RCA CC8251 User Manual
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RCA CC8251 User Manual

RCA CC8251 User Manual

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CC8251

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Summary of Contents for RCA CC8251

  • Page 1 camcorder user's guide CC8251...
  • Page 2 Important Safety Information Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shockhazard, do not expose camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture. This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    • Battery Level Indicator ..... 16 • Adjust the Hand Strap ..... • Battery Care and Storage ..16 • Turn on the Camcorder ....Use the RCA Optional • Adjust the Viewfinder Car Cord Adapter ..... Eyepiece Focus Control ..... 6 Videocassettes •...
  • Page 4 • Recording Tips ......Recording • Camcorder Holding Tips ....41 • Use the Viewfinder • Travel Tips ........to See What You Record ..• Viewfinder Displays ....24-25 Playback • Microphone ........• Playback a Tape in the •...

  • Page 5: Assistance

    This section describes the basic 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 Warranty ....

  • Page 6: Attach The Adapter/Charger

    Attach the adapter/charger. To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz JlCOUT Jack F "_/ DC C Adapter/ DC IN 6V Jack Charger 2. Attach the other end of the cable Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, to the DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.

  • Page 7: Open The Lens Cover

    Open the lens cover. Lens Cover CLOSE/ OPEN Switch Note: Press in the small button on the • Align the lens cover CLOSE/ switch when you set the switch to OPEN switch to OPEN to open the CLOSE. lens cover. Adjust the hand strap.

  • Page 8: Turn On The Camcorder

    _iece Focus Control Viewfinder Switch Thumb Trigger Turn on the camcorder. Adjust the viewfinder • Press and hold the small button eyepiece focus control. on the CAM/OFF/VCR switch Rotate the viewfinder into a while you set it to CAM. The comfortable viewing position.

  • Page 9: Play Back What You Have Recorded

    sCover CLOSE/OPEN Switch Set the CAM/OFF/VCR Play back what you have recorded. switch to OFF to turn off the camcorder. 1. Press the thumb trigger to pause recording. Close the lens cover. 2. Press and hold the small button Press and hold the •small button on on the CAM/OFF/VCR switch the lens cover CLOSE/OPEN...

  • Page 10: 12. Review Camcorder's

    • 12. Review camcorder's operating controls. Eyepiece Focus Control Viewfinder Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring ZOOM Button EFFECTS Button Button Lens Buttons PUSH LOCK Button (Press here to close cassette Tally Light Cover compartment.) Remote Sensor CLOSEIOPEN Switch Button Rechargeable Battery Here Shoulder Strap Attachment...

  • Page 11: Review Camcorder's

    12. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued) EJECT • Button Power Zoom Lever Strap Flap Button / Hand Strap REW/REVIEW Button STOP Button VCR Switch Thumb Trigger Audio (White) RF Output and Video Connector (Yellow) Jacks (Under Small (Under Small Cover) Cover) Clock Cell Compartment...

  • Page 12: Location And Function Of Buttons

    Notes: Install the batteries in the remote as described on page 12. An RCA VCR that is set to respond to VCR2 may respond to this remote when it is used to operate the camcorder. A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button...

  • Page 13: Buttons

    Location Function of Buttons (continued) PLAY Button Press and release START/STOP (PAUSE) during playback (CAM/OFF/ • Press PLAY when the CAM/OFF/VCR VCR switch set to VCR) to produce a switch is set to CAM to visually search stop-action picture. Press again to the recorded material at normal speed.

  • Page 14: Install Remote Batteries

    Install Remote Batteries Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of the remote or lay it upside down. Replace batteries when camcorder fails to respond to the remote. Remove the batteries from the remote if it will 1. Slide the battery cover on the back of not be used for a month or more to prevent...

  • Page 15: Use The Adapter/Charger To

    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, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.

  • Page 16: Use The Battery To Power Your Camcorder

    Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder Charge the Battery You must charge the battery before you can use it the first time. Initial charging will take approximately 130 minutes. The camcorder's operating time depends on how often you turn the power on and off and how much you use zoom and pause. Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording...

  • Page 17: Attach The Battery

    Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued) BATTERY Switch Rechargeable Battery (Hold battery flush and slide down.) Press and hold the small button on the Attach the Charged Battery CAM/OFF/VCR switch while If the DC cable is attached to the slide it to CAM.

  • Page 18: Battery Level Indicator

    Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued) Battery Level Indicator The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder and shows you the amount of power in the rechargeable battery. The battery level indicator will not be recorded on the tape when it appears in the viewfinder. switch to OFF to turn off the cam- corder...

