JVC GR-AX657UM Instructions Manual

Compact vhs camcorder

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COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER
GR-AX957UM
ENGLISH
GR-AX857UM
GR-AX657UM
INSTRUCTIONS
EN
LYT0305-001A

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for JVC GR-AX657UM

  • Page 1 COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER GR-AX957UM ENGLISH GR-AX857UM GR-AX657UM INSTRUCTIONS LYT0305-001A...
  • Page 2: Safety Precautions

    Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of your new camcorder. Using This Instruction Manual • All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents ( •...
  • Page 3: Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. But improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. This product has been engineered and manufactured to assure your personal safety. In order not to defeat the built-in safeguards, observe the following basic rules for its installation, use and servicing.
  • Page 4 1. Accessories To avoid personal injury: • Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. • Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product.
  • Page 5: Quick Operation Guide

    SUPPLY POWER Hook on. Push in. BATTERY RELEASE Using the battery pack Hook its end to the camcorder ( battery pack in until it locks in place ( (Charging procedure, pg. 8) To remove the battery pack Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.
  • Page 6: Major Features

    19) Menu Adjustment pg. 28, 29, 30) Integrated Auto Light (GR-AX957/AX857 only) pg. 21) Cassettes marked can be used with this camcorder. MAJOR FEATURES Picture Stabilizer ( Digital Hyper Zoom pg. 18) Zoom in PROVIDED ACCESSORIES •AC Power Adapter/ •Cassette Adapter...
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS GETTING STARTED Power... 8 Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal ... 10 Date/Time Settings ... 11 Recording Mode Setting... 12 Tape Length Setting ... 12 Loading/Unloading A Cassette... 13 Grip Adjustment ... 14 Viewfinder Adjustment ... 14 Shoulder Strap Attachment ... 15 Tripod Mounting ...
  • Page 8: Getting Started

    It is impossible to charge the BN-V856U battery pack using the provided AC Power Adapter/Charger. Use the optional AA-V80U AC Power Adapter/Charger. Power This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you To AC outlet choose the most appropriate source of power.
  • Page 9: Using Ac Power

    The CHARGE indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that has been stored for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHARGE indicator should blink during recharging. If it doesn’t, contact your nearest JVC dealer. To DC IN jack...
  • Page 10: Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

    Slot Battery holder GETTING STARTED Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings. SWITCH OFF POWER Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.).
  • Page 11: Date/Time Settings

    “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. CLOSE MENU SCREEN Press the Select Dial. NOTE: To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” pg. 26).
  • Page 12: Recording Mode Setting

    MENU Button SP/EP Recording Mode Button Select Dial Viewfinder Display Menu Screen NEXT M . W . B . AUTO D . ZOOM TELE MACRO DATE TIME TAPE LENGTH RETURN TAPE LENGTH TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu EXIT NEXT M . W . B . AUTO D .
  • Page 13: Loading/Unloading A Cassette

    Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape. The cassette holder cannot be opened while the camcorder is in the record mode.
  • Page 14: Grip Adjustment

    Power Zoom Lever Recording Start/Stop Button Set “POWER” to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”) PAUSE GETTING STARTED Grip Adjustment EXPAND LOOP Separate the Velcro strip. INSERT HAND Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. ADJUST STRAP LENGTH Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom Lever.
  • Page 15: Shoulder Strap Attachment

    Then tighten the screw. CAUTION: When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilize the camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over, do not use a small-sized tripod. , then fold it back and...
  • Page 16: Recording

    Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to open the lens cover, then set the Power Switch to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”). •The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode. •The scene you are aimed at appears on the viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE”...
  • Page 17: Viewfinder Indications

    The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds when the camcorder is turned on with the cover closed. To turn the tally lamp off during recording, refer to pgs.
  • Page 18: Basic Features

    Zoom in Display Zoom indicator bar Zoom level indicator Approximate zoom ratio Power Zoom Lever FEATURE: PURPOSE: To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. Digital circuitry extends the maximum magnification offered by optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom out Zoom.
  • Page 19 Retake FEATURE: PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments. OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode. 2) Press either RETAKE to reach the start point for new recording. Pressing “F” forwards the tape and pressing “R” reverses it.
  • Page 20 • When shooting scenes with movement in various directions. Power Switch • When shooting scenes with low-contrast back- grounds. Switch off the Picture Stabilizer when recording with the camcorder on a tripod. The “ Stabilizer cannot be used. Basic Features (cont.) Picture Stabilizer ”appears.
  • Page 21: Video Light

    30 cm. (1 ft.) between the video light and people or objects. Do not use near flammable or explosive materials. It is recommended that you consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video light. Video Light FEATURE: (GR-AX957/AX857 only) PURPOSE: To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim.
  • Page 22: Advanced Features

