VL-WD250S/hyou2; 01/2/15/18:00

VL-WD250S

MANUAL DE MANEJO MANUAL DE OPERAO

ESPAOL

CAMCORDER CON PANTALLA DE CRISTAL LQUIDO VIDEOKAMERA MED FLYTANDE KRISTALLSKRM CAMCORDER COM VISOR DE CRISTAL LQUIDO LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

SVENSKA

SHARP CORPORATION

PORTUGUS

BRUKSANVISNING OPERATION MANUAL

;; ;; ;;

ENGLISH
Impreso en Malasia Tryckt i Malaysia Impresso na Malsia Printed in Malaysia TINSL0279TAZZ 01P03-M-G
MANUAL DE MANEJO BRUKSANVISNING MANUAL DE OPERAO OPERATION MANUAL
VL-WD250S-CE1; 00/11/21/18:00
This equipment complies with the requirements of Directives 89/336/ EEC and 73/23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC. Dieses Gert entspricht den Anforderungen der EG-Richtlinien 89/336/ EWG und 73/23/EWG mit nderung 93/68/EWG. Ce matriel rpond aux exigences contenues dans les directives 89/336/ CEE et 73/23/CEE modifies 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 tillg nr. 93/68/EEC. Quest apparecchio conforme ai requisiti delle direttive 89/336/EEC e 73/23/EEC, come emendata dalla direttiva 93/68/EEC. E E 89/336/EOK 73/23/EOK, 93/68/EOK. Este equipamento obedece s exigncias das directivas 89/336/CEE e 73/23/CEE, na sua verso 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 s som kompletteras av 93/68/EEC. Dette produktet oppfyller betingelsene i direktivene 89/336/EEC og 73/ 23/EEC i endringen 93/68/EEC. Tm laite tytt direktiivien 89/336/EEC ja 73/23/EEC vaatimukset, joita on muutettu direktiivill 93/68/EEC.
POZOR! PED SEJMUTM KRYTU NUTNO VYJMOUT SOVOU VIDLICI ZE SOV ZSUVKY. UPOZORNN: OPRAVU SM PROVDT POUZE ODBORN SERVIS.
Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page v.

OPERATION MANUAL

WARNING
TO PREVENT SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This equipment should be used with the recommended AC adapter/battery charger or battery pack. CAUTION To prevent electric shocks and fire hazards, do NOT use any other power source. Important: Audio-visual material may consist of copyrighted works which must not be recorded without the authority of the owner of the copyright. Please refer to relevant laws in your country.
CAUTION To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified dealer or service centre.
Power supply: This unit can be operated by connecting it to either the AC adapter/ battery charger or battery pack. The AC adapter/battery charger incorporates the AUTO VOLTAGE (AC 110240 V, 50/60 Hz) function.
NOTE The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with more than 61,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that this does not affect the performance of your camcorder.

Preparation

Charging the Battery Pack.. 7 Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack. 8 Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet. 9 Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette.. 10 Installing the Lithium Memory Battery. 11 Selecting the Language for the On-screen Display... 12 Setting the Date and Time.. 13 Displaying the Date and Time of Recording. 14 Adjusting the Hand Strap.. 15 Using the Lens Cap.. 15 Attaching the Shoulder Strap.. 15 Using the Viewfinder.. 16 Using the LCD Monitor.. 17

Basic Operations

Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode. 18 Zooming... 19 Tips on Recording Positions.. 19 Remaining Recording Time Display. 20 Remaining Battery Power Display.. 20 Playback Playback... 21 Volume Control... 21 Watching the Playback on a TV.. 22 Video Search... 23 Still... 23

Useful Features

Using the Controls.. 24 Selecting the User Mode... 25 Using the Menu Screens... 26 Camera Recording Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode. 27 Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode. 28 Digital Image Stabilization (DIS).. 28 Setting the Digital Zoom.. 29 Gamma Brightness Compensation.. 30 Gain-up.. 31 Night Recording (Cats Eye). 32
Fade In and Fade Out.. 33 Quick Return... 34 Edit Search... 34 Still Recording.. 35 Still Recording Effect (PHOTO SHOT).. 36 Auto Focus.. 37 Macro Shots.. 37 Using the Remote Control.. 37 Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot.. 39 Playback Playback Functions with the Remote Control. 40 Using the Time Code... 41
Preparation Basic Operations

