To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of batteries may burst causing damage and personal injury. FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange Warranty...800-283-6503 (pages 90-91) Customer Service...800-336-1900 (page 89) Accessories...800-338-0376 (pages 76-81) Table of Contents Safety Information ...i Product Registration ...i Table of Contents ...1-2 First-Time Operation •...
• Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship or store your camcorder. • The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately. Model ProV800C...
First-Time Operation 2. Attach the adapter/charger. Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, attach the adapter/charger to the camcorder. To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz DC OUT Jack POWER Indicator DC Cable A. Connect one end of the DC cable to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger.
• The power indicator will light and the camcorder will enter record pause. appears in the PAUSE viewfinder or LCD monitor when the camcorder is in record pause. • The position of this switch tells the camcorder whether you want to Tape Wheel Tape Window PUSH...
(20 minutes with a TC-20 tape). 8. Set the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch to FULL AUTO. • This places the camcorder in the full auto mode. • Place the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch in FULL AUTO to have the camcorder automatically control the focus, exposure, and white balance.
First-Time Operation 9. Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to view what you are recording. You can watch what you are recording on the color LCD monitor or in the black- and-white viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60º, the viewfinder is automatically turned off.
• Press and release the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record- pause mode. PAUSE appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
First-Time Operation 14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. Microphone Lens BRIGHT Control SPEAKER VOLUME Control Monitor Speaker PUSH/OPEN Button Tally Light Eyepiece Viewfinder Focus Control EJECT Button FULL AUTO/ PUSH PRESET Switch Button (continued on next page) Eyepiece...
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First-Time Operation 14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring Clock Cell Compartment Attach Battery Here DC In Jack (Attach AC Adapter/Charger Here) Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring BATT. RELEASE Button AUDIO, RF DC OUT, and VIDEO Jacks (Under Cover)
Powering Your Camcorder Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
Powering Your Camcorder Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately 100 minutes. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 75 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use the LCD monitor, zoom, and pause).
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Powering Your Camcorder Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder POWER Indicator Indicator Indicator REFRESH Button REFRESH Indicator Caution : When a battery is attached to the adapter/charger, do not turn them upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.
The camcorder will turn off automatically after a few seconds. Place the POWER switch in OFF to turn off the camcorder before replacing the battery. The battery level indicator will not be recorded on the tape when it appears.
Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to be used only with vehicles having negative ground electrical systems. Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with this camcorder. Use of any other car cord adapter may damage the camcorder and void your warranty. Power Connector 5.
• Use the LCD monitor to shoot a scene from a high or low angle, such as over a crowd. • Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded. • Include close-ups of individuals when taping family outings or group functions.
Video Cassettes We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapes or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads, resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not covered under warranty.
• Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period. Excessive heat or cold may damage your cassettes.
Recording Making a Recording The steps below tell you how to make a recording using some of the recording features. Each feature is described in detail on the following pages. SP•EP Switch POWER Switch Caution: Open monitor at least 60º before opening cassette compartment.
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4. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA. The power indicator will light and the camcorder will enter record pause. appears in the viewfinder or PAUSE on the LCD monitor. 5. Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to view what you are recording.
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Recording Making a Recording (Continued) EDIT SEARCH – Button POWER Switch Tally Light PROG.AE/ EFFECT Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU FADE/ WIPE FADE/WIPE Button EDIT SEARCH + Button LENS COVER Control Power Zoom Lever FULL AUTO/PRESET Switch Button NEAR Button...
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• Press and release the the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in record pause. appears. PAUSE • The camcorder will automatically turn off if it remains in record pause for five minutes.
Recording Viewing What You Are Recording Using the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder You can watch what you are recording on the color LCD monitor or in the black-and-white viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60º in CAMERA, the viewfinder is automatically turned off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder is automatically turned on.
Recording Use the Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60º, the viewfinder is automatically turned off. Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient...
The tape speed selected with the SP• EP button appears here. • Details on page 18. Status Displays •The indicator appears when the camcorder is recording. • The indicator appears PAUSE during record pause. Production Effects Indicators The indicator for the production effect selected with the PROG.AE/...
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• LENS COVER: This indicator may flash when the camcorder is used in dark areas — even if the lens cover is open. Battery Level Indicator •...
