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Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page v. OPERATION MANUAL ENGLISH WARNING CAUTION TO PREVENT SHOCK To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE inside. Refer servicing to qualified THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN dealer or service centre.
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Copying such material without permission of the relevant licensees or owners of the copyright is prohibited by law. Sharp is not in a position to authorize the recording of copyright works and nothing in this operation manual should be read or implied as giving that authority.
Quick Operation Guide Please consult this operation manual Inserting a Mini DV Cassette further for details on these and other functions of your camcorder. Attach the power source to the camcorder, then slide the cassette compartment door release and open the Charging the Battery Pack cassette compartment door.
Easy Camera Recording Tape Playback Make sure that a cassette is inserted. Press the LCD monitor OPEN release button (1), and open the LCD monitor Remove the lens cap, and lift up the to a 90° angle to the camcorder body viewfinder.
Supplied Accessories Battery pack AC adapter/ BT-L221 battery charger Power cord DC cable AA battery for CR2025 type Audio/video cable remote control K 2 lithium battery (RCA type) Remote control PixLab Video Capture Software PC connecting Lens cap Shoulder strap (Lite Version) cable...
Optional Accessories Standard-life Extended-life Standard-life intelligent Extended-life intelligent battery pack battery pack battery pack battery pack BT-L221 BT-L441 BT-LS222 BT-LS442A PixLab USB Digital Moving Picture Kit Soft case VR-PKU10E VR-33SC Mini DV cassette Zoom microphone VR-DVM60N VR-5MC Note: Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.
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Precautions • When the camcorder is not in use, remem- • Always respect prohibitions or restrictions ber to remove the cassette tape, turn off on the use of electronic equipment on the power, and disconnect the camcorder commercial flights or in other sensitive from the power source.
Dew Formation • “Dew” warning feature If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the screen, and the power will automatically turn • What is “dew formation”? off in approximately 10 seconds. When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass.
• Excessive use of the cleaning tape, however, v indicator appears on the screen. Contact may cause damage to the video heads. Please the nearest SHARP service centre or your read the instructions accompanying the dealer for further advice. cleaning tape carefully before using it.
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Mini DV cassette DV cassette colour contamination Provides three times the colour resolution of conventional VCRs (based on Sharp models). Clear images with virtually no distracting colour contamination (which usually appears as red). • Standard use of TBC (Time Base Corrector)
Contents Operation References Part Names ............... 1 Quick Reference List ..........4 On-screen Display Index ........... 5 Warning Indicators ............ 6 Preparation Charging the Battery Pack ........7 Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ....8 Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ..... 9 Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette ..
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Useful Features Fade In and Fade Out ..........32 Still Recording ............33 Still Recording Effect (PHOTO SHOT) ....34 Auto Focus .............. 35 Macro Shots ............35 Using the Remote Control ........35 Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot ....... 37 Quick Return ............
Operation References Operation References Part Names For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in brackets. Left view GAMMA/BRIGHTER button [pp. 29, 30, 51] W/B (White Balance) button [p. 46] AUTO ON/OFF button [p. 24] CAT’S EYE switch [p.
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Operation References Right view Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control [p. 18]/ VOLume control [p. 20] STILL button [pp. 33, 34] S-VIDEO socket [pp. 21, 54] VIDEO jack Shoulder strap [pp. 21, 54] loop [p. 14] AUDIO L jack [pp. 21, 54] Power switch (CAMERA/VCR select switch) [p.
Quick Reference List Below are some examples of camcorder’s features. • To record the subject with higher-quality audio. — See page 27 (Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode) • To record powerful close-up images. — See page 28 (Setting the Digital Zoom) •...
Operation References On-screen Display Index For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated. CAMERA mode p. 41 MANUAL SE T MANUAL SE T p. 27 AU TO MAN. FOCUS p. 43 MAN. FOCUS SHU T. SP E ED p.