Advanced Features

Camera Recording Manual Exposure.. 42 Manual Focus... 43 Setting the Shutter Speed.. 45 White Balance Lock.. 47 Scene Menu (Program AE).. 48 Digital Picture Effects... 49 Setting the Confirmation Sounds.. 49 Using the Zoom Microphone (Optional Accessory).. 50 Playback Playback Zoom.. 51 Gamma Playback.. 52 Playback Effects.. 53 Picture Effect Playback.. 54 Editing... 55 Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394). 56 Audio Dubbing Feature.. 57 Selecting the Audio Playback Mode. 59 Picture/Backlight Adjustments.. 60 Configuring Software for PC Connection. 61
Useful Features Advanced Features

Appendix

Useful Information... 63 Demonstration Mode.. 67 Before Requesting Service.. 68 Specifications... 70
Operation References Operation References

Note: You can also fold the LCD monitor into the camcorder with the screen facing out for watching playback on the monitor.
Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode
Before you start recording, perform the

To pause recording

Press the REC START/STOP button again. Recording pauses, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode.
operations described on pages 7 through 17 to prepare your camcorder for recording.
REC START/ STOP button Power switch

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.
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.)
Remove the lens cap, and lift up the viewfinder. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA.
The picture from the lens is now displayed in the viewfinder. The camcorder is now ready to record (Recording Standby mode).

Auto mode indicator

AUTO PAUSE
Maximum continuous recording and actual recording times
Battery pack Max. continuous recording time LCD closed 280 LCD open 240 Actual recording time LCD closed 140 LCD open 120
Lock button Note: If MANUAL is displayed at this time, press the AUTO ON/OFF button to set the camcorder to Auto mode.
The chart specifies the approximate times in minutes.
Note: Using the zoom (see page 19) and other functions or turning the power on and off frequently will increase power consumption. This may result in a decrease of more than 50% in the actual recording time compared to the maximum continuous recording time listed above.
Basic Operations Camera Recording
Zooming allows you to move visually closer to or farther from a subject without physically changing your position.
Zooming in (when you want to centre attention on the subject) Wide angle Zooming out (when you want to show the surroundings)

Less than 1 min.

CHANGE THE CAS SE T T E. T APE END
Notes: 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. The battery pack, however, can be used until the warning indicator appears. Use of the zoom functions when the warning indicator is displayed may cause the camcorder to suddenly lose power. This camcorder supports an intelligent battery function. Use of the optional BT-LS222 or BTLS442A intelligent battery pack allows the number of minutes of continuous operating time that remains to be displayed on the screen based on the remaining battery power.

min AUTO

(The tape has reached the end.)
Basic Operations Basic Operations

Playback Playback

Playback
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.
Notes: The tape is automatically rewound when playback reaches the end of the tape. Stereo earphones (commercially available) with a 3.5 mm diameter plug can be plugged into the PHONES jack with the supplied earphones connecting cable, as shown below. When you use this jack, the speaker automatically turns off.
Earphones connecting cable (supplied)
Open the LCD monitor and adjust the angle (see page 17). Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to VCR.
Lock button To PHONES jack PHONES jack
Watching the Playback in the Viewfinder
You can also watch the playback in the viewfinder by closing the LCD monitor with the screen facing in. You cannot monitor the sound through the speaker when watching the playback in the viewfinder.

Volume Control 4

When the camcorder is in 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 control

VOLUME

Decrease

Increase
Watching the Playback on a TV
You can connect the camcorder to a TV to allow a larger audience to enjoy playback.

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 see the signal from the VCR. (See the operation manuals of your TV and VCR.)
Open the jack cover on the camcorder.
Set the Power switch on the camcorder to VCR, and begin playback (see page 21).

Jack cover

Connect the camcorder to your TV (or VCR) with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.
Caution: Make sure that the camcorder, TV, VCR and other equipment to be connected have been turned off before you make connections. Making connections with any of the components left turned on may cause picture noise or malfunction. Notes: If your TV or VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SCART connector, use the RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ). 21-pin Euro-SCART on TV or VCR

CHANNEL

PAUSE /STILL PLAY STOP/ EJECT

POWER TV/VCR SET UP

(L/MONO)
RCA/21-pin Euro-SCART conversion connector (QSOCZ0033TAZZ) Audio R Audio L
Yellow: To video input jack White: To audio input (L) jack Red: To audio input (R) jack

To S-video input socket

Audio/video cable (supplied) S-video cable (supplied)

To S-VIDEO socket

If your TV or VCR has only one audio input jack, use the white plug for the audio connection on the TV or VCR. If your TV or VCR has an S-video input socket, you can connect it to the S-VIDEO socket on the camcorder with the supplied S-video cable. When the camcorder is connected to a TV for playback, the picture on the TV screen may flicker if the volume on the camcorder is set to maximum. Should this occur, turn the volume down (see page 21). Close the jack cover after use.

