JVC GR D270AS D29/270AS User Manual D270AS, D290AS LYT1400 001B

GR-D290AS GR-D290AS LYT1400-001B English,

User Manual: JVC GR-D270AS GR-D270AS, GR-D290AS English,

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GR-D290_270AS_01Cover.fm Page 1 Thursday, March 24, 2005 11:43 AM

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 10 to ensure safe use of
this product.

ENGLISH

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

GR-D290
GR-D270
Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for
Digital Video Camera:

GETTING STARTED

VIDEO RECORDING &
PLAYBACK

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA
(D.S.C.) RECORDING &
PLAYBACK

ADVANCED FEATURES

REFERENCES

http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/cyber/
For Accessories:

http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/accessory/

TERMS

Back cover

To deactivate the demonstration,
set “DEMO MODE” to “OFF”.
(墌 pg. 31, 33)

INSTRUCTIONS
LYT1400-001B

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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. 41)

Simply pressing the BACK LIGHT button
brightens the image darkened by backlight.
(墌 pg. 40)
● You can also select a spot metering area so
that more precise exposure compensation
is available. (墌 pg. 40, Spot Exposure
Control)

Fade in

Fade out

Program AE with Special Effects
For example, “SPORTS” mode allows fastmoving images to be captured one frame at a
time, for vivid, stable slow-motion. (墌 pg. 42)

Data Battery
You can check the battery status by simply
pressing the DATA button. (墌 pg. 14)
BATTERY CONDITION

100%

MAX TIME
LCD
min

50%
FINDER

LED Light
You can brighten the subject in the dark place
with the LED Light. (墌 pg. 37)

min

Live Slow
You can record and play back precious or
hard-to-see moments at a slow speed. The
sound is recorded and played back in real
time. (墌 pg. 37)

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTIONS:
● If you notice smoke or a peculiar smell coming
from the camcorder or AC Adapter, shut it down
and unplug it immediately. Continue using the
camcorder or AC Adapter under these
conditions could lead to fire or electric shock.
Contact your JVC dealer. Do not attempt to
repair the malfunction yourself.
● To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
● When you are not using the AC Adapter for a
long period of time, it is recommended that you
disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.
CAUTION:
To avoid electric
shock or damage to
the unit, first firmly
insert the small end
of the power cord into
the AC Adapter until it
is no longer wobbly,
and then plug the
larger end of the
power cord into an
AC outlet.
CAUTIONS:
● This camcorder is designed to be used with
PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be
used for playback with a television of a different
standard. However, live recording and LCD
monitor/viewfinder playback are possible
anywhere.
● This product includes patented and other
proprietary technology and will operate only
with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC
BN-VF707U/VF714U/VF733U battery packs
and, to recharge them or to supply power to the
camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided
multi-voltage AC Adapter. (An appropriate
conversion adapter may be necessary to
accommodate different designs of AC outlets in
different countries.)

Caution on Replaceable lithium battery
The battery used in this device may present a fire
or chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C
or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita
Electric), Sanyo, Sony or Maxell CR2025.
Danger of explosion or Risk of fire if the battery is
incorrectly replaced.
● Dispose of used battery promptly.
● Keep away from children.
● Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in
fire.
NOTES:
● The rating plate (serial number plate) and
safety caution are on the bottom and/or the
back of the main unit.
● The rating information and safety caution of the
AC Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
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.
When discarding batteries, environmental
problems must be considered and the local rules
or laws governing the disposal of these batteries
must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or
places with water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water
or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, flower
vases, potted plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this
equipment, fire or electric shock may be caused.)

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4 EN
Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into
the sun. This can cause eye injuries, as well as
lead to the malfunctioning of internal circuitry.
There is also a risk of fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!
The following notes concern possible physical
damage to the camcorder and to the user.
When carrying, be sure to always securely attach
and use the provided strap. Carrying or holding
the camcorder by the viewfinder and/or the LCD
monitor can result in dropping the unit, or in a
malfunction.
Take care not to get your finger caught in the
cassette holder cover. Do not let children operate
the camcorder, as they are particularly
susceptible to this type of injury.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel
surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious
damage to the camcorder.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to
the camcorder and leaving it on top of the TV is
not recommended, as tripping on the cables will
cause the camcorder to fall, resulting in damage.

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CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

6 ADVANCED FEATURES

Index ................................................................. 6
Provided Accessories ..................................... 11
Power.............................................................. 13
Operation Mode .............................................. 14
Language Settings.......................................... 15
Date/Time Settings ......................................... 15
Grip Adjustment .............................................. 15
Viewfinder Adjustment .................................... 16
Brightness Adjustment Of The Display ........... 16
Tripod Mounting.............................................. 16
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ....................... 16
Loading/Unloading A Memory Card................ 17

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

VIDEO RECORDING ........................................... 18
Basic Recording.............................................. 18
Tape Remaining Time ................................ 18
LCD Monitor And Viewfinder ...................... 18
Zooming...................................................... 19
Journalistic Shooting .................................. 19
Time Code .................................................. 19
Quick Review.............................................. 20
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape...... 20

VIDEO PLAYBACK ............................................. 20
Normal Playback............................................. 20
Still Playback .............................................. 20
Shuttle Search ............................................ 21
Blank Search .............................................. 21
Connections To A TV Or VCR ........................ 22
Playback Using The Remote Control.............. 23

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING
& PLAYBACK
25
D.S.C. RECORDING............................................ 25
Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot).................. 25
Interval Shooting......................................... 25

D.S.C. PLAYBACK .............................................. 26
Normal Playback Of Images ........................... 26
Auto Playback Of Images ............................... 27
Index Playback Of Files .................................. 27
Removing On-Screen Display ........................ 27

ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. .................... 28
Dubbing Still Images Recorded On A Tape To A
Memory Card.............................................. 28
Resetting The File Name ................................ 28
Protecting Files ............................................... 28
Deleting Files .................................................. 29
Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting)........ 29
Initialising A Memory Card.............................. 30

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT.................. 31
Changing The Menu Settings ......................... 31
Recording Menus............................................ 32
Playback Menus ............................................. 35

FEATURES FOR RECORDING............................... 37
LED Light ........................................................ 37
Live Slow ........................................................ 37
5-Second Recording ....................................... 37
Night-Scope .................................................... 38
Snapshot (For Video Recording) .................... 38
Manual Focus ................................................. 38
Exposure Control ............................................ 39
Iris Lock .......................................................... 39
Backlight Compensation ................................. 40
Spot Exposure Control.................................... 40
White Balance Adjustment.............................. 40
Manual White Balance Adjustment................. 41
Wipe Or Fader Effects .................................... 41
Program AE With Special Effects ................... 42

EDITING............................................................ 43
Dubbing To Or From A VCR........................... 43
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With
A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing).............. 44
Connection To A Personal Computer ............. 45
Audio Dubbing ................................................ 46
Insert Editing................................................... 46

REFERENCES

TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................... 47
USER MAINTENANCE......................................... 51
CAUTIONS ........................................................ 52
SPECIFICATIONS................................................ 55

TERMS

Back cover

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6 EN

GETTING STARTED

Index
1 B CDE
X
V

GY
8P

S
9J

d
e
fg
h
T

Z K L MU a N b c
i j O

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Controls

Other Parts

A Stop Button [8] (墌 pg. 20)

V Monitor Latch (墌 pg. 18)
W LCD Monitor (墌 pg. 18, 19)
X Viewfinder (墌 pg. 16)
Y Card Cover [MEMORY CARD] (墌 pg. 17)
Z Battery Pack Mount (墌 pg. 13)
a Shoulder Strap Eyelet (墌 pg. 11)
b Speaker (墌 pg. 20)
c Grip Strap (墌 pg. 15)
d Lens
e LED Light (墌 pg. 37)

Index Button [INDEX] (墌 pg. 27)
Backlight Compensation Button [BACK
LIGHT] (墌 pg. 40)
B Play/Pause Button [4/9] (墌 pg. 20)
Manual Focus Button [FOCUS] (墌 pg. 38)
C Rewind Button [3] (墌 pg. 20)
Menu select Button [–] (墌 pg. 15)
Quick Review Button [ ] (墌 pg. 20)
D Fast-Forward Button [5] (墌 pg. 20)
Menu select Button [+] (墌 pg. 15)
Night Button [NIGHT] (墌 pg. 38)
E Menu Button [MENU] (墌 pg. 31)
Data Battery Button [DATA] (墌 pg. 14)
F VIDEO/MEMORY Switch (墌 pg. 14)
G LED Light Button [LIGHT] (墌 pg. 37)
H Dioptre Adjustment Control (墌 pg. 16)
I Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT]
(墌 pg. 25, 38)
Live Slow Button [SLOW] (墌 pg. 31, 37)
J Power Zoom Lever [T/W] (墌 pg. 19)
Speaker Volume Control [VOL. +, –]
(墌 pg. 20)
K Battery Release Button [PUSH BATT.]
(墌 pg. 13)
L Recording Start/Stop Button (墌 pg. 18)
M Power Switch [A, M, PLAY, OFF] (墌 pg. 14)
N Lock Button (墌 pg. 14)
O Cassette Open/Eject Switch [OPEN/EJECT]
(墌 pg. 16)

Connectors
The connectors are located beneath the covers.
P USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connector
(墌 pg. 45)
Q S-Video/Audio/Video Input/Output Connector
[S/AV] (墌 pg. 22, 43)
R DC Input Connector [DC] (墌 pg. 13)
S Digital Video Connector [DV IN/OUT] (i.Link*)
(墌 pg. 44, 45)
T Microphone connector [MIC] (墌 pg. 34, 46)
(An optional microphone can be used during
video recording and audio dubbing. To
stabilise the microphone, use of an optional
shoe adapter is recommended.)
* i.Link refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry
specification and extensions thereof. The logo
is used for products compliant with the i.Link
standard.

Indicators
U POWER/CHARGE Lamp (墌 pg. 13, 18)

(When using an optional conversion lens, it
may cover this area and block the light.)
f Remote Sensor (墌 pg. 23)
g Camera Sensor
(Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor
necessary for shooting is built-in here.)
h Stereo Microphone (墌 pg. 46)
i Stud Hole (墌 pg. 16)
j Tripod Mounting Socket (墌 pg. 16)
k Cassette Holder Cover (墌 pg. 16)

GETTING STARTED

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8 EN GETTING STARTED
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

During D.S.C. Recording Only
34 5

During Video Recording Only
123 4 5

1024 INTERVAL

1h40m
REC

7
7
8
9

a Image Size: 1024 (1024 x 768) or 640

B Interval Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 25)
C Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 25)

SOUND 12 B I T
15:55

q
a Selected Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator
(墌 pg. 41)

B Tape Running Indicator (墌 pg. 18)
(Rotates while tape is running.)

C Selected Wide Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 33)
D
: Live Slow Indicator (墌 pg. 37)
: Snapshot Indicator (墌 pg. 38)

E Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) (墌 pg. 32)
F Tape Remaining Time (墌 pg. 18)
G REC: (Appears during recording.) (墌 pg. 18)
PAUSE: (Appears during Record-Standby
mode.) (墌 pg. 18)
H Insert Editing/Insert Editing Pause Mode
(墌 pg. 46)
I 5S/Anim.: Displays the 5-Second Recording
mode or Animation recording mode.
(墌 pg. 33)
J Wind Cut Indicator (墌 pg. 33)
K Time Code (墌 pg. 34, 36)
L Digital Image Stabiliser (“DIS”) (墌 pg. 32)
M SOUND 12BIT/16BIT: Sound Mode Indicator
(墌 pg. 32) (Appears for approx. 5 seconds
after turning on the camcorder.)
: Auxiliary Microphone Level
L
R
Indicator
(Appears when an optional microphone is
connected. 墌 pg. 36, “AUX MIC”)

(640 x 480) (墌 pg. 34)
(Appears and blinks during shooting.)

