VL-Z1E OPERATION MANUAL ENGLISH VL-Z1E LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER
Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page vi. OPERATION MANUAL WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on the apparatus. This equipment should be used with the recommended AC adapter or battery pack. ENGLISH CAUTION To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside.
Information for Australia/New Zealand Only This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 7.4 volts from a BTL226 battery or the AC adapter (UADP-A016WJZZ). CAUTION: As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adapter, do NOT remove their cabinets as touching parts inside could result in electric shock. Please refer servicing to a qualified dealer or a Camcorder service centre approved by Sharp. ENGLISH WARNING: NOTE This Camcorder is a high technology product.
Contents Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................... v Optional Accessories .......................................................................................... v Precautions ........................................................................................................ vi ii Operation References Part Names ............................................................. 1 Warning Indicators ...................................
Useful Features Control Buttons ..................................................... 27 Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 27 Using the Menu Screens ....................................... 28 Camera Recording Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 29 Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 30 Gain-up ................................................................. 31 Fade in and Fade out ............................................
Contents Advanced Features Playback Using the Time Code ............................................ 54 Editing ................................................................... 55 Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 56 Audio Dubbing Feature ......................................... 57 Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 59 Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 60 Turning off the Confirmation Sound ......................
Supplied Accessories Battery pack BT-L226 CR1216 type lithium battery AC adapter Power cord Audio/video/S-video cable Lens cap Optional Accessories Standard-life battery pack BT-L226 External battery with hand strap BT-LCA1 Note: • Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.
Precautions • Before recording an important scene, please perform the recording test, then playback to check if the scene was recorded properly. If noise occurs, use a commercially available cleaning tape to clean the video heads (see page viii). • When the camcorder is not in use, remember to remove the cassette tape, turn off the power, and disconnect the camcorder from the power source. • Do not aim the lens at the sun.
Dew Formation • What is “dew formation”? For example, when bringing the camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag. When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew formation. • When dew forms in your camcorder. Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your camcorder and make the video tape stick to the head. This causes damage both to the head and the tape. When dew forms, recording and playback may not function properly.
Precautions Dirty Video Heads When the video heads have become clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating particles), Striped noise Mosaic noise • mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture. (see illustrations above) • playback pictures do not move. • during playback, the whole screen becomes blue.
Operation References Part Names Operation References For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in parentheses. Front view Operation button (p. 27) Zoom lens DISPLAY button (p. 27) Monaural microphone LCD LAMP button (p.
Operation References Operation References Left view LCD monitor (p. 17) DC IN jack (pp. 7, 8) Terminal cover (pp. 26, 55, 56) AV terminal (pp. 26, 55) DV terminal (p. 56) Lithium battery cover (p. 10) Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 16) Tripod socket* Battery release (pp. 6, 10) * When attaching a tripod with a guide pin, do not attach the pin to the bottom of the camcorder.
Right view PHOTO button (p. 34) Operation References Window cleaning cover (p. 68) Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control (p. 20)/ VOLume control (p. 25) Viewfinder (pp. 15, 16) STANDBY indicator (p. 21) STANDBY button (p. 21) POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator (pp. 7, 8, 19) Speaker DC IN jack cover (pp. 7, 8) Start/Stop button (p. 19) Power switch (v Camera Hand strap (p. 14) Recording mode/w Playback mode select switch) (pp. 19, 24) Cassette holder (p. 9) Cassette compartment door release (p.
Operation References Warning Indicators Operation References If a warning indicator appears on the screen, follow the specified instructions. Displayed for the first 3 seconds Displayed after 3 seconds Description of warning There is no video cassette in the camcorder. Insert a cassette (see page 9). I NSE R T A C AS S E T T E . E J E C T THE CAS SE T T E . E J E C T THE CAS SE T T E . The video cassette is defective and should be removed (see page 9). CAS S E T T E NOT RE CORDA B L E.
Preparation Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack 3 Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow with the “m” mark facing out. Attaching Preparation Power switch 1 2 Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. “m” mark 4 Push the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body.
