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GE CG709 User Manual

General electric camcorder user's guide
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CG709
Camcorder User's Guide
We bring good things to life.
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Table of Contents
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  Summary of Contents for GE CG709

  • Page 1 CG709 Camcorder User’s Guide We bring good things to life.

  • Page 2: Important Safety Information

    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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange Warranty... 800-283-6503 (pages 60-61) Customer Service... 800-447-1700 (page 59) Accessories... 800-338-0376 (pages 47-50) Table of Contents Safety Precautions ...i Product Registration ...i Table of Contents ...1-2...
  • Page 4 • Flying Erase Head...24 • Camera Edit ...25 • Tape Positioning ...25 • Electronic Indexing...25 • Focusing Your Camcorder ...26-27 • W/B (White Balance) Button...27 • Using Variable Shutter Speeds...28 • Power Zooming ...29 • Fading In and Out of Scenes ...29 •...

  • Page 5: Assistance

    • 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 of the items are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.

  • Page 6: Attach The Adapter/Charger

    • Attach one end of DC cable to DC IN 12V jack on side of camcorder. • Attach the other end of DC cable to DC OUT 12V 2A jack on AC adapter/charger.

  • Page 7: Adjust The Handstrap

    First-Time Operation Press Here to Close 3. Adjust the handstrap. Open the strap, adjust to fit your right hand, and close the strap. 4. Remove the lens cap and attach it to the handstrap. Tape Windows Lens Cap on Lens Cap Holder Handstrap 5.

  • Page 8: In Camera Auto

    Eyepiece Focus Control CAMERA/VCR Switch automatically shut off to prevent excessive tape wear. To turn the camcorder on again, slide the POWER switch. CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach a stable temperature before inserting a video cassette.

  • Page 9: Focus Control

    9. Start and Stop Recording. Press the thumb trigger to start and stop recording. Do not hold the thumb trigger. REC will appear in the viewfinder when the camcorder is recording. Notes: Pressing PAUSE/STILL will also start and stop recording.

  • Page 10: Controls

    First-Time Operation 11. Review camcorder’s operating controls. PLAY Button (Also TITLE SELECT Button) POWER Switch REW Button (Also TITLE and Indicator SELECT – Button) PAUSE/STILL Button POWER PAUSE STILL Accessory Shoe Viewfinder Microphone Lens MANUAL FOCUS Buttons FOCUS AUTO/MAN and FOCUS PUSH...

  • Page 11: Controls

    First-Time Operation 11. Review camcorder’s operating controls. BATT (Battery) EJECT Lever Rechargeable Battery Compartment Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring DC IN 12V Jack Remove Small Cover Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring Clock Battery Holder AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks (Also RF DC OUT Jack)

  • Page 12: Attach The Adapter/Charger

    Powering the Camcorder Using the Adapter/Charger The DC cable attaches the adapter/charger to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. DC IN 12V Jack DC Cable Attach the Adapter/Charger 1. Attach one end of DC cable to DC OUT 12V 2A jack on the AC adapter/charger.

  • Page 13: Using The Battery

    When fully charged, the battery should supply about 100-120 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). When using the battery to power the camcorder, slide POWER to turn off the camcorder during recording breaks to conserve the battery’s power.

  • Page 14: Insert And Remove The Battery

    Notes: If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it. The battery cannot operate the camcorder if the DC cable is attached. The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time.

  • Page 15: Checking Battery Power

    ) in the viewfinder shows you how Battery Level Indicator 0000 Caution: When the battery reaches empty, the camcorder will turn off. The battery should have enough power to appears. eject the cassette. If the camcorder does not eject the...

  • Page 16: Battery Care And Storage

    122ºF (50ºC). Operation time will decrease at extremely low temperatures. • Use the battery only with specified GE AC adapter/chargers and camcorders. Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing the battery to excessive heat –...

  • Page 17: Camcorder Recording Tips

    Make sure you have any plug adapters that you may need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult your GE dealer for advice. Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder and accessories when operating them at a beach or pool.

  • Page 18: Video Cassettes

    Video Cassettes We recommend our cassettes be used with your camcorder. The tape in these cassettes is of high-quality formulation manufactured to critical specifications for excellent performance. Use of tape not meeting these specifications could considerably reduce the performance of your camcorder.

  • Page 19: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    3. Insert or remove the cassette from the cassette compartment. Cassette Care and Storage • Rewind and remove the cassette from the camcorder. Break off the safety tab to prevent accidental erasure, and label the cassette before storing it. • Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures.

