VL-NZ100U-*hyou; 02/02/12/18:00
Valid for warranty service in the U.S. only
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:

Operation References

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

VL-NZ100U VL-NZ150U

OPERATION MANUAL
Preparation Basic Operations Useful Features Advanced Features
Warranty Period for this Product: Additional Item(s) Excluded from Warranty Coverage (if any): Where to Obtain Service:
VL-NZ100U/VL-NZ150U 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 purchase except for the rechargeable battery incorporated in this Product which is warranted for thirty (30) days from date of purchase. Disk Media supplied with this Product is warranted for replacement only and limited to ninety (90) days from date of purchase. Nonrechargeable batteries are excluded from warranty coverage. 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 Product, be sure it is insured and packaged securely.
Digital Still Camera Features
What to do to Obtain Service:
Please read this operation manual carefully before using the camcorder.

Important

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. Model No.: Serial No.:

REC START/STOP button Power Zoom control/Volume control STILL button

Zooming

Push the Power Zoom control to T (1) (telephoto) or W (2) (wide angle) side.

Power Zoom control

SET button Operation button Media Selection switch Power switch

Tape Playback 1 2

Set the Media Selection switch to TAPE. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to VCR.

Lock button

Easy Camera Recording on Tape 3
Insert a cassette into the camcorder. Set the Media Selection switch to TAPE. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA.
The picture from the lens now displays.
Press j (or k) on the Operation button to rewind (or fast forward) the tape to the desired point.

AU T O

Press m to begin playback.
Press the REC START/STOP button to begin recording.

To stop playback

Press l.

Volume Control

Push the Volume control to the L or + side to increase (1) or decrease (2) the volume.

To pause recording

Press the REC START/STOP button again.

Volume control

Card Recording 3
Insert a card into the camcorder. Set the Media Selection switch to CARD. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA.
Number of shots taken/remaining

Card Playback 1 2

Set the Media Selection switch to CARD. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to VCR.
The images recorded on the card are displayed in a thumbnail format.
10 CARD 9 / 81 NORMAL PL A YBACK N O RMA L 100-0010 PAGE 2 / 2

Lock button Lock button

Page number/total thumbnail pages
Adjust the Power Zoom control to frame the subject as you desire. Press the STILL button half-way down to focus on the subject.
The camcorder automatically focuses on the subject. When it is set, you will hear a sound and see T mark, then the camcorder locks the focus.

CARD 9 / 81 NORMAL

Press j, k, l or m on the Operation button to move the selection frame to the desired image.

PL AYBACK N O RMA L

100-0001 PAGE 1 / 2

Press the SET button.

p. 45 p. 46 p. 57 p. 27 p. 28 p. 34 p. 56
CLOCK SE T D I SPLAY S E T T I NG 12H / 24H R E T UR N
S E T T I NG 1 P I C. E F F E C T S C E N E ME NU S E L F T I ME R GU I D E R E T U RN

p. 58 p. 69 p. 79 p. 15

CARD-VCR mode
PL A YBACK N O RMA L 100-0010 PAGE 2 / 2

100-0010

13 / N O RMA L
P L AY BACK SE T P I C. E F F E C T S L I D E S HOW DE L E T E P RO T E C T P R I. O RD E R R E T U RN
p. 41 p. 67 pp. 61, 62 p. 60 p. 63
OTHE RS R EMO T E BEEP R E T URN

p. 38 p. 69

Note: See page 26 for procedures on how to display the desired screen.

Manual screens

Each time you press the MANUAL button, the screen changes as shown below.

AUTO MAN. F O C U S

Focus setting screen (p. 42) Exposure setting screen (p. 43) White balance screen (p. 44) Normal screen

AUTO E X POSURE

MANUAL button
AUTO WH I T E B A L. AUTO

AU T O min

On-screen indicators on/off
Each time you press the MENU button, the screen changes as shown below.
The example screens shown are for TAPE-CAMERA mode.

Indicators on

MENU button

Menu screen

Indicators off

02.2.12, 5:06 PM

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

I NSER T A CASS E T TE. E J E C T T HE CAS SE T T E. CASSE T T E NOT RE CORDA BL E. T HE T A P E E NDS SOON. CHANGE THE CAS SE T T E. BAT T ERY I S TOO LOW. E J E C T THE CAS SE T T E.

