ENGLISH Video Camcorder 8mm VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54 VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53 Hi VP-M54 Owner’s Instruction Book Before operating the unit, please read this instruction book thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. ELECTRONICS This product meets the intent of Directive 89/336 CEE, 73/23 CEE, 93/68 CEE.
ENGLISH Table of Contents P r G e t t Features ..........................................................................................................................................................8 Descriptions ■ Front View/Side View/Rear View................................................................................................9, 10, 11 ■ OSD (On Screen Display) ...................................................................................................................
ENGLISH Table of Contents (continued) DIS (Digital Image Stabilizer, VP-M53/M54 only) .........................................................................................31 MF/AF (Manual Focus/Auto Focus) ..............................................................................................................32 XDR/BLC.......................................................................................................................................................
ENGLISH Precautions and Safety Instructions Taking care of the battery pack ✤ Do not allow any metal objects to touch the terminals, as this can cause a short circuit and damage the battery pack. Keep the terminals clean. ✤ The camera, adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminals are dirty. Check them before use, and wipe them with a dry cloth or tissue if necessary. Precautions regarding the LENS ✤ Do not let LENS point toward the sun. Direct sunlight can damage the CCD.
ENGLISH Precautions and Safety Instructions Precautions regarding electronic viewfinder 1) Do not place the camcorder so 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 by a window. 2) Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder. 3) Unintended rotation may cause damage to the viewfinder.
ENGLISH Precautions and Safety Instructions Precautions regarding the battery pack ✤ Make sure that the battery pack is charged before shooting outdoors. ✤ To preserve battery power, keep your camcorder turned off when you are not operating it. ✤ When your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, if it is left in STANDBY for more than 5~7 minutes without operation, it will automatically turn off to protect against unexpected battery discharge. ✤ Make sure that the battery pack is fitted firmly into place.
ENGLISH Precautions and Safety Instructions Precautions regarding the hand strap ✤ It is very important to adjust the hand strap for better shooting. (see page 16) ✤ Do not insert your hand in the hand strap forcibly, the buckle may be damaged. Precautions regarding the video head cleaning ✤ To ensure normal recording and clear picture, clean the video heads. When playing back the pictures , if they are noisy or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder Features Your camcorder has many features for shooting and playing back. Snap Shot (VP-M53/M54 only) The Snap Shot function lets you shoot an object at a standstill for a limited time in Camera mode. (see page 44) PIP (VP-M53/M54 only) The PIP function shows where the center of image is while shooting in Digital Zoom of the Camera mode. (see page 43) XDR/BLC ■ BLC for VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder Front View 3. PLAY/STILL 2. Edit/SEARCH 4. Edit/SEARCH (FF) 5. DATE/TIME(STOP) 6. TAPE EJECT (REW) 7. EVF 1. Lens 8. PIP(Z.RETURN) 15. Remote Sensor 14. MIC 9. FADE 11. POWER 10. XDR/BLC 12. MF Dial 13. MF 1. Lens (see page 59) 2. EDIT/SEARCH (REW) EDIT/SEARCH works in STANDBY mode. (see page 24) REW works in PLAYER mode. (see page 51) 3. PLAY/STILL PIP works in CAMERA mode. (VP-M53/M54 only, see page 43) 9. FADE FADE works in CAMERA mode.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder Side View 22. TITLE 20. PROGRAM AE 16. MENU ON/OFF 21. DSE 17. ENTER 18. MENU Dial 23. C.RESET 24. DISPLAY 19. S-VIDEO out 25. Lithium Battery 16. MENU ON/OFF (see page 30) MENU ON/OFF works in CAMERA and PLAYER mode. 17. ENTER (see page 30) ENTER works in MENU mode. 18. MENU dial Menu dial works in MENU mode. (see page 30) 19. S-VIDEO out (VP-M54 only, see page 50) 20. PROGRAM AE (see page 34) PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) works in CAMERA mode. 10 21.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder Rear View 26. ZOOM 37. BATTERY EJECT 27. Cassette holder 28. Hooks for shoulder strap 38. SNAP SHOT/D.ZOOM 29. AUDIO/VIDEO out 36. Battery Pack compartment 39. Recharging Indicator 35. DC jack 34. External MIC 30. LENS cap 33. START/STOP 32. LOCK/STANDBY 26. ZOOM (see page 28) 27. Cassette holder 28. Hooks for shoulder strap (see page 17) 29. AUDIO/VIDEO out (see page 49) 31. Hand strap 33. START/STOP (see page 23) START/STOP works in CAMERA mode. 34.