SHARP CORPORATIONsupport.sharp.net.au/downloads/opmanuals/VLZ5Eom.pdf · Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note

VL-Z5E/VL-Z3E-E/hyou; 03/02/26/18:00

SHARP CORPORATION

VL

-Z5

E EN

GL

ISH

OP

ER

AT

ION

MA

NU

AL

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

VL-Z5EVL-Z3E

OPERATION MANUAL

Printed in Japan

TINSLA057WJZZ03P04-JKG

VL

-Z3

E

VL-Z5E/VL-Z3E-hyou2/3; 03/3/17/18:00

ENGLISHOPERATION MANUAL

WARNINGTo prevent fire or shock hazard,do not expose this apparatus todripping or splashing. Noobjects filled with liquids, suchas vases, should be placed onthe apparatus.This equipment should be usedwith the recommended ACadapter or battery pack.

CAUTIONTo prevent electric shocks andfire hazards, do NOT use anyother power source.

CAUTIONTo prevent shock, do not open thecabinet. No user serviceable partsinside. Refer servicing to qualifieddealer or service centre.

Important:Audio-visual material may consistof copyrighted works which mustnot be recorded without theauthority of the owner of thecopyright. Please refer to relevantlaws in your country.

Power supply:This unit can be operated byconnecting it to either the ACadapter or battery pack. The ACadapter incorporates the AUTOVOLTAGE (AC 110–240 V,50/60 Hz) function.

NOTEThe LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product withmore than 215,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail.Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue,green, red, or black. Please note that this does not affect theperformance of your camcorder.

Trademarks• Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.• DPOF is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film

Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.• All other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their

respective holders.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual

carefully, especially page vi.

卡放像

1 将媒体选择开关设定至 u。

2 按下锁定钮并将电源开关设定为w。• 以微缩格式显示摄像在卡上的影像。

3 按下操作钮上的j、k、l 或m来将选择框移动至想要的影像。

0100-002/2P A G E

NORMA L

1

F U L LS E L E C T I MG MULT I

7

01

8 9

1000-002/1P A G E

NORMA L

1

1

4

2

5

3

6


1 0/1

C ARD

NORMA L

0- 0 0 1001

F U L LS E L E C T I MG MU L T I

1 0/1NORMA L

0- 0 0 1001


4 按下操作钮的中心部份。• 全屏显示选定的影像。

115 C

页码/总微缩页

电源开关

操作钮

媒体选择开关影像档案名

锁定钮

i

WARNING:This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 7.4 volts from a BT-L226 battery or the AC adapter (UADP-A016WJZZ).CAUTION:As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or ACadapter, do NOT remove their cabinets as touching parts inside couldresult in electric shock. Please refer servicing to a qualified dealer ora Camcorder service centre approved by Sharp.

Information for Australia/New Zealand OnlyE

NG

LIS

H

NOTEThis Camcorder is a high technology product.The LCD Panel comprises 215,280 TFT Transistors. Due to the highdensity of transistors, it is possible that some pixels may fail.

Important:Copyright may exist in material you wish to record.Copying such material without permission of the relevant licensees orowners of the copyright is prohibited by law.Sharp is not in a position to authorize the recording of copyright worksand nothing in this operation manual should be read or implied as givingthat authority.

ii

Part Names .............................................................1Warning Indicators .................................................. 4

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 6Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 8Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet .......... 9Inserting and Removing a Cassette ..................... 10Inserting and Removing a Card ............................ 11Installing the Lithium Batteries .............................. 12Setting the Date and Time .................................... 14Using the Lens Cap ..............................................15Adjusting the Hand Strap .....................................16Using the Grip .......................................................16Detaching the Lens Hood .....................................17Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 17Using the LCD Monitor .........................................19Tips on Recording Positions .................................20

Camera RecordingSelecting the Camcorder Mode ............................ 21Easy Camera Recording on Tape in

Full Auto Mode ...................................................22Zooming ................................................................23Power Standby Mode ...........................................24Turning on/off the Backlight ..................................24Auto Focus ............................................................25Macro Shots ..........................................................25Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 26Remaining Battery Power Display ........................26PlaybackTape Playback ......................................................27Volume Control ......................................................28Still ........................................................................28Video Search .........................................................28Using Earphones

(Commercially Available, VL-Z5 only) ................29Adjusting the Phones Volume (VL-Z5 only) .......... 29Watching Playback on a TV ..................................30

Contents

Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................... vOptional Accessory ............................................................................................ vPrecautions ........................................................................................................ vi

iii

Useful Features Control Buttons .....................................................31Using the Mode Screens ......................................31Using the Menu Screens .......................................32

Camera RecordingSetting the Digital Zoom .......................................33Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 34Gain-up .................................................................35Fade in and Fade out ............................................36Quick Return .........................................................37Edit Search ............................................................38Still Recording on Tape .........................................38Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ...........................39Self Recording ......................................................40Wide Screen (16:9) ...............................................42Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ..... 43Windbreak .............................................................44Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode .........45

PlaybackUsing the Remote Control

(Only supplied with VL-Z5) .................................46Tape Playback Functions with the Remote

Control (Only supplied with VL-Z5) .................... 47Selecting the Date and Time of Recording

Display ................................................................48Picture Effect Playback .........................................49Rotate Playback ....................................................50Copying an Image from Tape to Card ..................51

Advanced Features Camera RecordingManual Focus .......................................................52Returning to Auto Focus .......................................53Displaying the Manual Setting Screen ..................53White Balance Lock ..............................................54Manual Iris ............................................................55Manual Gain ..........................................................56Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode ............. 57Scene Menu (Program AE) ...................................58

iv

Advanced Features PlaybackUsing the Time Code ............................................59Audio Dubbing Feature .........................................60Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 62Editing ...................................................................63Recording from an External Source ......................64Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 66Using the Camcorder as a Converter ................... 68

Digital Still CameraFeatures

Camera RecordingCard Recording ....................................................70Selecting the Picture Quality .................................71Recording with the Self-timer ................................ 72Formatting a Card .................................................73Setting the File Numbering Method ......................74

PlaybackCard Playback ......................................................75Playback Zoom with the Remote Control (Only

supplied with VL-Z5) ..........................................76Delete Protection ...................................................77Deleting Stored Images ........................................78Print Order .............................................................80Transferring Data on Card to Computer ...............82

Installing the USB Driver ...................................82Slide Show Playback ............................................85

Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 86Turning off the Confirmation Sound ......................88Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 89Demonstration Mode ............................................90Useful Information .................................................91Troubleshooting ....................................................97Specifications .....................................................101On-screen Display Index ....................................102

Note:• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages 97–

100.)