Call your local L AMP L AMP authorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced. When the vertical rotation of the LCD monitor is between 135° and 180° in CAMERA mode, all warnings will be indicated by F displayed in the centre of the viewfinder and the LCD screen.
• The CHARGE indicator lights up. Caution: • Charge only SHARP model BT-L221, BT-L441, BT- LS222 or BT-LS442A battery packs. Other types of battery packs may burst, causing personal injury and damage. Extending battery pack life Even when the battery pack is not used, the capacity of the battery pack will naturally deteriorate over time.
• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder if you will not use the camcorder for a long period of time. • Use only SHARP model BT-L221, BT-L441, BT- LS222 or BT-LS442A battery packs with this camcorder. Use of other batteries may present a...
Preparation Powering the Camcorder Insert the DC cable plug into the DC OUT jack on the AC adapter. Connect from an AC Outlet the supplied power cord to the AC adapter, and insert the AC plug into a You can also power the camcorder from a power outlet.
Inserting and Removing a Press the W mark gently until the cassette holder clicks into place. Mini DV Cassette • A confirmation sound is made, and the cassette holder retracts automatically. Inserting a Cassette W mark Attach the power source to the camcorder, then slide the cassette compartment door release and open the cassette compartment door.
Preparation Installing the Lithium Memory Close the LCD monitor until it clicks into place. Battery Removing the lithium battery Installing the Lithium Battery Perform steps 1 and 2 above. The supplied lithium battery is used to store the Lift up the battery using a memory of the date and time settings.
Setting the Date and Time Press r on the Operation button. CL OCK SE T Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2002 (2. 6. D I SPL AY SE T T I NG SE T T I NG 1 2 0 0 1 2002) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30).
Preparation Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode Displaying the Date and Time of Recording After performing step 9 above, press d or y (1) to select “12H/24H”, and Follow the procedure below to display the date, then press r (2). or both the date and time, of recording on the CL OCK SE T screen.
Adjusting the Hand Strap When attaching or removing the lens cap, Tabs press both tabs on the Open the hand strap flap (1) and the top and bottom of the grip strap (2). cap. Hook When recording, hang the hook of the lens cap on the hand strap so that the cap will not get in the way.
Preparation Using the Viewfinder Closing the viewfinder Lower the viewfinder. You can record the subject using the electronic LCD viewfinder. You can also watch playback Cautions: through the viewfinder. • Do not use excessive force when moving the viewfinder. Viewfinder •...
Using the LCD Monitor Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR. You can use the LCD monitor to play back recordings that you have made. You can also watch the subject on the LCD monitor while Lock button recording.
Basic Operations Basic Operations Camera Recording Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording in To pause recording Full Auto Mode Press the REC START/STOP button again. Recording pauses, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode. • Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 7 through 16 to prepare your camcorder for recording.
Zooming Tips on Recording Positions Zooming allows you to move visually closer to To create images that are easy to watch during or farther from a subject without physically playback, try to record with a stable posture changing your position. while steadying your camcorder to prevent the image from shaking.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Remaining Recording Time Remaining Battery Power Display Display When the camcorder is recording in CAMERA When using the camcorder with the battery mode, an on-screen indicator displays the pack as the power source, you can turn on and approximate remaining tape time in minutes.
Basic Operations Playback Playback To stop playback Press d. The LCD monitor screen functions as a handy playback monitor. Nothing needs to be To turn the power off connected, allowing instant on-screen play- back with the sound through the built-in Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing speaker.
Basic Operations Playback Watching the Playback on a Turn on the TV and set it to the “AV” or “VIDEO” channel. (See the operation manual of your TV.) • When connecting to a TV via a VCR, turn You can connect the camcorder to a TV to on the VCR and set it to the “AV”...
Video Search Still The video search function makes it easy to The still function makes it possible to pause search for a desired scene on the tape. playback. Operation button Operation button During playback, press r (or e) on During playback, press y on the Operation button.
