Camcorder ncI! Owner's Manual
Operating Instructions Warranty Information
Please read completely before attempting to operate your new RCA product. Your Video Camcorder AC Adapter/Charger will operate on 120 volts, 50/60 Hz only and has a polarized plug Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits m the wall socket only one way Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord
Adapter/Charger with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be Inserted fully to prevent blade exposure MISE EN GARDE: Pour pr_vemr les chocs _lectnques. ne pas utlhser la fiche polans_e de cet appared _ AUT1ON: To prevent electric shock, do not use the polarized plug on this Video Camcorder or AC avec une rallonge, une prise de courant ou une autre sortie, a morns que les lames ne putssent _tre inser_es/t fond sans qu'aucune partte ne SOlt latssc3e h d_couvert CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover or back No user-servaceable parts are inside If you spill hquld on the Camcorder, disconnect the AC Adapter/Charger power cord to prevent possible fire or shock hazard and consult authorized service personnel Moisture can damage internal parts Refer all service to Authorized RCA Camcorder Servlcenter personnel only. CAUTION: Read "Important Safety Instructions below for AC Adapter/Charger'" before use CAUTION: Maintain electrical safety. Powerhne-operated eqmpment or accessories connected to this flint should bear the UL hstmg mark or CSA certification mark on the accessories themselves and should not have been modified so as to defeat the safety features. Tlus will help avoid any potential hazard from electric shock or fire If m doubt, contact qualified service personnel
your I WARNING: Toand preventAC Adapter/Chargerfire or shock hazard,to ram door notmoistureexpose Camcorder
An exclamation point /_ Theflash symbolwltlun ofa trianglea hghtnmgis //_ wtttun a mangle is intended to alert the user intended to alert the user to the presence of to the presence of unmsulated "'dangerous important operating and voltage" witlun the maintenance (service) product's enclosure and instructions in the which may be of sufficient literature accompanying magnitude to constitute a the product. risk of electric shock. Mail Your Enrollment Card Today Attach Your Sales Receipt Here and File at • An RCA Owner's Club Enrollment Card is packed with Home For Future Reference your camcorder. Please fill out the card and return it • To obtain warranty parts and service, you must show your immediately. sales receipt (or other evidence of purchase) to your • Your name then will be enrolled in the next drawing, Authorized RCA Servicenter. which takes place every three months. If your name is • Tape or staple your sales receipt to this manual so you drawn, you will be reimbursed for the full purchase price will have it handy should service ever be needed. Do not of your new RCA product (restricted to residents of USA mall your sales receipt to us. File it at home with your only). owner's manual for future reference. • Your prompt submission of this card confirms your right Record Vital Information Here to the protection available under the terms and conditions of the warranty and also allows us to contact you in the • No other camcorder has the same serial number as yours. unlikely issuance of a safety modification• You will find the serial number and the model number on • With your card on file, we can also help you in the event the bottom of your camcorder (and pre-printed on your of loss or theft by verifying your ownership. Enrollment Card). • If you did not receive an RCA Owner's Club Enrollment • Make sure you record both numbers below so that you Card, please contact your dealer. will have them in case your camcorder is stolen or in case you need a complete description for any other reason.
Model: CC285 Serial: Purchase Date:
Dealer Name/Address/Phone:
Safety Precautions ...... Inside Front Cover • Adjustable Time-Lapse Recordings ...... 29 Introduction ...... 2 • Animation Recording ...... 30 Features ...... 2-3 • Electronic Indexing ...... 31 • NORMAL/WIND MIC Switch ...... 31 Unpacking Your Camcorder ...... 4 * Editing Features Quick-Operation Steps ...... 5 • Flying Erase Head ...... 32 • Edit Search ...... 32 Location and Use of Controls ...... 6-13 • Synchro Edit ...... 33 Powering Camcorder • Audio Dubbing ...... 34 , • Using AC Adapter/Charger ...... 14 • Video Dubbing ...... 35 • Using Rechargeable Battery ...... 15-16 Quick-Reference Connection Diagrams ...... 36 • Using Optional DC Car Cord ...... 16 RCA Video Cassettes Recording From VCR or Monitor ...... 37 • Recording Times ...... 17 Playback Connections • Inserting/Removing Cassettes ...... 17 • Standard TV (without audio/video input jacks) ..... 38 • Erase Protection (Record-Protect Tab) ...... 17 • Video Monitor ...... 39 • Cassette Care and Storage ...... 17 • VCR ...... 39 Detailed Recording Steps ...... 18-19 Playback Instructions Recording Features • Playing Tapes Thru Viewfinder ...... 40 • Electronic Viewfinder ...... 20 • Playing Tapes Through TV or Video Monitor ...... 40 • Eyepiece Focus Control ...... 20 • Playing Tapes Through VCR on a TV or Monitor.. 41 • Displays in Viewfinder ...... 21 • Copying Tapes on a Home VCR ...... 41 • Date/Time Display ...... 22 Making Better Videos ...... 42 • Zooming ...... 23 Care and Maintenance ...... 43 • Quick Review ...... 23 Optional Accessories ...... 44-45 • Focusing Camcorder (Auto/Manual/Macro) ...... 24 • Adjusting AUTO IRIS ...... 25 • Accessory Order Form ...... 45 • Fading In and Out of Scenes ...... 25 Trouble Checks ...... 46-47 • DISPLAY Button ...... 26 Alphabetical Index ...... 48-49 • Tape Counter with Memory ...... 27 • Time-Remaining Display ...... 27 Specifications ...... Back Cover • Variable Shutter Speeds ...... 28 Limited Warranty ...... Back Cover • Self-Timer Recording ...... 29 Thank You For Choosing an RCA Camcorder. You have selected a precision- anticipate you will use it to operate engineered product designed to give your new camcorder. You'll find a you years of performance and simplified quick-operation guide on enjoyment. page 5 and a complete index in the back. Although your camcorder is very simple to use, it is important that you If you should experience a problem, read and carefully follow the always refer first to the trouble-checks instructions in this guide until you are section on pages 46 and 47. Many completely familiar with the proper times a simple solution is all that's operating procedures. This manual is needed, and it could save you a costly arranged in the order that we service call.
Camcorder Features make clean edits without "glitches" or High-Speed Shutter System the "rainbow noise" that occurs on Standard video cameras have a shutter Camcorder Convenience VCR's and camcorders without flying speed of 1/60 second. This RCA This lightweight, easy-to-use erase heads. camcorder has all the features of a camcorder has a variable-speed electronic shutter that allows you to deluxe video camera and the Video/Audio Dub convenience of the VHS format. Shoot Video and audio dubbing allow you increase the shutter speed to 1/500 or 1/1000. This lets you "freeze" fast- up to 2 hours and 40 minutes* of to simply and quickly insert new moving action when the tape is played video (with a T-160 tape), video, new audio, or new video and audio into existing tapes. (Some back in slow motion or stop action on Play your tapes back either in the eamcorders allow you to insert new a ¥CR with field-still or digital camcorder or in any VHS VCR. You video or audio, but not both.) The special effects. can also use the camcorder as a video combination of video/audio dubbing When you choose a high shutter player to play back rented or with the flying erase head gives you speed, you must consider the amount prerecorded video tapes on any TV. dean, "glitch free" edits. of light available (higher shutter *For extended recording, camcorder New video can be inserted from the speeds require more light). A flashing must be used with AC adapter or camcorder camera, or from another shutter speed display alerts you when additional optional batteries. VCR or camera. New andio can be more light is needed for the higher 6x Power Zoom Lens with Macro inserted from the camcorder's shutter speed. See page 45 for lighting accessories. The CC285 features a fast fl.2, 6x microphone, an optional external power zoom lens that allows you to microphone, or an external audio Constant Automatic White Balance smoothly zoom from wide-angle to device (such as a tape deck, CD Built-in circuitry continuously adjusts telephoto shots. You can use the player, etc.). for proper color balance, indoors or out. power zoom, or use the manual zoom Edit Search ring when you need fast zooms to Fade Button follow the action. Edit Search means that you can use the F.FWD, PEW, and PLAY buttons to Simply by pushing the FADE button, Optional wide-angle and telephoto precisely position the tape even while you can fade out of or into a scene. adapters (shown on page 44) are the camcorder is in the camera mode Provides professional-looking scene available to further increase either (ready to record). Since you can do transitions. Fades both video and wide-angle or telephoto range. this while the camcorder is in the audio. Built-in macro feature lets you shoot camera mode, without the tape Time-Lapse Recording dramatic close-ups (as close as 1/4"). unloading, it is possible to precisely Camcorder can be programmed to Great for nature photography and position the tape for the next scene- make a series of 1-sec. recordings that special effects. eliminating the "between-scene occur 30 see., 1 min., 2 min., or 5 glitches" that are common on rain. apart. When played back, this 1/2" Solid-State CCD Image Sensor camcorders without this feature. State-of-the-art Solid-State CCD has the effect of compressing time, or (Charged Coupled Device) chip "Synchro Edit" time lapse. Great for recording and converts the light into a video image Synchro edit allows your camcorder to examining slowly developing action. and produces pictures even in control a compatible VCR (one with a "Animation" Recording exceptionally low light levels. Provides Camera Pause Jack) while tapes are Camcorder can also make a series of sharp, vivid color pictures. being copied from the camcorder to "single shot" recordings. You can the VCR. The PAUSEbutton on the create animation-type or cartoon-type Flying Erase Head camcorder causes the VCR to start A separate erase head is mounted on effects by shooting an object, moving and stop recording. An optional it, shooting it again, etc. When played the spinning headwheel (hence the AVS010 synchro edit cable (shown on term "flying"). This allows you to back at normal speed, this has the page 44) is required. effect of animating the object you were shooting. Index Recording can be less stable, can cause picture You can purchase an optional DC Camcorder automatically records degradation, and can sometimes affect cord and power your camcorder from index marks at the beginning of new playback compatibility. your car's cigarette lighter socket. See recordings. These index marks can be The CC285 features a full-size 62mm pages 44 and 45 for optional accessories. recognized by VCR's which use the headwheel-just like those used in the VHS Index Search System, making it most expensive home VCR's. Optional Accessories easier to locate program segments for To further enhance your videos, a full playback. line of compatible accessories is Audio Features Electronic Viewfinder offered for your camcorder to increase Electronic viewfinder (EVF) displays Built-in Microphone with Wind Noise your creative range. Some optional in black and white exactly what will Filter accessories are shown on pages 44 and be recorded on the tape in color. Also The camcorder features a sensitive 45. allows you to instantly view (in B&W) built-in microphone to allow you to what you've shot. Adjustable diopter record sound as well as video. allows EVF focus to be changed What Your Camcorder Can Do A wind noise filter is included to cut without affecting lens focus. Permits For You down the rumbling background noise most users who wear glasses to Your RCA camcorder combines the remove them when watching the that can occur on windy days. viewfinder. features of a video camera and of a VHS compact VCR in one EVF On-Screen Displays Convenience Features lightweight, easy-to-use unit. As a Tape Counter: Tape counter with result, you now can do all of the Tally Light memory lets you locate specific parts following: of your tape. A red light on the front of the camcorder lets your subject know Produce professional videos. Battery Level: Lets you know the when you are recording. Helps to Your camcorder has all the features status of the battery's charge. eliminate videos that start with, "Is necessary to produce professional- Tape Remaining: Lets you know how that recording yet?". looking videos quickly and easily. many hours and minutes are left on Self-Timer • The power zoom lens lets you zoom your tape. The CC285 has a built-in self timer, in and out at the touch of a button. similar to a 35mm camera. The self Clock/Calendar: Allows you to record u The macro switch allows you to time and date on tape. Maintains timer delays the start of the recording focus as close as 1/4 inch from current time and date for for 10 seconds (so that you can get in your subject. the picture), and can be set to record approximately one year using backup • Choose automatic focus or manual battery (included). for 30 seconds, or continue recording until you stop it. focus when needed. Other displays include: RECORD, • Use automatic shutter speed or PAUSE, FFWD, REWIND, NO TAPE, and Earphone select one of the other faster speeds TAPE END warning. An earphone is supplied for monitoring the audio when you record to record your favorite outdoor Auto Focus or play back tapes in your camcorder. sporting event or fast-moving Sophisticated infrared system keeps family action. moving objects in focus, even in low Quick Review Choose automatic iris control or light. Automatically maintains a sharp Automatically backs up the tape, image-even during zooms. You can plays the last few seconds of video, manual control when you have an unusual lighting situation. also focus manually using the focus then recues the tape to the original ring. position. Good for refreshing your The FADE button lets you fade in Auto Iris memory of the last scene without and out of a scene. losing your place on the tape. To assure correct exposure, the Color balance is automatically camcorder automatically responds to Padded Shoulder Pad controlled indoors and out. The padded shoulder pad helps available light conditions and adjusts Check and review your recording the aperture accordingly. Manual stabilize the camcorder, giving you quickly and easily in the electronic override is provided to correct for smooth, professional-looking shots. view finder. unusual fighting conditions, such as Use your Camcorder on AC or DC backlighting. Play back your tapes on a standard TV (battery) power. or monitor. An AC adapter/charger and a Cables included with your camcorder rechargeable battery are packed with Video Features allow you to connect it to your TV or your camcorder. monitor and view your tapes. 62mm Full Size Headwheel • The AC adapter/charger lets you Make copies of your tapes to share. Many camcorders use a small 43mm power your camcorder from the headwheel (what the video heads are nearest AC outlet. Cables included in your camcorder attached to). These small headwheels allow you to connect it to your home are smaller and lighter than the • The rechargeable battery allows you VCR and copy your home videos. headwheels used in home VCR's, but to use your camcorder anywhere up to two hours. 3 • When you unpack the camcorder, make sure you remove all the accessories and information papers. • Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship or store your camcorder. Camcorder Model CC285 • The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any of the items are missing or appear damaged, contact your RCA dealer immediately.
