Page 2
Important Safety Information Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product. ARNING" camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture. To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"...
Wewantto makesureyou enjoy your newcamcorder. I f you haveany questions, c all: Camcorder Exchange Warranty ... 800-283-6503 (pages 86-87) Customer Service ........800-336-1900 (page 85) Accessories., ........... 800-338-0376 (pages 72-77) Power Your Camcorder Safety Information ......• Use the Adapter/Charger First Time Operation Power Your Camcorder ....
Page 4
• Full Auto Mode ......Playback • Use the Viewfinder • Camera Edit Feature ..... for Playback ......62-63 • Quick Review Feature ....• Auto Head Cleaner ......• Tracking ........• Playback Features • Flying Erase Head ......•...
This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options. Assistance The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter. Camcorder Exchange Wan'anty ....
Attach the adapter/charger. To AC 100-240, 50/60 Hz Adapter/ Charger Cable Jack • Connect the other end of the DC Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, cable to the DC in jack on the camcorder as shown above.
EJECT Button Insert a tape. gape Wheel Tape Window PUSH Here to Close Cassette Compartment • Insert the cassette with the tape • Slide the EJECT button up. wheel facing up and the tape The cassette holder opens window facing out. automatically.
SP/SLP Button Eyepiece Electronic Focus Viewfinder Control 7. Adjust the viewfinder and eyepiece focus control. Turn the eyepiece focus control to You can see what you record in the viewf'mder. adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision. • Adjust the viewfinder for a comfortable viewing position.
AE Dial fENU Dial 9. Select a tape length. Set the length of the tape you are • Select T20 for a tape with 20 using so the camcorder can correctly minutes or less recording time in SP. calculate the recording time remaining on the tape.
Power Indicator Thumb POWER (VCR/ OFF/CAMERA) Trigger Switch Tally AE Dial Light 10. Set the AE dial to AUTO. H I I IIII II This places the camcorder in the • Many of the special effects do not AUTO mode. operate in the AUTO mode.
PLAY/PA USE Button Bu_on Set the POWER switch to 12. Play back what you have recorded. OFF to turn off the camcorder. • Set the POWER switch to VCR. • Press VCR • • to rewind the tape. The power indicator turns off. •...
15. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued) Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring EJECT Button PUSH Here to Close Cassette MENU Compartment Dial BATT. (Battery) RELEASE Button LIGHT OFF.A UTO.ON Switch Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring Eyepiece Focus Control Power Zoom Buttons B (Bright) and C (Color) Controls LENS (See Trouble Checks...
Use 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, 50160 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power camcorder or recharge...
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the f'n'st time. Initial charging takes approximately 100 minutes. When fully charged, the battery supplies approximately 75-85 minutes of operating time - depending on how much you use the light, zoom, and pause.
Page 16
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued) To AC Wall Marks Outlet 100- 240 Volts, 50/60 Hz. (Charge) REFRESH Adapter/Charger • Indicator Button Use the REFRESH Button Charge the Battery If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT The battery provides increased operation time if you "refresh"...
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued) Battery Level Indicator • When the battery power is almost The battery level indicator appears in the _::_" flashes in the viewfinder. viewfinder and shows you the amount of gone, ,, , \ power in the rechargeable battery.
Optional Car Cord Adapter The optional DCC08 car cord shown on page 72 allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 12-volts to a 6-volt output. Note: Consult the installation and operating instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for complete operating instructions.
Install the Clock Lithium Cell The clock cell indicator c_ flashes for a few seconds in the viewf'mder when you turn on the camcorder if the cell is not installed or needs replacing. Insert Object Here to Remove Cell Clock Cell (+ Side Facing Out) Clock Cell Compartment...
Set the Date and Time You must set the correct date and time before you can display and record it on your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous page before you can set the date. MENU Dial (Rotate...
Set the Date and Time (continued) 11. Press the MENU dial in. The main When YEAR starts flashing, rotate the MENU dial to select the year. When MENU appears with MENU END the correct year appears, press the highlighted. MENU dial in to set the year. MENU 6.
