Sharp VL-Z950S-S manual

VL-Z950S-Cover1; 04/1/19/18:00 Printed in Malaysia TINSLA096WJN1 04P02-M-G Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper . H2732778 6848310 — PixLab Install Ke y SHARP CORPORATION LIQUID CR Y ST AL DISPLA Y CAMCORDER OPERATION MANUAL VL-Z950S -S[...]

VL-Z950S-CE1; 04/2/4/18:00 M Manual focus ..................................... 58 Manual setting ................................... 59 Media Selection switch ...................... 22 MENU button ..................................... 33 Menu screen ...................................... 33 Mini DV cassette .................. 10, 105, 106 Mode scr[...]

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 ............. 6 Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 8 Powering the Camcorder fr [...]

iii Useful Features Control Buttons ..................................................... 32 Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 32 Using the Menu Screens ....................................... 33 Camera Recording Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 34 Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............[...]

iv Adv anced Features Playbac k Using the Time Code ............................................ 68 Audio Dubbing Feature ......................................... 69 Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 71 Editing ................................................................... 72 Recording fr om an External Source ..........[...]

v Supplied Accessories Battery pack BT -L227 AC adapter Audio/video/S-video cable CR2032 type lithium battery for remote contr ol CR1216 type lithium battery for camcorder Lens cap CD-ROM 8 MB SD Memory Card Remote control USB cable Standar d-life battery pack BT -L227 Optional Accessories Power cord External battery with hand strap BT -LCA1 LED vi[...]

vi Precautions • Before recor ding 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 vailable c leaning 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 t[...]

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) A vailable mode: T [...]

1 Operation References 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. 32 )/ LCD LAMP button ( p. 25 ) Operation button ( p. 32 ) Flash ( p. 81 ) LED video light/ Zoom microphone shoe ( pp. 38, 49 ) Stereo microphone MENU bu[...]

Operation References 2 Operation References Lithium battery cover ( p. 12 ) T ripod socket* Card slot cover ( p. 11 ) Left view Dioptre adjustment dial ( p. 19 ) Battery release ( pp. 7, 12 ) * When attaching a tripod with a guide pin, do not attach the pin to the bottom of the camcorder . LCD monitor ( p. 20 ) Earphones jack ( p. 28 ) DV terminal [...]

3 Operation References Viewfinder ( pp. 18, 19 ) Power Zoom Wide angle/ T elephoto control ( p. 24 )/ VOLume control ( p. 30 ) Media Selection switch ( V T ape mode/ u Card mode selection switch) ( p. 22 ) Record Start/Stop button ( p. 23 ) PHOTO button ( pp. 42, 56, 80 ) Power switch ( v Camera Recording mode/ w Playback mode select switch) ( p. 2[...]

Operation References 4 Operation References 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 10 ). IN S E RT A CA SSE T TE. PR OT ECT. TAB[...]

5 Operation References Note: • N indicates a flashing display . Displayed f or 5 seconds Description of warning The card is not inserted or is inserted improperly . Check that it is properly inserted (see page 11 ). The capacity of the card is full and cannot stor e any more images. Delete unnecessary images (see page 89 ) or replace the card wit[...]

Preparation 6 Preparation Preparation Attaching and Removing the Batter y Pack Attaching 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 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[...]

7 Preparation Removing 1 Make sure that the P ower s witch is set to OFF , then open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body . 2 Slide the batter y 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 OFF . Remov[...]

Preparation 8 Preparation 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 sock et on the AC adapter , and inser t the AC plug into a power outlet. 3 Insert the DC plug into the DC IN jac k of the camcorder . • The POWER[...]

9 Preparation 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 Power switch is set to OFF . 2 Con[...]

Preparation 10 Preparation 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 confir mation sound, the cassette holder extends and opens automatically . 2 Inser t a commercially a vailable Mini D V[...]

