VL-NZ50U-*hyou; 02/02/12/18:00
Valid for warranty service in the U.S. only
CONSUMER LIMITED WARRANTY

Operation References

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:
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

VL-NZ50U

OPERATION MANUAL
Preparation Basic Operations Useful Features
Warranty Period for this Product: Additional Item(s) Excluded from Warranty Coverage (if any): Where to Obtain Service:
VL-NZ50U 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. 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 Product, be sure it is insured and packaged securely.

Advanced 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.:
TO OBTAIN SUPPLY, ACCESSORY OR PRODUCT INFORMATION, GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT www.sharp-usa.com OR CALL 1-800-BE-SHARP

Appendix

SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430-2135

Quick Operation Guide

Please consult this operation manual further for details on these and other functions of your camcorder.
Charging the Battery Pack 1 2
Attach the battery pack on the camcorder, and make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. Plug the AC adapter into a power outlet (1), then insert the DC plug into the DC input jack (2).
The charge indicator lights up.

DC input jack

Attaching the Battery Pack

Power switch

To power outlet

Charge indicator

Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF.
Align the = mark on the side of the battery pack with the = mark on the camcorder (1), and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow completely until it locks into place (2).
The charge indicator turns off when the battery is charged.
Remove the DC plug from the DC input jack, then remove the AC adapter from the power outlet.

Inserting a Cassette 1

Attach the power source to the camcorder, then slide the cassette compartment door release and open the cassette compartment door.
After confirmation sound, the cassette holder extends and opens automatically.
Cassette compartment door release
Tips on Recording Positions
To create images that are easy to watch during playback, try to record with an upright posture and steady hand to prevent a shaky image.

Holding the camcorder

Place your right thumb close to the REC START/STOP button and Power Zoom control. Place your left thumb on the thumb rest on the left side of the screen.

Basic posture

Insert a commercially available cassette fully with the window facing outwards, and with the erasure protect tab facing upwards.

Erasure protect tab

Take care not to cover the lens or microphone with your finger.
Place your elbows against your sides.
Press the W mark gently until the cassette holder clicks into place.
After confirmation sound, the cassette holder retracts automatically.

W mark

Wait for the cassette holder to fully retract. Close the compartment door by pressing the center until it clicks into place.
Balance your weight on both legs.
Shooting from a high angle
Turn the LCD monitor so that the screen faces downward.
Shooting from a low angle
Turn the LCD monitor so that the screen faces upward.
REC START/STOP button Power Zoom control/Volume control

Zooming

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

Power Zoom control

Operation button Power switch

Playback 1

Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to VCR.

Lock button

Easy Camera Recording 1 2
Insert a cassette into the camcorder. 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

Precautions
When the camcorder is not in use, remember 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 32F to 104F (0C to L40C), 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 wellventilated location. Some small, portable tripods may be difficult to attach and may not be sturdy enough to support your camcorder. Be sure to use only a strong, stable tripod. When using your camcorder in a cold environment, the LCD monitor screen often appears less bright immediately after the power is turned on. This is not a malfunction. To prevent the camcorder from becoming too cold, wrap it in a thick cloth (a blanket, etc.).

Gua de operacin rpida en espaol... 61 Visualizaciones en pantalla en espaol... 68 Affichages sur cran en franais... 69
Operation References Operation References

Part Names

For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in brackets. Front view

Stereo microphone

Zoom lens

DC input jack [pp. 8, 9]

Cassette holder [p. 10]
Lithium battery compartment door [p. 11]
Cassette compartment door [p. 10] Cassette compartment door release [p. 10]

VL-NZ50U-001-006

02.2.12, 5:19 PM

Rear view

Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control [p. 17]/ VOLume control [p. 19] DV terminal [p. 44]
GUIDE ON/OFF switch [p. 23]
AV jack [pp. 21, 43] Operation button Jack cover [pp. 21, 43, 44] LCD monitor
Rear view RECord START/STOP button [p. 16] GAMMA/ BRIGHTER button [pp. 25, 26, 35] FADE button [p. 27] SET button [p. 22] STILL button [p. 29]
Power switch (CAMERA/VCR select switch) [pp. 16, 19] Speaker
MENU button [pp. 5, 22] MANUAL button [p. 5]

Bottom view

Battery release [p. 7]

Wrist strap loop [p. 14]

Tripod adapter socket [p. 29] 3
Battery mounting surface [p. 7]

