DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GR-DF420 Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for Digital Video Camera: http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/cyber/ For Accessories http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/accessory/ INSTRUCTIONS Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the pages 3 –...
Page 2
Major Features of this Camcorder Wipe/Fader Effects You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make pro-style scene transitions. ( Fade out Program AE with Special Effects For example, “SPORTS” mode allows fast- moving images to be captured one frame at a time, for vivid, stable slow-motion.
This product includes patented and other proprietary technology and will operate only with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC BN-VF707U/VF714U/VF733U battery packs and, to recharge them or to supply power to the camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-voltage AC Adapter.
Page 4
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm or more on both sides, on top and at the rear). Do not block the ventilation holes. (If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or cloth etc.
Page 8
GETTING STARTED LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording q we 15 x W BRIGHT SOUND 12 B I T 15:55 Operation Mode ( pg. 14) : Gain Up Mode ( White Balance Indicator ( : Spot Exposure Control Indicator pg. 34) : Backlight Compensation Indicator pg.
Page 9
So, for important recordings, we recommend using SP mode. It is recommended that you use JVC brand cassette tapes. Your camcorder is compatible with all brands of commercially available cassette tapes complying...
GETTING STARTED Provided Accessories AC Adapter AP-V14E Power Cord Battery Pack BN-VF707U AV Cable Audio Extension Cable (for optional microphone, pg. 11 for connection) Core Filter [small] x 2 (for Audio extension cable pg. 11 for attachment) Core Filter (for AV cable attachment) Cable Adapter Remote Control Unit RM-V720U...
Page 11
How To Use The Audio Extension Cable When using an optional external microphone, connect to the provided Audio extension cable (with a core filter attached), then connect the Audio extension cable to the camcorder. The core filter reduces interference. (See the right column.) Open the cover.
Open the cover. NOTES: This product includes patented and other proprietary technology and will operate only with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC BN- DC connector VF707U/VF714U/VF733U battery packs. Using generic non-JVC batteries can cause damage to the internal charging circuitry.
Page 13
BATT. DATA several times, there may be a problem on the battery. In such a case, consult your nearest JVC dealer. Using AC Power Perform steps 4 – 5 in “Charging The Battery Pack”.
GETTING STARTED Operation Mode To turn on the camcorder, set the Power Switch to any operation mode except “OFF” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. Power Switch Choose the appropriate operation mode according to your preference using the Power Switch.
Grip Adjustment Adjust the velcro strip. Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. Adjust your thumb and fingers through the grip to easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button, Power Switch and Power Zoom Lever. Be sure to fasten the velcro strip to your preference. Viewfinder Adjustment Set the Power Switch to “A”...
GETTING STARTED Tripod Mounting To attach the camcorder to a tripod, align the direction stud and screw to the mounting socket and stud hole on the camcorder. Then tighten the screw clockwise. Some tripods are not equipped with studs. Loading/Unloading A Cassette The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a cassette.
Basic Recording NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: Power ( pg. 12) Loading A Cassette ( pg. 16) Power Zoom Lever Power Switch Recording Start/Stop Button POWER/CHARGE Lamp Remove the lens cap. ( Open the LCD monitor fully. Set the Power Switch to “A”...
VIDEO RECORDING LCD Monitor And Viewfinder While using the LCD monitor: Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back in. Pull on the end of the LCD monitor and open the LCD monitor fully. It can rotate 270° (90° downward, 180° upward). While using the viewfinder: Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked.
Journalistic Shooting In some situations, different shooting angles may provide more dramatic results. Hold the camcorder in the desired position and tilt the LCD monitor in the most convenient direction. It can rotate 270° (90° downward, 180° upward). Self Recording Open the LCD monitor and tilt it upward to 180°...
VIDEO PLAYBACK Normal Playback MENU 4/9/ VOL. +/– Load a cassette. ( pg. 16) Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. To start playback, press 4/9. To stop playback, press 8. During Stop mode, press 3 to rewind, or 5 to fast-forward the tape.
Blank Search Helps you find where you should start recording in the middle of a tape to avoid time code interruption. ( pg. 19) Load a cassette. ( pg. 16) Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch.
The S-Video cable is optional. Be sure to use the YTU94146A S-Video cable. Consult the JVC Service Center described on the sheet included in the package for details on its availability. Make sure to connect the end with a core filter to the camcorder.
Buttons And Functions Infrared beam transmitting window Transmits the beam signal. The following buttons are available only when the camcorder’s Power Switch is set to “PLAY”. PAUSE Button Pauses the tape Up Button ( pg. 24) SLOW Rewind Button REW Button Rewind/Reverse Shuttle Search on a tape pg.
Page 24
VIDEO PLAYBACK Frame-By-Frame Playback During normal or still playback, press SLOW (IU) repeatedly for forward or SLOW (YI) repeatedly for reverse. Each time SLOW (YI or IU) is pressed, the frame is played back. Playback Zoom Magnifies the recorded image up to 47X at any time during video playback.
Changing The Menu Settings This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. pg. 26 – 30) MENU For Video Recording Menus: Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch.
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Recording Menus CAMERA The “m CAMERA” settings are effective when the Power Switch is set to both “A” and “M”. However, the menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “M”. [ ] = Factory-preset REC MODE [SP]: To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode...