11 Preparation Inserting and Removing a Card Y ou can use an SD Memory Card (supplied) or a MultiMediaCard (commer cially available) for storing still images. Inserting 1 Make sure that the P ower s witch is set to OFF . 2 Open the card slot cov er. 3 Inser t a card into the slot as shown below , and push it in fully . 4 Close the card slot cov er [...]

Preparation 12 Preparation 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[...]

13 Preparation Installing the Battery to Remote Control The supplied CR2032 type lithium battery is used to power the remote control unit. 1 Inser t a pointed object such as the tip of a ballpoint pen to open the batter y holder . 2 Place the larger lithium batter y on the battery holder with the H side facing do wn. 3 Close the batter y holder unt[...]

Preparation 14 Preparation Selecting the Language for the On-screen Display A vailable modes: All modes 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 butto[...]

15 Preparation 4 Press m or l to select “ 2 ” (day), then press the centre of the Opera- tion button. 5 Press m or l to select “ 6 ” (month), then press the centre of the Opera- tion button. 6 Press m or l to select “ 2005 ” (year), then press the centre of the Opera- tion button. 7 Press m or l to select “ 10 ” (hour), then press t[...]

Preparation 16 Preparation Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode 1 After performing step 8 on the previous page, press l or m to select “12H/24H”, then press the centre of the Operation button. 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: • The date [...]

17 Preparation 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 ower Zoom control. Then, pull the grip strap tight until it fits snugly . 3 Seal the V elcro [...]

Preparation 18 Preparation 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, [...]

19 Preparation 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 in T ape Camera or Card C[...]

Preparation 20 Preparation 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° [...]

21 Preparation 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[...]

22 Basic Operations Basic Operations Camera Recording Basic Operations Camera Recording Selecting the Camcorder Mode This camcorder includes functions for use as both a video camera for recording and playing back images on tapes and as a digital still camera for recor ding and playing back still images on cards. One of the following camcorder modes[...]

23 Basic Operations Easy Camera Recording on T ape in Full Auto Mode A vailable mode: T ape Camera • Before you start r ecording, per form the operations described on pages 6 through 21 to prepare your camcor der for recording. 1 Remov e the lens cap. 2 Set the Media Selection s witch to V . 3 Hold down the Lock b utton and set the P ower switch [...]

24 Basic Operations Basic Operations Camera Recording 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 [...]

25 Basic Operations Power Standby Mode A vailable mode: T ape Camera 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 record- ing in T ape Camera mode. • The screen turns off and the ST ANDBY indicator lights u[...]

26 Basic Operations Basic Operations Camera Recording Auto Focus A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 th[...]

27 Basic Operations Information Display for Batter y Usage A vailable modes: All modes 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 power[...]

28 Basic Operations Basic Operations Camera Recording SE TT I N G 2 DI S AUD I O M ODE RE TURN W IN D P HONES VOL ON OFF –+ 12 bit – + PH ONE S V OL Using Earphones (Commercially Available) A vailable modes: T ape Camera, T ape Playback Y ou can monitor the sound via ster eo earphones (commercially available) during playback or recor ding. Ster[...]

29 Basic Operations Note: • If you press the Record Start/Stop button in T ape Playback mode, the “ g ” mark appears and the camcorder enters Recor ding Standby mode. If you do not intend to record, press l to turn the “ g ” mark off, then pr ess m to begin playback. This will ensure your previous r ecording is not erased (see pages 73–[...]

Basic Operations Playbac k 30 Basic Operations VOL U M E Video Sear ch A vailable mode: T ape Playback The video search function makes it easy to search for a desired scene on the tape. Searching for a Scene Near the Current T ape Position 1 During T ape Playbac k, press k (or j ) on the Operation button. • The playback picture fast forwards (or [...]

31 Basic Operations W atching Playback on a TV A vailable modes: T ape Playback, Card Playback 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 cab le, as shown. About the S-[...]

Useful Features 32 Useful Features Operation button Media Selection switch 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 c[...]

