LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER MODEL VL-Z501D VL-Z301D OPERATION MANUAL Please read this operation manual carefully before using the camcorder. Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page vi. OPERATION MANUAL WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on the apparatus. This equipment should be used with the recommended AC adapter or battery pack. CAUTION To prevent electric shocks and fire hazards, do NOT use any other power source. Important: Audio-visual material may consist of copyrighted works which must not be recorded without the authority of the owner of the copyright. Please refer to relevant laws in your country. ENGLISH CAUTION To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified dealer or service centre. CAUTION To prevent fire, never place any type of candle or naked flames on the top or near the apparatus. Power supply: This unit can be operated by connecting it to either the AC adapter or battery pack. The AC adapter incorporates the AUTO VOLTAGE (AC 110­240 V, 50/60 Hz) function. NOTE The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with more than 215,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that this does not affect the performance of your camcorder. *Specifications are subject to change without notice. Trademarks · Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. · DPOF is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. · All other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders. i Contents Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................... v Optional Accessories .......................................................................................... v Precautions ........................................................................................................ vi Operation References Part Names ............................................................. 1 Warning Indicators .................................................. 4 Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 6 Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 8 Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet .......... 9 Inserting and Removing a Cassette ..................... 10 Inserting and Removing a Card ............................ 11 Installing the Lithium Batteries .............................. 12 Selecting the Language for the On-screen Display ................................................................ 13 Setting the Date and Time .................................... 14 Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 15 Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 16 Using the Grip ....................................................... 16 Detaching the Lens Hood ..................................... 17 Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 17 Using the LCD Monitor ......................................... 19 Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 20 Camera Recording Selecting the Camcorder Mode ............................ 21 Easy Camera Recording on Tape in Full Auto Mode ................................................... 22 Zooming ................................................................ 23 Power Standby Mode ........................................... 24 Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 24 Auto Focus ............................................................ 25 Macro Shots .......................................................... 25 Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 26 Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 26 Playback Tape Playback ...................................................... 27 Volume Control ...................................................... 28 Still ........................................................................ 28 Video Search ......................................................... 28 Using Earphones (Commercially Available, VL-Z501D only) .......... 29 Adjusting the Phones Volume (VL-Z501D only) .... 29 Watching Playback on a TV .................................. 30 Preparation Basic Operations ii Useful Features Control Buttons ..................................................... 31 Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 31 Using the Menu Screens ....................................... 32 Camera Recording Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 33 Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 34 Gain-up ................................................................. 35 Fade in and Fade out ............................................ 36 Quick Return ......................................................... 37 Edit Search ............................................................ 38 Still Recording on Tape ......................................... 38 Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 39 Self Recording ...................................................... 40 Wide Screen (16:9) ............................................... 42 Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ..... 43 Windbreak ............................................................. 44 Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode ......... 45 Playback Using the Remote Control (Only supplied with VL-Z501D) .......................... 46 Tape Playback Functions with the Remote Control (Only supplied with VL-Z501D) .............. 47 Selecting the Date and Time of Recording Display ................................................................ 48 Picture Effect Playback ......................................... 49 Rotate Playback .................................................... 50 Copying an Image from Tape to Card .................. 51 Advanced Features Camera Recording Manual Focus ....................................................... 52 Returning to Auto Focus ....................................... 53 Displaying the Manual Setting Screen .................. 53 White Balance Lock .............................................. 54 Manual Iris ............................................................ 