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JVC GR-DF540 Instructions Manual

Jvc digital video camera instructions
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DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

GR-DF540
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 – 4 and 10 to ensure safe use of
this product.
GETTING STARTED
VIDEO RECORDING &
PLAYBACK
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA
(D.S.C.) RECORDING &
PLAYBACK
ADVANCED FEATURES
REFERENCES
TERMS
To deactivate the demonstration,
set "DEMO MODE" to "OFF".
(
pg. 37, 40)
LYT1448-001A
ENGLISH
6
19
28
37
57
66
EN

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  • Page 1: Digital Video Camera

    DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GR-DF540 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.

  • Page 3: Safety Precautions

    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 5: Table Of Contents

    GETTING STARTED Index ... 6 Provided Accessories ... 11 Power... 13 Operation Mode ... 15 Language Settings... 16 Date/Time Settings ... 16 Grip Adjustment ... 16 Viewfinder Adjustment ... 16 Brightness Adjustment Of The Display ... 17 Tripod Mounting... 17 Loading/Unloading A Cassette ...

  • Page 6: Getting Started

    GETTING STARTED Index...
  • Page 7 Controls Menu Button [MENU] ( pg. 37) Data Battery Button [BATT. DATA] ( E-Mail Clip Recording Button [E-MAIL] pg. 32) Index Button [INDEX] ( pg. 30) D.S.C. Playback Select Button [SEL] pg. 29, 30) Thumbnail Storing Button [STORE] pg. 49) Information Button [INFO] ( Set Button [SET] ( pg.
  • Page 8 GETTING STARTED LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording Only SOUND 12 B I T 15:55 Navigation Indicator ( pg. 49) Selected Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator pg. 48) Tape Running Indicator ( (Rotates while tape is running.) Selected Wide Mode Indicator ( : Live Slow Indicator ( : Snapshot Indicator ( Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) (...
  • Page 9 During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording 1 5 x W BRIGHT Operation Mode ( pg. 15) : Gain Up Mode ( pg. 38) LED Light Indicator ( pg. 43) White Balance Indicator ( : Spot Exposure Control Indicator pg. 46) : Backlight Compensation Indicator pg.
  • Page 10 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 pg. 31) commercially available cassette tapes complying...

  • Page 11: Provided Accessories

    Provided Accessories AC Adapter AP-V17E or AP-V14E Power Cord (only for AP-V14E) Battery Pack BN-VF707U AV Cable Audio Extension Cable (for optional microphone, pg. 12 for connection) USB Cable Core Filter [large] (for USB cable for attachment) Core Filter [small] x 3 (for Audio extension cable and AC Adapter’s cable attachment) Core Filter (for AV cable...
  • Page 12 GETTING STARTED How To Attach The Shoulder Strap Follow the illustration. Thread the strap through the eyelet. Fold it back and thread it through the strap guide and the buckle. To adjust the length of the strap, loosen and then tighten the strap in the buckle.

  • Page 13: Power

    How To Attach The Core Filter Attach the core filters to the cables. The core filter reduces interference. Release the stoppers on both ends of the core filter. Stopper Run the cable through the core filter, leaving approx. 3 cm of cable between the cable plug and the core filter.
  • Page 14 * Provided NOTES: 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. Using generic non-JVC batteries can cause damage to the internal charging circuitry. If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack, remove it first.

  • Page 15: Operation Mode

    Using AC Power Perform steps 4 – 5 in “Charging The Battery Pack”. NOTE: The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V. About Batteries DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may cause a fire or explosion.

  • Page 16: Language Settings

    GETTING STARTED Language Settings The language on the display can be changed. pg. 37, 40, 42) Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. Open the LCD monitor fully. ( Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears. Press to select “n”, and press SET.

  • Page 17: Brightness Adjustment Of The Display

    Brightness Adjustment Of The Display Set the Power Switch to “M” or “PLAY” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. Open the LCD monitor fully. ( pg. 19) To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder, pull out the viewfinder fully and set “PRIORITY”...

  • Page 18: Loading/Unloading A Memory Card

    GETTING STARTED NOTES: If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder does not open, close the cassette holder cover and try again. If the cassette holder still does not open, turn the camcorder off then on again. If the tape does not load properly, open the cassette holder cover fully and remove the cassette.

  • Page 19: Video Recording & Playback

    Basic Recording NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: Power ( pg. 13) Loading A Cassette ( pg. 17) VIDEO/MEMORY Power Zoom Lever Power Switch Recording Start/Stop Button Lock Button POWER/CHARGE Lamp Remove the lens cap. ( Open the LCD monitor fully. Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.

  • Page 20: Zooming

    VIDEO RECORDING NOTES: The image will not appear simultaneously on the LCD monitor and the viewfinder. When the viewfinder is pulled out while the LCD monitor is opened, you can select which one to use. Set “PRIORITY” to the desired mode in SYSTEM Menu.

  • Page 21: Time Code

    Time Code During recording, a time code is recorded on the tape. This code is to confirm the location of the recorded scene on the tape during playback. Display Minutes Seconds Frames* (25 frames = 1 second) 12 : 34 : 24 * Frames are not displayed during recording.