  • Page 20: Controls

    Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. The viewfinder can also be used for viewing the tape during playback. For convenient viewing, turn the viewfinder to the left and lock it into position. After the viewfinder is locked, you can slide it out and use the right or left eye.

  • Page 21: Viewfinder Displays

    Indicators Titler Self-Timer and INTERVAL Indicators • SELF-30S or SELF-END appears when the camcorder is set for self- timer recording using SELF TIMER/TIME LAPSE. • INTERVAL indicators appear when the camcorder is set for interval or animation recording using SELF TIMER/TIME LAPSE.

  • Page 22: Displays In Viewfinder

    Viewfinder Displays Shutter Speed Indicators Manual White Balance Indicators Time and Date Display and Clock Battery Warning Shutter Speed Indicators • The higher shutter speed (1/100, 1/250, 1/1000, 1/2000, or 1/4000) selected with SHUTTER appears. No display appears for the standard 1/60 second shutter speed.
  • Page 23 CAMERA. • DEW appears when the camcorder has too much moisture inside to operate. Remove the cassette and allow the camcorder to dry out for approximately two hours. Details are on page 6. INDEX and END Indicators • INDEX flashes briefly when the camcorder automatically indexes the tape.

  • Page 24: Date And Time Display

    1. Remove the clock battery holder. 2. Insert the clock battery with the “+” terminal facing down in the holder. 3. Fully insert the clock battery holder into the camcorder. Note: flashes in the viewfinder when the clock battery is missing, discharged, or not installed properly.

  • Page 25: Set (Or Correct) The Display

    1. Install the clock cell battery as described on the previous page. 2. Attach a power supply (battery or adapter/charger) to the camcorder. 3. Slide the POWER switch and place the CAMERA/VCR switch in CAMERA. 4. If the date and time display does not appear in the viewfinder, press DATE/TIME.

  • Page 26: Camcorder Features

    The CAMERA/VCR switch must be in CAMERA and the camcorder in record pause. The camcorder will play back the last few seconds of the recording, return the tape to its previous position, and return to record pause.

  • Page 27: Camera Edit

    • Press and hold PLAY to view the recorded tape at normal speed. When you release the button, the camcorder will return to record pause at that point on the tape. Tape Positioning You can quickly position the tape using F.FWD (fast forward) or REW (rewind)

  • Page 28: Focusing Your Camcorder

    1. Press the power zoom button “W” to put the camcorder in wide-angle focus. 2. Place the camcorder as close to the subject as necessary to obtain the desired size. Notes: To change the size of the subject, move the camcorder closer or farther away.

  • Page 29: W/B (White Balance) Button

    • Recording in low-light situations. • Recording fast-moving action, such as golf swings. White Balance Indicator Electronic Viewfinder • Display when recording outdoors on a bright day. • Display no white balance indicator to have the camcorder control white balance automatically.

  • Page 30: Using Variable Shutter Speeds

    Using Variable Shutter Speeds The camcorder has a variable shutter with five higher shutter speeds than the normal 1/60 second speed. The shutter speed is automatically set to the normal shutter speed of 1/60 second when the CAMERA/VCR switch is in CAMERA AUTO. No indicator appears in the viewfinder when the shutter speed is set to 1/60.

  • Page 31: Power Zooming

    • Press “W” to move the lens in the “wide-angle” direction. Fading In and Out of Scenes When you fade in and out of scenes, the picture gradually appears or disappears. Speed of the fade is automatically controlled by the camcorder. Fading In When you fade into a scene, the recording will start with a blank screen and the picture will gradually appear.

  • Page 32: Counters And Time-Remaining Display

    “M0000”. Note: Whenever the tape counter with memory stop is displayed in the viewfinder, the camcorder will stop rewinding or fast- forwarding when the counter reaches “M0000”. To continue rewinding or fast- forwarding the tape, press REW (rewind) or...

  • Page 33: Elapsed Time Counter

    Note: The display will remain blank while the camcorder takes a minute or two to calculate the time remaining on the tape. After it has been calculated and displayed, it will automatically be updated and readily available as long as the cassette remains in the camcorder.

  • Page 34: Self-Timer/Time Lapse Button

    SELF TIMER/TIME LAPSE Button POWER Switch Self-Timer Recording The camcorder will delay the start of a recording for approximately ten seconds after you activate the self-timer recording feature. 1. Turn on camcorder and place CAMERA/VCR switch in CAMERA. 2. A. Slide SELF TIMER/TIME LAPSE once.

