Sharp VL-Z900H-S User manual

VL-Z900H-Cover; 04/1/8/18:00
SHARP CORPORATION
SHARP ELECTRONICS (U.K.) LTD.
Sharp House, Thorp Road, Newton Heath
Manchester M40 5BE
Printed in Malaysia
TINSEA074WJN1
04P03-M-G
Please read this operation manual
carefully before using the camcorder.
If you require any advice or assistance
regarding your Sharp product, please
visit our web-site www.sharp.co.uk/
customersupport. Customers without
Internet access may telephone 08705
274277 during office hours (or (01)676
0648 if telephoning from Ireland) .
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER
OPERATION MANUAL
MODEL
VL-Z900H-S
Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. J2413463 8773838
–
PixLab Install Key

ii
This equipment complies with the requirements of Directives 89/336/EEC and 73/
23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC.
Dieses Gerät entspricht den Anforderungen der EG-Richtlinien 89/336/EWG und
73/23/EWG mit Änderung 93/68/EWG.
Ce matériel répond aux exigences contenues dans les directives 89/336/CEE et
73/23/CEE modifiées par la directive 93/68/CEE.
Dit apparaat voldoet aan de eisen van de richtlijnen 89/336/EEG en 73/23/EEG,
gewijzigd door 93/68/EEG.
Dette udstyr overholder kravene i direktiv nr. 89/336/EEC og 73/23/EEC med
tillæg nr. 93/68/EEC.
Quest’ apparecchio è conforme ai requisiti delle direttive 89/336/EEC e 73/23/
EEC, come emendata dalla direttiva 93/68/EEC.
« „ͷًÛÙ·ÛÁ ·ıÙfi ·ÌÙ·ÔÍÒflÌÂÙ·È ÛÙÈÚ ··ÈÙfiÛÂÈÚ Ù˘Ì Ô‰Á„È˛Ì ÙÁÚ
EıÒ˘·˙ÍfiÚ EÌ˘ÛÁÚ 89/336/EOK Í·È 3/23/EOK, ¸˘Ú ÔÈ Í·ÌÔÌÈÛÏÔfl ·ıÙÔfl
ÛıÏÎÁÒ˛ËÁÍ·Ì ·¸ ÙÁÌ Ô‰Á„fl· 93/68/EOK.
Este equipamento obedece às exigências das directivas 89/336/CEE e 73/23/
CEE, na sua versão corrigida pela directiva 93/68/CEE.
Este aparato satisface las exigencias de las Directivas 89/336/CEE y 73/23/CEE,
modificadas por medio de la 93/68/CEE.
Denna utrustning uppfyller kraven enligt riktlinjerna 89/336/EEC och 73/23/EEC
så som kompletteras av 93/68/EEC.
Dette produktet oppfyller betingelsene i direktivene 89/336/EEC og 73/23/EEC i
endringen 93/68/EEC.
Tämä laite täyttää direktiivien 89/336/EEC ja 73/23/EEC vaatimukset, joita on
muutettu direktiivillä 93/68/EEC.
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM2

iii
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.
Important:
Recording and playback of any material
may require consent. Please refer
particularly to the provisions of the
Copyright Act 1956, the Dramatic and
Musical Performers Protection Act 1958,
the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and
1972 and to any subsequent statutory
enactments and orders.
CAUTION
To prevent shock, do not open the
cabinet. No user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to a qualified
dealer or service centre.
Power supply:
WARNING: THIS AC ADAPTER
IS NOT FOR USE WITH TOYS.
THIS AC ADAPTER IS FOR USE
WITH SHARP CAMCORDER
MODEL VL-Z900H-S ONLY.
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.
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM3