About the S-video socket

Yellow: To VIDEO jack White: To AUDIO L jack Red: To AUDIO R jack
S-video sockets are used to separately pass the chroma (colour) and luminance (brightness) components of video signals. They serve to improve the picture quality in both recording and playback.

Basic Operations Playback

Video Search

The video search function makes it easy to search for a desired scene on the tape.
The still function makes it possible to pause playback.
During playback, press r (or e) on the Operation button.
The playback picture fast forwards (or reverses).
During playback, press y on the Operation button.
When you find the desired scene, press y to return to normal playback.
To return to normal playback, press y again.
Notes: The sound is off in Still mode. To protect the tape, the camcorder automatically returns to normal playback if it is left in Still mode for more than 5 minutes.
Notes: The sound is off during search. Some picture noise appears during search. This is not a malfunction.

Using the Controls

The following controls on the camcorder can be used to select and operate the various functions, settings and on-screen displays.
MENU/DISPLAY button Power switch

MENU/DISPLAY button

The MENU/DISPLAY button is used to turn the on-screen indicators and the menu screens on or off. Each time you press the MENU/DISPLAY button, the on-screen display changes as shown below.

Example Indicators off

To turn the power on, hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

Menu screen

To turn the power off, set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.

Indicators on

Note: The warning indicators and some other indicators cannot be turned off by pressing the MENU/DISPLAY button.
The Operation button is used to select and set the various menu settings by pressing y (1), e (2), d (3) or r (4).

Selecting the User Mode

This camcorder features three user modes for camera recording functions. The selectable items on the menu screen are different depending on the user mode.
Press the AUTO ON/OFF button.
Each time you press the AUTO ON/OFF button, the user mode changes between Auto mode and Manual mode. To select Easy mode, hold down the AUTO ON/OFF button for more than two seconds.

CAMERA SE T PHOTO SNAP SNAP E F F. OF F DG T L ZOOM PHOTO SHOT T AP E SP E E D
In Recording Standby mode, press the STILL button.
A still image of the subject is displayed.
Press the REC START/STOP button.
The still image of the subject will be recorded.
In SNAP mode, the camcorder returns to Recording Standby mode after recording a still image for 6 seconds.
Press d or y to select OFF, then press e.
To cancel the still image
In SNAP mode, press the STILL button while the camcorder is in Recording Standby mode. In STILL mode, press the STILL button.
Notes: Still Recording can also be used during recording by pressing the STILL button. The picture quality in Still Recording mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

SNAP E F F.

Press y (1) to select PHOTO SNAP, then press r (2).
CAMERA SE T PHOTO SNAP SNAP ST I LL SNAP E F F. DG T L ZOOM T AP E SP E E D
Still Recording Effect (PHOTO Using PHOTO SHOT mode SHOT) 1 In Recording Standby mode, press the

STILL button.

You can use a still recording effect to record the still images. A still picture is recorded following the sound and visual effects of a camera shutter closing. A still image of the subject is displayed.
Setting a still recording effect
Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. Select Y, then press r on the Operation button. Select PHOTO SNAP (1), then press r (2).
CAMERA SE T PHOTO SNAP SNAP ST I LL SNAP E F F. DG T L ZOOM T AP E SP E ED
To cancel still recording effect
Select OFF in step 5 of Setting a still recording effect.
Press d or y to select SNAP or STILL , then press e.
Press d or y (1) to select SNAP EFF., then press r (2).
Notes: PHOTO SHOT can also be used during recording by pressing the STILL button. If you use PHOTO SHOT during recording, the visual effects of a camera shutter closing are recorded. You can use PHOTO SHOT without the sound effect of a camera shutter closing by setting the SOUND menu item to OFF (see page 49). The picture quality in PHOTO SHOT mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.
Press d or y to select PHOTO SHOT then press e.

PHOTO SHOT

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 whatever is in the centre of the scene. Always keep the subject in the centre of the scene.
Notes: If no subject is in the centre of the scene, the focus area will expand and the subject nearest the centre will be focused on. If no subject is displayed, the camcorder will automatically zoom out until a subject comes into the frame. Auto Focus may not work in the situations described on page 43. In these situations, use the manual focus function.