  • Page 22: Video Playback

    VIDEO PLAYBACK Normal Playback MENU Power Switch VIDEO/ MEMORY VOL. +/– Load a cassette. ( pg. 17) Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”. 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.

  • Page 23: Connections To A Tv Or Vcr

    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.
  • Page 24 VIDEO PLAYBACK NOTES: It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power supply instead of the battery pack. pg. 15) To monitor the picture and sound from the camcorder without inserting a tape or memory card, set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “A” or “M”, then set your TV to the appropriate input mode.

  • Page 25: Playback Using The Remote Control

    Playback Using The Remote Control The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations (Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind) of your VCR. It also makes additional playback functions possible. pg. 26) Installing The Battery The remote control uses one lithium battery...

  • Page 26: Slow-Motion Playback

    VIDEO PLAYBACK The following buttons are available when the camcorder’s Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”. Zoom (T/W) Buttons Zoom in/out ( pg. 20, 27) (Also available with the Power Switch set to “PLAY”) START/STOP Button Functions the same as the Recording Start/ Stop Button on the camcorder.

  • Page 27: Playback

    Playback Zoom Magnifies the recorded image up to 47X at any time during video playback and D.S.C. playback. 1) Press PLAY (U) to start video playback. Or perform normal playback of images. 2) At the point you want to zoom in, press the Zoom Button (T).

  • Page 28: D.s.c. Recording

    D.S.C. RECORDING Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot) You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still Camera for taking snapshots. Still images are stored in the memory card. NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: Power ( pg. 13) Loading a Memory Card ( VIDEO/ SNAPSHOT MEMORY...

  • Page 29: Interval Shooting

    Interval Shooting During Interval Shooting mode, the camcorder continues to take snapshots automatically with an interval of your desired setting. Set “INT.SHOT” to “ON”. ( “INTERVAL” and “ ” appear. Set “INT.TIME” to the desired shooting interval. ( pg. 37, 41) Set the Power Switch to “A”...

  • Page 30: Auto Playback Of Images

    D.S.C. PLAYBACK Auto Playback Of Images You can run through all the images stored in memory card automatically. Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of Images”. Press 4/9 to start Auto Playback. If you press < during Auto Playback, files are displayed in descending order.

  • Page 31: Removing On-Screen Display

    Removing On-Screen Display Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of Images” ( pg. 29). Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears. Press to select “DISPLAY”, and press SET. The Sub Menu appears. Press to select “OFF”, and press SET. The operation mode indicator, folder/file number and battery remaining power indicator disappear.

  • Page 32: Additional Features For D.s.c

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. E-Mail Clip Recording You can make video clips from real-time camera image or recorded video footage and store them in a memory card as files which can be conveniently sent via E-Mail. To make video clips from real-time camera image Load a memory card.

  • Page 33: Dubbing Still Images Recorded On A Tape To A Memory Card

    Dubbing Still Images Recorded On A Tape To A Memory Card Still images can be dubbed from a tape to a memory card. Load a cassette. ( pg. 17) Load a memory card. ( pg. 18) Set “SNAP/SLOW” to the desired mode. (except “SLOW”, pg.

  • Page 34: Deleting Files

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. To Remove Protection Before doing the following, perform steps 1 – 3 in “Protecting Files”. To remove protection from the currently displayed file Press or to select “CURRENT”, and press SET. The PROTECT screen appears. Press < or > to select the desired file. Press to select “EXECUTE”, and press SET.

  • Page 35: Setting Print Information (Dpof Setting)

    Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) This camcorder is compatible with the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard in order to support future systems such as automatic printing. You can select one of the 2 print information settings for images stored in the memory card: “To Print All Still Images (One Print For Each)”...

  • Page 36: Initialising A Memory Card

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. To Reset The Number Of Prints Perform steps 1 – 3 in “To Print All Still Images (One Print For Each)”. Press to select “RESET”, and press SET. The DPOF screen appears. Press to select “EXECUTE”, and press SET.

  • Page 37: Advanced Features

    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. 38 – 42) VIDEO/ MEMORY MENU For Video and D.S.C. Recording Menus: Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO” or “MEMORY”.

  • Page 38: Recording Menus

    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 39 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 40: Camera Display

    MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT REMOTE OFF: Disables the remote control operations. [ON]: Enables the remote control operations. DEMO MODE OFF: Automatic demonstration will not take place. [ON]: Demonstrates certain functions such as Program AE with special effects, etc., and can be used to confirm how these functions operate.

  • Page 41: Playback Menus

    [ ] = Factory-preset QUALITY [FINE] / STANDARD The Picture Quality mode can be selected to best match your needs. Two Picture Quality modes are available: FINE ( STANDARD ( ) (in order of quality). NOTE: The number of storable images depends on the selected picture quality as well as the composition of the subjects in the images and the type of memory card being used.

  • Page 42: Video Display

    MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT REC MODE [SP] / LP Allows you to set the video recording mode (SP or LP) depending on your preference. It is recommended you use “REC MODE” in VIDEO Menu when using this camcorder as a recorder during dubbing.