Preparation Removing Preparation 1 Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF, then open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body. 90˚ 2 Slide the battery release in the direction of the arrow. Battery release 3 6 Take the battery pack out. Notes: • BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK, ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAYBACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF. Removing the battery pack while shooting or during playback may damage the tape by causing it to wrap around the video head drum.
Charging the Battery Pack 1 Attach the battery pack on the camcorder, and make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. 2 Open the DC IN jack cover. Remove the DC plug from the DC IN jack, then remove the AC adapter from the power outlet. Charging time and maximum continuous recording and playback times Max. Max.
Preparation Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet 4 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN jack of the camcorder. POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator You can also power the camcorder from a power outlet by using the supplied AC adapter. Preparation Note: • The supplied AC adapter is specially designed for use with this camcorder, and should not be used as a power supply for other camcorders. 1 Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. 2 Open the DC IN jack cover.
Inserting and Removing a Cassette Inserting 1 4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully retract. Close the compartment door by pressing its centre until it clicks into place. • After confirmation sound, the cassette holder extends and opens automatically. Cassette compartment door release Preparation Attach the power source to the camcorder, then slide and hold the cassette compartment door release as you open the cassette compartment door. Removing Perform step 1 above, then take out the cassette.
Preparation Installing the Lithium Batteries 5 Insert the CR 1216 type lithium battery into the compartment with the H side of the battery facing out. Installing the Memory Battery CR 1216 type lithium battery Preparation The supplied CR 1216 type lithium battery is used to store the memory of the date and time settings. 1 Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. 2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body.
Installing the Battery to Remote Control (Not Supplied) 1 Hold the remote control facing down, and pull out the battery holder while pressing the tab toward the centre. Tab 2 Insert the CR 2025 type lithium battery into the battery holder with the H side of the battery facing the m side of the holder. CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Preparation Setting the Date and Time 4 O T H E RS 2 T I ME C O D E T C OUT 12H / 24H S E T T I NG R E T UR N Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2004 (2. 6. 2004) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30). Operation button Preparation Press m or l to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button. OF F OF F 24H 1 . 1. 2 0 0 3 0 : 00 5 Press the centre of the Operation button. 6 Press m or l to select “2” (day), then press the centre of the Operation button.
10 Press m or l to select “30” (minute), then press the centre of the Operation button. SE T T I NG 2. 6 . 2 0 0 4 10 : 3 0 : 0 0 Using the Lens Cap Attach the strap of the lens cap to the hand strap as shown below. • The internal clock now starts operating with the seconds display. Preparation 11 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen. Note: • If the date and time have been set, the SETTING 1 screen (T) appears in step 4.
Preparation Adjusting the Hand Strap Open the hand strap flap (1) and grip strap (2). Preparation 1 Grip strap Using the Grip Rotate the grip 135° forward or 90° downward so that you can record images easily from high or low angle (see page 18). 135° Hand strap flap 2 Loosen the grip strap, pass your right hand through the hand strap, and put your thumb close to the Start/Stop button and your index finger on the Power Zoom control. Then, pull the grip strap tight until it fits snugly.
Detaching the Lens Hood Before using a commercially available conversion lens, detach the lens hood as shown below. Using the Viewfinder You can record the subject using the electronic viewfinder. You can also watch playback through the viewfinder. Viewfinder Preparation Power switch Note: • You cannot attach the supplied lens hood or lens cap to a conversion lens. 1 Pull out the viewfinder completely. 2 Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v or w.
Preparation Preparation Closing the viewfinder Adjusting the dioptre Push in the viewfinder completely. Adjust the dioptre according to your eyesight when the picture in the viewfinder or the characters on the on-screen display is not clear. Notes: • Do not use excessive force when moving the viewfinder. • Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder. • The viewfinder automatically turns off when the LCD monitor is opened.