Record the Date, Time, and Title Displays You must install the clock cell and set the date and time (as shown on the previous pages) before you can select and record the correct date and time. You must create your title (as described on pages 46-47) before you can select and record it.
Record the Date, Time, and Title Displays (continued) To Record the Date, Time, Date and Time, A UTO DATE, or Title You Created 1. Make sure the camcorder is in Begin recording. record-pause. To remove the display, press DATE/ 2. Make sure the AE dial is not set to TIME until no display appears in the viewfinder.
Make sureyou selectgoodquality tapesfor 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.
Insert and Remove Cassettes SP/SLP Button EJECT Button Tape Wheel Push Here to Tape Window Close Cassette Compartment Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape 1. Slide the EJECT button up. The wheel on the side of the cassette in the cassette holder opens automatically.
Time-Remaining Display The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder for the tape speed you select is displayed. You must set the correct tape length in the TAPE LENGTH feature of the main MENU before the camcorder correctly calculate time remaining.
Recording Tips • Try to make sure indoor scenes are Learn to use the special production well-lit. This improves picture quality effects available with your camcorder and color reproduction. to add variety to your recordings. Be aware of video and audio back- •...
Use the Viewfinder to See What You Record The camcorder's viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. Eyepiece Focus Control Viewfinder Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing u,_,,,,,,,,, For convenient viewing, slide the viewfinder out fromthe camcorder rotate it up and down.
Viewfinder Displays 13 SEPIA _PAUSE HAPPY BIRTHDAY AE Dial Special Effect Indicators that appears too dark because of background lighting. • AUTO (FullAuto Mode) []]NEGA POSI (Negative/Positive) AUTO LOCK appears briefly when you select AUTO. This indicator appears when you select NEG to record a negative MAN (Manual Mode) image.
Page 31
Viewfinder Displays (continued) . Battery Level Indicator • "_g. appears when you select • This indicator shows the amount of -'_g. :CLOUD to record outdoors on a power left in the rechargeable battery. •cloudy day. • This indicator flashes when the battery •...
Page 32
Viewfinder Displays (continued) 5MIN FADE M 0:00:00 FADER LENS COVER TAPE END Dew Warning ([]) • Select [] FADER to fade in and out from a black screen. The dew indicator appears when exces- sive moisture (condensation) has entered • Select [] MOSAIC to fade in and out the camcorder.
Viewfinder Displays (continued) Tape Speed Indicators (SP or SLP) • The focus indicators ( _,_ _. ) flash when the auto-focus system cannot The tape speed selected with the SP/SLP operate properly. button appears here. • appear when you select MAN •...
PLAY/PA USE Button I_III VCR 44 Button t,l, Button ,STOP Button STEADY PIX Button Microphone AE Dial Full Auto Mode The AE dial lets you select automatic or • The tally light is turned on. manual control of several features. •...
Camera Edit Feature Steady Pix Feature You can position the tape when the The steady pix feature compensates camcorder is in record-pause. Set the unstable images caused by camera shake POWER switch to CAMERA. created by recording out of a moving vehicle or while walking.
Zooming You can zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots (up to 22 times) just by pressing the zoom buttons on the camcorder. The camcorder can automatically focus when you zoom at most distances. To record a close-up of a small subject closer than three feet, turn on the TELE MACRO feature in the main MENU.
Zooming (continued) Use the ZOOM SPEED Menu (continued) 3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight 5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight ZOOM SPEED. FAST or SLOW, and press the dial in. • Select FAST to zoom faster. 4. Press the MENU dial in to display the ZOOM SPEED menu.
Zoom Buttons Zooming (continued) (T and W) Dial (Rotate or Press In) Turn Digital Zooming ON or OFF ..1. Make sure the POWER switch is set Press the MENU dial in to display the D.ZOOM menu. to CAMERA and the AE dial is not set to AUTO.