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder OSD (On Screen Display) ✤ The OSD on/off switch is operated by using the DISPLAY button. ✤ The title and date/time functions can be operated even after the OSD is turned off. ✤ The OSD is displayed in the viewfinder and the monitor. a. Zoom position (see page 29) Indicates zoom position. OSD in CAMERA mode b. DIS (VP-M53/M54 only) (see page 31) Indicates DIS is activating. ba s ( TT W W c. Battery level (see page 21) Indicates the power left in the battery.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder OSD (On Screen Display) j. k. l. m. n. o. p. q. r. s. t. u. v. Time (see page 38) Indicates the time of the shooting. Title (see page 40) Indicates the title of the recording. It is superimposed on the scene. Self diagnosis (see page 55) (TAPE, TAPE END) Checks the operation of the Camcorder. DSE (Digital Special Effect) (see page 36) Indicates the DSE mode is activating. The operation modes are MAKE-UP, EMBOSS, WIDE(16:9), CINEMA, NEG.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder Accessories Supplied with Camcorder Make sure that the following basic accessories are supplied with your camcorder. Basic Accessory 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. AC Power Adapter. (see page 18) AC cord. (see page 18) Battery Pack. (see page 19) Audio/Video Cable. (see page 49) Shoulder strap. (see page 17) Instruction Book. Remote Control. (see page 15) (VP-M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54) 8. Batteries for Remote Control. (see page 15) 9. Lithium Battery for Clock.
ENGLISH Getting to Know Your Camcorder Remote Control (VP-M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54) Description of Parts 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Start/Stop (see page 23) Self Timer Still (see page 51) WIDE (see page 28) TELE (see page 28) Display (see page 12) (Play) (see page 50) (FF) (see page 51) (REW) (see page 51) (Stop) (see page 50) 1 2 3 7 9 10 4 5 6 8 Battery Installation to the Remote Control ✤ You must insert or replace these batteries when: - You purchase the camcorder.
ENGLISH Setting-up the Camcorder 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. 2. Press Self Timer button until the appropriate indicator is displayed on the Viewfinder: ■ WAIT-10S/SELF-30S ■ WAIT-10S/SELF-END 1 2 WAIT-10S SELF-30S 3. Press START/STOP button to start the timer. : After waiting for 10 seconds, recording starts. : If you have selected SELF-30S, recording stops automatically after 30 seconds.
ENGLISH Setting-up the Camcorder Shoulder Strap ✤ The Shoulder Strap allows you to carry your camcorder with complete safety. 1. Insert each end of the strap into the hooks on the camcorder. 2. Put the end of each strap through the buckle then, adjust the length of the strap. Lithium Battery Installation ✤ The lithium battery maintains the clock function, title and preset contents of the memory; even if the battery pack or AC power adapter is removed.
ENGLISH Setting-up the Camcorder Connecting the Power Source ✤ There are two ways to connect power source. - Using the AC Power Adapter : used for indoor shooting. - Using the Battery Pack: used for outdoor shooting. To use AC Power Adapter 1. Connect the AC Power Adapter to a AC cord. 1 2. Connect the AC cord to a wall socket. Note: The plug and wall socket type can be different according to the regional conditions. 2 3. Connect the other end of the DC cable to DC jack of the camcorder. 3 4.
ENGLISH Setting-up the Camcorder To use Battery Pack How long will the battery last for shooting? ✤ It depends how often it’s used in STANDBY mode. ✤ How often zoom lens are used in shooting. Prepare as many battery packs as possible. Recharging the Battery Pack 1. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder. 1 2. Connect the AC Power Adapter to a AC cord and Connect the AC cord to a wall socket. 3. Connect DC cable to DC jack of the camcorder. 2 3 4.
ENGLISH Setting-up the Camcorder Using the Battery Pack Table of continuous recording time based on model and battery type Model VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52 VP-M53 VP-M54 SB-L160 Approximately 180 minutes Approximately 160 minutes Approximately 140 minutes SB-L320 Approximately 360 minutes Approximately 320 minutes Approximately 280 minutes SB-L480 Approximately 540 minutes Approximately 480 minutes Approximately 420 minutes Battery Type ✤ The continuous recording times given in the table are appr
ENGLISH Setting-up the Camcorder Display of Battery Level ✤ The battery level display indicates the amount of power remaining in the battery pack. 1. 2. 3. 4. Fully charged 30% consumed 60% consumed 90% consumed (prepare a charged one) 5. 95% consumed (change the battery) 6. 100% consumed (camcorder will turn off soon, change the battery as soon as possible) 1 2 3 4 5 6 ✤ Please refer to the table on page 20 for approximate continuous recording times.