• You can also fold the LCD monitor into the camcorder with the screen facing out for watching playback on the monitor. Using the LCD Monitor You can use the LCD monitor to play back recordings that you have made or to watch the subject during recording. Power switch LCD monitor 1 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body. Preparation 3 Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v or w. • A picture displays on the LCD monitor.
Preparation Tips on Recording Positions To create images that are easy to watch during playback, try to record with an upright posture and steady hands to prevent a shaky image. Preparation Holding the camcorder Put your right hand through the hand strap, and place your left hand under the camcorder for support. Basic posture Shooting from a high angle Place the viewfinder eyecup firmly against your eye. Turn the LCD monitor so that the screen faces downward. Place your elbows against your sides.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode 3 Press the Start/Stop button to begin recording. REC • Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 5 through 18 to prepare your camcorder for recording. Start/Stop button 1 2 Remove the lens cap. Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v. • The picture from the lens now displays and the POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator lights up green.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Zooming To pause recording Press the Start/Stop button again. Recording pauses, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode. PAUSE Zooming allows you to move visually closer to or farther from a subject without physically changing your position. When using the optical zoom, you can enlarge the subject up to 10K.
Power Standby Mode Power Standby mode allows you to prevent accidental recording by locking all operations except cancelling the mode. Turning on/off the Backlight You can see the on-screen display outdoors on a sunny day or in a location with bright lighting even when the backlight turns off. Also, this function is useful when watching playback on a TV. Hold down the STANDBY button for more than 2 seconds when you pause recording. • The screen turns off and the STANDBY indicator lights up.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Auto Focus Basic Operations The camcorder is preset to Auto Focus mode, which is designed to focus on most types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the camcorder automatically focuses on the subject in the centre of the scene. Always keep the subject in the centre of the scene. Notes: • If no subject is in the centre of the scene, the focus area will expand and the subject nearest the centre will be focused on.
Remaining Recording Time Display When the camcorder is recording, an onscreen indicator displays the approximate remaining tape time in minutes. Remaining recording time indicator Notes: • The remaining recording time indicator appears when the on-screen indicators are turned on. • The remaining recording time indicator appears 10 seconds after pressing the Start/Stop button to begin recording. • The remaining recording time indicator only shows the approximate time left.
Basic Operations Basic Operations Camera Recording Playback Playback To stop playback The LCD monitor screen functions as a handy playback monitor. Nothing needs to be connected, allowing instant on-screen playback with the sound through the built-in speaker. Press l. To turn the power off Basic Operations Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button. Power switch Operation button 1 Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to w.
Volume Control Video Search When the camcorder is in Playback mode, push the Volume control to the L or + side to increase (1) or decrease (2) the volume. The volume level indicator will appear on the LCD screen during adjustment only. Once the Volume control is released, the volume level indicator will disappear shortly afterwards. The video search function makes it easy to search for a desired scene on the tape.
Basic Operations Playback Watching Playback on a TV Note: • Check that the camcorder, TV, VCR and other equipment to be used are turned off before making any connections. Picture noise or malfunction may occur if any of the above is left on while making a connection. You can connect the camcorder to a TV to allow a larger audience to enjoy playback. Basic Operations 1 Open the terminal cover on the camcorder (see page 2). 3 Turn on the TV and set it to the “AV” or “VIDEO” channel.
Useful Features Control Buttons Operation button Using the Mode Screens In the mode screens, you can adjust the camcorder settings by using the Operation button. 1 • See pages 74 and 75 for the mode items you can select in each mode. • Steps 2 to 4 show how to change the SCENE MENU setting in Camera mode. Power switch DISPLAY button 2 Operation button Use the Operation button to select and set the desired setting. Each time you press the DISPLAY button, the screen changes as shown below.
Useful Features Using the Menu Screens 5 Use the menu screens to adjust the various camcorder settings. Press l or m to select the desired menu screen (T), then press the centre of the Operation button. Example S E T T I NG 1 S T AR T QK . R E T URN DG T L Z O OM O F F TAPE SPEE D SP RE T URN Operation button • You can press k, instead of the centre of Operation button. Power switch DISPLAY button 1 6 Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v or w.
