. 48
White Balance Lock .............................................. 49
Manual Iris ............................................................ 50
Manual Gain .......................................................... 51
Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode............. 52
Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 53

iv
Advanced Features Playback
Using the Time Code ............................................ 54
Editing ................................................................... 55
Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 56
Audio Dubbing Feature......................................... 57
Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 59
Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 60
Turning off the Confirmation Sound ...................... 62
Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 63
Demonstration Mode ............................................ 64
Useful Information ................................................. 65
Troubleshooting .................................................... 70
Specifications ....................................................... 73
On-screen Display Index ...................................... 74
Note:
• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages 70–
72.)
Contents

v
Supplied Accessories
Battery pack
BT-L226 Audio/video/S-video
cable
CR1216 type
lithium battery
Lens cap
Optional Accessories
AC adapter Power cord
Note:
• Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.
Standard-life
battery pack
BT-L226
External battery with
hand strap
BT-LCA1

vi
Precautions
•Before recording an important scene,
please perform the recording test, then
playback to check if the scene was re-
corded properly. If noise occurs, use a
commercially available cleaning tape to
clean the video heads (see page viii).
•When the camcorder is not in use, re-
member 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, whether or not recording
is in progress, as it may damage the CCD
sensor. Be particularly careful when re-
cording outside.
•Avoid magnetic sources.
Using the camcorder near
strong fluorescent lights,
motors, televisions, or
other magnetic sources
may adversely affect re-
corded images.
•Using the camcorder near a broad-
casting station or other powerful trans-
mission source may cause buzzing or
picture deterioration.
•Avoid shocks and dropping.
Do not drop or otherwise sub-
ject the camcorder to hard
shocks or strong vibrations.
Bumping or striking the unit
during recording will gener-
ate noise in the recorded im-
age.
•Avoid placing the
camcorder in close
proximity to lighting
equipment.
The heat from in-
candescent lights
may deform the
camcorder, or
cause it to malfunction.
•Always respect prohibitions or restric-
tions on the use of electronic equipment
on commercial flights or in other sensi-
tive areas.
•Be aware of the temperature and humid-
ity.
You can use your camcorder at 0°C to
L40°C, and at 30% to 80% relative hu-
midity. 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 cir-
cuitry.
•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 ex-
cessive smoke, steam or moisture.
Such environments can cause malfunc-
tions or cause mil-
dew to form on the
lenses. Be sure to
keep the unit in a
well-ventilated loca-
tion.
•Some small, portable tri-
pods may be difficult to
attach and may not be
sturdy enough to sup-
port your camcorder. Be
sure to use only a
strong, stable tripod.
•When using your camcorder in a cold
environment, the LCD monitor screen of-
ten appears less bright immediately af-
ter 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.).

vii
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 forms, recording and playback
may not function properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following
circumstances:
— 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 or car.
— 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.
When using the camcorder in a place
where dew is likely to form, 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 tem-
perature inside it reaches the tempera-
ture of the room.
•“Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on
the screen, and the power will automati-
cally turn off in approximately 10 seconds.
Plastic bag
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
surrounding 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.

viii
Dirty Video Heads
When the video heads have become
clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating
particles),
• mosaic-like noise appears on the
playback picture. (see illustrations above)
• playback pictures do not move.
• during playback, the whole screen
becomes blue.
Using a Cleaning Tape (Commer-
cially Available)
You can clean the video head with a
commercially available cleaning tape.
Notes:
• Excessive use of the cleaning tape 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.
• If the video heads again become clogged
with dirt soon after cleaning, this might be
caused by a damaged tape. In this case,
stop using that cassette immediately.
1Insert a cleaning tape into the
camcorder.
2Hold down the Lock button and set
the Power switch to w.
• The video head cleaning screen
appears.
3Press mon the Operation button to
begin video head cleaning.
• “NOW CLEANING” flashes during
cleaning.
• After about 20 seconds, video head
cleaning automatically finishes, and
“EJECT THE CASSETTE.” displays.
4Remove the cleaning tape.
To cancel cleaning, press l.
Causes of video head clogging
• High-temperature and high-humidity
environment
• A lot of dust in the air
• Damaged tape
• Worn tape
• Long-time use
• Dew formation
If the video heads become clogged, the
vindicator appears on the screen. Contact
the nearest SHARP service centre or your
dealer for further advice.
Precautions
STOPSTART
CLEANI NG
CLEANINGNOW
Striped noise Mosaic noise