55 Manual Gain .......................................................... 56 Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode ............. 57 Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 58 iii Contents Advanced Features Playback Using the Time Code ............................................ 59 Audio Dubbing Feature ......................................... 60 Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 62 Editing ................................................................... 63 Recording from an External Source ...................... 64 Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 66 Using the Camcorder as a Converter ................... 68 Camera Recording Card Recording .................................................... 70 Selecting the Picture Quality ................................. 71 Recording with the Self-timer ................................ 72 Formatting a Card ................................................. 73 Setting the File Numbering Method ...................... 74 Playback Card Playback ...................................................... 75 Playback Zoom with the Remote Control (Only supplied with VL-Z501D) .................................... 76 Delete Protection ................................................... 77 Deleting Stored Images ........................................ 78 Print Order ............................................................. 80 Transferring Data on Card to Computer ............... 82 Installing the USB Driver ................................... 82 Slide Show Playback ............................................ 85 Digital Still Camera Features Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 86 Turning off the Confirmation Sound ...................... 88 Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 89 Demonstration Mode ............................................ 90 Useful Information ................................................. 91 Troubleshooting .................................................... 97 Specifications ..................................................... 101 On-screen Display Index .................................... 102 Note: · Before requesting service, please read "Troubleshooting" carefully. (See pages 97­ 100.) iv Supplied Accessories Battery pack BT-L226 AC adapter Power cord Audio/video/S-video cable * * Remote control CR2025 type lithium battery for remote control CR1216 type lithium battery for camcorder Lens cap * 8 MB SD Memory Card CD-ROM USB cable The accessories with * mark are not supplied with VL-Z301D (only supplied with VL-Z501D). Optional Accessories Standard-life battery pack BT-L226 External battery with hand strap BT-LCA1 Note: · Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas. v Precautions · Before recording an important scene, please perform the recording test, then playback to check if the scene was recorded properly. If noise occurs, use a commercially available cleaning tape to clean the video heads (see page viii). · When the camcorder is not in use, remember to remove the cassette tape, turn off the power, and disconnect the camcorder from the power source. · Do not aim the lens at the sun. Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the camcorder lens, whether or not recording is in progress, as it may damage the CCD sensor. Be particularly careful when recording outside. · Avoid magnetic sources. Using the camcorder near strong fluorescent lights, motors, televisions, or other magnetic sources may adversely affect recorded images. · Using the camcorder near a broadcasting station or other powerful transmission source may cause buzzing or picture deterioration. · Avoid shocks and dropping. Do not drop or otherwise subject the camcorder to hard shocks or strong vibrations. Bumping or striking the unit during recording will generate noise in the recorded image. · Avoid placing the camcorder in close proximity to lighting equipment. The heat from incandescent lights may deform the camcorder, or cause it to malfunction. · Always respect prohibitions or restrictions on the use of electronic equipment on commercial flights or in other sensitive areas. · Be aware of the temperature and humidity. You can use your camcorder at 0°C to L40°C, and at 30% to 80% relative humidity. Do not store the unit in an unventilated car in the summer, in direct sunlight, or near strong heat sources; this can result in severe damage to the unit casing and circuitry. · Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or other foreign matter could get on or inside the camcorder, and do not use or leave your camcorder in areas with excessive smoke, steam or moisture. Such environments can cause malfunctions or cause mildew to form on the lenses. Be sure to keep the unit in a well-ventilated location. · Some small, portable tripods may be difficult to attach and may not be sturdy enough to support your camcorder. Be sure to use only a strong, stable tripod. · When using your camcorder in a cold environment, the LCD monitor screen often appears less bright immediately after the power is turned on. This is not a malfunction. To prevent the camcorder from becoming too cold, wrap it in a thick cloth (a blanket, etc.). vi Dew Formation · What is "dew formation"? When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew formation. · When dew forms in your camcorder. Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your camcorder and make the video tape stick to the head. This causes damage both to the head and the tape. When dew forms, recording and playback may not function properly. Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances: -- When moving the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place. -- When placing the camcorder in a cold room which is then heated rapidly. -- When moving the camcorder outdoors from an air conditioned room or car. -- When placing the camcorder in the direct path of air blowing from an air conditioner. -- When placing the camcorder in a humid room. · How to prevent trouble. When using the camcorder in a place where dew is likely to form, allow the camcorder and ...