Useful Features Useful Features Using the Controls MENU/DISPLAY button The MENU/DISPLAY button is used to The following controls on the camcorder can turn the on-screen indicators and the be used to select and operate the various menu screens on or off. Each time you functions, settings and on-screen displays.
Selecting the User Mode Press the AUTO ON/OFF button. • Each time you press the AUTO ON/OFF button, the user mode changes between This camcorder features three user modes for Auto mode and Manual mode. camera recording functions. The selectable •...
Useful Features Using the Menu Screens Press d or y (1) to select the desired menu item, then press r (2). The menu screens can be used to adjust the Example various settings of camcorder. CAMERA SE T PHOTO SNAP SNAP E F F.
Useful Features Camera Recording Recording in LP (Long Play Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen. Recording) Mode • The recording mode indicator changes from “SP” to “LP”. This camcorder allows you to record in LP (Long Play Recording) mode for approximately Recording mode indicator 50% more recording time with the same picture quality as that in SP (Standard Play Recording)
Useful Features Camera Recording Selecting the 16-bit Audio Digital Image Stabilization Recording Mode (DIS) This camcorder allows you to select between The digital image stabilization (DIS) function is the 12-bit and 16-bit audio recording modes. factory preset to on to stabilize the image by The camcorder normally records audio in the electronically compensating for relatively minor 12-bit audio recording mode.
Setting the Digital Zoom Press d or y to select “50”, “100” or “780”, then press e. You can select from among four different zoom DG T L ZOOM ranges: 1–26K (optical zoom), 26–50K (digital zoom), 26–100K (digital zoom) or 26–780K Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to (digital zoom).
Useful Features Camera Recording Gamma Brightness To obtain a brighter picture Compensation Press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button again. • The x indicator appears. When the subject is backlit, the image will GAMMA GAMMA appear dark if it is recorded normally. The AUTO AUTO gamma brightness compensation function...
Gain-up To obtain a brighter picture Press the GAMMA/BRIGHTER button again. When you are recording in a dark or poorly- • The ` indicator appears. illuminated location, “LIGHT” is displayed on the screen. Use the gain-up function to record GAMMA AUTO AUTO a brighter picture.
Useful Features Camera Recording Night Recording (Cat’s Eye) To cancel Night Recording Set the CAT’S EYE switch to OFF. The night recording function allows you to record the subject in darkness. This is useful Notes: when you want to record subjects in very dim •...
Fade In and Fade Out Using Fade Mode Press the REC START/STOP button to The fade function allows you to gradually bring begin recording. the image and sound in or out at the beginning • The picture turns white, and the image or end of a scene for creating scene transi- and sound fade in.
Useful Features Camera Recording Still Recording Press d or y to select the desired still recording mode, then press e. You can record still images of subjects with PHOTO SNAP S T I L L normal sound by selecting one of two still recording modes.
Still Recording Effect (PHOTO Using PHOTO SHOT mode SHOT) In Recording Standby mode, press the STILL button. You can use a still recording effect to record • A still image of the subject the still images. A still picture is recorded is displayed.
Useful Features Camera Recording Auto Focus Using the Remote Control The camcorder is preset to Auto Focus mode, Use the supplied remote control to operate the which is designed to focus on most types of camcorder from a distance, such as when you subjects.
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Press d or y to select “ON”, then REW button [p. 20] press e. REMOT E REC START/STOP button [p. 17] ZOOM W/T buttons Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to [pp. 18, 50] turn off the menu screen. VOL. +/L buttons [p.
Useful Features Camera Recording Letting the Subject Monitor Set the Power switch to CAMERA. • The subject is displayed in the the Shot viewfinder, and a mirror image of the subject is displayed on the LCD monitor. Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180° vertically so that the screen faces the other way and the subject can monitor the shot while you are recording with the viewfinder.
Quick Return Edit Search When you have been playing back what you The edit search function lets you search, have recorded, and wish to quickly return to without switching from CAMERA mode to VCR recording from the end of the last recorded mode, for the point on the tape where you wish scene, use the quick return function.