Contents

v

Supplied Accessories

Battery packBT-L226

Audio/video/S-videocable

CR2025 typelithium battery

for remote control

CR1216 typelithium batteryfor camcorder Lens cap

CD-ROM8 MB SD Memory Card

Remote control

USB cable

Standard-lifebattery pack

BT-L226

*

The accessories with * mark are not supplied with VL-Z3 (only suppliedwith VL-Z5).

*

Optional Accessory

AC adapter Power cord

*

Note:• The accessory above may not be available in selected areas.

vi

Precautions

• Before recording an important scene,please perform the recording test, thenplayback to check if the scene was re-corded properly. If noise occurs, use acommercially available cleaning tape toclean the video heads (see page viii).

• When the camcorder is not in use, re-member to remove the cassette tape,turn off the power, and disconnect thecamcorder from the power source.

• Do not aim the lens at the sun.Do not allow direct sunlight to strike thecamcorder lens, whether or not recordingis in progress, as it may damage the CCDsensor. Be particularly careful when re-cording outside.

• Avoid magnetic sources.Using the camcorder nearstrong fluorescent lights,motors, televisions, orother magnetic sourcesmay adversely affect re-corded images.

• Using the camcorder near a broad-casting station or other powerful trans-mission source may cause buzzing orpicture deterioration.

• Avoid shocks and dropping.Do not drop or otherwise sub-ject the camcorder to hardshocks or strong vibrations.Bumping or striking the unitduring recording will gener-ate noise in the recordedimage.

• Avoid placing thecamcorder in closeproximity to lightingequipment.The heat from in-candescent lightsmay deform thecamcorder, or causeit to malfunction.

• Always respect prohibitions or restric-tions on the use of electronic equipmenton commercial flights or in other sensi-tive areas.

• Be aware of the temperature and humid-ity.You can use your camcorder at 0°C toL40°C, and at 30% to 80% relative hu-midity. Do not store the unit in anunventilated car in the summer, in directsunlight, or nearstrong heatsources; this canresult in severedamage to the unitcasing and cir-cuitry.

• Avoid situations where water, sand, dustor other foreign matter could get on orinside the camcorder, and do not use orleave your camcorder in areas with ex-cessive smoke, steam or moisture.Such environments can cause malfunc-tions or cause mil-dew to form on thelenses. Be sure tokeep the unit in awell-ventilated loca-tion.

• Some small, portable tri-pods may be difficult toattach and may not besturdy enough to sup-port your camcorder. Besure to use only astrong, stable tripod.

• When using your camcorder in a coldenvironment, the LCD monitor screen of-ten appears less bright immediately af-ter the power is turned on. This is not amalfunction. To prevent the camcorderfrom becoming too cold, wrap it in athick cloth (a blanket, etc.).

vii

Dew Formation

• What is “dew formation”?

When cold water is poured into a glass,dew drops form on the glass. This clingingof water drops is called dew formation.

• When dew forms in your camcorder.

Dew will gradually form on the head drumof your camcorder and make the videotape stick to the head. This causesdamage both to the head and the tape.When dew forms, recording and playbackmay not function properly.

Dew is likely to form in the followingcircumstances:

—When moving the camcorder from acold place to a warm place.

—When placing the camcorder in a coldroom which is then heated rapidly.

—When moving the camcorder outdoorsfrom an air conditioned room or car.

—When placing the camcorder in thedirect path of airblowing from an airconditioner.

—When placing thecamcorder in ahumid room.

• How to prevent trouble.

When using the camcorder in a placewhere dew is likely to form, allow thecamcorder and the video tape toacclimatise to the surroundings for aboutone hour.

For example, when bringing thecamcorder indoors after skiing, place it ina plastic bag.

1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bagcontaining the camcorder.

2Remove the bag when the air tem-perature inside it reaches the tempera-ture of the room.

• “Dew” warning feature

If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes onthe screen, and the power will automati-cally turn off in approximately 10 seconds.

Plastic bag

1 If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,leave the cassette compartment open,and wait for a few hours to allow thecamcorder to acclimatise to thesurrounding temperature.

2To use the camcorder again, turn on thepower after waiting for a few hours. Besure that “DEW” has disappeared.

3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” isflashing; this may result in damage tothe tape.

4Since dew forms gradually, it may take10 to 15 minutes before the dewwarning feature engages.

viii

Dirty Video HeadsWhen the video heads have becomeclogged with dirt (dust and tape coatingparticles),

• mosaic-like noise appears on theplayback picture. (see illustrations above)

• playback pictures do not move.

• during playback, the whole screenbecomes blue.

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commer-cially Available)

Available mode:Tape Playback

You can clean the video head with acommercially available cleaning tape.

Notes:• Excessive use of the cleaning tape may

cause damage to the video heads. Pleaseread the instructions accompanying thecleaning tape carefully before using it.

• The fast forward and rewind functions cannotbe used when the cleaning tape is in thecamcorder.

• If the video heads again become cloggedwith dirt soon after cleaning, this might becaused by a damaged tape. In this case,stop using that cassette immediately.

1 Insert a cleaning tape into thecamcorder.

2 Set the camcorder to Tape Playbackmode.• The video head cleaning screen

appears.

3 Press m on the Operation button tobegin video head cleaning.• “NOW CLEANING” flashes during

cleaning.

• After about 20 seconds, video headcleaning automatically finishes, and“EJECT THE CASSETTE.” displays.

4 Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press l.

Causes of video head clogging

• High-temperature and high-humidityenvironment

• A lot of dust in the air• Damaged tape• Worn tape• Long-time use• Dew formation

If the video heads become clogged, thev indicator appears on the screen. Contactthe nearest SHARP service centre or yourdealer for further advice.

Precautions

S T O PS T A R T

CL EAN I NG

CLE AN I NGNOW

Striped noise Mosaic noise

1



Part Names

For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated inparentheses.

Front view

Zoom lens

DISPLAY button (p. 31)

Operation button (p. 31)

Stereo microphone LCD LAMP button (p. 24)


2

Oper

atio

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fere

nces

Lithium battery cover (p. 12)

Tripod socket*

Card slot cover (p. 11)

Left view

Dioptre adjustment dial (p. 18)

Battery release (pp. 7, 12)

* When attaching a tripodwith a guide pin, do notattach the pin to the bottomof the camcorder.