Front Light and Back Light The Camcorder adjusts the light automatically under normal conditions. might need to adjust for a strong front light or back light (such as spotlights or subjects standing in front of a window with the sun at their backs). can adjust for a strong front or back light using the AE dial, FRONTLIGHT button, or BACKLIGHT button.
Focusing The camcorder adjusts focus automatically under normal conditions. • You might need to focus manually under certain conditions. Zoom Buttons (T and W) Dial (Rotate or Press In) Auto Focus Manual Focus During auto focus the camcorder You might need to focus manually under certain conditions.
Focusing (continued) flashes while you are adjusting 4. Press the MENU dial in to display the the focus and ",i" flashes when FOCUS menu. you cannot adjust the focus any FOCUS more. AUTO • Rotate the MENU dial up to focus on a subject nearer.
White Balance 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 record. Your camcorder is equipped with automatic white balance. You might want to adjust white balance manually under certain conditions, such as...
White Balance (continued) A. Point camcorder at a white, fiat 3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight object such as a piece of white M.W.B. and press the dial in to display the M.W.B. menu. paper. B. While MWB is highlighted, press M.W.B.
Exposure Control The camcorder controls the iris for you when the AE dial is set to AUTO. The camcorder adjusts brightness automatically under normal condi- tions. You might need to adjust brightness manually when the back- ground is too bright or too dark in comparison with the subject.
Exposure Control (continued) 2. Press the MENU dial in to display the The exposure indicator (00) appears in main MENU in the viewfinder. the viewf'mder. 5. Adjust the exposure for a dark or MENU bright subject. )'MENU END • To brighten the image, rotate the FOCUS _u;ro.
Fade In or Out You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade or wipe in and out of scenes. The picture gradually appears or disappears. The speed of the fade or wipe is controlled by the camcorder. FADE Button Fade In or Out...
AE Dial The AE dial lets you select one of several different effects. Turn the dial to select the effect you want. The name and indicator for the effect appear briefly and then the indicator remains. There are no indicators for AUTO or MAN.
Titles B Recording The title feature lets you choose one of eight preset titles or create your own title -- up to 18 characters. You must install the clock cell battery as shown on page 17 before you can create or store your own title. DATE/TIME Button T/TLE...
Create Your Own Title Make sure the camcorder is in record- 6. When the box is highlighted, rotate the MENU dial to select a character. pause and the AE dial is not set to AUTO. Press the MENU dial in to place the character in your title.
Self-Timer Recording You can set the self timer to delay recording so you can be in the scene when recording begins. MENU Dial (Rotate or Press In) Tally Light To Set the Self Timer Make sure the camcorder is in record- MENU pause and the AE dial is not set ),MENU END...
Self-Timer Recording (continued) 6. Press the MENU dial twice to exit Rotate the MENU dial to highlight the menu. NEXT. The second MENU appears. Keep rotating the MENU dial to 7. _ and the amount of delayed record- highlight INT. TIME. ing time appear in the viewfinder.
Animation Recording You can produce an illusion of movement for an otherwise stationary scene or object by shooting a series of pictures of slightly different poses (such as cartooning). SPISLP Button MENU Dial (Rotate or Press In) Tally Light Record Using Animation I.
Animation Recording (continued) 7. Press the MENU dial twice to exit the 4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight menu. NEXT. The second MENU appears. Keep rotating the MENU dial to 8. 41 and the amount of recording highlight REC TIME. time appear in the viewfinder.
Time-Lapse Recording You can make automatic recordings at preset time intervals. The recording shows subtle changes (such as shifts in cloud formations or plant growth) when it remains focused on an object. SP/SLP Button MENU Dial (Rotate Press In) Tally Light To Record Using...
Page 55
Time-Lapse Recording (continued) • Select 1/4S to record for 1/4 6. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight second. the desired time between recordings (15S, 30S, 1 MIN, or 5 MIN). • Select 1/2S to record for 1/2 second. • Select 15S to delay the recording for 15 seconds.
