Sharp VL-Z300S-S manual

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-Cover1; 04/2/23/18:00 Printed in Malaysia TINSLA106WJN1 04P03-M-G Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper . SHARP CORPORATION LIQUID CR Y ST AL DISPLA Y CAMCORDER OPERATION MANUAL VL-Z300S -S VL-Z100S -S[...]

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-CE1; 04/1/9/18:00[...]

i ENGLISH OPERA TION MANU AL W ARNING T o prevent fire or shock hazar d, do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on the apparatus. This equipment should be used with the recommended AC adapter or battery pack. CA UTION T o prevent electric shocks and fire hazar ds, do NO[...]

ii Part Names ............................................................. 1 W arning Indicators .................................................. 4 Operation References Preparation Basic Operations Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 5 Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 7 Powering the Camcorder fr [...]

iii Useful Features Control Buttons ..................................................... 28 Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 28 Using the Menu Screens ....................................... 29 Camera Recording Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 30 Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............[...]

iv Adv anced Features Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 67 T ur ning off the Confirmation Sound ...................... 68 Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 68 Demonstration Mode ............................................ 69 Useful Information ................................................. 7[...]

v Supplied Accessories Battery pack BT -L227 CR1216 type lithium battery for camcorder Lens cap Standar d-life battery pack BT -L227 External batter y with hand strap BT -LCA1 Optional Accessories AC adapter Audio/video/S-video cable Power cord VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM 5[...]

vi Precautions • Before recording an important scene, please perform the recor ding test, then playback to c heck if the scene was re- corded pr operly . If noise occurs, use a commercially a vailab le cleaning tape to clean the video heads (see page viii). • When the camcor der is not in use, re- member to remove the cassette tape, turn off th[...]

vii Dew Formation • What is “dew formation”? When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew formation. • When dew f orms in your camcorder . Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your camcorder and make the video tape stick to the head. This causes damage both to the hea[...]

viii Dirty Video Heads When the video heads have become clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating particles), • mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture. (See illustrations above.) • playback pictur es do not move. • during playback, the whole scr een becomes blue. Using a Cleaning T ape (Commer- cially A vailable) Y ou can clean the [...]

Operation References 1 Operation Ref erences Par t Names For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in parentheses. Front vie w Zoom lens DISPLA Y/MODE SET button ( p. 28 )/ LCD LAMP button ( p. 22 ) Operation button ( p. 28 ) Monaural microphone MENU button ( p. 29 ) VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-001-004 04.2.12, 1:53 PM 1[...]

Operation References Operation References 2 Lithium battery cover ( p. 10 ) T ripod socket* Left view Dioptre adjustment dial ( p. 17 ) Battery release ( pp. 6, 10 ) * When attaching a tripod with a guide pin, do not attach the pin to the bottom of the camcorder . LCD monitor ( p. 18 ) DV terminal ( pp. 64, 66 ) DC IN jack ( pp. 7, 8 ) A V terminal[...]

Operation References 3 Viewfinder ( pp. 16, 17 ) Power Zoom Wide angle/ T elephoto control ( p. 21 )/ VOLume control ( p. 26 ) Record Start/Stop button ( p. 20 ) PHOTO button ( p. 35 ) Power switch ( v Camera Recording mode/ w Playback mode select switch) ( pp. 20, 25 ) ST ANDBY button ( p. 22 ) ST ANDBY indicator ( p. 22 ) POWER/CHARGE (RED) indic[...]

Operation References Operation References 4 W ar ning Indicators If a warning indicator appears on the screen, follow the specified instructions. Display ed for the first 3 seconds Displayed after 3 seconds Description of warning There is no video cassette in the camcor der . Insert a cassette (see page 9 ). IN S E RT A CA SSE TTE. BAT TE RY I S TO[...]

Preparation 5 Preparation Attaching and Removing the Batter y Pack Attaching 1 Make sure that the Power s witch is set to OFF . 2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body . 3 Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow with the “ m ” mar k f acing out. 4 Push the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it cli[...]