    SNAPSHOT Button Power Switch SNAPSHOT Display RECORDING Snapshot (GR-AX957only) Use your camcorder like a regular camera and take a snapshot, or several of them in succession. SELECT OPERATION MODE Set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”. TAKE SNAPSHOT Press SNAPSHOT.
  • Page 23 [Ex.: Fader] Fade in Display After 2 sec. EFFECT MOSAIC EFFECT MOSAIC FADER MOSAIC SHUTTER SLIDE (No indication) Power EFFECT Button Switch Recording Start/Stop Button Fade/Wipe These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Fade- or wipe-in works at recording start, and fade- or wipe-out works at recording end or when you enter Record–Standby mode.
  • Page 24: Program Ae With Special Effects

    Display After 2 sec. P.AE : SEPIA : SEPIA SEPIA SPORTS ND : ND EFFECT FG : TWILIGHT S1/2000 NEGA/POSI P.AE Button RECORDING Program AE With Special Effects All you have to do to access any of the variety of shooting effects is press P.AE.
  • Page 25 Display SEPIA Sepia The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted (reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of an older movie. Use together with Wide ( for the authentic look of a classic Hollywood movie. SPORTS Sports High shutter speed clearly captures fast-moving action.
  • Page 26 If you do not want to record the display, select the OFF mode before shooting. AUTO DATE Your camcorder automatically records the date for about 5 seconds after recording is initiated in the following situations: • After changing the date.
  • Page 27: Instant Titles

    RETURN CONGRATULATIONS Instant Titles The camcorder has eight preset titles in memory. You can superimpose one of them above a previously stored title as shown in the illustration to the left. Instant Titles can be displayed not only in English but also in French, Spanish and Portuguese.
  • Page 28: Using Menu For Detailed Adjustment

    “EXPOSURE” are available while in the Record mode. RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Using Menu For Detailed Adjustment This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. SELECT OPERATION MODE Turn the Power Switch to “PRO.”.
  • Page 29 S.LX NORMAL Allows you to superimpose one of eight preset titles ( TITLE Makes the date/time settings appear in the camcorder or on a connected monitor DATE/TIME DISP. pg. 26). Menu Screen Available Using The MENU Button This Menu Screen cannot be accessed while recording.
  • Page 30 TITLE LANG. of Instant Titles ( This number is necessary when connecting the camcorder to a device such as a computer JLIP ID NO. using the J terminal (JLIP). The numbers range from 01 to 99. Factory setting is 07.
  • Page 31: Exposure Control

    Select Dial Power Switch Display Menu Screen FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE AUTO WIDE S . LX TITLE DATE TIME DISP. RETURN EXPOSURE EXPOSURE Menu AUTO MANU EXIT Manual Exposure Screen Exposure control level counter To brighten the image – – To darken the image Exposure Control This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override and make...
  • Page 32: Auto Focus

    RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Focusing AUTO FOCUS The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations listed below (in these cases use manual focusing): •When two subjects overlap in the same scene.
  • Page 33: Manual Focus

    Select Dial Power Switch Display Menu Screen FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE AUTO WIDE S . LX TITLE DATE TIME DISP. RETURN FOCUS FOCUS Menu AUTO MANU EXIT Manual Focus Screen MANUAL FOCUS NOTE: You should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments ( pg.
  • Page 34: White Balance Adjustment

    If the white balance is correct, all other colors will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, the more advanced camcorder operator would prefer to control this function manually and achieve a more professional color/tint reproduction.
  • Page 35 White paper Select Dial Power Switch Display Menu Screen NEXT M . W . B . AUTO D . ZOOM TELE MACRO DATE TIME TAPE LENGTH RETURN M.W.B. M.W.B. Menu AUTO : FINE : CLOUD : HALOGEN EXIT Manual White Balance Operation If the camera is operating in PRO.
  • Page 36 Self-Timer You can set the delay between pressing the Recording Start/Stop button and the actual start of recording. If you secure the camcorder, you (or whoever is operating the camcorder) can enter the scene before recording starts. NOTE: Make sure the Power Switch is set to “PRO.” and the camcorder is in the Record-Standby mode before performing the following steps.
  • Page 37: Start Recording

    RELEASE ANIMATION MODE Set “REC TIME” in the Menu screen to “OFF”. NOTES: For best results, make sure the camcorder is secured when shooting in Animation or Time- Lapse mode. Fade- or wipe-in/out cannot be performed during Animation or Time-Lapse shooting.
  • Page 38: Playback 38

    Press REW (2) to rewind, or FF (3) to fast-forward the tape during Stop mode. NOTES: The camcorder shuts off automatically after about 5 minutes in Stop mode. To turn on again, set the Power Switch to “POWER OFF”, then to “PLAY”.
  • Page 39: Features

    “AT” blinks. When Auto Tracking finishes, the indication disappears. NOTES: When noise bars appear during playback, the camcorder enters the Auto Tracking mode and “AT” is displayed. Manual Tracking may not work with tapes recorded on other VCRs or camcorders.
  • Page 40: Still Playback