Useful Features Camera Recording Setting the Digital Zoom 5 Press l or m to select “DGTL ZOOM”, then press the centre of the Operation button. S E T T I NG 1 QK . R E T URN DG T L Z O OM O F F TAPE SPEE D 4 0 RE T URN 500 You can select three different zoom ranges: 1–10K (optical zoom), 10–40K (digital zoom) or 10–500K (digital zoom). The digital zoom allows you to record powerful close-up pictures with the same operation as normal zooming.
Useful Features Camera Recording Backlight Compensation (BLC) When the subject is backlit, the image will appear dark if it is recorded normally. Use the backlight compensation (BLC) function to improve the picture. 1 Useful Features 3 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “BLC/GAIN”, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select “ON x”, then press the centre of the Operation button. BLC / GA I N 30 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the mode screen.
To cancel the gain-up function Gain-up When you are recording in a dark or poorly illuminated location, “LIGHT” is displayed on the screen. Use the gain-up function to record a brighter picture. Note: • At locations where lighting is adequate, “LIGHT” will not appear. The gain-up function cannot be used in this case. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. Select “OFF” in step 3 above.
Useful Features Camera Recording Fade In and Fade Out 4 Press the DISPLAY button until onscreen indicators appear. The fade function allows you to gradually bring the image and sound in or out at the beginning or end of a scene for creating scene transitions. This is especially effective in creating a dramatic change in scenery. 5 Press the Start/Stop button to begin recording. • The picture turns white, and the image and sound fade in.
Quick Return 6 If while playing back your tape you want to quickly return to the last recorded scene and start recording again, use the quick return function. In Recording Standby mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 4 Press l or m to select T, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Useful Features Camera Recording Edit Search The edit search function lets you search, without switching from Camera mode to Playback mode, for the point on the tape where you wish to start recording next. Still Recording You can record continuous still images of subjects. 1 In Recording Standby mode, press the PHOTO button fully. • A still image of the subject is displayed.
Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) The digital image stabilization (DIS) function allows you to stabilize the image by electronically compensating for relatively minor image shaking that is often annoying in close-up shots. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Useful Features Camera Recording Self Recording 2 Set the Power switch to v. • The subject is displayed in the viewfinder, and a mirror image of the subject is displayed on the LCD monitor. Normal self recording Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180° vertically so that the screen faces the other way and the subject can monitor the shot while you are recording with the viewfinder. If the camcorder is steadied, you can record yourself in the scene by watching yourself on the LCD monitor.
Self recording with reversed grip 3 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body (1), and then rotate it 180° vertically (2). Rotate the grip 90° and the LCD monitor 180° vertically so that you can record yourself while holding the grip. 90˚ 180˚ 1 Rotate the lens section 90° vertically as shown below. 4 5 Set the Power switch to v. Press the Start/Stop button to begin recording. Notes: • Do not rotate the monitor section to the self recording position during recording or playback.
Useful Features Camera Recording Wide Screen (16:9) 5 The wide screen function lets you record scenes with the wide-screen feel of a movie shown in a theatre. The top and bottom of the picture are masked with black bands to produce an effective screen aspect ratio of 16:9. Normal screen Press l or m to select “16:9”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode This camcorder allows you to record in LP (Long Play Recording) mode for approximately 50% more recording time with the same picture quality as that in SP (Standard Play Recording) mode. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 6 Press l or m to select “LP”, then press the centre of the Operation button. T AP E SP E E D LP 7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen.
Useful Features Camera Recording Windbreak To cancel Windbreak The windbreak function allows you to reduce annoying noise from strong winds when recording. In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears (see page 27). 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode The camcorder normally records audio in the 12-bit audio recording mode. For higherquality audio recording, select the 16-bit audio recording mode. In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears (see page 27). 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Useful Features Useful Features Playback Playback Using the Remote Control (Not supplied) Operating Aim the remote control at the remote sensor of the camcorder, and press the control buttons to operate. The remote control (RRMCGA149WJSA) is not supplied with this camcorder. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for purchasing as specified part. Useful Features • The example screens shown are for Playback mode. 1 Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
Playback Functions with the Remote Control (Not supplied) You can use the following playback functions with the remote control (not supplied), if you purchase it as a specified part by contacting the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer. (See page 42 for use of the remote control.) SLOW button PAUSE/STILL button Advance/reverse buttons The reverse playback function allows you to play back images in reverse. During playback, press the j button.