Useful Features Useful Features Playback Playback Playback Functions with the Frame Advance Remote Control The frame advance function allows you to play back still images frame by frame. These playback functions can be operated using the supplied remote control. (See pages During playback, press the 35 and 36 for use of the remote control.) PAUSE/STILL button (g) to...
Using the Time Code Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen. • The time code appears. The time code shows the hour, minute and second of recording, and the frame number (1 frame = approx. 1/25 sec.). This is automati- Time code cally recorded along with the subject.
Advanced Features Advanced Features Camera Recording Camera Recording Manual Focus Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Press the AUTO ON/OFF button to Auto Focus may not be able to focus on the select Manual mode. subject in the situations shown below. In such situations, set the camcorder to Manual Focus Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until mode and focus manually.
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Press d or y (1) to focus on the To cancel Manual Focus mode subject, then press e (2). After performing step 4 above, select “AUTO”, then press e. MANUAL 1 2 bit Notes: • The camcorder may not be able to focus F OCUS correctly if the subject is within approximately F AR...
Advanced Features Camera Recording Setting the Shutter Speed Press d or y (1) to select the desired shutter speed, then press e (2). The shutter speed is preset to auto mode, • The selected shutter speed is displayed which automatically chooses the optimal on the menu screen.
Recommended Shutter Speeds Notes: • Recording with a shutter speed faster than 1/50 The faster the shutter speed, the darker the sec. tends to darken the picture. Record in picture becomes. Select the most appropriate bright locations when you use a fast shutter speed.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Manual Exposure Press e to display the exposure setting screen. The camcorder is preset to Auto Exposure mode, which automatically chooses the optimal MANUAL 1 2 bit aperture. When there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and back- E XPOSURE ground, however, you may not be able to record a clear image.
White Balance Lock Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to set the white balance lock. • “W/B LOCK” flashes during the locking The colour of the subject on the screen tends procedure. To cancel the locking proce- to look different depending on the lighting dure, press the MENU/DISPLAY button condition.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Scene Menu (Program AE) Select T, then press r on the Operation button. Select “SCENE MENU” (1), then press r (2). You can set the camcorder to the shooting mode that will create the best results for a MANUAL S E T specific situation.
Digital Picture Effects Setting the Confirmation Sounds These digital picture effects let you record the subject with a more dramatic effect. A confirmation sound is made when you turn on or off the Power switch, press the REC Type of Digital Picture Effects START/STOP button, or perform other desig- nated operations.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Using the Zoom Microphone Selecting Zoom Microphone Mode (Optional Accessory) Select a Zoom Microphone mode when the zoom microphone is mounted. With the optional zoom microphone VR-5MC, Type of Zoom Microphone modes you can record audio according to the magnification of the zoom lens for producing AUTO: The camcorder automatically selects the optimum sound.
Advanced Features Playback Playback Zoom To cancel Playback Zoom Press the ZOOM W button to zoom out to the The playback zoom function allows you to widest angle. magnify the playback picture up to 10 times its original size and to shift the magnified picture Notes: by using the remote control (see pages 35 and •...
Advanced Features Playback Gamma Playback The gamma playback function improves the playback picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portions of the image unaffected. GAMMA/BRIGHTER button During playback, press the GAMMA/ BRIGHTER button once. • “GAMMA1” appears, and the picture becomes brighter.
Playback Effects Using Playback Effect In VCR mode, press the MENU/ Playback effects can be used to create an DISPLAY button until the menu screen interesting scene transition between a still appears. image and the following image during play- back. Select V, then press r on the Operation button.
Advanced Features Playback Picture Effect Playback These picture effects let you play back images with a more dramatic effect. Type of Picture Effects B/W: The picture is displayed in black-and- white. SEPIA: The picture is displayed in sepia colour similar to that of an old photograph. MOSAIC: The picture is divided up into tiles.