P RO T E C T. T A B

There is no video cassette in the camcorder. Insert a cassette (see page 12). The video cassette is defective and should be removed (see page 12). The erasure protect tab on the video cassette has been slid to the record-protect position, preventing recording (see page 72). The tape is about to end. Prepare a new cassette (see page 12). The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a new cassette (see page 12). The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a fully charged battery pack (see page 9). Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait a few hours for the dew to dry away (see page 76). About 10 seconds after this warning appears, the camcorder automatically turns off. The video heads are clogged and should be cleaned (see page 77). 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. 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 911, 66).

VL-NZ100U-009-018

Charging the Battery Pack 1 2
Notes: Charge the battery pack between 50F and 86F (10C and 30C). 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 21) and other functions or turning the power on and off frequently will increase power consumption. 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 temperature and the condition of the battery pack. See page 75 for more information on using the battery pack. Caution: Charge only SHARP model BT-L225 or BT-L445 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: 1Fully charge the battery pack. 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 50F and 68F (10C and 20C).
Charging time and maximum continuous recording and playback times in TAPE modes
Battery pack Charging Max. continuous Max. continuous time recording time playback time approx. 2hr. approx. 3hr. 30min. approx. 1hr. 30min. approx. 3hr. approx. 1hr. 30min. approx. 3hr.

BT-L225 BT-L445

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet
You can also power the camcorder from a power outlet by using the supplied AC adapter.
Note: When using the AC adapter to power the camcorder, the battery pack is not charged. Cautions: BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG, ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK 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 or destroy the card, rendering it unreadble and unwritable. Disconnect the camcorder from the AC adapter if you will not use the camcorder for a long period of time.

(Green) (Green) Remaining battery power indicator (Red)

BAT T E RY I S T OO LOW.

Notes: The remaining recording time indicator appears when the on-screen indicators turns on. The remaining recording time indicator appears 10 seconds after pressing the REC START/STOP button to begin recording. The remaining recording time indicator only shows the approximate time left. Also, it varies slightly depending on the length of tape used. (This function is based on the DVM60 tape standard.)

Warning indicator

When the remaining recording time reaches 1 minute, a warning indicator will appear. Prepare a new cassette.

THE TAPE ENDS SOON.

Approx. remaining time

Less than 1 min.

T APE END
CHANGE T HE CAS SE T T E. T A PE E ND
Notes: The remaining battery power indicator appears when the on-screen indicators turns on. Use the remaining battery power indicator only as an approximate indication. The remaining battery power indicator may change to either a higher or lower level if you set the Power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA or VCR. In cold environments, the red remaining battery power indicator may appear sooner. Use of the zoom functions when the warning indicator is displayed may cause the camcorder to suddenly lose power.
The tape has reached the end.
Camera Recording Playback

Tape Playback

Available mode: TAPE-VCR
The LCD monitor screen functions as a handy playback monitor. Nothing needs to be connected, allowing instant on-screen playback with the sound through the built-in speaker.
Media Selection switch Power switch
Note: The tape is automatically rewound when playback reaches the end of the tape.
Available mode: TAPE-VCR Operation button
When the camcorder is in TAPE-VCR mode, push the Volume control to the L or + side to increase (1) or decrease (2) the volume. The volume level indicator will appear on the LCD screen during adjustment only. Once the Volume control is released, the volume level indicator will disappear shortly afterwards.

VOLUME

Note: If you press the REC START/STOP button in TAPE-VCR mode, the mark appears and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode. If you do not intend to record, press l to turn the mark off, then press m to begin playback. This will ensure your previous recording is not erased (see pages 49, 51).

Tripod adapter socket

Press the REC START/ STOP button.
The still image of the subject will be recorded.

Tripod socket

Press the REC START/STOP button.
Attach tripod to tripod socket.
To cancel the still image
Press the STILL button fully.
Notes: Still Recording can also be used during recording by pressing the STILL button fully. The picture quality in Still Recording function will be slightly lower than normal pictures.
Note: You cannot use the supplied tripod adapter, if the alignment pin is not retractable.