Useful Features Playback Selecting the Date and Time of Recording Display 5 Press the DISPLAY button until the date (or date and time) appears. 2. Follow the procedure below to select the date, or both the date and time, of recording display on the screen. You can display the date and time during both recording and playback. • The example screens shown are for Playback mode. 1 Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to v or w. 2 Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
Picture Effect Playback These picture effects let you play back images with a more dramatic effect. Types B/W: The picture is displayed in black-and-white. SEPIA: The picture is displayed in sepia colour similar to that of an old photograph. SOLARI: The contrast of the subject is enhanced, creating an unique artistic image. NEGA: The blacks and whites of the image are reversed and colours of the image are inverted. During playback, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
Useful Features Playback Rotate Playback This function allows you to play back images rotated 180°. In Playback mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 4 Press l or m to select V, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Manual Focus Operation button Power Zoom control Auto Focus may not be able to focus on the subject in the situations shown below. In such situations, set the camcorder to Manual Focus mode and focus manually. Subject is too dark. DISPLAY button Lack of contrast, e.g. snow scene. Background is too bright. Subject has horizontal stripes. Subject is being shot through a dirty or wet window. Light reflects off the subject.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Returning to Auto Focus Displaying the Manual Setting Screen You can set Manual Focus mode to Auto Focus mode with the operation below. You can manually adjust these settings as shown below in the manual setting screen. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
White Balance Lock 6 Aim the lens at a white object. White paper or white cloth The colour of the subject on the screen looks different depending on lighting conditions. Lock the White Balance if the Auto White Balance does not work properly. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MANUAL SET”, then press the centre of the Operation button (see page 48).
Advanced Features Camera Recording Manual Iris 4 The camcorder is preset to Auto Iris mode, which automatically selects the optimal aperture. However, when there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and background, you may not be able to record a clear image. In this case, use the manual iris function to correct the iris value. Background is too bright and subject too dark (backlit subject). Press l or m to select “IRIS”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Manual Gain When recording in a dark or poorly illuminated location with Auto Gain mode, the light sensitivity of the camcorder (gain) will be automatically adjusted and the recorded image may be brighter than the subject actually is. If you want to faithfully record a dark scene in this case, use the manual gain function. You can also adjust the gain to record a backlit subject brighter. 4 FULL AUTO WH I T E B A L .
Advanced Features Camera Recording Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode 5 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button. FULL AUTO WH I T E B A L . IRIS GA I N R E T U RN You can set all manual settings, including white balance, iris, gain, but not focus, to Full Auto mode in one operation. EXE CUT E AUTO AUTO AUTO 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
Scene Menu (Program AE) 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “SCENE MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. You can set the camcorder to a shooting mode that will create the best results for a specific situation. Just select one of the six scene settings shown below.
Advanced Advanced FeaturesFeatures Playback Playback Using the Time Code 6 • The time code appears when the onscreen indicators are turned on. The time code shows the hour, minute and second of recording, and the frame number (1 frame = approx. 1/25 sec.). This is automatically recorded along with the subject when you are recording on the tape. You can display the time code on the screen as an accurate counter in both Playback and Camera modes.
Editing Cutting Unwanted Sequences Video editing lets you refine your videos by removing unwanted sequences from your tape, or transposing one sequence with another. This camcorder lets you monitor the source program on the built-in LCD monitor without having to connect it to an external TV or video monitor. Preparation Connect the camcorder to a VCR with the supplied audio/video/S-video cable, as shown.