LCD monitor(p. 19)

Earphones jack(VL-Z5 only) (p. 29)

DV terminal (pp. 66, 68)

USB terminal (p. 83)

DC IN jack (pp. 8, 9)

AV terminal(pp. 30, 63, 64, 68)Terminal cover

(pp. 29, 30, 63, 64, 66, 68, 83)

3


Viewfinder (pp. 17, 18)

Power Zoom Wide angle/Telephoto control (p. 23)/VOLume control (p. 28)

Media Selectionswitch (V Tapemode/u Cardmode selectionswitch) (p. 21)

Start/Stop button(p. 22)

PHOTO button(pp. 38, 51, 70)

Power switch (v CameraRecording mode/w Playbackmode select switch) (p. 21)

STANDBY button(p. 24)

STANDBY indicator(p. 24)

POWER/CHARGE(RED) indicator

(pp. 8, 9, 22)

DC IN jack cover(pp. 8, 9)

Cassette holder (p. 10)

Cassette compartmentdoor release (p. 10)

Cassette compartment door (p. 10)

Right view

Hand strap (p. 16)

Speaker

Window cleaning cover (p. 95)


4

Oper

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Warning Indicators

If a warning indicator appears on the screen, follow the specified instructions.

Displayed for thefirst 3 seconds

Displayed after3 seconds Description of warning

There is no video cassette in the camcorder.Insert a cassette (see page 10).

I NSERTA CASSE T TE.

BAT TERY I STOO LOW.

PROT EC T. TAB

CHANGE THECASSE TTE.

E J E CT THECASSE TTE.

E J E CT THECASSE TTE.

CASSE TTE NOTRECORDABL E.

The video cassette is defective and should beremoved (see page 10).

The erasure protect tab on the video cassettehas been slid to the record-protect position,preventing recording (see page 92).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a newcassette.

THEENDS SOON.

TAPE

DEW

LAMP LAMP

DEW

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with anew cassette (see page 10).

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it witha fully charged battery pack (see pages 6, 7).

Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait afew hours for the dew to dry away (see page vii).About 10 seconds after this warning appears,the camcorder automatically turns off.

The video heads are clogged and should becleaned (see page viii).

The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor isclose to the end of its service life. Call your localauthorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced.

TAPE END

TAPE END

The battery is almost depleted when thecamcorder transfers data through the USBcable. Use the AC adapter or fully chargedbattery pack as the power source (see pages6–9, 84).

U S B U S B

5


Note:• N indicates a flashing display.

Displayed for5 seconds Description of warning

The card is not inserted or is inserted improperly. Check that it isproperly inserted (see page 11).

The capacity of the card is full and cannot store any more images.Delete unnecessary images (see page 78) or replace the card witha new one (see page 11).

The card has no images recorded in the format the camcorder canrecognize.

The images in the card are corrupted or recorded in a formatwhich is not compatible with this camcorder. Format the card touse it with this camcorder (see page 73)*.

The card has not been formatted with this camcorder. Format thecard (see page 73)*.

The card is write-protected (see page 11).

You are trying to delete a protected image. Cancel the protectionsetting (see page 77).

The selected image cannot be read by this camcorder. Format thecard to use it with this camcorder (see page 73)*.

The card cannot record any data due to a problem with the card ordata on the card. Replace the card (see page 11).

NOMEMORY CARD

MEMORYFUL L

CARD

NO DATA ONMEMORY CARD

MEMORY CARDERROR

FORMATMEMORY CARD

MEMORY CARDPROT E C T ED

PROT E C T EDDATA

MEMORY CARDRE AD ERROR

CANNOTSTORE DATA

The camcorder cannot record with the Start/Stop button in CardRecording mode. Press the PHOTO button (see page 70).

PL EASE USEPHOTO BUT TON

The print order cannot be set to more than 999 images.MAX I MUM9 99 IMAGE S

You cannot record any image with a file number bigger than 999–9999. Set FILE NO. menu item to “RESET” (see page 74), thenformat the card (see page 73)* or replace the card with a new one(see page 11).

* Formatting a card erases all stored images, including delete-protected images. Be sure tobackup important data on your computer or other media before formatting the card.

MAX I MUMF I L E NUMBER

Preparation

Prep

arat

ion

6

Preparation

Attaching andRemoving the BatteryPack

Attaching

1 Make sure that the Powerswitch is set to OFF.

2 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angleto the camcorder body.

3 Slide the battery pack in the directionof the arrow with the “m” mark facingout.

4 Push the battery pack in the directionof the arrow until it clicks.

90˚

Power switch “m” mark

7

Preparation

Removing

1 Make sure that the Power switch isset to OFF, then open the LCDmonitor to a 90° angle to thecamcorder body.

90˚

2 Slide the battery release in thedirection of the arrow.

3 Take the battery pack out.

Notes:• BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY-BACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.Removing the battery pack while shooting orduring playback may damage the tape bycausing it to wrap around the video headdrum or destroy the card, rendering itunreadable and unwritable.

• Remove the battery pack from the camcorderif you will not use the camcorder for a longperiod of time.

• Make sure that the battery pack is firmlyattached during operation. If it is not, thebattery pack may come off or camcorderoperation may fail because of the poorcontact pressure.

• To prevent damage to the battery pack whenremoving, be sure to firmly hold the batterypack while pressing the release.

• Use only SHARP model BT-L226 batterypacks with this camcorder. Use of otherbatteries may create a risk of fire orexplosion.

• Before closing the LCD monitor, make surethe battery pack is properly attached to thecamcorder, otherwise the monitor may bedamaged.

Battery release

Preparation

Prep

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ion

8

Charging the BatteryPack

1 Attach the battery pack on thecamcorder, and make sure that thePower switch is set to OFF.

2 Open the DC IN jack cover.

3 Connect the supplied power cord tothe AC power socket on the ACadapter, and insert the AC plug into apower outlet.

4 Insert the DC plug into the DC INjack of the camcorder.• The POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator lights up red.

• The POWER/CHARGE (RED)indicator turns off when the battery ischarged.

4 Remove the DC plug from the DC INjack, then remove the AC adapterfrom the power outlet.

BT-L226

Chargingtime

Batterypack

Max.continuous

recording timeMax.

continuousplayback time

on LCD

120 120 105

Charging time and maximumcontinuous recording and playbacktimes in Tape modes

LCDclosed

LCDopen

105

• The chart specifies the approximate times inminutes.

Notes:• Charge the battery pack between 10°C and

30°C. The battery pack may not chargeproperly at temperatures too low or toohigh.

• The battery pack and AC adapter becomewarm during charging. This is not amalfunction.

• Using the zoom (see page 23) and otherfunctions or turning the power on and offfrequently will increase power consump-tion. This may result in a decrease in theactual recording time compared to themaximum continuous recording timelisted above.

• The charging time and recording time mayvary depending on the ambient tempera-ture and the condition of the battery pack.

• See pages 94 and 95 for more information onusing the battery pack.

• Charge only SHARP model BT-L226 batterypacks. Other types of battery packs mayburst, causing personal injury and damage.

• When attaching the supplied audio/video/S-video cable or USB cable, remove the DCplug, open the terminal cover and connect it.