Editing Cutting Unwanted Sequences Play back the tape to be edited on the Video editing lets you refine your videos by camcorder, and locate the beginning removing unwanted sequences from your tape, and end of the sequence you wish to or transposing one sequence with another.
Advanced Features Playback Editing with the DV Terminal To Record to Video Equipment (IEEE1394) See “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” on page 54, using the video equipment as the recording This camcorder enables you to perform digital source. video editing. Connect the camcorder to video equipment with a DV terminal using a commer- cially available DV cable.
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Cutting Unwanted Sequences Copyright Protection Press y to pause recording when the The digital VCR has far superior recording and playback ability than the traditional analog source tape reaches the beginning of VCR, and in order to protect digital video the sequence to be cut.
Advanced Features Playback Configuring Software for Connecting the camcorder to a Personal Computer PC Connection Turn off the PC. This camcorder can transfer still playback images in VCR mode or still images in CAM- Connect the camcorder as shown below. ERA mode to a personal computer by using the •...
Using the Software Double click on the CD-ROM drive icon. For tips on how to use the Video Capture Double click on the “Acroread” folder. Software, refer to the operation manual located on the CD-ROM in PDF format. Follow the steps Double click on the desired language below to open the PDF file containing the version.
Advanced Features Playback Transferring Motion Images Audio Dubbing Feature to a PC You can add narration to recordings made with this camcorder, while preserving the original It is possible to use the optional VR-PKU10E audio and video recordings. PixLab USB Digital Moving Picture Kit to transfer motion images with audio from the Microphone for Audio Dubbing camcoeder to a personal computer via a USB...
Audio Dubbing To pause audio dubbing Press e. Play back the recorded Mini DV cassette and locate the tape position where you To quit audio dubbing wish to start audio dubbing. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button. The audio Press y to pause playback. dubbing screen disappears.
Advanced Features Playback Selecting the Audio Playback Play back a Mini DV cassette with dubbed audio. Mode Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until You can select any of the following audio the menu screen appears. playback modes. Select V, then press r on the Audio 1+2 Operation button.
Picture/Backlight Adjusting the Backlight Adjustments Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. If the picture is difficult to see due to ambient lighting or other factors, adjust the monitor Select O, then press r on the picture settings. Operation button.
Appendix Appendix Useful Information Lighting For clear, good-quality recording, 500 to Hints for Better Shooting 100,000 lux is needed. Recording is possible with less light, but the picture quality may • Position the subject in the centre of the suffer. Adequate lighting is also essential for scene.
Mini DV Cassette To protect recordings against acciden- tal erasure Slide the protect tab on the rear of the Mini DV cassette to the “SAVE” position. Erasure protect tab Precautions when using a Mini DV cassette • Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes with To record over a previously recorded tape, the i mark.
Note: — Dispose of used battery packs promptly. Do • Use only SHARP BT-L221, BT-L441, BT-LS222 or not dispose of them in fire. BT-LS442A battery packs. These are designed • To protect the terminals, put the cover on the specifically for use with this camcorder.
PAL is used in the following areas: cent lamp may need to be replaced. Contact Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, the nearest SHARP service centre or your Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, dealer for further advice. Holland, Finland, Portugal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait, China, etc.
Appendix Demonstration Mode Select I, then press r on the Operation button. Select “DEMO MODE” (1), then press r (2). You can watch a brief demonstration of the special camcorder features in Demo mode. OTHERS If the demonstration appears on the screen REMOT E when you turn on the camcorder for the first SOUND...
Before Requesting Service Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table. Symptom Possible cause Suggested solution No power. Power source is not properly Connect power source properly connected. (pp. 8, 9). Battery pack is not charged. Charge battery pack sufficiently (p.
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Appendix Symptom Possible cause Suggested solution Cannot play back, rewind Position at beginning or end of Rewind or fast forward tape to or fast forward tape. tape. desired point (p. 20). Video noise in image. Dirty video heads. Call for service, or use a commer- cially available video head cleaning tape (p.