File it at home with your owner’s manual for future reference. Record Vital Information Here. No other RCA camcorder has the same serial number as yours. You will find the serial number and model number on the bottom of your camcorder.
Caution: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach a stable temperature before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm location, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine.
Take it to a qualified serviceman. Do not disassemble charger. Take it to an Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock.
However, safety is your responsibility too. These pages list important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a camcorder, adapter/charger, and accessory equipment. Please read them carefully before operating your video products. Installation 1.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 8. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the video products are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the video product and to protect them from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 12. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 16. Lightning—For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the video product due to lightning and power line surges.
AC025A Soft Carrying Case Custom compact soft case designed especially to provide protection and utility for your RCA 8mm camcorder and most accessories. Rugged fabric lined with soft non-abrasive material and generous padding. Has three outside pockets with storage for lens filters, adapters, batteries, and tapes.
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These rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries are specifically designed for long life. The BB060 can power your camcorder up to 1 hour, and the BB120 up to 2 hours (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). Both can be recharged with the AC adapter/charger that came with your camcorder.
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VAA009 Audio/Video Input Cable This audio/video input cable will enable you to use your camcorder to record from other devices which have audio/video output jacks (such as another VCR, camcorder, or TV monitor). This makes it convenient to copy tapes or record a television broadcast.
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3-1/2 lbs. Rubber feet allow for sure footing. Caution: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripod screw into the camcorder’s tripod mounting hole.
Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model Pro867 or Pro870 Description Carrying Case Soft Camcorder Case Super Lightweight Tripod Monopod 75-300 Cable Transformer Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable Battery AC Adapter/Charger AC Adapter/Charger RF Output Adapter DC Car Cord Adapter DC Car Adapter/Charger...
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Accessory Order Form Charge your order on your VISA USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number Copy Number above your name on MasterCard AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice. Print or type your name and address clearly.
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U.S. currency (made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.) to the following address: RCA Video Accessories PO Box 8419 Ronks, PA 17573 (continued) For more information on these...
First-Time Operation Thank you for choosing an RCA camcorder. You have selected a precision-engineered camcorder designed to give you years of performance and enjoyment. Although your camcorder is very simple to use, it is important that you read and carefully follow the instructions in this manual until you are completely familiar with the proper operating procedures.
Hold the power connector flush against the back of the camcorder, and slide it in the direction of the arrow as shown. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into an operating outlet. Details are on page 20.
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Important Note: The DEW indicator will flash in the electronic viewfinder when there is excessive moisture in the camcorder. Leave the camcorder’s power on. When the DEW indicator stops flashing, the camcorder is ready to operate. (continued) Press Here to Close ON/POWERSAVE Lever 6.
The tally light will light when the camcorder is recording. Notes: Pressing the PAUSE button will also start and stop the camcorder recording. If you do not record within five minutes, the camcorder will automatically shut off to prevent excessive tape wear.
This may accidentally depress the buttons for a long time and discharge the battery. Replace the battery when the camcorder fails to respond to the remote control. Remove the battery from the remote control if it will not be used for a month or more.
There cannot be any obstructions between them. Remote Control Sensor Camcorder Note: The camcorder may not respond to the remote control if the camcorder’s remote control sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light.
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You can use whichever is more convenient at the time. Note: An RCA VCR that is set to respond to the VCR 2 button on the VCR’s remote control may respond to this remote control when it is used to operate the camcorder.
Details are on pages 48-49. 7 F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button • Press the F.FWD button when the camcorder’s POWER switch is in the VCR position to fast forward the tape. • Press and hold the F.FWD button during playback (camcorder’s...
You may need a plug adapter in some countries. Consult your RCA dealer. Be sure to purchase the plug adapter before traveling. The adapter can be hard to find in foreign countries.
Powering Your Camcorder Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately one hour. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 45-60 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause).
Battery Safety Precautions Do not short the battery’s terminals. Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user- serviceable parts inside. Use the battery only with specified RCA adapter/chargers and camcorders.
Press the DISPLAY button on the camcorder to display the battery level indicator in the viewfinder. The battery level indicator will not be recorded on the tape when it appears in the viewfinder.
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DCC80 for complete operating instructions. When using the DCC06 or DCC80 to power the camcorder, your vehicle’s engine does not have to be turned on. Using the RCA DCC06 DC Car Cord Adapter to Power the Camcorder Cigarette Lighter Socket Optional...
Powering Your Camcorder Using the RCA DCC80 DC Car Cord Adapter/Charger to Power the Camcorder Cigarette Lighter Socket Optional DCC80 Car Adapter/Charger 1. If the battery is attached to the camcorder, remove it. 2. Align the reference arrow on the power connector with the arrow on the camcorder.
RCA Video Cassettes We recommend that RCA cassettes be used with your camcorder. The tape in these cassettes is of high-quality formulation. It has been manufactured to our critical specifications for excellent performance. Use of tape not meeting these specifications could considerably reduce the performance of your camcorder.
