GR-D250EW.book Page 1 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the pages 3 – 4 and 9 to ensure safe use of this product. ENGLISH DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GR-D250 6 GETTING STARTED VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 17 ADVANCED FEATURES 22 REFERENCES 38 TERMS 47 Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for Digital Video Camera: http://www.jvc.co.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 2 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 2 EN Major Features of this Camcorder Wipe/Fader Effects Backlight Compensation You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make pro-style scene transitions. (墌 pg. 33) Simply pressing the BACK LIGHT button brightens the image darkened by backlight. (墌 pg. 31) ● You can also select a spot metering area so that more precise exposure compensation is available. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 3 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM EN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IMPORTANT (for owners in the U.K.) Connection to the mains supply in the United Kingdom. DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 4 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 4 EN When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm or more on both sides, on top and at the rear). Do not block the ventilation holes. (If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be able to get out.) No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
MasterPage: TOC_Heading0_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 5 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM CONTENTS GETTING STARTED 6 ADVANCED FEATURES Index ................................................................. 6 Provided Accessories ..................................... 10 Power.............................................................. 11 Operation Mode .............................................. 13 Language Settings.......................................... 14 Date/Time Settings ....................
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MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 7 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM Controls Other Parts A Stop Button [8] (墌 pg. 20) S Monitor Latch (墌 pg. 18) T LCD Monitor (墌 pg. 18, 19) U Viewfinder (墌 pg. 15) V Battery Pack Mount (墌 pg. 12) W Shoulder Strap Eyelet (墌 pg. 11) X Speaker (墌 pg. 20) Y Grip Strap (墌 pg. 14) Z Lens a Camera Sensor Backlight Compensation Button [BACK LIGHT] (墌 pg. 31) B Play/Pause Button [4/9] (墌 pg. 20) Manual Focus Button [FOCUS] (墌 pg. 29) C Rewind Button [3] (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 8 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 8 EN GETTING STARTED LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording 9 1 2 0 q we r t Viewfinder) (墌 pg. 15) V Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator (墌 pg. 29) T REC 3 4 5 6 7 BRIGHT SOUND 12 B I T 8 15:55 y u i d 50m o 1 0 . 11 . 05 10 : 00 s a (墌 pg. 40) T Date/Time (墌 pg. 14) U Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/ 1h40m 25 x W S Battery Remaining Power Indicator p a Operation Mode (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 9 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM GETTING STARTED During Video Playback Before Using This Camcorder 2 3 4 Make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark . This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video cassette. Only cassettes marked “ ” can be used with this unit. 12 B I T / M I X L BLANK SEARCH PUSH "STOP" BUTTON TO CANCEL 50m VO LUME 8 5 1 0 . 11 . 05 10: 0 0 2 0 : 2 1 : 25 7 9 6 a Sound Mode Indicator (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 10 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 10 EN GETTING STARTED Provided Accessories How To Attach The Lens Cap To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration. NOTE: To confirm the lens cap is on correctly make sure the cap is flush to the camcorder. a b c d e f AC Adapter AP-V17E Battery Pack BN-VF707U S/AV Cable Cable Adapter Shoulder Strap (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 11 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM GETTING STARTED How To Attach The Shoulder Strap EN 11 Power Follow the illustration. guide and the buckle. This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment. ● To adjust the length of the strap, loosen and then tighten the strap in the buckle. Charging The Battery Pack 1 Thread the strap through the eyelet.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 12 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 12 EN GETTING STARTED To detach the battery pack Slide the battery pack upward while pressing PUSH BATT. to detach it. Battery pack Charging time BN-VF707U* Approx. 1 hr. 30 min. BN-VF714U Approx. 2 hr. 40 min. BN-VF733U Approx. 5 hr. 40 min. Using The Battery Pack Perform steps 2 – 3 in “Charging The Battery Pack”. Maximum continuous recording time Battery pack LCD monitor on Viewfinder on BN-VF707U* 1 hr. 5 min.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 13 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM GETTING STARTED Perform steps 4 in “Charging The Battery Pack”. NOTE: The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V. About Batteries DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may cause a fire or explosion.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 14 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 14 EN GETTING STARTED Power-Linked Operation Date/Time Settings When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”, you can also turn on/off the camcorder by opening/ closing the LCD monitor or pulling out/pushing in the viewfinder. INFORMATION: The following explanations in this manual supposes the use of LCD monitor in your operation. If you want to use the viewfinder, close the LCD monitor and pull out the viewfinder fully.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 15 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM GETTING STARTED 1 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. 2 Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked. Pull out the viewfinder fully and adjust it manually for best viewability. 3 Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 16 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 16 EN GETTING STARTED Loading/Unloading A Cassette The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a cassette. Cassette holder PUSH HERE Cassette holder cover OPEN/EJECT Make sure the window side is facing out. Erase protection tab 1 Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover open until it locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK MasterPage: Video_Heading0_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 17 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM VIDEO RECORDING EN 17 Tape Remaining Time Basic Recording NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: ● Power (墌 pg. 11) ● Loading A Cassette (墌 pg. 16) Power Zoom Lever Approximate tape remaining time appears on the display. “– h – – m” means the camcorder is calculating the remaining time. When the remaining time reaches 2 minutes, the indication starts blinking.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 18 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 18 EN VIDEO RECORDING LCD Monitor And Viewfinder Zooming While using the LCD monitor: Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back in. Pull on the end of the LCD monitor and open the LCD monitor fully. It can rotate 270° (90° downward, 180° upward). Produces the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. While using the viewfinder: Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 19 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM VIDEO RECORDING Journalistic Shooting EN 19 NOTES: ● The time code cannot be reset. ● During fast-forwarding and rewinding, the time code indication does not move smoothly. ● The time code is displayed only when “TIME CODE” is set to “ON”. (墌 pg. 26) In some situations, different shooting angles may provide more dramatic results.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 20 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 20 EN VIDEO PLAYBACK Shuttle Search Normal Playback 5 3 4/9 8 VOL. +/– Speaker Lock Button M A Power Switch MENU 1 Load a cassette. (墌 pg. 16) 2 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. Allows high-speed search in either direction during video playback. 1) During playback, press 5 for forward search, or 3 for reverse search. 2) To resume normal playback, press 4/9.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 21 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM VIDEO PLAYBACK ● The detected blank portion may be located between recorded scenes. Before you start recording, make sure there is no recorded scene after the blank portion. Connections To A TV Or VCR EN 21 1 Make sure all units are turned off. 2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown in the illustration. If using a VCR, go to step 3. If not, go to step 4.