Using the Remote Control

Use the supplied remote control to operate the camcorder from a distance, such as when you want to record yourself in a scene, or when the camcorder is connected to a TV for use as a VCR.
Installing the Batteries in the Remote Control
Open the battery compartment cover. Insert the two supplied AA (R6 or UM/ SUM-3) batteries with the battery poles positioned as indicated.

Macro Shots

This camcorder lets you shoot close-up images of small objects such as flowers and insects, or make title frames for your videos. When you want to record a magnified image of a subject which is within approximately 1.8 m of the camcorder, do not zoom in on it. Instead, zoom out all the way by pushing the Power Zoom control to the W side, and then move the camcorder closer to the subject until you obtain the desired angle of view. The camcorder will automatically focus on the subject when the lens is set for the widest angle.

Replace the cover.

Caution: Do not use old and new batteries together or batteries of different brands together.
Turning on the Remote Control Mode
Power Zoom control Tripod
Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. Select I, then press r on the Operation button. Select REMOTE (1), then press r (2).
OTHERS REMOT E SOUND T I ME CODE T C OUT DEMO MODE L ANGUAGE ON OF F
Notes: When you are recording a macro shot, be sure that the subject receives sufficient illumination. It is recommended that you use a tripod for recording macro shots, to prevent image shaking.

REW button [p. 21]

REMOT E
REC START/STOP button [p. 18] ZOOM W/T buttons [pp. 19, 51] VOL. +/L buttons [p. 21] PLAY button [p. 21] FF button [p. 21] STOP button [p. 21] SLOW button [p. 40]
Operating the Remote Control
Open the LCD monitor completely (1), then rotate it 180 vertically (2).
Shift buttons [p. 51] Advance/reverse buttons [p. 40] PAUSE/STILL button [pp. 23, 40] Notes: Be careful not to allow direct sunlight or bright light from interior illumination to fall onto the remote sensor, as this may prevent the remote control from operating properly. Be sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the remote sensor. When the batteries are depleted and the remote control does not operate, replace them with new AA (R6 or UM/SUM-3) batteries.
Set the Power switch on the camcorder to CAMERA or VCR. Aim the remote control at the remote sensor of the camcorder, and press the control buttons for operation.

Remote sensor

Approximate operating range of remote control
Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot
Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180 vertically so that the screen faces the other way and the subject can monitor the shot while you are recording with the viewfinder. If the camcorder is steadied, you can record yourself in the scene by watching yourself on the LCD monitor. The supplied remote control is useful for such occasions.

Set the Power switch to CAMERA.
The subject is displayed in the viewfinder, and a mirror image of the subject is displayed on the LCD monitor.
Caution: Do not invert the image by rotating the monitor during recording. Notes: The screen image is automatically inverted when the vertical rotation of the monitor is between 135 and 180. When the monitor is rotated back to within 135, the image returns to normal. If the F indicator flashes when the monitor is in the inverted position, this indicates a warning. To check the type of warning, rotate the monitor back to within 135. (See page 6 for descriptions of the warning indicators.)
Open the LCD monitor to a 90 angle to the camcorder body (1), and then rotate it 180 vertically (2).
Playback Playback Functions with the Remote Control
These playback functions can be operated using the supplied remote control. (See pages 37 and 38 for use of the remote control.)

Frame Advance

The frame advance function allows you to play back still images frame by frame.
During playback, press the PAUSE/STILL button (g) to pause playback.

PAUSE/STILL button

PLAY button SLOW button
Press the h (or j) button.
Each time you press the button, the picture advances one frame forward (or backward).

Advance/reverse buttons

To return to normal playback, press the PLAY button (t).
Notes: The sound is off during reverse, slow, and frame advance playback. If you use the slow or frame advance function with the tape recorded in LP mode, the picture may advance several frames at a time. Clearer still images can be achieved by recording with a fast shutter speed (see page 45).

Reverse Playback

The reverse playback function allows you to play back video in reverse. During playback, press the j button.
The slow function allows you to play back images in slow motion. During playback, press the SLOW button (f).
To view slow playback in reverse, press the j button. To return to normal playback, press the PLAY button (t).
Note: To protect the tape, the camcorder automatically returns to normal playback if it is left in Slow mode for more than 10 minutes.

