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Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page vi. OPERATION MANUAL ENGLISH WARNING CAUTION To prevent shock, do not open the To prevent fire or shock hazard, cabinet. No user serviceable parts do not expose this apparatus to inside.
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Copying such material without permission of the relevant licensees or owners of the copyright is prohibited by law. Sharp is not in a position to authorize the recording of copyright works and nothing in this operation manual should be read or implied as giving...
Contents Supplied Accessories ..................v Optional Accessories ..................v Precautions ......................vi Operation References Part Names ............. 1 Warning Indicators ..........4 Preparation Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ..... 5 Charging the Battery Pack ........7 Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ..8 Inserting and Removing a Cassette .......
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Control Buttons ............. 27 Useful Features Using the Mode Screens ........27 Using the Menu Screens ........28 Camera Recording Setting the Digital Zoom ........29 Backlight Compensation (BLC) ......30 Gain-up ..............31 Fade in and Fade out ..........32 Quick Return ............
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Contents Playback Advanced Features Using the Time Code ..........54 Editing ..............55 Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) ....56 Audio Dubbing Feature ......... 57 Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..... 59 Picture/Backlight Adjustments ......60 Appendix Turning off the Confirmation Sound ...... 62 Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ..
Supplied Accessories Battery pack Audio/video/S-video Power cord BT-L226 AC adapter cable CR1216 type Lens cap lithium battery Optional Accessories Standard-life External battery with battery pack hand strap BT-L226 BT-LCA1 Note: • Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.
Precautions • • Always respect prohibitions or restric- Before recording an important scene, tions on the use of electronic equipment please perform the recording test, then on commercial flights or in other sensi- playback to check if the scene was re- tive areas.
Dew Formation For example, when bringing the camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in • What is “dew formation”? a plastic bag. When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew formation. •...
“EJECT THE CASSETTE.” displays. If the video heads become clogged, the v indicator appears on the screen. Contact Remove the cleaning tape. the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for further advice. To cancel cleaning, press l. viii...
Operation References Part Names For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in parentheses. Front view Operation button (p. 27) Zoom lens DISPLAY button (p. 27) Monaural microphone LCD LAMP button (p. 21)
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Operation References Left view LCD monitor (p. 17) DC IN jack (pp. 7, 8) AV terminal (pp. 26, 55) Terminal cover (pp. 26, 55, 56) DV terminal (p. 56) Lithium battery cover (p. 10) Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 16) Tripod socket* Battery release (pp.
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Right view Power Zoom Wide angle/ Window cleaning cover PHOTO button Telephoto control (p. 20)/ (p. 68) (p. 34) VOLume control (p. 25) Viewfinder (pp. 15, 16) STANDBY indicator (p. 21) STANDBY button POWER/CHARGE (p. 21) (RED) indicator (pp. 7, 8, 19) Speaker DC IN jack cover (pp.
(see page viii). The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is close to the end of its service life. Call your local L AMP L AMP authorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced. Note: • N indicates a flashing display.
Preparation Attaching and Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow with the “m” mark facing Removing the Battery out. Pack Attaching Power switch “m” mark Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. Push the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
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Slide the battery release in the • Use only SHARP model BT-L226 battery direction of the arrow. packs with this camcorder. Use of other batteries may create a risk of fire or explosion.
• See pages 67 and 68 for more information on indicator using the battery pack. • Charge only SHARP model BT-L226 battery packs. Other types of battery packs may burst, causing personal injury and damage. • When attaching the supplied audio/video/S- video cable, remove the DC plug, open the terminal cover and connect it.
Preparation Powering the Insert the DC plug into the DC IN jack of the camcorder. Camcorder from an POWER/CHARGE (RED) AC Outlet indicator You can also power the camcorder from a power outlet by using the supplied AC adapter. Note: •...
Inserting and Wait for the cassette holder to fully retract. Close the compartment door Removing a Cassette by pressing its centre until it clicks into place. Inserting Attach the power source to the camcorder, then slide and hold the cassette compartment door release as you open the cassette compart- ment door.
Preparation Installing the Lithium Insert the CR 1216 type lithium battery into the compartment with the Batteries H side of the battery facing out. Installing the Memory Battery CR 1216 type The supplied CR 1216 type lithium battery is lithium battery used to store the memory of the date and time settings.
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CR1216, for remote Contact the nearest SHARP service control unit, replace only with same or centre or your dealer for purchasing as equivalent type CR2025, both recom- specified part.