33 Useful Features MENU button Operation button Media Selection switch Power switch Example Example Example Using the Menu Screens Use the menu screens to adjust the various camcorder settings. 1 Set to the desired camcorder mode by using the Media Selection s witch and the P ower switch (see page 22). • See pages 116 to 119 for the menu items yo[...]

Useful Features 34 Useful Features 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 A vailable mode: T ape Camera Y ou can select three dif ferent zoom ranges: 1–10 [...]

35 Useful Features Backlight Compensation (BLC) A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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. • The example screens shown are for T ape Camera mode. 1 In T ape Camera or Card Camera mode[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 36 Useful Features Gain-up A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 . Th[...]

37 Useful Features Fine Picture A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera When the subject is backlit, the image will appear dark if it is recorded normally . The fine picture function impr oves the picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portion of the image unaffected. It is useful if using the BLC functio[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 38 Useful Features LED video light shoe Screw Using the LED Video Light A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera Y ou can use the supplied LED video light to brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim. Mounting 1 Align the LED video light with the LED video light shoe on the camcorder , and slide it in t[...]

39 Useful Features EXECUTE B L C /G AIN SET M AN UAL FO CU S AUTO F OCUS Selecting the LED video light mode T ypes OFF: T ur n off the LED video light. AU TO : T urn on/off the LED video light automatically depending on light condition. ON: T ur n on the LED video light. • The example screens shown are for T ape Camera mode. 1 In T ape Camera or [...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 40 Useful Features Fade In and Fade Out A vailable mode: T ape Camera 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 [...]

41 Useful Features Quick Retur n A vailable mode: T ape Camera 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 Set the camcorder to T ape Camera mode. 2 In Recording Standby mode , press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 3 Press l or m on th[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 42 Useful Features Still Recor ding on T ape A vailable mode: T ape Camera Y ou can record continuous still images of subjects. 1 Set the camcorder to T ape Camera mode. 2 In Recording Standby mode, press the PHO TO button fully . • A still image of the subject is displayed. 3 Press the Record Star t/ Stop button.[...]

43 Useful Features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) A vailable mode: T ape Camera The digital image stabilization (DIS) function allows you to stabilize the image by electronically compensating for r elatively minor image shaking that is often annoying in close-up shots. 1 In T ape Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 [...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 44 Useful Features Wide Mode A vailable mode: T ape Camera The wide mode function lets you recor d scenes with squeezed images so that you can enjoy high-density wide images when you playback the images via widescreen TV . 1 In T ape Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on t[...]

45 Useful Features Self Recording Nor mal self r ecording A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 wa[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 46 Useful Features Self recor ding with reversed grip A vailable mode: T ape Camera 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 t[...]

47 Useful Features Recording in LP (Long Play Recor ding) Mode A vailable mode: T ape Camera 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 T ape Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the me[...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 48 Useful Features Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode A vailable mode: T ape Camera 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 T ape Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen[...]

49 Useful Features Using the Zoom Microphone A vailable mode: T ape Camera With the supplied zoom microphone, you can recor d audio according to the magnifi- cation of the zoom lens for producing the optimum sound. Mounting 1 Align the zoom microphone with the zoom microphone shoe on the camcorder , and slide it in the direction of the arrow until [...]

Useful Features Camera Recording 50 Useful Features Windbr eak A vailable mode: T ape Camera The windbreak function allows you to reduce annoying noise fr om strong winds when recor ding. 1 In T ape Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select Y , then press the centre of the Opera[...]

51 Useful Features Using the Remote Control A vailable modes: All modes Use the remote control to operate the camcorder fr om a distance, such as when you want to record yourself in a scene, or when the camcorder is connected to a TV for use as a VCR. Activating • The example scr eens shown are for T ape Playback mode. 1 Press the MENU button to [...]

