Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts and service and attach it here. Record the serial number and model numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder. Model No. ______________________________________________________ Serial No. _______________________________________________________ Purchase Date.
Chapter 1: Connections & Setup Parts Checklist ... 6 Buttons and Controls ... 7 Getting Started ... 9 Unpack the camcorder and accessories ... 9 Adjust the hand strap ... 9 Attach the lens cap ... 10 Attach the power supply ... 10 Turn on the camcorder ...
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Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with an S-Video Input Jack ... 51 Playback on a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks ... 52 Dubbing to a VCR ... 53 Dubbing to Another Digital Video Camcorder ... 54 Chapter 5: Advanced Features Using the Menus For Advanced Adjustment ... 56 Menu Definitions ...
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White Balance Adjustment ... 72 Date/Time Insert ... 73 Wide Mode ... 74 Wind Cut ... 76 Resetting the Camcorder Defaults ... 76 Chapter 6: Downloading to a PC Connecting to a Computer ... 78 Chapter 7: Other Information Troubleshooting ... 80 Final Notes ...
Connections & Setup Chapter Overview: • Parts Checklist • Buttons and Controls • Getting Started • Powering the Camcorder • Using the Shoulder Strap • Setting the Date and Time • Setting the Tape Recording Speed Changing Entertainment. Again. Chapter 1...
Connections & Setup Parts Checklist Make sure the box includes the items shown here: Camcorder Lens cap Part # 252975 Caution: Only use the power supply provided with this unit. Using other power supplies may damage the unit. AC power supply...
Buttons and Controls Viewfinder Eyepiece focus control BAT. RELEASE switch Recording Start/ Stop button Hand strap Jack cover Chapter 1 Connections & Setup MENU/ SNAPSHOT BRIGHT button Power Zoom / VOL lever dial Microphone FOCUS / BLANK SEARCH button Power switch Video light...
CHARGE BACK LIGHT indicator CHARGE Power Zoom/ lever SNAPSHOT button Speaker LIGHT switch OPEN/EJECT Camcorder bottom view S -Video jack Service jack jack Jack cover open O F F L I G H DV IN/OUT jack OPEN/EJECT switch Chapter 1...
Getting Started This section describes the basics on how to set up your camcorder to record for the first time. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options. Unpack the camcorder and accessories • The items shown are packed with the camcorder. If any pieces are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
Connections & Setup Attach the lens cap To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration. Attach the power supply Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, you need to use an AC outlet to power the camcorder.
( manual ( ) record mode, powered off (OFF), or in playback mode ( The POWER indicator comes on when the camcorder is turned on. Automatic recording into AutoShot™ mode. Focus, exposure, iris control, and white balance are controlled by the camcorder during automatic recording.
Cassette holder cover Insert a cassette tape Make sure the camcorder is connected to a power supply. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (automatic record). Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow then pull the cassette holder cover open until it locks.
Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to see what’s recording Using the LCD monitor Remove the lens cap. Open the monitor 90˚ from the camcorder body. Tilt the monitor 180˚ forward or 90˚ down as required for convenient viewing while recording.
LCD monitor (but won’t be recorded)). When finished recording, press and release the Recording Start/Stop button again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record- pause mode. (PAUSE appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.) Play your recording...
Turn off the camcorder Set the Power switch to OFF. Close the LCD monitor. Powering the Camcorder You can power your camcorder with a battery or AC power. Charging the Battery Set the Power switch to OFF. Raise the viewfinder.
If you store a partially charged battery for a long period of time, its performance is reduced. • During charging or discharging, the camcorder can’t be operated. • Charging and discharging isn’t possible if the wrong type of battery is used. •...
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Approximate charging time Battery Charging Time 247800 approx. 90 min. Approximate recording time (in minutes) Battery Viewfinder on 247800 75, (40*) * when the video light is on Note: Recording time is reduced significantly when you use the Zoom or Record- Standby modes repeatedly or when you use the LCD monitor repeatedly.
After repeated charging and use, battery life gradually decreases. When operation time is too short to be useful, the battery should be replaced. • If the battery pack becomes too hot, remove it from the camcorder and let it cool down. •...
The power supply operates on 110-240 volts, 50/60 Hz. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder. Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet (110-240V, 50/ 60Hz).