D Card Icon (墌 pg. 25)
: Appears during shooting.
: Blinks in white when a memory card is
not loaded.
: Blinks in yellow while the camcorder is
reading the data in the memory card.
E Picture Quality:
(FINE) and
(STANDARD) (in order of quality) (墌 pg. 34)
F Remaining Number Of Shots (墌 pg. 25)
(Displays the approximate remaining number
of shots that can be stored during D.S.C.
recording.)
G Clock Icon (墌 pg. 25)

During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

9
T

25 x W

0
q

50m

BRIGHT

1 0 . 11 . 05
10 : 00

a Operation Mode (墌 pg. 14)
B
: Night-Scope Indicator (墌 pg. 38)
: Gain Up Mode (墌 pg. 32)

C LED Light Indicator (墌 pg. 37)
D White Balance Indicator (墌 pg. 41)
E
: Spot Exposure Control Indicator
(墌 pg. 40)
: Backlight Compensation Indicator
(墌 pg. 40)
±: Exposure Adjustment Indicator (墌 pg. 39)
F Selected Program AE With Special Effects
Indicator (墌 pg. 42)
G Iris Lock Indicator (墌 pg. 39)

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GETTING STARTED

(墌 pg. 25, 38)
SLOW: (Appears when using Live Slow.)
(墌 pg. 37)
K Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/
Viewfinder) (墌 pg. 16)
L Battery Remaining Power Indicator
(墌 pg. 49)
M Date/Time (墌 pg. 15)
N Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator
(墌 pg. 38)

3 4 5

During D.S.C. Playback
1

L
R

BR I GHT

a Operation Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 27)
B Folder/File Number (墌 pg. 27)
C Battery Remaining Power Indicator

50m

D Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/

(墌 pg. 49)

7
1 0 . 11 . 05
10: 0 0

2 0 : 2 1 : 25

50m

MIC

VO LUME

2
100-0013

12 B I T / M I X
L

BLANK SEARCH
PUSH "STOP" BUTTON
TO CANCEL

BRIGHT: Brightness Control Indicator (LCD
monitor/Viewfinder) (墌 pg. 16)
J Time Code (墌 pg. 34, 36)
KL
: Auxiliary Microphone Level
R
Indicator
(Appears when an optional microphone is
connected during Audio Dubbing. 墌 pg. 46)

During Video Playback
1

I VOLUME: Volume Level Indicator (墌 pg. 20)

a Sound Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 35)
B Blank Search Indicator (墌 pg. 21)
C
: Live Slow Indicator (墌 pg. 37)
: Snapshot Indicator (墌 pg. 35, 38)

D Tape Speed (墌 pg. 32)
E 4: Playback
5: Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search
3: Rewind/Shuttle Search
9: Pause
9 U: Forward Frame-By-Frame Playback/
Slow-Motion
Y 9: Reverse Frame-By-Frame Playback/
Slow-Motion
D: Audio Dubbing
9D: Audio Dubbing Pause
(Appear while a tape is running.)
F Sound Input For Audio Dubbing (墌 pg. 46)
G Battery Remaining Power Indicator
(墌 pg. 49)
H Date/Time (墌 pg. 34, 36)

Viewfinder) (墌 pg. 16)

GETTING STARTED

H Approximate Zoom Ratio (墌 pg. 19)
I Zoom Indicator (墌 pg. 19)
J O: (Appears when taking Snapshot.)

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10 EN

GETTING STARTED

Before Using This Camcorder
Make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini
DV mark
.
Make sure you only use memory cards with the
mark
or
.
This camcorder is designed exclusively for the
digital video cassette, SD Memory Card and
MultiMediaCard. Only cassettes marked “
” and
memory cards marked “
” or
“
” can be used with this unit.
Remember that this camcorder is not
compatible with other digital video formats.
Remember that this camcorder is intended for
private consumer use only.
Any commercial use without proper permission is
prohibited. (Even if you record an event such as a
show, performance or exhibition for personal
enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you
obtain permission beforehand.)
Before recording important video, be sure to
make a trial recording.
Play back your trial recording to make sure the
video and audio have been recorded properly.
We recommend cleaning your video heads
before use.
If you haven’t used your camcorder for a while, the
heads may be dirty. We recommend periodically
cleaning the video heads with a cleaning cassette
(optional).
Be sure to store your cassette tapes and
camcorder in the proper environment.
Video heads can become dirty more easily if your
cassette tapes and camcorder are stored in a dusty
area. Cassette tapes should be removed from the
camcorder and stored in cassette cases. Store the
camcorder in a bag or other container.
Use SP (Standard) mode for important video
recordings.
LP (Long Play) mode lets you record 50% more
video than SP (Standard) mode, but you may
experience mosaic-like noise during playback
depending on the tape characteristics and the
usage environment.
So, for important recordings, we recommend using
SP mode.
It is recommended that you use JVC brand
cassette tapes.
Your camcorder is compatible with all brands of
commercially available cassette tapes complying
with the MiniDV standard, but JVC brand cassette
tapes are designed and optimized to maximize the
performance of your camcorder.
Also read “CAUTIONS” on pages 52 – 54.

● Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
● Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc.
● QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc.

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GETTING STARTED

Provided Accessories

NOTES:

● In order to maintain optimum performance of the
camcorder, provided cables may be equipped with
one or more core filter. If a cable has only one core
filter, the end that is closest to the filter should be
connected to the camcorder.
● Make sure to use the provided cables for
connections. Do not use any other cables.

How To Attach The Lens Cap
GETTING STARTED

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
g
h
i
j
k
l

AC Adapter AP-V14A
Power Cord
Battery Pack BN-VF707U
S/AV Cable
USB Cable
Core Filter (for USB cable, 墌 pg. 12 for
attachment)
CD-ROM
Remote Control Unit RM-V720U
Lithium Battery CR2025* (for remote control
unit)
Memory Card 8 MB (Already inserted in the
camcorder) (GR-D290 only)
Shoulder Strap (see the right column for
attachment)
Lens Cap (see the right column for
attachment)

Place here during
shooting.

How To Attach The Shoulder Strap
Follow the illustration.

1 Thread the strap through the eyelet.
2 Fold it back and thread it through the strap
guide and the buckle.

● To adjust the length of the strap, loosen and then
tighten the strap in the buckle.

3 Slide the strap guide fully towards the eyelet.
Buckle
Strap guide

* A lithium battery is pre-installed in the Remote
Control Unit at time of shipment (with insulation
sheet). To use the Remote Control Unit, remove
the insulation sheet.

1
Eyelet

2
2

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GETTING STARTED

12 EN

How To Attach The Core Filter
Attach the core filters to the cables. The core
filter reduces interference.

1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the
core filter.

Stopper

2 Run the cable through the core filter, leaving
approx. 3 cm of cable between the cable plug
and the core filter.
Wind the cable once around the outside of the
core filter as shown in the illustration.
Core filter
3 cm

Wind once.

3 Close the core filter until it clicks shut.

NOTES:

● Take care not to damage the cable.
● When connecting a cable, attach the end with the
core filter to the camcorder.

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GETTING STARTED

To detach the battery pack

Power
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.

Charging 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.

Power switch

* Provided

POWER/CHARGE lamp

NOTES:

POWER/
CHARGE

Battery pack mount
PUSH BATT.
Battery pack
Arrow
mark
To DC connector
Open the cover.

AC Adapter

To AC outlet
Power Cord

1 Set the Power Switch to “OFF”.
2 With the arrow on the battery pack pointing
downward, push the battery pack slightly against
the battery pack mount a.

3 Slide down the battery pack until it locks in
place b.

4 Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder.
5 Connect the Power Cord to the AC Adapter.
6 Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet. The
POWER/CHARGE lamp on the camcorder
blinks to indicate charging has started.

7 When the POWER/CHARGE lamp goes out,
charging is finished. Unplug the AC Adapter
from the AC outlet. Disconnect the AC Adapter
from the camcorder.

● This product includes patented and other
proprietary technology and will operate only
with JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC BNVF707U/VF714U/VF733U battery packs. Using
generic non-JVC batteries can cause damage
to the internal charging circuitry.
● If the protective cap is attached to the battery
pack, remove it first.
● During charging, the camcorder cannot be
operated.
● Charging is not possible if the wrong type of
battery is used.
● When charging the battery pack for the first time
or after a long storage period, the POWER/
CHARGE lamp may not light. In this case, remove
the battery pack from the camcorder, then try
charging again.
● If the battery operation time remains extremely
short even after having been fully charged, the
battery is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Please purchase a new one.
● Since the AC Adapter processes electricity
internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure to
use it only in well-ventilated areas.
● Using the optional AA-VF7 Battery Charger, you
can charge the BN-VF707U/VF714U/VF733U
battery pack without the camcorder.
● After 5 minutes has elapsed in Record-Standby
mode with the cassette inserted, the camcorder
will automatically turn off its power supplied from
the AC adapter. In this case, the battery charge
starts if the battery is attached to the camcorder.

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.

1 hr. 25 min.

BN-VF714U

2 hr. 20 min.

3 hr.

BN-VF733U

5 hr. 25 min.

7 hr. 5 min.

* Provided
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

GETTING STARTED

M A

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14 EN

GETTING STARTED

NOTES:

● Recording time is reduced significantly under the
following conditions:
• Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged
repeatedly.
• The LCD monitor is used repeatedly.
• The playback mode is engaged repeatedly.
• The LED Light is used.
● Before extended use, it is recommended that you
prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the
planned shooting time.

ATTENTION:
Before detaching the power source, make sure that
the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so
can result in a camcorder malfunction.

Data Battery System
You can check the remaining battery power and
the recordable time.
1) Make sure the battery is attached and the
Power Switch is set to “OFF”.
2) Open the LCD monitor fully.
3) Press DATA, and the battery status screen
appears.
● It can be displayed on the viewfinder when the
LCD monitor is closed.
● It is displayed for 3 seconds if the button is
pressed and released quickly, and for 15
seconds if the button is pressed and hold for
several seconds.
● If “COMMUNICATION ERROR” appears
instead of the battery status even though you
tried to press DATA several times, there may
be a problem on the battery. In such a case,
consult your nearest JVC dealer.

Using AC Power
Perform steps 4 – 5 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.
WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its
terminals to come in contact with metals, as this
can result in a short circuit and possibly start a
fire.

To resume the original function of the
accurate battery power indication
If the battery power indication differs from the
actual operating time, fully charge the battery, and
then run it down. However this function may not
turn back if the battery was used for a long period
of time under extremely high/low temperature
condition or charged too many times.

Operation Mode
To turn on the camcorder, set the Power Switch
to any operation mode except “OFF” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.
MENU/DATA

Power Switch
Lock Button

M A

POWER/
CHARGE

POWER/
CHARGE lamp
VIDEO/MEMORY

Choose the appropriate operation mode
according to your preference using the Power
Switch and VIDEO/MEMORY Switch.
Power Switch Position
A (Full Auto Recording):
Allows you to record using NO special effects
or manual adjustments. Suitable for standard
recording.
The “A” indicator appears on the display.
M (Manual Recording):
Allows you to set various recording functions
using the Menus. (墌 pg. 31)
If you want more creative capabilities than Full
Auto Recording, try this mode.
OFF:
Allows you to switch off the camcorder.
PLAY:
● Allows you to play back a recording on the
tape.
● Allows you to display a still image stored in
the memory card or to transfer a still image
stored in the memory card to a PC.
● Allows you to set various playback functions
using the Menus. (墌 pg. 31)

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GETTING STARTED

MEMORY:
● Allows you to record in a memory card or
access data stored in a memory card.
● When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”,
the currently selected image size appears.

Power-Linked Operation
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.

The language on the display can be changed.
(墌 pg. 31, 34, 36)

1 Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.

2 Open the LCD monitor fully. (墌 pg. 18)
3 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
CAMERA D I S PLAY
4 Press + or – to select
BRIGHT
5 Press + or – to select
“LANGUAGE”, and press
MENU.

6 Press + or – to select
the desired language, and
press MENU.

7 Press + or – to select
“BRETURN”, and press
MENU twice. The Menu
Screen closes.

Date/Time Settings
The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all
times, but its display can be turned on or off
during playback. (墌 pg. 31, 36)

1 Perform steps 1 – 4 in “Language Settings”
on the left column.

2 Press + or – to select “CLOCK ADJ.”, and
press MENU. The parameter for “Day” is
highlighted.

3 Press + or – to input

CAMERA D ISPLAY

the day, and press MENU.
Repeat to input the month,
year, hour and minute.

4 Press + or – to select

CL OCK
AD J .

2 0. 1 2 . 0 5
17 : 30

“BRETURN”, and press
MENU twice. The Menu
Screen closes.

Grip Adjustment
1 Adjust the velcro strip.
2 Pass your right hand
through the loop and grasp
the grip.

Language Settings

“n”, and press MENU.
The CAMERA DISPLAY
Menu appears.

ON S CRE E N
DA T E / T I ME
T I ME CODE
LANGUAGE
AU X M I C
CL OCK
AD J .

–
–
–
–
–

LCD / T V
AU T O
OF F
ENGLISH
ON
2 0. 1 2 . 0 5
17 : 30

RETURN

CAMERA D I S PLAY

LANGUAGE

–

3 Adjust your thumb and
fingers through the grip to
easily operate the
Recording Start/Stop
Button, Power Switch and
Power Zoom Lever. Be
sure to fasten the velcro strip to your preference.