Wide Screen (16:9)

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS)
The wide screen function lets you record scenes with the wide-screen feel of a movie shown in a theater. The top and bottom of the picture are masked with black bands to produce an effective screen aspect ratio of 16:9.
Normal screen Wide screen
The digital image stabilization (DIS) function allows you to stabilize the image by electronically compensating for relatively minor image shaking that is often annoying in close-up shots.
In TAPE-CAMERA or CARD-CAMERA mode, press the MENU button until the menu screen appears. Press l or m on the operation button to select Y, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select DIS, then press the SET button.
S E T T I NG 2 D G T L Z OOM T APE SPE ED ON DIS OF F 16 : 9 A UD I O MOD E R E T U RN
In TAPE-CAMERA mode, press the MENU button until the menu screen appears. Press l or m on the operation button to select Y, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select 16:9, then press the SET button.
S E T T I NG 2 D G T L Z OOM T APE SPE ED DIS OF F 16 : 9 A UD I O MOD E ON R E T U RN
The picture is displayed with the top and bottom portions masked.
The DIS indicator only appears when the on-screen indicators are turned on.

16 : 9

To cancel DIS function

DIS indicator

To return to normal screen
Select OFF in step 4 above. The z indicator will disappear.
Notes: The DIS function cannot compensate for excessive image shaking. When image shaking does not occur (e.g. when using the camcorder on a tripod), turn off the DIS function. The picture will appear more natural when the DIS function is off.

Self Recording

Rotate the LCD monitor 180 vertically so that the screen faces the other way and the subject can monitor the shot while you are recording. If the camcorder is steadied, you can record yourself in the scene by watching yourself on the LCD monitor. The remote control is useful for such occasions.
Cautions: Do not rotate the monitor section to the self recording position during recording or playback. For recording in Self Recording mode, be sure to rotate the monitor section, NOT the lens section. If you hold the camcorder upside down with the lens at the bottom, the subject will be recorded upside down.

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode
Press l or m on the operation button to select V, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select AUDIO, then press the SET button.
P L AY BACK SE T P I C. E F F E C T A U D I O DU B 1+2 AUD I O ANL G DGT L R E T U RN
You can select any of the following audio playback modes. Audio 1+2 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1 and Audio 2 channels) 16-bit recording in stereo (left and right channels) Audio 1 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1 channel only) 16-bit recording in mono (left channel only) Audio 2 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 2 channel only) 16-bit recording in mono (right channel only)
Press l or m to select the desired audio playback mode, then press the SET button.

AUD I O

The selected audio playback mode indicator only appears when the onscreen indicators are turned on.
Audio playback mode indicator
Play back a Mini DV cassette with dubbed audio. Press the MENU button until the menu screen appears.
Note: The audio playback mode indicator, AUDIO, displays in different colors depending on the recording mode (12- or 16-bit) used for the recording being played back. A white display indicates 12-bit recording mode, while a green indicates 16-bit.

Audio Dubbing Feature

Audio Recording

In normal recording mode

12-bit audio recording The audio is recorded in stereo on Audio 1. Audio 1: Stereo (left and right) sound Audio 2: No audio 16-bit audio recording The audio is recorded in stereo with the left and right sound on two separate channels. Audio 1: Left sound Audio 2: Right sound
You can add narration to recordings made with this camcorder, while preserving the original audio and video recordings.
Microphone for Audio Dubbing
You can use the built-in stereo microphone to record narration.
Built-in stereo microphone

In Audio Dubbing mode

12-bit audio recording The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2. Audio 1: Original stereo (left and right) sound Audio 2: Dubbed stereo (left and right) sound 16-bit audio recording The dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2 over the original right sound. Both dubbed and original sounds are mono. Audio 1: Original left sound Audio 2: Dubbed sound
Note: You can select the 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording mode by performing the procedure on page 37.
Notes: Audio dubbing does not function through the DV terminal. You cannot use audio dubbing with recordings made in LP mode. You cannot use the built-in stereo microphone for audio dubbing when the audio/video cable is connected.

