Advanced Features

Camera Recording Manual Focus.. 52 Returning to Auto Focus.. 53 Displaying the Manual Setting Screen. 53 White Balance Lock... 54 Manual Iris.. 55 Manual Gain... 56 Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode. 57 Scene Menu (Program AE).. 58
Playback Using the Time Code.. 59 Audio Dubbing Feature... 60 Selecting the Audio Playback Mode. 62 Editing.. 63 Recording from an External Source.. 64 Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394). 66 Using the Camcorder as a Converter. 68 Camera Recording Card Recording.. 70 Selecting the Picture Quality.. 71 Recording with the Self-timer.. 72 Formatting a Card.. 73 Setting the File Numbering Method.. 74 Playback Card Playback.. 75 Playback Zoom with the Remote Control (Only supplied with VL-Z5).. 76 Delete Protection... 77 Deleting Stored Images.. 78 Print Order... 80 Transferring Data on Card to Computer.. 82 Installing the USB Driver.. 82 Slide Show Playback.. 85
Digital Still Camera Features

Appendix

Picture/Backlight Adjustments.. 86 Turning off the Confirmation Sound.. 87 Selecting the Language for the Information Display... 88 Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings. 89 Demonstration Mode.. 90 Useful Information.. 91 Troubleshooting.. 97 Specifications... 101 On-screen Display Index. 102
Before requesting service, please read Troubleshooting carefully. (See pages 97 100.)

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack BT-L226

AC adapter

Power cord
Audio/video/S-video cable

Remote control

CR2025 type lithium battery for remote control
CR1216 type lithium battery for camcorder

Lens cap

8 MB SD Memory Card

CD-ROM

USB cable
The accessories with * mark are not supplied with VL-Z3 (only supplied with VL-Z5).

Optional Accessory

Standard-life battery pack BT-L226

Precautions

Before recording an important scene,
please perform the recording test, then playback to check if the scene was recorded properly. If noise occurs, use a commercially available cleaning tape to clean the video heads (see page viii). When the camcorder is not in use, 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, whether or not recording is in progress, as it may damage the CCD sensor. Be particularly careful when recording outside. 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 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 well-ventilated 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.).

H 2 4H

Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen.
Notes: The date and time, once set, are internally recorded even when not displayed on the screen. The menu screen automatically turns off if no settings are made within 5 minutes.

Fastener

Note: Always attach the lens cap over the lens when not using the camcorder.
Adjusting the Hand Strap 1
Open the hand strap flap (1) and grip strap (2).

Using the Grip

Rotate the grip 135 forward or 90 downward so that you can record images easily from high or low angle (see page 20).

Grip strap

Hand strap flap
Loosen the grip strap, pass your right hand through the hand strap, and put your thumb close to the Start/Stop button and your middle finger on the Power Zoom control. Then, pull the grip strap tight until it fits snugly.
Seal the Velcro fasteners of the grip strap and the hand strap flap.
Note: The grip cannot rotate when a tripod is attached.

Detaching the Lens Hood

Before using a commercially available conversion lens, detach the lens hood as shown below.

Using the Viewfinder

You can record the subject using the electronic viewfinder. You can also watch playback through the viewfinder.

Viewfinder

Note: You cannot attach the supplied lens hood or lens cap to a conversion lens.
Pull out the viewfinder completely.
(Continued on the next page) 17

Closing the viewfinder

Push in the viewfinder completely.

Adjusting the dioptre

Adjust the dioptre according to your eyesight when the picture in the viewfinder or the characters on the on-screen display is not clear.
Pull out the viewfinder completely. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v. While looking through the viewfinder, turn the dioptre adjustment dial until the indicators in the viewfinder are clearly visible.

Dioptre adjustment dial

Notes: Do not use excessive force when moving the viewfinder. Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder. The viewfinder automatically turns off when the LCD monitor is opened. If the vertical rotation of the monitor is 180 when in Tape Camera or Card Camera mode, however, the viewfinder is on and the subject is displayed both in the viewfinder and on the monitor (see page 40). You can adjust the settings on the MENU screen through the viewfinder by using the Operation button (see page 31 for use of the Operation button). Be sure to close the viewfinder after use.

Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.
Note: If the camcorder remains in Recording Standby mode for more than 5 minutes in Tape Camera mode, 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 v. (The camcorder will make a confirmation sound when it is left in Recording Standby mode for about 4 minutes.) Zooming out (when you want to include the surroundings)

Zooming in

Push the Power Zoom control to the T (telephoto) side to get a close-up view (1).

Zooming out

Push the Power Zoom control to the W (wide angle) side to get a wide field of view (2).

T ZOOM

Power Zoom control
Zoom range indicator The zoom range indicator shows you the current zoom setting. The zoom speed depends on how far you push the Power Zoom control. Notes: The camcorder is unable to focus when zooming in on subjects within 1.5 m. See page 33 for how to use the digital zoom.

Power Standby Mode

Power Standby mode allows you to prevent accidental recording by locking all operations except cancelling the mode.
The camcorder will turn off automatically in 5 minutes after setting Power Standby mode if it remains in Recording Standby mode after canceling Power Standby mode. When Power Standby mode, for example, is cancelled after 3 minutes, the camcorder will turn off if recording is not started within 2 minutes.
Turning on/off the Backlight
Available modes: All modes

STANDBY button

You can see the on-screen display outdoors on a sunny day or in a location with bright lighting even when the backlight turns off. Also, this function is useful when watching playback on a TV.
Hold down the STANDBY button for more than 2 seconds when you pause recording in Tape Camera mode.
The screen turns off and the STANDBY indicator lights up.
STANDBY indicator LCD LAMP button

To resume operation

Press the STANDBY button again to return to the Recording Standby mode.
It takes about 2 seconds to be able to start recording. Notes: Power Standby will cancel and the STANDBY indicator will turn off in these situations below: When the camcorder remains in Power Standby mode more than 5 minutes When the camcorder is set to Card Camera, Tape Playback or Card Playback mode When removing the battery pack When removing a cassette
Hold down the LCD LAMP button for more than 2 seconds to turn off the backlight.
BACKLIGHT OFF will flash for two seconds, then H appears on the LCD screen.

See pages 102 to 105 for the mode items you can select in each camcorder mode. Steps 2 to 4 show how to change the SCENE MENU setting in Tape Camera mode.
Power switch DISPLAY button
Use the Operation button to select and set the desired setting.
BLC / GA I N OF F FADE ME NU SC E N E M E N U

DISPLAY button

Each time you press the DISPLAY button, the screen changes as shown below.
The example screens shown are for Tape Camera mode. Information display on
Press l or m on the Operation button to select the desired mode item (SCENE MENU), then press the centre of the Operation button.

Example

BLC / GA I N FADE ME NU SC E N E M E N U O F F

AU TO 3 0min

6. : 30

Mode screen

Press l or m to select the desired mode setting (DUSK), then press the centre of the Operation button.
BLC / GA I N FADE ME NU S C E N E M E N U DU S K
OF F BLC /GA I N FADE ME NU S C E N E ME NU AU TO 3 0min

SEL ECT

Information display off
To turn off the mode screen
Press the DISPLAY button.
Note: Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Using the Menu Screens

Use the menu screens to adjust the various camcorder settings.
Press l or m to select the desired menu screen (T), then press the centre of the Operation button.
S E T T I NG 1 S T AR T Q K. R E T U RN DG T L Z O OM O F F TAPE SPEE D SP R E T UR N
You can press k, instead of the centre of Operation button.
See pages 102 to 105 for the menu items you can select in each camcorder mode.
Press l or m to select the desired menu item (DGTL ZOOM), then press the centre of the Operation button.
S E T T I NG 1 Q K. R E T U RN DG T L Z O OM O F F TAPE SPEE D R E T UR N 500
Steps 2 to 8 show how to change the DGTL ZOOM menu setting in Tape Camera mode.
Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears (see page 31). Press l or m on the Operation button to select MENU, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select EXECUTE, then press the centre of the Operation button.
BLC / GA I N FADE EXE CUT E ME NU S C E N E ME N U
You can press k, instead of the centre of the Operation button.
Press l or m to select the desired menu setting (40), then press the centre of the Operation button.