  • Page 35: Adjustable Time-Lapse Recording

    SELF TIMER/TIME LAPSE Button Adjustable Time-Lapse Recording This feature lets you compress slow-moving action, such as nature studies, into clean, short videos. The camcorder will record for approximately one second at preset intervals. 1. Turn on camcorder and place CAMERA/VCR switch in CAMERA.

  • Page 36: Titler

    TITLE SELECT – Button TITLE SELECT Button Creating a Title 1. Attach a power source, turn on the camcorder, and place the CAMERA/ VCR switch in CAMERA. 2. Press TITLE to display the title page graphics in the viewfinder. 3. Press TITLE SELECT to display the other title page in the viewfinder.

  • Page 37: Titler

    There may be a 3-4 second pause before existing audio and video return. Recording Titles While Copying Tapes from Camcorder to another VCR 1. Attach a power supply, turn on the camcorder and place the CAMERA/ VCR switch in VCR.

  • Page 38: Audio Dubbing

    Y-adapter to record sound from both channels. If you want to monitor the dubbing on a TV, attach the TV to the camcorder as shown on page 42 or 44. 2. Turn on the camcorder and insert the tape you want to dub on.

  • Page 39: Video Dubbing

    1. Connect the external video source to the VIDEO IN jack on the camcorder. If you want to monitor the dubbing on a TV, attach the TV to the camcorder as shown on page 42 or 44. 2. Turn on the camcorder and insert the tape you want to dub new video on.

  • Page 40: Recording From A Tv (Or Vcr)

    Recording from a TV (or VCR) To record on the camcorder from a TV (or VCR) with AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks, you will need the audio/video cable that came with your camcorder. Back of Mono VCR or TV Monitor...
  • Page 41 TV and tune it to the channel you normally use to see what the VCR is doing. 2. Turn on the camcorder, and place the CAMERA/VCR switch in VCR. 3. Insert a cassette with the safety tab intact into the camcorder.

  • Page 42: Viewfinder Playback

    POWER Switch and Indicator Viewfinder Playback Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder. This method is generally used only to review scenes immediately after recording. 1. Slide the POWER switch to turn on the camcorder. The POWER indicator will light.

  • Page 43: Playback Features

    Note: Only tapes recorded in SP (standard play) can be played. When you play a tape not recorded on your camcorder, streaks may appear if the recorded tracks on the tape do not align precisely with the playback heads. To remove the streaks and align the...

  • Page 44: Playback On A Tv (Or Vcr) With Audio And Video In Jacks

    Playback on a TV (or VCR) with AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks, you will need the audio/video cable supplied with the camcorder. 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.
  • Page 45 VCR. 2. Place the CAMERA/VCR switch in VCR, and slide the camcorder’s Watching What the Camcorder is Seeing or Recording on the TV 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV, and tune it to its video input channel.

  • Page 46: Playback On A Tv Without

    Playback on a TV without Audio/Video Input Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video input jacks, follow the steps below. You will need an optional 1CVA488 RF output adapter. Optional accessories are shown on page 49. VHF Antenna...

  • Page 47: Playback Operation

    3. Place the camcorder’s CAMERA/VCR switch in VCR, and slide POWER. Watching What the Camcorder is Seeing or Recording on the TV 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4 (the same channel you selected with the RF output adapter).

  • Page 48: Attaching The Shoulder Strap

    Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder, and – when ready to record – bring the camcorder to recording position in one quick movement. 1. Unhook one end of the strap from the buckle leaving the tension band in place.

  • Page 49: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your GE camcorder. These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable.
  • Page 50 Optional Accessories VDC88 Color Enhancement Light This light is an indispensible accessory for camcorder users who desire brighter, sharper pictures. It also brightens natural colors in extremely low-light situations. VCC1000 Video Color Control Center The VCC1000 is two accessories in one.
  • Page 51 Optional Accessories 1CVA488 RF Output Adapter This adapter is used to connect your camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video input jacks) for playback. If your antenna cable is the flat twin-lead type attached by two screws, you will...

  • Page 52: Using An Optional Tripod

    3-section leg design folds down to 26" when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing. Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. Do not transport camcorder attached to tripod.

  • Page 53: Accessory Order Form

    U.S. currency only. No COD or cash. • Allow eight weeks for delivery. • All accessories are subject to availability. • Where applicable, we will ship a superseding model. Please complete other side also Order Form for Camcorder Model CG709 Part No. AC088 AH011 BP1000...
  • Page 54 Accessory Order Form USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number Copy Number above your name on MasterCard Prices are subject to change without notice. PLEASE Name: Street: City: State: Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely.
  • Page 55 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 or MasterCard ready and call the toll- free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM Eastern Standard Time.