Advanced Features Playback Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) This camcorder enables you to perform digital video editing. A DV cable transfers all dubbing signals including video and audio. Preparation Connect the camcorder to video equipment with a DV terminal using a commercially available DV cable. To DV terminal Video equipment with DV terminal (e.g. DV camcorder) DV cable (commercially available) Advanced Features To DV terminal : The arrow shows the signal flow.
Audio Dubbing Feature You can add narration to recordings made with this camcorder, while preserving the original audio and video recordings. Microphone for Audio Dubbing You can use the built-in monaural microphone to record narration. Audio Recording In normal recording mode 12-bit audio recording The audio is recorded in monaural on Audio 1. Audio 1: Monaural sound Audio 2: No audio 16-bit audio recording The audio is recorded in monaural on two separate channels.
Advanced Features Playback Audio Dubbing 1 2 Play back the Mini DV cassette recorded in SP mode and locate the tape position where you wish to start audio dubbing. Press m on the Operation button to pause playback. 3 Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 4 Press l or m to select “AUDIO DUB”, then press the centre of the Operation button. P I C. EF F ECT AUD I O DUB E X E CUT E ME NU DA T E D I S P. 5 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Selecting the Audio Playback Mode 4 Press l or m to select V, then press the centre of the Operation button. You can select any of the following audio playback modes. 5 Press l or m to select “AUDIO”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Appendix Appendix 6 Picture/Backlight Adjustments Press j or k to adjust the item to the desired setting, then press the centre of the Operation button. If the picture is difficult to see due to ambient light or other factors, adjust the monitor picture settings. LCD BR I GHT – Darker + Brighter • The example screens shown are for Camera mode. LCD COLOUR – Decrease + Increase Adjusting the Picture VF BR I GHT 1 Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
Adjusting the Backlight 1 Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 4 Press l or m to select O, then press the centre of the Operation button. 5 Press l or m to select “BACKLIGHT”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Appendix Turning off the Confirmation Sound A confirmation sound is made when you turn on or off the Power switch, press the Start/Stop button, or perform other designated operations. Use the procedure below to turn off the confirmation sounds. • The example screens shown are for Camera mode. 1 Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings You can set the camcorder to the factory presettings in one operation. • The example screens shown are for Camera mode. 1 Press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MENU”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 4 Press l or m to select Z, then press the centre of the Operation button.
Appendix Demonstration Mode You can watch a brief demonstration of the special camcorder features in Demo mode. If the demonstration appears on the screen when you turn on the camcorder for the first time, cancel the Demo mode to use your camcorder. 7 DEMO MODE 8 1 Remove the Mini DV cassette from the camcorder (see page 9). 2 In Camera mode, press the DISPLAY button until the mode screen appears.
Useful Information Hints for Better Shooting • Position the subject in the centre of the scene. When using auto focus, whatever is in the centre of the scene is kept in focus. • Horizontal panning (lateral movement) and tilting (vertical movement) should be done slowly to emphasize the wide expanse of a scene or the height of a building, and to make scenes easy to watch during playback. • Use a wide-angle setting for fast-moving subjects.
Appendix Mini DV Cassette To protect recordings against accidental erasure Slide the protect tab on the rear of the Mini DV cassette to the “SAVE” position. Precautions when using a Mini DV cassette • Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes with the i mark. • This camcorder can record and play back using Mini DV cassettes with cassette memory, but it cannot record or play back this memory. • To record in LP mode, use a Mini DV cassette labelled for use with LP mode.
Battery Pack This camcorder uses a lithium-ion type battery pack. Charging • Charge the battery pack immediately (or a day) before use. The battery pack gradually self-discharges even if stored in a fully charged state. • Charge the battery pack between 10°C and 30°C. • Fully charge the battery pack. Use of an insufficiently charged battery pack will shorten actual time of use. • Refresh (discharging before charging) is unnecessary.
Appendix Extending battery pack life Even when the battery pack is not used, the capacity of the battery pack will naturally deteriorate over time. To limit the deterioration of the capacity, it is recommended to perform the following procedure at least once every six months: 1 Charge the battery pack until the POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator turns off. 2 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder, and set the Power switch to v without inserting a cassette.