Preparation Preparation 6 Removing 1 Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF , then open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body . 2 Slide the battery release in the direction of the arrow . 3 T ake the battery pack out. Notes: • BEFORE REMOVING THE BA TTERY P ACK, AL W A YS STOP RECORDING OR PLA Y- BA CK AND TURN THE POWER OF[...]

Preparation 7 Charging the Batter y Pack 1 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder , and make sure that the P ower s witch is set to OFF . 2 Connect the supplied power cord to the A C power soc k et on the AC adapter , and inser t the AC plug into a pow er outlet. 3 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN jac k of the camcorder . • The POWER/CHARGE (R[...]

Preparation Preparation 8 Powering the Camcorder fr om an AC Outlet Y ou can also power the camcorder fr om a power outlet by using the supplied AC adapter . Note: • The supplied AC adapter is specially designed for use with this camcorder , and should not be used as a power supply for other camcorders. 1 Make sure that the P ower s witch is set [...]

Preparation 9 Inserting and Removing a Cassette Inserting 1 Attach the power source to the camcorder , then slide and hold the cassette compar tment door release as you open the cassette compart- ment door . • After confirmation sound, the cassette holder extends and opens automatically . 2 Insert a commercially available Mini D V cassette fully [...]

Preparation Preparation 10 Installing the Lithium Batteries Installing the Memor y Batter y The supplied CR1216 type lithium battery is used to store the memory of the date and time settings. 1 Make sure that the P ower s witch is set to OFF . 2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90 ° angle to the camcorder body . 3 Slide the batter y release in the direct[...]

Preparation 11 Installing the Battery to Remote Control (Not supplied) The remote control (RRMCGA237WJSA) is not supplied with this camcorder . Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for pur chasing as specified part. The CR2032 type lithium battery is used to power the remote control unit. 1 Inser t a pointed object such as the ti[...]

Preparation Preparation 12 Selecting the Language for the On-screen Display This camcorder allows you to choose English, German or French as the on-screen display language. Setting When using the camcorder for the first time, select your on-screen display language by following the steps below . 1 Hold down the Lock b utton and set the P ower switch[...]

Preparation 13 4 Press m or l to select “ 2 ” (da y), then press the centre of the Operation button. 5 Press m or l to select “ 6 ” (month), then press the centre of the Operation button. 6 Press m or l to select “ 2005 ” (year), then press the centre of the Operation button. 7 Press m or l to select “ 10 ” (hour), then press the ce[...]

Preparation Preparation 14 Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode 1 After perf or ming step 8 on the pre vious page, press l or m to select “ 12H/24H ” , then press the centre of the Operation b utton. 2 Press l or m to select “ 12H ” , then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press the MENU button to turn off the menu screen. Notes: •[...]

Preparation 15 Adjusting the Hand Strap 1 Open the hand strap flap ( 1 ) and grip strap ( 2 ). 2 Loosen the grip strap, pass your right hand through the hand strap , and put your thumb close to the Record Start/ Stop button and y our index finger on the P o wer Zoom control. Then, pull the grip strap tight until it fits snugly . 3 Seal the V elcro [...]

Preparation Preparation 16 Using the Viewfinder Y ou can recor d the subject using the electronic viewfinder . Y ou can also watch playback through the viewfinder . 1 Pull out the viewfinder completely . 2 Hold down the Loc k button and set the P ower switch to v or w . Detaching the Lens Hood Before using a commercially available conversion lens, [...]

Preparation 17 Closing the viewfinder Push in the viewfinder completely . Notes: • Do not use excessive force when mo ving the viewfinder . • Do not pick up the camcorder b y the viewfinder . • The viewfinder automatically turns off when the LCD monitor is opened. If the vertical rotation of the monitor is 180° when Camera mode, however , th[...]

Preparation Preparation 18 Using the LCD Monitor Y ou can use the LCD monitor to play back recordings that you have made or to watch the subject during recor ding. 1 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body . 2 Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that allow easy viewing of the on- screen picture. • The LCD monitor rotates 270° v[...]