Connections & Setup Using the Shoulder Strap The camcorder’s shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camera from your shoulder and – when ready– bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement. Following the illustration, thread the strap through the eyelet.
It resumes once you finish. Important: A separate internal battery is used for the time and date. Under normal conditions, this battery should last for 10 years or more. If you should need to replace it, see your nearest RCA authorized service center.
Connections & Setup MENU dial Lock button Power switch Setting the Tape Recording Speed You need to select the tape recording speed for the quality of recording you want. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record).
LCD monitor is open more than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder turns on. Using the LCD Monitor The camcorder’s LCD monitor is a miniature color screen that you can use for recording playback. Cautions Never force the LCD monitor to rotate completely around.
Chapter 2 Using the Monitors Using the Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays in black and white. For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder up or down. Note: When the LCD monitor is open more than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off.
Several displays appear on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder to aid in the operation of the camcorder. Although it may look crowded, all of the icons shown below do not appear on-screen at the same time. Also, not all screen icons are shown in the illustration.
TAPE Appears when the date and time is not set. May also occur if the SET DATE/ internal clock battery needs to be replaced. See your nearest RCA TIME! authorized service center. Covered Lens: Appears briefly after the power is turned on to either LENS CAP automatic or manual record mode and the lens cap is still attached.
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Using the Monitors Program AE with Special Effects Icons Appears when you select SHUTTER 1/60 to set the shutter speed SHUTTER to 1/60th of a second. 1/60 Appears when you select SHUTTER 1/100 to set the shutter speed SHUTTER to 1/100th of a second. May reduce flicker in some situations. 1/100 Appears when you select SPORTS to record fast-moving action, SPORTS...
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MWB appears when you select temperatures. Appears when the camcorder is recording. Appears during record-standby. Appears when the camcorder plays a tape. Appears during play-pause. Appears during fast forward and flashes during forward search. Appears during rewind and flashes during reverse search.
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Using the Monitors Zoom Icon Appears when you use the zoom lever. 4X W Bright and Volume Icons Appears when you adjust the brightness of the monitor with the BRIGHT BRIGHT dial. VOLUME During playback, the VOLUME icon appears when you adjust the volume of the speaker with the VOL control (also zoom lever).
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Fade and Wipe Icons Press the FADE/WIPE button to display the icon for the fade or wipe you want to select. Appears when you select white fade. Appears when you select black fade. Appears when you select black and white fade. Appears when you select mosaic fade.
Using the Monitors Appears when you select shutter wipe over the previous screen. Focus Icons Appear when you are adjusting focus manually using the FOCUS menu. The icons also flash when the auto-focus system cannot operate properly or you can’t adjust the focus any farther. Other Icons Steady Pix...
LCD monitor (but won’t be recorded.)) When finished recording, press and release the Recording Start/Stop button again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record- pause mode. (PAUSE appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.) Notes: •...
Digital and Optical Zooming You can zoom in and out for close-up or wide-angle shots by moving the zoom lever on the camcorder. The camcorder automatically focuses at most distances when zooming. Optical zooming is possible up to 10 times, and digital zooming allows up to 400 times normal magnification.
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Recording MENU dial Lock button Power switch Using Digital Zoom You can use digital zoom to magnify images to a maximum of 400 times normal magnification. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record). (The POWER indicator comes on.) Press in the MENU dial.
• scenes with movement in various directions. • scenes with low-contrast backgrounds. • Switch off stabilization when the camcorder is mounted to a tripod. • icon blinks or disappears if image stabilization can’t be used. Recording...
Using the Video Light To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim, the camcorder uses a built-in video light. You can turn on the video light at all times, set to turn on automatically when the camcorder senses additional light is needed, or turn off altogether.
• Never operate the video light close to flammable or explosive material. • Consult your nearest RCA authorized service center to replace the video light. • The video light and bulb need to cool for approximately 30 minutes after use before the bulb assembly is replaced.
Recording MENU dial Lock button Power switch Selecting a Snapshot Mode You can choose from 5 ways to display your digital pictures, including pin-up, frame, full, multi-4, and multi-9. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record).