ADVANCED FEATURES MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250EW.book Page 22 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 22 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Menus without Sub Menus Changing The Menu Settings This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. (墌 pg. 23 – 27) – Lock Button + M A Power Switch v WIPE/FADER (墌 pg. 33) r PROGRAM AE (墌 pg. 34) p EXPOSURE (墌 pg. 30) u W. BALANCE (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 23 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT CAMERA The “m CAMERA” settings are effective when the Power Switch is set to both “A” and “M”. However, the menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “M”.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 24 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 24 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT MANUAL The “q MANUAL” settings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “M”. [ ] = Factory-preset DIS OFF: Disables the function. [ON ]: To compensate for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly at high magnification. NOTES: ● Accurate stabilisation may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or depending on the shooting condition.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 25 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM The “s SYSTEM” functions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “M” are also applied when the Power Switch is set to “PLAY”. [ ] = Factory-preset BEEP OFF: Even though not heard while shooting, shutter sound is recorded on the tape. BEEP: The beep sounds when the power is turned on or off, and at the beginning and end of recording. It also activates the shutter sound effect. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 26 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 26 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT CAMERA DISPLAY ● The “n” (CAMERA DISPLAY) settings are effective even when the Power Switch is set to “A”. However, the menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “M”. ● The “n” (CAMERA DISPLAY) settings except “BRIGHT” and “AUX MIC” are effective only for shooting. [ ] = Factory-preset BRIGHT 墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 27 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM ● The parameters are the same as in the description on page 25. 27 VIDEO DISPLAY The “n” (VIDEO DISPLAY) settings are effective only for video playback except “BRIGHT” and “AUX MIC”. ● The parameters (except “OFF” in ON SCREEN settings) are the same as in the description (CAMERA DISPLAY) on page 26. [ ] = Factory-preset BRIGHT 墌 pg.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250EW.book Page 28 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 28 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING 5-Second Recording Record a vacation or an important event in 5second clips to keep the action moving. This function is available only for video recording. 1 Set “5S” to “5S”. (墌 pg. 24) ● The “5S” indicator appears. 2 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start recording, and after 5 seconds the camcorder enters Record-Standby mode automatically.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 29 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING This feature lets you record still images that look like photographs onto a tape. 29 Manual Focus (墌 pg. 22, 23) The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up (as close as approx. 5 cm to the subject) to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtained depending on the shooting condition. In this case, use the manual focus mode. 3 Press SNAPSHOT.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 30 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 30 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Exposure Control Manual exposure control is recommended in the following situations: ● When shooting using reverse lighting or when the background is too bright. ● When shooting on a reflective natural background such as at the beach or when skiing. ● When the background is overly dark or the subject is bright. 1 Set the Power Switch to “M”. 2 Set “p” to “MANUAL”. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 31 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING Spot Exposure Control Backlight compensation brightens the subject quickly. With simple operation, backlight compensation feature brightens the dark subject portion by increasing the exposure. 1 Set the Power Switch to “M”. 2 Press BACK LIGHT so that the Backlight Compensation indicator “ ” appears. To cancel Backlight Compensation Press BACK LIGHT twice so that the “ indicator disappears.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 32 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 32 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING White Balance Adjustment The white balance refers to the correctness of colour reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colours will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional colour/ tint reproduction.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 33 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING Wipe Or Fader Effects These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Use them to spice up the transition from one scene to the next. Wipe or Fader works when video recording is started or stopped. EN 33 WIPE–SCROLL: The scene wipes in from the bottom to the top of a black screen, or wipes out from top to bottom, leaving a black screen.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 34 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 34 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Program AE With Special Effects 1 Set the Power Switch to “M”. 2 Set “r” to the desired mode. (墌 pg. 22) ● The PROGRAM AE menu disappears and the selected effect is activated. ● The selected effect indicator appears. To deactivate the selected effect Select “OFF” in step 2. The effect indicator disappears.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 35 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM EDITING EN 35 1 Following the illustrations, connect the Dubbing To A VCR camcorder and the VCR’s input connectors. 2 Start playback on the camcorder. (墌 pg. 20) 3 At the point you want to start dubbing, start To S/AV connector Open the cover. mark S/AV cable (provided) recording on the VCR. (Refer to the VCR’s instruction manual.) 4 To stop dubbing, stop recording on the VCR, then stop playback on the camcorder.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 36 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 36 EN EDITING Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing) It is also possible to copy recorded scenes from the camcorder onto another video unit equipped with a DV connector. Since a digital signal is sent, there is little if any image or sound deterioration. NOTES: ● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power supply instead of the battery pack. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 37 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM EDITING EN 37 Connection To A Personal Computer It is also possible to transfer still/moving images to a PC with a DV connector by using the software equipped with the PC or commercially available software. If you are using a Windows® XP, you can use Windows® Messenger to conduct video conferences over the Internet, using a camcorder. For details, refer to the help for the Windows® Messenger.