Preparation 19 Tips on Recording Positions T urn the LCD monitor so that the screen faces upward. Balance your weight on both legs. T urn the LCD monitor so that the screen faces downward. Place your elbows against your sides. T o create images that are easy to watch during playback, try to r ecord with an upright posture and steady hands to preven[...]

Basic Operations 20 Basic Operations Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode • Before you start r ecording, per form the operations described on pages 5 through 19 to prepare your camcor der for recording. 1 Remov e the lens cap. 2 Hold down the Lock b utton and set the P ower s witch to v . • The picture from the lens now disp[...]

Basic Operations 21 PAUSE T o pause recor ding Press the Recor d Start/Stop button again. Recording pauses, and the camcor der enters Recording Standby mode. T o tur n the power of f Set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button. Remaining in Recor ding Standby mode f or 5 minutes If the camcorder r emains in Recording Standby mode o[...]

Basic Operations 22 Basic Operations Camera Recording Power Standby Mode Power Standby mode allows you to prevent accidental recor ding by locking all operations except cancelling the mode. Hold down the ST ANDBY button f or more than 2 seconds when you pause recording. • The screen turns off and the ST ANDBY indicator lights up. T ur ning on/off[...]

Basic Operations 23 Auto Focus The camcorder is pr eset to Auto Focus mode, which is designed to focus on most types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the camcorder automatically focuses on the subject in the centre of the scene. Always keep the subject in the centre of the scene. Notes: • If no subject is in the centre of the scene, the focus are[...]

Basic Operations 24 Basic Operations Camera Recording Information Display for Batter y Usage When the camcorder operates with the battery pack, the battery usage indicator appears beside the remaining battery power indicator . When both indicators appear , the camcorder consumes power from both battery packs. When one indicator appears, it consumes[...]

Basic Operations 25 Note: • If you press the Record Start/Stop button in Playback mode, the “ g ” mark appears and the camcorder enters Recor ding Standby mode. If you do not intend to recor d, press l to turn the “ g ” mark off, then press m to begin playback. This will ensure your previous r ecording is not erased (see pages 62–65). T[...]

Basic Operations Playbac k Basic Operations 26 VOL U M E Video Sear ch The video search function makes it easy to search for a desir ed scene on the tape. Searching for a Scene Near the Current T ape Position 1 During playback, press k (or j ) on the Operation button. • The playback picture fast forwards (or reverses). 2 When you find the scene, [...]

Basic Operations 27 W atching Playback on a TV Y ou can connect the camcorder to a TV to allow a larger audience to enjoy playback. 1 Open the terminal cover on the camcorder (see page 2). 2 Connect the camcorder to your TV (or VCR) with the supplied audio/video/S- video cable, as shown. About the S-video socket S-video sockets are used to separate[...]

Useful Features Useful Features 28 Operation button DISPLA Y/MODE SET button Power switch Information display on Mode screen Information display off Example Example Useful Features Control Buttons Operation button Use the Operation button to select and set the desired setting. Using the Mode Screens In the mode screens, you can adjust the camcorder[...]

Useful Features 29 MENU button Operation button Power switch Example Example Example Using the Menu Screens Use the menu screens to adjust the various camcorder settings. 1 Hold down the Lock b utton and set the P ower switch to v or w . • See pages 80 and 81 for the menu items you can select in each mode. • Steps 2 to 5 show how to change the [...]

Useful Features Useful Features 30 Power Zoom control Digital zoom indicator Useful Features Camera Recording The “D” digital zoom indicator is displayed during digital zooming. T o use optical zoom only Select “OFF” in step 4 above. Setting the Digital Zoom Y ou can select three dif ferent zoom ranges: 1–10 K (optical zoom), 10–40 K (d[...]

Useful Features 31 Backlight Compensation (BLC) When the subject is backlit, the image will appear dark if it is recor ded normally . Use the backlight compensation (BLC) function to brighten the entire scr een. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLA Y/ MODE SET button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “B[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording Useful Features 32 Gain-up When you are r ecording in a dark or poorly illuminated location, “LIGHT” is displayed on the screen. Use the gain-up function to record a brighter pictur e. Note: • At locations wher e lighting is adequate, “LIGHT” will not appear . The gain-up function cannot be used in this ca[...]