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Chapter 3 • Select FULL to take a snapshot with no frame. • Select MULTI-4 to take four snapshots in a quick progression (giving the illusion of movement) and place all four images within one shot. • Select MULTI-9 to take nine snapshots in a quick progression (giving the illusion of movement) and place all nine images within one shot.
Recording SNAPSHOT button Lock button Power switch Taking Snapshots Remove the lens cap. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record). (The POWER indicator comes on.) When you’re ready to take a picture, press SNAPSHOT. Notes: •...
(playback mode). (The POWER indicator comes on.) Press BLANK SEARCH. (BLANK SEARCH appears and blinks, and the camcorder starts to search. The tape stops a few seconds before the next blank spot. • To cancel Blank Search, press Notes: •...
Don’t move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-side while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”. • Use the viewfinder or LCD monitor to make sure the camcorder is level while recording so that your scene isn’t “tilted.” •...
TV or VCR. Playback features (Play, Pause, Forward, Reverse, Stop) can be handled using the camcorder’s buttons. Basic Playback Insert a tape. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (playback mode).
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Tips The playback picture can be viewed in the viewfinder (with the LCD monitor shut), on the LCD monitor, or on a connected TV (see page 50). You can also view the playback picture on the LCD monitor with it flipped over and retracted.
To resume normal playback, press the Play/ Pause button again. • If pause continues for more than a few minutes, the camcorder may turn off. • After approximately 5 minutes in stop mode, the power turns off automatically. Shuttle Search Shuttle search allows high-speed searching in either forward or reverse directions.
P. AE NIGHT EXPOSURE BACK MODE LIGHT CHARGE MENU/ SNAP BRIGHT SHOT VOL. FOCUS BAT. RELEASE BLANK SEARCH Playback buttons Chapter 4 Frame-By-Frame Playback Allows frame-by-frame searching. During playback, press For forward playback, rotate the MENU dial towards the +. For reverse playback, rotate the dial towards the -.
Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) with audio/video inputs, you need to use the supplied audio/video cable. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with an S-Video Input Jack To connect your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) with an S-Video input jack, you need to use an optional S-Video cable. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
• Adjust the TV sound volume to its minimum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound when the camcorder is turned • If you have a TV or speakers that are not specially shielded, do not place the...
VCR’s power, and insert the appropriate tapes in the camcorder and the VCR. Make sure the VCR is in the appropriate AUX mode and the Record-Pause mode. Use the camcorder’s Play mode to find a spot just before the edit-in point. Once it is reached, press on the camcorder.
Playback Dubbing to Another Digital Video Camcorder You can also copy a recording to another camcorder with a DV jack using an optional DV cable. To Use this Camcorder as a Player: Make sure all units are turned off before making any connections.
Advanced Features Chapter Overview: • Using the Menus for Advanced Adjustment • Menu Definitions • Using the Advanced Features Changing Entertainment. Again. Chapter 5...
Lock button Power switch Using the Menus For Advanced Adjustment This camcorder is equipped with an on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record). (The POWER indicator comes on.)
Menu Definitions The following charts will help you get acquainted with the various menus and some brief definitions of their features. For more detailed explanation, refer to the corresponding sections. Main Menu WIPE/FADER Refer to Fade/Wipe Effects (see page 62). PROGRAM AE Refer to Program AE with Special Effects (see page 65).
The tally light remains off at all times. Factory Preset: The tally light comes on to indicate the start of a recording. This number is necessary when connecting the camcorder to a NUMBER device such as a computer using the service port. The numbers range from 01 to 99.
Then press in the MENU dial to select it. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight OFF. Then press in the MENU dial again to select it. Note: When a tape is loaded in the camcorder, the demonstration is not available. Automatic demonstration will not take place.
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Advanced Features TIME Factory Preset: Time code is not displayed. CODE Time code is displayed on the camcorder and a connected TV. Frame numbers are not displayed during recording. CLOCK Allows you to set the current date and time. ADJ.
• Gain Up • Steady Pix™ • The video light when set to AUTO • During Night Mode, it may be difficult to bring the camcorder into focus. A tripod may be necessary to prevent this. while the shutter...
Advanced Features MENU dial Lock button Recording Start/Stop button Power switch Fade/Wipe Effects These effects let you make professional-looking scene transitions. Fade-ins or wipe-ins work at recording start, and fade-outs or wipe-outs work at recording end. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record).