GETTING STARTED

VIDEO/MEMORY Switch Position
VIDEO:
Allows you to record on a tape or play back a
tape. If “REC SELECT” is set to “
/
”
(墌 pg. 35), still images are recorded both on
the tape and the memory card.

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16 EN

GETTING STARTED

6 Press + or – until the appropriate brightness

Viewfinder Adjustment

is reached.

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.
Example:

7 Press MENU to clear the brightness control
indicator from the display.

Tripod Mounting
To attach the camcorder
to a tripod, align the
direction stud and screw
to the mounting socket
and stud hole on the
camcorder. Then tighten
the screw clockwise.
● Some tripods are not
equipped with studs.

Loading/Unloading A Cassette
The camcorder needs to be powered up to load
or eject a cassette.

PAUSE

Cassette holder
Dioptre Adjustment Control

PUSH HERE

Cassette holder
cover

CAUTION:
When retracting the viewfinder, take care not to
pinch your fingers.

Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display
1 Set the Power Switch
to “M” or “PLAY” while
pressing down the Lock
Button located on the
switch.

OPEN/EJECT
Make sure the window side
is facing out.

–

1 Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction

2 Open the LCD monitor
fully. (墌 pg. 18)

● To adjust the brightness of
the viewfinder, pull out the
viewfinder fully and set
“PRIORITY” to “FINDER”
(墌 pg. 31, 34).

3 Press MENU. The

Erase
protection tab

of the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover
open until it locks. The cassette holder opens
automatically.
● Do not touch internal components.

2 Insert or remove a tape and press “PUSH
BRIGHT

Menu Screen appears.

4 Press + or – to select “n”, and press MENU.
The CAMERA DISPLAY or VIDEO DISPLAY
Menu appears.
5 Press + or – to select “BRIGHT”, and press
MENU. The Menu Screen closes and the
brightness control indicator appears.

HERE” to close the cassette holder.

● Be sure to press only the section labelled “PUSH
HERE” to close the cassette holder; touching
other parts may cause your finger to get caught in
the cassette holder, resulting in injury or product
damage.
● Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely
before closing the cassette holder cover.

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GETTING STARTED

3 Close the cassette holder cover firmly until it
locks into place.
To protect valuable recordings
Slide the erase protection tab on the back of the
tape in the direction of “SAVE”. This prevents the
tape from being recorded over. To record on this
tape, slide the tab back to “REC” before loading
it.

Loading/Unloading A Memory
Card
The provided memory card is already inserted in
the camcorder at the time of purchase.
(GR-D290 only)
Card Cover (MEMORY CARD)
Label

Memory card

NOTES:

● If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder
does not open, close the cassette holder cover
and try again. If the cassette holder still does not
open, turn the camcorder off then on again.
● If the tape does not load properly, open the
cassette holder cover fully and remove the
cassette. A few minutes later, insert it again.
● When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a
cold place to a warm environment, wait a short
time before opening the cassette holder cover.

Write/erase protection tab

Clipped edge

1 Make sure the camcorder’s power is off.
2 Open the card cover (MEMORY CARD).
3 To load a memory card, firmly insert it with
its clipped edge first.
To unload a memory card, push it once. After
the memory card comes out of the camcorder,
pull it out.

● Do not touch the terminal on the reverse side of
the label.

4 Close the card cover.
To protect valuable files (available only for
SD Memory Card)
Slide the write/erase protection tab on the side
of the memory card in the direction of “LOCK”.
This prevents the memory card from being
recorded over. To record on this memory card,
slide the tab back to the position opposite to
“LOCK” before loading it.

NOTES:

● Some brands of memory cards are not compatible
with this camcorder. Before purchasing a memory
card, consult its manufacturer or dealer.
● Before using a new memory card, it is necessary
to format the card. (墌 pg. 30)

ATTENTION:
Do not insert or remove the memory card while the
camcorder is turned on, as this may cause the
memory card to be corrupted or cause the
camcorder to become unable to recognise whether
or not the card is installed.

GETTING STARTED

● When the battery pack’s charge is low, you may
not be able to close the cassette holder cover. Do
not apply force. Replace the battery pack with a
fully charged one or use AC power before
continuing.

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VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK
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18 EN

VIDEO RECORDING

Basic Recording
NOTE:
Before continuing, perform the procedures listed
below:
● Power (墌 pg. 13)
● Loading A Cassette (墌 pg. 16)
VIDEO/MEMORY

● When a blank portion is left between recorded
scenes on the tape, the time code is interrupted
and errors may occur when editing the tape. To
avoid this, refer to “Recording From The Middle Of
A Tape” (墌 pg. 20).
● To turn the beep sounds off, 墌 pg. 31, 33.

Tape Remaining Time
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.

Power Zoom Lever
Power Switch
Lock Button
POWER/CHARGE Lamp

● The time required to calculate and display the
remaining tape length, and the accuracy of the
calculation, may vary according to the type of tape
used.

LCD Monitor And Viewfinder
Recording Start/Stop Button

1 Remove the lens cap. (墌 pg. 11)
2 Open the LCD monitor fully.
3 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
4 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

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).
While using the viewfinder:
Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and
locked. Pull out the viewfinder fully.

● The POWER/CHARGE lamp lights and the
camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode.
“PAUSE” is displayed.
● To record in LP (Long Play) mode, 墌 pg. 32.

180˚

5 To start recording, press the Recording Start/
Stop Button. “T REC” appears on the display
while recording is in progress.

6 To stop recording, press the Recording Start/
Stop Button again. The camcorder re-enters the
Record-Standby mode.
Approximate recording time
Tape
30 min.

Recording mode
SP
30 min.

LP
45 min.

60 min.

90 min.

80 min.

120 min.

NOTES:

● If the Record-Standby mode continues for
5 minutes, the camcorder’s power shuts off
automatically. To turn the camcorder on again,
push back and pull out the viewfinder again or
close and re-open the LCD monitor.

90˚

NOTES:

● The image will not appear simultaneously on the
LCD monitor and the viewfinder. When the
viewfinder is pulled out while the LCD monitor is
opened, you can select which one to use. Set
“PRIORITY” to the desired mode in SYSTEM
Menu. (墌 pg. 31, 34)
● Coloured bright spots may appear all over the
LCD monitor or the viewfinder. However, this is not
a malfunction. (墌 pg. 48)

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VIDEO RECORDING

Zooming

Journalistic Shooting

Produces the zoom in/out effect, or an
instantaneous change in image magnification.

In some situations,
different shooting
angles may provide
more dramatic results.
Hold the camcorder in
the desired position
and tilt the LCD
monitor in the most
convenient direction. It
can rotate 270° (90°
downward, 180°
upward).

Zoom In
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.
Zoom Out
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.

● The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever, the
quicker the zoom action.
Zoom in (T: Telephoto)
T
1 0 xW

T
20xW

T
40xW

Time Code
During recording, a time code is recorded on the
tape. This code is to confirm the location of the
recorded scene on the tape during playback.

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)
10 x W

Display

Digital zoom zone
25X (optical) zoom zone

Minutes

Approximate zoom ratio

Frames*
(25 frames = 1 second)

Seconds

12 : 34 : 24

NOTES:

● Focusing may become unstable during Zooming.
In this case, set the zoom while in RecordStandby, lock the focus by using the manual focus
(墌 pg. 38), then zoom in or out in Record mode.
● Zooming is possible to a maximum of 800X, or it
can be switched to 25X magnification using the
optical zoom. (墌 pg. 32)
● Zoom magnification of over 25X is done through
Digital image processing, and is therefore called
Digital Zoom.
● During Digital zoom, the quality of image may
suffer.
● Digital zoom cannot be used when the VIDEO/
MEMORY Switch is set to “MEMORY”.
● Macro shooting (as close as approx. 5 cm to the
subject) is possible when the Power Zoom Lever is
set all the way to “W”. Also see “TELE MACRO” in
MANUAL Menu on page 33.
● When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom
out first. If zoomed-in in the auto focus mode, the
camcorder may automatically zoom out
depending on the distance between the
camcorder and the subject. This will not occur
when “TELE MACRO” is set to “ON”. (墌 pg. 33)

* Frames are not displayed during recording.

If recording starts from a blank portion, the time
code begins counting from “00:00:00”
(minute:second:frame). If recording starts from
the end of a previously recorded scene, the time
code continues from the last time code number.
If during recording a blank portion is left partway
through the tape, the time code is interrupted.
When recording is resumed, the time code starts
counting up again from “00:00:00”. This means
the camcorder may record the same time codes
as those existing in a previously recorded scene.
To prevent this, perform Recording From The
Middle Of A Tape (墌 pg. 20) in the following
cases;

● When shooting again after playing back a
recorded tape.
● When power shuts off during shooting.
● When a tape is removed and re-inserted during
shooting.
● When shooting using a partially recorded tape.
● When shooting on a blank portion located partway
through the tape.
● When shooting again after shooting a scene then
opening/closing the cassette holder cover.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

1 xW

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20 EN
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. 34)

Quick Review
Enables to check the end of the last recording.
1) Press
during the Recording-Standby
mode.
2) Tape is rewound for about several seconds
and played back automatically, then pauses in
the Recording-Standby mode for the next shot.
● Distortion may occur at start of playback. This is
normal.

VIDEO PLAYBACK

Normal Playback
5

VOL. +/–

Lock Button

4/9
8
Speaker
M A

Power
Switch
MENU

VIDEO/MEMORY

1 Load a cassette. (墌 pg. 16)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while

Recording From The Middle Of A Tape

pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

1) Play back a tape or use Blank Search
(墌 pg. 21) to find the spot at which you want to
start recording, then engage the Still Playback
mode. (See the right column.)
2) Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch, then start recording.

4 To start playback, press 4/9.
5 To stop playback, press 8.

● During Stop mode, press 3 to rewind, or 5
to fast-forward the tape.

To control the speaker volume
Slide the Power Zoom Lever (VOL. +/–) towards
“+” to turn up the volume, or towards “–” to turn
down the volume.

NOTES:

● The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD
monitor, viewfinder or on a connected TV.
(墌 pg. 22)
● If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power
is supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off
automatically. To turn on again, set the Power
Switch to “OFF”, then to “PLAY”.
● When a cable is connected to the S/AV connector,
the sound is not heard from the speaker.

Still Playback
Pauses during video playback.
1) Press 4/9 during playback.
2) To resume normal playback, press 4/9
again.
● If still playback continues for more than about
3 minutes, the camcorder’s Stop mode is
automatically engaged.

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VIDEO PLAYBACK
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.

● During playback, press and hold 5 or 3. The
search continues as long as you hold the button.
Once you release the button, normal playback
resumes.
● A slight mosaic effect appears on the display
during Shuttle Search. This is not a malfunction.

ATTENTION:
During Shuttle Search, parts
of the picture may not be
clearly visible, particularly on
the left side of the screen.

Blank Search
Helps you find where you should start recording
in the middle of a tape to avoid time code
interruption. (墌 pg. 19)

1 Load a cassette. (墌 pg. 16)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

4 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
5 Press MENU to select “t”. The VIDEO
Menu appears.

6 Press + or – to select “BLANK SRCH”, and
press MENU. The Sub Menu appears.

7 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE”, and press
MENU.

● The “BLANK SEARCH” indication appears and
the camcorder automatically starts reverse or
forward search, then stops at the spot which is
about 3 seconds of tape before the beginning of
the detected blank portion.
● To cancel Blank Search midway, press 8.

NOTES:

● Before starting Blank Search, if the current
position is at a blank portion, the camcorder
searches in the reverse direction. If the current
position is at a recorded portion, the camcorder
searches in the forward direction.
● If the beginning or end of the tape is reached
during Blank Search, the camcorder stops
automatically.
● A blank portion which is shorter than 5 seconds of
tape may not be detected.
● 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.

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

Shuttle Search

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22 EN

VIDEO PLAYBACK

1 Make sure all units are turned off.
2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as

Connections To A TV Or VCR

shown in the illustration.
If using a VCR, go to step 3.
If not, go to step 4.

3 Connect the VCR output to the TV input,
referring to your VCR’s instruction manual.

To AV
connector
Open the cover.
mark

S/AV cable
(provided)

4 Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV.
5 Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set
the TV to its VIDEO mode.