ENGLISH Setting-up the Camcorder Inserting and Ejecting a Cassette ✤ There are several cassette types, depending on: - Colour system used - Recording/Playback time - Hi8/8mm (VP-M54 is Hi8). Inserting and Ejecting a Cassette ✤ Check to see if the battery pack is in place. 1. Press the EJECT button for Ejecting the Cassette Holder. - The compartment opens automatically. - Insert the cassette with the transparent window facing outward and the protection tab toward the top. 2 1 TAPE EJECT PUSH 2.
ENGLISH Basic Shooting Making the First Shooting Please make these preparations before shooting.
ENGLISH Basic Shooting b. To stop shooting, press the red START/STOP button again. When Shooting stops, STANDBY should be displayed on the Viewfinder STBY Y:YY:YY When a cassette is loaded and the camcorder is left in STANDBY mode for over 5~7 minutes without being used, it will turn off automatically. To use it again, push the red START/STOP button or set power switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA. This Auto Power Off feature is designed to save battery power and to protect the Head Drum and tapes.
ENGLISH Basic Shooting Tips for Stable Image Shooting ■ While shooting, it is very important to hold the camcorder correctly. ■ For stable shooting, fix the LENS cap firmly by clipping it on the hand strap. (refer to figure) Shooting with Viewfinder 1. Hold the camcorder firmly with the hand strap. (see page 16) 2. Place your right elbow against your side. 3. Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the built-in microphone. 4.
ENGLISH Basic Shooting Playing back the tape on the CAMCORDER ✤ You can monitor the playback picture on the Viewfinder. ✤ Make sure that the battery pack is in place. 1. Hold down the tab of the power switch and push the switch to PLAYER mode. 1 2. Insert the tape you have just shot. 2 3. Make sure that STOP is displayed in the OSD. PLAYER PUSH 3 STOP 4. Press the (REW) button to rewind the tape to the beginning. ■ To stop REWIND, press the (STOP) button.
ENGLISH Basic Shooting Viewing a Still Picture ■ Press (PLAY/STILL) button during playback. PLAY/STILL ■ To resume playback, press the (PLAY/STILL) button again. Picture Search ■ Keep pressing (FF) or (REW) button during playback. ■ To resume normal playback, release the button.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Zooming In and Out ✤ Zoom works in CAMERA mode only. ✤ Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the picture. For more professional looking recordings, do not use the zoom function too often.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Digital Zoom ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ Digital Zoom works in CAMERA mode only. More than 22x zoom is performed digitally. The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side. We recommend that you use the DIS (VP-M53/M54) feature with the DIGITAL zoom for picture stability. (see page 31) W T ➔ (MENU) DIS ......................ON D.ZOOM ..............OFF DEMO ..................OFF PROGRAM AE DSE SELECT WHITE BALANCE T 440 x W ➔ EXIT: MENU 1.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Setting the DIGITAL ZOOM ON/OFF (VP-M53/M54) ✤ The DIGITAL ZOOM feature is explained on page 29. 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. 2. Press MENU ON/OFF button. ■ The MENU list will appear. (MENU) DIS ......................OFF D.ZOOM ..............OFF DEMO ..................OFF PROGRAM AE DSE SELECT WHITE BALANCE EXIT: MENU 3. Turn MENU dial to D. ZOOM. (MENU) DIS ......................OFF D.ZOOM ..............OFF DEMO ..................