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• See page 38 for details. Dew Warning ( The dew indicator appears when excessive moisture (condensation) has entered the camcorder. The camcorder will not operate when this indicator appears. Place the camcorder in a warm, dry area until this indicator disappears. 1/4S,...
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Lithium Cell ( • This indicator flashes for a few seconds when you first turn on the camcorder and the time and date have not been set. • This indicator also appears when the clock cell is missing or it needs to be replaced.
Servicenter. QUICK REC Button Tally Light Tally Light The tally light lights when the camcorder is recording. The tally light can be turned off using the record menu. See page 53. Quick Record Quick record lets you make five second recordings for quick scene transitions.
Press STOP to stop the tape. Quick Review Feature Press and release EDIT SEARCH – when the camcorder is in record pause to review the last few seconds of a recording. The POWER switch must be in CAMERA.
2. Place the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch in FULL AUTO. 3. Press the thumb trigger to start recording. • The camcorder will control the focus, exposure, and white balance for you. Electronic Indexing An index mark is automatically recorded at the beginning of a recording after the date advances and a cassette is inserted.
Recording Exposure Control When the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch is in FULL AUTO, the camcorder controls the iris for you. Under normal conditions, the camcorder will adjust brightness automatically. You may need to adjust brightness manually when the background is too bright or too dark in comparison with the subject.
Making colors look natural is what white balance is all about. This is achieved by adjusting the way the camcorder “sees” and records the light source in the scene you wish to record. Your camcorder is equipped with automatic white balance. However,...
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Press the MAN.W.BAL. (Manual White Balance) Button to Display Indicators in Viewfinder or on LCD Monitor Auto White Balance Halogen or Tungsten A. Point camcorder at a white, flat object such as a piece of white paper. B. Press and hold MAN.W.BAL .for at least three seconds.
Recording Focusing Under normal conditions, the camcorder can adjust focus automatically. Under certain conditions, you may need to focus manually. FAR Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU FADE/ WIPE Auto Focus During auto focus the camcorder will focus automatically on the object located in the center area of the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
Recording Manual Focus Under certain conditions, such as those listed, you may need to focus manually. 1. Set the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch to PRESET. 2. Slide the power zoom lever toward T to zoom in on your subject. To maintain proper focus throughout the zoom range, you must zoom in on the subject before adjusting the focus.
Recording Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) The electronic image stabilizer helps compensate for unstable images caused by camera shake that can be created by recording out of a moving vehicle or while walking. EIS Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU DISPLAY FADE/ WIPE To Turn On EIS 1.
Recording Zooming The motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots just by sliding the power zoom lever on the camcorder. Zoom Level Indicator in Viewfinder or on LCD Monitor To Zoom In and Out Optical zooming allows you to zoom in and out up to 14X.
Recording Recording Menu The main recording menu lets you select and set several recording features: Tele Macro (close-up), Gain Up (light adjustment), Color Filter, Tape Length, Title, and Date/Time. The Sub Menu lets you turn the tally light on or off, set interval and recording times for self-timer, animation, and time-lapse recording, and set an ID number.
Recording Recording Menu — Tele Macro Zooming Feature Tele Macro (close-up), zooming allows you to zoom in on subjects that are too close to focus on during normal zooming. If the subject is more than approximately 23 inches away, use normal zooming. Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT...
Recording Recording Menu — Gain Up The gain up feature allows you to take bright and natural recordings even in areas with low or poor lighting. Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU MENU Button FADE/ WIPE To Set Gain Up 1. Make sure the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch is in PRESET.
Recording Recording Menu — Color Filter This feature allows you to add a red or blue tint to the recording. Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU MENU Button FADE/ WIPE To Set Color Filter 1. Make sure the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch is in PRESET. 2.
The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder is automatically displayed in the viewfinder. The Tape Length feature in the recording menu must be set correctly for the length tape you are using before the camcorder can correctly calculate time remaining.
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Recording Recording Menu — Title The title feature lets you choose one of eight preset titles or create your own title — up to 18 characters to superimpose on a scene. The clock cell battery must be installed as shown on page 48 before you can create or store your own title. Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT...