Tally Light (Turn On or Off) The tally light lights when the camcorder is recording and flashes during self- timer and time-lapse recording. You can turn the tally light on or off. The tally light feature is automatically set to ON when the AE dial is set to AUTO. MENU Dial (Rotate or Tally Light...
Color Bar Feature (Turn On or Off) You can turn the color bar feature on or off using the second MENU. Turn on the color bar feature to record color bars at the start of your recording. MENU Dial (Rotate or Press In) Turn Color Bar On or Off Make sure the camcorder...
Demo Mode You can turn on the DEMO mode in the second MENU to have a demonstration of some of the camcorder's features. ENU Dial (Rotate Press In) To Turn the Demo Mode On 1. Make sure the AE dial is not set Press the MENU dial in to display the DEMO MODE menu.
JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol) Identification Number You can connect a device, such as a home computer, to the JLIP connector on the camcorder. MENU Dial (Rotate or Press In) JLIP Connector (Under Cover) Select a JLIP ID NO. Make sure the camcorder is in record- 4.
Built-In Color Enhancement Light The built-in color enhancement light automatically adds more light when needed. The POWER switch must be set to CAMERA to operate the video light. To Use the Light Set the LIGHT OFF.AUTO.ON switch. Note: When the light is turned on, the camcorder might turn off if the battery's power •...
Built-In Color Enhancement Light (continued) Replace the Bulb We recommend you consult your dealer or Service Center to replace the bulb. If you replace the bulb, use only part #233430 to replace the entire bulb assembly. Carefully follow the instructions below.
Attach 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 If the strap keeper Attach the other end of the strap to the...
Travel Tips Write down your camcorder's serial Make sure you have any plug adapters number and keep it separate from the that you might need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult camcorder when traveling. If your your dealer for advice. camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be able to identify it.
Use the Viewfinder for Playback You can see tapes using the viewfinder. There is no sound during viewfmder playback. I,,'1 II Button VCR • • • • Button VCR I1•.1_ o FOCUS Control Switch To Play Back a Tape Attach a power supply. •...
Use the Viewfinder for Playback (continued) Turn the eyepiece focus control to • During playback, use the playback features on the following pages. adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision. Press the STOP button when you are finished. Press the PLAY/PAUSE button to begin playback.
Playback Features PLAY/PA USE Button VCR "q, Button Button • Release the button to retum to normal Position the Tape playback. Set POWER switch to VCR and press STOP. Stop-Action Pause • Press and quickly release the VCR • • •...
Playback Features (continued) >l II Button vcR _ I_1_Button STOP Button COUNTER RIM Button 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.
Use the Cassette Adapter The camcorder uses a smaller size cassette, but records in standard VHS format. 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.
Use the Cassette Adapter (continued) Load Detector 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 on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with audio/video inputs, you need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 74. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder...
Page 71
Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs (continued) Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to • During playback, use the playback TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to features on pages 64-65.
Page 72
Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you need an optional 1CVA147C RF output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VHg0 shown on page 74. If your TV has audio and video inputs (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 68-69.
Page 73
Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs (continued) Playback Operation 4. Set POWER switch to VCR. Power 1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF indicator lights. output adapter to channel 3 or 4. 5. Press PLAYIPAUSE on the camcorder. 2.
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. These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your...
Page 75
Using the Optional AC088 Tripod FB1260 and FB120 Rechargeable Batteries 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.
Page 76
VH54 Cable Transformer 1CVA147C RF Output Adapter This 75-to-300 ohm transformer is used to connect a standard 75-ohm antenna cable (such as VH82 or VH90) to the 300 ohm This RF output adapter is used with a screw terminals on a TV. coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90, to connect your camcorder to a standard...
Order Form for Camcorder Model CC6291 Price Total Part No. Qty. Description AC088 $ 39.95 Super Lightweight Tripod $ 39.95 Soft Camcorder Case AC201A $ 12.95 ACS091 Shoulder Strap 2.95 AH25 Y-Adapter CPS91 $ 59.95 AC Battery Charger $ 89.95 DCC08 Car Cord Adapter FB 120...
