ENGLISH Digital Video Camcorder SC-D453/D455/D457 AF CCD LCD Auto Focus Charge Coupled Device Liquid Crystal Display Owner’s Instruction Book Before operating the unit, please read this Instruction Book thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
ENGLISH Notices and Safety Instructions Safety Instructions CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER(OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot and fully insert.
ENGLISH Notices and Safety Instructions 9. VENTILATION: Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the CAMCORDER and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. Never place your CAMCORDER on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface: on or near a radiator or heat register.
ENGLISH Notices and Safety Instructions 14. LIGHTNING: For added protection of this CAMCORDER during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the CAMCORDER due to lightning and power-line surges. 15.
ENGLISH Notices and Safety Instructions 22. To prevent damage which may result in fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. 23. If this power supply is used at 240V ac, a suitable plug adapter should be used.
ENGLISH Notes and Safety Instructions Notes regarding the Rotation of the LCD Screen Please rotate the LCD screen carefully as illustrated. Over rotation may cause damage to the inside of the hinge that connects the LCD screen to the Camcorder. 1 1. LCD screen closed. 2. Standard recording using the LCD screen. ■ Open the LCD screen with your finger. 2 LCD open 3. Recording when looking at the LCD screen from the top. 4. Recording when looking at the LCD screen from the front. 5.
ENGLISH Notes and Safety Instructions Notices regarding Copyright Television programs, video tapes, DVD titles, films, and other program materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material may be against the law. All the trade names and registered trademarks mentioned in this manual or other documentation provided with your Samsung product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Notes regarding Moisture Condensation 1.
ENGLISH Notes and Safety Instructions Notes regarding the Battery Pack ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ It is recommended to use original battery pack that is available at SAMSUNG service center. Make sure that the Battery pack is fully charged before starting to record. To preserve battery power, keep your Camcorder turned off when you are not operating it.
ENGLISH Notes and Safety Instructions Note regarding the Lens Do not film with the camera lens pointing directly at the sun. Direct sunlight can damage the CCD(Charge Coupled Device). Notes regarding electronic Viewfinder 1. Do not position the Camcorder such that the Viewfinder is pointing towards the sun. Direct sunlight can damage the inside of the Viewfinder. Be careful when placing the Camcorder under sunlight or near a window exposed to sunlight. 2.
ENGLISH Notes and Safety Instructions Precautions regarding the Lithium battery 1. The camcorder’s built-in lithium battery maintains the clock function and user settings, even if the battery pack or AC adapter is removed. 2. The lithium battery for the camcorder lasts about a one month under normal operation from the time of installation. 3. When the lithium battery becomes weak or is dead, the date/time indicator will display “12:00 AM JAN.1,2005” when you set the DATE/TIME to On.
ENGLISH System Menu Setting Setting the Clock ✤ ✤ Clock setup works in Camera/Player/M.Cam/M.Player modes. The Date/Time is automatically recorded onto a tape. Before recording, please set the Date/Time. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 4 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE or MEMORY. 3. Press the MENU button. ■ The menu list will appear. 4. Move the Menu selector to the left or right to select System, then press the Menu selector. 5.
ENGLISH System Menu Setting Setting the Wireless Remote Control Acceptance (Remote) (SC-D457 only) ✤ ✤ The Remote function works in Camera/Player/M.Cam/M.Player modes. The Remote option allows you to enable or disable the remote control for use with the Camcorder. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 1 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE or MEMORY. 3. Press the MENU button. ■ The menu list will appear. 4. Move the Menu selector to the left or right to select System, then press the Menu selector.
ENGLISH System Menu Setting Setting the Beep Sound ✤ ✤ The Beep Sound function works in Camera/Player/M.Cam/M.Player modes. You can turn the Beep Sound on or off, when on, each press of a button sounds a beep. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 1 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE or MEMORY. 3. Press the MENU button. ■ The menu list will appear. 4. Move the Menu selector to the left or right to select System, then press the Menu selector. 4 5.