/ I !1l i
AC Adapter/Charger Rechargeable 9.6-Volt Battery Earphone RF Output Adapter Stock # CPS09 Stock # BP96FL Stock # CRFO3O
Audio/Video Output Cable Shoulder Strap Transformer (300-to-75 ohm) Coaxial RF Cable Stock # 194128 Stock # 184449 Stock # AH055 Stock # 177233
Audio/Video Input Cable drugstores and camera Stock # VAA004 shops)
Installing Battery You may want to install the clock 2. Pull the tab to open the cover 3. Insert the clock battery battery immediately to prevent and expose the compartment. securely under the shoulders misplacing it. with the "+" terminal facing out (as illustrated inside the 1. Locate the CLOCK BATTERY Battery compartment on the back of Compartment -. battery cover). the camcorder. Pull Tab 4. Gently push the cover closed Down until it snaps into place. Instructions for setting the time and date are on page 22. You can 1 do that later if desired after you're more familiar with your camcorder.
CLOCK BATTERY ____q__/x__ Compartment Even if you've never used a video camera or camcorder before, you can probably get your camcorder up and running quickly by following the steps below. CAMERA/PLA YBA CK Switch
EJECT Button POWER Switch
Lens Cap on Lens Cap Snap
Attach 9.6-Volt Power Source ) Thumb Trigger (Press to start and stop i_cordlng) t Eyepiece Focus Control
AUTO IRIS Control
AUTOFOCUS Switch
Attach power source to Insert a cassette tape. 2. Move CAMERA/PLAYBACK camcorder (either adapter/charger 1. Press EJECT to open door. switch to PLAYBACK position. or battery). 2. Insert cassette as shown on 3. Press REW button to rewind A. Adapter/Charger: tape. 1. Attach adapter/charger to page 17. Insert cassette only 4. Press PLAY and watch the camcorder. (Instructions one way with record-protect viewfinder to review what was are on page 14.) tab facing up and the tape windows facing out. recorded. 2. Plug power cord into an Notes: AC outlet. 3. Gently close the cassette door with your hand. • To continue recording after your B. Charged Battery: review: press STOP, then move the 1. Charge the battery as Prepare camcorder to record. CA MERA / PLA YBA CK switch to described on page 15. A. Put the CAMERA/PLAYBACK CAMERA, and press the thumb Charging takes about two switch in the CAMERA trigger record button. hours the first time. position for recording. • Any material recorded on a cassette 2. Attach charged battery to tape will be automatically erased if camcorder. Instructions are B. Remove the lens cap and snap it on the lens cap snap you record over it. So if you don't on page 15. on the hand strap. want to keep what you just recorded, press REW to rewind the (_) Set controls to their automatic C. If image in viewfinder is out tape and then record over the positions. of focus, adjust the Eyepiece unwanted material. (The CAMERA/ A. Set the AUTOFOCUS switch to Focus Control. PLAYBACK switch must be in the A UTO. PLAYBACKposition to rewind the Start recording. tape.) B. Set the AUTO IRIS control to Press the thumb trigger record AUTO (top center "click" button to start and stop • After using your camcorder for the position). recording. You do not have to first time, be sure to read the rest hold the trigger to record. of the manual for full details of its (_) Turn on camcorder. special features, connection Slide the POWER switch to the (_) Review what you recorded. applications, accessories, and "on" position. The indicator proper care. labeled ON will light. I. Press the thumb trigger record button to stop recording. 5 Camcorder Operating Controls (_) Zoom Ring Lever • Make surd you don't obstruct and Their Functions • When you want to zoom in or this window when recording out of a scene without using with the camcorder in the Pages 6 thru 13 show you where the power zoom buttons Q_), AutoFocus mode. cameorder controls are located and you can grasp this lever and what they do. As you read the turn the zoom ring manually. ® PUSH/A UTO Focus Switch When this switch is depressed description of each control, find that • The macro button (_) is and held in, automatic focus is control on your own camcorder to located on the zoom ring lever. familiarize yourself with its location. activated and remains activated Use the macro button for until the switch is released. This close-up shots up to 1/4 inch is useful if you are shooting a (_) Accessory Shoe from your subject. This fitting is used to attach' a relatively static scene in MANUAL light or other lightweight video FOCUS and need to adjust for a Zoom Ring accessory to your camcorder. ® change in scene by using AUTO • You can adjust the zoom ring FOCUS quickly and momentarily. CAUTION: Do not use this manually by grasping the shoe to mount a light on the zoom ring lever and slowly @ A UTOFOCUS Switch (MAN/ camcorder. Excessive heat from a rotating the zoom ring with AUTO) light could damage the your fingers for wide-angle or • Set this switch to the AUTO camcorder's case. RCA light telephoto pictures. position when you want the #VDC050 (shown on page 45) is • Pressing the power zoom camcordec to focus for you specially designed to be used buttons (labeled W and T) automatically. with your camcorder. moves the zoom ring Set switch to the MAN automatically without you (manual) position when you Tally Light touching it. • This light will come on want to focus manually by whenever the camcorder is rotating the focus ring with ® Focus Ring your fingers. recording. • When the AUTOFOCUS switch • You will find it especially is in the MANUALposition, you When switch is in its MAN helpful during time-lapse and can grasp this ring and adjust (manual) position, you can self-timer recordings. focus as desired, also quickly change from Manual Focus to AutoFocus • When the AUTOFOCUS switch Microphone by pressing and holding the is in the AUTO position, the • The microphone picks up the PUSH]A UTO focUS switch. This camcorder automatically sound during a recording. is useful if you are shooting a rotates and adjusts the focus When an external microphone relatively non-moving scene in is connected to the MtC jack, ring for the best picture focus. Manual Focus and want to this built-in microphone is quickly and momentarily use muted. AutoFocus for a change in scene. The camcorder will (_ Power Zoom Buttons (W and /3 return to manual focus when • Press the button labeled W to you release the button. move the zoom lens in the Wide Angle direction. ® LellS _-('_ Eyepiece Focus Control • Press the button labeled T to Your carncorder is equipped with • Use this control to adjust the move the zoom lens in the an fl.2, 6:1 power zoom lens focus in the viewfinder. It's Telephoto (close-up) direction. which directs incoming light to easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on the viewfinder • The zoom buttons are easily the solid-state CCD image on-screen displays (such as the controlled by your index and sensor. The image sensor converts the optical image to a date, battery level, etc.). middle fingers when you grasp video signal. the camcorder properly using • These adjustments will not affect the focus of the image the hand strap. Auto Focus Window ® recorded by the camcorder. • When the camcorder is in the Button Zoom (_) Macro (on Ring AutoFocus mode (A trrOFOCUS • This control permits most Lever) switch in AUTO position), this users who wear glasses to • This button lets you take shots window transmits and receives remove them while focusing as close as 1/4 inch from your infrared light which is the camcorder. subject. reflected off the subject. This • First push in and hold the allows the camera to focus macro button while rotating itself automatically as the the zoom ring (_) to the distance between the lens and MACRO position. Then slowly the subject changes. rotate the zoom ring until the object is in sharp focus. Accessory Shoe
) Tally Light BATTERY Eject Lever Microphone
(_ Power Zoom Buttons (W and T)
(_ Macro Button
(on Zoom Ring Lever)_ (_ Zoom Ring
Q Zoom RIn!
, Electronic (_Focus Viewflnder (EVF)
Q Lens (1_ Eyepiece Focus Control
Auto Focus Window PUSH/AUTO AUTOFOCUS (MAN/AUTO) Switch Focus Switch
@ Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) I_ BA TTERY Eject Lever • The viewfinder displays what Slide this lever to release the the camcorder lens sees so you battery or the AC adapter/ know what you're recording. charger from the camcorder. • It also functions as a convenient black-and-white monitor during playback of recorded video. Switch (1@SELF TIMER Button @ DATE/ TIME Button (_ SHUTTER Speed • This button lets you time- • Press this button to display • The shutter speed is delay the start of a recording the date and clock in the automatically set at the by about 10 seconds so you viewfinder. normal shutter speed of 1/60 whenever the camcorder's can join the picture without • Whenever the date and time power is turned on. being seen walking into it. appear in the viewfinder, they • Details are on page 29. will be recorded on the tape. • Slide the SHUTTER speed switch to the right once to • Details are on page 22. (1([email protected] Y Button select a shutter speed of • Pressing this button brings the 1/500. @ FADE Button status indicators and displays • During recording you can add • Slide the SHUTTER speed to the screen in the viewfinder. a professional touch to your switch to the right a second • Press D1SPLAY once to bring recordings by fading in and time to select a shutter speed the Battery Level and Tape out of scenes. of 1/ 1000. Counter displays to the • Details for using this button viewfinder. Slide the SHUTTER speed are on page 25. switch to the fight a third time to return to the normal shutter • Press DISPLAY again to add • When you use the FADE the memory feature to the button to fade in and out, the speed of 1/60. Tape Counter. sound will also fade in and Higher shutter speeds are • Press DISPLAY again to change out with the picture. displayed in the electronic the Tape-Counter display to viewfinder. No shutter speed UTO IRIS Control the Time-Remaining Display. @.4 indicator appears when the With this control in the center • Press D1SPLAY again to remove normal (1/60) speed is "click" position, the selected. the displays. camcorder automatically • Details on using each display adjusts the lens opening for • If you need more light, the are on pages 26 and 27. the best picture. shutter speed indicator in the viewfinder will flash. The lens iris opening can also RESET/T-160 Button be manually adjusted to • Details are on page 28. • When the tape counter is compensate for these unusual Note: The higher the shutter displayed in the viewfinder, hghting situations: pressing this button resets the speed, the less blurred fast- counter to "0000". 1. When the subject is in moving recorded action will bright light and the appear during slow-motion • When the time-remaining background is dark, turn and stop-action. Also, more read-out is displayed, pressing this control counterclockwise light is required for higher this button changes the display to close the lens iris shutter speeds. for extended length T-160 opening. tapes. 2_ TIME LAPSE Button 2. When the background is in • The indicator next to the • This button allows time lapse bright light and the subject and animation recording. T-160 button will fight. appears too dark, adjust the • Details are on page 27. control clockwise to open • Details are on pages 29 and the lens iris. 30. I(I_ REVIEW Button • Press this button while the • Details are on page 25. camcorder is in the Record/ Pause mode to view the last few seconds of a completed recording segment.