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Wipes WIPE–CORNER Wipes in on a black screen from the upper right to the lower left corner, revealing the scene. Wipes out from lower left to upper right, leaving a black screen. WIPE–WINDOW Wipes in on a black screen from the center of the screen towards the corners, revealing the scene.
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Advanced Features WIPE–SLIDE The next scene gradually wipes in over the previous scene from the right to the left. WIPE–DOOR The previous scene wipes out from the center to the right and left, like a door being pushed open to reveal the next scene. WIPE–SCROLL The new scene wipes in over the last one from the bottom to the top.
MENU dial Lock button Power switch P. AE button P. AE NIGHT EXPOSURE BACK MODE LIGHT CHARGE MENU/ SNAP BRIGHT SHOT VOL. FOCUS BAT. RELEASE BLANK SEARCH Chapter 5 Advanced Features Program AE With Special Effects Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record).
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Advanced Features SPORTS High shutter speed clearly captures fast-moving action. SNOW Useful when recording scenes in bright surroundings, such as snow, where subjects might otherwise appear too dark. SPOTLIGHT Useful when recording scenes in strong direct lighting, such as spotlights, where subjects might otherwise appear too bright.
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B/W MONOTONE Recorded scenes are shot in black and white. Combine this with the Cinema mode for a classic look (see page 58). CLASSIC FILM Recorded scenes have a slow-frame, classic movie feel. STROBE Recorded scenes appear as series of consecutive snapshots. SLOW 4X Useful when recording in dark environments.
Advanced Features MENU dial Lock button Power switch EXPOSURE button P. AE NIGHT EXPOSURE BACK MODE LIGHT CHARGE MENU/ SNAP BRIGHT SHOT VOL. FOCUS BAT. RELEASE BLANK SEARCH Exposure Control This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override it and make the adjustment manually.
When shooting subjects under a spotlight. • When zooming. When the subject is close, keep the iris locked. Even when the subject moves away from the camcorder, the image will not darken or lighten. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record).
2 seconds. Focusing Auto Focus The camcorder’s Full Range automatic focus system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations listed below (in these cases use manual focusing): •...
• When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom out first (see page 35). When zooming in the auto focus mode, the camcorder could automatically zoom out depending on the distance between the camcorder and the subject. • To return to Auto Focus, press FOCUS twice or set the Power switch to (automatic record) .
The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional color/tint reproduction. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power switch to (manual record).
Date/Time Insert You can display the date and time in the camcorder or on a connected TV, as well as to record it manually or automatically. You should have already performed the Date/Time Setting procedure (see page 21).
The camcorder lets you make recordings compatible with the 16x9 (wide screen) format. When Wide Mode is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect. This is also known as “letterbox”...
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Select SQUEEZE for playback on TVs with a 16x9 aspect ratio. This naturally expands the image to fit the screen without distortion. A the camcorder’s LCD or viewfinder. In this mode, playback on a standard 4x3 TV, monitor, or viewfinder will display an elongated image.
Power switch Resetting the Camcorder Defaults If you ever want to set the camcorder back to its original factory settings, use the Cam Reset function. Press in the Lock button while setting the Power Switch to Press in the MENU dial. (The Main Menu appears.) Rotate the MENU dial to highlight SYSTEM.
96). Make sure all units are turned off before making any connections. Connect one end of the optional DV cable to your camcorder and the other end to the computer. Press in the Lock button on the camcorder while setting the Power switch to (playback mode).
Other Information Chapter Overview: • Troubleshooting • Final Notes • Care and Cleaning • Traveling Tips • Specifications • Limited Warranty • FCC and Industry Canada Information • Optional Accessories • Index Changing Entertainment. Again. Chapter 7...
Vertical white lines appear when shooting a very bright object. This sometimes occurs when there is a lot of contrast between the background and the object. It is not a defect of the camcorder. Try shooting from a different angle or adjusting the lighting conditions.
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Even though the lens cap is detached, the LENS CAP warning icon blinks. The LENS CAP warning icon may blink when the camcorder is used in dark areas, regardless of whether the lens cap is attached or detached (see page 27).