Recording Recording Menu — Title (Continued) Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU MENU Button FADE/ WIPE To Create Your Own Title 1. Make sure the FULL AUTO/PRESET switch is in PRESET. 2. Press the MENU button. The recording menu will appear in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor 3.
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Recording 6. Press to display the set character menu. SET:MENU KEY A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Ä Ö Ü ˜...
The clock cell indicator will flash for a few seconds in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor when you turn on the camcorder if the cell has not been installed or needs to be replaced. Insert object here to remove cell.
Cancel and press MENU. 8. Press to highlight Set. 9. Press the MENU button. The camcorder’s internal clock will start and you will return to the recording menu. Notes: Press MENU twice to start the clock and remove all the menus from the viewfinder.
Recording Date/Time Display The clock cell must be installed and the date and time set before the date and/or time can be selected and recorded on your tape. PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU DISPLAY FADE/ WIPE DISPLAY Button To Select the Date, Time, or Date and Time You Want to Record On Your Tape 1.
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Date and Time Display The mode selected will be recorded. To Record the Date, Time, or Date and Time on Your Tape 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. 2. Repeatedly press the DISPLAY button to display the date, time, or date and time you have previously stored.
Recording Recording Menu — Sub Menu The sub menu lets you turn the tally light on or off, set interval and recording times for the self-timer, time-lapse recording, or animation recording. You can also set a JLIP ID number for a device (such as a personal computer). Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT...
Tally flashing. Set the JLIP ID NO. The camcorder has a JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol) connector that may be used in the future to connect a device, such as a home computer. To Select a JLIP ID NO.
Recording Sub Menu — Self-Timer The self-timer lets you set the camcorder to delay recording so you can be in the scene when recording begins. Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU MENU Button FADE/ WIPE To Set the Self-Timer 1. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.
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Self-Timer Indicator in Viewfinder or on LCD Monitor 11. Press the thumb trigger to start self- timer recording. The camcorder will start recording after the amount of time you have set. It will continue recording until you press the thumb 1min trigger to stop recording.
Recording Sub Menu — Animation Recording Animation recording produces an illusion of movement for an otherwise stationary scene or object by shooting a series of pictures of slightly different poses (such as cartooning). Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU MENU Button FADE/ WIPE To Record Using Animation 1.
Interval Timer Rec Time JLIP ID NO. 9. Press to select the amount of time you want the camcorder to record. • Select 1/4S, 1/2S, 1S, or 5S to have the camcorder record for 1/4 second, 1/2 second, one second, or five seconds.
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Recording Sub Menu — Time-Lapse Recording Time-lapse recording makes automatic recordings at preset time intervals. The recording will show subtle changes (such as shifts in cloud formations or plant growth) when it remains focused on an object. Button PROG.AE/ EFFECT MENU MENU Button FADE/...
1/4S PAUSE 15.Press the thumb trigger to start recording. Notes: The camcorder will start and stop recording the selected amount of time. If the tally light is turned on, it flashes with the flash speed increasing five seconds before recording begins.
You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you use the fade or wipe features. The picture gradually appears on a black or blue screen and disappears leaving a black or blue screen. The speed of the fade or wipe is automatically controlled by the camcorder. Button PROG.AE/...
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Recording To Fade or Wipe 1. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA. The power indicator will light. 2. Place FULL AUTO/PRESET switch in FULL AUTO or PRESET. • FULL AUTO/PRESET Switch in FULL AUTO Press the FADE/WIPE button to turn the black fader on or off.
PRESET Switch NEAR Function The camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect. This is also known as “letter box” recording. Use when you play back your recordings on a 16X9 Gives your recording a brownish tint like old photos.
Recording To Use a Production Effect 1. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA. The power indicator will light. 2. Place FULL AUTO/PRESET switch in FULL AUTO or PRESET. • FULL AUTO/PRESET Switch in FULL AUTO Press the PROG.AE/EFFECT button to turn the Cinema mode on or off. appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
Attaching the Shoulder Strap The camcorder’s shoulder strap 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. To Attach the Shoulder Strap 1.
Consult your dealer for advice. • Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling. See page 76 for a case designed especially for this camcorder. An ordinary suitcase or carry bag does not offer the protection your camcorder needs.