(_) Date and CLOCK Set Buttons (SELECT and ADVANCE) • These buttons are used to set the clock (time and date) in your camcorder so it can be recorded on your tapes for future reference. • Details are on page 22. TIME LAPSE Button
SHUTTER Speed Switch
SELF TIMER Button
DISPLAY Button
RESET/To160 Button
REVIEW Button
(_ Date and CLOCK (SELECT/ ADVANCE) Buttons
"_ DATE/TIME Button
FADE Button
AUTO IRIS Control @MIC (External Microphone POWER switch. This will 3_ CLOCK BATTERY Jack) conserve your battery power if Compartment • If you want to use an optional you are using the battery. • After the clock battery is external microphone during installed here as described on recording, plug it into this _) Cassette Door page 22, you can set the jack. • This door opens so you can correct date and time in the insert and remove cassette camcorder's viewfinder • When an external microphone tapes. The camcorder must be display. is connected to this jack, the connected to a power source • The camcorder will built-in microphone is shut off before the door will open. automatically. automatically keep track of To open the cassette door, the correct day and time for 2(2(2_MIC Switch (WIND/NORMA L) first attach the AC adapter/ approximately one year. • This switch is used to reduce charger or a charged battery • Details are on page 22. wind noise that may be picked to the camcorder. Then press up by the microphone. the EJECT button _ on the 3_ A V OUT Connector (Audio/ • For normal use, place the top control panel, insert a Video Output) switch in the NORMAL VHS cassette, and gently dose • Use this connector when you the door by hand. position. want to send signals out from the camcorder and into either Important Notes: • Place the switch in the WIND a TV or a VCR. • Insert a tape cassette only one position if you are recording • Connection instructions are on outside on a windy day. way as shown below: with record-protect tab facing up pages 36, 38, and 39. (_) Hand Strap with Lens Cap Snap and tape windows facing out. • This strap is designed to (_) DC Power Jack (DC IN 9.61I) provide comfort and ease of Record-Protect • This jack lets you operate your operation while using the Tab camcorder from the cigarette camcorder. lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV (using the optional • Place the lens cover on the DCC096 power cord). lens cap snap to keep it out of the way while recording. • When your right hand is properly inserted through the strap, your fingers can easily control the Power Zoom buttons (_) and the Record Start/Stop thumb trigger _. • The strap is adjustable for a personalized fit. Tape Windows Thumb Trigger (Record Start/ Stop Button) • When the CAMERA/PLAYBACK NEVER attempt to force open switch _ is in the CAMERA the cassette door. If the position, press this thumb battery reaches its empty level trigger to start and stop during recording, the recording. camcorder will shut off. • You do not have to hold the Normally there will be enough thumb trigger to record. Just power left in the battery to press it once and release it. eject the tape. If not, simply The camcorder will continue recharge the battery or power to record until you press the your camcorder with the AC trigger again. adapter/charger before attempting to eject the tape. • When you press the trigger to stop recording, the camcorder will enter the Record/Pause mode. If you do not plan to start recording again soon, you may want to turn off the camcorder by sliding the
10 MIC(ExternalMIcrophone Jack)
9o6-volt DC Power Jack
MIC Switch WIND/NORMAL)
Hand Strap AV OUT with Lens Connector Cap Snap (Audio/Video Output Connection) CLOCK BA TTERY Thumb Trigger Compartment (Record Start/Stop Button)
Cassette Door
1! POWER Switch playback speed. This is handy @ EAR (Earphone) Jack • This switch turns the after you've scanned • You can plug the supplied camcorder's power on and off. backwards to review parts of a earphone into this jack for The ON indicator _ will light recent recording. private hstening during when the camcorder is on. recording or playback. (_ STOP Button FT_ • To conserve battery power, VIDEO DUB Button you may want to turn off • Press the STOP button to stop the camcorder when it's • This button is used to record power between long breaks in new video in place of existing recording. playing back a tape, rewinding, or fast forwarding. video without erasing the audio. (_) Power ON Indicator (Also Dew • This button has no effect Indicator) during recording. To stop • Details are on page 35. • This indicator hghts whenever recording, press the thumb AUDIO DUB Button the camcorder is turned on. trigger _ or press P.4USE • This button is used to record • The indicator will flash if button @. new audio in place of existing there is excessive moisture audio without erasing the (dew) inside your camcorder. PA USE Button • Press this button when the video. An internal protection feature will prevent the camcorder camcorder is playing back a • Details are on page 34. from operating until the tape to display a stop-action "still" picture. To return to F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button moisture is gone. Leave the @ normal play, press PAUSE • When the CAMERA/pLAYBACK power on and when the fight again. switch is in the PLAYBACK stops flashing, the camcorder position and the camcorder is can be operated. • Press this button when the camcorder is recording to stopped, pressing F.FWD will quickly advance (fast forward) (_ EJECT Button pause the recording. the tape. No picture will • Press this button to open the • Pause is designed for appear in the viewfinder. cassette door for tape insertion momentary interruptions and or removal. should not be used for an • If you press and hold the F.FWD button when the • The camcorder must be extended period of time. If the camcorder remains in the camcorder is playing a tape, attached to a power source you'll be able to visually scan (battery or AC adapter/ pause mode for more than five the tape in fast motion. To charger) to open the door. minutes, the camcorder will return to normal playback, automatically move the tape release the F.FWD button. away from the spinning heads to prevent excessive tape wear. • You can also visually scan forward when the camcorder is TRACKING Con_ol in Record/Pause mode by • You will normally only use the pressing and holding F.FWD. TRACKING control if you play tapes in your camcorder that @ REW (Rewind) Button were recorded on another • When tile CAMERA/PLAYBACK VCR. switch is in the PLAYBACK position and the carncorder is • If you play a tape that was stopped, pressing REW will not recorded on your rewind the tape. No picture camcorder, streaks may appear if the recorded tracks on the will appear in the viewfinder. tape don't align precisely with • If you press and hold the PEW button when the camcorder is 3(3_ PLA Y Button the playback heads. To remove • To play back recorded the streaks and align the heads playing a tape, you'll be able material, first slide the with the tape tracks, slowly to visually scan the tape in CAMERA/PI_ YBACK switch to turn the TRACKING control in reverse fast motion. To return the PL,4YBACK position, and either direction until the to normal playback, release then press REW to rewind the streaks disappear. the REW button. tape. Press PLAY to start • The TRACKINGcontrol will • You can also visually scan playback. have to be adjusted back to its backwards when the • When the CAMERA/PLA YB.,ICK original position when you camcorder is in Record/Pause switch is in the CAMERA play your regular home- mode by pressing and holding position and the camcorder is recorded tapes again. REW. This lets you "back up" in the Record/Pause mode, • The TRACKINGcontrol has no the tape so that you can start pressing and holding PLAY will a new scene without a "gap" effect during recording. play the tape at normal in the tape.
12 POWER Switch
Power ON Indicator (Also Dew Indicator)
EJECT Button
PLAY Button STOP Button
PAUSE BuUon TRACKING Control
POWER-- ",=CAMERA EJECT REW PLAY F.FWD PAUSE AUDIO VIDEO TRACKING
PLAYBACKP
EAR (Earphone) Jack CAMERA/PLAYBAI Switch VIDEO DUB Button
4(_ REW Button --@ AUDIO DUB Button (Rewind)
4(4_ F.FWD (Fast Forward)
AV IN Jack
(_ CAMERA/PLA YBA CK Switch • When you slide this switch to (4(4@A V IN Jack • Because your camcorder is the CAMERA position, the • Use this connector jack when both a camera and a portable camcorder prepares itself for you want to send signals from VCR, it performs two recording and enters the another device into your completely separate groups of record/pause mode. camcorder for recording. functions. This switch tells the • When you slide this switch to • You will be able to record camcorder when you want to from a TV monitor, VCR, or record (with the camera the PLAYBACK position, the another camcorder. functions) and when you want camcorder prepares itself to Connection instructions are on to play back tapes (with the playback tapes using the VCR VCR functions). functions. pages 36 and 37.
13 How To Power Your Camcorder
You can power your camcorder three different ways:
A. C.
AC Adapter/Charger Rechargeable Battery Optional DC Car Cord
• The adapter/charger connects to • The rechargeable 9.6-volt battery • The optional DC car cord lets the camcorder and plugs into a lets you record outdoors or you power the camcorder from wall outlet. It lets you power the anytime you're away from the cigarette fighter socket of a camcorder off normal household electrical outlets. car, truck, or RV. power (120 volts AC, 50/60 Hz). • The supplied battery can be • You can also use the DC car CAUTION: If you wish to operate the charged and then connected to cord to connect your camcorder AC adapter/charger on a power source the camcorder for portable use to a long-play battery. other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, use indoors or outdoors. only a transformer-type power converter. • The DCC096 is specially Do not use "solid-state" or "switching- designed to convert 12-volts to type" power converters. They will 9.6-volts. damage your AC adapter/charger. An optional CPS08 adapter/charger may be purchased from your RCA dealer. The CPS08 is designed for use on 100- 240 volts, 50/60 Hz. See pages 44-45 for optional accessories.
Ao Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
Attaching Adapter/Charger to BATTERY Eject Lever POWER Indicator Camcorder 1. Align the reference arrow on the adapter/charger with the arrow on the back of the camcorder. 2. While holding the adapter/ charger flush against the back of the camcorder, slide it down in the direction of the arrow as shown. 3. Plug the adapter/charger into the nearest AC outlet (120V, 50/60 Hz). 4. If the adapter/charger is properly connected, its POWER indicator should light. 5. To remove the adapter/charger, first unplug it from the wall outlet. Then slide and hold the BATTERY Eject Lever while To AC sliding the adapter/charger up 120V, 50/60 Hz and off the camcorder.
14 B. Using Battery to Power Your Camcorder
-Charging The Battery -Attaching Charged Battery-- You will have to charge the battery 4. Remove the battery from the to Camcorder before you use it the first time. adapter/charger by sliding the Initial charging will take battery up and off. approximately two hours. When 5. Attach the charged battery to BATTERY Eject fully charged, the battery should the camcorder as shown Lever supply about two hours of below. operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). Notes: • CAUTION: If you wish to Charge Indicator operate the AC adapter/charger on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, use only a transformer-type power converter. Do not use "solid-state" or "switching-type" power converters. They will damage your AC adapter/charger. An Re_hargeable optional CPS08 adapter/charger may be purchased from your RCA dealer. The CPS08 is 1. Align the reference arrow on designed for use on 100-240 the battery with the arrow on the back of the camcorder. volts, 50/60 Hz. See pages 44-45 for optional accessories. 2. I]v/ To AC Wall Outlet Push the battery flush against • Recharging takes approximately the camcorder and slide it _/ 120V, 50/60Hz two hours depending on the downward as shown. battery's condition. After l. Attach the battery to the repeated charging and use, 3. Slide the camcorder's POWER adapter/charger as shown operation time will gradually switch to the on position. If above. Align the reference decrease. When operation time the battery is properly arrow on the battery with the becomes too short to be useful, arrow on the back of the it's time to replace the battery. connected, the ON indicator will light. adapter/charger. Then push • You cannot charge the battery the battery flush with the and operate the camcorder from 4. To remove the battery, slide adapter/charger and slide it the adapter/charger at the same and hold the BATTERY Eject downward. time. Remove the adapter/ Lever while sliding the battery Note: You must remove the charger from the camcorder to up and off. adapter/charger from the charge the battery. camcorder to charge the battery. • When a battery (which has become very hot) is attached to CAUTION: When a battery is the AC adapter/charger, the attached to the adapter/ power indicator on the AC charger, do not turn them adapter/charger flashes. If this upside down. The battery may happens, unplug the AC fall off and be damaged or adapter/charger from the AC cause injury. wall outlet for approximately ten 2. Plug the adapter/charger into seconds. After that period the the nearest AC outlet (120V, power cord may be plugged back 50/60 Hz). into the AC outlet. Attaching an 3. The Charge Indicator will extremely hot battery to the AC light while the battery is being adapter/charger is not charged. When the light goes recommended; it should be out, the battery is fully allowed to cool down before charged. being attached.
15 Checking Battery Power When you are using a battery to recording because it will not be power your camcorder, you can see recorded on the tape. To remove how much battery power is left by the indicator, repeatedly press the checking the Battery Level DISPLAY button until it disappears. Indicator (E---F) in the viewfinder. • When the battery is fully charged, the display reads "E---F". • After several minutes only two dashes appear. • When the battery is nearly empty, only one dash remains. • When the last dash starts Pressing the D1SPLAY button on the flashing, you should find an side of the camcorder will display alternative power source or the Battery Level Indicator. If recharge the battery before desired, you can keep this indicator continuing to use your in the viewfinder while you are camcorder.
-C. Using the Optional DC Car Cord to Power Your Camcorder
To power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV, you will need the optional car cord (model DCC096). Car cord DCC096 is especially designed to convert power from a 12-volt car battery to the 9.6-volt input jack on the camcorder. Important: Do not use RCA car cord DCC012 with your camcorder. The DCC012 is not capable of converting 12-volts to 9.6-volts and will damage your camcorder. Attaching Car Cord
Cigarette 1. Remove the adapter/charger Lighter Socket or battery from the camcorder if either is connected. 2. Connect the small plug on the Car Cord to the DC IN jack located on the back of the camcorder. 3. Insert the other end of the car cord into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. 4. Slide the camcorder's POWER switch to its on position. If the car cord is properly connected, the POWER ON indicator should Optional DC light. Car Cord Note: Your car does not have to (DCC096) be turned on for the camcorder to operate.
DC IN Jack (9.6 volts) -Video Cassettes - Inserting/Removing Cassettes We recommend that RCA cassettes be used with your camcorder. The 1. Attach power source to tape in these cassettes is of high- camcorder (either the AC quality formulation. It has been Adapter/Charger or a charged manufactured to our critical battery). specifications for excellent 2. Press EJECT button. performance. Use of tape not meeting these specifications could considerably reduce the 3. Insert or remove cassette. performance of your camcorder. CAUTION: Insert cassette Use of poor quality tapes or tapes only one way with record- that have been damaged or protect tab facing up and tape mishandled can contaminate the windows facing out. Tape video heads, resulting in a snowy should fit easily in picture or no picture at all during compartment. Do Not Force. playback. Because there is no Check position if insertion is control over the type of tape not easy. purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance. 4. Gently close cassette Playing a new RCA tape for compartment with your hand. approximately 30 minutes will often satisfactorily clean the heads and improve your picture. If a snowy picture or no-picture condition persists, consider the use of a chemical non-abrasive head cleaning tape (RCA Stock No. AV009W) available from your , Erase Protection dealer or many electronic supply Cassette Care and Storage-- stores. Be sure to follow the You can use your video cassettes Follow these directions for directions with the head cleaning over and over again. To erase a continued high-quality performance kit carefully. Improper use of a previous recording, just record from your cassettes. head cleaner may damage your over it. camcorder. • When you are finished with a To prevent erasing a recording cassette, rewind it and remove it you want to keep, remove the from the camcorder. record-protect tab from the back Store cassettes vertically in their of the cassette as shown below. tO protective boxes at normal room Recording is impossible when temperatures. Avoid extreme this tab is removed. heat and humidity. Extreme heat To record again on a cassette can warp the cassette or cause that has the tab removed, simply the tape to stretch excessively. cover the hole with vinyl tape as Keep away from strong magnetic shown. fields such as electric motors and other devices.
Recording Time Be especially careful to keep dust from entering the cassette The camcorder records and plays compartment. All dust is back in VHS standard speed (SP). abrasive and it will cause Listed below are the maximum SP excessive wear of both the tape recording times for popular and the camcorder's recording/ VHS cassettes. playback heads.
T-60 60 Min. To prevent To record again, T-120 2 Hrs. accidental cover the hole erasure, break with vinyl tape, T-160 2 Hrs., 40 Min. the tab.
17 How To Record With Your Camcorder
Use the following steps to make a recording using the automatic control settings. See the individual control features on the following pages for manual operation.