Useful Features Playbac k 52 Useful Features T ape Playback Functions with the Remote Control A vailable mode: T ape Playback Y ou can use the following playback functions with the supplied remote contr ol. (See page 51 for use of the remote contr ol.) The reverse playback function allows you to play back images in reverse. During T ape Playbac k, [...]

53 Useful Features Selecting the Date and Time of Recording Display A vailable modes: All modes 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 T ape Playback mode. 1 Press the[...]

Useful Features Playbac k 54 Useful Features Picture Ef fect Playback A vailable modes: T ape Playback, Card 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. Notes: • Video im[...]

55 Useful Features Rotate Playback A vailable mode: T ape Playback This function allows you to play back images rotated 180°. 1 In T ape Playbac k 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”, [...]

Useful Features Playbac k 56 Useful Features Copying an Image from T ape to Card A vailable mode: T ape Playback Y ou can capture your favourite image frame from a video tape recor ding and save it on card. 1 Inser t the recorded Mini D V cassette and a card in the camcorder . 2 Set the camcorder to T ape Playbac k mode, then begin tape pla yback. [...]

57 Useful Features Stretch Playback A vailable mode: T ape 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 recorded in wide mode on a 4:3 TV . 1 In T ape Playbac k mode, press the DISPLA Y/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears[...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording 58 Advanced Features Power Zoom control Operation button DISPLA Y/MODE SET button Manual focus indicator Manual Focus A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 [...]

59 Advanced Features Displaying the Manual Setting Scr een A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera Y ou can manually adjust these settings as shown below in the manual setting screen. • White Balance (see pages 60, 61) • Manual Iris (see page 62) • Manual Gain (see page 63) • Shutter speed (see pages 64, 65) • The example screens show[...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording 60 Advanced Features Adjusting White Balance A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 T ape Camera or Card Camera mode, press the DISP[...]

61 Advanced Features 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 change to “LOCK” after pressing [...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording 62 Advanced Features Manual Iris A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 thi[...]

63 Advanced Features Manual Gain A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 t[...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording 64 Advanced Features Setting the Shutter Speed A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 creat[...]

65 Advanced Features Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera Y ou can set all the settings shown in the screen to Full Auto mode in one operation. 1 In T ape Camera or Card 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 “MA[...]

Adv anced Features Camera Recording 66 Advanced Features Scene setting indicator Scene Menu (Program AE) A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 t[...]

67 Advanced Features Digital Picture Effects A vailable mode: T ape Camera These digital picture ef fects let you record the subject with a more dramatic effect. 1 In T ape 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 th[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k 68 Advanced Features Using the Time Code A vailable modes: T ape Camera, T ape Playback 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[...]

69 Advanced Features Audio Dubbing Feature A vailable mode: T ape Playback 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 stereo micr ophone to recor d narration. Notes: • Audio dubbing does not function through th[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k 70 Advanced Features 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 “A UDIO DUB?[...]

71 Advanced Features Selecting the Audio Playback Mode A vailable mode: T ape Playback Y ou can select any of the following audio playback modes. Audio 1 H 2 • 12-bit recor ding in stereo (Audio 1 and Audio 2 channels) • 16-bit recor ding in stereo (left and right channels) Audio 1 • 12-bit recor ding in stereo (Audio 1 channel only) • 16-b[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k 72 Advanced Features Editing A vailable mode: T ape Playback Video editing lets you refine 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 [...]

73 Advanced Features Recording fr om an External Source A vailable mode: T ape Playback 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: • If your TV or VCR has a 21-pin Euro-SC[...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k 74 Advanced Features T o Record from an External Source 1 In T ape Playbac k 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 bu[...]

75 Advanced Features Editing with the DV T er minal (IEEE1394) A vailable mode: T ape Playback 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 D V terminal using a commercially availab le [...]

Adv anced Features Playbac k 76 Advanced Features T o Record from V ideo Equip- ment 1 Set the camcorder to T ape Playbac k mode, and insert a Mini D V cassette. 2 Begin playbac k 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[...]