RCA Video Cassettes Inserting and Removing Cassettes Record-Protect Tab Cassette Door 1. Attach a power supply to the camcorder, and slide and release the EJECT button to open the cassette compartment. 2. Insert or remove the cassette. Cassette Care and Storage •...
ON position. D. Remove the lens cap and attach it to the lens cap holder on the hand strap. For Model Pro867 Only For Model Pro870 Only one way with the record-protect tab facing up and the tape window facing out.
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3 Start Recording A. Place the ON/POWERSAVE lever in the ON position. The camcorder will not record if this lever is in the POWERSAVE position. B. Press the camcorder’s thumb trigger to start and stop recording.
PLAY Button REW (Rewind) Button FULL AUTO OFF/ON Switch Model Pro867 Only: BACK LIGHT Button FULL AUTO OFF/ON Switch When the POWER switch is in the CAMERA position, place the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch in the ON...
Quick Review Press the REVIEW button when the camcorder is in the record-pause mode to review the last few seconds of a recording. The camcorder will play back the last...
1. Install the clock battery as described. 2. Attach a power supply to the camcorder. Press and hold the small button on the POWER switch while you slide it in the CAMERA position. Place the ON/POWERSAVE lever in the ON position.
7. After you select AM or PM, press the STOP button again to remove the flashing cursor from the viewfinder and start the camcorder’s internal clock. Recording Date and Time (or Date) on Your Tape If you see the date and...
The eyepiece focus control lets you set the focus of the viewfinder for your personal vision. If you wear eyeglasses, you can probably operate the camcorder without them. It’s easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on one of the viewfinder’s on-...
When you fade into a scene, the recording will start with a blank screen, and the picture and sound will gradually appear. 1. Place the camcorder in the record- pause mode. 2. Press and hold the FADE button, then press the thumb trigger to start recording.
Focusing Your Camcorder Power Zoom Button “ T ” Auto-Focus Window Auto Focus If you want the camcorder to focus for you automatically, place the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch in the ON position. The camcorder’s auto-focus system sends out an infrared light beam and automatically focuses on the nearest object that reflects this light.
“T ”. Zooming is not possible when using macro focus. To change the size of the subject, move the camcorder’s lens closer or farther away from it. The focus ring has no effect in macro focus.
Using Variable Shutter Speeds POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) Switch Because your camcorder has a variable shutter, you can choose AE (automatic exposure) or one of six shutter speeds (1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/1000, 1/2000, and 1/10000 second). The POWER switch must be in the CAMERA position.
FULL AUTO OFF/ON Switch ON • When the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch is in the ON position, the camcorder automatically selects the shutter speed of 1/60 second. FULL AUTO appears in the viewfinder when you press the DISPLAY button. • When the FULL AUTO OFF/ON...
NO TAPE, TAPE END, TAPE, or DEW Display 0:00:00 POWER Switch The camcorder has several displays in the viewfinder that tell what the camcorder is doing, and aid in the ease of operation. 1 FULL AUTO or Shutter Speed Display...
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2 NO TAPE, TAPE, and TAPE END Displays • NO TAPE flashes in the viewfinder when you attempt to record and there is no cassette in the camcorder. • TAPE flashes in the viewfinder when you attempt to record and the record-protect (safety) tab has been closed.
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Displays in Viewfinder Pro870 Only: Zoom Display Tape Display for Time- Remaining Display Time Counter with Memory and Time-Remaining Display POWER Switch 6 Pro870 Only: Zoom Displays Repeatedly press the ZOOM MODE button to select one of the digital zooming modes. The mode selected will appear in the viewfinder.
“-:--” appears in the viewfinder. When you first start playing or recording a tape, it will take the camcorder a minute or two to calculate the time remaining on the tape. After time remaining has been calculated and displayed once,...
“0:00:00”, a minus will appear in front of the time counter display. Whenever memory stop is turned on, the Seconds camcorder will stop rewinding or fast forwarding when the counter reaches “0:00:00M”. To continue rewinding or fast forwarding, press REW or F.FWD again.
Time-Remaining Display The time-remaining display shows the amount of recording or playback time left on a tape while it is inside the camcorder. The camcorder will calculate and display the time remaining for 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 135, or 140-minute tapes.
The zoom buttons are easily controlled by your index and middle fingers when you hold the camcorder through the hand strap. • Press the button labeled “T” to move the lens in the telephoto (close-up) direction.
When the 16 x 9 mode is activated, the camcorder will record the picture in a compressed format that is then expanded when played back on a 16 x 9 TV. Do not use this recording mode unless you have a 16 x 9 TV.
Titler TITLER The camcorder’s built-in titler can store two different title pages in memory. Each title page can be displayed and recorded at any time. The built-in character register contains over 40 different characters for creating titles with up to 32 characters on two lines.
There will also be a three-to-four second pause of blank tape before the existing audio and video return. 3. Place the camcorder in the record- pause mode. 4. Press the TITLER button to display the titler graphics in the electronic viewfinder.