REFERENCES MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250EW.book Page 38 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 38 EN TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery pack, AC Adapter, etc.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 39 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM TROUBLESHOOTING EN 39 The colour of Snapshot looks strange. “SET DATE/TIME!” appears. ● The light source or the subject does not include white. Or there are various different light sources behind the subject. HFind a white subject and compose your shot so that it also appears in the frame. (墌 pg. 29) ● The date/time is not set. HSet the date/time. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 40 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 40 EN TROUBLESHOOTING Picture does not appear on the LCD monitor. ● The viewfinder is pulled out and “PRIORITY” is set to “FINDER”. HPush the viewfinder back in or set “PRIORITY” to “LCD”. (墌 pg. 18, 22, 25) ● The LCD monitor’s brightness setting is too dark. HAdjust the brightness of the LCD monitor. (墌 pg. 15) HIf the monitor is tilted upward 180 degrees, open the monitor fully. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 41 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM TROUBLESHOOTING EN 41 LENS CAP Appears for 5 seconds after power is turned on if the lens cap is attached or when it is dark. HDV Appears when pictures recorded in the HDV format are detected. The pictures in the HDV format cannot be played back with this camcorder. UNIT IN SAFEGUARD MODE REMOVE AND REATTACH BATTERY The error indications (01, 02 or 06) show what type of malfunction has occurred.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250EW.book Page 42 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 42 EN USER MAINTENANCE Cleaning The Camcorder Before cleaning, turn off the camcorder and remove the battery pack and AC Adapter. To clean the exterior Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Put the cloth in diluted mild soap and wring it well to wipe off heavy dirt. Then wipe again with a dry cloth. To clean the LCD monitor Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Be careful not to damage the monitor. Close the LCD monitor.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 43 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM CAUTIONS Battery Packs 43 NOTES: Terminals ... do not burn. ... do not short-circuit the terminals. When transporting, make sure the provided battery cap is attached to the battery. If the battery cap is misplaced, carry the battery in a plastic bag. ... do not modify or disassemble. ... do not expose the battery to temperatures exceeding 60°C, as this may cause the battery to overheat, explode or catch fire. ...
MasterPage: Left GR-D250EW.book Page 44 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 44 EN CAUTIONS LCD Monitor ● To prevent damage to the LCD monitor, DO NOT ... push it strongly or apply any shocks. ... place the camcorder with the LCD monitor on the bottom. ● To prolong service life ... avoid rubbing it with coarse cloth. ● Be aware of the following phenomena for LCD monitor use. These are not malfunctions ...
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 45 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM CAUTIONS EN 45 About moisture condensation ● You have observed that pouring a cold liquid into a glass will cause drops of water to form on the glass’ outer surface. This same phenomenon occurs on the head drum of a camcorder when it is moved from a cool place to a warm place, after heating a cold room, under extremely humid conditions or in a place directly subjected to the cool air from an air conditioner.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250EW.book Page 46 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM 46 EN SPECIFICATIONS Camcorder For General Power supply DC 11 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Approx. 3.2 W (LCD monitor off, viewfinder on) Approx. 4.2 W (LCD monitor on, viewfinder off) Dimensions (W x H x D) 56 mm x 94 mm x 112 mm (with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed back in) Weight Approx. 430 g (without battery, cassette and lens cap) Approx. 510 g (incl.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250EW.book Page 47 Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:44 PM TERMS EN 47 A T AC Adapter .................................................... 13 Animation ....................................................... 24 Tape Speed (REC MODE) ...................... 23, 26 Telephoto Setting ........................................... 24 Time Code ............................................... 19, 26 Tripod Mounting ............................................. 15 Troubleshooting .......
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