On-screen Display Index

For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated. CAMERA mode
S E T T I NG 1 P I C. E F F E C T S C E N E ME NU QK. R E T U RN R E T U RN S E T T I NG 2 D G T L Z OOM T APE SPE ED DIS 16 : 9 A UD I O MOD E R E T U RN OTHE RS BEEP T I ME CO D E T C OU T D E MO MOD E L A NGU A G E R E T U RN

p. 30 p. 16 p. 18

p. 40 p. 41 p. 28 p. 24 p. 32 p. 30 p. 30 p. 33 p. 49 p. 42 p. 42 p. 57 p. 12
LCD SE T BA CK L I GHT L C D B R I GH T L C D C OL OR R E T U RN

pp. 16, 39

CLOCK SE T D I SPLA Y S E T T I NG 12H / 24H R E T UR N

p. 35 p. 13 p. 14

S E T T I NG 1 P I C. E F F E C T S C E N E ME NU QK. R E T U RN R E T U RN

VCR mode

P L AY BACK SE T P I C. E F F E C T A U D I O DU B AUD I O R E T U RN OTHE RS R EMO T E BEEP T I ME CO D E T C OU T R E T URN
P L AY BACK SE T P I C. E F F E C T A U D I O DU B AUD I O R E T U RN

A UD I O 1 + 2

p. 36 p. 46 p. 47
LCD SE T BA CK L I GHT L C D B R I GH T L C D C OL OR R E T U RN CLOCK SE T D I SPLAY R E T UR N

(Continued on the next page) 14

02.2.12, 5:20 PM

Always attach the lens cap over the lens when not using the camcorder.
When recording, hang the lens cap on the wrist strap to keep the cap out of the way.
Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode
Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 7 through 15 to prepare your camcorder for recording.
REC START/STOP button Power switch
Press the REC START/STOP button again. Recording pauses, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode.

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.
Remove the lens cap. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA.
The picture from the lens now displays. The camcorder is now ready to record (Recording Standby mode).
Notes: Battery power is consumed in Recording Standby mode. Turn off the power if you will not be recording again soon. If the camcorder remains in Recording Standby mode for more than 5 minutes, the power will automatically turn off to save battery power and to protect the tape from being damaged. To resume recording, set the Power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA. (The camcorder will make a confirmation sound when it is left in Recording Standby mode for about 4 minutes.)
Maximum continuous recording and actual recording times
Battery pack BT-L225 BT-L445 Max. continuous recording time approx. 1hr. 30min. approx. 3hr. Actual recording time approx. 50min. approx. 1hr. 40min.
Note: If AUTO is not displayed at this time, set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (see page 39).
Note: Using the zoom (see page 17) 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.

VL-NZ50U-016-021

Basic Operations Camera Recording
Zooming allows you to move visually closer to or farther from a subject without physically changing your position. When using the optical zoom, you can enlarge the subject up to 10K.
Zooming in (when you want to center attention on the subject) Wide angle Zooming out (when you want to includes the surroundings)

Auto Focus

The camcorder is preset to Auto Focus mode, which is designed to focus on most types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the camcorder automatically focuses on the subject in the center of the scene. Always keep the subject in the center of the scene.

Searching for a Scene Far from the Current Tape Position
During fast forward (or rewind), press and hold k (or j) on the Operation button.
The fast forward (or rewind) picture displays.
If the scene is still rather far from the current tape position, release the Operation button to normal fast forward (or rewind). Repeat steps 1 and 2 above until you find the scene. Press m to begin normal playback.
Notes: The sound is off during search. You may experience picture noise during search. This is not a malfunction.
Basic Operations Playback
Watching Playback on a TV
You can connect the camcorder to a TV to allow a larger audience to enjoy playback.
Caution: Check that the camcorder, TV, VCR and other equipment to be used are turned off before making any connections. Picture noise or malfunction may occur if any of the above is left on while making a connection.
Open the jack cover on the camcorder (see page 2).
Turn on the TV and set it to the AV or VIDEO channel. (See the operation manual of your TV.)
When connecting to a TV via a VCR, turn on the VCR and set it to the AV or LINE input channel. Operate the TV as you normally do to view the signal from the VCR. (See the operation manuals of your TV and VCR.)