Useful Features 33 Fade In and Fade Out The fade function allows you to gradually bring the image and sound in or out at the beginning or end of a scene for creating scene transitions. This is especially effective in creating a dramatic change in scenery . 4 Press the DISPLA Y/MODE SET button until on-screen indicators appear . 5 Press the Record S[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording Useful Features 34 Quick Retur n If while playing back your tape you want to quickly return to the last recorded scene and start recording again, use the quick return function. 1 In Recording Standby mode , press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select T , then p[...]

Useful Features 35 Still Recor ding Y ou can record continuous still images of subjects. 1 In Recording Standby mode, press the PHO TO button fully . • A still image of the subject is displayed. 2 Press the Record Start/ Stop button. • The still image of the subject will be recor ded. • During still recor ding, “RECORDED ON T APE” appears[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording Useful Features 36 Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) The digital image stabilization (DIS) function al- lows you to stabilize the image by electronically compensating for relatively minor image shak- ing that is often annoying in close-up shots. 1 In Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 [...]

Useful Features 37 Power Save Mode Power save mode will turn off the camcorder automatically to save battery power when the camcorder is not in use for 5 or 10 minutes. Note: • T o resume recor ding or playback, set the Power switch to OFF , then back to v or w . • The example screens shown are for Camera mode. 1 T urn on the camcorder, then pr[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording Useful Features 38 Self Recording Nor mal self r ecording Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180° vertically so that the screen faces the other way and the subject can monitor the shot while you are r ecording with the viewfinder . If the camcorder is steadied, you can r ecord yourself in the scene by watching your[...]

Useful Features 39 Self recor ding with reversed grip Rotate the grip 105° and the LCD monitor 180° vertically so that you can record yourself while holding the grip. 3 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body ( 1 ), and then rotate it 180° vertically ( 2 ). 4 Set the P ower switch to v . 5 Begin recording. Notes: • Do not ro[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording Useful Features 40 Recording in LP (Long Play Recor ding) Mode This camcorder allows you to r ecord in LP (Long Play Recording) mode for appr oxi- mately 50% more r ecording time with the same picture quality as that in SP (Standar d Play Recording) mode. 1 In Camera mode , press the MENU button to displa y the menu[...]

Useful Features 41 Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode The camcorder normally recor ds audio in the 12-bit audio recording mode. For higher - quality audio recording, select the 16-bit audio recor ding mode. 1 In Camera mode, press the MENU button to display the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select Y , then press the [...]

Useful Features Playbac k Useful Features 42 Using the Remote Control (Not Supplied) The remote control (RRMCGA237WJSA) is not supplied with this camcorder . Contact the nearest SHARP service centr e or your dealer for purchasing as specified part. Activating • The example scr eens shown are for Playback mode. 1 Press the MENU button to displa y [...]

Useful Features 43 Selecting the Date and Time of Recording Display Follow the procedur e below to select the date, or both the date and time, of recor ding display on the screen. Y ou can display the date and time during both recor ding and playback. • The example screens shown are for Playback mode. 1 Press the MENU button to display the menu s[...]

Useful Features Playbac k Useful Features 44 Picture Ef fect Playback These picture ef fects let you play back images with a more dramatic ef fect. 4 Press the DISPLA Y/MODE SET button to turn off the mode screen. T o cancel picture effect playback Select “OFF” in step 3 above. Note: • Video images in picture effect playback mode cannot be tr[...]

Useful Features 45 Rotate Playback This function allows you to play back images rotated 180°. 1 In Pla yback mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select V , then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “RO T A TE PB”, then press the centre of the Operation[...]

Useful Features Playbac k Useful Features 46 Stretch Playback Stretch playback allows you to playback a squeezed image with the wide screen feel of a movie shown in a theatre. Useful when you want to play back images recor ded by a camera other than this camcorder in wide mode on a 4:3 TV . 1 In Pla yback mode, press the DIS- PLA Y/MODE SET button [...]