Useful Features Playback

Using the Time Code
The time code shows the hour, minute and second of recording, and the frame number (1 frame = approx. 1/25 sec.). This is automatically recorded along with the subject. You can display the time code on the screen as an accurate counter in both VCR and CAMERA modes.

The time code appears.

Time code

TC 0 : : SP

Display format
To turn off the time code
Select DISP. OFF in step 3 above.
Note: When the tape reaches an unrecorded section, the time code returns to zero (TC0:00:00). Once recorded, the time code cannot be changed.

TC10 20

Frame number* Second Minute Hour * Displayed during still or frame advance playback.
The example screens for this feature are for VCR mode.
Displaying the time code on a TV during playback
During playback or recording, press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. Select I, then press r on the Operation button. Select TIME CODE (1), then press r (2).
OTHERS REMOT E SOUND T I ME CODE T C OU T
In VCR mode, select I, then press r on the Operation button. Select TC OUT (1), then press r (2).

OF F ON

D I SP. OF F D I SP. ON

T C OU T

Press d or y to select DISP. ON, then press e.

T I ME CODE

D I SP. ON
Camera Recording Manual Exposure
The camcorder is preset to Auto Exposure mode, which automatically chooses the optimal aperture. When there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and background, however, you may not be able to record a clear image. In this case, use the manual exposure function to correct the exposure level.
Press e to display the exposure setting screen.
MANUAL bit E XPOSURE + SP SET [ +-5 BUT TON]
Background is too bright and subject too dark (backlit subject).
Increase the exposure level to allow more light through the lens.
Press d or y 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).
MANUAL bit E X POSURE + SP SET [ +5 +3 -5 BUT TON]
Subject is too bright against background.
Decrease the exposure level to allow less light through the lens.
Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Press the AUTO ON/OFF button to select Manual mode. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. Select T, then press r on the Operation button. Select EXPOSURE (1), then press r (2).
MANUAL S E T MAN. FOCUS SHU T. SP E ED E XPOSURE AUTO P I C. E F F E C T MANUA L SCE NE MENU F ADE QK. RE TURN

Press e.

The selected exposure level is displayed on the menu screen.
MANUAL SE T MAN. FOCUS SHU T. SP E ED +3 E XPOSURE P I C. E F F E C T SCE NE MENU F ADE QK. RE TURN
To cancel Manual Exposure mode
After performing step 4 above, select AUTO, then press e.
Notes: Manual Exposure mode will be cancelled if a scene setting is selected thereafter. Manual Exposure cannot be used with Night Recording. When you want to cancel all manual settings and return to Auto mode, press the AUTO ON/OFF button.

Press e, then press the MENU/ DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen.
Configuring Software for PC Connection
This camcorder can transfer still playback images in VCR mode or still images in CAMERA mode to a personal computer by using the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E.
Connecting the camcorder to a Personal Computer
Turn off the PC. Connect the camcorder as shown below.
Before connecting the camcorder to the PC, make sure that the PC power is off to insure that images are transferred properly.
To RS-232C port (D-sub 9-pin port)

System Requirements

IBM PC/AT or compatible with Intelb Pentiumb 133 MHz or faster processor Microsoft Windowsb 95B, Windowsb 95C, Windowsb 98, Windowsb 98 Second Edition, Windowsb 2000 Professional*, or Windowsb Me operating system 32 MB or more of RAM 9 MB minimum of available hard-disk space SVGA (800 K 600 pixels) colour display monitor with 16-bit colour or higher CD-ROM drive (for installation) RS-232C serial port Mouse or other pointing device * In the Windowsb 2000 Professional environment, only the system administrator has installation access rights.

PC connecting cable*

To PC connection jack

Installing the Software

Turn on the PC and start up Windows. Insert the CD-ROM of the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E into the CD-ROM drive. Double click on the My Computer icon. Double click on the CD-ROM drive icon. Double click on the Setup.exe file. Follow the instructions as they appear on the PC monitor until the installation is complete. Restart the PC.
*Included with the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E.

Turn on the PC.

Notes: It is recommended to use the AC adapter/battery charger as a power source for extended periods of use. Images with the following functions cannot be transferred to a personal computer. VCR mode: Playback Zoom, Picture Effect Playback CAMERA mode: Digital Zoom, Digital Picture Effects, Scene Menu To edit still images transferred with the optional Video Capture Software, use a commercially available image editing software.