  • Page 19: Use The Rca Optional

    Use the RCA Optional Car Cord Adapter The optional DCC06 car cord shown on page 48 allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 24- and 12-volts to a 6-volt output.

  • Page 20: Erase Protection

    Makesureyou selectgood quality tapesfor your camcorder.Useof poorquality tapesor tapesthathavebeendamaged or mishandledcancontaminate the video heads,resultingin a snowypictureor no pictureat all during playback. Because there is no control overthe type of tapepurchased or rentedby consumers, h ead cleaning is not coveredunder warranty. It is considered normalmaintenance. Playinga new tapefor approximately30 minuteswill often satisfactorilycleanthe headsandimprove the picturequality.

  • Page 21: Insert And Remove Cassettes

    Insert and Remove Cassettes Cassette Holder _Safety Cassette Door (Press on rape Window PUSH LOCK to close.) 3. Press on the area labeled PUSH Slide EJECT to open the cassette LOCK until the cassette door clicks. compartment. EJECT appears in the viewfinder. 4.

  • Page 22: Set The Time And Date

    Set the Time and Date You must set the correct date and time before it can be displayed and recorded on your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as described on page 22. Button Button VCR Switch STOP Button DATE/DISP Button Attach a power supply to the...

  • Page 23: Date, Auto Title, Or Date

    i ..Record the Time and Date, AUTO Date, Auto TITLE, or Date The time and date, AUTO date, auto TITLE and date, date only, or no display can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of these displays appears, it will be recorded. To Select the Display to Record Repeatedly press DATE/D1SP...

  • Page 24: Install The Clock Lithium Cell

    Install the Clock Lithium Cell The lithium cell must be installed before you set the time and date. Set the CAM/OFF/VCR switch OFF and remove any power supply. _Cloc _k C ell/ _Y--Clock Cell CIo°CmkCr_lml e/nt _--C_tkCell Compartment Holder Remove the cell holder from the Place the cell holder...

  • Page 25: To See What You Record

    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. Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder into a comfortable viewing position and adjust the eyepiece.

  • Page 26: Viewfinder Displays

    Viewfinder Displays Several displays that aid in the operation of the camcorder appear in the viewfinder. AE:60 FOCUS 0:00:35M _-_l 16X9 ZOOM TAPE I0:30AM 11/18/1998 AE:60 (Auto Exposure) Shutter Speed • Select MIRROR to record a symmetric image on the left and right. The shutter speed selected by the •...
  • Page 27 ¥iewfinder Displays (continued) tape and wait an hour before • The REC indicator appears during reinserting. recording. • NO TAPE flashes when you try to • The • II indicator appears during record with no cassette inserted. record-pause. • TAPE END flashes when there is •...

  • Page 28: Microphone

    phone CAM/OFF/ Tally Light Switch REW/REVIEW Button Microphone Tally Light The microphone picks up the sound The tally light on the front of the during a recording. It is more sensitive to camcorder lights when the camcorder sounds coming from the direction the lens recording.

  • Page 29: Camera Edit Feature

    F.FWD Butt°n_ I£ Button-- --F.FWD PLAY [ _'_ _ [[["_ Button PLAY Button j _STOP stoP Button Button _ REW/REVIEW Button Camera Edit Feature Program AE (Auto Exposure) The camera edit feature allows you to The camcorder automatically selects the position the tape when the camcorder best shutter speed and adjusts the iris in record-pause.

  • Page 30: Auto Focus

    Focusing The camcorder can adjust focus automatically under normal conditions. You might need to focus manually under certain conditions. Zoom Lever FOCUS •/v Buttons Auto Focus Press and hold the small button on the CAM/OFF/VCR switch while you set During auto focus, the camcorder it to CAM.

  • Page 31: Macro Focus

    Focusing (continued) Macro Focus Conditions Requiring Manual Focus You can focus on objects as close as 3/8 * When recording a subject through a inch from the camcorder lens with macro window. focus. • When recording a subject having a Make sure FOCUS does not appear in close foreground and a background the viewfinder.

  • Page 32: Use The Zoom Lever

    Zooming The zoom lens allows you to zoom in (enlarge the image from 1-16 times) for close- ups or zoom out for wide-angle shots. Instant zooming lets you magnify the picture 1.5 times regardless of the position of the zoom lever. Digital zooming lets you zoom in on a subject with magnification up to 130 times as described...

  • Page 33: Fade In And Out Of Scenes

    Fade In and Out of Scenes You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade in and out of scenes. Both the picture and sound gradually appear or disappear. The speed of the fade is controlled by the camcorder. START/STOP Button "FADE Button...