An optional AVS80 synchro edit cable shown on page 3 is required. Note: Not all RCA VCR’s have compatible synchro edit jacks. Caution: The unauthorized recording of copyrighted material may infringe the rights of others.
(continued) To Synchro Edit 1. Connect your camcorder to a compatible VCR as shown. 2. Prepare the camcorder to play back the tape you want to copy. • Slide the POWER switch to the VCR position. • Press the EJECT button, and insert the tape you want to copy.
The A/V (audio/video) DUB button on the remote control lets you record new audio and video from another VCR or camcorder to a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. You will need an optional VAA009 audio/video input cable shown on page 3.
Notes: You can record new audio and video from the camcorder’s built-in microphone and camera. Remove the audio/video input cable from the camcorder. Follow steps 1 through 4 above, and then press the PAUSE button to start dubbing. To stop dubbing, press the STOP button.
Recording on Camcorder from VCR or TV Monitor To connect your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) with AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks, you will need an optional VAA009 audio/video input cable shown on page 3. Back of Mono VCR or...
Recording on Camcorder from VCR or TV Monitor Installation 1 Attach the audio/video input cable’s white plug to the AUDIO OUT jack on the TV or VCR. Note: If your TV or VCR has stereo left and right AUDIO OUT jacks, attach the plug to the one labeled MONO.
Make sure you have any plug adapters that you may need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult your RCA dealer for advice. Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder and accessories when operating “clutter” on your recording. Background noises (especially TV sets, radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.)
Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap packed with your camcorder is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and–when you are ready to shoot–bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement. Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you may find it convenient to rotate the electronic viewfinder to the front.
Dust and grit are abrasive and will cause excessive wear both to the camcorder’s recording/playback heads and cassettes. We recommend RCA video cassettes be used with this camcorder. These cassettes have been manufactured to our critical specifications. Use of cassettes not meeting these specifications may reduce the camcorder’s performance or...
EJECT Button EJECT CAMERA OFF VCR Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder. This method is generally used only to review scenes immediately after recording because the display is in black and white. To play back a tape through the viewfinder, follow these steps: 1.
Press the PAUSE button again to return to normal playback. Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording) 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV, and tune it to the video input channel.
Playback on a TV without AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV without AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you will need the RF output adapter and coaxial RF cable that came packed with your camcorder. If your TV has AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 60-61.
Viewing What the Camcorder Is Recording 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4. When the camcorder is used as a camera, turn the TV’s volume down to prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by feedback.
“faults” that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies. Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter, look below for Trouble Checks and Adjustments No power •...
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• Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused. • Viewfinder eyepiece focus is misadjusted. (See page 34.) • Camcorder is in macro-focus mode. Press and hold zoom button “T” to release macro-focus. • Don’t use auto focus with wide-angle or telephoto adapters.
• POWER switch must be in CAMERA or VCR position for • Camcorder’s remote control sensor is exposed to direct (Pro870 Only) • Camcorder is set to the 16 X 9 mode. Press ZOOM MODE Images are recorded thinner than they are ON/POWERSAVE lever must be in ON position for camcorder to operate.
Specifications General Power requirement: 6VDC Power consumption: 6 watts (normal) Weight: 1.8 lbs. (810g) Dimensions: 4-7/16"(W) x 4-1/2"(H) x 6-7/8"(D) (112 x 114 x 174mm) Video Recorder Section Format: 8mm Record/Playback System: Two video record/playback heads One flying erase head Headwheel Cylinder Diameter: 40 mm Video Signal: EIA Standard NTSC Color...
Camcorder Servicenter for the new or, at our option, rebuilt replacement parts required to repair your camcorder. How you get service: • Check with your RCA Dealer or call 1-800-336-1900 for the Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. State that you have an RCA 8 millimeter camcorder.
Battery, Attaching and Removing ...22 Battery, Care and Storage ...23 Battery, Charging...21 Battery, Using to Power the Camcorder...21-22 Camcorder Recording Tips...56 Camcorder, Recording on from a VCR or TV ...54-55 Camcorder, Unpacking ...8 CAMERA/OFF/VCR (POWER) Switch ...9,11,14,28,30-31,32 Car Cords, Using Optional ...24-25 Care and Maintenance ...58...
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Power Supply, Attaching...9,20-25 Power Zoom Buttons ...28-29,46-47 Powering the Camcorder ...20-25 POWERSAVE/ON Lever...10,13,21,28-29 Problem Solving ...64-66 Product Registration ...i Quick Review ...31 RCA Video Cassettes ...26-27 REC Display ...40-41 Record Start/Stop Button...11,13,28-29 Record-Protect (Safety) Tab ...26 Recording Date and Time on Tape...33...
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Index (continued) Recording on the Camcorder from a VCR or TV ...54-55 Recording Speed and Times ...26 Recording Steps, Detailed ...28-29 Recording Steps, First-Time...8-15 Recording Times and Speed ...26 Recording Tips, Camcorder...56 Registration, Product ...i Remote Control ...16-19 Remote Control Sensor...12,17 Removing the Lens Hood ...57...