77 Advanced Features AV-OUT VIDEO S-VIDEO L-AUDIO-R (MONO) : Using the Camcorder as a Converter A vailable mode: T ape Playback 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: • See page[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording 78 Digital Still Camera Features Lock button Appro ximate number of record- able images with the supplied 8 MB SD memory card Selecting the Picture Quality and Image Size A vailable mode: Card Camera The picture quality of still images recor ded on the card depends on the pictur e quality and image siz[...]

79 Digital Still Camera Features Pictur e quality indicator Image size indicator 1 In Card Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on the Operation button to select Y , then press the centre of the Operation button. 6 Press the MENU button to turn off the menu screen. • The selected picture quality indicator[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording 80 Digital Still Camera Features Number of shots taken/remaining Power switch Media Selection switch PHOTO button Lock button Power Zoom control Card Recor ding A vailable mode: Card Camera Y ou can take a still picture in the same way as you do with a standard camera and record that image on the car d[...]

81 Digital Still Camera Features Flash Flash indicator Flash sensor Selecting the Flash Mode A vailable mode: Card Camera Using the flash function enables you to record good-quality still images even in dark locations. Note: • The effective flash range for both wide angle and telephoto is about 1 to 2.5 m. T ypes AU TO : Flash automatically fires[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording 82 Digital Still Camera Features Red-eye indicator Red-eye Reduction A vailable mode: Card Camera Red-eye reduction allows you to minimize the camera flash capturing the red at the back of the iris. 1 In Card Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 Press l or m on the Operatio[...]

83 Digital Still Camera Features (Continued on the next page) Recording with the Self-timer A vailable mode: Card Camera The self-timer function allows you to recor d images after a time lag. This is convenient when you want to recor d an image of you and your friends together . SE TT I N G REC FIL E SEL F T IM ER NO. MO D E IM A GE S I Z E 10 S EC[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording 84 Digital Still Camera Features Self timer mode indicator Self-timer operating indicator T o cancel the countdown Press the PHOTO button in step 4. T o cancel the self-timer Press the centr e of the Operation button again in step 3. Notes: • When recording with the self-timer , stabilize the camcord[...]

85 Digital Still Camera Features Formatting a Card A vailable modes: Card Camera, Card Playback Before using a commercially available car d with this camcorder , you must first have it formatted. Also, if any of the following warning indicators displays, you will need to format your card. • “FORMA T MEMORY CARD” • “MEMORY CARD ERROR” ?[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Camera Recording 86 Digital Still Camera Features Setting the File Numbering Method A vailable mode: Card Camera The camcorder automatically assigns file numbers to captured images. Y ou can select two differ ent methods of file number - ing. 1 In Card Camera mode, press the MENU button to displa y the menu screen. 2 P[...]

87 Digital Still Camera Features Playback image number/ number of recordings Lock button Page number/total thumbnail pages Media Selection switch Power switch Image file name Picture quality indicator Operation button Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k Card Playback A vailable mode: Card Playback Y ou can play back and view still images record[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k 88 Digital Still Camera Features Delete protection indicator PROTECT indicator Delete Protection A vailable mode: Card Playback Y ou can prevent your important images recorded on the car d from accidental erasure. 1 In Card Pla yback mode, press the DISPLA Y/MODE SET button until the mode screen appears. 2 Pr[...]

89 Digital Still Camera Features DELETE indicator Deleting Stored Images A vailable mode: Card Playback Deleting One Stored Image Y ou can delete unwanted images to free up memory of a card for new images. Note: • Deleted images cannot be restored. Check whether or not you want the images before perfor ming the procedur e below . 1 In Card Pla yb[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k 90 Digital Still Camera Features DELETE ALL? indicator Deleting All Stored Images Y ou can delete all stored images on a car d in one operation. Notes: • Deleted images cannot be restored. Check whether or not you want the images before perfor ming the procedur e below . • If you want to keep some images [...]