Preparation Setting the Date and Press m or l to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation Time button. O T H E R S 2 Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2004 T I ME C OD E O F F (2.
Using the Lens Cap Press m or l to select “30” (minute), then press the centre of the Operation button. Attach the strap of the lens cap to the hand strap as shown below. SE T T I NG 6 2 0 0 4 •...
Preparation Using the Grip Adjusting the Hand Strap Rotate the grip 135° forward or 90° downward so that you can record images easily from high or low angle (see page 18). Open the hand strap flap (1) and grip strap (2). Grip strap 135°...
Detaching the Lens Using the Viewfinder Hood You can record the subject using the electronic viewfinder. You can also watch Before using a commercially available playback through the viewfinder. conversion lens, detach the lens hood as shown below. Viewfinder Power switch Pull out the viewfinder completely.
Preparation Closing the viewfinder Adjusting the dioptre Adjust the dioptre according to your Push in the viewfinder completely. 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.
Using the LCD • You can also fold the LCD monitor into the camcorder with the screen Monitor facing out for watching playback on the monitor. You can use the LCD monitor to play back recordings that you have made or to watch the subject during recording.
Preparation Tips on Recording Positions To create images that are easy to watch during playback, try to record with an upright posture and steady hands to prevent a shaky image. Holding the camcorder Put your right hand through the hand strap, and place your left hand under the camcorder for support.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Press the Start/Stop button to begin Easy Camera recording. Recording in Full Auto Mode R E C • Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 5 through 18 to prepare your camcorder for recording.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Zooming To pause recording Press the Start/Stop button again. Record- Zooming allows you to move visually closer ing pauses, and the camcorder enters to or farther from a subject without physi- Recording Standby mode. cally changing your position. When using the optical zoom, you can enlarge the subject up to 10K.
Power Standby Mode Turning on/off the Backlight Power Standby mode allows you to prevent accidental recording by locking all You can see the on-screen display outdoors operations except cancelling the mode. on a sunny day or in a location with bright lighting even when the backlight turns off.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Auto Focus Macro Shots The camcorder is preset to Auto Focus This camcorder lets you shoot close-up mode, which is designed to focus on most images of small objects such as flowers and insects, or make title frames for your videos. types of subjects.
Remaining Recording Remaining Battery Time Display Power Display When the camcorder is recording, an on- When using the camcorder with the battery screen indicator displays the approximate pack as the power source, the remaining remaining tape time in minutes. battery power indicator is displayed. If the battery power becomes very low, a warning indicator appears.
Basic Operations Basic Operations Camera Recording Playback Playback To stop playback Press l. 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. To turn the power off Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.
Volume Control Video Search When the camcorder is in Playback mode, The video search function makes it easy to push the Volume control to the L or + side search for a desired scene on the tape. to increase (1) or decrease (2) the volume.
Basic Operations Playback Watching Playback Note: • Check that the camcorder, TV, VCR and on a TV other equipment to be used are turned off before making any connections. Picture noise or malfunction may occur You can connect the camcorder to a TV to if any of the above is left on while allow a larger audience to enjoy playback.
Useful Features Using the Mode Screens Control Buttons Operation button In the mode screens, you can adjust the camcorder settings by using the Operation button. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v or w. • See pages 74 and 75 for the mode items you can select in each mode.
Useful Features Using the Menu Screens Press l or m to select the desired menu screen (T), then press the centre of the Operation button. Use the menu screens to adjust the various Example camcorder settings. S E T T I N G 1 Operation button Q K .
Useful Features Camera Recording Press l or m to select “DGTL Setting the Digital ZOOM”, then press the centre of the Zoom Operation button. S E T T I N G 1 You can select three different zoom ranges: Q K . R E T U RN 1–10K (optical zoom), 10–40K (digital O F F...
Useful Features Camera Recording Press the DISPLAY button to turn off Backlight the mode screen. Compensation (BLC) • “x” appears when on-screen indicators are turned on, indicating that the backlight compensation is now When the subject is backlit, the image will working.
To cancel the gain-up function Gain-up Select “OFF” in step 3 above. When you are recording in a dark or poorly Notes: illuminated location, “LIGHT” is displayed • You may experience some picture noise in on the screen. Use the gain-up function to Gain-up mode, which increases when the record a brighter picture.
Useful Features Camera Recording Fade In and Fade Out Press the DISPLAY button until on- screen indicators appear. The fade function allows you to gradually Press the Start/Stop button to begin bring the image and sound in or out at the recording.