Using Your Camcorder Abroad Television signal standards and electrical voltages and frequencies vary substantially from country to country. When you are abroad, check the sections below before using the AC adapter or connecting the camcorder to a TV. AC Adapter (Supplied Accessory) The supplied AC adapter is compatible with 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in the range of 110 V to 240 V AC.
Appendix Troubleshooting Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table. Symptom Power No power. Playback mode Appendix Camera mode Start/Stop button does not work. 70 Possible cause Suggested solution Power source is not properly connected. Connect power source properly (pp. 5, 8). Battery pack is not charged. Charge battery pack sufficiently (p. 7). Dew in camcorder. Wait until dew dries (p. vii). Safety function is in effect.
Symptom Possible cause Video noise in image. Dirty video heads. Playback mode Old or worn tape. Suggested solution Call for service or use a commercially available cleaning tape (p. viii). Use a new cassette. No sound. Using a 12-bit recording tape with Set the AUDIO menu item to “AUAUDIO menu item set to “AUDIO 2”. DIO 1” or “AUDIO 1L2” (p. 59). Tape does not work. Power switch is set to Camera mode. Set the Power switch to Playback mode (p. 24). Battery pack is depleted.
Appendix General Symptom Possible cause Suggested solution POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator flashes in red when charging battery pack. AC adapter or battery pack may have malfunctioned. Call for service. Cannot edit to connected VCR. Audio/video/S-video cable is not properly connected. Connect audio/video/S-video cable properly (p. 55). “E007” is displayed on the screen, and unable to operate normally. The camcorder may be damaged. Do not take out a cassette, and call for service.
Specifications Camcorder Signal System: Recording System: Cassette: Recording/Playback Time: Tape Speed: Pickup Device: Lens: Lens Filter Diameter: Monitor: Built-in microphone: Colour Temperature Compensation: Minimum Illumination: Power Requirement: Power Consumption: Operating Temperature: Operating Humidity: Storage Temperature: Dimensions (WKHKD) (approx.): Weight (approx.): AC Adapter (UADP-A016WJZZ) Power Requirement: DC Output: Dimensions (WKHKD) (approx.): Weight (approx.
Appendix On-screen Display Index Camera mode p. 35 p. 23 p. 52 p. 23 AU TO 3 0min SE L E CT Appendix pp. 30, 31 p. 32 p. 28 p. 53 p. 48 p. 47 p. 48 p. 44 74 p. 33 p. 29 p. 39 S E T T I NG 2 DIS 16 : 9 A U D I O MO D E W I ND R E T URN p. 35 p. 38 p. 41 p. 40 OTHE RS 1 DE F AUL T R EMO T E BEEP D EMO MO D E R E T UR N p. 63 p. 42 p. 62 p. 64 O T H E RS 2 T I ME C O D E T C OUT 12H / 24H S E T T I NG R E T UR N p. 54 p. 54 p. 13 p.
Playback mode p. 23 AUDIO1 + 2 p. 59 PLAY STOP 2. 6. 200 4 10:30 FF R EW P I C. E F F ECT OF F AU D I O DU B ME NU DA T E D I S P. SE L E CT p. 45 p. 58 p. 28 p. 44 SET P I C. EF F ECT AU D I O DU B ME NU DA T E D I S P. P L AY BACK SE T ROTA T E PB AUD I O R E T U RN p. 46 p. 59 OTHE RS 1 DE F AUL T R EMO T E BEEP R E T U RN p. 63 p. 42 p. 62 OTHE RS 2 T I ME CO D E T C OU T R E T U RN p. 54 p. 54 LCD SE T BA CK L I GHT L C D B R I GH T L C D C O L O UR V F B R I GH T R E T U RN p. 61 p.
Note
VL-Z1E SHARP CORPORATION Printed in Japan TINSLA076WJZZ 03P04-JKG