91 Digital Still Camera Features Number of printouts PRINT indicator M indicator Print Order A vailable mode: Card Playback The print order function allows you to add print information called DPOF to still images recorded on a car d. About DPOF DPOF (Digital Printing Order Format) defines the print information for the specific images and number of [...]

Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k 92 Digital Still Camera Features M indicator T o cancel the print or der for an ima ge 1 Select the image for cancelling out of print order in step 5 above , then press the centre of the Operation button. 2 Press l to select “0”, then press the centre of the Operation button. • The M indicator disappear[...]

93 Digital Still Camera Features Direct Print A vailable modes: Card Playback When you connect the camcorder to a Seiko Epson’ s Direct Print compatible printer , you can print out the recor ded still image directly fr om the printer without computer . Preparation T urn on the pr inter . 1 Make sure that the P ower s witch is set to OFF . 2 Conne[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k 94 Digital Still Camera Features Calendar Print A vailable modes: Card Playback In addition to the Direct Print, you can print out the recor ded image with a calendar . Preparation T urn on the pr inter and connect the camcorder to the printer with the supplied USB cable . 1 In Card Pla yback mode, press the [...]

95 Digital Still Camera Features T ransferring Data on Card to Computer T o transfer data from the card, first install the softwar e from the supplied CD-ROM. The CD-ROM includes “USB Driver”, “PixLab Media Browser” and other r elated files. • “USB Driver” is the software that transfers images from the camcorder when connecting to the[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k 96 Digital Still Camera Features Installing the USB Driver For installing the USB driver in Windows XP or Windows 2000, you need to log in as the system administrator . 1 T urn on the PC. • Do not connect the camcorder to the computer with the USB cable at this point. 2 Inser t the supplied CD-ROM containin[...]

97 Digital Still Camera Features T o USB ter minal USB cable (supplied) 8 Inser t a card that contains recorded still images into camcorder . 9 Connect the camcorder to the computer with the supplied USB cable as sho wn below . • It is recommended to use the AC adapter as a power source for extended periods of use. • Connect the USB cable direc[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k 98 Digital Still Camera Features Opening the PDF Manual Click on the Windows “start” b utton and click after moving the pointer to “All Programs”, “PixLab Media Browser V er4” and “PixLab Media Browser LE Operation Manual”. • Adobe Reader 6.0 (or Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later) starts up [...]

99 Digital Still Camera Features T ransfer indicator T ransferring the data on Card to Computer Connecting the camcorder to the computer Connect the camcorder to the computer with the supplied USB cable (see page 97). T ransferring data 1 T urn on the computer, then connect the camcorder with the supplied USB cable . 2 Set the Media Selection switc[...]

Digital Still Camera Features Playbac k 100 Digital Still Camera Features Serial number (100 to 999) Sub-folder of still images Folder of still image files Still image Squeeze Playback A vailable mode: Card Playback When you play back the images recor ded with 1280 K 720 mode on a widescreen TV , the picture quality may decrease. In this case, play[...]

101 Digital Still Camera Features Slide Show Playback A vailable mode: Card Playback Y ou can automatically play back consecu- tive still images recor ded on a card at intervals of 5 seconds. This is useful when confirming the data recorded on a card. 1 Set the camcorder to Card Pla yback mode. 2 Press j , k , l or m on the Operation b utton to sel[...]

Appendix 102 Appendix Darker Brighter Decrease Darker Increase Brighter – + – + – + LCD BR I G HT LCD COLOU R V F BR I G HT 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 [...]

103 Appendix T ur ning off the Confirmation Sound A vailable modes: All modes 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 T ape Camera mode. 1 Pre[...]

Appendix 104 Appendix Demonstration Mode A vailable modes: T ape Camera, Card Camera 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 • The example screens shown [...]

105 Appendix Position the subject in the centre. Focus manually when you need to position the subject off centr e (see page 58). 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 the best [...]