Attach Power Supply Adapter/Charger,
) Power Zoom Buttons
Lens Cap on Lens Cap Snap
Record Start/Stop Button (Thumb Trigger)
' POWER Switch 'EJECT Button
CAMERA/PLA YBACK Switch
) Eyepiece Focus Control
REWEWButton
FADE Button
i AUTO IRIS Control
AUTOFOCUS Switch
18 Attach power source to Once you've started recording, (_) To rewind and review recording: eamcorder. you can pause recording by 1. Press the thumb trigger (or Detailed instructions for either pressing the thumb PAUSE) to stop recording. attaching the adapter/charger, trigger again or by pressing 2. Move CAMERA/PLAYBACK battery, or optional DC car cord the PAUSE button. To resume switch to PLAYBACKposition. are on pages 14-16. recording, press PAUSE again 3. Press REW (Rewind) to rewind or press the trigger again. tape. their Note: If the camcorder is Set controls to automatic 4. Press STOP to stop rewinding. positions. connected to a TV, you can A. Set the AUTOFOCUSswitch to also watch what the camcorder 5. Press PLAY arid watch the AUTO. is recording and playing back viewfinder to review what was on the TV screen. Connection recorded. B. Set the AUTO IP,IS control to instructions are on pages 36, Note: If the camcorder is AUTO (top center "chck" 38, and 39. position). connected to a TV, you can also watch what the camcorder is recording and (_) Zoom in and out as desired. Turn on camcorder. playing back on the TV Slide the POWER switch to the • Press "T" to zoom in. screen. Connection "on" position. The indicator • Press "W" to zoom out. instructions are on pages 36, labeled "'ON" will light. 3g and 39.
Fade in and out as desired. Insert a cassette tape. * To fade in, hold FADE button (_) To complete recording: I. Press EJECT to open door. and press thumb trigger to • Press the thumb trigger to 2. Insert cassette as shown on start recording. Then release pause recording (or if FADE button after a few page 17. Insert cassette only camcorder is playing back seconds. your tape, press STOP). one way with record-protect tab facing up and the tape o To fade out, bold FADE button • Put CAMERA/PLAYBACK switch windows facing out. and press thumb trigger to in PLAYBACK position. stop recording. After recording 3. Gently close the cassette door • Press REWIND to rewind tape. stops, release FADE button. with. your hand. • Press EJECT to eject tape. Remove tape and gently close To quick-review recording: the door with your hand. (_) Prepare camcorder to record. • You can review the last few A. Put the CAMERA/PLAYBACK • Slide POWER switch to turn off seconds of recorded material switch in the CAMERA camcorder. Power light will go by pressing the REVIEW button out. position for recording. while the camcorder is in the B. Remove the lens cap, and pause mode. Remember:. All of your camcorder's snap it on the lens cap snap. • After your review, press the special recording features are thumb trigger (or PAUSE) to described on the following pages. continue recording. These will give you detailed Select your scene. information about using each of your Put your eye to the viewfinder. camcorder's recording displays and Remember to adjust the eyepiece special functions. focus control for your vision.
To start and pause recording: • Press the record start/stop button (thumb trigger) to start recording. You do not have to hold the trigger to record.
19 Using Your Camcorder's Recording Features The steps listed on pages 18 and 19 give you the basics of recording. You should also get to know the camcorder's special recording features that will help you make professional- looking recordings. These features can help you shoot like a pro-even if you've never used a video camera or recorder before.
-Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) Eyepiece Focus Control The camcorder's electronic viewfinder is a miniature black- and-white monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder "_ when recording. The viewfinder can also be used for viewing tape playback as described on page 40.
• The Eyepiece Focus Control lets you set the focus of the viewfinder for your personal Tilt Adjustment vision. For convenient viewing, the viewfinder can be tilted about 90 If you wear eyeglasses, you can probably operate the camcorder degrees up and 45 degrees down. without them if desired. Remove your eyeglasses and look through the viewfinder while adjusting ! the Eyepiece Focus Control. It's easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on one of the viewfinder's on-screen displays (such as the date or battery Adjusting for Right or Left Eye level). The viewfinder also slides out from • The Eyepiece Focus Control the camcorder so you can view it does not affect the focus of the with either your right or left eye. image actually recorded by your To use your left eye, simply pull camcorder. the. viewfinder out from the camcorder. You can reverse the rubber eyecup when using the viewfinder with your left eye. Simply remove it and turn it upside down.
ZO Displays In Vlewflnder Shutter Speed O Audio/Video Dubbing Display J -- Displays and Index Display
"S:1/1000 INDEX / A/V DUB INTERVAL 0:30 " .----_ Interval Display for Time-Lapse Recordln9
-E---F IO:30AN O000N REC 8/20/89" ------_ Dele end Time Display
r Level Indicator Cemcorder Status Display Time-Remaining Display
O Audio/Video Dubbing Displays • STANDBY may appear briefly • Slide the SHUTTERspeed and Index Display when eamcorder is preparing switch to the right a second • Appear during dubbing to let itself to record. time to select a shutter speed you know the original audio of !/1000. and/or video tracks are being Tape Counter (with Memory) and ® • Slide the SHUTTER speed erased and replaced. Details Time-Remaining Display are on pages 34 and 35. • When you press the DISPLAY switch to the right a third time to return to the normal shutter • T_le word INDEX also appears button once, the Tape Counter speed (1/60). here during indexing. Details appears under the Battery are on page 31. Level Indicator. Pressing • When you select a shutter DISPLAy again adds the speed of 1/500 or 1/1000, it O Interval Display for Time-Lapse memory feature to the Tape will be displayed in the Counter. Recording viewflnder. No shutter speed • This display is controlled by • To see the Time-Remaining appears when the normal the TIME LAPSE button which display, press the DISPLAY speed of 1/60 is being used. allows intermittent recording. button again. • Higher shutter speeds require • Complete information is on • Pressing DISPLAY a fourth more light. The shutter speed pages 29 and 30. time removes the displays. display will flash when you need more light. Q Date and Time Display • Details about using the Tape n Press the DATE/TIME button Counter and Memory are on • Details are on page 28. to bring this display to the page 27. Notes: viewfinder. • Details about using the Time- A flashing "'TAPE" display appears • Whenever the date and/or Remaining display are on briefly in the viewfinder when: time is displayed in the page 27. • There is no cassette in the viewfinder, it will be recorded eamcorder and you put the on your tape. ® Battery Level Indicator CAMERA/PLA YBACK switch in • The battery indicator appears the CAMERA position or press the • Detailed information is on when the DISPLAY button is thumb trigger to begin recording. page 22. pressed. It lets you know when your battery needs to be • The record-protect tab has been Camcorder Status Display recharged. removed from the cassette and you • One of the following displays • Details are on page 15. press the thumb trigger to begin will appear here to let you recording. know what the camcorder is doing. ® Shutter Speed Display A flashing "'TAPE END" display • This display is controlled by appears briefly in the viewflnder • REC appears when the the SHUTTER speed switch. when: camcorder is recording. € The speed is automatically set • There is less than five minutes • FAST FWD appears when the to normal (1/60) whenever the recording time left on the cassette. tape is fast forwarding. camcorder is turned on. • When the end of the cassette is • REWIND appears when the • Slide the SHUTTER speed reached during recording. tape is rewinding. switch to the fight once to • When you press the thumb trigger • PAUSE appears when either the select a shutter speed of to record and have reached the end 1/500. thumb trigger (or PAUSE of the cassette. button) is pressed to stop recording. 21 Installing Battery for Time/Date Display
1. Locate the CLOCK BATTERY Battery compartment on the back of Comparbnent the camcorder. - 2. Pull the tab to open the cover and expose the compartment. 3. Insert the clock battery
securely under the shoulders Compartment with the "+" terminal facing W," out (as illustrated inside the Battery Type: 3-Volt Micro battery cover). Lithium Cell (such as 4. Gently push the cover closed Maxell # CR202S available from most Iocst din9 stores until it snaps into place. and camera shops)
Setting Time/Date Display in Viewfinder
The time and/or date can be 6. A flashing cursor lets you Notes: recorded on your tape to act as a know which part of the • To correct a part of the display, handy reference for later viewing. display you're setting. press the SELECT button until Whenever the time and/or date Repeatedly press the ADVANCE the incorrect digit is flashing. button until the correct month appears in the viewfinder, it will be Then use the ADVANCEbutton to recorded on the tape. You can appears. enter the correct digit. choose to record only the date, both date and time, or neither. Remember: If you see the date Follow the steps below to set the and/or time in the viewfinder while correct time and date. you are recording a scene, it will be I. Install the battery as described recorded onto your tape. If you do above. xl,2j:00AM not want the date and/or time - I -/I/89 2. Locate the DATE/TIME and gl% recorded, repeatedly press the CLOCK (SELECT and ADVANCE) DATE/TIME button until they buttons located on the side of 7. Then press SELECT. The disappear from the viewfinder. the camcorder. cursor will move to the next part of the display.
DATE/TIME CLOCK o ) SELECT ADVANCE
One Time Clock and Date 3. Slide POWER switch to turn on Two Times Date Only camcorder. Three Times No Display 4. Slide CAMERA/PLAYBACK 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to set Returns to C_ock and switch to CAMERA position. the correct day, year, hour, Four Times Date 5. If the date and time display minute, and AM/PM. does not automatically appear 9. After setting AM or PM, press in the viewfinder, press the the SELECT button again to DATE/TIME button on the side erase the flashing cursor and of the camcorder. start the internal clock.
1.2 - Zooming
Using Power Zoom Buttons Using Zoom Ring Manually The zoom buttons are easily When you want to zoom in or out Zoom Buttons controlled by your index and of a scene without using the Power T = Telephoto middle fingers when you grasp the Zoom buttons, you can turn the W = Wide Angle camcorder properly through the Zoom Ring manually with your hand strap. fingers. This lets you control the speed of the zoom.
• Press the button labeled "T" to move the lens in the "telephoto" (close-up) direction. The 6: l motorized zoom lens • Press "W" to move the lens in allows you to zoom in and out for the "wide angle" direction. close-ups or wide-angle shots just by pressing one of the Power Zoom fingertip controls.
- Quick Review
During a recording session (when Most importantly, Quick Review the camcorder is in the Record/ returns the tape to its previous Pause mode), you can review the point after reviewing a scene. As a last few seconds of a taped scene result, you can use this feature and by pressing the REVIEW button and then start recording again without watching the viewfinder. creating a "gap" or picture break- up between taped segments.
REVIEW
REVIEW Button Quick Review helps you recall the last scene you recorded on a tape and lets you set up the next scene. After quick review playback, the camcorder returns to the Record/ Pause mode.
/3 Focusing Your Camcorder - Auto Focus -Manual Focus - Macro Focus The macro focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 1/4 inch from your subject.
Macro Button
Zoom Ring
AUTOFOCUS Switch Auto FOCUS Window PUSH/AUTO FOCus Switch PUSH/AUTO FOCUs Switch
If you want the camcorder to focus If you do not want the camcorder for you automatically, slide the to focus for you automatically, Zoom Fling AUTOFOCUS Switch AUTOFOCUS switch to the AUTO shde the AUTOFOCUS switch to the position. MAN (manual) position. You can then adjust the focus as desired by l. Slide the AUTOFOCUSswitch The camcorder's auto-focus system turning the Focus Ring with your sends out an infrared light beam to the MAN (manual) position. fingers. and automatically focuses on the 2, Press in and hold the Macro nearest object that reflects this light. Take care not to block the (czs: Button (on Zoom Ring Lever) camcorder's Auto Focus Window while rotating the Zoom Ring to the MACRO position. (You'll while recording with the auto-focus PUSH/AUTO MAN- *AUTO see the word MACRO on the feature. zoom ring scale. Make it align If any of the following conditions with the white line.) exist, you may need to switch off the auto-focus system and focus recording, zoom in on 3. Release the Macro Button manually by turning the focus ring. O Beforeyour subjectyou startand adjust after the Zoom Ring is in the To switch off auto-focus, slide the the Focus Ring so that a MACRO position. AUTOFOCUS switch to the MAN sharp, clear picture is (manual) position. displayed in the viewfinder. (You 4. Slowly rotate the Zoom Ring can zoom in on your subject by with your fingers until you get • Sloping or inclined surfaces may holding the Power Zoom button a sharp picture. not be focused because the labeled "T".) By using this reflected light will not be procedure for manual focus, the Notes: returned to the auto-focus camcorder will maintain proper • Zooming is not possible when in window. focus throughout the zoom range. Macro Focus. To change the size • When shooting through a of the subject, move the lens closer or further away from it. window, the auto-focus system You can also quickly and may focus on the window glass momentarily switch from MANUAL • The Focus Ring has no effect in instead of your subject. to AUTO focus by pushing the Macro Focus. • Dark objects, such as a subject's PUSH/AUTO focus switch in while clothing, may absorb the the AUTOFOCUS switch is in the infrare_t light. Manual focus may MANUAL position. When the switch be required. is pressed in and held, automatic focus is activated and remains • Auto focus may not be able to activated until the switch is work reliably on subjects more released. This is useful if you are than approximately 35 feet away from the camcorder. shooting a relatively static scene in MANUAL focUS and need to quickly • When using the optional wide- and momentarily use AUTO focus to angle or telephoto lens adapters, adjust for a change in scene. turn off the auto-focus system and focus manually. It is not possible to use autofocus when these adapters are being used.