Advanced Features 47 Manual Focus Auto Focus may not be able to focus on the subject in the situations shown below . In such situations, set the camcorder to Manual Focus mode and focus manually . Fast-speed shutter being used under fluorescent lighting. Subject is too dark. Lack of contrast, e.g. snow scene. Fast-moving subject. Background is too [...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording Advanced Features 48 Displaying the Manual Setting Scr een Y ou can manually adjust these settings as shown below in the manual setting screen. • White Balance (see pages 49, 50) • Manual Iris (see page 51) • Manual Gain (see page 52) • Shutter speed (see pages 53, 54) 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLA Y[...]

Advanced Features 49 Adjusting White Balance The colour of the subject on the screen looks different depending on lighting conditions. Selecting a White Balance setting that matches the lighting conditions. Selecting 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLA Y/ MODE SET button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select[...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording Advanced Features 50 Locking 1 Select “LOCK MODE” in step 4 in “Selecting” on the previous page . 2 Aim the lens at a white object. • Adjust the distance of the object so that the entire screen is white. 3 Press the centre of the Operation button to set the white balance loc k. • “LOCK MODE” will [...]

Advanced Features 51 Manual Iris The camcorder is pr eset to Auto Iris mode, which automatically selects the optimal aperture. However , when there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and background, you may not be able to record a clear image. In this case, use the manual iris function to correct the iris value. Backgr ound is t[...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording Advanced Features 52 Manual Gain When recording in a dark or poorly illuminated location with Auto Gain mode, the light sensitivity of the camcorder (gain) will be automatically adjusted and the recorded image may be brighter than the subject actually is. If you want to faithfully record a dark scene in this case[...]

Advanced Features 53 Setting the Shutter Speed The shutter speed is preset to auto mode, which automatically selects the optimal shutter speed for the ambient light. However , depending on the subject or situation, you may want to set the shutter speed manually to create a high-quality picture. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLA Y/ MODE SET button [...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording Advanced Features 54 Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode Y ou can set all the settings shown in the screen to Full Auto mode in one operation. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLA Y/ MODE SET button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “MANUAL SET”, then press the [...]

Advanced Features 55 Scene Menu (Program AE) Y ou can set the camcorder to a shooting mode that will create the best r esults for a specific situation. Just select one of the six scene settings shown below . The camcorder will automatically set the exposure, white balance, and shutter speed to produce the optimum pictur e quality for the selected s[...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording Advanced Features 56 Digital Picture Effects These digital picture ef fects let you record the subject with a more dramatic effect. 1 In Camera mode, press the DISPLA Y/ MODE SET button until the mode screen appears. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select “ PIC .EFFECT ” , then press the centre of t[...]

Advanced Features 57 Using the Time Code The time code shows the hour , minute and second of recor ding, and the frame number (1 frame = approx. 1/25 sec.). This is automatically recor ded along with the subject when you are recor ding on the tape. Y ou can display the time code on the screen as an accurate counter in both Playback and Camera modes[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k Advanced Features 58 Audio Dubbing Feature Y ou can add narration to recor dings made with this camcorder , while preserving the original audio and video recor dings. Microphone f or A udio Dubbing Y ou can use the built-in monaural micr o- phone to record narration. Note: • Y ou cannot use audio dubbing with recor di[...]

Advanced Features 59 Audio Dubbing 1 Pla y back the Mini D V cassette recorded in SP mode and locate the tape position where you wish to start audio dubbing. 2 Press m on the Operation button to pause playbac k. 3 Press the DISPLA Y/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears. 4 Press l or m to select “AUDIO DUB”, then press the centre of the[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k Advanced Features 60 Selecting the Audio Playback Mode Y ou can select any of the following audio playback modes. Audio 1 H 2 • 12-bit recor ding in mono (Audio 1 and Audio 2 channels) • 16-bit recor ding in mono Audio 1 • 12-bit recor ding in mono (Audio 1 channel only) • 16-bit recor ding in mono Audio 2 • 1[...]