Appendix 106 Appendix Erasure pr otect tab • When a pr eviously recorded Mini DV cassette is used again for recor ding, the previously recor ded material will be automatically erased. • The Mini DV cassette will not operate if inserted in the wrong direction. • Do not repeatedly insert and eject the Mini DV cassette without running the tape a[...]

107 Appendix SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard SD (Secure Digital) Memory Car ds and MultiMediaCards ar e small, handy and flexible storage media used in a variety of mobile applications. They are one of the smallest memory solutions available on the market. This camcorder uses either an SD Memory Card or a MultiMediaCar d. It cannot use a Smar[...]

Appendix 108 Appendix 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 insuffic[...]

109 Appendix 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 110 Appendix 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 w[...]

111 Appendix 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 sol[...]

Appendix 112 Appendix Symptom No image appears on connected TV screen. No image from an ex- ternal source ap- pears on the camcorder screen. Cannot rewind or fast forward tape. Video noise in image. No sound. T ape does not work. Still images in Card mode are rotated 180° upside down. Motion images are rotated 180° upside down. P ossible cause Vi[...]

113 Appendix Symptom Cannot delete image on card. Cannot format card. 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 os[...]

Appendix 114 Appendix 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[...]

115 Appendix 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 ⁄ 4 " (6.4 mm, effective size: 4.5 mm)[...]

Appendix 116 Appendix 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 SET FI N E PIC . FADE SC EN E M EN U M ANU AL SE T FOCUS AUTO FOCUS SE TT I N G 1 QK. DGT L W I DE M O DE RE T URN ZOO M MI C ZOO M TAPE SPEED RETUR N SE TT I N G 2 DIS AUD I O M ODE RE TURN W IN D PHO NE S VOL OTH[...]

117 Appendix SELEC T SET 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 C ODE TC PO W ER SAV E OU T ROTA T E P B AU DIO 2 1 + AU DIO 2 1 + FF RE W STOP PLAY AUD I O D UB S TRETCH P B PIC . FI N E P I C . [...]

Appendix 118 Appendix A U T O AUT O AUT O A U T O AUT O AUT O SELEC T SET SC EN E M EN U M ANU AL SE T FOCUS AUTO FOCUS 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 0 8 2 1 ] [ / 1 21 9 E C O N OM Y 0 8 2 1 ] [ / 1 21 9 SE TT I N G OTHER S 2 OTHE RS 1 BEEP RE M OT E DE F AUL T RE TURN L ANG UAG E RE TURN FO R M A T PO W[...]

119 Appendix SELEC T SET E XEC UTE 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 0 8 2 1 ] [ / 0 11 0 0 1 0 0 - 0 0 2 / 2 PAGE NORM A L 1 FU LL SEL ECT IM G M U L TI 7 0 1 89 0 8 2 1 ] [ / 0 11 0 NOR MA L F UL UL L S E L E C T I MG MU LT I FU LL SEL ECT IM G M U L TI FULL M U L TI DE L E T E ON E PI C . E FFE C T D EL ET[...]

Appendix 120 Appendix Index A AC adapter ....................................... 8, 9 Audio dubbing .............................. 69, 70 Audio playback mode ......................... 71 Audio recor ding mode ........................ 48 Auto focus ........................................... 26 A V terminal ........................ 31, 72, 73, 77 B [...]

VL-Z950S-CE1; 04/2/4/18:00 M Manual focus ..................................... 58 Manual setting ................................... 59 Media Selection switch ...................... 22 MENU button ..................................... 33 Menu screen ...................................... 33 Mini DV cassette .................. 10, 105, 106 Mode scr[...]

VL-Z950S-Cover1; 04/1/19/18:00 Printed in Malaysia TINSLA096WJN1 04P02-M-G Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper . H2732778 6848310 — PixLab Install Ke y SHARP CORPORATION LIQUID CR Y ST AL DISPLA Y CAMCORDER OPERATION MANUAL VL-Z950S -S[...]