24 -Adjusting A UTO IRIS For Unusual Lighting
AUTO IRIS AUTO IRIS
CLOSE OPEN CLOSE OPEN CLOSE OPEN With the IRIS control in the AUTO Moving the AUTo IRIS control • Slowly moving the AUTo lSlS (center "click") position, your toward the o/,g,v position (right) control toward the CLOSE camcorder electronically senses the allows more light to enter the position (left) allows less light to available light in a scene and eamcorder. Try this position, enter the camcorder, Try moving automatically opens or doses the when the background is bright the knob in this direction when lens iris for the best possible but your subject appears too your subject appears too bright. picture. dark. (For example, when you are taping someone indoors who You also have the option of is standing in front of a manual iris adjustment to window.) compensate for unusual lighting, using the IRIS control to vary the amount of light entering the camcorder.
- Fading In and Out of Scenes
This feature lets you add a FADE professional touch to your home recordings. When you fade into a scene, the recording will start with a blank screen and the picture will gradually appear. The picture gradually disappears when fading out. Fading In I. While the camcorder is in the
FADE Bullon Record/Pause mode, press and hold the FADE button. 2. Press the Record Start/Stop button (thumb trigger) to start recording. 3. Release the FADE button after a few seconds. The picture will gradually appear on a blank screen. Fading Out 1. While the camcorder is • When using the FADEbutton, recording, press and hold the both picture and sound will FADEbutton. The picture will gradually appear and disappear. gradually disappear from the The fade speed is automatically screen. controlled by the camcorder. 2. Continue to hold the FADE button, and press the Record Start/Stop button (thumb trigger) to stop recording. 3. After the recording has stopped, release the FADE button. The picture will reappear in the viewfinder.
25 DISPLA Y Button
_$P_.AY
Pressing the DISPLAY button lets you check several special displays in the viewfinder. • Remaining Battery Power • Tape Counter • Tape Counter Memory
• Remaining Time Left on Tape DISPLAy Button
The chart below shows the order the displays will appear in the viewfinder as you repeatedly press the DISPLAY button. These displays will not appear on the tape.
DISPLA Y Button Chart
One Time Battery Level and Tape Counter
Battery Level and Two Times Tape Counter with Memory E---FO000M
Three Times Battery Level and Time-Remaining Display E_
Four Times Removes Displays
Five Times Returns to first display Using Tape Counter , Using Tape Counter Memory- -Using Time-Remaining Display Pressing the DISPLAY button once The Tape Counter also provides a The time-remaining display shows displays the 4-digit Tape Counter switchable "memory" feature. the amount of recording or Display in the viewfinder (below When the memory is on (M playback time left on a tape while the Battery Level Indicator). appears behind Tape Counter it's inside the camcorder. Display), the tape automatically Battery Level stops when the counter reaches Indicator 0000 during Rewind and Fast Forward. E::\ ]
Time-Remaining Display
Tape Count_' Display To bring this display to the viewfinder, repeatedly press the DISPLAy button until the Time- The tape counter acts as a handy Tape Counter Display Remaining Display appears. (See reference to help you locate tape With Memory On the D1SPLAY button chart on segments. page 26 to see how many times you will have to press the DISPLAY This is useful if there is a section of button.) RESET tape you want to review immediately after recording, or if you want to return to the same 0 1-160 When you first start playing or point several times in a row. recording a tape, it will take the camcorder a minute or two to To use the counter memory: calculate the time-remaining. The display will remain blank until the To use the Tape Counter, press the 1. Repeatedly press the DISPLAY camcorder has finished its RESET/T-160 button to set the button until the tape counter calculations. Once displayed, the counter to 0000 before starting to appears with an "M" behind t_me-remaining display will be record or play at the beginning of a it. automatically updated and readily tape. Then note the number on the 2. When you reach the part of available when the DISPLAY button counter at the beginning and end the tape you wish to index, is pressed-even if you rewind or of each program you record or press the RESET/T-160 button fast forward the tape. play. to reset the counter to 0000M. 3. Continue to play or record the tape. When you want to Notes: Noting the counter readings on the return to the index point, simply press STOP, then • When using an extended length tape label will allow you to use the T-160 cassette, you must press counter to quickly locate desired REWIND. (The CAMERA/ PLAYBACK switch must be in the P,ESET/T-160 button (while programs. Just insert a tape, rewind the Time-Remaining Display is PLAYBACK position to rewind it to the beginning, reset counter to present) to adapt the the tape). zero, and then fast-forward the camcorder's time-remaining tape until the counter reaches the 4. The tape will stop rewinding system for an accurate read-out. number you noted for the desired when the counter reaches segment. 000. • The T-160 indicator will light when the display is set for a Note: Whenever the "'M" appears T-I60 tape.
behind the Tape Counter Display, RESET the camcorder will stop rewinding or fast-forwarding when the counter reaches 0000M. To continue rewinding press REWIND again, to continue fast-forwarding • If the Tape Counter Display is press F.FWD again. present, pressing the RESET/T-160 button resets the counter to 0000.
27 -Using Variable Shutter Speeds
S:1/1000
Shutter /
Display E---F OOOO
- SHUTTER Switch
Because your camcorder has a The higher shutter speeds will • Higher shutter speeds require variable shutter, you can choose appear in the viewfinder above the more fight. The Shutter-Speed one of two higher shutter speeds to Tape-Counter and Time-Remaining Display will flash when you need record fast-moving action. Displays when you press the more light. You should add more DISPLAY button. No display The shutter speed is automatically light or decrease the shutter reset to the normal shutter speed of appears when the normal shutter speed. 1/60 whenever the camcorder's speed of 1/60 is being used. • A tape recorded at the higher power is turned on. This speed is Higher shutter speeds require more shutter speeds may not show recommended for indoor videos light. The shutter speed display in movement and change of scenes and most of your recording. the viewfinder will flash if more as smoothly as recordings at the To select a higher shutter speed, light is required. normal 1/60 speed. slide the SHUTTER speed switch • When recording at higher shutter located on the side of the Notes: speeds, use of fluorescent, camcorder to the right. • The higher shutter speeds are mercury vapor, or sodium only recommended when you are lighting may cause a "flickering" SHUTTER taping fast-moving action that effect. you plan to view in slow motion (. ---- ) or stop action on a good-quality VCR that features "field-stili" • Slide the switch to the right once special effects (2 or 3-head VCR's). to select a shutter speed of 1/500. There is no advantage in using • Slide the switch to the right a the higher shutter speeds unless second time to select a shutter you plan to play the tape back speed of 1/1000. in slow motion or stop action. • Slide the switch to the right a third time to return to the normal shutter speed of 1/60. - Self-Timer Recording • First prepare the camcorder to Notes: record. Instructions are on • The Tally Light on the front of pages 18 and 19. the camcorder will flash to let • While the camcorder is in the you know the self-timer is activated and the camcorder is Record/Pause mode, press the SELF TIMER button once. The about to start recording. camcorder will automatically • When the Tally light stops start recording after flashing and lights continuously, approximately ten seconds and the camcorder is recording. will continue to record SELF _MER • Pressing the SELF TIMER button Button approximately 30 seconds. three times during the Record/ • If you want the camcorder to Pause mode cancels the self- The SELF TIMER button lets you record longer than 30 seconds, timer recording. press the SELF TIMER button time-delay the start of a recording • If the Record Start/Stop button so you can join the picture without twice (instead of once) while the (thumb trigger) is pressed while camcorder is in the Record/ being seen walking into it. a self-timer recording is in Pause mode. After ten seconds the camcorder will start progress, the recording will stop and the camcorder will enter the recording and continue to record Record/Pause mode. (1 23 ) SELFT,.E. until the Record Start/Stop button (thumb trigger) or PAUSE • The SELF TIMER button has no button is pressed. effect during normal recording.
-Adjustable Time-Lapse Recording 5. When the desired interval time is displayed in the viewfinder, INTERVAL 0:30 press the PAUSE button or the Record Start/Stop button (thumb trigger) to start interval recording. The 4. Press the TIME LAPSE button camcorder will record for repeatedly until the length of approximately one second time you desire between every interval. The time until recordings appears in the the next recording will be DISPLAY viewfinder. Refer to the chart displayed in the viewfinder. Button below. 6. To stop interval recording, repeatedly press the TIME LAPSE button until the word This feature lets you compress INTERVAL disappears from the slow-moving action (like nature or 0:30 30-Second Interval viewfinder. photography studies) into clean, 1:00 l-Minute Interval Notes: quickly viewed videos. It allows intermittent recording so you can 2:00 2-Minute Interval • The Tally Light on the front of the camcorder will light to let use a cassette efficiently. 5:00 5-Minute Interval you know when the camcorder is 1. Prepare the camcorder to MAN Manual Interval* recording. record as described on pages 18 and 19. *Manual Interval means that • The interval time can be changed 2. Press the DISPLAy button to the camcorder will record for any time (even during recording) one second every time the by pressing the TIME LAPSE bring the tape-counter (or button. time-remaining) display to the Record Start/Stop button viewfinder, lhis will let you (thumb trigger) is pressed. • The time and/or date can be This is used for animation see the INTERVAL display recorded by displaying it in the when it appears. recording as described on the viewfinder during time-lapse 3. Press the TIME LAPSE button next page. recording. for approximately two Pressing TIME LAPSE again • Rainbow noise (a vertical seconds. The first INTERVAL when the MAN display is colored bar) may occasionally display will appear in the showing will remove the appear in the picture during viewfinder. INTERVAL display from the playback. screen.
29 Animation Recording 6. Continue shooting the object in this position for a few more l-second shots before moving it. Note: When preparing an animated video, it's usually best to get 3 to 5 shots of the LAPSE Button object in the same position. You'll want to experiment with how many shots you take
DISPLA Y each time to get smooth Button motion. 7. Slightly move the object and The adjustable time-lapse feature 4. Repeatedly press the TIME shoot a few 1-second shots of also lets you create animation LAPSE button until the word it in this position. Continue recording-"car tooning". For MAN (manual interval) appears shooting and moving the example, you can make an object in the viewfinder. object(s) as desired. appear to move by taking several 8. To stop animation recording, still shots of it in different press the TIME LAPSE button positions. When the tape is played to remove the INTERVAL back, the object appears animated. INTERVAL MAN. display from the viewfinder. 1. Prepare the camcorder to Notes: record as described on • The camcorder will automatically pages 18 and 19. move the tape away from the 2. Press the DISPLAy button to When this display appears, the heads if you do not record within five minutes. This bring the tape-counter (or camcorder will record for time-remaining) display to the approximately one second prevents the tape heads from viewfinder. Th_ will let you each time you press the PAUSE wearing the tape. When you see the INTERVAL display button or the Record Start/ begin to record after a long when it appears. Stop button (thumb trigger). pause, the word STANDBY will appear briefly in the viewfinder 3. Press the TIME LAPSE button 5. Position your object as desired while the camcorder repositions for approximately two for the first shot, and then the tape against the headwheel. seconds. The first INTERVAL press the thumb trigger (or display will appear in the PAUSE button). The camcorder • Rainbow noise (a vertical viewfinder. will record briefly and then colored bar) may occasionally pause. Don't move the object appear in the picture during yet. playback.
Note: The optional CRM020 lets you remotely start and stop recording up to 15 feet away from the camcorder. The plug on the CRM020 is specially designed so you can attach both the CRM020 and the audio/video output To Audio/Video cable to the camcorder at the same time. You will find this application Inputs on especially convenient during animation recording or anytime you want to Audio/Video TV Monitor control the camcorder from a distance. See pages 44 and 45 for optional Output Cable accessories. (supplied) CRM020 Remote Record Start/Stop Switch (optlorml) !I 1
Fl_t _nn_-'t the CRMO20'a plug to camcorder's AV OUT Jack. Then plug the audio/video output cable Into back of CRM020 plug.
30 - Electronic Indexing Each time you begin recording (after The word INDEX will appear briefly in • The camcorder automatically the camcorder has been turned off at the viewfinder to let you know the records an index mark only once- least four hours), the camcorder will camcorder is recording an index mark. at the start of each day's recording automatically record an index mark at session (or whenever it hasn't been the beginning of the new recording. used for more than four hours). Later, when you play back the INDEX • It does not automatically record indexed tape in a VCR that has a index marks each time you stop compatible indexing feature called and start recording-only the first "VHS Index Search System", the time you turn on the camcorder invisible marks can be located and start recording. automatically. See your VCR's owner's manual for index playback instructions.
• NORMAL/WIND MIC Switch
MIC Switch The camcorder records whatever sound the microphone hears. During outdoor shooting on a windy day, the camcorder may record noise that occurs due to wind. You can reduce the wind noise that's recorded on the tape by sliding the NORMAL/WIND MIC Place the switch in the NORMAL switch to the WIND position. position for normal use.
31 Editing Features • Flying Erase Head The CC285 incorporates a package of advanced editing features to make it • Edit Search easy and fun to edit your home videos • Synchro Edit like a professional. The major editing features are described here and on the • Audio Dubbing next three pages. • Video Dubbing
- Flying Erase Head Edit Search
A separate erase head is mounted Edit Search means that you can use on the spinning headwheel (hence the F.FWD (fast-forward), REW the term "flying"). This allows you (rewind), and PLAr buttons to to make clean edits without precisely position the tape even REW PLAY FFWD "glitches" or the "rainbow noise" while the CAMERA/PLAYBACK that occurs on VCR's and switch is in the CAMERA position. camcorders without flying erase heads. Since you can do this while the camcorder is in the camera mode, without the tape unloading, it is possible to precisely position the • Holding REW lets you quickly tape for the next scene-eliminating reverse scan recorded material. the "between-scene glitches" that • Holding F.FWD lets you quickly are common on camcorders forward scan recorded material. without this feature. • Holding PLAY lets you view To permit smooth editing while recorded material at normal recording, the F.FWD, REW, and speed. When you release the PLAY buttons can be pressed while PLAY button, the camcorder will the CAMERA/PLA YBACK switch is in stop playing and prepare to CAMERA mode. record at that spot.