  • Page 34: Displaybutton

    DISPLAY Button Press the DISPLAY button on the remote to display the time counter, time counter with memory stop, or date search indicator. During playback or play pause, you can also press the DATE/DISP button on the camcorder to turn memory stop on or off.

  • Page 35: Date Search

    DISPLAY Button (continued) /DISPLAY DATE/ STOP Button (PAUSE) COUNTER D/SP n Button_ _..__ RESET START/ Button f-_-_zz_.._ M/OFF/ RE W _STOP Button VCR Switch Butt°n/ _'---Th _"X _EE W/RE TIEg g er Button STOP Button Time Counter (continued) 4. Press and hold the small button while 5.

  • Page 36: Digital Effects

    Digital Effects The camcorder has a digital processor that allows you to record using five special digital effects: 16X9, a negative image, 130 times digital zoom, a symmetric mirror image, or a mosaic image. Each effect is described in detail on the next pages. D.
  • Page 37 Digital Effects (continued) 16X9 Mode The camcorder has a wide recording mode that lets you make recordings compatible with the 16X9 format. When 16X9 is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect.

  • Page 38: Negative Mode

    Digital Effects (continued) Negative Mode The camcorder has a negative mode that lets you turn the image negative. To turn off negative recording, press 1. Place the camcorder in record-pause. the thumb trigger to pause recording, 2. Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS until and repeatedly press D.

  • Page 39: Mirror Mode

    Digital Effects (continued) Mirror Mode The camcorder has a mirror mode that lets you display a symmetric image on the left and right, obtained by placing a mirror at the center of the screen. 1. Place the camcorder in record-pause. 4.

  • Page 40: Create A Title

    Titler The camcorder's built-in titler can store a title in memory. The created title can be displayed and recorded at any time. The built-in character register contains more than 45 different characters. Your title can contain a total of 32 characters on two lines.

  • Page 41: In The Camcorder

    Titler (continued) Chart of Characters in Titler's Register C DEFGHIJKLM P QR5S6 " < > ! (BiankSpace) Record a Title on a Tape in the 4. Press the thumb trigger (START/STOP Attach a power source to the on the remote) to start recording camcorder.

  • Page 42: Udio And Video Dub

    Audio and Video Dub The audio/video dub feature lets you record new audio (sound) and video (picture) from the camcorder's built in microphone and camera onto a previously recorded tape. _F.FWD (( ((_-J)/_'__-_'_ Button \\ __ eL4r I[ J CAM/OFF/ START/ Button VCR Switch...

  • Page 43: Recording Tips

    Recording Tips • Fading in and out of scenes makes your videos appear more professional. • Try to make sure indoor scenes are • Be aware of video and audio back- well-lit. This improves picture quality grounds. Background details barely and color reproduction.
  • Page 44 Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features The simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder is in the viewfinder. You can use the playback features during viewfinder playback. There is no sound during viewfinder playback. PUSH LOCK View de ...._:.... :.:..-.:.:....

  • Page 45: Playback Features Stop-Action Pause

    Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features (continued) PA USE Button -- Button Button Playback Features Visual Searching Stop-Action Pause During playback, press and hold F.FWD • During playback, press the thumb or REW/REVIEW (REW on remote) if trigger (PAUSE on remote) to "stop the action"...
  • Page 46 Playback on TV (or VCR)-with Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with audio and video inputs, use the audio/video cable that was packed with your camcorder. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR...
  • Page 47 Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR 3. Press PLAY. 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to • During playback, use the playback the video input channel. features on page 43. B.
  • Page 48 Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you need an optional CRF81A RF output adapter shown on page 48. If your TV has audio and video inputs (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 44-45. Audio/Video Back of TV( Connector...
  • Page 49 Playback Operation 4. Press PLAY on the camcorder. 1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF output adapter to CH3 or CH4. • During playback, use the playback 2. Tum on the TV, and tune it to the features described on page 43.
  • Page 50 We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your 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 51 Using the Optional AC088 Tripod Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, keeps the camcorder steady and produces excellent video results. This tripod's fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quick-release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26"...
  • Page 52 Attaching the Optional 215770 Shoulder Strap An optional shoulder strap lets 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 Thread each end of the strap through one of the attachment...
  • Page 53 Order Form for Camcorder Model CC8251 Description Part No. Price Qty. Total Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 Soft Camcorder Case AC201A $ 39.95 Y-Adapter! ..AH25 2.95 Rechargeable Battery BB65L $ 99.95 RF Output Adapter CRF81A $ 89.95 Car Cord Adapter DCC06 $ 89.95 75-300 Cable Transformer...
  • Page 54 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 f_" 'I-I-1 I-V'I-G I -I-'N T-1 Exp,ra, io. ate: I--I--1 IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard I---I--I-N I I I I I I---I---I--NI---I---I---_ It I I Copy Number above your name on MasterCard...
  • Page 55 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 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.
  • Page 56 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 57 Sound is too low or • Subject was too far from camcorder. distorted • Whenever memory stop is turned on, the camcorder Tape stops during rewind or fast forward will stop rewinding (or fast forwarding) when the time counter reads O:O0:OOM. Press REW/REVIEW (REW or will not operate during rewind or fast...
  • Page 58 Dateand/ortime or • Displays are recorded on tape whenever they appear title wererecorded in the viewfinder. Remove them from the viewfinder on tape when recording. See pages 21 and 39. • When (S) DATE or TITLE is selected, the display is automatically recorded when you begin recording...
  • Page 59 Rechargeable Batteryrun times aremeasured whenthe batteryrunsdown camcorder is recordingcontinuously.To check soonerthan your battery;chargeit completely,aim the expected camcorder at a clock, andrecordthe clock. When thecamcorderstopsrecording,play the lastpart of the tapeandcheckthetime on the clock. A one-hourbatteryshouldgive youabout 60 minutesof recordingtime. In practicaluse,a fully chargedbatterymight not recordfor 60 minutesbecause the batteryusespower when you pause the•recording andusesextra power...