DC IN jack

AC power socket

To poweroutlet

DC IN jack cover

POWER/CHARGE (RED)indicator

DC plug

9

Preparation

Powering theCamcorder from anAC Outlet

You can also power the camcorder from apower outlet by using the supplied ACadapter.

Note:• The supplied AC adapter is specially

designed for use with this camcorder, andshould not be used as a power supply forother camcorders.

1 Make sure that the Power switch isset to OFF.

2 Open the DC IN jack cover.

3 Connect the supplied power cord tothe AC power socket on the ACadapter, and insert the AC plug into apower outlet.

To poweroutlet

AC power socket

4 Insert the DC plug into the DC INjack of the camcorder.

5 Hold down the Lock button and setthe Power switch to v or w.• The POWER/CHARGE (RED)

indicator lights up green.

Notes:• BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG,

ALWAYS STOP RECORDING OR PLAY-BACK AND TURN THE POWER OFF.Removing the DC plug while shooting orduring playback may damage the tape bycausing it to wrap around the video headdrum or destroy the card, rendering itunreadable and unwritable.

• Disconnect the AC adapter from thecamcorder if you will not use the camcorderfor a long period of time.

DC IN jack

DC IN jack cover

POWER/CHARGE (RED)indicator

DC plug

Preparation

Prep

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ion

10

Inserting andRemoving a Cassette

Inserting

1 Attach the power source to thecamcorder, then slide and hold thecassette compartment door releaseas you open the cassette compart-ment door.• After confirmation sound, the

cassette holder extends and opensautomatically.

2 Insert a commercially available MiniDV cassette fully with the windowfacing outwards, and with the erasureprotect tab facing upwards.

3 Press the “PUSH” mark gently untilthe cassette holder clicks into place.• The cassette holder retracts

automatically.

4 Wait for the cassette holder to fullyretract. Close the compartment doorby pressing its centre until it clicksinto place.

Removing

Perform step 1 above, then take out thecassette.

Notes:• Do not try to close the cassette compartment

door while the cassette holder is extending orretracting.

• Be careful not to get your fingers caught inthe cassette holder.

• Do not apply force to the cassette holderexcept when pressing the “PUSH” mark toclose it.

• Do not tilt the camcorder or hold it upsidedown when you are inserting or removing acassette. It may damage the tape.

• Remove the cassette if you will not use thecamcorder for a long period of time.

• If you do not correctly close the cassetteholder in step 3, the cassette protectionmechanism of the camcorder might eject thecassette. If this happens, repeat the insertionprocedure.

• Do not attempt to pick up the camcorder bythe cassette compartment door.

• If the battery power is too low, you may notbe able to eject the cassette. Replace thebattery pack with a fully charged one.

• You can only use Mini DV cassettes. LargeDV cassettes cannot be used. Be sure to useMini DV cassettes with the i mark.

• See page 92 for more information on thevideo cassette tapes intended for use withthis camcorder.

SAVE

REC

Cassette compartment door release

“PUSH” mark

Erasure protect tab

11

Preparation

Inserting andRemoving a Card

You can use an SD Memory Card (suppliedwith VL-Z5) or a MultiMediaCard (commer-cially available) for storing still images.

Inserting


2 Open the card slot cover.

3 Insert a card into the slot as shownbelow, and push it in fully.

4 Close the card slot cover securely. Back view

Locked position

Unlocked position

Removing

Perform steps 1 and 2 above, push the cardand release slowly (1). Then pull the cardstraight out (2) as shown below.

Notes:• You can use only the SD Memory Card or the

MultiMediaCard (see page 93).• The card supplied with VL-Z5 is preformatted

for immediate use.• See page 93 for more information on the

cards intended for use with this camcorder.• Do not remove the card from the

camcorder while recording data on thecard (S indicator flashes during record-ing). This may delete the recorded imageor damage the card.

• You cannot insert or remove the card whenusing a tripod.

About the write-protectswitch

SD Memory Card has a write-protect switch.When the switch is set to the lockedposition, you cannot record/delete data orformat the card. Set it to the unlockedposition to record/delete data or format thecard.

Card slot cover

Write-protectswitch

LabelClipped corner

Preparation

Prep

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ion

12

Installing the LithiumBatteries

Installing the Memory Battery

The supplied CR 1216 type lithium battery isused to store the memory of the date andtime settings.



3 Slide the battery release in thedirection of the arrow, then take thebattery pack out.

4 Pull out the lithium battery cover inthe direction of the arrow.

5 Insert the smaller lithium battery intothe compartment with the H side ofthe battery facing out.

6 Close the lithium battery cover firmlyuntil it clicks into place.

Removing the MemoryBattery

Perform steps 1 to 4 above,then lift out the battery byusing a pointed object suchas the tip of a ballpoint pen.

Battery release

Lithiumbattery cover

CR 1216 typelithium battery

13

Preparation

Installing the Battery toRemote Control (VL-Z5only)

The CR 2025 type lithium batterysupplied with VL-Z5 is used to power theremote control unit.

1 Hold the remote control facing down,and pull out the battery holder whilepressing the tab toward the centre.

2 Insert the larger lithium battery intothe battery holder with the H side ofthe battery facing the m side of theholder.

3 Insert the battery holder back intoposition.

Notes on the Use of the Lithiumbattery

• Do not short-circuit, recharge, disassemble,or heat the lithium battery.

• Should the lithium battery leak, wipe thebattery compartment clean, and then insert anew battery.

• The lithium batteries will last about one yearunder normal usage.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion ifbattery is incorrectly replaced. Forcamcorder, replace only with same orequivalent type CR1216, for remotecontrol unit, replace only with same orequivalent type CR2025, both recom-mended by the equipment manufac-turer.X KEEP THIS BATTERYAWAY FROM CHILDREN. IF SWAL-LOWED, CONSULT A PHYSICIANIMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCYTREATMENT.Z BATTERY MAY EXPLODEIF MISUSED OR INSTALLED WITHPOLARITY REVERSED. DO NOTRECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE ORDISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

“m” side

H side, CR 2025 typelithium battery

Tab

Preparation

Prep

arat

ion

14

4 Press m or l to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press the centre of the Operationbutton.

6 Press m or l to select “2” (day),then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

7 Press m or l to select “6” (month),then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

8 Press m or l to select “2004” (year),then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

9 Press m or l to select “10” (hour),then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

Setting the Date andTime

Available modes:Tape Camera, Card Camera

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2004(2. 6. 2004) and the time to 10:30 am(10:30).

Note:• Before performing the steps below, make

sure that the CR1216 type lithium battery hasbeen installed (see page 12).

• The example screens shown are for TapeCamera mode.