6 Start playback on the camcorder. (墌 pg. 20)
To choose whether or not the following
displays appear on the connected TV

4
TV

VCR

A Black to S-VIDEO IN (Connect when your TV/
VCR has S-VIDEO IN and A/V input
connectors. In this case, it is not necessary to
connect the yellow video cable.)
B Yellow to VIDEO IN (Connect when your TV/
VCR has only A/V input connectors.)
C Red to AUDIO R IN*
D White to AUDIO L IN*
*

Not required for watching still images only.

● Date/Time
Set “DATE/TIME” to “AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF”.
(墌 pg. 31, 36)
Or, press DISPLAY on the remote control to turn
on/off the date indication.
● Time Code
Set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF”.
(墌 pg. 31, 36)
● Indications other than date/time and time code
Set “ON SCREEN” to “OFF”, “LCD” or “LCD/TV”.
(墌 pg. 31, 36)

NOTES:

● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as
the power supply instead of the battery pack.
(墌 pg. 14)
● To monitor the picture and sound from the
camcorder without inserting a tape or memory
card, set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “A” or
“M”, then set your TV to the appropriate input
mode.
● Make sure you adjust the TV sound volume to its
minimum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound
when the camcorder is turned on.

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VIDEO PLAYBACK

Playback Using The Remote
Control
The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can
operate this camcorder from a distance as well
as the basic operations (Playback, Stop, Pause,
Fast-Forward and Rewind) of your VCR. It also
makes additional playback functions possible.
(墌 pg. 24)

Installing The Battery

1
1

Lock tab

holder, and be sure to
have the “+” mark visible.

3 Slide the holder back in until you hear a click.
Beam Effective Area (indoor use)
When using the remote
control, be sure to point it
at the remote sensor.
The transmitted beam’s
approximate effective
distance for indoor use is
5 m.

● Pauses the tape (墌 pg. 24)

Up Button (墌 pg. 24)

C SLOW Rewind Button (墌 pg. 24)
D REW Button

● Rewind/Reverse Shuttle Search on a tape
(墌 pg. 21)
● Displays previous file in a memory card
(墌 pg. 26)

E INSERT Button (墌 pg. 46)
F SHIFT Button (墌 pg. 24)
G DISPLAY Button (墌 pg. 22, 43)
H SLOW Forward Button (墌 pg. 24)
I PLAY Button

● Starts Playback of a tape (墌 pg. 20)
● Starts Auto Playback of images in a memory
card (墌 pg. 27)

J FF Button

● Forward/Forward Shuttle Search on a tape
(墌 pg. 21)
● Displays next file in a memory card (墌 pg. 26)

Right Button (墌 pg. 24)

K A. DUB Button (墌 pg. 46)
L STOP Button

● Stops the tape (墌 pg. 20)
● Stops Auto Playback (墌 pg. 27)

Down Button (墌 pg. 24)

M EFFECT Button (墌 pg. 24)
N EFFECT ON/OFF Button (墌 pg. 24)
Remote sensor

NOTE:
The transmitted beam may not be effective or may
cause incorrect operation when the remote sensor
is directly exposed to sunlight or powerful lighting.

Buttons And Functions

A Infrared beam transmitting window
● Transmits the beam signal.

The following buttons are available when the
camcorder’s Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”.
o Zoom (T/W) Buttons
Zoom in/out (墌 pg. 19, 24)
(Also available with the Power Switch set to
“PLAY”)
p START/STOP Button
Functions the same as the Recording Start/
Stop Button on the camcorder.
q S.SHOT Button
Functions the same as SNAPSHOT on the
camcorder.
(Also available with the Power Switch set to
“PLAY”)

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

holder by pushing the lock
tab.

2 Insert the battery in the

Left Button (墌 pg. 24)

The remote control uses
one lithium battery
(CR2025).

1 Pull out the battery

The following buttons are available only when
the camcorder’s Power Switch is set to “PLAY”.
B PAUSE Button

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VIDEO PLAYBACK

24 EN
.

Zoom (T/W)

PAUSE or
(Up)

SLOW (YI)

SLOW (IU)

PLAY
(Right)
(Left)

STOP or
(Down)

SHIFT

2) At the point you want to zoom
in, press the Zoom Button (T).
● To zoom out, press the Zoom
Button (W).

3) You can move the image on
the screen around to find a
particular portion of the picture.
While holding down SHIFT,
press
(Left), (Right),
(Up) and
(Down).

Slow-Motion Playback

● To end zoom, press and hold W until magnification
returns to normal. Or, press STOP (8) and then
press PLAY (U) during video playback.

During normal video playback, press SLOW (YI
or IU) more than approx. 2 seconds.

NOTES:

● After approx. 10 minutes, normal playback
resumes.
● To pause Slow-Motion playback, press PAUSE
(9).
● To stop Slow-Motion playback, press PLAY (U).

NOTES:

● You can also engage Slow-Motion Playback from
Still Playback by pressing SLOW (YI or IU) more
than approx. 2 seconds.
● During Slow-Motion Playback, due to digital image
processing, the picture may take on a mosaic
effect.
● After SLOW (YI or IU) is pressed and held, the
still image may be displayed for a few seconds,
followed by a blue screen for a few seconds. This
is not a malfunction.
● During Slow-Motion Playback, there will be
disturbances in video and the picture may seem
unstable, especially with steady images. This is
not a malfunction.

Frame-By-Frame Playback
During normal or still playback, press SLOW
(IU) repeatedly for forward or SLOW (YI)
repeatedly for reverse. Each time SLOW (YI or
IU) is pressed, the frame is played back.

Playback Zoom
Magnifies the recorded image up to 32X at any
time during video playback and D.S.C. playback.
1) Press PLAY (U) to start video
playback. Or perform normal
playback of images.

● Zoom can also be used during slow-motion and still
playback.
● Due to digital image processing, the quality of the
image may suffer.

Playback Special Effects
Allows you to add creative effects to the video
playback image.
CLASSIC FILM: Gives recorded scenes a
strobe effect.
MONOTONE: Like classic black and white
films, your footage is shot in B/W. Used together
with the Cinema mode, it enhances the “classic
film” effect.
SEPIA: Recorded scenes have a brownish
tint like old photos. Combine this with the
Cinema mode for a classic look.
STROBE: Your recording looks like a
series of consecutive snapshots.
1) To start
EFFECT ON/OFF
playback,
EFFECT
press PLAY
(U).
2) Press
EFFECT. The
PLAYBACK EFFECT Select Menu appears.
3) Press EFFECT repeatedly to move the
highlight bar to the desired effect.
● The selected function is activated and after
2 seconds the menu disappears.
● To deactivate the selected effect, press EFFECT
ON/OFF. To reactivate the selected effect press
EFFECT ON/OFF again.
● To change the selected effect, repeat from step 2
above.

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING &
PLAYBACK

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D.S.C. RECORDING

You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still
Camera for taking snapshots. Still images are
stored in the memory card.

● The number increases or decreases depending
on the Picture Quality/Image Size, etc.
Image Size/Picture
Quality

SD Memory Card
8 MB* 16 MB* 32 MB* 64 MB*

NOTE:

640 x 480/FINE

205

Before continuing, perform the procedures listed
below:
● Power (墌 pg. 13)
● Loading a Memory Card (墌 pg. 17)
SNAPSHOT

640 x 480/STANDARD

160

295

625 1285

Power Switch
Lock Button
VIDEO/
MEMORY

1 Remove the lens cap.
2 Open the LCD monitor fully. (墌 pg. 18)
3 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to
“MEMORY”.

4 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

1024 x 768/FINE

200

1024 x 768/STANDARD

145

310

640

Image Size/Picture
Quality

MultiMediaCard
8 MB** 16 MB* 32 MB*

640 x 480/FINE

105

640 x 480/STANDARD

190

320

645

1024 x 768/FINE

100

1024 x 768/STANDARD

160

320

Interval Shooting
During Interval Shooting mode, the camcorder
continues to take snapshots automatically with
an interval of your desired setting.

1 Set “INT.SHOT” to “ON”. (墌 pg. 31, 35)

appears while the snapshot is being taken.

2 Set “INT.TIME” to the desired shooting

● Still images are recorded in the snapshot mode
with no frame.
● To delete unwanted still images, refer to “Deleting
Files” (墌 pg. 29).
● When you do not want to hear the shutter sound,
set “BEEP” to “OFF”. (墌 pg. 31, 33)

NOTE:
If shooting is not performed for approx. 5 minutes
when the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M” and
power is supplied from the battery pack, the
camcorder shuts off automatically to save power. To
perform shooting again, push back and pull out the
viewfinder again or close and re-open the LCD
monitor.

215

* Optional
** Provided (GR-D290 only)

● To change the Image Size and/or Picture Quality,
墌 pg. 31, 34.

5 Press SNAPSHOT. The “O” indication

425

● “INTERVAL” and “

” appear.

interval. (墌 pg. 31, 35)

3 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

4 Press SNAPSHOT.

● First shot is taken after 2 seconds.
● The “O” indicator appears while the snapshot
is being taken.
● The clock icon “ ” turns while waiting for the next
shot is being taken.
● The next shot is being taken automatically when
the shooting interval set in step 2 has passed.

5 Press SNAPSHOT to stop Interval Shooting.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK

Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot)

Approximate Number of Storable Images

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26 EN
To cancel Interval Shooting mode
Set “INT.SHOT” to “OFF” in step 1.

NOTES:

● To distinguish between still images taken in
Interval Shooting mode and other still images, it is
recommended that you reset the file names before
shooting. (墌 pg. 28)
● Interval Shooting will stop if the battery runs out of
power or the Memory Card becomes full.
● The function “Animation” in the provided software
“Digital Photo Navigator” can be used to create
movie files from the captured still images
(Windows® only). To create movie files with the
Macintosh, it is recommended that you use the
function “Creating a Slideshow From Still Images”
in the commercial software “QuickTime Pro”.

D.S.C. PLAYBACK

Normal Playback Of Images
Images shot with the camcorder are
automatically numbered, then stored in
numerical order in the memory card. You can
view the stored images, one at a time, much like
flipping through a photo album.
Lock Button

–

+
4/9
M A

8
Power Switch

VIDEO/MEMORY
MENU

1 Load a memory card. (墌 pg. 17)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to
“MEMORY”.

3 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.
● A stored image is displayed.

4 Press – to display the previous file. Press + to
display the next file.

NOTE:
Images shot and stored on the card with another
device with resolutions other than “640 x 480” and
“1024 x 768” will be displayed as thumbnails only.
These thumbnail images cannot be transferred to a
PC.

Playback Zoom
Available only with the remote control.
(墌 pg. 24)

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D.S.C. PLAYBACK

Auto Playback Of Images

Removing On-Screen Display

You can run through all the images stored in
memory card automatically.

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of

2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
3 Press + or – to select “DISPLAY”, and press

Images” (墌 pg. 26).

2 Press 4/9 to start Auto Playback.

Images” (墌 pg. 26).

MENU. The Sub Menu appears.

● If you press – during Auto Playback, files are
displayed in descending order.
● If you press + during Auto Playback, files are
displayed in ascending order.

4 Press + or – to select “OFF”, and press

3 To end Auto Playback, press 8.

● To display the indicators again, select “ON”.
Operation mode indicator

Index Playback Of Files

MENU. The operation mode indicator, folder/file
number and battery remaining power indicator
disappear.

Folder/file number

You can view several different files stored in the
memory card at a time. This browsing capability
makes it easy to locate a particular file you want.

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of

100-0013
ME NU

50m

D I SPLAY

OF F
ON
RETURN

Images” (墌 pg. 26).
Battery remaining power indicator

Selected file

Index Screen appears.

3 Press + or – to move
the frame to the desired
file.

● Press – to display the
previous page. Press +
to display the next page.

4 Press MENU. The
selected file is displayed.

Index number

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK

2 Press INDEX. The

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28 EN

ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C.

Dubbing Still Images Recorded On
A Tape To A Memory Card
Still images can be dubbed from a tape to a
memory card.

1 Load a cassette. (墌 pg. 16)
2 Load a memory card. (墌 pg. 17)
3 Set “SNAP/SLOW” to the desired mode.
(except “SLOW”, 墌 pg. 31, 32)

Protecting Files
The Protect mode helps prevent the accidental
erasure of files.

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of
Images” (墌 pg. 26).

2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
3 Press + or – to select “PROTECT”, and press
MENU. The Sub Menu appears.

4 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”. To protect the currently displayed file
4 Press + or – to select
5 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while
“CURRENT”, and press
ME NU
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

6 Set “

COPY” to “ON”.

(墌 pg. 31, 35)

7 Press 4/9 to start playback.
8 At the point you want to dub, press 4/9
again to engage Still Playback.

9 To dub the image, press SNAPSHOT.
● The “

” indication appears during dubbing.