32 - Synchro Edit Cl+llonxl ,_ Avsolo Cable (not lupplled) "_
Synchro edit allows your camcorder to control a compatible VCR (one that has a camera pause jack) while tapes are being copied from the camcorder to the VCR. AV OUT The PAUSEbutton on the Jack camcorder causes the VCR to start and stop recording. This is especially convenient when you Back ol VCR want to record only selected segments from a previously recorded tape. Note: If your VCR has a single (mono) audio input, connect either the left or fight audio plug to the audio input on the VCR. To Synchro Edit I. Connect your camcorder to a 3. Prepare the VCR to record. 5. Pressing PEw, F.FWD, STOP, or compatible VCR as shown • Press POWER to turn on PAUSEon the camcorder above. An optional AVS010 VCR. automatically puts the VCR Synchro Edit Cable is • Press EJECT and insert into Record/Pause mode. This required. Optional accessories blank tape in VCK. allows you to search (forward are shown on pages 44 and 45. • Press RECORD to put the or backward), fast-forward, or 2. Prepare the camcorder to play VCR in the Record/Pause rewind the tape in the back the tape you want to mode. camcorder without disturbing the tape in the VCR. copy. Note: If the VCR begins to • Slide POWER to turn on the record instead of pausing, • To search forward (or camcorder. you will need to change the backward), press and hold • Slide CAMERA/PLAyBACK position of the switch on F..FWD(or PEW). When you switch to PLAYBACK the AVS010 cable. Stop the release the button, the position. VCR, change the switch, camcorder will resume normal • Press EJECT and insert the and then press RECORD on playback. To begin dubbing again, press PAUSE twice. (The tape. the VCR again. first press pauses the • Press PLAy, then PAUSE to 4. Pressing the PAUSEbutton on the camcorder will now start camcorder, the second press put the camcorder in the begins dubbing.) Play/Pause mode. (The the camcorder playing and AVS0t0 cable must be also start the VCR recording. • To fast-forward (or rewind) connected to VCR before the tape, press STOP then F.FWD (or PEW). To begin camcorder will pause.) dubbing again, press STOP, then PLAY, then PAUSEto pause camcorder, and PAUSE again to begin dubbing.
33 Audio Dubbing AUDIO VIDEO The audio dubbing feature lets you ODu% record new audio (sound) on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original video (picture). When you audio dub a tape, the previous audio is erased and replaced with the new audio. The audio dubbing feature also increases your editing flexibility. Video segments can first be assembled, and then a single narration or music background can be added to the tape. -To The new audio you want to put on Audio Dub the tape can be added one of three 1. Side the POWERbutton to viewfinder to let you know different ways: turn on the camcorder. when the camcorder is audio • from speaking into the camcorder's 2. Slide the CAMERA/PLAYBACK dubbing. built-in microphone. switch to the PLAYBACK 7. To end dubbing, press the • from speaking into an external position. STOP button. microphone connected to the MIC 3. Insert the tape and press PLAY Note: You can also dub both the jack. (The built-in microphone is and then REWIND to locate a video and audio simultaneously if inoperable when an external point on the tape a few desired. To do so, press AUDIO DUB microphone is attached.) seconds before you want to and PLAY first, then press VIDEO • from an external sound system begin dubbing. DUB and PLAY in step 5 above. connected to the AV IN jack on the 4. Press the PAUSE button camcorder by using the Audio/ exactly where dubbing is to Video Input Cable as shown below. begin. The camcorder will A.DUB (Be sure to disconnect external enter the Play/Pause mode. microphone, if connected, when 5. Press and hold AUDIO DUB recording.) button. Then press PLAY. • See pages 44 and 45 for optional Release both buttons. accessories. 6. To begin dubbing, press the PAUSE button. The word A.DUB will appear in the
R IN L ROUTL White Audio Plug L I"-- AUUIO"-'1 Audio/Video / Input Cable Back of "_ _ (supplied) VCR, Tape Deck, or CD Payer AV IN Yellow Video Plug Jack (No Connection)
Note: If the VCR, Tape Deck, or I--" AUDIO"--1 CD Player has stereo audio outputs R IN L R OUT L _ Y-Adapter available (both R and L jacks) you may need _-_ ('_ _ at electronic supply a Y-Adapter as shown here to I®® , \.to,.. record both left and right channels.
34 Video Dubbing AUDIO The video dubbing feature lets you record new video (picture) on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original audio (sound). When you video dub a tape, the previous video is erased and replaced with the new video. When video dubbing, the source for the video dub is "whatever you are seeing in the viewfinder". The new video you want to put on the tape can be added one of two different ways: • from whatever you focus the -To Video Dub camcorder on and see in the 1. • You can use the camera 6. Press and hold VIDEODUB viewfinder. section on your camcorder button. Then press PLAY. • from video coming in through the for creating the new video Release both buttons. camcorder's_v I_jack (using the to dub. To do so, remove 7. To begin dubbing, press the andio/video input cable shown the connector cable from PAUSE button. The word below). the AVIN jack on the V.DUBwill appear in the • See pages 44 and 45 for optional bottom of the camcorder, if viewfinder to let you know accessories. connected. when the camcorder is video • Or, if desired, connect the dubbing. Note: You can also dub both the source VCR or other video 8. To end dubbing, press the video and audio simultaneously ff generating device to the AV STOP button. desired. To do so, press AUDIO DUB IN jack of the camcorder. and PLAY, then VIDEODUB and 2. Slide the POWER switch to Note: The word V.DUBwill appear pLAy in step 6 at the right. Be sure tam on the camcorder. in the viewfinder to let you know to connect both the Audio & Video 3. Slide the CAMERA/pLAYBaCK when the camcorder is video Plugs to the VCR, Tape Deck, or switch to the PLAYBACK dubbing. CD Player. position. 4. Insert the tape and press PLAy and then REWIND to locate a V.DUB point on the tape a few seconds before you want to begindubbing. 5. Press the PAUSEbutton exactly where dubbing is to begin. The camcorder will enter the Play/Pause mode.
Whirs Audio PlUg (No ConneXion)
Audio/Vldeo /
(_ktd) AV/N Jack
35 Your camcorder can be connected VkleoMonitor VCR several different ways to various ('fV wireaudlo/vkleo (oroh'wdevl_w#h components for playback and outputla_) recording. When you have a specific application in mind, use this diagram to quickly find the page that shows detailed To Recoil / / connection information for that From / / To ROCORI / / From VCR application. / Gee Page 37 Reviewing this diagram may also help you understand the difference between the camcorder's Av OUTjack and Av IN jack. See Page 37
/
Page 38 ///
See Psge 39
II I I To.. To Witch Tapm on Tapcle¢m TV Moalter TVThm I To Watch VCR
Standard "iV TV Monitor VCR 03/wllh aucllo/v(deo (€onnectedto TV cr gorily) input I_ks)
The tapes you record on your • By connecting camcorder to TV The following pages show you how to camcorder can be played back and with RF Output Adapter and connect your camcorder _ a TV, viewed in many different ways: watching TV screen. monitor, or VCR and explain how to • By playing the camcorder and • By connecting camcorder to play back the tapes. watching the viewf'mder. monitor with Audio/Vidco Output Note: Although you can use the • By taking tape out of camcorder Cable and watching monitor screen. battery to power the camcorder and playing it back on another • By connecting camcorder to during tape playback, you will home VCR. another VCR that is already probably want to use the AC adapter/ connected to a TV and watching charger if you intend to watch for an the TV screen. extended period.
36 lledt ot Cameera_
White Audio Plug
OUT Back of VIDEO VCR or OUT TV Monitor \ Y_low VideoPlug / VAA004 Audio/Video AV_Jack input Cable (supplied)
If your VCR (or TV monitor) has 3. Attach a power supply to your 7. Prepare VCR (or TV). AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks, you omcorder. • Turn on your VCR (or TV) can record from the VCR (or TV • If you plan to record for over and tune it to the channel you monitor) onto a tape in the an hour or two, you will wish to record. camcorder. probably want to use the AC • If you are recording from a adapter/charger instead of the You will need the audio/video input tape in the VCR, press the battery. PLAY button on the VCR to adapter cable to connect your 4. Turn on your eam:urder. start the tape playing. camcorder to the VCR (or TV • Slide the POWER switch to the monitor). 8. Start reoording. on position. • Press the Record Start/Stop 1. Connect yellow and white plugs to 5. Insert Cassette Tape. button (thumb trigger) on the VCR (or TV). • Press the EJECTbutton on the camcorder to start recording. camcorder and insert a • Connect yellow plug to TWs 9. Stop recording. VIDEO OUTjack. cassette tape with its record- • When you are finished • Connect white plug to TWs protect tab intact. recording, press the thumb AUDIO OUT jack. • Details about the record- trigger again (or press the 2. Attach inlmt cable to eamcorder. protect tab are on page 17. PAUSE button) to stop • Attach other end of cable to 6. Prelmre eamcorder to record. recording. the AV IN jack on the • Slide the CAMERA/PLAYBACK camcorder. switch to the CAMERA position.
Note: If you are recording from a stereo VCR (or TV) with left and Y-Adeptor fight AUDIO ouT jacks, you may /(available from _4mtront¢ need a Y-Adapter in order to record both left and iright channels./ AUDIO
f Input Cable
AV lN Jack _DEO _-_ _"Back of Yellow Video Plug OUT ___ VCR or TV Monit_
37 - How to Connect Your Camcorder to a Standard 'IV (without AUDIO/ VIDEO input jacks) for Playback Antenna Back of TV Back of Camcorder
®
AVOUTJ_k
Follow the steps below if you have a Attach one end of the coaxial Q_) During playback, you may fine standard 'IV that does not have RF cable to the TV connector on tune the TV channel if necessary. AUDIO/ VIDEO input jacks. Refer to the RF adapter. (For details of playback page 39 if you have a monitor/ operation, refer to page 40.) receiver with input jacks. [_) Connect the other end of the coaxial RF cable to the VHF For normal TV viewing, you may You will need the RF output adapter terminal on the back of your TV. and coaxial RF cable that came leave the RF adapter hooked up (If your TV has VHF screw to the TV set. Just disconnect the packed with your camcorder. If your terminals, connect the adapter's antenna cable is the flat twin-lead adapter from the camcorder or flat-lead connectors to the screw turn off the camcorder's power. type that is attached by two screws, terminals.) you will also need the 300/75-ohm transformer. Q Plug the multi-pin connector fitting on the RF adapter into Q Disconnect the VHF antenna the AV OUTjack on the from your TV set. (You can camcorder. To aid connection, leave the UHF wires alone.) match the tabs on the fitting with the notches on the O Connect your VHF antenna to camcorder jack. Don't force the the RF input adapter. (This step fitting. If it does not slide in is not necessary unless you plan easily, check your marks and try to leave the RF adapter hooked again. (If the camcorder is used up to your TV set.) as a camera while connected to A. If your antenna cable is a the TV, be sure to turn the set's round 75-ohm cable, connect volume down to prevent a high- it to the ANT connecter on pitched squeal caused by feedback.) the RF adapter. B. If your antenna cable is a flat ® Set the switch on the RF adapter twin-lead, you will need the to channel 3 or 4, whichever is 300/75-ohm transformer that not used as a broadcast channel was packed in your in your area. Turn on the TV camcorder. Connect the flat- and tune it to the channel you lead connectors to the screw have chosen. terminals on the 300/75-ohm transformer. Then connect the transformer to the ANT connector on the RF adapter.
38 -How to Connect Your Camcorder to a
Video Monitor for Playback Back of TV Back of Monitor Camcorder Here's what you can do when your camcorder is connected as shown here. (1_ White Plug • When you play tapes in your AUDIO IN Audio/Video VIDEO camcorder, you'll be able to Output Cable watch them on the monitor screen as well as through the Yellow Plug viewfinder. • You'll also be able to monitor what the camcorder lens sees Note: If your TV Monitor has left whenever the camcorder is and right AUDIO 17/jacks, you may ® AVOUTJ_k turned on-even when the need a Y-Adapter (shown on page 37) to hear both channels. camcorder is not recording. This connection could be used for a surveillance system. Connect the white audio plug to CAUTION: Do not force the the AUDIO IN jack on the back of connector. Match the tabs on the If you have a TV monitor that has the monitor. connector to the notches on the AUDIO/ VIDEO IN jacks, you can camcorder jack. If the connector connect your camcorder using the Connect the yellow video plug to does not side in easily, check audio/video output cable as shown the VIDEOIN jack on the back of your marks and try again. here instead of the RF output the monitor. adapter (as shown on page 38). Your camcorder is now connected to the monitor for tape playback. Plug the multi-pin connector into the AV OUTjack on your For details of playback operation, camcorder. refer to page 40.