DG T L ZOOM

You can press j, instead of the centre of the Operation button. To adjust another menu item, press l or m to select RETURN and press the centre of the Operation button, then perform steps 5 to 7.
S E T T I NG 1 START QK. R E T URN D G T L Z O OM O F F TAPE SPEE D SP RE T URN
Note: The menu screen does not appear during recording.
Notes: Certain menu items are common to all camcorder modes. If the BEEP menu item, for example, is set to OFF in Tape Camera mode, it will be automatically set to OFF in other modes. The menu screen automatically turns off if no settings are made within 5 minutes. Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Press l or m on the Operation button to select BLC/GAIN, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select ON e, then press the centre of the Operation button.
e appears when on-screen indicators are turned on, indicating that the gain-up function is now working.

AU T O 3 0min

Fade In and Fade Out
Press the DISPLAY button until onscreen indicators appear. Press the Start/Stop button to begin recording.
The picture turns white, and the image and sound fade in.

REC FADE I N

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.
Start/Stop button DISPLAY button Fade in
Press the 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.

REC F A D E OUT

Fade out

AU TO min 7min

In Tape Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Press l or m on the Operation button to select FADE, then press the centre of the Operation button.
BLC / GA I N FADE OF F ME NU SC E N E M E NU

To cancel Fade mode

To use Fade Out only
During camera recording in Tape Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Perform steps 2 and 3 in Using. Press the Start/Stop button at the point where you wish to stop recording.
Press l or m to select ON, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Note: Fade mode automatically cancels after Fade Out.

Quick Return

Press l or m to select START, then press the centre of the Operation button.
SEARCH flashes, and the tape begins fast forwarding or rewinding to the end of the last recorded scene.
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.

SE ARCH

When the tape reaches the end of the last recorded scene, FINISHED is displayed, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode.
Set the camcorder to Tape Camera mode. In Recording Standby mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Press l or m on the Operation button to select MENU, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select EXECUTE, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select T, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select QK. RETURN, then press the centre of the Operation button.

S E T T I NG 1 S T AR T QK. R E T URN D G T L Z O OM S T O P TAPE SPEE D RE T URN
Notes: To cancel the quick return function while SEARCH is flashing, press the centre of Operation button twice. Quick return will not work if you remove the cassette and reload it after recording or if nothing has been recorded since loading.

Edit Search

Still Recording on Tape
Available mode: Tape Camera You can record continuous still images of subjects.
The edit search function lets you search, without switching from Tape Camera mode to Tape Playback mode, for the point on the tape where you wish to start recording next.
Set the camcorder to Tape Camera mode. In Recording Standby mode, press the PHOTO button fully.
A still image of the subject is displayed.
Set the camcorder to Tape Camera mode. In Recording Standby mode, press and hold down j (reverse edit search) or k (forward edit search) on the Operation button.
Press the Start/Stop button.
The still image of the subject will be recorded.
To cancel the still image
Press the PHOTO button fully.
Notes: Still Recording can also be used during recording by pressing the PHOTO button fully. The picture quality in Still Recording function will be slightly lower than normal pictures.
When you find the point where you want to begin recording, release the button.
Notes: The sound is off during search. Forward edit search is performed at the same speed as normal playback, and reverse edit search at 6.5 times the normal playback. You may experience picture noise during reverse edit search.
Digital Image Stabilization (DIS)
The DIS indicator only appears when the on-screen indicators are turned on.

DIS indicator

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 mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Press l or m on the Operation button to select MENU, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select EXECUTE, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select Y, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select DIS, then press the centre of the Operation button.
S E T T I NG 2 ON DIS 16 : 9 OF F A U D I O MO D E W I ND R E T URN

To cancel DIS function

Select OFF in step 6 above. The z indicator will disappear.

The M indicator disappears.
Note: A warning indicator appears when the print order is set to more than 999 images. To turn off the warning indicator, press the Operation button.
The M indicators appear, and each image is set to 1 print out. To cancel the setting, select NO.
To cancel the print order for all images
PR I NT P R I N T NUMB E R
Perform steps 1 to 4 in Assigning Print Order to an Image. Press l or m to select PRI. NONE, then press the centre of the Operation button to cancel the print order for all images.
P L AY BACK SE T S L I D E S HOW PR I. SEL ECT P R I. ORDE R R E T U RN PR I. AL L P R I. NON E R E T U RN

0- 0 3

Assigning Print Order to All Images
Perform steps 1 to 4 in Assigning Print Order to an Image. Press l or m to select PRI. ALL, then press the centre of the Operation button.
P L AY BACK SE T S L I D E S HOW PR I. SEL ECT P R I. O RD E R R E T U RN PR I. AL L P R I. NON E R E T U RN
P R I N T NON E ? NO YES SE L ECT S E T
The M indicators are turned off. To cancel the setting, select NO.
PR I N T ALL ? NO YES SE L ECT S E T
Transferring Data on Card to Computer
Using the supplied USB cable, you can transfer still images to a computer.