NOTES:

● To use Playback Special effects with a video
image you wish to dub, perform up to step 9 using
the remote control. (墌 pg. 24)
● Images are dubbed in 640 x 480 pixels.

Resetting The File Name
By resetting the file name, a new folder will be
made. The new files you are going to make will
be stored in the new folder. It is convenient to
separate the new files from previously made
files.

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of
Images” (墌 pg. 26).

2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
3 Press + or – to select “NO. RESET”, and
press MENU. The NO. RESET screen appears.

4 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE”, and press
MENU. The new folder (such as “101JVCGR”)
will be made and the file name of the next shot
starts from DVC00001.

NOTE:
If the file name reaches DVC09999, a new folder
(such as “101JVCGR”) will be made and the file
name will start again from DVC00001.

PROTECT

MENU. The PROTECT
screen appears.

CURRENT
PROT . AL L
CANC . AL L

5 Slide the Power Zoom

RETURN

Lever towards “T” or “W”
to select the desired file.

6 Press + or – to select

P ROTECT

“EXECUTE”, and press
MENU.

● To cancel protection,
select “RETURN”.
● Repeat steps 5 and 6 for
all files you want to
protect.

PROTECTED
W

RETURN

To protect all files stored in the memory card

4 Press + or – to select “PROT.ALL”, and press
MENU. The PROTECT screen appears.

5 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE”, and press
MENU.

● To cancel protection, select “RETURN”.

NOTES:

● If the “
” mark appears, the currently displayed
file is protected.
● When the memory card is initialised or corrupted,
even protected files are deleted. If you do not want
to lose important files, transfer them to a PC and
save them.

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ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C.

To Remove Protection

To delete all files stored in the memory card

Before doing the following, perform steps 1 – 3
in “Protecting Files”.

MENU. The DELETE screen appears.

To remove protection from the currently
displayed file

4 Press + or – to select “CURRENT”, and press
MENU. The PROTECT screen appears.

5 Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T” or
“W” to select the desired file.

6 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE”, and press
MENU.

● To cancel selection, select “RETURN”.
● Repeat steps 5 and 6 for all files you want to
remove protection.

To remove protection from all files stored in
the memory card

4 Press + or – to select “CANC.ALL”, and press

4 Press + or – to select “ALL”, and press
5 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE”, and press
MENU.

● To cancel deletion, select “RETURN”.

NOTES:

● Protected files (墌 pg. 28) cannot be deleted. To
delete them, remove protection first.
● Once files are deleted, they cannot be restored.
Check files before deleting.

CAUTION:
Do not remove the memory card or perform any
other operation (such as turning off the camcorder)
during deletion. Also, be sure to use the provided
AC Adapter, as the memory card may be corrupted
if the battery becomes exhausted during deletion. If
the memory card becomes corrupted, initialise it.
(墌 pg. 30)

5 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE”, and press
MENU.

● To cancel selection, select “RETURN”.

Deleting Files
Previously stored files can be deleted either one
at a time or all at once.

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of
Images” (墌 pg. 26).

2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
3 Press + or – to select “DELETE”, and press
MENU. The Sub Menu appears.
To delete the currently displayed file

4 Press + or – to select
“CURRENT”, and press
MENU. The DELETE
screen appears.

5 Slide the Power Zoom

ME NU
DELETE

CURRENT
ALL
RETURN

Setting Print Information (DPOF
Setting)
This camcorder is compatible with the DPOF
(Digital Print Order Format) standard in order to
support future systems such as automatic
printing. You can select one of the 2 print
information settings for images stored in the
memory card: “To Print All Still Images (One
Print For Each)” or “To Print By Selecting Still
Images And Number Of Prints”.

NOTES:

● If you load a memory card already set as shown
below in a printer compatible with DPOF, it will
make prints of the selected still images
automatically.
● To print images recorded on a tape, first dub them
to a memory card. (墌 pg. 28)

To Print All Still Images (One Print For Each)

Lever towards “T” or “W” to
select the desired file.

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of

6 Press + or – to select

D ELETE

2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
3 Press + or – to select

DELETE?

“DPOF”, and press MENU.
The Sub Menu appears.

“EXECUTE”, and press
MENU.

● To cancel deletion, select
“RETURN”.
● Repeat steps 5 and 6 for
all files you want to delete.

Images” (墌 pg. 26).

EXECUTE
RETURN

NOTE:
If the “
” mark appears, the selected file is
protected and cannot be deleted.

4 Press + or – to select
“ALL 1”, and press MENU.
The DPOF screen
appears.

ME NU
DPOF

CURRENT
AL L 1
RESET
RETURN

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK

MENU. The PROTECT screen appears.

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30 EN

ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C.

5 Press + or – to select
“EXECUTE”, and press
MENU. The normal
playback screen appears.

● To cancel selection, select
“RETURN”.

DPOF

To Reset The Number Of Prints

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “To Print All Still
AL L 1 ?
EXECUTE
RETURN

Images (One Print For Each)”.

2 Press + or – to select “RESET”, and press
MENU. The DPOF screen appears.

To Print By Selecting Still Images And
Number Of Prints

1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “To Print All Still
Images (One Print For Each)”.

2 Press + or – to select

SHEETS

3 Slide the Power Zoom

00
RETURN

4 Press + or – to select the number indication
(00), and press MENU.

5 Select the number of
prints by pressing + to
increase the number, or –
to decrease the number,
and press MENU.

DPOF

“RETURN”, and press
MENU. The “SAVE?”
appears.

● If you did not change any
settings in step 3 through
5, the Menu Screen
reappears.

● To cancel selection, select “RETURN”.
● The number of prints is reset to 0 for all still
images.

While performing the above, never disconnect
power, as this may cause the memory card to be
corrupted.

Initialising A Memory Card
You can initialise a memory card any time.
After initialising, all files and data stored in the
memory card, including those which have been
protected, are cleared.

1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to
“MEMORY”.

SHEETS
05

● Repeat steps 3 through 5
for the desired number of
prints.
● The number of prints can be set up to 15.
● To correct the number of prints, select the image
again and change the number.

6 Press + or – to select

MENU. The normal playback screen appears.

CAUTION:
DPOF

“CURRENT”, and press
MENU. The DPOF screen
appears.
Lever towards “T” or “W” to
select the desired file.

3 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE”, and press

DPOF

SAVE?
EXECUTE
CANCEL

7 Press + or – to select “EXECUTE” to save the
setting you have just made, and press MENU.

● To cancel selection, select “CANCEL”.

2 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

3 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
F ORMAT
4 Press + or – to select
“FORMAT”, and press
MENU. The FORMAT
screen appears.

5 Press + or – to select
“EXECUTE”, and press
MENU. The memory card
is initialised.

ERASE AL L
EX I ST I NG DATA?

EXECUTE
RETURN

● When initialisation is finished, “NO IMAGES
STORED” appears.
● To cancel initialisation, select “RETURN”.

CAUTION:
Do not perform any other operation (such as
turning off the camcorder) during initialisation.
Also, be sure to use the provided AC Adapter, as
the memory card may be corrupted if the battery
becomes exhausted during initialisation. If the
memory card becomes corrupted, initialise it.

ADVANCED FEATURES

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MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use,
on-screen menu system that simplifies many of
the more detailed camcorder settings.
(墌 pg. 32 – 36)
Lock Button

+
M A

Power Switch
VIDEO/MEMORY

1) Press + or – to select
the desired parameter.

Selected menu icon
blinks.
Selected
parameter
P ROGRAM AE
SPOR T S
SNOW
SPOT L I GHT
TWILIGHT
SEPIA
MONOTONE
CLASSIC FILM
STROBE

● Example: r PROGRAM
AE Menu

2) Press MENU. Selection is complete. The
Menu Screen returns.

● Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO” or
“MEMORY”.
● Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.

For Video Playback Menus:

● Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
● Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
● For D.S.C. Playback Menus, refer to “D.S.C.
PLAYBACK” (墌 pg. 26).

2 Open the LCD monitor fully. (墌 pg. 18)
3 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
4 Press + or – to select the desired function,
and press MENU. The selected function menu
appears.
Screen for Video and Screen for Video
D.S.C. Recording Menu Playback Menu
V I D EO
SOUND MOD E – ST E REO
NARRAT I ON – OF F
RE C MOD E –
COP Y – OF F
BL ANK S RCH
S / A V I N PU T – OF F

RETURN

5 Setting procedure hereafter depends on the

3) Press MENU. The Menu Screen closes.

Menus with Sub Menus
m CAMERA (墌 pg. 32) Selected menu icon
q MANUAL
blinks.
(墌 pg. 32)
Selected function
s SYSTEM (墌 pg. 33)
n CAMERA DISPLAY
CAME RA
RE C MOD E –
(墌 pg. 34)
SOUND MOD E – 1 2 B I T
ZOOM
– 25x
o DSC (墌 pg. 34)
SNAP/SLOW – FU L L
GA I N UP
– AGC
t VIDEO (墌 pg. 35)
n VIDEO DISPLAY
(墌 pg. 36)
RETURN
1) Press + or – to select
the desired function,
Sub Menu
and press MENU. The
CAME RA
Sub Menu appears.
RE C MOD E –
● Example: m CAMERA
Menu

2) Press + or – to select
the desired parameter.
3) Press MENU.
Selection is complete.
● Repeat the procedure if
you wish to set other
function menus.

4) Press MENU. The
Menu Screen returns.

CAME RA
RE C MOD E –
SOUND MOD E –
ZOOM
–
SNAP/SLOW –
GA I N UP
–

1 2B I T
25x
FU L L
AGC

RETURN

● Repeat the procedure if
you wish to set other function menus.

5) Press MENU. The Menu Screen closes.

ADVANCED FEATURES

1 For Video and D.S.C. Recording Menus:

selected function.

v WIPE/FADER
(墌 pg. 41)
r PROGRAM AE
(墌 pg. 42)
p EXPOSURE
(墌 pg. 39)
u W. BALANCE
(墌 pg. 40)

● Repeat the procedure if you wish to set other
function menus.

W I PE / F AD E R
OF F
FADE R –WH I T E
FADE R – B LAC K
FADE R – B .W
W I PE – CO RNE R
W I P E –W I NDOW
W I P E– S L I DE
W I PE – DOOR
W I PE – S C ROL L
W I PE – S H UT T E R

Menus without Sub Menus

Changing The Menu Settings

–

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32 EN

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

Recording Menus
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”.
[ ] = Factory-preset
REC MODE
[SP]: To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode
LP: Long Play—more economical, providing 1.5
times the recording time.

SNAP/SLOW
[FULL]: Snapshot mode with no frame
NEGA: Nega mode
PIN-UP: Pin-Up mode
FRAME: Snapshot mode with frame
SLOW: Live Slow mode

[FULL]

NEGA

PIN-UP

FRAME

For details on the procedure, refer to “Live Slow”
(墌 pg. 37) and “Snapshot (For Video
Recording)” (墌 pg. 38).

NOTES:

GAIN UP

SOUND MODE

OFF: Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no
picture brightness adjustment.
[AGC]: The overall appearance may be grainy,
but the image is bright.
AUTO
: The shutter speed is automatically
adjusted. Shooting a subject in low or poor
lighting at slow shutter speed provides a brighter
image than in the AGC mode, but the subject’s
movements are not smooth or natural. The
overall appearance may be grainy. While the
shutter speed is being automatically adjusted,
“
” is displayed.

● Audio Dubbing (墌 pg. 46) and Insert Editing
(墌 pg. 46) are possible on tapes recorded in the
SP mode.
● If the recording mode is switched, the playback
picture will be blurred at the switching point.
● It is recommended that tapes recorded in the LP
mode on this camcorder be played back on this
camcorder.
● During playback of a tape recorded on another
camcorder, blocks of noise may appear or there
may be momentary pauses in the sound.

[12BIT]: Enables video recording of stereo
sound on four separate channels, and is
recommended for use when performing Audio
Dubbing. (Equivalent to the 32 kHz mode of
previous models)
16BIT: Enables video recording of stereo sound
on two separate channels. (Equivalent to the
48 kHz mode of previous models)
ZOOM
25X: When set to “25X” while using digital zoom,
the zoom magnification will reset to 25X since
digital zoom will be disengaged.
[100X]*: Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By
digitally processing and magnifying images,
zooming is possible from 25X (the optical zoom
limit), to a maximum of 100X digital
magnification.
800X*: Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By
digitally processing and magnifying images,
zooming is possible from 25X (the optical zoom
limit), to a maximum of 800X digital
magnification.
* Available only when the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch
is set to “VIDEO”.