1 Hold down the Lockbutton and set thePower switch to v.

2 Press the DISPLAY button until themode screen appears.

3 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “MENU”, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

B L C G A I N/ O F FF A D EM E NUSC E N E M E NU

E X E C U T EF A D EM E NUSC E N E M E NU

B L C G A I N/

O T H E RS 2

R E T URN

T I ME C OD E O F FO F FT C O U T

S E T T I NG1 2 H 2 4 H/ 2 4 H

. 11 2 00 0 0:

0 3.

2.0 0 0:

1 2 0 0 3.SE T T I NG

SE T T I NG 2.0 0 0:

6 2 0 0 3.

SE T T I NG 2.0 0 0:

6 2 0 0 4.

SE T T I NG 2.01 0 0:

6 2 0 0 4.

DISPLAY button

Power switch

Operation button

Lock button

15

Preparation

Changing to the 12-hourTime Mode

1 After performing step 10 above, pressl or m to select “12H/24H”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

2 Press l or m to select “12H”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.

Notes:• The date and time, once set, are internally

recorded even when not displayed on thescreen.

• The menu screen automatically turns off if nosettings are made within 5 minutes.

Using the Lens Cap

Attach the strap of the lens cap to the handstrap as shown below.

When attaching or removing the lens cap,grasp the indents on both sides of the cap.

When recording, remove the lens cap andattach the lens cap cord to the fastener sothat the cap will not get in the way.

Note:• Always attach the lens cap over the lens

when not using the camcorder.

1 2H21 H 2 4H

10 Press m or l to select “30” (minute),then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

• The internal clock now startsoperating with the seconds display.


Note:• If the date and time have been set, the

SETTING 1 screen (T) appears in step 4.Select “SETTING” in the OTHERS 2 screen(~) using the Operation button.

SE T T I NG 2.01 3 0: 0 0:

6 2 0 0 4.

O T H E RS 2T I ME C OD ET C O U T

2 4H1 2H

R E T URNS E T T I NG1 2 H 2 4 H/

Indents

Fastener

Preparation

Prep

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16

Adjusting the HandStrap

1 Open the hand strap flap (1) and gripstrap (2).

2 Loosen the grip strap, pass your righthand through the hand strap, and putyour thumb close to the Start/Stopbutton and your middle finger on thePower Zoom control. Then, pull thegrip strap tight until it fits snugly.

3 Seal the Velcro® fasteners of the gripstrap and the hand strap flap.

Using the Grip

Rotate the grip 135° forward or 90°downward so that you can record imageseasily from high or low angle (see page 20).

Note:• The grip cannot rotate when a tripod is

attached.

Grip strap

Hand strap flap

135°

90°

17

Preparation

Using the Viewfinder

You can record the subject using theelectronic viewfinder. You can also watchplayback through the viewfinder.

1 Pull out the viewfinder completely.

2 Hold down the Lockbutton and set thePower switch to v orw.

Detaching the LensHood

Before using a commercially availableconversion lens, detach the lens hood asshown below.

(Continued on the next page)

Note:• You cannot attach the supplied lens hood or

lens cap to a conversion lens.

Power switch

Viewfinder

Lock button

Preparation

Prep

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18

Closing the viewfinder

Push in the viewfinder completely.

Notes:• Do not use excessive force when moving

the viewfinder.• Do not pick up the camcorder by the

viewfinder.• The viewfinder automatically turns off when

the LCD monitor is opened. If the verticalrotation of the monitor is 180° when in TapeCamera or Card Camera mode, however, theviewfinder is on and the subject is displayedboth in the viewfinder and on the monitor(see page 40).

• You can adjust the settings on the MENUscreen through the viewfinder by using theOperation button (see page 31 for use of theOperation button).

• Be sure to close the viewfinder after use.

Adjusting the dioptreAdjust the dioptre according to youreyesight when the picture in the viewfinderor the characters on the on-screen displayis not clear.

1 Pull out the viewfinder completely.

2 Hold down the Lock button and setthe Power switch to v.

3 While looking through the viewfinder,turn the dioptre adjustment dial untilthe indicators in the viewfinder areclearly visible.

Note:• For cleaning the viewfinder, see page 95.

Dioptre adjustment dial

19

Preparation

Using the LCDMonitor

You can use the LCD monitor to play backrecordings that you have made or to watchthe subject during recording.


2 Adjust the LCD monitor to an anglethat allow easy viewing of the on-screen picture.• The LCD monitor rotates 270°

vertically.

Note: Do not try to rotate the LCDmonitor vertically until the monitor iscompletely opened.

• You can also fold the LCD monitorinto the camcorder with the screenfacing out for watching playback onthe monitor.

3 Hold down the Lockbutton and set thePower switch to v orw.• A picture displays on

the LCD monitor.

Note:• Battery consumption is larger when the LCD

monitor is opened. Use the viewfinder insteadof the LCD monitor when you want to savethe battery power.

Closing the LCD monitor

Return the LCD monitor to the vertical 90°position with the screen facing in, and fold itinto the camcorder into place.

Notes:• Do not use excessive force when moving

the LCD monitor.• When closing the LCD monitor, do not tilt

it; otherwise the monitor may not closeproperly and may become damaged.

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the LCDmonitor.

• Do not place the camcorder with the LCDmonitor screen facing down.

• Close the LCD monitor completely with thescreen facing in when not in use.

• Before closing the LCD monitor, make surethe battery pack is properly attached to thecamcorder, otherwise the monitor may bedamaged.

90˚

180

90

Lock buttonLCD monitorPower switch

Preparation

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20

Tips on RecordingPositions

Turn the LCDmonitor so that thescreen facesupward.

Balance yourweight on both

legs.

Turn the LCDmonitor so that the

screen facesdownward.

Place your elbowsagainst your sides.

To create images that are easy to watch during playback, try to record with an uprightposture and steady hands to prevent a shaky image.

Holding the camcorder

Put your right hand through the hand strap, and place your left hand under the camcorderfor support.

Basic posture

Place the viewfindereyecup firmly against

your eye.

Shooting from a low angle

Shooting from a high angle

Note:• Take care not to touch the microphone with your fingers during recording. It will cause noise on

the audio track.

Basic Operations

21

Basic OperationsCamera Recording

Selecting the Camcorder Mode

This camcorder includes functions for use as both avideo camera for recording and playing back imageson tapes and as a digital still camera for recording andplaying back still images on cards. One of the followingcamcorder modes needs to be set before starting anyoperation.

Camcorder modes

Tape Playback mode

For playing back or editing motion and stillimages recorded on a tape.

1 Set the Media Selectionswitch to V.

2 Hold down the Lockbutton and set thePower switch to w.

Card Camera mode

For recording still images on a card.

1 Set the Media Selectionswitch to u.


Tape Camera mode

For recording motion and still images ona tape.

1 Set the MediaSelection switch to V.


Card Playback mode

For playing back still images recorded ona card.