System Requirements

Operating systems
Microsoft Windowsb XP Home Edition/Professional Microsoft Windowsb 2000 Professional Microsoft Windowsb Me Microsoft Windowsb 98 Second Edition Microsoft Windowsb 98
USB terminal CD-ROM drive (for driver installation) Mouse or other pointing device Note: The USB driver is not compatible with Macintosh operating systems.
Installing the USB Driver
For installing the USB driver in Windowsb XP or Windowsb 2000, you need to log in as the system administrator.

Turn on the PC.

Do not connect the camcorder to the PC with the USB cable at this point.
Insert the supplied CD-ROM containing the USB driver into the CD-ROM drive.
The Setup screen will display automatically.

Note: In case of data transfer error, disconnect the USB cable, then connect it again, or set the Power switch to OFF, then set it to w again.

Slide Show Playback

Press l or m to select S, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select SLIDE SHOW, then press the centre of the Operation button.
P L AY BACK SE T S L I D E S HOW E X E C U T E R E T U RN P R I. ORDE R R E T U RN
You can automatically play back consecutive still images recorded on a card at intervals of 5 seconds. This is useful when confirming the data recorded on a card.
Set the camcorder to Card Playback mode. Press j, k, l or m on the Operation button to select the image from which you want to begin slide show playback.
Beginning from the image selected in step 2, the recorded images will display in full-screen one after another in order of recording.

S L I D E S HOW

0- PAGE 1 / 2 NORMA L FL MULT S E L E C T I MG F U U L L MU L T II
Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Press l or m to select MENU, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select EXECUTE, then press the centre of the Operation button.

S T OP

After playing back all the images on the card once, slide show playback automatically stops.
To stop slide show playback
During slide show playback, press the centre of the Operation button.

Appendix Appendix

Picture/Backlight Adjustments
Press j or k to adjust the item to the desired setting, then press the centre of the Operation button.
LCD BR I GHT Darker LCD COLOUR Decrease VF BR I GHT
Darker + Brighter + Increase + Brighter
If the picture is difficult to see due to ambient light or other factors, adjust the monitor picture settings.

Adjusting the Picture

Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Press l or m on the Operation button to select MENU, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select EXECUTE, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select O, then press the centre of the Operation button.
LCD SE T BA CK L I GHT L C D B R I GH T L C D C O L OUR V F B R I GH T R E T U RN NORMAL
Notes: When adjusting the colour, the picture on the LCD monitor may differ from the picture actually recorded. Do not change the colour setting unless necessary. (This adjustment only affects the monitor picture, not the recorded image.) The viewfinder turns on if you select VF BRIGHT.
Press l or m to select LCD BRIGHT, LCD COLOUR or VF BRIGHT, then press the centre of the Operation button.

Adjusting the Backlight

Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Press l or m on the Operation button to select MENU, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select EXECUTE, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select O, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select BACKLIGHT, then press the centre of the Operation button.
LCD SE T BA CK L I GHT NO RMA L L C D B R I GH T B R I GH T L C D C O L OUR V F B R I GH T R E T U RN
Turning off the Confirmation Sound
A confirmation sound is made when you turn on or off the Power switch, press the Start/Stop button, or perform other designated operations. Use the procedure below to turn off the confirmation sounds.
Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Press l or m on the Operation button to select MENU, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select EXECUTE, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select Z, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select BEEP, then press the centre of the Operation button.
OTHE RS 1 DE F AUL T R EMO T E BEEP ON PHO N E S V O L O F F D EMO MO D E L A NG U A G E R E T U RN
Press l or m to select NORMAL or BRIGHT, then press the centre of the Operation button.