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.
● The “
” indicator blinks or goes out if the
Stabiliser cannot be used.
● Switch off this mode when recording with the
camcorder on a tripod.

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MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

TELE MACRO
[OFF]: Disables the function.
ON: When the distance to the subject is less
than 1 m, set “TELE MACRO” to “ON”. You can
shoot a subject as large as possible at a
distance of approx. 40 cm.

NOTE:
Depending on the zoom position, the lens may go out
of focus.

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. 25, 38)
[MELODY]: Instead of a beep, a melody sounds
when any operation is performed. It also
activates the shutter sound effect.
(墌 pg. 25, 38)

WIDE MODE

REMOTE

[OFF]: Records with no change in the screen
ratio. For playback on a TV with a normal screen
ratio.
CINEMA* : Inserts black bands at the top and
bottom of the screen. The
indicator appears.
During playback on wide-screen TVs, the black
bands at the top and bottom of the screen are
cut and the screen ratio becomes 16:9. When
using this mode, refer to your wide-screen TV’s
instruction manual. During playback/recording
on 4:3 TVs/LCD monitor/viewfinder, black bands
are inserted at the top and bottom of the screen
and the image appears like a letter boxed 16:9
movie.
SQUEEZE* : For playback on TVs with an
aspect ratio of 16:9. Naturally expands the
image to fit the screen without distortion. The
indicator appears. When using this mode,
refer to your wide-screen TV’s instruction
manual. During playback/recording on 4:3 TVs/
LCD monitor/viewfinder, the image is elongated
vertically.

OFF: Disables the remote control operations.
[ON]: Enables the remote control operations.

* Available only when the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch
is set to “VIDEO”.

WIND CUT
[OFF]: Disengages the function.
ON
: Helps cut down on noise created by
wind. The “
” indicator appears. The quality of
the sound will change. This is normal.

DEMO MODE
OFF: Automatic demonstration will not take
place.
[ON]: Demonstrates certain functions such as
Program AE with special effects, etc., and can
be used to confirm how these functions operate.
Demonstration starts in the following cases:
● When the Menu Screen is closed after “DEMO
MODE” is turned “ON”.
● With “DEMO MODE” set to “ON”, if there is no
operation for about 3 minutes after the Power
Switch is set to “A” or “M”.
● Performing any operation during the
demonstration stops the demonstration
temporarily. If no operation is performed for more
than 3 minutes after that, the demonstration will
resume.

NOTES:

● If a cassette is in the camcorder, the
demonstration cannot be turned on.
● “DEMO MODE” remains “ON” even if the
camcorder power is turned off.
● If “DEMO MODE” remains “ON”, some functions
will not be available. After viewing demo, set to
“OFF”.

ADVANCED FEATURES

5S
[OFF]: Disables 5-Second Recording.
5S: Enables 5-Second Recording. (墌 pg. 37)
Anim.: Allows you to record a few frames only.
By using an inanimate object and changing its
position between shots, you can record the
subject as though it is moving.

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34 EN

MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

PRIORITY
[LCD]: The image is displayed on the LCD
monitor when the viewfinder is pulled out while
the LCD monitor is opened.
FINDER: The image is displayed in the
viewfinder when the viewfinder is pulled out
while the LCD monitor is opened.
CAM RESET
EXECUTE: Resets all settings to the factorypreset.
[RETURN]: Does not reset all settings to the
factory-preset.

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”, “LANGUAGE” and “AUX MIC” are
effective only for shooting.

[ ] = Factory-preset
BRIGHT
墌 pg. 16, “Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display”
ON SCREEN
LCD: Keeps the camcorder’s display (except the
date, time and time code) from appearing on the
connected TV screen.
[LCD/TV]: Makes the camcorder’s display
appear on screen when the camcorder is
connected to a TV.
DATE/TIME
OFF: The date/time does not appear.
[AUTO]: Displays the date/time for approx. 5
seconds when the Power Switch is set from
“OFF” to “A” or “M”.
ON: The date/time is always displayed.

● The date indication can also be turned on/off by
pressing the DISPLAY Button on the remote
control. (墌 pg. 22, 43)

TIME CODE
[OFF]: Time code is not displayed.
ON: Time code is displayed on the camcorder
and on the connected TV. Frame numbers are
not displayed during recording. (墌 pg. 19)

LANGUAGE
/
/ [ENGLISH] / РУССКИЙ /

The language setting can be changed.
(墌 pg. 15)
AUX MIC
OFF: Auxiliary microphone level indicator does
not appear.
[ON]: Displays auxiliary microphone level
indicator when optional microphone is
connected. (墌 pg. 8)
CLOCK ADJ.
墌 pg. 15, “Date/Time Settings”

DSC
[ ] = Factory-preset
QUALITY
[FINE] / STANDARD
The Picture Quality mode can be selected to
best match your needs. Two Picture Quality
modes are available: FINE (
) and
STANDARD (
) (in order of quality).

NOTE:
The number of storable images depends on the
selected picture quality as well as the composition
of the subjects in the images and the type of
memory card being used. (墌 pg. 25)

IMAGE SIZE
640 x 480 / [1024 x 768]
The Image Size mode can be selected to best
match your needs. (墌 pg. 25)

NOTE:
The setting can be changed only when the VIDEO/
MEMORY Switch is set to “MEMORY”.

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MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

INT.SHOT
[OFF]: Disables the function.
ON: Enables interval shooting. (墌 pg. 25)
INT.TIME
15SEC / 30SEC / [1MIN] / 2MIN / 5MIN / 10MIN /
30MIN / 60MIN
Allows you to select the shooting interval for
interval shooting. (墌 pg. 25)

Playback Menus
VIDEO
[ ] = Factory-preset
SOUND MODE and NARRATION
During tape playback, the camcorder detects the
sound mode in which the recording was made,
and plays the sound back. Select the type of
sound to accompany your playback picture.
According to the menu access explanation on
page 31, select “SOUND MODE” or
“NARRATION” from the Menu Screen and set it
to the desired parameter.
SOUND MODE
[STEREO
]: Sound is output on both “L” and
“R” channels in stereo.
SOUND L : Sound from the “L” channel is
output.
SOUND R : Sound from the “R” channel is
output.
NARRATION
[OFF]: Original sound is output on both “L” and
“R” channels in stereo.
ON: Dubbed sound is output on both “L” and “R”
channels in stereo. (墌 pg. 46)
MIX: Original and dubbed sounds are combined
and output in stereo on both “L” and “R”
channels.
REC MODE

[SP] / LP

Allows you to set the video recording mode (SP
or LP) depending on your preference. It is
recommended you use “REC MODE” in VIDEO
Menu when using this camcorder as a recorder
during dubbing. (墌 pg. 43, 44)
COPY
[OFF]: When the SNAPSHOT button is pressed
during tape playback, the playback image
pauses and normal playback will resume after
approximately 6 seconds. (The still image is not
recorded.)
ON: Enables dubbing of images recorded on a
tape to a memory card. (墌 pg. 28)

ADVANCED FEATURES

REC SELECT
[
(TAPE)]: When Snapshot recording is
performed with the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch set
to “VIDEO”, still images are recorded only onto
the tape.
/
(TAPE/CARD): When Snapshot
recording is performed with the VIDEO/
MEMORY Switch set to “VIDEO”, still images
are recorded not only onto the tape but also in
the memory card (640 x 480 pixels). In this
mode, the “SNAP/SLOW” selection in CAMERA
Menu is also applicable to memory card
recording.

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MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT

BLANK SRCH
墌 pg. 21, “Blank Search”
S/AV INPUT
[OFF]: Disables audio/video signal input from
the S/AV connector. (墌 pg. 43)
A/V IN: Enables audio/video signal input from
the S/AV connector. (墌 pg. 43)
S IN: Enables audio/S-video signal input from
the S/AV connector. (墌 pg. 43)

SYSTEM
Each setting is linked with “s SYSTEM”, which
appears when the Power Switch is set to “M”.
(墌 pg. 31)
● The parameters are the same as in the
description on page 33.

VIDEO DISPLAY
The “n” (VIDEO DISPLAY) settings are
effective only for video playback except
“BRIGHT”, “LANGUAGE” and “AUX MIC”.

● The parameters (except “OFF” in ON SCREEN
settings) are the same as in the description
(CAMERA DISPLAY) on page 34.

[ ] = Factory-preset
BRIGHT
墌 pg. 16, “Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display”
ON SCREEN

OFF / [LCD] / LCD/TV

When set to “OFF”, the camcorder’s display
disappears.
DATE/TIME

[OFF] / AUTO / ON

When set to “AUTO”, the date/time are displayed
in the following cases:
● When playback starts. The camcorder displays
the date/time when scenes are recorded.
● When the date is changed during playback.

TIME CODE

[OFF] / ON

墌 pg. 19, “Time Code”
LANGUAGE
/

/ [ENGLISH] / РУССКИЙ /

The language setting can be changed.
(墌 pg. 15)
AUX MIC
墌 pg. 34, “AUX MIC”

OFF / [ON]

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FEATURES FOR RECORDING

LED Light

5-Second Recording

LED Light can be used to
brighten the subject in the dark
place during video recording or
D.S.C. shooting.

Record a vacation or an important event in 5second clips to keep the action moving. This
function is available only for video recording.

1 Press LIGHT repeatedly to

● The “5S” indicator appears.

1 Set “5S” to “5S”. (墌 pg. 33)

2 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to
start video recording or SNAPSHOT to shoot a
still image.

NOTES:

● Be careful not to point the LED Light directly to
eyes.
● If the light does not reach the subject when the
LED Light setting is “ON”, the Night-Scope
function will be activated, and makes it possible to
shoot the subject brighter.
● There is a difference in the brightness of the
images shot between the centre area which is
illuminated by the LED Light and the surrounding
areas (which will be darker).
● Since subjects are shot at a reduced shutter
speed when the LED Light setting is “ON”, they
will appear slightly blurred.

Live Slow
This feature is useful for recording or playing
back precious or hard-to-see moments at a slow
speed. Sound is recorded and played back in
real time.

1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
2 Set “SNAP/SLOW” to “SLOW”.
”

3 Press SLOW during recording or playback.

● The moving pictures are divided into four
frames. They are recorded or played back for
1.5 seconds, and then normal recording or
playback resumes.

2 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to
start recording, and after 5 seconds the
camcorder enters Record-Standby mode
automatically.

● Even if you press the Recording Start/Stop Button
again within 5 seconds after recording starts,
Record-Standby mode is not engaged.

3 To exit the 5S mode, select “OFF” in step 1.
To take a snapshot in the 5-second recording
mode
Instead of pressing the Recording Start/Stop
Button in step 2, select the desired Snapshot
mode in CAMERA Menu (墌 pg. 32), then press
SNAPSHOT. The camcorder records a 5second still. When “5S” is set to “Anim.”, this
function is not available.

NOTE:
When “5S” is set to “Anim.”, the 5-Second
Recording mode is not available. Animation
recording of a few frames only is taken instead.

ADVANCED FEATURES

change the setting.
LED Light
OFF: Turns off the light.
ON: The light is on always. (
appears.)
AUTO: The light turns on automatically when
dark. (
appears.)

(墌 pg. 31, 32) The Live Slow indicator “
appears.

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FEATURES FOR RECORDING

Motor Drive Mode

Night-Scope
Makes dark subjects or areas even brighter than
they would be under good natural lighting.
Although the recorded image is not grainy, it may
look as if it is strobing due to the slow shutter
speed.

” appears.

● The shutter speed is automatically adjusted to
provide up to 25 times sensitivity.
● “ ” appears beside “
” while the shutter speed
is being automatically adjusted.

To deactivate Night-Scope
Press NIGHT again so that the Night-Scope
indicator disappears.

NOTES:

● During Night-Scope, the following functions or
settings cannot be activated and its indicator
blinks or goes out:
• Some modes of “Program AE With Special
Effects” (墌 pg. 42).
• “GAIN UP” in CAMERA Menu (墌 pg. 32).
• “DIS” in MANUAL Menu (墌 pg. 32).
● During Night-Scope, it may be difficult to bring the
camcorder into focus. To prevent this, use of a
tripod is recommended.

Snapshot (For Video Recording)
This feature lets you record still images that look
like photographs onto a tape.

1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
2 Set the Power Switch to “M”.
3 Set “SNAP/SLOW” to the desired mode.
(墌 pg. 31, 32) The Snapshot indicator “
appears.