1 Set the Media Selectionswitch to u.


Notes:• To turn the power off, set the Power switch to OFF without pressing the Lock button.• Do not change the camcorder mode by operating the Media Selection switch during recording

or playback, as this may cause damage to the tape or card.

Power switch

Media Selectionswitch

Lock button Lock button

Lock buttonLock button

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22


Easy CameraRecording on Tape inFull Auto Mode

Available mode:Tape Camera

• Before you start recording, perform theoperations described on pages 6 through20 to prepare your camcorder forrecording.

1 Remove the lens cap.


3 Hold down the Lock button and setthe Power switch to v.• The picture from the lens now

displays and the POWER/CHARGE(RED) indicator lights up green.

• The camcorder is now ready torecord (Recording Standby mode).

Note:• If “AUTO” is not displayed at this time,

set the camcorder to Full Auto mode(see page 57).

AU T OAU T O

4 Press the Start/Stop button to beginrecording.

R E C

Note:• Before recording an important scene,

please perform the recording test, thenplayback to check if the scene wasrecorded properly. If noise occurs, use acommercially available cleaning tape toclean the video heads (see page viii).

Maximum continuous recording andactual recording times in TapeCamera mode

Note:• Using the zoom (see page 23) and other

functions or turning the power on and offfrequently will increase power consump-tion. This may result in a decrease in theactual recording time compared to themaximum continuous recording time listedabove.

Media Selection switch

Start/Stop button

Power switch

Lock button

BT-L226

Batterypack

Max. continuousrecording time

120

LCDclosed

LCDopen

105

POWER/CHARGE(RED) indicator

Actualrecording time

60

LCDclosed

LCDopen

55

Basic Operations

23

P A U S E

To pause recording

Press the Start/Stop button again. Record-ing pauses, and the camcorder entersRecording Standby mode.

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF withoutpressing the Lock button.

Note:• If the camcorder remains in Recording

Standby mode for more than 5 minutes inTape Camera mode, the power will automati-cally turn off to save battery power and toprotect the tape from being damaged. Toresume recording, set the Power switch toOFF and then back to v. (The camcorderwill make a confirmation sound when it is leftin Recording Standby mode for about 4minutes.)

Zooming


Zooming allows you to move visually closerto or farther from a subject without physi-cally changing your position.When using the optical zoom, you canenlarge the subject up to 10K.

Zooming inPush the Power Zoom control to the T(telephoto) side to get a close-up view (1).Zooming outPush the Power Zoom control to the W (wideangle) side to get a wide field of view (2).

• The zoom range indicator shows you thecurrent zoom setting.

• The zoom speed depends on how far youpush the Power Zoom control.

Notes:• The camcorder is unable to focus when

zooming in on subjects within 1.5 m.• See page 33 for how to use the digital zoom.

Zooming in (when you want to centreattention on the subject)

Zooming out (when you want to includethe surroundings)

W T 3ZOOMPower Zoom

control

Zoom range indicator

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24


Power Standby Mode


Power Standby mode allows you to preventaccidental recording by locking alloperations except cancelling the mode.

Hold down the STANDBY button for morethan 2 seconds when you pause record-ing in Tape Camera mode.• The screen turns off and the STANDBY

indicator lights up.

Turning on/off theBacklight

Available modes:All modes

You can see the on-screen display outdoorson a sunny day or in a location with brightlighting even when the backlight turns off.Also, this function is useful when watchingplayback on a TV.

Hold down the LCD LAMP button formore than 2 seconds to turn off thebacklight.• “BACKLIGHT OFF” will flash for two seconds,

then H appears on the LCD screen.

To turn on the backlight

Press the LCD LAMP button.

Note:• The BACKLIGHT OFF mode will cancel when

you close the LCD monitor.

To resume operation

Press the STANDBY button again toreturn to the Recording Standby mode.• It takes about 2 seconds to be able to start

recording.

Notes:• Power Standby will cancel and the STANDBY

indicator will turn off in these situations below:— When the camcorder remains in Power

Standby mode more than 5 minutes— When the camcorder is set to Card

Camera, Tape Playback or Card Playbackmode

— When removing the battery pack— When removing a cassette

• The camcorder will turn off automatically in 5minutes after setting Power Standby mode ifit remains in Recording Standby mode aftercanceling Power Standby mode.— When Power Standby mode, for example,

is cancelled after 3 minutes, thecamcorder will turn off if recording is notstarted within 2 minutes.

STANDBY indicator

STANDBY button

LCD LAMP button

Basic Operations

25

Auto Focus


The camcorder is preset to Auto Focusmode, which is designed to focus on mosttypes of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, thecamcorder automatically focuses on thesubject in the centre of the scene. Alwayskeep the subject in the centre of the scene.

Notes:• If no subject is in the centre of the scene, the

focus area will expand and the subjectnearest the center will be focused on.

• Auto Focus may not work in the situationsdescribed on page 52. In these situations,use the manual focus function.

• The camcorder may not be able to focuscorrectly if the subject is closer thanapproximately 1.5 m. Set the zoom control towide angle, and try refocusing again.

• If the lens is dirty or fogged, the camcordermay not be able to focus correctly.

Macro Shots


This camcorder lets you shoot close-upimages of small objects such as flowers andinsects, or make title frames for your videos.When you want to record a magnified imageof a subject which is within approximately1.5 m of the camcorder, do not zoom in onit. Instead, zoom out all the way by pushingthe Power Zoom control to the W side, andthen move the camcorder closer to thesubject until you obtain the desired angle ofview. The camcorder will automaticallyfocus on the subject when the lens is set forthe widest angle.

Note:• When you are recording a macro shot, be

sure that the subject receives sufficientillumination.

Power Zoomcontrol

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26


3 0 min

Remaining BatteryPower Display


When using the camcorder with the batterypack as the power source, the remainingbattery power indicator is displayed. If thebattery power becomes very low, a warningindicator appears. Replace the batterypack.

Notes:• The remaining battery power indicator

appears when the on-screen indicators areturned on.

• Use the remaining battery power indicatoronly as an approximate indication.

• The remaining battery power indicator maychange to either a higher or lower level if youset the Power switch to OFF and then back tov or w.

• In cold environments, the red remainingbattery power indicator may appear sooner.

• Use of the zoom functions when the warningindicator is displayed may cause thecamcorder to suddenly lose power.

THEENDS SOON.

TAPE

TAPE END

Warning indicatorApprox. remaining

time

Less than 1 min.

Remaining RecordingTime Display


When the camcorder is recording in TapeCamera mode, an on-screen indicatordisplays the approximate remaining tapetime in minutes.

The tape has reachedthe end.

CHANGE THECASSE TTE.

TAPE END

BAT TERY I STOO LOW.