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If Audio/Video connection is used, the TV’s VIDEO/TV switch has not been set to VIDEO. Playback picture is blurred or interrupted. The video heads are dirty or worn out. Consult your nearest RCA authorized service center for head cleaning or replacement. Rewinding or fast-forwarding can’t be performed.
Detaching the battery from the camcorder. Date/Time Settings • The date/time cannot be stored in memory if the built-in clock battery runs out. Consult an authorized RCA dealer for replacement, or set the date/time as necessary before you start shooting. Chapter 7 Other Information...
Other Information Video Recording • When the Power switch is set to of 25˚ or more, the LCD monitor switches on and the viewfinder switches off automatically to save power. • The cassette tape holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached. •...
• If the cassette tape holder does not open after a few seconds, close the holder door and try again. If it still does not open, turn the camcorder off, then on again. • If the tape does not load properly, open the cassette tape holder door and fully remove the unit.
Other Information Care and Cleaning After Using the Camcorder Set the Power switch to OFF. Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow then pull the cassette holder cover open until it locks. Remove the tape. Be careful not to touch the inside of the cassette holder as you may hurt yourself.
Protect the tape using the erase protection tab if necessary. • Store tapes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Never leave the camcorder or tapes in a car or outdoors for an extended period of time. Excessive heat or cold might damage tapes. •...
95˚F (35˚C). • Do not expose the camcorder or power supply/charger to rain or moisture. If any component becomes wet, turn off the power and take the unit to an authorized RCA camcorder service provider. • Do not use any power supply/charger or batteries other than the ones specified for the camcorder.
Specifications Specifications Camcorder Format DV NTSC standard Power source DC 11 V (Using AC power supply) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Viewfinder on: 4.3 W LCD monitor on: 5.3 W Video light: 3.5 W Signal system NTSC-type...
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Other Information Audio/Video Jacks S-Video Y: 1 V(p-p), 75 , analog C: 0.29 V)p-p), 75 , analog Video 1 V (p-p), 75 analog output (via Video output connector) Audio 300 mV (rms), 1 k analog stereo output (via Audio output connector) 4-pin, IEEE 1394 compliant Service Port ø3.5 mm, 4-pole...
What we will do: During the initial 90 days Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. There will be no cost to you. After the 90 days and within one year Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder.
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IF YOUR UNIT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 14 DAYS, THE SUGGESTED RETAIL VALUE OF THE CAMCORDER WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. This amount, less $10.00 handling, will be credited if the unit is subsequently received.
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Evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility. • A brief note describing your camcorder’s problem. • Your name, address and phone number. Return transportation, storage, handling, and insurance costs are your sole responsibility.
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• Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your Camcorder. It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage. Limitation of Warranty: •...
Move the Camcorder away from the equipment that is receiving interference. Plug the Camcorder into a different wall outlet so that the Camcorder and the equipment receiving interference are on different branch circuits. If these measures do not eliminate the interference, please consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.
We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.
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Using the Optional AC088 Tripod Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, keeps the camcorder steady and produces excellent video results. This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quick-release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26"...
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Other Information To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail. United States and Canada Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card ready and call the toll-free number listed below.
Description Super Lightweight Tripod Soft Camcorder Case Shoulder Strap Rechargeable Battery Extended Life Battery AC Power Supply IEEE1394 DV Cable A/V Cable All prices subject to change without notice. Total Merchandise Sales Tax We are required by law to collect the...
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Other Information Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard, IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number above your name on MasterCard IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your Discover Card Expiration date: Print or type your name and address clearly.
Connecting to a computer 78 Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with a/v inputs 50 Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with an S-Video input 51 Connecting to another DV camcorder Chapter 6 Index Date and time setting 21 Date/time insert 73...
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Power supply 19 attaching 10 removing 19 POWER switch 52 Power zoom lever volume control 47 Powering the camcorder 11, 15 Product registration 2 Program AE with special effects Program AE with special effects icons 28 Record protection tab 12...
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Time counter icon 32 Time-remaining icon 32 Transferring snapshots and video to a computer 78 Traveling tips 88 Troubleshooting 80 Turning off the camcorder 15 Chapter 6 Index Video light 11, 38 Video light details 38 Viewfinder 13, 25 Volume 47...