Jack cover

Set the Power switch on the camcorder to VCR, and begin playback (see page 19).
Connect the camcorder to your TV (or VCR) with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.
Notes: If your TV or VCR has only one audio input jack, use the white plug for the audio connection on the TV or VCR. Close the jack cover after use.

CHANNEL

PAUSE /STILL PLAY STOP/ EJECT

POWER TV/VCR SET UP

Yellow: To video input jack White: To audio input (L) jack Red: To audio input (R) jack
Audio/video cable (supplied)

To AV jack

: The arrow shows the signal flow.

Using the Menu Screens

Use the menu screens to adjust the various camcorder settings.
Press l or m on the Operation button to select the desired menu screen (Y), then press the SET button.

Example

S E T T I NG 2 D G T L Z OOM O F F T APE SPE ED DIS 16 : 9 A UD I O MOD E R E T U RN
You can press k, instead of the SET button.

Press l or m to select the desired menu item (DGTL ZOOM), then press the SET button.
S E T T I NG 2 D G T L Z OOM OF F T APE SPE ED DIS : 9 A UD I O MOD E R E T U RN
Set to the desired camcorder mode (CAMERA or VCR).
See page 4 for the menu items you can select in each camcorder mode.
Steps 2 to 5 show how to change the DGTL ZOOM menu setting in CAMERA mode.
Press l or m to select the desired menu setting, then press the SET button.

DG T L ZOOM

You can press k, instead of the SET button. To adjust another menu item, press l or m to select RETURN and press the SET button, then perform steps 3 to 5.
Note: The menu screen does not appear during recording.
To turn off the menu screen

Press the MENU button.

Notes: Certain menu items are common to all camcorder modes. If the BEEP menu item, for example, is set to OFF in CAMERA mode, it will be automatically set to OFF in VCR mode. The menu screen automatically turns off if no settings are made within five minutes. Items that are not selectable are grayed out.

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02.2.12, 5:21 PM
Useful Features Useful features
Camera Recording Camera Recording
Displaying the Recording Guide
This function helps you decide on the size of the subject occupying the screen. Select one of five recording guides.
Turning on the recording guide
Set the GUIDE ON/OFF switch to ON.
Selecting the recording guide
Press l or m on the Operation button.
Cross: A cross mark at the center of the screen for placing the subject at the center.
To turn off the recording guide
Set the GUIDE ON/OFF switch to OFF.
Note: When using manual focus, you cannot change the recording guide.
Focus: Focus brackets for guiding you to the focus area.
Landscape: Grid lines dividing the screen into 9 areas to help you with the horizontal and vertical composition. Snapshot: For capturing a small group of friends in a frame with surrounding background. Portrait: Green frame fitting a full-body view and yellow frame fitting an upper-body view.

Setting the Digital Zoom

You can select three different zoom ranges: 1 10K (optical zoom), 1040K (digital zoom) or 10300K (digital zoom). The digital zoom allows you to record powerful close-up pictures with the same operation as normal zooming.

GAMMA L I GH T
Useful Features Camera Recording

Fade In and Fade Out

The fade function allows you to gradually bring the image and sound in or out at the beginning or end of a scene for creating scene transitions. This is especially effective in creating a dramatic change in scenery.

REC START/STOP button

The picture turns white, and the image and sound fade in.

REC F A DE IN

AU T O 0 min 2
Press the REC START/STOP button at the point where you wish to stop recording.
The image and sound fade out as the picture gradually turns white. The camcorder then returns to Recording Standby mode.

FADE button Fade in

F A D E OU T

Fade out

To cancel Fade mode
Press the FADE button again in Recording Standby mode.
In CAMERA mode, press the FADE button.

FADE appears.

To use Fade Out only

F A DE

During camera recording, press the FADE button to display FADE. Press the REC START/STOP button at the point where you wish to stop recording.

AU T O 0 min

Note: Fade mode automatically cancels after Fade Out.

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02.2.12, 5:22 PM

Quick Return

If while playing back your tape you want to quickly return to the last recorded scene and start recording again, use the quick return function.

Edit Search

The edit search function lets you search, without switching from CAMERA mode to VCR mode, for the point on the tape where you wish to start recording next.
In Recording Standby 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 QK. RETURN, 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 T AR T QK. R E T U RN S T OP R E T U RN
In Recording Standby mode, press and hold down j (reverse edit search) or k (forward edit search) on the Operation button.
Press l or m to select START, then press the SET button.
SEARCH flashes, and the tape begins fast forwarding or rewinding to the end of the last recorded scene.
When you find the point where you want to begin recording, release the button.