Using the Software

For tips on how to use the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E, refer to the operation manual located on the CD-ROM in PDF format. Follow the steps below to open the PDF file containing the manual.

Note: For the latest product information, be sure to read the Readme text file located in the Readme folder of the optional Video Capture Software CD-ROM. Select the Readme text file you prefer. The letters between Readme and.txt define the language; for example, en in Readmeen.txt stands for English, etc.
Double click on the CD-ROM drive icon. Double click on the Acroread folder. Double click on the desired language version. Follow the instructions as they appear on the PC monitor until the installation is complete. Restart the PC.

Opening the PDF Manual

Insert the CD-ROM of the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E into the CD-ROM drive. Double click on the My Computer icon. Double click on the CD-ROM drive icon. Double click on the Manual folder. Double click on the PDF file of the desired language version.
Adobe Acrobat Reader launches and the selected PDF manual opens.
Note: If the PDF file does not open, Adobe Acrobat Reader may not be properly installed. Refer to the steps of Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader to check the installation procedure.
Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later is required for viewing the PDF manual of the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E. If the Adobe Acrobat Reader is not installed on your PC, perform steps below to install one.
Language Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Dutch English French German Italian Korean Portugese Spanish, Castilian Swedish File name ar40chs.exe ar405cht.exe ar405dut.exe ar405eng.exe ar405fre.exe ar405deu.exe ar405ita.exe ar405kor.exe ar405por.exe ar405esl.exe ar405swe.exe

Printing the PDF Manual

Print out the PDF manual so that you can consult it whenever necessary.
Open the PDF manual. Select Print in the File menu.
Note: The menu expressions such as Print and File may vary according to the language version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on the PC.
Insert the CD-ROM of the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E into the CD-ROM drive. Double click on the My Computer icon.
Select your print settings, then click OK.

Appendix Appendix

Useful Information
Hints for Better Shooting
Position the subject in the centre of the scene. When you are using auto focus, whatever is in the centre of the scene is kept in focus.

Lighting

For clear, good-quality recording, 500 to 100,000 lux is needed. Recording is possible with less light, but the picture quality may suffer. Adequate lighting is also essential for correct white balance.

Brightness (Lux)

Situation (Lux) Blue sky
100,000 Position the subject in Focus manually when you the centre. need to position the subject off centre (see pages 43 and 44).
Clear day at noon (100,000) Clear day at 10 am (65,000)

Optimal lighting range
Clear day at 3 pm (35,000) Cloudy day at noon (32,000) Cloudy day at 10 am (25,000) 10,000 Cloudy day, one hour after sunrise (2,000) Clear day, one hour before sunset (1,000) Fluorescent light near window (1,000) Factory floor (700800) Sales counter in department store (500700) Bowling alley (500) Library (400500) Office with fluorescent lighting (400500) Fluorescent desk lamp (400) Flashlight at 1 m (250) Shop stairway (100) During intermission at movie theatre (1535) Cigarette lighter at 30 cm (1520) Candles on birthday cake at 20 cm (1015) Candlelight

DEMO MODE

Operation button Note: The demonstration is only displayed in English.
Set the Power switch to OFF, then hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA.
The demonstration begins.
Watching the Demonstration
Remove the Mini DV cassette from the camcorder (see page 10), and set the CATS EYE switch to OFF. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA.

Cancelling Demo Mode

During the demonstration, press the MENU/DISPLAY button to pause the demonstration.
Select I, then press r on the Operation button. Select DEMO MODE, then press r. Press d or y to select OFF, then press e.
Note: The demonstration will pause if you press the MENU/DISPLAY 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.
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. 8, 9). Charge battery pack sufficiently (p. 7). Wait until dew dries (p. vi). Set Power switch to OFF and remove battery pack; wait for 2 seconds, then reinstall battery pack and turn on power (p. 8). Close tab or use a new cassette (p. 64). Set Power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA. Set to Auto Focus mode (p. 44). Zoom out from subject (p. 19). Focus manually (p. 43).
Dew in camcorder. Safety function is in effect.
REC START/STOP button does not work. Power suddenly turns off. Auto focus does not work.
Erasure protect tab on video cassette is open. Camcorder left in Recording Standby mode for 5 minutes in CAMERA mode. Manual Focus mode is engaged. Zoom used on close subject.

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 Power 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 1.8 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. 19). Set DEMO MODE menu item to OFF (p. 67). Select video input channel or TV channel properly (p. 22). Connect audio/video cable properly (p. 22).