-How to Connect Your Camcorder to a
VCR for Playback and Tape Copying Back of Camcorder Here's what you can do when your camcorder is connected to a VCR Back of VCR and the VCR is connected to a TV White Plug or monitor. • IN When you play tapes in your Audio/Vldeo camcorder, you'll be able to VIDEO watch them on the TV screen through the VCR. Yellow Plug • You'll also be able to monitor what the camcorder lens sees whenever the camcorder is Note: If your VCR has left and G A V OUT Jack turned on-even when the right AUDIO IN jacks, you may need camcorder is not recording. This a Y-Adapter (shown on page 37) to connector to the notches on the connection could be used for a hear both channels. camcorder jack. If the connector surveillance system. does not slide in easily, check your marks and try again. • You'll also be able to copy a @ Connect the white audio plug to tape with the VCR while it's the AUDIO IN jack on the back of Your camcorder is now connected playing in the camcorder. And the VCR. to the VCR for tape playback and you can monitor the recording tape copying. on the TV. @ Connect the yellow video plug to For details of playback operation the VIDEOIN jack on the back of If you have a VCR that has the VCR. and tape copying, refer to page 41. AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you can connect your camcorder using the Plug the multi-pin connector into audio/video output cable as shown ® the AV OUTjack on your here instead of the RF output camcorder. adapter (as shown on page 38). CAUTION: Do not force the connector. Match the tabs on the
39 • Camcorder Recording Tips - Traveling Tips Use your camcorder's zoom to help Try to avoid taping backlit subjects CAUTION: If you wish to operate you focus manually. Before you start indoors. Bright light behind your the AC adapter/charger on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 recording, zoom in on your subject, subject may cause it to appear very Hz, use only a transformer-type adjust the Focus Ring until you see a dark and low in detail. Adjusting your power converter. Do not use "solid- clearly focused image in the IRIS control can help overcome this state" or "switching-type" power viewfinder, then zoom back to the problem. converters. They will damage your desired angle of view. Provided the AC adapter/charger. An optional subject-to-camcorder distance does Include close-up shots of individuals CPS08 adapter/charger may be not change, the subject will remain in when taping a family outing or other purchased from your RCA dealer. sharp focus over the entire zoom group functions. These close-ups make The CPS08 is designed for use on range. REMEMBER: It's easier to your video memories special. 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz. See make professional-looking videos if pages 44-45 for optional you check the focus before you start Be aware of video and audio accessories. recording. backgrounds. Background visual Jot down your camcorder's serial details you barely notice while you're number and keep this note separate Keep your auto focus window clean taping may show up as visual from your equipment when and unobstructed to help assure "'clutter" when you review your taped traveling. If your carncorder is lost proper auto focus operation. scene. Background noises (especially or stolen, you will be able to television sets and radios, household identify it. Don't move your camcorder's Zoom appliances, traffic sounds) can detract Use extra care and caution to avoid Lever quickly when controlling the from the sounds you want to record. damage to your camcorder and zoom lens manually. A slow, constant And REMEMBER: Don't bump or accessories when operating them at speed gives your manual zooms a tap your Camcorder's microphone a beach or pool. Spray, sand, and dust should be avoided. Clean your more professional look on tape. while you're taping, because this lens gently and thoroughly if it has sound will be recorded on your tape! been exposed to the elements. Try to make sure indoor scenes you Remember to use only proper lens record are well-hi. This improves Don't move the camcorder rapidly cleaning supplies available at picture quality and color from side to side while you're camera stores to protect your lens. reproduction. recording. A steady, gradual "pan" avoids blurring and jitter in your Carry your camcorder in a proper case when traveling. (See page 44 Avoid tong "still" shots of landmarks taped scene. and scenic attractions. Your for the specially designed soft and hard carrying cases.) An ordinary recordings will be more interesting if Keep your camcorder level while suitcase or carry bag doesn't offer they include people and detail. "'Local taping. Otherwise, your scenes will the protection and custom fit your color" will give your travel videos appear tilted. Keep a close eye on camcorder needs. For safety, treat lasting appeal. Consider taping a this in your viewfinder! your camcorder as carry-on familiar or landmark scene from an baggage to protect it from rough unfamiliar vantage point to give your Fading in and out between scenes can handling. tape added interest. Remember to make your videos appear more check your lighting before recording. professional.
Practice recording under a variety of ; lighting conditions. This will help prepare you to respond whenever you see a scene you want to tape.
. Shutter Speed Tips By increasing the shutter speed, The higher the shutter speed, the you'll be able to watch better stop- more light is required to make a action and stow-motion pictures good picture. So as you increase when you play the tape back on a the shutter speed, you may have to good-quality home VCR that has increase the amount of light. You these special effects. will probably want to use the highest shutter speed only in bright The higher the shutter speed, the outdoor light. less blurring you'll see during stop- action, frame advance, and slow- The shutter speed display in the motion. The faster your subject is viewfinder will flash if you need to moving, the higher you'll want to reduce the shutter speed (or set the shutter speed. increase the amount of light) while recording.
42 -Proper Care of Your Camcorder • Be especially careful to keep dust • Use of poor quality tapes can • Always replace the lens cap on from entering the camcorder's contaminate the video heads. the lens when the camcorder is cassette door. Dust and grit are resulting in a snowy ptcture or not in use. abrasive and will cause excessive no picture at all during To clean the lens, always use wear both of tapes and of the playback. lens-cleaning tissues and a recording/playback heads. • Using an RCA headcleaner commercially prepared cleaning • We recommend that RCA video (.model AV009W) may solution designed for use on cassettes be used with this unit. satisfactorily clean the heads and camera lenses. The RCA AC026 These tapes have been improve the picture. If a snowy Lens Care Kit contains both of manufactured to our critical picture or no-picture condition these items. Improper cleaning specifications. Use of tapes not persists, consult your authorized can scratch the lens. Do not meeting these specifications RCA Servicenter. touch the lens with your fingers! could considerably reduce the The oil from your skin can performance of your camcorder. damage the lens. rThings to Avoid "Storing Your Camcorder-- • Do not attempt to disassemble off power and take the unit to • Store and handle your camcorder your camcorder. There are no an Authorized RCA Camcorder so that it is not subjected to user-serviceable parts inside. Servicenter. swinging, shaking, or dropping. • Never attempt to force open the • CAUTION: If you wish to The camcorder can be damaged cassette door. If the battery operate the AC adapter/charger by improper storage or handling. reaches its empty level during on a power source other than • Don't store the camcorder in recording, the camcorder will 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, use only a temperatures below - 22°F or shut off but the battery should transformer-type power converter. above 149°F. Do not use "solid-state" or have enough reserve power to • Always remove the cassette and "switching-type" power eject the cassette when you press AC adapter/charger or battery the EJECTbutton. If the converters. They will damage from the camcorder when the camcorder does not eject the your AC adapter/charger. An camcorder is not in use. cassette, do not attempt to force optional CPS08 adapter/charger open the cassette door. This will may be purchased from your • Retain the original carton for damage your camcorder. To RCA dealer. The CPS08 is future storage or shipping remove the cassette, simply designed for use on 100-240 purposes. power your camcorder with the volts, 50/60 Hz. See pages 44-45 AC adapter/charger or recharge for optional accessories. stick to the headwheel and the battery before attempting to • Avoid operating your camcorder damage the headwheel or tape. eject the tape. immediately after moving it from • Do not use the camcorder in a cold location to a warm • Only use 9.6 volt batteries and extremely humid environments, location. Give the camcorder accessories that are especially 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach a designed for your cameorder, • Do not use the camcorder for stable temperature before Use of the wrong accessories extended periods in temperatures inserting a video cassette. When could cause damage to the below 40_F or above 95°F. moved from a cold area to a camcorder. • Do not.expose the camcorder or warm location, moisture may • Do not operate your camcorder AC adapter/charger to rain or condense on the head drum in a strong magnetic field. moisture. If either component inside the machine, This Otherwise, you risk interference becomes wet, immediately turn moisture could cause the tape to to or erasure of recorded I information. •Tape Tips Don't try to use a tape if it has Remember to label your tapes becomes wet, do not use it. It can been damaged or exposed to before storing them. Preparing your damage your tape and camcorder. moisture. The tape may jam or label before you use your tape damage your camcorder. helps assure that you will know Don't leave your camcorder and what it contains. tapes in a car for more than a brief Remember to break off the record- period. Excessive heat or cold can protect tab on your cassettes after Be careful not to misplace tape damage them. making an important recording. boxes. These are essential for This will help you safeguard crucial proper tape storage. If a tape box tapes from accidental erasure.
43 A comprehensive line of accessories enables you to build the camcorder system that meets your individual interests, talents, and needs. Here are some of the accessories that will help you achieve professional results in your home video productions. These and others are VTU090 Character Generator/ available through your RCA camcorder dealer. Titler Lets you quickly add titles to your video WAL01A Wide Angle Lens tapes. Allows you to select each character Expands your camcorder's field of view by by rotating the dial to a desired position. a factor of .6 thus affording you wide Adds titles up to 48 characters per page. panoramas without panning. Comes in a Includes memory to store up to l0 pages vinyl snap-closure case with a padded and 50 frequently used words. Also interior. Includes three step rings so you permits 2 character sizes, allowing you the can also use it with other camcorders. versatility to create professional titling AC028 Soft Camcorder Case results.
Designed especially to provide protection and utility for camcorders and most accessories. Rugged fabric lined with soft, non-abrasive material and generous padding. Has three outside pockets with storage for lens fihers, adapters, batteries, AC029 Special Effects Lens Kit and tape. WM002 Wireless Microphone System Includes four filters and two step rings. The Center-Focus Filter gives sharp focus A compact and lightweight system which to center of picture and softness to edges allows you to capture sounds up to 100 for a vignette effect. The Rainbow Filter feet from your camcorder. Includes a high- creates a multi-color halo around a bright performance omni-directional microphone spot in the picture. The Four-Point and transmitter. Microphone clips to your Starburst Filter adds bursts of hght to subject's clothing while transmitter fits bright spot in picture. The Polarizing KK050 Rugged Hard Case into a pocket or onto a belt. A powerful Filter reduces glare caused by reflections 13" antenna on the receiver provides and darkens and enriches blue sky while Sturdy case designed especially for safe maximum signal pickup within a lO0-foot producing spectacular cloud backgrounds. transport of camcorder with custom- range. The Step-Rings adapt the 52ram filters to interior for holding numerous accessories. also fit camcorders with 46mm and 49ram lenses.
AVS010 Synchro Edit Cable LX152A Lens Extender Can be used to copy tapes from (Telephoto) FSA036A Slide Adapter camcorder to compatible VCR (one with a Increases your camcorder's lens Camera Pause jack). With this cable, the Enables you to transfer slides onto VCR PAUSE button on the camcorder also starts magnification power 1.5 times throughout tape. Includes four step rings, three sizes its zoom range. Comes in an attractive and stops the VCR during recording. of frame holders, and one filter. You can snap-closure vinyl case with padded use the Slide Adapter on any model of interior. Includes three step rings so you RCA camcorder or camera except CC004 can also use it with other camcorders. and CC006. Removing Lens Hood The Lens Hood can be removed so you can attach optional accessories like the Wide-Angle Lens, Lens CRM020 Remote Record Start/ Extender, Lens Filter Kit, and Slide Adapter. Stop Switch The correct way to remove the Allows you up to 15 feet of mobility from Lens Hood is shown here. Do not your camcorder. Lets you control the grasp the end of the Lens Hood. stop/start pause functions while appearing in the recording at the same time. See To remove Lens Hood, put hand page 30 for connection diagram. flat against lens hood and turn it Correct Incorrect counterclockwise. 44 To order the RCA video accessories described in Accessory Order Form for RCA Camcorder Model CC285 the Owner's Manual, contact your local RCA Video Accessories Dealer: or you may use this Model Price Total detachable order form tu order direct-by-mail the Nil. Each* Description Qty, Amounl accessories listed here. Lens Care Kit AC026 $ 995 SoB Camcorder Case AC028 $ 8995 Special Effect Lens Kit AC029 $ 5995 Deluxe Tripod AC031 $ 99.95 - UNITED STATES ORDERS VHS Head Cleaner AV009W $ 14.95 Rechargeable Long@lay Detach and mail order form with credit card Battery AV046 $124,95 information, money order, or check in U.S. Synchro Edit Cable AVS0 n) $ 3995 currency (made payable to Thomson Consumer Battery Connector BCC030 $ 1995 Electronics, Inc.) to this address:
Rechargeable Battery BP96FS $ 6995 RCA Video Accessories
Reehargeable Battery BP96FL $ 9999 PO Box 8419 Single-Well Ronks, PA 17573 AC Adapter/Charger CPS08 $18995 For more information on these accessories (or RF Output Adapter CRF030 $ 49.95 current prices), write to the following address: Remote Record Stop/Start Switch (available 3/1/89) CRM020 $ 34.95 Video Accessories Customer Service I)12 (Banery) Car Cord I)CC09b $ 69.95 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Y-Adapter Power Cable DCY010 $ 1495 Distributor & Special Products
Dual-Well AC Adapter/Charger DWC010 $199.95 2000 Clements Bridge Rd Deptford, NJ 08096-2088 Slide Adapter FSA036A $119.95 Lens Extender (Telephoto) LXI52A $139.95 Audio/Video Input Cable VAAO04 $ 25.95 Portable DC Light VDC050 $ 99.95 Character Generator/Titler VTU090 $149.95 ! -INTERNATIONAL ORDERS Wide Angle Lens WAL01A $139 95 This offer is valid only in the 50 United States. For Wireless Microphone System WM002 $15995 international orders, please send your request for Audio/Video Output Cable 194128 $ 3061) quotation (not an order) to: *Prices are subject to change without notice International Customer Service Total Merchandise Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Sales Tax ...... Distributor & Special Products We are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax lot each individual state, courtly, and 2000 Clements Bridge Rd locality to which the merchandise is being senl. Deptford, NJ U.S.A. 08096-2088 Insurance S .95 Shipping and Handling ...... 8 3.00 Total Amount Enclosed Use VISA or Master_'ard prel_rably. Money older or check must be in U S currency only. No COD t,r CASH
Allow 8 weeks tbr delivery All accessories are subject to availability Where applicable, we will ship a super,eding nu_del
Please complete other side also I • Troubles sometimes are caused by simple "faults'" • lfyour camcorder is still in warranty, these checks that you can easily correct without the help of a and adjustments could save you time and the cost service technician by first checking a few basic of an unneeded trip to the servicer. They also could remedies. save you the cost of a diagnosis not covered by your • Before you call or take your camcorder to an warranty. (See "What does your warranty not cover" Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter, look below on the back cover page.) for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then • If service should be necessary, the warranty perform the simple checks and adjustments listed information on the back cover page lists what your for that trouble. warranty covers and explains how to get service.