Audio Dubbing

To pause audio dubbing

S E T T I NG 2 D G T L Z OOM DIS R E C MOD E R E T U RN
The picture quality of still images recorded on the card depends on the picture quality setting. Select the appropriate setting to match your recording objectives.
NORMAL: Records images with standard picture quality. ECONOMY: Allows you to take more shots than in NORMAL mode but with a lower quality. FINE: Records images with higher quality than in NORMAL mode but with a lower number of recordable images.
NORMA L E C O N OMY F I NE
Press l or m to select the desired setting, then press the SET button.

RE C MODE

E C ONOMY
Approximate number of recordable images with the supplied card
Picture quality setting NORMAL ECONOMY FINE Approx. number of images 8 MB MB 120
The selected picture quality indicator only appears when the on-screen indicators are turned on.
CARD 10 / 150 E C O N OMY
Note: The number of recordable images differs depending on the combination of picture quality settings used and the images shot.
Picture quality indicator Note: The picture quality indicator is also displayed in CARD-VCR mode. The picture quality indicator displayed during playback is based on the amount of data for that recorded image. Since the amount of data differs depending on factors such as image detail, sometimes the picture quality indicator displayed during playback may not match the picture quality setting used during recording.
Digital Still Camera Features Card Recording
Recording with the Selftimer
Press the STILL button fully to set the timer.
The self-timer operating indicator flashes while the timer counts down.
Self-timer operating indicator

CARD 10 / 80 NORMAL

The self-timer function allows you to record images after a time-lag of 10 seconds. This is convenient when you want to record an image of you and your friends together.
In CARD-CAMERA mode, press the MENU button until the menu screen appears. Press l or m on the operation button to select T, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select SELF TIMER, then press the SET button.
S E T T I NG 1 P I C. E F F E C T S C E N E ME NU S E L F T I ME R E X E C U T E GU I D E R E T U RN
The shutter automatically releases after 10 seconds, and a still image of the subject is recorded.
Notes: When recording with the self-timer, stabilize the camcorder in the horizontal plane by attaching it to a tripod, etc. To cancel the self-timer, press the STILL button fully again in step 4 above. Self-timer mode cancels after recording one image. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to record another image with the self-timer. Caution: Do not turn the power off or remove the card once the self-timer operating indicator begins flashing.

About DPOF

DPOF (Digital Printing Order Format) defines the print information for the specific images and number of each image on memory cards. In the near future you will be able to easily make prints on a DPOF-compatible printer or order copies at your local print shop.
Note: You can print an image even if no print order has been assigned.

PR I NT N O RMA L

Press the SET button, then press l or m to select the number of printouts.
1 through 99 can be set for the number of printouts.
Assigning Print Order to an Image

PR I NT S E T NUMB E R

100-0003
In CARD-VCR mode, press the MENU button until the menu screen appears. Press l or m on the operation button to select S, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select PRI. ORDER, then press the SET button.
P L AY BACK SE T P I C. E F F E C T S L I D E S HOW DE L E T E P RO T E C T PR I. SEL ECT P R I. O RD E R PR I. AL L R E T U RN P R I. NON E R E T U RN

Number of printouts

Press the SET button to set the print order.

The M indicator appears.

M indicator
Press l or m to select PRI. SELECT, then press the SET button.
The PRINT indicator appears.
If you want to assign another print order, repeat steps 5 to 7.

PRINT indicator

To cancel the print order for an image
Select the image for canceling out of print order in step 5 above, then press the SET button. Press l to select 0, then press the SET button.
The M indicator disappears.
Assigning Print Order to All Images
Perform steps 1 to 3 in Assigning Print Order to an Image. Press l or m to select PRI. ALL, then press the SET button.
To cancel the print order for all images
Perform steps 1 to 3 in Assigning Print Order to an Image. Press l or m to select PRI. NONE, then press the SET button to cancel the print order for all images.
The M indicators are turned off.
P L AY BACK SE T P I C. E F F E C T S L I D E S HOW DE L E T E P RO T E C T P R I. O RD E R P R I. S E L E C T PR I. AL L R E T U RN P R I. NON E R E T U RN
Transferring Data on Card to Computer
Using the supplied USB cable, you can transfer still images to a computer.
Installing the USB driver
In the examples below the CD-ROM drive letter is taken as R:. Select the correct drive letter according to your operating environment.