Advanced Features 61 Editing Video editing lets you r efine your videos by removing unwanted sequences fr om your tape, or transposing one sequence with another . This camcorder lets you monitor the sour ce program on the built-in LCD monitor without having to connect it to an external TV or video monitor . Pr eparation Connect the camcorder to a V[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k Advanced Features 62 Recording fr om an External Source (VL-Z300 only) Y ou can use this camcor der to record or edit videos from another sour ce, such as a VCR or TV . Preparation Connect the camcorder to the source equipment with the supplied audio/video/S- video cable , as shown. Notes: • This function cannot be us[...]

Advanced Features 63 T o Record from an External Source 1 In Pla yback mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select Z , then press the centre of the Operation button. 3 Press l or m to select “ S-VIDEO IN ” , then press the centre of the Operation button. 4 Press l or m to select “ [...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k Advanced Features 64 Editing with the DV T erminal (IEEE1394) This camcorder can be used as a digital video editor . A DV cable transfers all dubbing signals including video and audio directly to the camcorder . Preparation Connect the camcorder to video equipment with a DV terminal using a commercially available DV cab[...]

Advanced Features 65 T o Record from V ideo Equip- ment (VL-Z300 only) 1 Set the camcorder to Playback mode, and insert a Mini DV cassette. 2 Begin playback on the video equip- ment connected to the camcorder . • Check the camcorder screen to see if the picture is pr operly received. 3 Press the Record Star t/Stop button on the camcorder . • Th[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k Advanced Features 66 AV-OUT VIDEO S-VIDEO L-AUDIO-R (MONO) : Using the Camcorder as a Converter (VL-Z300 only) Y ou can use this camcor der to convert from analog signal (e.g. video recor ded on 8 mm or Hi8 tapes) to digital signal. Preparation Connect the audio/video/S-video cable and D V cable as shown belo w . Note: [...]

Appendix 67 Darker Brighter Decrease Darker Increase Brighter – + – + – + LCD BR I G HT LCD COLOU R V F BR I GHT 5 Press the MENU button to turn off the menu screen. Note: • When adjusting the colour , the picture on the LCD monitor may differ from the pictur e actually recorded. Do not change the colour setting unless necessary . (This adj[...]

Appendix Appendix 68 T ur ning off the Confirmation Sound A confirmation sound is made when you turn on or off the Power switch, press the Record Start/Stop button, or perfor m other designated operations. Use the procedur e below to turn off the confirmation sounds. • The example screens shown are for Camera mode. 1 Press the MENU button to disp[...]

Appendix 69 Demonstration Mode Y ou can watch a brief demonstration of the special camcorder featur es in Demo mode. If the demonstration appears on the screen when you turn on the camcorder for the first time, cancel the Demo mode to use your camcorder . W atching 1 Remove the Mini DV cassette from the camcorder (see page 9). 2 In Camera mode, pre[...]

Appendix Appendix 70 Position the subject in the centre. Focus manually when you need to position the subject off centr e (see page 47). Useful Information Hints for Better Shooting • Position the subject in the centr e of the scene. When using auto focus, whatever is in the centre of the scene is kept in focus. • A void backlit subjects. For t[...]

Appendix 71 Erasure pr otect tab About a tape recorded with high- definition camcorder This camcorder cannot play back a tape recorded with high-definition camcor der . If such a tape is played back, the screen becomes blue and the warning indicator , “NOT RECORDED ON DV FORMA T”, will appear . Mini DV Cassette Precautions when using a Mini D V[...]

Appendix Appendix 72 Battery Pack This camcorder uses a lithium-ion type battery pack. Charging • Charge the battery pack immediately (or a day) before use. The battery pack gradually self-discharges even if stored in a fully charged state. • Charge the battery pack between 10°C and 30°C. • Fully charge the battery pack. Use of an insuffici[...]

Appendix 73 Window cleaning cover AC Adapter • The AC adapter may interfere with reception if used near a radio. • Pr event flammables, liquids, and metal objects from entering the adapter . • The adapter is a sealed unit. Do not attempt to open or modify it. • Do not damage, dr op, or subject the adapter to vibration. • Do not leave the [...]