Remainingrecording timeindicator

Remainingbattery powerindicator

Notes:• The remaining recording time indicator

appears when the on-screen indicators areturned on.

• The remaining recording time indicatorappears 10 seconds after pressing theStart/Stop button to begin recording.

• The remaining recording time indicator onlyshows the approximate time left. Also, itvaries slightly depending on the length of thetape used. (This function is based on theDVM60 tape standard.)

When the remaining recording time reaches1 minute, a warning indicator will appear.Prepare a new cassette.

Warningindicator

(Green)

(Green)

(Red)

Basic Operations

27

Note:• If you press the Start/Stop button in Tape

Playback mode, the “g” mark appears andthe camcorder enters Recording Standbymode. If you do not intend to record, pressl to turn the “g” mark off, then press m tobegin playback. This will ensure yourprevious recording is not erased (see pages64–67).

To stop playback

Press l.

To turn the power off

Set the Power switch to OFF withoutpressing the Lock button.

Note:• The tape automatically rewinds when

playback reaches the end of the tape.

Watching the playback inthe viewfinder

You can also watch the playback in theviewfinder by closing the LCD monitor withthe screen facing in. You cannot monitor thesound through the speaker when watchingthe playback in the viewfinder.

Tape Playback


The LCD monitor screen functions as ahandy playback monitor. Nothing needs tobe connected, allowing instant on-screenplayback with the sound through the built-inspeaker.



3 Press j (or k) on the Operationbutton to rewind (or fast forward) thetape to the desired point.

4 Press m to begin playback.

Basic OperationsPlayback

Power switch

Operation button

Lock button

Media Selectionswitch


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28

VOLUME

Video Search


The video search function makes it easy tosearch for a desired scene on the tape.

Searching for a Scene Nearthe Current Tape Position

1 During Tape Playback, press k (orj) on the Operation button.• The playback picture fast forwards

(or reverses).

2 When you find the scene, press m toreturn to normal playback.

Searching for a Scene Farfrom the Current Tape Posi-tion

1 During fast forward (or rewind) inTape Playback mode, press and holdk (or j) on the Operation button.• The fast forward (or rewind) picture

displays.

2 If the scene is still rather far from thecurrent tape position, release theOperation button to normal fastforward (or rewind).

3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 above until youfind the scene.

4 Press m to begin normal playback.

Notes:• The sound is off during search.• You may experience picture noise during

search. This is not a malfunction.

Still


The still function allows you to pause inTape Playback mode.

During Tape Playback, press m on theOperation button.

To return to normal playback, press magain.Notes:• The sound is off in Still mode.• To protect the tape, the camcorder automati-

cally returns to normal playback if it is left inStill mode for more than 5 minutes.

Volume Control


When the camcorder is in Tape Playbackmode, push the Volume control to the L or+ side to increase (1) or decrease (2) thevolume.The volume level indicator will appear onthe LCD screen during adjustment only.Once the Volume control is released, thevolume level indicator will disappear shortlyafterwards.

Volumecontrol

IncreaseDecrease

Basic Operations

29

O T H E RS 1E X E C U T EONON

O F F– +

B E E PR EMO T ED E F AU L T

PHON E S V O LD EMO MOD ER E T U RN

– +PHON E S V O L

Using Earphones(CommerciallyAvailable, VL-Z5 only)

Available modes:Tape Playback, Tape Camera

You can monitor the sound via stereoearphones (commercially available) duringplayback or recording. Stereo earphoneswith a 3.5 mm diameter plug can be usedwith this camcorder.

Connect the plug of stereo earphones to theearphones jack on the camcorder as shownbelow.

Notes:• Before connecting stereo earphones, turn the

camcorder volume down to the lowestsetting.

• The built-in speaker automatically turns offwhen stereo earphones are connected to theearphones jack.

Adjusting the PhonesVolume (VL-Z5 only)


You can adjust the phones volume if soundthrough the earphones is difficult to hear.

1 Set the Media Selection switch to V,then hold down the Lock button andset the Power switch to v (see page21).

2 Press the DISPLAY button until themode screen appears (see page 31).


4 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Opera-tion button.

5 Press l or m to select Z, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

Note: “PHONES VOL” does not appearwith VL-Z3.

6 Press l or m to select “PHONESVOL” , then press the centre of theOperation button.

7 Press j or k to adjust to the desiredvolume level, then press the centre ofthe Operation button.


Earphones jack(VL-Z5 only)

Decrease Increase


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30

Watching Playbackon a TV

Available modes:Tape Playback, Card Playback

You can connect the camcorder to a TV toallow a larger audience to enjoy playback.

1 Open the terminal cover on thecamcorder (see page 2).

2 Connect the camcorder to your TV (orVCR) with the supplied audio/video/S-video cable, as shown.

About the S-video socket

S-video sockets are used to separately passthe chroma (colour) and luminance(brightness) components of video signals.They serve to improve the picture quality inboth recording and playback.

Note:• Check that the camcorder, TV, VCR and

other equipment to be used are turnedoff before making any connections.Picture noise or malfunction may occurif any of the above is left on whilemaking a connection.

3 Turn on the TV and set it to the “AV”or “VIDEO” channel. (See theoperation manual of your TV.)• When connecting to a TV via a VCR,

turn on the VCR and set it to the “AV”or “LINE” input channel. Operate theTV as you normally do to view thesignal from the VCR. (See theoperation manuals of your TV andVCR.)

4 Set the Power switch on thecamcorder to w, and begin playback(see page 27).

Notes:• If your TV or VCR has only one audio input

jack, use the white plug for the audioconnection on the TV or VCR.

• If your TV or VCR has an S-video inputsocket, you do not need to connect theyellow video plug.

• Close the terminal cover after use.

VIDEOS-VIDEO

L-AUDIO-R(MONO)

AV-IN

:

Terminal cover

To AVterminal

Black: To S-video input socketYellow: To video input jackWhite: To audio input (L) jackRed: To audio input (R) jack

Audio/video/S-video cable (supplied)

The arrow shows the signal flow.

TV or VCR

Useful Features

31

Operation button


DISPLAY buttonPower switch

Informationdisplay on

Mode screen

Informationdisplay off

Example

Example

Useful Features

Control Buttons

Operation button

Use the Operation button to select and setthe desired setting.

Using the Mode Screens

In the mode screens, you can adjust thecamcorder settings by using the Operationbutton.

1 Set to the desired camcorder modeby using the Media Selection switchand the Power switch (see page 21).• See pages 102 to 105 for the mode

items you can select in eachcamcorder mode.

• Steps 2 to 4 show how to change theSCENE MENU setting in TapeCamera mode.


3 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select the desired modeitem (SCENE MENU), then press thecentre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select the desiredmode setting (DUSK), then press thecentre of the Operation button.