  • Page 60: Clean The Camcorder

    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 then gently wipe the lens with cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for use on camera lens.

  • Page 61: Proper Care And Storage

    Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center. Do not aim your camcorder at the sun or other bright objects. Do not use an adapter/charger •...
  • Page 62 Camera Section General Power requirement: 7.2VDC Scanning: 525 lines/60 fields/30 frames Image Sensor: 1/4" CCD Imager Power consumption: 4 watts Lens: F1.4 - 2.8 (4 - 64mm) Weight: 1.67 lbs, without battery Diameter: 46 mm or cassette AC Adapter/Charger Dimensions - Including Viewfinder: 3-7/8"...
  • Page 63 _i k- Thomson provides a toll-free telephone You can reach Thomson at the number to help you with any problems following number: 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 64 The model/ serial number information is on the To have your camcorder repaired by an bottom of your camcorder. Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center: 2. A representative will troubleshoot your problem over the phone. If the Check with your dealer or Call 1=800-...
  • Page 65 This warranty gives you specific legal choice. rights and you also may have other • Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder rights that vary from state to state. Service Center representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.
  • Page 66 16X9 feature 16X9 indicator 24, 35 Cable TV installer note 47 CAM/OFF/VCR switch 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, AN DUB button 10, 40 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 42, AN DUB indicator 25, 40 43, 45, 47 Accessories...

  • Page 67: Specifications

    Cleaning thecamcorder's lens58 Cleaning theviewf'mder 5 8 Clockcell accessory 3 EJECT button 4, 9, 16, 19, 42 install 22 Erase protection Clockcellcompartment 9 Eyepiece focus control 6, 8, 23, 42 Clocklithiumcell 22 CLOSE/OPEN s witch5, 7, 8 Contents1 Copytapes45 F.FWD button COUNTER/RESET button 10, 32 9, 10, 20, 27, 33, 38, 40, 43 Customer assistance andservice61...

  • Page 68: Information To User

    Lens cover 5, 7, 8 AN DUB 25, 40 Letterbox recording AE focus 24, 27 batterylevel 16, 24 cassette EJECT 4, 19 digital effects 24, 34 fade 24, 31 Macro focus fast-forwarding Manual focus 28, 29 FOCUS 24, 28, 29 Memory stop 32 I.ZOOM 25, 30...
  • Page 69 memory-stop accessory stop-action pause accessory batteries tape counter buttons install batteries tape positioning visual searching sensor 8, 12 REWbutton 11, 33, 38, 40, 43 Playback on a TV without audio/video inputs REW/REVIEW button Playback on TV (or VCR) with audio/video 7, 9, 20, 26, 27, 33, 38, 40, 43 Jacks Rewinding...

  • Page 70: Travel Tips

    Travel Tips 41 Tripod mounting hole 9 Tripod, using Table of contents Trouble checks Tally light 8, 26 Tape inserting Tape copying Unpack camcorder and accessories Tape counter TAPE END indicator 25, 29 TAPE indicator 6, 25 Tape positioning Videocassettes Tape warnings Viewfinder 6, 8, 41...
  • Page 72 THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS 10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis, 46290 © 1998 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan 15357370 QR19293...

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