Appendix Appendix 74 Using Y our Camcorder Abroad T elevision signal standards and electrical voltages and frequencies vary substantially from country to country . When you are abroad, check the sections below befor e using the AC adapter or connecting the camcorder to a TV . A C Adapter (Supplied Accessory) The supplied AC adapter is compatible wi[...]

Appendix 75 T roubleshooting Before calling for service, please check the following tr oubleshooting table. Symptom No power . The Record Start/ Stop button does not work. Power suddenly turns off. Auto focus does not work. Bright subject pro- duces wide vertical lines. Display automatically changes in Camera mode. Po wer Camera mode Suggested solu[...]

Appendix Appendix 76 Symptom No image appears on connected TV screen. No image from an ex- ternal source ap- pears on the camcorder screen. (VL-Z300 only) Cannot rewind or fast forward tape. Video noise in image. No sound. T ape does not work. Motion images are rotated 180° upside down. P ossible cause Video input channel on TV or TV channel is no[...]

Appendix 77 Symptom Battery pack is easily depleted. Clock has been re- set. Cassette will not eject. No image on monitor . Viewfinder pictur e is hard to see. Monitor picture is hard to see. POWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator flashes in red when charging battery pack. Cannot edit to con- nected VCR. P ossible cause Using camcorder in extr emely cold env[...]

Appendix Appendix 78 Notes: • This unit is equipped with a microprocessor . Its per formance could be adversely affected by external electrical noise or interference. If this should happen, turn off the power and disconnect the unit from any power sour ces, including the lithium battery , etc. Then reconnect the power sources to resume operation.[...]

Appendix 79 Specifications Camcorder Signal System: P AL standard Recording System: 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system Cassette: Digital VCR Mini DV video cassette Recording/Playback Time: 90 minutes (DVM60, LP mode) T ape Speed: SP mode: 18.831 mm/second LP mode: 12.568 mm/second Pickup Device: 1 ⁄ 6 " (4.2 mm, effective size: 4.5 mm) [...]

Appendix Appendix 80 On-screen Display Index A U T O AUT O 30 m i n AUT O PAU S E PAU S E PAU S E A U T O AUT O 30 m i n AUT O SELEC T SE T FADE M ANU AL SE T FOCUS AUTO FOC U S SE TT I NG 1 QK. DGT L W I DE M O DE RE T URN ZOO M TAPE SPEED RETUR N SE TT I NG 2 DIS AUD I O M ODE RE TURN W IN D OTHE RS 1 OTHER S 2 LCD SE T BACK L I GHT L C D BR I GH[...]

Appendix 81 SELEC T SE T OF F OTHE RS 1 BEEP RE M OT E DE F AUL T RE TURN RE TURN LCD SE T BACK L I GHT L C D BR I GHT LCD CO LO UR RE T UR N V F B RIG H T PLAYB AC K AUD I O ANLG DGTL RE T UR N SE T OTHE RS 2 T I M E CODE TC PO W ER SAVE OU T ROTA T E PB AU DIO 2 1 + AU DIO 2 1 + FF RE W STO P PLAY AUD I O DUB S TRETCH P B P I C . E FFECT AUD I O [...]

Appendix Appendix 82 Index A AC adapter ....................................... 7, 8 Audio dubbing .............................. 58, 59 Audio playback mode ......................... 60 Audio recor ding mode ........................ 41 Auto focus ........................................... 23 A V terminal ........................ 27, 61, 62, 66 B B[...]

Appendix 83 M Manual focus ...................................... 47 Manual setting .................................... 48 MENU button ...................................... 29 Menu screen ....................................... 29 Mini DV cassette ............................... 9, 71 Mode screen ....................................... 28 O Opera[...]

Note VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-084 04.2.12, 2:00 PM 84[...]

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-CE1; 04/1/9/18:00[...]

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-Cover1; 04/2/23/18:00 Printed in Malaysia TINSLA106WJN1 04P03-M-G Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper . SHARP CORPORATION LIQUID CR Y ST AL DISPLA Y CAMCORDER OPERATION MANUAL VL-Z300S -S VL-Z100S -S[...]