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting DIS (Digital Image Stabilizer, VP-M53/M54 only) ✤ The DIS function works in CAMERA mode only. ✤ DIS (Digital Image Stabilizer) is a handshake compensation function that compensates for any shaking or moving of the hand holding the camcorder (within reasonable limits). ✤ It provides more stable pictures when: ■ Recording in the Zoom In mode ■ Recording a small object close-up ■ Recording and walking at the same time ■ Recording through the window of a vehicle ➔ 1.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting M F / ✤ The MF/AF function works in CAMERA mode only. ✤ In most situations, it is better to use the Automatic Focus feature, as it enables you to concentrate on the creative side of your shooting. ✤ Manual focusing may be necessary under certain conditions that make automatic focusing inadequate. Auto Focusing ✤ The AF (Auto Focus) mode is set automatically when you switch on the Power switch.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting 4. Turn MF dial up or down until the object is focused. 5. You can get a sharp picture after zooming out. 6. To return to AF(Auto Focus), press MF button again. XDR/BLC XDR or BLC works in CAMERA mode. Back lighting exists when the subject is darker than the background: - The subject is placed in front of a window.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting PROGRAM AE (Automatic Exposure) ✤ The PROGRAM AE function works in CAMERA mode only. ✤ The PROGRAM AE modes allow you to adjust shutter speeds and apertures to suit different shooting conditions. They give you creative control over the depth of the field. ✤ There are 6 automatic exposure modes. 1. AUTO mode ■ Auto balance between the subject and the background. ■ To be used in normal conditions.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Setting the PROGRAM AE 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. 2. Press MENU ON/OFF button, then the MENU List will appear. (MENU) DIS ......................OFF D.ZOOM ..............OFF DEMO ..................OFF PROGRAM AE DSE SELECT WHITE BALANCE EXIT: MENU 3. Turn MENU dial to PROGRAM AE. (MENU) DIS ......................OFF D.ZOOM ..............OFF DEMO ..................OFF PROGRAM AE DSE SELECT WHITE BALANCE EXIT: MENU 4.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting DSE (Digital Special Effect) in CAMERA mode ✤ The digital effects enable you to give a creative look to your shooting by adding various special effects. ✤ Select the appropriate digital effect for the type of picture that you wish to shoot and the effect that you wish to give. ✤ There are 12 DSE modes. 1. Normal picture: This mode uses a normal image without DSE effect. 1 2 2. MAKE-UP: This mode allows the image to be selected only in red, yellow, green or blue colours. 3.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Selecting an effect 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. 2. Press MENU ON/OFF button, the MENU list will appear. 3. Turn MENU dial to DSE SELECT. 4. Press ENTER. - Now the DSE setting is possible. 5. Turn MENU dial to the desired DSE effect. DIS ......................OFF D.ZOOM ..............OFF DEMO ..................OFF PROGRAM AE DSE SELECT WHITE BALANCE MAKE-UP ........RED EMBOSS YELLOW WIDE(16:9) GREEN CINEMA BLUE NEG.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Setting and Recording the DATE/TIME ✤ Setting and recording the date/time feature works in CAMERA mode only. ✤ You can record the date/time on the tapes, so you will know when it was made. The date and time are recorded whenever they are displayed on the viewfinder. Setting a DATE/TIME ✤ Setting DATE/TIME works in STANDBY of CAMERA mode only. 1. Make sure that you have installed the LITHIUM BATTERY. (see page 17) The LITHIUM BATTERY is needed to maintain the clock. 2.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting 7. Press ENTER. ■ The month to be reset will blink. CLOCK SETTING (AUG) 0:00 29. AUG. 2005 8. Turn MENU dial to set the desired month. CLOCK SETTING (SEP) 0:00 29. SEP. 2005 9. Press ENTER. ■ The day to be reset will blink. CLOCK SETTING (29) 0:00 29. SEP. 2005 10. You can set the year, hour and minute following the same procedure used for setting year and month. 11. Press ENTER after setting the minute and the clock setting screen will disappear.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Selecting and Recording a Title ✤ Selecting and recording a TITLE works in CAMERA mode only. ✤ The TITLE feature allows you to select a preset title stored in the camcorder’s memory. ✤ You can also select the language of the titles. Selecting a Language ✤ Selecting a language works in STANDBY in CAMERA mode only. ✤ The factory default language is ENGLISH. You can change the language. 1. Make sure that you have installed the LITHIUM BATTERY. 2.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting 6. Turn the MENU dial to select the appropriate language. ■ You may select languages from ENGLISH/FRENCH/ GERMAN/ITALIAN/SPANISH/RUSSIAN. 7. Press ENTER. 8. Press the MENU ON/OFF button to exit the TITLE LANGUAGE screen. ENGLISH FRENCH GERMAN ITALIAN SPANISH RUSSIAN Setting a Title 9. Press MENU ON/OFF button, then the MENU list will appear. 10. Turn MENU dial to TITLE SELECT. 11. Press ENTER. ■ A list of available titles appears. 