  • Page 43: Features For Recording

    LED Light LED Light can be used to brighten the subject in the dark place during video recording or D.S.C. shooting. Press LIGHT repeatedly to change the setting. OFF: Turns off the light. ON: The light is on always. ( appears.) AUTO: The light turns on automatically when dark.

  • Page 44: Night-Scope

    FEATURES FOR RECORDING Night-Scope Makes dark subjects or areas even brighter than they would be under good natural lighting. Although the recorded image is not grainy, it may look as if it is strobing due to the slow shutter speed. Set the Power Switch to “M”.

  • Page 45: Manual Focus

    Manual Focus The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up (as close as approx. 5 cm to the subject) to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtained depending on the shooting condition. In this case, use the manual focus mode. Set the Power Switch to “M”.

  • Page 46: Iris Lock

    FEATURES FOR RECORDING Iris Lock Like the pupil of the human eye, the iris contracts in well-lit environments to keep too much light from entering, and dilates in dim environments to allow in more light. Use this function in the following situations: When shooting a moving subject.

  • Page 47: White Balance Adjustment

    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.

  • Page 48: Wipe Or Fader Effects

    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 VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”. Set the Power Switch to “M”.

  • Page 49: Navigation Function

    PROGRAM AE OFF: Disables the function. (Factory-preset) NIGHTSCOPE: ( pg. 44) SHUTTER 1/50: The shutter speed is fixed at 1/50th of a second. Black bands that usually appear when shooting a TV screen become narrower. SHUTTER 1/120: The shutter speed is fixed at 1/120th of a second.
  • Page 50 FEATURES FOR RECORDING To make thumbnail images after video recording manually Set “NAVIGATION” to “MANUAL”. pg. 37, 38) Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M”. After the recording, press STORE. The “ ” indicator appears briefly and the captured image is stored in the memory card as a thumbnail image.
  • Page 51 CAUTION: Do not remove the memory card or perform any other operation (such as turning off the camcorder) during deletion. Also, be sure to use the provided AC Adapter, as the memory card may be corrupted if the battery becomes exhausted during deletion. If the memory card becomes corrupted, initialise it.

  • Page 52: Editing

    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.

  • Page 53: Dubbing To A Video Unit Equipped With A Dv Connector (Digital Dubbing)

    27) is attempted or SNAPSHOT is pressed during playback, only the original playback image recorded on the tape is output from the DV OUT connector. When using a DV cable, be sure to use the optional JVC VC-VDV204U DV cable. EDITING pg. 22)

  • Page 54: Connection To A Personal Computer

    When using a DV cable, be sure to use the To DV connector optional JVC VC-VDV206U or VC-VDV204U DV cable depending on the type of DV connector (4 or 6 pins) on the PC. If the PC connected to the camcorder via the USB cable is not powered, the camcorder does not enter the USB mode.

  • Page 55: Audio Dubbing

    Audio Dubbing The audio track can be customised only when recorded in the 12-BIT and SP modes. pg. 38) 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).

  • Page 56: Insert Editing

    EDITING Insert Editing You can record a new scene into a previously recorded tape, replacing a section of the original recording with minimal picture distortion at the in and out points. The original audio remains unchanged. Use the provided remote control. NOTES: Before performing the following steps, make sure that “TIME CODE”...

  • Page 57: References

    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. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery pack, AC Adapter, etc.) and wait a few minutes;...
  • Page 58 The date/time is not set. 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. 28, 44) Files stored in the memory card cannot be deleted.
  • Page 59 SET DATE/TIME! Appears when the date/time is not set. pg. 16) The built-in clock battery has run out and the previously set date/time has been erased. Consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacement. TROUBLESHOOTING Exhausted pg. 17) pg. 15)
  • Page 60 TROUBLESHOOTING LENS CAP Appears for 5 seconds after power is turned on if the lens cap is attached or when it is dark. A. DUB ERROR! Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a blank portion of a tape. ( A.

  • Page 61: User Maintenance

    (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.

  • Page 62: Cautions

    CAUTIONS 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 63 Memory Cards To properly use and store your memory cards, be sure to read the following cautions: During use ... make sure the memory card bears the SD or MultiMediaCard mark..make sure the memory card is positioned properly when inserting. While the memory card is being accessed (during recording, playback, deletion, initialisation, etc.)
  • Page 64 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 65: Specifications

    Camcorder For General Power supply DC 11 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Approx. 3.7 W (4 W*) (LCD monitor off, viewfinder on) Approx. 4.7 W (5 W*) (LCD monitor on, viewfinder off) * Using LED Light 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)

  • Page 66: Terms

    TERMS AC Adapter ... 15 Animation ... 39 Audio Dubbing ... 55 Backlight Compensation ... 46 Battery Pack ... 13, 15, 62 Beep ... 39 Blank Search ... 22 Changing The Menu Settings ... 37 – 42 Charging The Battery Pack ... 13 Connection To A Personal Computer ...
  • Page 68 Printed in Malaysia EK/EX 0205FOH-ID-VM © 2005 Victor Company of Japan, Limited...

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