    REW (2) Button FF (3) Button PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) Button STOP (5) Button COUNTER R/M Button Power Switch FEATURE: PURPOSE: To pause during playback. OPERATION: 1) Press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) during playback. 2) To resume normal playback, press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) again. NOTE: Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome during Still Playback.
  • Page 41: Using The Cassette Adapter

    Cassette Adapter (VHS Playpak) Use this to play back a VHS-C video cassette recorded with this camcorder on a VHS VCR. It is fully compatible with any VHS video cassette recorder. The C-P7U adapter is battery powered and automatically performs tape loading and unloading.
  • Page 42: Basic Connections And Tape Dubbing

    These are some basic types of connections. When making connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. Basic Connections Use optional Video and Audio cables. Connector cover* Connection For Tape Dubbing Use optional Video and Audio cables. Connector cover* * When connecting the cables, open this cover.
  • Page 43 CONNECT VCR OUTPUT TO TV INPUT Refer to your VCR’s instruction manual. SUPPLY POWER Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV. SELECT MODE Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set the TV to its VIDEO mode.
  • Page 44: Using The Remote Control Unit

    The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations (Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind) of your VCR. RM-V705U (provided with GR-AX957/AX857, optional for GR-AX657) Buttons Infrared beam transmitting window ZOOM (T/W) Buttons...
  • Page 45: Self-Timer, Animation And Time-Lapse

    Transmitted beam effective area Remote sensor When using the remote control, be sure to point it at the remote sensor. The above illustration shows the approximate transmitted beam effective area for indoor use. The transmitted beam may not be effective or may cause incorrect operation outdoors or when the remote sensor is directly exposed to sunlight or powerful lighting.
  • Page 46: Insert Editing

    INSERT, press and release PAUSE. The Insert Editing standby mode is engaged. The Insert Editing Indicator is displayed on the top left corner of the viewfinder. When the scene the camcorder is aimed at appears on the screen, go to the next step. BEGIN INSERT EDITING Press START/STOP.
  • Page 47: Audio Dubbing

    Indicator is displayed on the top right corner of the viewfinder. BEGIN AUDIO DUBBING Press PLAY. When the counter reaches “0:00:00”, Audio Dubbing stops automatically and the camcorder enters the Audio Dub-Standby mode. END AUDIO DUBBING Press STOP. NOTES: Do not press FF or REW during Audio Dub-Standby, or the edit points will not be accurate.
  • Page 48: User Maintenance

    Slide BATTERY RELEASE to remove the battery pack. Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to close the lens cover. Cleaning The Camcorder CLEAN EXTERIOR Wipe gently with a soft cloth. •Put cloth in diluted mild soap and wring it well to wipe off heavy dirt, then wipe again with a dry cloth.
  • Page 49: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.) and clock battery;...
  • Page 50 The scene being shot is adversely affecting the operation of Auto Focus ( pg. 32). If you remove the power source from the camcorder while the power is on, all settings and selections are erased. Make sure to turn the camcorder’s power off before disconnecting the power source.
  • Page 51: Index

    • Head Clog Warning: Appears if dirty heads are detected during recording. In such a case, use the optional Cleaning Cassette. If, after using it, the problems still exist, consult your nearest JVC dealer. ” blinks (battery pg. 33 pg. 31 pg.
  • Page 52: Controls, Connectors And Indicators

    INDEX Controls, Connectors And Indicators 3 4 5 6 &...
  • Page 53: Other Parts

    Clock Battery Slot ... Tripod Mounting Socket ... are located beneath the such as a personal computer. For further details consult your nearest JVC dealer. is not possible if the VCR is not equipped with a J terminal. Be careful not to cover this area; a sensor necessary for shooting is built-in here.
  • Page 54: Terms

    Auto Shut off ... Battery Pack ... Brighten The Image ... Car Battery ... Charge Marker ... Charge The Battery Pack ... Clean The Camcorder ... Clock (Lithium) Battery ... Connections ... Darken The Image ... Date/Time Display ... Date/Time Settings ...
  • Page 55: Cautions

    American National Standard C73 series type use an AC plug adapter, called a “Siemens Plug”, as shown. For this AC plug adapter, consult your nearest JVC dealer. General Battery Precautions • When the C-P6U or C-P7U (cassette adapter) is not functioning even when correctly operated, the battery is exhausted.
  • Page 56: Main Unit

    Moisture on the head drum can cause severe damage to the video tape, and can lead to internal damage to the camcorder itself. Serious malfunctioning If malfunctioning occurs, stop using the unit immediately and consult your local JVC dealer. (cont.)
  • Page 57: Specifications

    • Active Carrying Bag CB-V7U • Audio/Video Cable Some accessories are not available in some areas. Please consult your nearest JVC dealer for details on accessories and their availability. Specifications shown are for SP mode unless otherwise indicated. E & O.E. Design and specifications subject to change without notice.
  • Page 60 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED Printed in Japan COPYRIGHT© 1999 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD. 0299FOV...

This manual is also suitable for:

Gr-ax857umGr-ax957um

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