Playback Using the Cassette Adapter The camcorder uses a smaller size cassette, but records in standard VHS format. The cassette adapter allows you to play your VHS-C cassettes in a VCR just like other standard VHS cassettes. Insert the VHS-C cassette into the cassette adapter. Insert the cassette adapter into the VHS VCR like a normal VHS cassette.
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Playback Load Detector 4. Gently close the cassette compartment lid until it locks into place. Make sure the cassette reel area under the adapter is free to turn while the cassette is loading. Note: You should hear a whirring sound while the tape loads.
Playback Playback Using the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder You can view tapes in color using the LCD monitor or black-and-white using the viewfinder. You can hear the sound from the tapes on the built-in speaker when you use the monitor. BRIGHT Control SPEAKER...
• Press STOP to stop the tape. Caution: Pause is designed for momentary interruptions and should not be used for an extended period of time. If the camcorder remains in pause for more than five minutes, it will automatically enter the stop mode and...
Playback Playback Features (Continued) Thumb Trigger Time Counter The time-counter display shows the actual time elapsed when playing back a segment of tape. The memory-stop feature helps locate a certain point on the tape. When memory stop is on, the tape will stop automatically during rewind or fast forward when the time counter reaches M 0:00:00.
Playback Playback Features (Continued) Tracking During playback, streaks may appear in the playback picture. Press either TRACKING button to move the streaks up or down and out of the picture. • During stop-action playback, pressing one of the TRACKING buttons may reduce picture “jitter”...
VH83 shown on page 78. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
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3. Press PLAY/PAUSE. • During playback, use the playback features described on pages 69-70. 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 Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you will need an optional 1CVA147C RF output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90 shown on page 78. If your TV has AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 72-73.
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5. Press the thumb trigger to begin recording. You can watch what the camcorder is seeing (or recording) on the TV screen. Note: When the camcorder is used as a camera, turn the TV’s volume down to prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by feedback.
Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your compact VHS camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.
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Do not transport the camcorder attached to the tripod. When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripod screw into the camcorder’s tripod mounting hole. The tripod screw should not protrude into the camcorder more than approximately three-eighth (3/8) inch.
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1CVA147C RF Output Adapter This RF output adapter is used with a coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90, to connect your camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video inputs) for playback. If your antenna cable is the flat...
Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model ProV800C Description Super Lightweight Tripod Soft Camcorder Case Y-Adapter AC Battery Charger Car Cord Adapter Rechargeable Battery (Extended) Rechargeable Battery (Standard) 75-300 Cable Transformer Coaxial RF Cable Audio/Video Cable Coaxial RF Cable...
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Accessory Order Form Charge your order on your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card My card expires: IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number above your name on...
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Accessory Order Form 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 between 8AM and 8PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.
Cleaning the Camcorder’s Lens To clean the camcorder’s lens, blow it with a blower brush, and then gently wipe the lens with a cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for use on camera lens. Improper cleaning may scratch the lens.
Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.
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Sound is too low or distorted • If the dew indicator ( ) flashes on the LCD monitor or Dew indicator in the viewfinder, there is moisture in the camcorder. flashing in Wait until this indicator no longer appears before viewfinder or LCD operating the camcorder.
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• Sepia ( brown tone PROG.AE/EFFECT to turn off Sepia. See page 62-63. Picture recorded • Camcorder is set to the Cinema mode. Press with black bars at PROG.AE/EFFECT to turn off Cinema. See pages 62-63. top and bottom Title recorded on •...
• Try disconnecting power source. Wait ten seconds and then (E01, E02, etc.) connect power source again. If error number does not appears on LCD disappear from viewfinder, consult your Authorized RCA monitor or in Camcorder Servicenter. viewfinder Battery runs down •...
Specifications General Power requirement: 6VDC Power consumption: LCD Monitor off, Viewfinder on: 5.7 watts LCD Monitor on, Viewfinder off: 7.5 watts Weight: 2.3 lbs. (1,000g) Dimensions – Including Viewfinder 4-15/16"(W) x 4-1/2"(H) x 9-1/16"(D) 124 (W) x 113(H) x 230(D) mm Camera Section Image Sensor: 1/4"...
RA number over the phone. They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder. Write the number in large, clear characters on the outside of the box to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
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.
Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter: • Check with your dealer or call 1-800- 336-1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. • Take your unit to the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter of your choice. • Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.
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