iv
SPECIAL NOTE FOR USERS IN THE U.K.
The mains lead of this product is fitted with a non-rewireable (moulded) plug
incorporating a 3A fuse. Should the fuse need to be replaced, a BSI or ASTA
approved BS 1362 fuse marked or and of the same rating as above, which
is also indicated on the pin face of the plug, must be used.
Always refit the fuse cover after replacing the fuse. Never use the plug without the
fuse cover fitted.
In the unlikely event of the socket outlet in your home not being compatible with
the plug supplied, cut-off the mains plug and fit an appropriate type.
DANGER: The fuse from the cut-off plug should be removed and the cut-off plug
destroyed immediately and disposed of in a safe manner.
Under no circumstances should the cut-off plug be inserted
elsewhere into a 13A socket outlet, as a serious electric shock may
occur.
To fit an appropriate plug to the mains lead, follow the instructions below:
IMPORTANT: The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this product may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows:
— The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the plug terminal which
is marked N or coloured black.
— The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the plug terminal
which is marked L or coloured red.
Ensure that neither the brown nor the blue wire is connected to the earth terminal
in your three- pin plug.
Before replacing the plug cover make sure that:
— If the new fitted plug contains a fuse, its value is the same as that removed
from the cut-off plug.
— The cord grip is clamped over the sheath of the mains lead and not simply
over the lead wires.
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT, CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM4

v
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.
Trademarks
• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Adobe, Acrobat, Acrobat Reader and Adobe Reader are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
• DirectX is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation of the United States and is copy-
righted.
• DPOF is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film
Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
• SD Logo is a trademark.
• All other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their
respective holders.
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM5

vi
Part Names ............................................................. 1
Warning Indicators .................................................. 4
Operation References
Preparation
Basic Operations
Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 6
Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 8
Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet .......... 9
Inserting and Removing a Cassette ..................... 10
Inserting and Removing a Card ............................ 11
Installing the Lithium Batteries .............................. 12
Setting the Date and Time .................................... 14
Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 16
Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 17
Using the Grip ....................................................... 17
Detaching the Lens Hood ..................................... 18
Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 18
Using the LCD Monitor ......................................... 20
Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 21
Camera Recording
Selecting the Camcorder Mode ............................ 22
Easy Camera Recording on Tape in
Full Auto Mode ................................................... 23
Zooming ................................................................ 24
Power Standby Mode ........................................... 25
Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 25
Auto Focus ............................................................ 26
Macro Shots .......................................................... 26
Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 26
Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 27
Information Display for Battery Usage .................. 27
Using Earphones (Commercially Available) ......... 28
Adjusting the Phones Volume ............................... 28
Playback
Tape Playback ...................................................... 29
Volume Control ...................................................... 30
Still ........................................................................ 30
Video Search ......................................................... 30
Watching Playback on a TV .................................. 31
Contents
Supplied Accessories ........................................................................................ ix
Optional Accessories ......................................................................................... ix
Precautions ......................................................................................................... x
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM6

vii
Useful Features Control Buttons ..................................................... 32
Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 32
Using the Menu Screens ....................................... 33
Camera Recording
Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 34
Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 35
Gain-up ................................................................. 36
Fine Picture ........................................................... 37
Fade In and Fade Out ........................................... 38
Quick Return ......................................................... 39
Edit Search ............................................................ 40
Still Recording on Tape ......................................... 40
Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 41
Wide Mode ............................................................ 42
Power Save Mode ................................................. 42
Self Recording ...................................................... 43
Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ..... 45
Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode......... 46
Using the Zoom Microphone
(Optional Accessary) ......................................... 47
Windbreak ............................................................. 48
Playback
Using the Remote Control ..................................... 49
Tape Playback Functions with the Remote
Control ................................................................ 50
Selecting the Date and Time of Recording
Display ................................................................ 51
Picture Effect Playback ......................................... 52
Rotate Playback .................................................... 53
Fine Picture Playback ........................................... 53
Copying an Image from Tape to Card .................. 54
Stretch Playback ................................................... 55
Advanced Features Camera Recording
Manual Focus ....................................................... 56
Returning to Auto Focus ....................................... 57
Displaying the Manual Setting Screen .................. 57
Adjusting White Balance ....................................... 58
Manual Iris ............................................................ 60
Manual Gain .......................................................... 61
Setting the Shutter Speed ..................................... 62
Tips on Manual Settings ....................................... 63
Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode............. 63
Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 64
Digital Picture Effects ............................................ 65
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM7