12.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Fade In and Out ✤ The FADE function works in CAMERA mode only. ✤ You can give your films 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. Before shooting, hold down the FADE button. The picture and sound gradually disappears (fade out). ➔ 2. Press the START/STOP button and at the same time release the FADE button.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting PIP (Picture-in-Picture; VP-M53/M54 only) ✤ The PIP (Picture-in-Picture) feature works in combination with the DIGITAL ZOOM function by using a small, super imposed screen to show an image that is wider than the image being shot. This should help you to get a more clear idea of what you are shooting. - The PIP function works in CAMERA mode only. 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. 2. Turn on DIGITAL ZOOM. (see page 29) CAMERA STANDBY 3.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Snap Shot(VP-M53/M54 only) ✤ With the SNAP SHOT feature, your camcorder can function like a normal film camera, allowing you to take single still pictures. - The SNAP SHOT function operates in the CAMERA mode. 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. CAMERA STANDBY 2. Press SNAP SHOT button in the direction of standstill that you want to shoot.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting White Balance ✤ WHITE BALANCE is a shooting function that preserves the unique colour of the object in any shooting condition. ✤ You may select the appropriate WHITE BALANCE mode to obtain good quality colour of the image. - AUTO: This mode is generally used to control the WHITE BALANCE automatically. - INDOOR: It controls WHITE BALANCE according to the indoor ambience. - OUTDOOR: It controls WHITE BALANCE according to the outdoor ambience. Setting a White Balance Mode 1.
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Setting the Remote Control (VP-M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54) ✤ This function is used to turn the Remote Control ON/OFF. (See page 15) 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. 2. Press MENU ON/OFF button, then the MENU list will appear. 3. Turn the MENU dial so that REMOTE is highlighted. 3 DSE SELECT WHITE BALANCE REMOTE ............ON TITLE LANGUAGE TITLE SELECT CLOCK SETTING 4. Press ENTER to select ON/OFF. 4 DSE SELECT WHITE BALANCE REMOTE ......
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Demonstration ✤ Demonstration automatically shows you the major functions that are included with your camcorder so that you may use them more easily. ✤ The DEMO function is only available in CAMERA mode when you are not shooting. ✤ The Demonstration operates repeatedly until MENU ON/OFF button is pressed to stop it. 1. Set power switch to CAMERA mode and LOCK/STANDBY switch to STANDBY mode. 2. Press MENU ON/OFF button, then the MENU list will appear. (MENU) DIS .................
ENGLISH Advanced Shooting Lighting Techniques ✤ When you use your camcorder, there are only two possible shooting environments. - You will be shooting outdoors (Normal recording or through an ND(Neutral Density) filter). - You will be shooting indoors (Video light recommended or required). ✤ The single greatest influence on picture quality is the level of brightness, measured in lux.
ENGLISH Playing back the Tape ✤ To view a tape that you have recorded on. ✤ Playback function works in PLAYER mode only. ■ To see with TV monitor: recommended for indoor use. To see with TV monitor ✤ It is practical to use a TV monitor to view tapes indoors. ✤ To play a tape back, the TV must feature a compatible colour system. (VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54: PAL) (see page 54) Connecting to a TV which has an Audio and Video input jack ✤ Use the Audio/Video cable supplied with your camcorder.
ENGLISH Playing back the Tape Notes: ■ VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54 feature a monaural audio system. If your TV or VCR features a stereo audio system, connect the audio cable to input “L” of TV or VCR. ■ In case of VP-M54, you can use the S-VIDEO cable (supplied with the VP-M54) to obtain better quality pictures if you have the S-VIDEO connector on your TV. Playback 1. Use TV/VIDEO button to select VIDEO on your TV. 2. Connect power source (battery or AC Power Adapter) to camcorder.
ENGLISH Playing back the Tape Various Functions in PLAYER mode To view a STILL picture (Playback pause) - Press (PLAY/STILL) button during playback. To resume playback, press (PLAY/STILL) button again. Note: Your camcorder will automatically stop if it is left for more than 5 minutes in STILL mode without operation in order to prevent tape and head-drum wear. To locate a scene (picture search) - Press (FF) or (REW) buttons during playback. To resume normal playback, release the buttons.
ENGLISH Playing back the Tape Setting the Remote Control ✤ The REMOTE CONTROL ON/OFF method in PLAYER mode is the same as the REMOTE CONTROL ON/OFF method in CAMERA mode, except that the power switch must be set to PLAYER instead of CAMERA. Please refer to page 46. DSE in PLAYER mode ✤ The procedure for using DSE in PLAYER mode is the same as the procedure for using DSE in CAMERA mode, except that the power switch must be set to PLAYER instead of CAMERA. Please refer to pages 36 and 37.