SE ARCH

When the tape reaches the end of the last recorded scene, FINISHED is displayed, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode.
Notes: The sound is off during search. Forward edit search is performed at the same speed as normal playback, and reverse edit search at 5.5 times the normal playback. You may experience picture noise during reverse edit search.

Notes: The camcorder may not be able to focus correctly if the subject is closer than approximately 5 feet (1.5 m). Set the zoom control to wide angle, and try refocusing again. If the lens is dirty or fogged, the camcorder may not be able to focus correctly. When MF is displayed, you can manually adjust the focus by pressing l or m, even if the focus setting screen is not displayed.
Fast-speed shutter being used under fluorescent lighting.

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02.2.12, 5:23 PM

Manual Exposure

The camcorder is preset to Auto Exposure mode, which automatically selects the optimal aperture. However, when there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and background, you may not be able to record a clear image. In this case, use the manual exposure function to correct the exposure level.
To return to Auto Exposure mode
Press the SET button while the exposure setting screen is displayed.
Note: Manual Exposure mode will cancel if a scene setting is selected thereafter.
Background is too bright and subject too dark (backlit subject).
Increase the exposure level to allow more light through the lens.
Subject is too bright against background.
Decrease the exposure level to allow less light through the lens.
In CAMERA mode, press the MANUAL button until the exposure setting screen appears.
Press m or l to select the desired exposure level.
The number shown is the selected exposure level. The adjustment range is from +5 (least light) to L5 (most light).

MA N U A L E X POSURE

Exposure level
Advanced Features Camera Recording

White Balance Lock

The color of the subject on the screen looks different depending on lighting conditions. Lock the White Balance if the Auto White Balance does not work properly.
To return to Auto White Balance mode
Press the SET button while the white balance setting screen is displayed.
Note: White Balance setting will cancel if a scene setting is selected thereafter.
In CAMERA mode, press the MANUAL button until the white balance setting screen appears.
Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto mode

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 33.
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
Press the SET button. To resume audio dubbing, press the SET button again.
Play back the recorded Mini DV cassette and locate the tape position where you wish to start audio dubbing. Press m to pause playback. Press the MENU button until the menu screen appears. Press l or m on the operation button to select V, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select AUDIO DUB, then press the SET button.
The audio dubbing screen appears.
P L AY BACK SE T P I C. E F F E C T E XECUT E A U D I O DU B AUD I O R E T U RN

To cancel audio dubbing

Press the MENU button. The audio dubbing screen disappears.
If you wish to change the dubbed audio or dub additional scenes
Press the MENU button to turn off the audio dubbing screen. Repeat steps 1 to 6 above.

A UD I O D U B

Notes: It is recommended that you use Audio Dubbing only with recordings made with this camcorder. Use of recordings made with other digital video equipment may result in poor audio quality. Audio dubbing will automatically pause if the original audio changes from 12-bit mode to 16bit mode or vice versa. Press the SET button to resume operation. Audio dubbing will automatically stop if a portion recorded in LP mode or an unrecorded portion of the tape is encountered. You can play back the dubbed audio and the original audio together or separately (see page 47).

START STOP

Press the SET button to begin audio dubbing. Record your narration.
Selecting the Audio Playback Mode
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 on the operation button to select V, then press the SET button. Press l or m to select AUDIO, then press the SET button.

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 16 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 7).
Note: Use only SHARP BT-L225 or BT-L445 battery packs. These are designed specifically for use with this camcorder.
When storing a battery pack that is not fully charged, put the cover upside down so that only the battery pack casing can be seen through the window.
Cautions: Improper handling of the battery pack may present a risk of fire or explosion. Pay close attention to the following: Do not allow metallic objects to come in contact with the terminals. This can cause a short circuit. Do not disassemble or repair the battery pack by yourself. Do not use any battery charging equipment other than that designed for use with these battery packs. Do not place the battery pack under direct sunlight or in excessively hot places (over 140F or 60C) such as the dashboard of cars. Do not expose the battery pack to moisture or water. Do not drop the battery pack or subject it to strong force. Keep the battery pack out of reach of children. Dispose of used battery packs promptly. Do not dispose of them in fire. To protect the terminals, put the cover on the battery pack when it is not in use. Notes: The battery pack will become warm during charging and use. This is not a malfunction. The battery pack has a limited service life. If the period of use becomes noticeably shorter with a normal charge, the battery pack is at the end of its service life. Replace it with a new battery pack. If the terminals of the battery pack are dirty, wipe the terminals with a soft, dry cloth.