ENGLISH System Menu Setting Setting the Shutter Sound ✤ ✤ The Shutter Sound function works in both Player and M.Cam modes. You can turn the Shutter Sound on or off, when on, with each press of the PHOTO button the Shutter will Sound. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 1 2. If the Power switch is set to CAMERA mode, set the Mode switch to MEMORY. If the Power switch is set to PLAYER mode, set the Mode switch to TAPE. 3. Press the MENU button. ■ The menu list will appear. 4.
ENGLISH System Menu Setting Viewing the Demonstration ✤ ✤ Before you begin: Make sure that there is no tape inserted in the Camcorder. (See page 36) Demonstration automatically shows you the major functions that are included with your Camcorder so that you may use them more easily. ✤ The Demonstration function may only be used in the Camera mode without a tape inserted in the Camcorder. ✤ The Demonstration operates repeatedly until the Demonstration mode switched off. 1 1.
ENGLISH Display Menu Setting Adjusting the LCD Screen ✤ ✤ This function works in Camera/Player/M.Cam/M.Player modes. Your Camcorder is equipped with a 2.5 inch color Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) screen, which enables you to view what you are recording or playing back directly. ✤ Depending on the conditions under which you are using the Camcorder (indoors or outdoors for example), you can adjust; - LCD Bright - LCD Color 1 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 2.
ENGLISH Display Menu Setting Displaying the Date/Time ✤ ✤ The Date/Time function works in Camera/Player/M.Cam/M.Player modes. The date and time are automatically recorded on a special data area of the tape. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 1 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE or MEMORY. 3. Press the MENU button. ■ The menu list will appear. 4. Move the Menu selector to the left or right to select Display, then press the Menu selector. 4 5.
ENGLISH Display Menu Setting Setting the TV Display ✤ ✤ The TV Display function works in Camera/Player/M.Cam/M.Player modes. You can select the output path of the OSD (On Screen Display). - Off: The OSD appears in the LCD screen and Viewfinder only. - On: The OSD appears in the LCD screen, Viewfinder and TV. - Use the DISPLAY button located at the left side of the Camcorder to turn the OSD on/off on the LCD screen/Viewfinder/TV. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 1 2.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Using the Viewfinder ✤ The Viewfinder will work when the LCD screen is closed. Adjusting the Focus The focus adjustment knob of the Viewfinder enables individuals with vision problems to see clearer images. 1. Close the LCD screen and pull out the Viewfinder. 2. Use the focus adjustment knob of the Viewfinder to focus the picture. [ Notes ] ■ Viewing the sun or any strong light source through the Viewfinder for a prolonged period may be harmful, or cause temporary impairment.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Inserting and Ejecting a Cassette ✤ When inserting a tape or closing the cassette compartment, do not apply excessive force. As it may cause a malfunction. ✤ Do not use any tape other than Mini DV cassettes. 1. Turn on your Camcorder, then slide the TAPE EJECT switch on the upper of the Camcorder and open the cassette door until it clicks. ■ The cassette holder automatically rises and opens forward. 2.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Hints for Stable Image Recording ✤ ✤ While recording, it is very important to hold the Camcorder correctly. Fix the lens cover firmly by clipping it to the hand strap. (see page 18) Recording with the LCD Screen 1. Hold the Camcorder firmly using the hand strap. 2. Place your right elbow against your side. 3. Place your left hand under or beside the LCD screen to support and adjust it. Do not touch the built-in microphone. 4.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Various Recording Techniques ✤ In some situations different recording techniques may be required for more dramatic results. 1. General recording. 1 2 3 4 2. Downward recording. Making a recording with a top view of the LCD screen. 3. Upward recording. Making a recording viewing the LCD screen from below. 4. Self recording. Making a recording viewing the LCD screen from the front. 5. Recording with the Viewfinder.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Making your First Recording 1. Connect a power source to the Camcorder. (see page 20) (A Battery pack or a AC Power adapter) Insert a cassette. (see page 36) 1 2 4 3 2. Remove the Lens cover. Release the write protection tab to record. ■ ■ √ √ 3. Set the Power switch to CAMERA. ■ Open the LCD screen. ■ Set the Mode switch to TAPE. Make sure that STBY is displayed. ■ If the write protection tab of the cassette is open(set to save), STOP and Protection! will be displayed.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Using EASY.Q Mode (for Beginners) ✤ ✤ The EASY.Q mode works only in Camera mode. The EASY.Q mode allows a beginner to easily make good recordings. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA. 1 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE. 3. By pressing the EASY.Q button, all functions on the camera will be set to off and the recording settings will be set to the following basic modes: ■ Battery level, recording mode, counter, date/time, and DIS ( ) will be displayed. ■ The word EASY.