Quick Return Press l or m to select “START”, then press the centre of the Operation button. If while playing back your tape you want to • “SEARCH” flashes, and the tape quickly return to the last recorded scene begins fast forwarding or rewinding and start recording again, use the quick to the end of the last recorded scene.
Useful Features Camera Recording Edit Search Still Recording You can record continuous still images of The edit search function lets you search, subjects. without switching from Camera mode to Playback mode, for the point on the tape where you wish to start recording next. In Recording Standby mode, press the PHOTO button fully.
Digital Image Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen. Stabilization (DIS) • The DIS indicator only appears when the on-screen indicators are turned The digital image stabilization (DIS) function allows you to stabilize the image by DIS indicator electronically compensating for relatively minor image shaking that is often annoying T A P E...
Useful Features Camera Recording Self Recording Set the Power switch to v. • The subject is displayed in the viewfinder, and a mirror image of the Normal self recording subject is displayed on the LCD monitor. 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.
Self recording with reversed Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body (1), and then grip rotate it 180° vertically (2). Rotate the grip 90° and the LCD monitor 180° vertically so that you can record 90˚...
Useful Features Camera Recording Wide Screen (16:9) Press l or m to select “16:9”, then press the centre of the Operation button. The wide screen function lets you record scenes with the wide-screen feel of a movie S E T T I N G 2 shown in a theatre.
Recording in LP (Long Press l or m to select “LP”, then press the centre of the Operation Play Recording) Mode button. T AP E SP E E D This camcorder allows you to record in LP (Long Play Recording) mode for approxi- mately 50% more recording time with the Press the DISPLAY button to turn off same picture quality as that in SP (Standard...
Useful Features Camera Recording Windbreak To cancel Windbreak Select “OFF” in step 6 above. The windbreak function allows you to Note: reduce annoying noise from strong winds • Keep the windbreak function off during when recording. normal recording. If left on, the recorded In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY audio may sound somewhat muffled when button until the mode screen appears...
Selecting the 16-bit Press l or m to select “16bit”, then press the centre of the Operation Audio Recording button. Mode AUD I O MODE 1 6 bit The camcorder normally records audio in Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the 12-bit audio recording mode.
(Not supplied) buttons to operate. The remote control (RRMCGA149WJSA) is not supplied with this camcorder. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for purchasing as specified part. Activating • The example screens shown are for Playback mode.
(not the advance/reverse buttons (j or supplied), if you purchase it as a specified part by contacting the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer. (See page 42 To return to normal playback, press the for use of the remote control.)
Useful Features Playback Press the DISPLAY button until the Selecting the Date date (or date and time) appears. and Time of Recording Display . 2 6 . Follow the procedure below to select the P L A Y S T O P R EW date, or both the date and time, of recording display on the screen.
Picture Effect Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the mode screen. Playback To cancel Picture Effect Playback These picture effects let you play back images with a more dramatic effect. Select “OFF” in step 3 above. Types Note: • Video images in Picture Effect Playback B/W: The picture is displayed in mode cannot be transferred via DV cable to a black-and-white.
Useful Features Playback Rotate Playback To cancel Rotate Playback Press the centre of the Operation button This function allows you to play back in step 7 above. images rotated 180°. Notes: In Playback mode, press the DIS- • When executing Rotate Playback during PLAY button until the mode screen playback, playback will stop.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Manual Focus Operation button Power Zoom control Auto Focus may not be able to focus on the subject in the situations shown below. In such situations, set the camcorder to Manual Focus mode and focus manually. DISPLAY button Lack of contrast, e.g.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Returning to Auto Displaying the Manual Focus Setting Screen You can set Manual Focus mode to Auto You can manually adjust these settings as Focus mode with the operation below. shown below in the manual setting screen. •...
White Balance Lock Aim the lens at a white object. White paper or white cloth The colour 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. In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Manual Iris Press l or m to select “IRIS”, then press the centre of the Operation button. The camcorder is preset to Auto Iris mode, which automatically selects the optimal aperture. However, when there is too much F U L L A U T O contrast in brightness between the subject WH I T E B A L .
Manual Gain Press l or m to select “GAIN”, then press the centre of the Operation button. When recording in a dark or poorly illuminated location with Auto Gain mode, the light sensitivity of the camcorder (gain) F U L L A U T O will be automatically adjusted and the WH I T E B A L .