viii
Advanced Features Playback
Using the Time Code ............................................ 66
Audio Dubbing Feature......................................... 67
Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 69
Editing ................................................................... 70
Recording from an External Source ...................... 71
Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 73
Using the Camcorder as a Converter ................... 75
Digital Still Camera
Features
Camera Recording
Selecting the Picture Quality and Image Size ....... 76
Card Recording .................................................... 78
Selecting the Flash Mode ..................................... 79
Red-eye Reduction ............................................... 80
Recording with the Self-timer ................................ 81
Formatting a Card ................................................. 83
Setting the File Numbering Method ...................... 84
Playback
Card Playback ...................................................... 85
Delete Protection ................................................... 86
Deleting Stored Images ........................................ 87
Print Order ............................................................. 89
Direct Print ............................................................ 91
Transferring Data on Card to Computer ............... 92
Installing the USB Driver ................................... 93
Squeeze Playback ................................................ 98
Slide Show Playback ............................................ 99
Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments ............................ 100
Turning off the Confirmation Sound .................... 101
Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings .... 101
Demonstration Mode .......................................... 102
Useful Information ............................................... 103
Troubleshooting .................................................. 109
Specifications ..................................................... 113
On-screen Display Index .................................... 114
Index ................................................................... 118
Note:
• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages
109–112.)
Contents
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM8

ix
Supplied Accessories
Battery pack
BT-L227 AC adapter
Audio/video/S-video
cable
CR2032 type
lithium battery
for remote control
CR1216 type
lithium battery
for camcorder Lens cap
CD-ROM8 MB SD Memory Card
Remote control
USB cable
Standard-life
battery pack
BT-L227
Zoom microphone
VR-8MC
Optional Accessories
Power cord
External battery with
hand strap
BT-LCA1
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM9

x
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 xii).
•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 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 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.).
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM10

xi
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.
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM11

xii
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)
Available mode:
Tape Playback
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.
2Set the camcorder to Tape Playback
mode.
• 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
your SHARP dealer for further advice or
refer to page 109 “Troubleshooting”.
Precautions
STOPSTART
CLEAN I NG
CLEANINGNOW
Striped noise Mosaic noise
VL-Z900H-*ii-xii 04.2.5, 0:32 PM12

1
Operation References
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/MODE SET button (p. 32)/
LCD LAMP button (p. 25)
Operation button (p. 32)
Flash (p. 79)
Zoom microphone
shoe (p. 47)
Stereo microphone
MENU button (p. 33)
Flash sensor (p. 79)
VL-Z900H-001-005 04.2.5, 0:33 PM1

Operation References
2
Operation References
Lithium battery cover (p. 12)
Tripod socket*
Card slot cover (p. 11)
Left view
Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 19)
Battery release (pp. 7, 12)
* When attaching a tripod
with a guide pin, do not
attach the pin to the bottom
of the camcorder.
LCD monitor
(p. 20)
Earphones jack
(p. 28)
DV terminal (pp. 73, 75)
USB terminal (p. 94)
DC IN jack (pp. 8, 9)
AV terminal
(pp. 31, 70, 71, 75)
Terminal cover
(pp. 28, 31, 70, 71, 73, 75, 94)
VL-Z900H-001-005 04.2.5, 0:33 PM2

3
Operation References
Viewfinder (pp. 18, 19)
Power Zoom Wide angle/
Telephoto control (p. 24)/
VOLume control (p. 30)
Media Selection
switch (V Tape
mode/uCard
mode selection
switch) (p. 22)
Record Start/Stop button (p. 23)
PHOTO button
(pp. 40, 54, 78)
Power switch (vCamera
Recording mode/w Playback
mode select switch) (p. 22)
STANDBY/M
button (pp. 25, 94)
STANDBY indicator
(p. 25)
POWER/CHARGE
(RED) indicator
(pp. 8, 9, 23)
Cassette holder (p. 10)
Cassette compartment
door release (p. 10)
Cassette compartment door (p. 10)
Right view
Hand strap (p. 17)
Speaker
Window cleaning cover
(p. 107)
VL-Z900H-001-005 04.2.5, 0:33 PM3