No power • If using battery, maybe it needs to be recharged. (ON indicator will not come • If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a working outlet. on) Won't record or playback • If power ON indicator is blinking, there is moisture in camcorder. Leave power on and wait for light to stop blinking. • Maybe there's no cassette in camcorder. • Try ejecting and re-inserting cassette, • Maybe the cassette tape is broken, try another cassette. • Maybe you've reached the end of the cassette, try rewinding it. Won't playback • CAMERA/PLAYBACK switch must be in PLAYBACK position. Won't record • Maybe record-protect tab has been removed from cassette. (See page 17.) • CAMERA/PLAYBACK switch must be in CAMERA position. No picture in viewfinder • Remove lens cap. • Maybe AUTO IRIS control is closed. Rotate control to AUTO (center "click") position. Tape stops during rewind or • Tape-counter memory may be on. Whenever an "M" appears behind the tape- fast forward counter display, the camcorder will stop rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads 0000. Press REW or F.FWD again to continue. Press DISPLAY button to turn off memory. Camcorder remains in still- • Press PAUSE to return to normal playback. frame mode Poor picture quality during • Insufficient light. If picture looks too dark in the viewfinder with the 1RIs control in recording AUTO(center "click") position, add light to scene. Poor auto-focus operation • Make sure AUTOFOCUSswitch is in AUTO position. • Make sure operator is not covering auto-focus window during recording. • Maybe subject is dark or behind glass. Auto-focus may not work under these conditions. Slide AUTOFOCUSswitch to MANUAL for manual focusing. • Maybe lens is smudged and image appears unfocused. • Maybe viewfinder eyepiece focus is misadjusted. (See page 20.) • Maybe camcorder is in macro-focus mode. Press and hold zoom button "T" to release macro-focus. • Don't use auto-focus with wide-angle or telephoto adapters. Poor picture quality during • If picture contains black-and-white streaks, adjust TRACKING control to correct. This playback is common when tape was recorded on a different VCR. Flashing shutter-speed • There is not enough light to record at this shutter speed. display in viewfinder • Slide SHUTTER speed button to reduce speed.
46 Picture is too dark For best results, only use higher shutter speeds for outdoor action you specifically intend to play back in slow motion. Power ON indicator is Excessive moisture in camcorder. Leave power on until light stops flashing. flashing Recorded audio is too low Maybe MIC WIND/NORMAL switch was not returned to NORMAL position after outdoors recording. Maybe subject was too far from camcorder. For long distances, try using a wireless microphone. Viewfinder displays are out Try adjusting eyepiece focus control. of focus
Can't see shutter-speed or CAMERA/PLAYBACK switch must be in CAMERA position. index display in viewfinder Press DISPLAY button to bring displays to viewfinder. Date and/or time were Date and/or time will be recorded on tape whenever they appear in the viewfinder. recorded on tape Press DATE/TIME button to remove them from viewfinder when recording.
47 AC Adapter/Charger ...... Inside Front Cover,5,14 Eyepiece Focus Control ...... 5,6,20 Accessories (Included) ...... 4 F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button ...... 12,32 Accessories (Optional) ...... 44-45 FADE Button ...... 8,19,25 Accessory Order Form ...... 45 Fading in and Out of Scenes ...... 25 Accessory Shoe ...... 6 Features ...... 2-3 Adapter/Charger ...... Inside Front Cover,5,14 Features (Recording) ...... 20-3 I ADVANCE (Date and Clock Set) Button ...... 8,22 Flying Erase Head ...... 32 Animation Recording ...... 30 Focus Ring ...... 6,24 Attaching Adapter/Charger ...... 14 Focusing Your Camcorder ...... 24 Attaching Charged Battery ...... 15 Head Cleaner ...... 17 AUDIO DUB Button ...... 12,34 Indexing ...... 31 Audio Dubbing ...... 34 Inserting Cassettes ...... 17 Auto Focus ...... 24 Installing Clock Battery ...... 4,22 Auto Focus Window ...... 24 Interval Recording ...... 29.30 AUTO IRIS Control ...... 5,8,25 Introduction ...... 1 A V IN (Audio/Video) Jack ...... 13,36,37 Lens ...... 6 A V OUT (Audio/Video) Connector ...... 10,36,38,39 Lens Cap ...... 5 Battery (Clock) ...... 4,22 Lens Cap Snap ...... 5 BATTERY Eject Lever ...... 7 Lens Hood (Removing) ...... 44 Battery Power ...... 15-16 Limited Warranty ...... Back Cover Battery Type (Clock) ...... 4,22 Location and Use of Controls ...... 6-13 Camcorder Care ...... 43 Macro Button ...... 6,24 CAMERA/PLAYBACK Switch ...... 5,13,19 Macro Focus ...... 6,24 Car Cord ...... 16 Making Better Videos ...... 42 Care and Storage (Cassettes) ...... 17 Manual Focus ...... 24 Care of Camcorder ...... 43 Memory Feature ...... 27 Cassettes ...... t7 M1C (External Microphone Jack) ...... 10 Cassette (Care and Storage) ...... 17 MIC (WIND/NORMAL) Switch ...... 10,31 Cassette Door ...... 10 Moisture (Caution) ...... Inside Front Cover Cassettes (Inserting/Removing) ...... 17 NORMAL/WIND MIC Switch ...... 10,31 Caution (Cold to Warm) ...... Inside Front Cover ON (Power) Indicator ...... 12,19 CCD Image Sensor ...... 6 Operation Steps (Quick) ...... 5 Charging Your Battery ...... 15 Optional Accessories ...... 44-45 Checking Battery Power ...... 16 Order Form (Accessory) ...... 45 Clock Battery ...... 4,22 Owner's Club ...... 1 CLOCK BATTERY Compartment ...... 4,10,22 PAUSE Button ...... 12 Connections (Quick Reference) ...... 36 PLAY Button ...... 5,12,32 Contents ...... 1 PLA YBACK/CAMERA Switch ...... 5,13,19 Controls (Location and Use) ...... 6-13 Playback Connections ...... 38,39 Date (Setting) ...... 22 Playback Connections to a VCR ...... 39 Date and CLOCK Set Buttons (SELECT and Playback Connections to a Monitor ...... 39 ADVANCE) ...... 8,22 Playback Connections to a Standard TV ...... 38 DA TE/TIME Buttons ...... 8,22 Playing Tapes Through a TV or Monitor ...... 40 DC Car Cord ...... 10,16 Playing Tapes Through the Viewfinder ...... 40 DC IN (9.6V) Jack ...... 10,16 Playing Tapes Through a VCR ...... 41 Detailed Recording Steps ...... 18-19 POWER Switch ...... 5,12,19 Dew Indicator ...... 12 Power Zoom Buttons ...... 6,10,23 DISPLAY Button ...... 8,29,30 Powering Your Camcorder ...... 14-16 Displays in Viewfinder ...... 21 PUSH/A UTO Focus Switch ...... 6,24 Dubbing (Audio and Video) ...... 35 Quick Operation Steps ...... 5 Dubbing (Audio) ...... 34 Quick Review ...... 23 Dubbing (Video) ...... 35 RCA Owner's Club ...... 1 EAR (Earphone) Jack ...... 12 Record-Protect Tab ...... 17 Edit Search ...... 32 Record Start/Stop Button ...... 5,10 Editing Features ...... 32-35 Recording Features ...... 20-31 EJECT Button ...... 5,12 Recording From a VCR ...... 37 Electronic Indexing ...... 31 Recording From a Monitor ...... 37 Electronic Viewfinder ...... 7,20 Recording Steps (Detailed) ...... 18-19 Erase Protection ...... 17 Recording Times ...... 17 EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) ...... 7,20 Recording Tips ...... 42
48 Remote Record Start/Stop Switch ...... 30 Thumb Trigger ...... 5,10 Removing Cassettes ...... 10,17 Tilt Adjustment (EVF) ...... 20 Removing Lens Hood ...... 44 Time (Setting) ...... 22 RESET/T-160 Button ...... 8,27 TIME LAPSE Button ...... 8,29,30 REVIEW Button ...... 8,19,23 Time Remaining Display ...... 27 REW (Rewind) Button ...... 12,32 TRACKING Control ...... 12 RF Adapter ...... 38 Traveling Tips ...... 42 Safety Registration ...... Inside Front Cover Trouble Checks ...... 46-47 SELECT (Date and Clock Set) Button ...... 8,22 TV/Monitor Playback ...... 40 SELF TIMER Button ...... 8,29 Unpacking Your Camcorder ...... 4 SHUTTER Speed Switch ...... 8,28 Variable Shutter Speeds ...... 28 Shutter Speed Tips ...... 42 Video Cassettes ...... _...... 17 Shutter Speeds ...... 28 VIDEO DUB Button ...... 12,35 Specifications ...... Back Cover Video Dubbing ...... 35 STOP Button ...... 12,19 Viewfinder Displays ...... 21 Storing Your Camcorder ...... 43 Viewfinder Playback ...... 40 Synchro Edit ...... 33 W and T (Power Zoom) Buttons ...... 6,19,23 T and W (Power Zoom) Buttons ...... 6,19,23 Warranty ...... Back Cover Table of Contents ...... 1 Warranty Registration ...... 1 Tally Light ...... 6 What Your Camcorder Will Do ...... 2-3 Tape Copying ...... 39,41 WIND/NORMAL M1C Switch ...... 10,31 Tape Counter ...... 27 Y-Adapter ...... 34,37 Tape Counter Display ...... 27 Zoom King ...... 6,23 Things to Avoid ...... 43 Zoom King Lever ...... 6,23
49 General Camera Seclion Power requirement: 9.6VDC Scanning: 525 Lines/60 Fields/30 Frames This digital apparatus does not exceed Power consumption: 9.6 watts (normal) Image Sensor: 1/2" high-resolution, solid- the class B limits for radio noise Weight: 5.3 Ibs. (2.4 kg) state CCD lmager emissions from digital apparatus set Dimensions: 4-15/16" (W) x 9-3/16" (H) x 14-5/8" (D) Tripod Mount: One 1/4" x 20 threaded out in the Radio Interference 026 x 233 x 372 mm) hole Regulations of the Canadian Lens: fl.2 Department of Communications. Video Recorder Section 6:1 (9-54mm) L'interfi_rence radio_lectrique g_ni:r_e Format: VHS Diameter: 46ram par cet appareil digital ne d6passe pus Record/Playback System: les limites de la classe B _dict+es par le Two video record/playback heads R_glement sur les perturbations Note: All teatures and specifications are One Flying Erase Head radio_lectriques du Minist_re Canadien subject to change without notice. des Communications. Headwheei Cylinder Diameter: 62ram Video Signal: EIA Standard NTSC Color
What does your warranty cover:. What does your warrantynot cover:. • Any defect in material or workmanship. • Customer instruction. Your Owner's Manual provides information regarding operating instructions and user For how long after your purchase: controls. For additional information, ask your dealer. • Ninety days for labor charges. • Cleaning of video/audio heads, which is normal • One year for parts. maintenance. The warranty period for rental eamcorders begins with the • Damage from misuse or neglect. first rental • Camcorders which have been modified or incorporatedinto other products. What will we do: • Camcorders purchased or serviced outside the USA. • Pay any Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter the labor • Battery for clock. charges to repair your Camcordar. • Provide new or, at our option, rebuilt replacement parts How does state law relate to this warranty: and pickup tube for the Authorized RCA Camcorder • This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may Servioenter to make the repairs. also have other rights which vary from state to state.
How do you get service: What if you purchased your camcorder in Canada: • Take your eamcorder to any Authorized RCA Camcorder • Refer to the Canadian warranty. Servicenter. For their names and locations, ask your dealer, look in the Yellow Pages, or call 1-800-336-1900. • Show the service technician your evidence of purchase date. • Pick up your camcorder when repairs are completed. nC ll For your nearest RCA dealer or Authorized RCA Servicenter call Si un livret d'instructions en fcanqais n'est pa_ inclus a'4ec votre appareil, voug $3ouvez 6R obte_ir un toll free in U.S.A. (INDIQUER LE NUMERO DE MODELE, VOTRE NOM, ET MOTRE ADRESSE) en vous adceSsant _: 1 800 336 1900 Thomson _lectronique Grand Public du Canada, Inc. nc Service _ 6onn_es teChnlque_ 6540 Tcmken Rd. MIMls_uga. Ontario, Canada L5T 2E9
©1989 Thomson Consumer Electronics. Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan Job #A-70221 Part Number 89-CC285-1 600 N Sherman Dr, PO Box 1976 RC_ homson Consumer Electronics, Inc. E72118/E97130 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1976 4632344