4 Press SNAPSHOT.

● The Motor Drive mode is disabled when “REC
SELECT” is set to “
/
”. (墌 pg. 35)

Manual Focus

1 Set the Power Switch to “M”.
2 Press NIGHT so that the Night-Scope
indicator “

Keeping SNAPSHOT pressed in step 4 provides
an effect similar to serial photography. (Interval
between still images: approx. 1 second)

”

● There is the sound effect of a shutter closing.
● The “O” indication appears and a still image
will be recorded for approx. 6 seconds, then the
camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.
● You can perform Snapshot also during recording.
A still image will be recorded for approx.
6 seconds, then the normal recording resumes.
● Regardless of the Power Switch position (“A” or
“M”), Snapshot recording takes place using the
selected Snapshot mode.

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.

1 Set the Power Switch to
“M”.

2 Press FOCUS. The
manual focus indicator
appears.

3 Press + or – to focus on
a subject.

● When the focus level
cannot be adjusted any
further or closer, “ ” or “

Manual focus
indicator

” will blink.

4 Press MENU. Focus adjustment is complete.
To reset to Auto Focus
Press FOCUS twice or set the Power Switch to
“A”.
Manual focus is recommended in situations
listed below.

● When two subjects overlap in the same scene.
● When illumination is low.*
● When the subject has no contrast (difference in
brightness and darkness), such as a flat, onecolour wall, or a clear, blue sky.*
● When a dark object is barely visible in the LCD
monitor or the viewfinder.*
● When the scene contains minute patterns or
identical patterns that are regularly repeated.
● When the scene is affected by sunbeams or light
reflecting off the surface of a body of water.
● When shooting a scene with a high-contrast
background.
* The following low-contrast warnings appear
blinking: , , and .

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FEATURES FOR RECORDING

Exposure Control
● 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. 31)

● The exposure control indicator appears.

3 To brighten the image, press +. To darken the
image, press –. (maximum ±6)

● +3 exposure has the same effect as the backlight
compensation. (墌 pg. 40)
● –3 exposure has the same effect as when “r” is
set to “SPOTLIGHT”. (墌 pg. 42)

4 Press MENU. Exposure adjustment is
complete.
To return to automatic exposure control
Select “AUTO” in step 2. Or, set the Power
Switch to “A”.

NOTES:

● You cannot use the manual exposure control at
the same time when “r” is set to “SPOTLIGHT”
or “SNOW” (墌 pg. 42), or with the backlight
compensation.
● If the adjustment does not cause any visible
change in brightness, set “GAIN UP” to “AUTO”.
(墌 pg. 31, 32)

Iris Lock
Like the pupil of the human eye, the iris
contracts in well-lit environments to keep too
much light from entering, and dilates in dim
environments to allow in more light.
Use this function in the following situations:

● When shooting a moving subject.
● When the distance to the subject changes (so its
size in the LCD monitor or the viewfinder
changes), such as when the subject is backing
away.
● When shooting on a reflective natural background
such as at the beach or when skiing.
● When shooting objects under a spotlight.
● When zooming.

1 Set the Power Switch to “M”.
2 Set “p” to “MANUAL”. (墌 pg. 31)

● The exposure control indicator appears.

3 Adjust zoom so that the subject fills the LCD
monitor or the viewfinder, then press and hold
MENU for over 2 seconds. The exposure control
indicator and the “ ” indication appear.

4 Press MENU. The “
“

” indication changes to
” and the iris is locked.

To return to automatic iris control
Select “AUTO” in step 2. Or, set the Power
Switch to “A”.

● The exposure control indicator and “
disappear.

”

To lock the exposure control and the iris
After step 2, adjust the exposure by pressing +
or –. Then lock the iris in steps 3 and 4. For
automatic locking, select “AUTO” in step 2. The
exposure control and the iris become automatic.

ADVANCED FEATURES

Manual exposure control is recommended in the
following situations:

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40 EN

FEATURES FOR RECORDING
NOTES:

Backlight Compensation
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.

”

NOTE:
Using Backlight Compensation may cause the light
around the subject to become too bright and the
subject to become white.

Spot Exposure Control
Selection of a spot metering area enables more
precise exposure compensation. You can select
one of the three metering areas on the LCD
monitor/viewfinder.

1 Set the Power Switch to “M”.
2 Press BACK LIGHT twice so that the Spot
Exposure Control indicator “ ” appears.
● A spot metering area frame appears at the
centre of the LCD monitor/viewfinder.

3 Press + or – to select the desired spot
metering area frame.

4 Press MENU.

● Spot Exposure Control is engaged.
● Exposure is adjusted to make the brightness of
the selected area most appropriate.
To lock the iris
After step 3, press and hold MENU over 2
seconds. The “ ” indication appears and the
iris is locked.
To cancel Spot Exposure Control
Press BACK LIGHT once so that the “ ”
indicator disappears.

● You cannot use the Spot Exposure Control at the
same time with following functions.
• “SQUEEZE” in “WIDE MODE” (墌 pg. 33)
• “STROBE” in “PROGRAM AE” (墌 pg. 42)
• Digital Zoom (墌 pg. 19)
• Manual Exposure Control
● Depending on the shooting location and condition,
optimum result may not be attained.

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.
To change the setting
Set “u” to the desired mode. (墌 pg. 31)

● The selected mode indicator except “AUTO”
appears.

[AUTO]: White balance is adjusted
automatically.
MWB: Adjust the white balance manually
when shooting under various types of lighting.
(墌 “Manual White Balance Adjustment”)
FINE: Outdoors on a sunny day.
CLOUD: Outdoors on a cloudy day.
HALOGEN: A video light or similar type of
lighting is used.
[ ] = Factory-preset
To return to automatic white balance
Set “u” to “AUTO”. (墌 pg. 31)
Or, set the Power Switch to “A”.

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FEATURES FOR RECORDING

Manual White Balance Adjustment
Adjust the white balance
manually when shooting
under various types of
lighting.

NOTES:

White paper

2 Hold a sheet of plain
white paper in front of the subject. Adjust zoom
or position yourself so that the white paper fills
the screen.

● You can extend the length of a Wipe or Fader by
pressing and holding the Recording Start/Stop
Button.
● Some Wipe/Fader Effects cannot be used with
certain modes of Program AE with special effects.
(墌 pg. 42) In this case, the selected indicator
blinks or goes out.

WIPE/FADER

3 Select “MWB” in “u W.BALANCE” menu

OFF: Disables the function. (Factory-preset)

(墌 pg. 31), then press and hold MENU until
begins blinking.

FADER–WHITE: Fade in or out with a white
screen.

● When the setting is completed,

stops blinking.

4 Press MENU twice. The Menu Screen closes
and the Manual White Balance indicator
displayed.

NOTES:

● In step 2, it may be difficult to focus on the white
paper. In such a case, adjust focus manually.
(墌 pg. 38)
● A subject can be shot under various types of
lighting conditions indoors (natural, fluorescent,
candlelight, etc.). Because the colour temperature
is different depending on the light source, the
subject tint will differ depending on the white
balance settings. Use this function for a more
natural result.
● Once you adjust white balance manually, the
setting is retained even if the power is turned off or
the battery removed.

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.

1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
2 Set the Power Switch to “M”.
3 Set “v” to the desired mode. (墌 pg. 31)
● The WIPE/FADER menu disappears and the
effect is reserved.
● The selected effect indicator appears.

4 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to
activate the Fade-in/out or Wipe-in/out.

FADER–BLACK: Fade in or out with a black
screen.
FADER–B.W: Fade in to a colour screen
from a black and white screen, or fade out from
colour to black and white.
WIPE–CORNER: Wipe in on a black screen
from the upper right to the lower left corner, or
wipe out from lower left to upper right, leaving a
black screen.
WIPE–WINDOW: The scene starts in the
centre of a black screen and wipes in toward the
corners, or comes in from the corners, gradually
wiping out to the centre.
WIPE–SLIDE: Wipe in from right to left, or
wipe out from left to right.
WIPE–DOOR: Wipe in as the two halves of
a black screen open to the left and right,
revealing the scene, or wipe out and the black
screen reappears from left and right to cover the
scene.
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.
WIPE–SHUTTER: Wipe in from the centre
of a black screen toward the top and bottom, or
wipe out from the top and bottom toward the
centre leaving a black screen.

ADVANCED FEATURES

1 Set the Power Switch
to “M”.

To deactivate the selected effect
Select “OFF” in step 3. The effect indicator
disappears.

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42 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. 31)

● 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.

NOTES:

● Program AE with special effects cannot be
changed during recording.
● Some modes of Program AE with special effects
cannot be used during Night-Scope.
● When a subject is too bright or reflective, a vertical
streak may appear (smear phenomenon). Smear
phenomenon tends to occur when “SPORTS” or
any mode of “SHUTTER 1/250 – 1/4000” is
selected.
● Some modes of Program AE with special effects
cannot be used with certain Wipe/Fader effects.
(墌 pg. 41) In this case, the selected indicator
blinks or goes out.

PROGRAM AE
OFF: Disables the function. (Factory-preset)
SHUTTER 1/50: The shutter speed is fixed
at 1/50th of a second. Black bands that usually
appear when shooting a TV screen become
narrower.
SHUTTER 1/120: The shutter speed is
fixed at 1/120th of a second. The flickering that
occurs when shooting under a fluorescent light
or mercury-vapour lamp is reduced.
SHUTTER 1/250/ SHUTTER 1/500/
SHUTTER 1/1000*/ SHUTTER 1/2000*/
SHUTTER 1/4000*: These settings allow fastmoving images to be captured one frame at a
time, for vivid, stable slow-motion playback by
fixing shutter speed variables. Use these
settings when an automatic adjustment does not
work well, using SPORTS mode. The faster the
shutter speed, the darker the picture becomes.
Use the shutter function under good lighting
conditions.

SPORTS
(Variable Shutter Speed: 1/250 – 1/4000):
This setting allows fast-moving images to be
captured one frame at a time, for vivid, stable
slow-motion playback. The faster the shutter
speed, the darker the picture becomes. Use the
shutter function under good lighting conditions.
SNOW: Compensates for subjects that may
otherwise appear too dark when shooting in
extremely bright surroundings such as in the
snow.
SPOTLIGHT: Compensates for subjects
that may otherwise appear too bright when
shooting under extremely strong direct lighting
such as spotlights.
TWILIGHT: Makes evening scenes look
more natural. White Balance (墌 pg. 40) is
automatically set to “ ”, but can be changed to
your desired setting. When Twilight is chosen,
the camcorder automatically adjusts the focus
from approx. 10 m to infinity. From less than 10
m, adjust the focus manually.
SEPIA: Recorded scenes have a brownish
tint like old photos. Combine this with the
Cinema mode for a classic look.
MONOTONE: Like classic black and white
films, your footage is shot in B/W. Used together
with the Cinema mode, it enhances the “classic
film” effect.
CLASSIC FILM*: Gives recorded scenes a
strobe effect.
STROBE*: Your recording looks like a
series of consecutive snapshots.
MIRROR*: Creates a mirror image on the
right half of the screen, juxtaposed to the normal
image on the other half.
* Available only when the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch
is set to “VIDEO”.

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EDITING

• Time code
Set “TIME CODE” to “OFF” or “ON”.
(墌 pg. 31, 36)
• Indications other than date/time and time code
Set “ON SCREEN” to “OFF”, “LCD” or “LCD/
TV”. (墌 pg. 31, 36)

Dubbing To Or From A VCR

To use this camcorder as a recorder

1 Following the illustrations, connect the

To S/AV
connector

camcorder and the VCR’s output connectors.
Open the cover.
mark

S/AV cable
(provided)

2 Set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “PLAY”.
3 Set “REC MODE” to “SP” or “LP”. (墌 pg. 35)
4 Set “S/AV INPUT” to “A/V IN” or “S IN”*.
(墌 pg. 31, 36)
* Select “S IN” when using S-VIDEO OUT
connector on your TV/VCR.

5 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to

engage the Record-Pause mode.

VCR

A To S-VIDEO IN or OUT*
B Yellow to VIDEO IN or OUT
C Red to AUDIO R IN or OUT
D White to AUDIO L IN or OUT
*

Connect when your TV/VCR has an S-VIDEO
IN/OUT connector. In this case, it is not
necessary to connect the yellow video cable.

To use this camcorder as a player

1 Following the illustrations, connect the
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
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.

NOTES:

● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as
the power supply instead of the battery pack.
(墌 pg. 14)
● To choose whether or not the following displays
appear on the connected TV
• Date/time
Set “DATE/TIME” to “AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF”.
(墌 pg. 31, 36) Or, press DISPLAY on the
remote control to turn on/off the date indication.

6 Start playback on the player.
7 At the point you want to start dubbing, press
the Recording Start/Stop Button to start
dubbing. The
indication rotates.