ENGLISH Basic Recording When a cassette is loaded and the Camcorder is left in the STBY mode for more than 5 minutes without being used, it will switch off automatically. To use it again, press the Start/Stop button or set the Power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA. This auto power off feature is designed to save battery power. Record Search (REC SEARCH) ■ You can view a recording using the REC SEARCH +, - function in STBY mode.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Setting the Zero Memory (SC-D457 only) ✤ ✤ The ZERO MEMORY function works in both Camera and Player modes. You can mark a point on a tape that you want to return to following playback. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or PLAYER. 1 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE. 3. Press the ZERO MEMORY button on the remote control before the recording or during playback at the point where you wish to return.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Self Record using the Remote Control (SC-D457 only) ✤ ✤ The SELF TIMER function works only in Camera mode. When you use the Self Timer function on the remote control, the recording begins automatically in 10 seconds. 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA. 1 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE. 3. Press the SELF TIMER button until the appropriate indicator is displayed in the LCD screen. 4. Press the Start/Stop button to start the timer.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Zooming In and Out ✤ ✤ The ZOOM function works in both Camera and M.Cam modes. Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in a scene. ✤ You can zoom using variable zoom speeds. ✤ Use these features for different shots. Please note that over-use of the zoom feature can lead to unprofessional looking results and a reduction of battery usage time. 1. Move the Zoom lever slightly for a gradual zoom, move it further for a high-speed zoom.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Using the Tele Macro ✤ ✤ Tele Macro Function works in both Camera and M.Cam mode. Effective focal distance in Tele Macro mode is 50 Cm (19.7 inches) ~ 100 Cm (39.4 inches). 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA. 4 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE or MEMORY. 3. Press the MENU button. ■ The menu list will appear. 4. Move the Menu selector to the left or right to select Camera, then press the Menu selector. 5.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Using Quick Menu: Tele Macro ✤ ✤ Quick menu is used to access Camcorder functions by simply using the Menu selector. Quick menu provides easier access to the frequently used menus without using the MENU button. 1. Press the Menu selector. 1 STBY Macro DIS Program AE White Balance Shutter Exposure Manual Focus 2. Move the Menu selector to the left or right to select Macro, then press the Menu selector. 3.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Using the Fade In and Out ✤ ✤ The FADE function works only in Camera mode. You can give your recording a professional look by using special effects such as fade in at the beginning of a sequence or fade out at the end of a sequence. To Start Recording 1. Set the Power switch to CAMERA. 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE. 3. Before recording, hold down the FADE button. ■ The picture and sound gradually disappear (fade out). 4.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Using Back Light Compensation Mode (BLC) ✤ ✤ BLC works in both Camera and M.Cam modes. Back lighting exists when the subject is darker than the background: - The subject is in front of a window. - The person to be recorded is wearing white or shiny clothes and is placed against a bright background; the person’s face is too dark to distinguish his/her features. - The subject is outdoors and the background is overcast. - The light sources are too bright.
ENGLISH Basic Recording Using the Color Nite/LED Light (SC-D455/D457 only) COLOR NITE function works only in Camera mode. Shutter speed can be controlled, allowing you to record slow moving objects. COLOR NITE function may produce a brighter image. The LED light can be used with COLOR NITE function only. (SC-D455/D457 only) The LED light enables you to record a subject in dark places without sacrificing color. (SC-D455/D457 only) 1. 2. 3. 4. Set the Power switch to CAMERA. Set the Mode switch to TAPE.