Advanced Features Camera Recording Setting the Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation Camcorder to Full button. Auto Mode F U L L A U T O E X E C U T E You can set all manual settings, including WH I T E B A L .
Scene Menu In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. (Program AE) Press l or m on the Operation button to select “SCENE MENU”, You can set the camcorder to a shooting then press the centre of the Operation mode that will create the best results for a specific situation.
Advanced Features Advanced Features Playback Playback Using the Time Code Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen. • The time code appears when the on- The time code shows the hour, minute and screen indicators are turned on. second of recording, and the frame number (1 frame = approx.
Editing Cutting Unwanted Sequences Play back the tape to be edited on the Video editing lets you refine your videos by camcorder, and locate the beginning removing unwanted sequences from your and end of the sequence you wish to tape, or transposing one sequence with cut.
Advanced Features Playback Cutting Unwanted Se- Editing with the DV quences Terminal (IEEE1394) See “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” on This camcorder enables you to perform page 55, using the video equipment as the digital video editing. A DV cable transfers all recording source.
Audio Dubbing Audio Recording Feature In normal recording mode 12-bit audio recording You can add narration to recordings made The audio is recorded in monaural on Audio with this camcorder, while preserving the original audio and video recordings. Audio 1: Monaural sound Audio 2: No audio Microphone for Audio Dubbing 16-bit audio recording...
Advanced Features Playback Audio Dubbing If you wish to change the dubbed audio or dub addi- Play back the Mini DV cassette tional scenes recorded in SP mode and locate the tape position where you wish to start Press the DISPLAY button to turn off audio dubbing.
Selecting the Audio Press l or m to select V, then press the centre of the Operation Playback Mode button. Press l or m to select “AUDIO”, You can select any of the following audio playback modes. then press the centre of the Operation button.
Appendix Appendix Picture/Backlight Press j or k to adjust the item to the desired setting, then press the Adjustments centre of the Operation button. If the picture is difficult to see due to – LCD BR I GHT ambient light or other factors, adjust the Darker Brighter monitor picture settings.
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.
Appendix Press l or m to select “OFF”, then Turning off the press the centre of the Operation Confirmation Sound button. B E E P A confirmation sound is made when you turn on or off the Power switch, press the Press the DISPLAY button to turn off Start/Stop button, or perform other the menu screen.
Setting the Press l or m to select “YES”, then press the centre of the Operation Camcorder to button. Factory Presettings • To cancel the setting, select “NO”. Press the DISPLAY button to turn off You can set the camcorder to the factory the menu screen.
Appendix Demonstration Mode Press l or m to select “ON”, then press the centre of the Operation button. You can watch a brief demonstration of the special camcorder features in Demo mode. DEMO MODE If the demonstration appears on the screen when you turn on the camcorder for the first Set the Power switch to OFF, then time, cancel the Demo mode to use your...
Useful Information • Horizontal panning (lateral movement) and tilting (vertical movement) should be done slowly to emphasize the wide expanse of Hints for Better Shooting a scene or the height of a building, and to make scenes easy to watch during •...
Appendix 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. Erasure protect tab Precautions when using a Mini DV cassette • Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes with To record over a previously recorded tape, the i mark.
(see page 6). Note: • Use only SHARP BT-L226 battery packs. These are designed specifically for use with this camcorder.
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Closing the viewfinder with the window cleaning cover opened may fluorescent lamp may need to be replaced. cause malfunction. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for further advice.
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.
Appendix Troubleshooting Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table. Symptom Possible cause Suggested solution No power. Power source is not properly con- Connect power source properly nected. (pp. 5, 8). Battery pack is not charged. Charge battery pack sufficiently (p.
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Symptom Possible cause Suggested solution Video noise in image. Dirty video heads. Call for service or use a commer- cially available cleaning tape (p. viii). Old or worn tape. Use a new cassette. No sound. Using a 12-bit recording tape with Set the AUDIO menu item to “AU- AUDIO menu item set to “AUDIO 2”.
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Appendix Symptom Possible cause Suggested solution Call for service. POWER/CHARGE AC adapter or battery pack may (RED) indicator have malfunctioned. flashes in red when charging battery pack. Connect audio/video/S-video cable Cannot edit to con- Audio/video/S-video cable is not nected VCR. properly connected.
Appendix On-screen Display Index Camera mode p. 35 p. 23 p. 33 S E T T I N G 1 Q K . R E T U RN p. 29 D G T L Z O OM p. 39 T A P E S P E E D R E T U R N p.