8 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again
to stop dubbing. The
rotating.

indication stops

9 Press 8 to return to the normal playback
mode.

NOTES:

● After dubbing, set “S/AV INPUT” back to “OFF”.
● Analogue signals can be converted to digital
signals with this procedure.
● It is also possible to dub from another camcorder.

ADVANCED FEATURES

● The “ A/V IN ” or “ S IN ” indication appears on
the screen.

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44 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. 14)
● If a blank portion or disturbed image is played
back on the player during dubbing, the dubbing
may stop so that an unusual image is not dubbed.
● Even though the DV cable is connected correctly,
sometimes the image may not appear in step 4. If
this occurs, turn off the power and make
connections again.
● If “Playback Zoom” (墌 pg. 24) or “Playback
Special Effects” (墌 pg. 24) is attempted or
SNAPSHOT is pressed during playback, only the
original playback image recorded on the tape is
output from the DV IN/OUT connector.
● When using a DV cable, be sure to use the
optional JVC VC-VDV204U DV cable.

To use this camcorder as a recorder
To DV IN/OUT

1 Make sure all units are turned off.
2 Connect this camcorder to a video unit
equipped with a DV output connector using a DV
cable as shown in the illustration.

Core filter

DV cable (optional)

3 Set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “PLAY”.
4 Set “REC MODE” to “SP” or “LP”. (墌 pg. 35)
5 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to
engage the Record-Pause mode.
● The “ DV IN ” indication appears on the screen.

6 Start playback on the player.
7 At the point you want to start dubbing, press
To DV IN/OUT

the Recording Start/Stop Button to start
dubbing. The
indication rotates.

8 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again
to stop dubbing. The
rotating.
Video unit equipped with DV connector

indication stops

9 Press 8 to return to the normal playback
mode.

To use this camcorder as a player

1 Make sure all units are turned off.
2 Connect this camcorder to a video unit
equipped with a DV input connector using a DV
cable as shown in the illustration.

3 Start playback on the camcorder. (墌 pg. 20)
4 At the point you want to start dubbing, start
recording on the video unit. (Refer to the video
unit’s instruction manual.)

5 To stop dubbing, stop recording on the video
unit, then stop playback on this camcorder.

NOTES:

● If no image is displayed on the LCD monitor, set
“S/AV INPUT” to “OFF”. (墌 pg. 31, 36)
● Digital Dubbing is performed in the sound mode
recorded on the original tape, regardless of the
current “SOUND MODE” setting. (墌 pg. 32)

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EDITING

Connection To A Personal Computer [A] Using USB cable
[A] Using USB cable

[B] Using DV cable

It is possible to do the following things:
● Transfer still images stored on a memory card
to a PC.
● Transfer still/moving images recorded on a
tape to a PC. (GR-D290 only)

[B] Using DV cable

To DV IN/OUT

Core filter
USB cable
(provided)

DV cable
(optional)
Core filter

To USB
connector

To DV connector

PC with DV connector

When connecting the camcorder to a PC
using a DV cable, make sure to follow the
procedure below. Connecting the cable
incorrectly may cause malfunctions to the
camcorder and/or the PC.

● Connect the DV cable first to the PC, and then
to the camcorder.
● Connect the DV cable (plugs) correctly
according to the shape of the DV connector.

NOTES:

● Refer to “SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND PC
CONNECTION GUIDE” for the bundled software
and drivers.
● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as
the power supply instead of the battery pack.
(墌 pg. 14)
● Never connect the USB cable and the DV
cable simultaneously to the camcorder.
Connect only the cable you wish to use to the
camcorder.
● When using a DV cable, be sure to use the
optional JVC VC-VDV206U or VC-VDV204U DV
cable depending on the type of DV connector
(4 or 6 pins) on the PC.
● If the PC connected to the camcorder via the USB
cable is not powered, the camcorder does not
enter the USB mode.
● The date/time information cannot be captured into
the PC.
● Refer to the instruction manuals of the PC and
Software.
● The still images can also be transferred to a PC
with a DV connector-equipped capture board.
● The system may not work properly depending on
the PC or capture board you are using.

“USB” and/or “
” appears on the
LCD monitor while the PC is accessing data in
the camcorder or the camcorder is
transferring a file to the PC.
NEVER disconnect the USB cable while
“
” is displayed on the LCD
monitor since this can result in product
damage.

ADVANCED FEATURES

To USB

It is also possible to transfer still/moving images
to a PC with a DV connector by using the
provided software (GR-D290 only), 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.

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46 EN

EDITING

Audio Dubbing
The audio track can be customised only when
recorded in the 12-BIT and SP modes.
(墌 pg. 32)
● Use the provided remote control.

Microphone
Connector
Speaker

REW
INSERT

START/
STOP
PAUSE
PLAY
STOP
A.DUB

● While an optional microphone is connected, the
built-in microphone is disabled.
● To perform Audio Dubbing with a video unit
connected to the camcorder’s S/AV connector,
first set “S/AV INPUT” to “A/V IN” or “S IN” in
VIDEO Menu. (墌 pg. 31, 36)
The “AUX” indication appears instead of “MIC”.

Insert Editing
You can record a new scene into a previously
recorded tape, replacing a section of the original
recording with minimal picture distortion at the in
and outpoints. The original audio remains
unchanged.

Stereo Microphone

● Use the provided remote control.

NOTES:

2 While holding A. DUB (D) on the remote

● Before performing the following steps, make sure
that “TIME CODE” for “CAMERA DISPLAY” and
“VIDEO DISPLAY” is set to “ON”. (墌 pg. 31, 34, 36)
● Insert Editing is not possible on a tape recorded in
the LP mode or on a blank portion of a tape.

control, press PAUSE (9). The “9D” and “MIC”
indicators appear.

1 Play back the tape, locate the Edit-Out point

1 Play back the tape to locate the point where
editing will start, then press PAUSE (9).

3 Press PLAY (U), then begin “narrating”.
Speak into the microphone.

and press PAUSE (9). Confirm the time code at
this point. (墌 pg. 19)

● To pause dubbing, press PAUSE (9).

2 Press REW (3) until the Edit-In point is

then STOP (8).

3 Press and hold INSERT (I) on the remote

4 To end Audio Dubbing, press PAUSE (9),
To hear the dubbed sound during playback
Set “NARRATION” to “ON” or “MIX”.
(墌 pg. 31, 35)

NOTES:

● Sound is not heard from the speaker during Audio
Dubbing.
● When editing onto a tape that was recorded at
12-BIT, the old and new soundtracks are recorded
separately.
● If you dub onto a blank space on the tape, the
sound may be disrupted. Make sure you only edit
recorded areas.
● If feedback or howling occurs during TV playback,
move the camcorder’s microphone away from the
TV, or turn down the TV’s volume.
● If you change from 12-BIT to 16-BIT in midrecording and then use the tape for Audio
Dubbing, it is not effective from the point where
16-BIT recording began.
● During Audio Dubbing, when the tape moves to
scenes recorded in the LP mode, scenes
recorded in 16-BIT audio or a blank portion, Audio
Dubbing stops.
● Audio dubbing is also possible using an optional
microphone connected to the MIC connector.

located, then press PAUSE (9).
control, then press PAUSE (9). The “9I”
indicator and the Time Code (min.:sec.) appear
and the camcorder enters Insert-Pause mode.

4 Press START/STOP to begin editing.

● Confirm the insert at the time code you checked in
step 1.
● To pause editing, press START/STOP. Press it
again to resume editing.

5 To end Insert Editing, press START/STOP,
then STOP (8).

NOTES:

● Program AE with special effects (墌 pg. 42) can
be used to spice up the scenes being edited
during Insert Editing.
● During Insert Editing, the date and time
information changes.
● If you perform Insert Editing onto a blank space on
the tape, the audio and video may be disrupted.
Make sure you only edit recorded areas.
● During Insert Editing, when the tape moves to
scenes recorded in the LP mode or a blank
portion, Insert Editing stops. (墌 pg. 50)

REFERENCES

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GR-D290_270AS.book Page 47 Wednesday, December 8, 2004 9:23 AM

TROUBLESHOOTING

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.) and wait a few minutes; and
then re-connect it and proceed as usual from
the beginning.

Power
No power is supplied.
● The power is not connected properly.
HConnect the AC Adapter securely. (墌 pg. 14)
● The battery pack is not attached firmly.
HDetach the battery pack once again and re-attach
it firmly. (墌 pg. 13)
● The battery is dead.
HReplace the dead battery with a fully charged
one. (墌 pg. 13)

Video and D.S.C. Recording
Recording cannot be performed.
● The tape’s erase protection tab is set to “SAVE”.
HSet the tape’s erase protection tab to “REC”.
(墌 pg. 16)
● “TAPE END” appears.
HReplace with new cassette. (墌 pg. 16)
● The cassette holder cover is open.
HClose the cassette holder cover.

When shooting a subject illuminated by
bright light, vertical lines appear.
● This is not a malfunction.

When the screen is under direct sunlight
during shooting, the screen becomes red or
black for an instant.
● This is not a malfunction.

During recording, the date/ time does not
appear.
● “DATE/TIME” is set to “OFF”.
HSet “DATE/TIME” to “ON”. (墌 pg. 31, 34)

The LCD monitor or viewfinder indications
blink.
● Certain Wipe/Fader effects, certain modes of
Program AE with special effects, “DIS” and other
functions that cannot be used together are
selected at the same time.
HRe-read the sections covering Wipe/Fader
effects, Program AE with special effects and
“DIS”. (墌 pg. 31, 32, 41, 42)

Digital Zoom does not work.
● 25X optical zoom is selected.
HSet “ZOOM” to “100X” or “800X”. (墌 pg. 32)
● The VIDEO/MEMORY Switch is set to
“MEMORY”.
HSet the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.

Video and D.S.C. Playback
The tape is moving, but there is no picture.
● Your TV has AV input terminals, but is not set to
its VIDEO mode.
HSet the TV to the mode or channel appropriate for
video playback. (墌 pg. 22)
● The cassette holder cover is open.
HClose the cassette holder cover. (墌 pg. 16)

Blocks of noise appear during playback, or
there is no playback picture and the screen
becomes blue.
HClean the video heads with an optional cleaning
cassette. (墌 pg. 53)

Advanced features
The focus does not adjust automatically.
● Focus is set to the Manual mode.
HSet Focus to the Auto mode. (墌 pg. 38)
● The lens is dirty or covered with condensation.
HClean the lens and check the focus again.
(墌 pg. 51)

In the 5-Second mode, recording ends
before 5 seconds have elapsed.
● The 5-Second mode is set to “Anim.” in MANUAL
Menu.
HSet “5S” to “5S” in MANUAL Menu.
(墌 pg. 31, 37)

Snapshot mode cannot be used.
● The Squeeze mode (SQUEEZE) is selected.
HDisengage the Squeeze (SQUEEZE) mode.
(墌 pg. 31, 33)

REFERENCES

If, after following the steps in the chart below, the
problem still exists, please consult your nearest
JVC dealer.

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48 EN

TROUBLESHOOTING

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. 25, 38)

● The date/time is not set.
HSet the date/time. (墌 pg. 15)
● The built-in clock battery has run out and the
previously set date/time has been erased.
HConsult your nearest JVC dealer for replacement.

The image taken using Snapshot is too
dark.

Files stored in the memory card cannot be
deleted.

● Shooting was performed under backlit conditions.
HPress BACK LIGHT. (墌 pg. 40)

● Files stored in the memory card are protected.
HRemove protection from the files stored in the
memory card and delete them. (墌 pg. 28)

The image taken using Snapshot is too
bright.
● The subject is too bright.
HSet “r” to “SPOTLIGHT”. (墌 pg. 42)

White Balance cannot be activated.
● The Sepia (SEPIA) or Monotone (MONOTONE)
mode is activated.
HDisengage the Sepia (SEPIA) or Monotone
(MONOTONE) mode before setting White
Balance. (墌 pg. 42)

The Black & White Fader does not work.
● The Sepia (SEPIA) or Monotone (MONOTONE)
mode is activated.
HDisengage the Sepia (SEPIA) and Monotone
(MONOTONE). (墌 pg. 42)

The image looks like the shutter speed is
too slow.
● When shooting in the dark, the unit becomes
highly sensitive to light when “GAIN UP” is set to
“AUTO”.
HIf you want the lighting to look more natural, set
“GAIN UP” to “AGC” or “OFF”. (墌 pg. 31, 32)

JVC GR D270AS D29/270AS User Manual D270AS, D290AS LYT1400 001B

GR-D290AS GR-D290AS LYT1400-001B English,

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