System Requirements

Microsoft Windowsb 98, Windowsb 98 Second Edition, Windowsb 2000 Professional, Windowsb Me or Windowsb XP operating system USB terminal CD-ROM drive (for driver installation) Mouse or other pointing device

Windows 98/98 SE

Add New Hardware Wizard appears after performing Preparation. Insert the CD-ROM containing the USB driver into the CD-ROM drive, then click Next. Select Search for the best driver for your device., then click Next. Select Specify a location:, and specify R:\WIN98, then click Next. Check the message, then click Next to begin installation. Click Finish to complete the installation.

Optimal lighting range
Avoid backlit subjects. For the best picture, shoot with the light source behind you. When the background is brighter than the subject, the subject often becomes too dark. If you have to record in this lighting, use Gamma Brightness Compensation or correct the exposure level to improve the picture (see pages 29 and 43).

Light from behind

Before zooming, think about how to best frame the shot. Frequent zooming produces unattractive pictures. It also runs down the battery more quickly. When image shaking is noticeable during zoomed-in telephoto shooting, use a tripod or push the Power Zoom control to the W side to zoom out. Horizontal panning (lateral movement) and tilting (vertical movement) should be done slowly to emphasize the wide expanse of a scene or the height of a building, and to make scenes easy to watch during playback. Use a wide-angle setting for fast-moving subjects.
Note: It may take longer to focus when zooming and panning are used frequently.
;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;; ;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;

Backlighting

Tips on good lighting
In most outdoor, daytime scenes, natural lighting is adequate for home videos. Indoors, however, artificial lighting is usually required. Video lights with halogen lamps provide the most natural artificial light over a long operating life.

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 conventional analog formats.
SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard
SD Memory card and MultiMediaCard are compact recording media just 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) long and 15/16 inches (24 mm) wide which support the needs of the digital network society where music, images, games and various other provider services are offered. You can use an SD Memory Card and a MultiMediaCard for storing still images with this camcorder, not a SmartMedia\ card or Memory Stick\ media.
SD Memory Card MultiMediaCard
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.
Mini DV cassette DV cassette

SmartMedia\ card

Memory Stick\ media
8 mm, VHS, and Beta cassettes cannot be used for playback or recording with this camcorder.
8 mm cassette VHS cassette Beta cassette
Note: This camcorder reproduces the highest picture quality when used with an ME tape. It is recommended you use an ME tape for highquality recording and playback.

Replacing the Fluorescent Lamp
This camcorder uses a fluorescent lamp to backlight the LCD monitor. If the monitor becomes dark or difficult to view, the fluorescent lamp may need to be replaced. Contact the nearest SHARP service center or your dealer for further advice.

Protecting your data

Back view
Set the write-protect switch to LOCK. Set the switch to the unlocked side when you want to record or edit the card again. Do not remove the card or turn off the power of the camcorder and peripheral equipment while data is being read or written. Also do not remove the power source from the camcorder. These actions can cause data to be destroyed. (Please be aware that Sharp Corporation cannot be held liable for any data loss or other loss directly or indirectly caused by data loss.) Make backup copies of your data wherever possible.

VL-NZ100U-074-082

Battery Pack
This camcorder uses a lithium-ion type battery pack.

Storage

Store the battery pack in a fully discharged state. Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place. When storing a fully charged battery pack, put the cover on it so that the CHARGE mark printed on the label is seen through the window, as shown.

Label Battery pack

CHARGE

Charging

Charge the battery pack immediately (or a day) before use. The battery pack gradually self-discharges even if stored in a fully charged state. Charge the battery pack between 50F and 86F (10C and 30C). Fully charge the battery pack. Use of an insufficiently charged battery pack will shorten actual time of use. Refresh (discharging before charging) is unnecessary.

Window Cover

To conserve battery power, be sure to turn off the camcorder power when not in use. Battery consumption may vary depending on the condition of use. Recording with many starts and stops, frequent zooming, and recording in low temperatures will shorten actual recording times. Use of a weak battery pack may cause loss of power while operating the camcorder. Use a fully charged battery pack to protect both the battery pack and the unit. It is recommended that you have enough battery packs on hand to handle two or three times your estimated recording time. See page 20 for the approximate times of actual recording for the battery packs. Battery power is consumed even when the camcorder power is turned off. If you are not going to use your camcorder immediately, remove the battery pack (see page 9).