Page 27
MANUAL The “q MANUAL” settings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “M”. [ ] = Factory-preset OFF: Disables the function. ]: To compensate for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly at high magnification. NOTES: Accurate stabilisation may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or depending on the shooting condition.
Page 28
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM The “s SYSTEM” functions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “M” are also applied when the Power Switch is set to “PLAY”. [ ] = Factory-preset BEEP OFF: Even though not heard while shooting, shutter sound is recorded on the tape.
CAMERA DISPLAY The “n” (CAMERA DISPLAY) settings are effective even when the Power Switch is set to “A”. However, the menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “M”. The “n” (CAMERA DISPLAY) settings except “BRIGHT”...
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT VIDEO DISPLAY The “n” (VIDEO DISPLAY) settings are effective only for video playback except “BRIGHT” and “AUDIO LEV.”. The parameters (except “OFF” in ON SCREEN settings) are the same as in the description (CAMERA DISPLAY) on page 29. [ ] = Factory-preset BRIGHT pg.
5-Second Recording Record a vacation or an important event in 5- second clips to keep the action moving. This function is available only for video recording. Set “5S” to “5S”. ( pg. 27) The “5S” indicator appears. Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start recording, and after 5 seconds the camcorder enters Record-Standby mode automatically.
FEATURES FOR RECORDING Snapshot (For Video Recording) This feature lets you record still images that look like photographs onto a tape. Set the Power Switch to “M”. Set “SNAP SHOT” to the desired mode. pg. 25, 26) The Snapshot indicator “ appears.
Exposure Control Manual exposure control is recommended in the following situations: When shooting using reverse lighting or when the background is too bright. When shooting on a reflective natural background such as at the beach or when skiing. When the background is overly dark or the subject is bright.
FEATURES FOR RECORDING Backlight Compensation Backlight compensation brightens the subject quickly. With simple operation, backlight compensation feature brightens the dark subject portion by increasing the exposure. Set the Power Switch to “M”. Press BACK LIGHT so that the Backlight Compensation indicator “ To cancel Backlight Compensation Press BACK LIGHT twice so that the “...
White Balance Adjustment The white balance refers to the correctness of colour reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colours will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional colour/ tint reproduction.
FEATURES FOR RECORDING Wipe Or Fader Effects These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Use them to spice up the transition from one scene to the next. Wipe or Fader works when video recording is started or stopped. Set the Power Switch to “M”. Set “v”...
Program AE With Special Effects Set the Power Switch to “M”. Set “r” to the desired mode. ( The PROGRAM AE menu disappears and the selected effect is activated. The selected effect indicator appears. To deactivate the selected effect Select “OFF” in step 2. The effect indicator disappears.
The S-Video cable is optional. Be sure to use the YTU94146A S-Video cable. Consult the JVC Service Center described on the sheet included in the package for details on its availability. Make sure to connect the end with a core filter to the camcorder.
Even though the DV cable is connected correctly, sometimes the image may not appear in step 4. If this occurs, turn off the power and make connections again. When using a DV cable, be sure to use the optional JVC VC-VDV204U DV cable. EDITING pg. 20)
13) When using a DV cable, be sure to use the optional JVC VC-VDV206U or VC-VDV204U DV cable depending on the type of DV connector (4 or 6 pins) on the PC.
Audio Dubbing The audio track can be customised only when recorded in the 12-BIT and SP modes. pg. 26) Use the provided remote control. Microphone Connector Speaker START/ STOP Stereo Microphone PAUSE PLAY STOP INSERT A.DUB Play back the tape to locate the point where editing will start, then press PAUSE (9).
TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly.
Page 43
HSet the date/time. ( The built-in clock battery has run out and the previously set date/time has been erased. HConsult your nearest JVC dealer for replacement. pg. 32) When the image is printed from the printer, a black bar appears at the bottom of the screen.
Page 44
Appears when the tape ends during recording or playback. SET DATE/TIME! Appears when the date/time is not set. The built-in clock battery has run out and the previously set date/time has been erased. Consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacement. pg. 14) pg. 14) Exhausted pg. 16)
Page 45
(battery, etc.) and wait a few minutes for the indication to clear. When it does, you can resume using the camcorder. If the indication remains, consult your nearest JVC dealer. UNIT IN SAFEGUARD MODE EJECT AND REINSERT TAPE The error indications (03 or 04) show what type of malfunction has occurred.
Mould may form if the lens is left dirty. When using a cleaner or chemically treated cloth refer to the cautions of each product. To clean the viewfinder, please consult your nearest JVC dealer.
Battery Packs The supplied battery pack is a lithium-ion battery. Before using the supplied battery pack or an optional battery pack, be sure to read the following cautions: To avoid hazards ... do not burn..do not short-circuit the terminals. When transporting, make sure the provided battery cap is attached to the battery.
Page 48
20 seconds, it stops automatically. Also refer to the cleaning cassette’s instructions. If, after using the cleaning cassette, the problems still exist, consult your nearest JVC dealer. Mechanical moving parts used to move the video heads and video tape tend to become dirty and worn out over time.
Page 49
Serious malfunctioning If malfunctioning occurs, stop using the unit immediately and consult your local JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from...
SPECIFICATIONS Camcorder For General Power supply DC 11 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Approx. 3.2 W (LCD monitor off, viewfinder on) Approx. 4.2 W (LCD monitor on, viewfinder off) Dimensions (W x H x D) 75 mm x 74 mm x 111 mm (with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed back in) Weight...