ENGLISH Maintenance Cleaning the Video Heads ✤ To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. ✤ When the playback pictures are noisy or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty. a. Normal Picture b. Noisy Picture If this happens, clean the video heads with the dried type cassette cleaner. 1. 2. 3. 4. a b Set power switch to PLAYER mode. Insert the cleaning tape. Press the (PLAY/STILL) button. Press the ■ (STOP) button after about 30 seconds.
ENGLISH Using Your Camcorder Abroad Using Your Camcorder Abroad ✤ Each country or area has its own electric and TV colour system. ✤ Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following: Power sources ■ You can use your camcorder in any country or area that uses 100V to 240V, 50/60 Hz. ■ Use a commercially available AC plug adapter, if necessary, depending on the power used. Colour system ■ You can view your recording on the Viewfinder.
ENGLISH Troubleshooting Check Troubleshooting Check ✤ Before contacting a service centre, perform the following simple checks. They might save you the time and expense of unnecessary calls. Self Diagnosis Display Display Blinking Inform that... Action slow the battery pack is almost discharged Change it to a charged one. fast the battery pack is fully discharged. Change it to a charged battery. TAPE END slow the tape has almost reached its end. Prepare a new one.
ENGLISH Troubleshooting Check Checking ✤ If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to trouble shoot the problem. ✤ If these instructions do not allow you to solve the problem, take a note of: ■ The model and serial number marked on the bottom of the camcorder. ■ Your warranty, if applicable. ✤ Then contact your nearest authorized service centre. Symptom You cannot switch the camcorder on. Start/Stop does not operate while shooting The camcorder goes off automatically.
ENGLISH Troubleshooting Check Explanation/Solution Symptom A vertical strip appears when you shoot a bright subject against a dark background (candle flame, for example) ◆ The contrast between the subject and the background is too great for the camcorder to operate normally. Make the background bright to reduce the contrast or use the XDR/BLC function while you are shooting. (see page 33) The image in the viewfinder is blurred ◆ The view finder lens has not been adjusted.
ENGLISH Troubleshooting Check Moisture Condensation ✤ If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the unit may not operate correctly. To prevent possible damage under these circumstances, the camcorder has the built-in moisture sensor. ✤ If there is moisture inside the camcorder, “DEW” is displayed.
ENGLISH Specifications ✤ These technical specifications and design may be changed without notice. System Recording system Video signal Usable cassette Tape speed Speed mode Recording time FF or REW time Image device Optical zoom ratio Focal length: f F Filter diameter Focus system Macro Min. Illumination VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53/M54 Video: 2 rotary heads Helical scanning FM Audio: FM monaural system PAL colour, CCIR standard VP-M50/M51/M51B/M52/M53: 8 mm VP-M54 : Hi 8 or 8mm SP: 20.
ENGLISH Index -A- -E- ABROAD...........................................................54 AC POWER ADAPTER ....................................18 AF .....................................................................32 AUDIO...............................................................49 AUTO FOCUSING ...........................................32 AUTO MODE ....................................................34 AUTO POWER OFF .........................................24 EDIT/SEARCH.....................
ENGLISH Index -OOPERATION MODE .........................................13 OSD ..................................................................12 -PPAL ...................................................................54 PIP ....................................................................43 PLAY .................................................................50 PLAYER ............................................................50 PORTRAIT MODE ............................................
ENGLISH Power Sources (United Kingdom Only) The mains lead on the power adapter is supplied with a molded plug incorporating a fuse. The value of the fuse is indicated on the pin face of the plug and, if it requires replacing, a fuse approved to BS1362 of the same rating must be used. Never use the plug with the fuse cover omitted if the cover is detachable. If a replacement fuse cover is required, it must be of the same colour as the pin face of the plug. Replacement covers are available from your dealer.
THIS CAMCORDER IS MANUFACTURED BY: ELECTRONICS *Samsung Electronics’ Internet Home Page United States http://www.sosimple.com United Kingdom http://www.samsungelectronics.co.uk France http://www.samsung.fr Australia http://www.samsung.com.au Germany http://www.samsung.de Sweden http://www.samsung.se Poland http://www.samsung.com.pl Canada http://www.samsungcanada.com Panama http://www.samsung-panama.com Spain http://www.samsung.