  • Page 56: Care And Maintenance

    Things to Avoid Do not aim your camcorder at the sun or other bright objects. Do not operate or leave your camcorder in extremely humid environments.

  • Page 57: Trouble Checks

    Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.
  • Page 58 • Lens may be smudged and image appears unfocused. • Viewfinder eyepiece focus control may be adjusted incorrectly. Details are on page 18. • Tape was recorded on a different camcorder or VCR. If the picture contains black-and-white streaks, press one of the tracking (CLOCK SELECT and SET) buttons to correct.

  • Page 59: Trouble Checks

    Date and/or Time are Incorrect Checks and Adjustments • Subject may have been too far from the camcorder. • Make sure titler graphics are not in viewfinder. Buttons operate differently when titler is displayed. • CAMERA/VCR switch must be in CAMERA MAN position.

  • Page 60: Specifications

    • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user’s FCC authority to operate this camcorder.

  • Page 61: Customer Assistance And Service

    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...

  • Page 62: Limited Warranty

    • One year for parts. What we will do: During the initial 90 days • Exchange your camcorder with a new or, at our option, a refurbished unit or at your option, repair your camcorder at no cost to you.
  • Page 63 • Check with your dealer or call 1-800- 447-1700 for the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. • Take your unit to the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter of your choice. • Show the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter representative your sales receipt or other, evidence of purchase.

  • Page 64: Index (Alphabetical)

    Camcorder, Powering ..10-14 Camcorder, Recording on ..38-39 Camcorder, Unpacking ... . .3 CAMERA AUTO Feature ..24 Camera Edit Feature .
  • Page 65 Index – E – EDIT ADV. Button ...8,34-35 Elapsed Time Counter ... . .31 Electronic Indexing ....25 END Indicator .
  • Page 66 Indicator ... .6,8,23,40,43 Power Zoom Buttons ..9,26-27,29 Powering the Camcorder ..10-14 Problem Solving ....55-57 Product Registration .Inside Front Cover...
  • Page 67 Index – U – Unpacking the Camcorder ..3 – V – V.DUB Indicator ....37 Variable Shutter Speeds ...28 VID DUB Button .
  • Page 68 Need Assistance? We want to help! U.S. Consumers: Camcorder Exchange Warranty ..800-283-6503 Customer Service ....800-447-1700 Accessories .....800-338-0376 Canadian Consumers: English .
  • Page 69 Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.
  • Page 70 • Lens may be smudged and image appears unfocused. • Viewfinder eyepiece focus control may be adjusted incorrectly. Details are on page 18. • Tape was recorded on a different camcorder or VCR. If the picture contains black-and-white streaks, press one of the tracking (CLOCK SELECT and SET) buttons to correct.
  • Page 71 Date and/or Time are Incorrect Checks and Adjustments • Subject may have been too far from the camcorder. • Make sure titler graphics are not in viewfinder. Buttons operate differently when titler is displayed. • CAMERA/VCR switch must be in CAMERA MAN position.

  • Page 72: Information To User

    • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user’s FCC authority to operate this camcorder.
  • Page 73 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...
  • Page 74 • One year for parts. What we will do: During the initial 90 days • Exchange your camcorder with a new or, at our option, a refurbished unit or at your option, repair your camcorder at no cost to you.
  • Page 75 • Check with your dealer or call 1-800- 447-1700 for the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. • Take your unit to the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter of your choice. • Show the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter representative your sales receipt or other, evidence of purchase.
  • Page 76 Camcorder, Powering ..10-14 Camcorder, Recording on ..38-39 Camcorder, Unpacking ... . .3 CAMERA AUTO Feature ..24 Camera Edit Feature .
  • Page 77 Index – E – EDIT ADV. Button ...8,34-35 Elapsed Time Counter ... . .31 Electronic Indexing ....25 END Indicator .
  • Page 78 Indicator ... .6,8,23,40,43 Power Zoom Buttons ..9,26-27,29 Powering the Camcorder ..10-14 Problem Solving ....55-57 Product Registration .Inside Front Cover...
  • Page 79 Index – U – Unpacking the Camcorder ..3 – V – V.DUB Indicator ....37 Variable Shutter Speeds ...28 VID DUB Button .
  • Page 80 Need Assistance? We want to help! U.S. Consumers: Camcorder Exchange Warranty ..800-283-6503 Customer Service ....800-447-1700 Accessories .....800-338-0376 Canadian Consumers: English .