BACKL I GHT

BR I GHT
NORMAL: For use indoors or under moderate lighting conditions. BRIGHT: For use outdoors under strong lighting conditions, such as bright daylight.
Press l or m to select OFF, then press the centre of the Operation button.

BE E P

Note: If you select OFF, the focus confirmation sound in Card Camera mode will turn off.
Selecting the Language for the Information Display
Press l or m to select the desired language, then press the centre of the Operation button.

SPR A CHE

DEUT SCH
The information display appears in the language selected when the onscreen display turns on.
This camcorder allows you to choose English, German or French as the information display language.

Information display

O T H E RS 1 DE F AUL T R EMO T E BEEP PH O N E S V O L D EMO MO D E OF F ON L A NGUA G E R E T URN
Notes: The demonstration will pause if you press the centre of the Operation button. If you leave it for 60 seconds, or turn the power off temporarily and then set the Power switch to v, the demonstration will begin again. Demonstration mode does not work in self recording with reversed grip.

Useful Information

Hints for Better Shooting
Position the subject in the centre of the scene. When using auto focus, whatever is in the centre of the scene is kept in focus.
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.
Position the subject in the centre.
Focus manually when you need to position the subject off centre (see page 52).
About PRINT Image Matching L
This product supports PRINT Image Matching K. When used in combination, PRINT Image Matching K enabled digital still cameras, printers and software, help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. PRINT Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
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 Backlight Compensation or correct the iris value to improve the picture (see pages 34 and 55).

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.
;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;; ;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;

Backlighting

Mini DV Cassette
To protect recordings against accidental erasure
Slide the protect tab on the rear of the Mini DV cassette to the SAVE position.

To protect the terminals, put the cover on the battery pack when it is not in use. 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.
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: 1 Charge the battery pack until the POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator turns off. 2 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder, and set the Power switch to v without inserting a cassette. Allow the battery power to fully discharge by leaving it on the camcorder until the camcorder power automatically turns off. 3 Remove the battery pack and store it between 10C and 20C.
Many plastic parts are used in the camcorder casing. Do not use thinner, benzene or other strong chemical cleaners. These may cause discolouration 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. Pull out the viewfinder and open the window cleaning cover as shown below so that you can clean up the inside of the viewfinder with a camera blower.

Window cleaning cover

AC Adapter
The AC adapter may interfere with reception if used near a radio. Prevent flammables, liquids, and metal objects from entering the adapter. The adapter is a sealed unit. Do not attempt to open or modify it. Do not damage, drop, or subject the adapter to vibration. Do not leave the adapter in direct sunlight. Avoid using the adapter in humid or extremely hot places.
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 centre or your dealer for further advice.

Note: After cleaning, close the window cleaning cover securely. Closing the viewfinder with the window cleaning cover opened may cause malfunction.
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.
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 PAL system compatible. PAL is used in the following areas: Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, Finland, Portugal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait, China, etc.

Troubleshooting

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. 6, 9). Charge battery pack sufficiently (p. 8). Wait until dew dries (p. vii). Set Power switch to OFF and remove battery pack. Wait for 2 seconds, then reinstall battery pack and turn on power (pp. 6, 7). Close tab or use a new cassette (p. 92). Set Power switch to OFF and then back to Camera mode. Set to Auto Focus mode (p. 53). Zoom out from subject (p. 23). Focus manually (p. 52).
Dew in camcorder. Safety function is in effect.
Start/Stop button does not work.
Erasure-protect tab on video cassette is open.
Power suddenly turns Camcorder left in Recording off. Standby mode for 5 minutes in Tape Camera mode.

Camera mode

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. Display automatically changes in Tape Camera mode.
Occurs when shooting subject with strong contrast to the background. Does not indicate a malfunction. Camcorder is in Demo mode.
Set the DEMO MODE menu item to OFF (p. 90).
Symptom No image appears on connected TV screen.
Possible cause Video input channel on TV or TV channel is not selected properly. Audio/video/S-video cable is not properly connected.
Suggested solution Select video input channel or TV channel properly (p. 30). Connect audio/video/S-video cable properly (p. 30). Connect DV cable or audio/video/Svideo cable properly (pp. 63, 64, 68). Set the S-VIDEO IN menu item to ON for S-video connection, or OFF for video connection (p. 65).