ST ART S T OP

After about 20 seconds, video head cleaning automatically finishes, and EJECT THE CASSETTE. displays.
Remove the cleaning tape.
To cancel cleaning, press the SET button.

Cleaning

Many plastic parts are used in the camcorder casing. Do not use thinner, benzene or other strong chemical cleaners. These may cause discoloration and damage to the casing. Clean the casing with a soft, dry cloth. If the casing is particularly dirty, wipe the casing with a tightly wrung cloth dampened with a diluted, neutral detergent. Then wipe it again with a soft, dry cloth. Use a soft cloth to wipe finger marks and other smudges off the LCD screen. Use a soft cloth, or compressed air and lens paper designed for photographic lenses to clean the lens.
Using Your Camcorder Abroad
Television signal standards and electrical voltages and frequencies vary substantially from country to country. When you are abroad, check the sections below before using the AC adapter or connecting the camcorder to a TV.
AC Adapter (Supplied Accessory)
The supplied AC adapter is compatible with 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in the range of 110 V to 240 V AC. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor, if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet.
AC 110240 V A commercially available AC plug adaptor
Television Signal Standards
In any country, you can always watch the video picture by using the LCD monitor screen. However, if you want to watch the picture on a TV screen, the TV must be NTSC-M system compatible. NTSC-M is used in the following areas: The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Myanmar (previously Burma), Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the Netherland Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad, the U.S.A., Venezuela, Southern Vietnam, and the Virgin Islands.

Demonstration Mode

Canceling Demo Mode

During the demonstration, press the MENU button to pause the demonstration. Press l or m on the operation button to select I, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select DEMO MODE, then press the SET button.
You can watch a brief demonstration of the special camcorder features in Demo mode. If the demonstration appears on the screen when you turn on the camcorder for the first time, cancel the Demo mode to use your camcorder.
Note: The demonstration is only displayed in English.
Watching the Demonstration
Remove the Mini DV cassette from the camcorder (see page 12). In TAPE-CAMERA or CARD-CAMERA mode, press the MENU button until the menu screen appears. Press l or m on the operation button to select I, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select DEMO MODE, then press the SET button.

DEMO MODE

Note: The demonstration will pause if you press the MENU button. If you leave it for 60 seconds, or turn the power off temporarily and then set the Power switch to CAMERA, the demonstration will begin again.
Set the Power switch to OFF, then hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA.
The demonstration begins.
Before Requesting Service
Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table.
Symptom No power. Possible cause Power source is not properly connected. Battery pack is not charged. Suggested solution Connect power source properly (pp. 9, 11). Charge battery pack sufficiently (p. 10). Wait until dew dries (p. 76). Set Power switch to OFF and remove battery pack. Wait for 2 seconds, then reinstall battery pack and turn on power (p. 9).
Dew in camcorder. Safety function is in effect.
REC START/STOP button does not work.
Erasure-protect tab on video cassette Close tab or use a new cassette (p. 72). is open.
Power suddenly turns off. Camcorder left in Recording Standby Set Power switch to OFF and then mode for 5 minutes in TAPE-CAMERA back to CAMERA. mode. Auto focus does not work. Manual Focus mode is engaged. Zoom used on close subject. Set to Auto Focus mode (p. 42). Zoom out from subject (p. 21). Focus manually (p. 42).

CAMERA mode

Subject has little contrast in brightness, or is full of horizontal or vertical stripes. Bright subject produces wide vertical lines. Automatically zooms out without operating Zoom control. Occurs when shooting subject with strong contrast to the background. Does not indicate a malfunction. Camcorder is unable to focus when zooming in on subject within 5 feet (1.5 m), and automatically zooms out until it focuses on subject. No subject in the field of view.
Direct lens to some subject, or set zoom to widest angle before shooting (p. 21). Set DEMO MODE menu item to OFF (p. 79). Select video input channel or TV channel properly (p. 25). Connect audio/video cable properly (p. 25). Connect DV cable or audio/video cable properly. (pp. 49-51)