VL-NZ50U-053-060

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 acclimate to the surroundings for about one hour. For example, when bringing the camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag.
Dew warning feature If dew forms, the word DEW flashes on the screen, and the power will automatically turn off in approximately 10 seconds.
1If DEW flashes, remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and wait for a few hours to allow the camcorder to acclimate 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.

;;;; ;; ;;;; ;; ;

Plastic bag
1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing the camcorder. 2Remove the bag when the air temperature inside it reaches the temperature of the room.

Dirty Video Heads

When the video heads have become clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating particles),
Striped noise Mosaic noise
Using a Cleaning Tape (Commercially 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.

Demonstration Mode

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.

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.
Watching the Demonstration
Remove the Mini DV cassette from the camcorder (see page 10). In 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. 7, 9). Charge battery pack sufficiently (p. 8). Wait until dew dries (p. 54). Set Power switch to OFF and remove battery pack. Wait for 2 seconds, then reinstall battery pack and turn on power (p. 7).
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. 52). is open. Set Power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA. Set to Auto Focus mode (p. 37). Zoom out from subject (p. 17). Focus manually (p. 37).
Power suddenly turns off. Camcorder left in Recording Standby mode for 5 minutes. Auto focus does not work. Manual Focus mode is engaged. Zoom used on close subject. 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.

Digital Camcorder Custom Fit Chart - Digital Series

5696Digital 6

Carries small digital camcorders and some accessories.
Foam-padded protection for digital equipment. Front zippered pockets for accessories. Constructed of Ballistic nylon. Metal hardware. Adjustable shoulder straps.

5697Digital 7

Perfect for carrying compact camcorders, chargers, batteries, tapes, and other accessories.

5698Digital 8

Great for carrying camcorders, chargers, batteries, tapes, and other accessories.
5685Digital Double Decker
Holds camcorders up to 10" long. Removable lower compartment for storing accessories.
Digital Camcorders CANON Elura 40MC, Optura 200MC ZR 60, 65, 75 Optura 10, 20 HITACHI DZMV200A, DZMV230A, DZMV270A VDM865, 875, 975 JVC GR-D30US, GR-D70US, GR-D90US, GR-DVM76U GR-DVM96U, GR-DVP7U GR-DV500US,GR-DV800US GR-DV3000U PANASONIC PV-DC252, PV-DC352, PV-DV103, PV-DV203, PV-GS50, PV-VM202 VDR-M20 PV-DV52, PV-DV73, PV-DV102, PV-DV402, PV-DV702, PV-DV852 PV-DV952 SAMSUNG SCD130, SCD190, SCD590 SCD67, SCD70, SCD73 SCD75, SDC77, SCD87 SHARP VL-NZ50U, VL-NZ55U, VL-NZ100U, VL-NZ105U VL-NZ150U, VL-NZ155U, VL-MC500U VL-AX1U SONY DCR-TRV19, DCR-TRV22 DCR-TRV33, DCR-PC101, DCR-PC120BT, DCR-IP55, DCR-IP220 DCR-IP5 DCR-TRV38, DCR-TRV39, DCR-TRV50, DCR-TRV70 DCR-TRV80 DCR-TRV250, DCR-TRV350 X X X with accessories X with accessories X

X X X X X X

X X with accessories

X with accessories

No. 89 03/25/2003
Pro Digital Camcorder Custom Fit Chart
Foam-padded protection for digital equipment. Front zippered pockets for accessories. Ultra-strong materials. Metal hardware. Adjustable shoulder straps.
5685- Digital Double Decker

974- Mini

Camcorder Convertible
Perfect for compact pro-quality camcorders like Canon's GL2.
976- Medium Camcorder Bag
Ideal for pro-quality camcorders like Sony's VX2000.

979-Pro Camcorder Bag

Great for pro camcorders with lots of room for accessories.

2248 & 2249

Sub Compact Camcorder Case
Specifically designed for Canon's XL1s, and accessories.
PRO Digital Camcorders Canon GL2 XL1, XL1s Sony TRV900 VX2000 PD150 X X X with accessories X with accessories

X with accessories X