Operation References
1
Operation References
Part Names
For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses.
Front view
Zoom lens
DISPLAY button (p. 27)
Operation button (p. 27)
Monaural microphone LCD LAMP button (p. 21)

Operation References
Operation References
2
Lithium battery cover (p. 10)
Tripod socket*
Left view
Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 16)
Battery release (pp. 6, 10)
* When attaching a tripod
with a guide pin, do not
attach the pin to the bottom
of the camcorder.
LCD monitor
(p. 17)
DV terminal (p. 56)
DC IN jack (pp. 7, 8)
AV terminal
(pp. 26, 55)
Terminal cover
(pp. 26, 55, 56)

Operation References
3
Viewfinder (pp. 15, 16)
Power Zoom Wide angle/
Telephoto control (p. 20)/
VOLume control (p. 25)
Start/Stop button
(p. 19)
PHOTO button
(p. 34)
Power switch (vCamera
Recording mode/w Playback
mode select switch) (pp. 19, 24)
STANDBY button
(p. 21)
STANDBY indicator
(p. 21)
POWER/CHARGE
(RED) indicator
(pp. 7, 8, 19)
DC IN jack cover
(pp. 7, 8)
Cassette holder (p. 9)
Cassette compartment
door release (p. 9)
Cassette compartment door (p. 9)
Right view
Hand strap (p. 14)
Speaker
Window cleaning cover
(p. 68)

Operation References
Operation References
4
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 9).
INSERT
A CASSETTE.
BAT TERY I S
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 9).
The erasure protect tab on the video cassette
has been slid to the record-protect position,
preventing recording (see page 66).
The tape is about to end. Prepare a new
cassette.
THE
ENDS SOON.
TAPE
DEW
LAMP
LAMP
DEW
The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a
new cassette (see page 9).
The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with
a fully charged battery pack (see pages 5, 6).
Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait a
few hours for the dew to dry away (see page
vii).
About 10 seconds after this warning appears,
the camcorder automatically turns off.
The video heads are clogged and should be
cleaned (see page viii).
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.
TAPE END
TAPE END
Note:
•Nindicates a flashing display.

Preparation
5
Preparation
Attaching and
Removing the Battery
Pack
Attaching
1Make sure that the Power
switch is set to OFF.
2Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle
to the camcorder body.
3Slide the battery pack in the direction
of the arrow with the “m” mark facing
out.
4Push the battery pack in the direction
of the arrow until it clicks.
90˚
Power switch “m”mark

Preparation
Preparation
6
Removing
1Make sure that the Power switch is
set to OFF, then open the LCD
monitor to a 90° angle to the
camcorder body.
90˚
2Slide the battery release in the
direction of the arrow.
3Take the battery pack out.
Notes:
•BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,
ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY-
BACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.
Removing the battery pack while shooting or
during playback may damage the tape by
causing it to wrap around the video head
drum.
•Remove the battery pack from the camcorder
if you will not use the camcorder for a long
period of time.
•Make sure that the battery pack is firmly
attached during operation. If it is not, the
battery pack may come off or camcorder
operation may fail because of the poor
contact pressure.
•To prevent damage to the battery pack when
removing, be sure to firmly hold the battery
pack while pressing the release.
•Use only SHARP model BT-L226 battery
packs with this camcorder. Use of other
batteries may create a risk of fire or
explosion.
•Before closing the LCD monitor, make sure
the battery pack is properly attached to the
camcorder, otherwise the monitor may be
damaged.
Battery release

Preparation
7
Charging the Battery
Pack
1Attach the battery pack on the
camcorder, and make sure that the
Power switch is set to OFF.
2Open the DC IN jack cover.
3Connect the supplied power cord
to the AC power socket on the AC
adapter, and insert the AC plug
into a power outlet.
4Insert the DC plug into the DC IN
jack of the camcorder.
•The POWER/CHARGE (RED)
indicator lights up red.
•The POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator
turns off when the battery is charged.
BT-L226
Charging
time
Battery
pack
Max.
continuous
recording time
Max.
continuous
playback time
on LCD
120 120 105
LCD
closed
LCD
open
105
5Remove the DC plug from the DC IN
jack, then remove the AC adapter
from the power outlet.
Charging time and maximum
continuous recording and playback
times
•The chart specifies the approximate times in
minutes.
Notes:
•Charge the battery pack between 10°C and
30°C. The battery pack may not charge
properly at temperatures too low or too
high.
•The battery pack and AC adapter become
warm during charging. This is not a
malfunction.
•Using the zoom (see page 20) and other
functions or turning the power on and off
frequently will increase power consump-
tion. This may result in a decrease 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 tempera-
ture and the condition of the battery pack.
•See pages 67 and 68 for more information on
using the battery pack.
•Charge only SHARP model BT-L226 battery
packs. Other types of battery packs may
burst, causing personal injury and damage.
•When attaching the supplied audio/video/S-
video cable, remove the DC plug, open the
terminal cover and connect it.
DC IN jack cover
DC plug
DC IN jack
POWER/CHARGE (RED)
indicator
AC power socket
To power
outlet