Page 78
Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard, or Discover Card by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD i lii xpirationdate -ll--l--1 IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard I I I III I I III I I III I I I I...
Page 79
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 8 AM and 10 PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between...
If you're having trouble with your camcorder, you probably can correct the problem yourself. Before you take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center or call a service person, use the chart below. Find the problem and try the adjustment(s) that is listed to the right.
Page 81
Tapestopsduring Time-counter memory might be on. Whenever an "M" rewind or fast appears with the time-counter display, the camcorder forward stops rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads M 0:00:00. Press VCR '4'4 or VCR • • again continue rewinding or fast forwarding, or press COUNTER...
Page 82
Error number (EO1, Try disconnecting power source. Wait ten seconds and E02, etc.) appears in then connect power source again. If error number does viewfinder not disappear from viewf'mder, consult your Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center.
Page 83
Turn off NEG feature. Set the AE dial to AUTO. Negative picture recorded Picture recorded A fade or fade wipe mode has been selected. Turn off the fade effect by pressing FADE. with a special fade or wipe Set LIGHT A UTO.OFF.ON switch to ON or OFF.
Clean the Camcorder To clean the camcorder's exterior, remove any power source connected to the camcorder and gently wipe it with a clean soft cloth. Clean the Camcorder's Lens _-:_::__ To clean the camcorder's lens, blow it with a blower brush and gently wipe the lens with cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for use on camera lens.
Authorized RCA Camcorder • Do not aim your camcorder at the sun Service Center. or other bright objects. Do not use an adapter/charger • Do not leave your camcorder...
General Camera Section Power requirement: 6VDC Image sensor: 1/4" CCD imager Power consumption: 5.1 watts Lens: F1.6, f=3.8 to 83.6mm Weight: 1.8 lbs. (790g) 22:1 power zoom lens Filter diameter: 46 mm Dimensions - Including Viewfinder: 4-1/2" (W) x 4-5/8" (H) x 8-3/4" (D) Tripod Mount 114 (W) x 117 (H) x 222 (D) mm...
Thomson provides a toll-free telephone Youcanreach Thomson atthe number to help you with any problems you followingnumber: may encounter with your camcorder. Many 800-283-6503 can be diagnosed over the phone, and if necessary, repair or replacement will be (Toll free inside U.S.A.) arranged.
Page 88
The exchange location will notify you of its What your warranty covers: arrival. • Any defect in materials or workmanship. Take your unit, excluding all accessories, For how long after your purchase: and your evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to the exchange location •...
Page 89
United States: Authorized RCA Camcorder Service • This warranty does not apply. Contact your Center: dealer for warranty information. • Check With your dealer or call 1-800-336- 1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Serwi'ce Center nearest you.
Accessories C(color) control included Cable TV installer note optional Camcorder, cleaning order form Camcorder's operating controls Camera edit feature Adapter/charger charging battery Car cord adapter Care and maintenance using 4, 12 AEdial 7, 8, 10, 18, 20, 21, 24, 32, 34, clean the camcorder 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 45, 46, clean the lens 82...
Page 91
clock cell indicator DC in jack 4, 12 Demo mode date display DEMO MODE menu exposure 30, 37, 43 focus Design specifications front lit 28, 37 Dew warning Digital zooming HZ:HAZE 28, 45 interval time 53 Displays, status LENS COVER lithium cell 31 MAN 28 EJECT button...
on a TV without audio/video inputs on TV (or VCR) with audio/video inputs Lens Lens cover using cassette adapter viewf'mder LENS COVER control 4, 11 Light, color enhancement 58, 59 Playback features LIGHT OFF-AUTO-ON switch memory-stop Limited warranty position the tape 64 Lithium cell stop-action pause...
Page 93
REFRESH button Tape wheel 5, 23 Tele macro feature REFRESH indicator TELE MACRO menu Registration Tele macro zooming RF DC OUT jack 11, 70 RF output adapter, optional Things to avoid Thumb trigger 11, 32, 33, 44, 49, 51, 53, 69 Time and date display Safety information record...