ENGLISH Playback Playing back a Tape you have recorded on the LCD Screen ✤ ✤ The playback function works only in Player mode. You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. 1. Set the Power switch to PLAYER. 1 2. Set the Mode switch to TAPE. 3. Insert the tape you wish to view. (see page 36) 4. Open the LCD screen. ■ Adjust the angle of the LCD screen and set the brightness or color if necessary. 3 5. Press the (REW) button to rewind the tape to the starting point.
ENGLISH Playback Tape Playback ✤ The playback function works only in Player mode. Playback on the LCD Screen It is practical to view a tape using the LCD screen when in a car or outdoors. ✤ Playback on a TV Monitor To play back a tape, the television must be NTSC compatible. (see page 113) We recommend that you use the AC Power adapter as the power source for the Camcorder. ✤ ✤ Connecting to a TV which has Audio/Video Input Jacks 1. Connect the Camcorder to your TV with the Multi-AV cable.
ENGLISH Playback Frame Advance (To play back frame by frame) (SC-D457 only) ■ ■ Press the F.ADV button on the remote control while in still mode. - Video sequence advances frame by frame each time you press the F.ADV button. - The F.ADV function works in still mode only. To resume normal playback, press the (PLAY/STILL) button. - Forward frame advance Press the F.ADV button on the remote control in still mode.
ENGLISH Playback AV In/Out (SC-D457 only) ✤ ✤ AV In/Out function works only in Player mode. AV in/out setting enables you to record signal from external sources and display it on LCD screen. Also, you can direct your video or image to external devices to record or play back. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Connect the Camcorder to your VCR or TV with the Multi-AV cable. (See pages 70~71) Set the Power switch to PLAYER. Set the Mode switch to TAPE. Turn on the VCR or TV.
ENGLISH Troubleshooting Self Diagnosis Display in M.Cam/M.Player Modes Display Blinking Informs that... Action No Memory Card ! slow There is no Memory card in the Camcorder. Insert a Memory card. Memory Full ! slow There is not enough memory to record. Change to a new Memory card. Erase recorded image. No image ! slow There are no images recorded on the Memory card. Record new images. Write protect ! slow The Memory card is record protected.
ENGLISH Troubleshooting ✤ If these instructions do not solve your problem, contact your nearest Samsung authorized service center. Symptom Explanation/Solution You cannot switch the Check the Battery pack or the AC Power adapter. Camcorder on. 116 Start/Stop button does not operate while recording. Check the Power switch is set to CAMERA. You have reached the end of the cassette. Check the record protection tab on the cassette. The Camcorder shuts off automatically.
ENGLISH Specifications Model Name: SC-D453/D455/D457 System Video signal Video recording system Audio recording system Usable cassette Tape speed Tape recording time FF/REW time Image device Lens Filter diameter LCD screen/Viewfinder Size/dot number LCD screen Method Viewfinder Connectors Video output S-Video output Audio output DV input/output USB output External mic NTSC 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Rotary heads, PCM system Digital video tape (6.35mm width): Mini DV cassette SP: approx. 18.
ENGLISH Warranty (SEA users only) SAMSUNG LIMITED WARRANTY SAMSUNG Electronics America Inc. (SEA), warrants that this product is free from defective material and workmanship. SEA further warrants that if product fails to operate properly within the specified warranty period and the failure is due to improper workmanship or defective material, SEA will repair or replace the product at it’s option. All warranty repairs must be performed by a SEA authorized service center.
ENGLISH THIS CAMCORDER IS MANUFACTURED BY: SERVICE DIVISION 400 Valley Road, Suite 201, Mt. Arlington N.J. 07856 Tel: 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864) *Samsung Electronics’ Internet Home Page http://www.samsung.