Preparation
Preparation
8
Powering the
Camcorder from an
AC Outlet
You can also power the camcorder from a
power outlet by using the supplied AC
adapter.
Note:
•The supplied AC adapter is specially
designed for use with this camcorder, and
should not be used as a power supply for
other camcorders.
1Make sure that the Power switch is
set to OFF.
2Open the DC IN jack cover.
3Connect the supplied power cord
to the AC power socket on the AC
adapter, and insert the AC plug
into a power outlet.
4Insert the DC plug into the DC IN
jack of the camcorder.
5Hold down the Lock button and set
the Power switch to vor w.
•The POWER/CHARGE (RED)
indicator lights up green.
Notes:
•BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG,
ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY-
BACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.
Removing the DC plug while shooting or
during playback may damage the tape by
causing it to wrap around the video head
drum.
•Disconnect the AC adapter from the
camcorder if you will not use the camcorder
for a long period of time.
To power
outlet
AC power socket
DC IN jack
DC IN jack cover
POWER/CHARGE (RED)
indicator
DC plug

Preparation
9
Inserting and
Removing a Cassette
Inserting
1Attach the power source to the
camcorder, then slide and hold the
cassette compartment door release
as you open the cassette compart-
ment door.
•After confirmation sound, the
cassette holder extends and opens
automatically.
2Insert a commercially available Mini
DV cassette fully with the window
facing outwards, and with the erasure
protect tab facing upwards.
3Press the “PUSH” mark gently until
the cassette holder clicks into place.
•The cassette holder retracts
automatically.
4Wait for the cassette holder to fully
retract. Close the compartment door
by pressing its centre until it clicks
into place.
Removing
Perform step 1 above, then take out the
cassette.
Notes:
•Do not try to close the cassette compartment
door while the cassette holder is extending or
retracting.
•Be careful not to get your fingers caught in
the cassette holder.
•Do not apply force to the cassette holder
except when pressing the “PUSH”mark to
close it.
•Do not tilt the camcorder or hold it upside
down when you are inserting or removing a
cassette. It may damage the tape.
•Remove the cassette if you will not use the
camcorder for a long period of time.
•If you do not correctly close the cassette
holder in step 3, the cassette protection
mechanism of the camcorder might eject the
cassette. If this happens, repeat the insertion
procedure.
•Do not attempt to pick up the camcorder by
the cassette compartment door.
•If the battery power is too low, you may not
be able to eject the cassette. Replace the
battery pack with a fully charged one.
•You can only use Mini DV cassettes. Large
DV cassettes cannot be used. Be sure to use
Mini DV cassettes with the imark.
•See page 66 for more information on the
video cassette tapes intended for use with
this camcorder.
SAVE
REC
Cassette compartment door release
“PUSH”mark
Erasure protect tab

Preparation
Preparation
10
Installing the Lithium
Batteries
Installing the Memory Battery
The supplied CR 1216 type lithium battery is
used to store the memory of the date and
time settings.
1Make sure that the Power switch is
set to OFF.
2Open the LCD monitor to a 90°angle
to the camcorder body.
3Slide the battery release in the
direction of the arrow, then take the
battery pack out.
4Pull out the lithium battery cover in
the direction of the arrow.
5Insert the CR 1216 type lithium
battery into the compartment with the
Hside of the battery facing out.
6Close the lithium battery cover firmly
until it clicks into place.
Removing the Memory
Battery
Perform steps 1 to 4 above,
then lift out the battery by
using a pointed object such
as the tip of a ballpoint pen.
Battery release
Lithium
battery cover
CR 1216 type
lithium battery