Operation References
4
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.
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 10).
The erasure protect tab on the video cassette
has been slid to the record-protect position,
preventing recording (see page 104).
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 pages 6 and
7).
Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait a
few hours for the dew to dry away (see page xi).
About 10 seconds after this warning appears,
the camcorder automatically turns off.
The video heads are clogged and should be
cleaned (see page xii).
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
The battery is almost depleted when the
camcorder transfers data through the USB
cable. Use the AC adapter or fully charged
battery pack as the power source (see pages
6–9, 96).
USB USB
VL-Z900H-001-005 04.2.5, 0:33 PM4

5
Operation References
Note:
•Nindicates a flashing display.
Displayed for
5 seconds Description of warning
The card is not inserted or is inserted improperly. Check that it is
properly inserted (see page 11).
The capacity of the card is full and cannot store any more images.
Delete unnecessary images (see page 87) or replace the card with
a new one (see page 11).
The card has no images recorded in the format the camcorder can
recognize.
The images in the card are corrupted or recorded in a format
which is not compatible with this camcorder. Format the card to
use it with this camcorder (see page 83)*.
The card has not been formatted with this camcorder. Format the
card (see page 83)*.
The card is write-protected (see page 11).
You are trying to delete a protected image. Cancel the protection
setting (see page 86).
The selected image cannot be read by this camcorder. Format the
card to use it with this camcorder (see page 83)*.
The card cannot record any data due to a problem with the card or
data on the card. Replace the card (see page 11) or format the
card (see page 83)*.
NO
MEMORY CARD
MEMORY
FULL
CARD
NO DATA ON
MEMORY CARD
MEMORY CARD
ERROR
FORMAT
MEMORY CARD
MEMORY CARD
PROTECTED
PROTECTED
DATA
MEMORY CARD
READ ERROR
CANNOT
STORE DATA
The camcorder cannot record with the Record Start/Stop button in
Card Recording mode. Press the PHOTO button (see page 78).
PLEASE USE
PHOTO BUTTON
The print order cannot be set to more than 999 images.
MA X I MUM
9 99 IMAGE S
You cannot record any image with a file number bigger than 999–
9999. Set FILE NO. menu item to “RESET” (see page 84), then
format the card (see page 83)* or replace the card with a new one
(see page 11).
* Formatting a card erases all stored images, including delete-protected images. Be sure to
backup important data on your computer or other media before formatting the card.
MA X I MUM
F I LE NUMBER
VL-Z900H-001-005 04.2.5, 0:33 PM5

Preparation
6
Preparation
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.
Power switch “m” mark
90°
VL-Z900H-006-021 04.2.5, 0:56 PM6

7
Preparation
Removing
1Make sure that the Power switch is
set to OFF, then open the LCD
monitor to a 90° angle to the
camcorder body.
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 or destroy the card, rendering it
unreadable and unwritable.
• 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-L227 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
90°
VL-Z900H-006-021 04.2.5, 0:56 PM7

Preparation
8
Preparation
Charging the Battery
Pack
1Attach the battery pack to the
camcorder, and make sure that the
Power switch is set to OFF.
2Connect the supplied power cord to
the AC power socket on the AC
adapter, and insert the AC plug into a
power outlet.
3Insert 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.
4Remove the DC plug from the DC IN
jack, then remove the AC adapter
from the power outlet.
• 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 24) 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 106 and 107 for more information
on using the battery pack.
• Charge only SHARP model BT-L227 battery
packs. Other types of battery packs may
burst, causing personal injury and damage.
• When attaching the supplied audio/video/S-
video cable or USB cable, remove the DC
plug, open the terminal cover and connect it.
BT-L227
Charging
time
Battery
pack
Max.
continuous
recording time
Max.
continuous
playback time
on LCD
120 135 120
Charging time and maximum
continuous recording and playback
times in Tape modes
LCD
closed
LCD
open
120
DC IN jack
POWER/CHARGE (RED)
indicator
AC power socket
To power
outlet
DC plug
VL-Z900H-006-021 04.2.5, 0:56 PM8