To turn off the mode screen

Press the DISPLAY button.

Note:• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

3 0minAU T O

3 0minAU T O

S E L E C T S E T

O F FF A D EM E NUS C E N E M E NU

B L C G A I N/

4002.203:01

6 .


F A D EM E NUSC E N E M E NU OF F

B L C G A I N/

S C E N E M E NU

F A D EM E NU

DUS K

B L C G A I N/

DISPLAY buttonEach time you press the DISPLAY button,the screen changes as shown below.• The example screens shown are for Tape

Camera mode.

Useful Features

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32

DISPLAY button

Operation buttonMedia Selection switch

Power switch

Example

Example

Example

Using the Menu Screens

Use the menu screens to adjust the variouscamcorder settings.

1 Set to the desired camcorder modeby using the Media Selection switchand the Power switch (see page 21).• See pages 102 to 105 for the menu

items you can select in eachcamcorder mode.

• Steps 2 to 8 show how to change theDGTL ZOOM menu setting in TapeCamera mode.

2 Press the DISPLAY button until themode screen appears (see page 31).


4 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

Note:• The menu screen does not appear

during recording.

5 Press l or m to select the desiredmenu screen (T), then press thecentre of the Operation button.

• You can press k, instead of thecentre of Operation button.

6 Press l or m to select the desiredmenu item (DGTL ZOOM), then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

• You can press k, instead of thecentre of the Operation button.

7 Press l or m to select the desiredmenu setting (40), then press thecentre of the Operation button.

• You can press j, instead of thecentre of the Operation button.

• To adjust another menu item, pressl or m to select “RETURN” andpress the centre of the Operationbutton, then perform steps 5 to 7.


Notes:• Certain menu items are common to all

camcorder modes. If the BEEP menu item, forexample, is set to “OFF” in Tape Cameramode, it will be automatically set to “OFF” inother modes.

• The menu screen automatically turns off if nosettings are made within 5 minutes.

• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

S E T T I NG 1QK .DG T L

RE T URN

Z OOMT A P E S P E E D

R E T URN S T A R TOF FS P

S C E N E ME NUE X E C U T EM E NU

F A D EB L C G A I N/


RE T URN


R E T URN S T AR TOF FS P


RE T URN


R E T URNOF F4 05 0 0

04DGTL ZOOM

Useful Features

33

Power Zoomcontrol

Digital zoom indicator

Useful FeaturesCamera Recording

5 Press l or m to select “DGTLZOOM”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

6 Press l or m to select “40” or “500”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.


The “D” digital zoom indicator is displayedduring digital zooming.

To use optical zoom only

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.

Setting the DigitalZoom


You can select three different zoom ranges:1–10K (optical zoom), 10–40K (digitalzoom) or 10–500K (digital zoom). Thedigital zoom allows you to record powerfulclose-up pictures with the same operationas normal zooming.

Notes:• The digital zoom is in addition to the optical

zoom giving a combined maximum zoomrange of 1–500K.

• As the image is enlarged digitally, thepicture quality decreases when higherdigital zoom settings are used.

1 In Tape Camera mode, press theDISPLAY button until the modescreen appears.



4 Press l or m to select T, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.



RE T URN


R E T URNOF F4 05 0 0

W T 52D-ZOOM

04DGTL ZOOM


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BacklightCompensation (BLC)


When the subject is backlit, the image willappear dark if it is recorded normally. Usethe backlight compensation (BLC) functionto improve the picture.


1 In Tape Camera or Card Cameramode, press the DISPLAY button untilthe mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “BLC/GAIN”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select “ON x”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.


BLC / GA I N ON

AU T OAU T O3 0min3 0min

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe mode screen.• “x” appears when on-screen

indicators are turned on, indicating thatthe backlight compensation is nowworking.

To cancel the backlight compensa-tion function


Useful Features

35

Gain-up


When you are recording in a dark or poorlyilluminated location, “LIGHT” is displayedon the screen. Use the gain-up function torecord a brighter picture.

Note:• At locations where lighting is adequate,

“LIGHT” will not appear. The gain-up functioncannot be used in this case.



AU T O3 0min3 0min

BLC / GA I N ON

To cancel the gain-up function


Notes:• You may experience some picture noise in

Gain-up mode, which increases when thee appears.

• When the e indicator appears, you mayget a shadow image behind a subject that ismoving around a lot.

• Fine brightness adjustments are possiblewhen using manual iris (see page 55).

• The e indicator will disappear andGain-up mode will cancel if you aim thecamcorder in a bright location.

2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “BLC/GAIN”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select “ON e”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe mode screen.• “e” appears when on-screen

indicators are turned on, indicating thatthe gain-up function is now working.



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Fade In and Fade Out


The fade function allows you to graduallybring the image and sound in or out at thebeginning or end of a scene for creatingscene transitions. This is especially effectivein creating a dramatic change in scenery.

4 Press the DISPLAY button until on-screen indicators appear.

5 Press the Start/Stop button to beginrecording.• The picture turns white, and the

image and sound fade in.

6 Press the Start/Stop button at thepoint where you wish to stoprecording.• The image and sound fade out as the

picture gradually turns white. Thecamcorder then returns to RecordingStandby mode.

To cancel Fade mode


To use Fade Out only

1 During camera recording in TapeCamera mode, press the DISPLAYbutton until the mode screen appears.

2 Perform steps 2 and 3 in “Using”.

3 Press the Start/Stop button at thepoint where you wish to stoprecording.

Note:• Fade mode automatically cancels after Fade

Out.

Using


2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “FADE”, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “ON”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

F A D EM E NUSC E N E M E NU

OF FB L C G A I N/

R E C

3 0minAU T O

F A D E I N

R E C

3 0minAU T O

F A D E I N

R E C

2 72 7minAU T O

F A D E OUTOUT

minAU T O

F A D E

Fade in

Fade out

Operation button

DISPLAY buttonStart/Stop button

Useful Features

37

Quick Return


If while playing back your tape you want toquickly return to the last recorded sceneand start recording again, use the quickreturn function.

1 Set the camcorder to Tape Cameramode.

2 In Recording Standby mode, pressthe DISPLAY button until the modescreen appears.




6 Press l or m to select “QK.RETURN”, then press the centre ofthe Operation button.

7 Press l or m to select “START”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• “SEARCH” flashes, and the tape

begins fast forwarding or rewindingto the end of the last recorded scene.

• When the tape reaches the end ofthe last recorded scene, “FINISHED”is displayed, and the camcorderenters Recording Standby mode.


Notes:• To cancel the quick return function while

“SEARCH” is flashing, press the centre ofOperation button twice.

• Quick return will not work if you remove thecassette and reload it after recording or ifnothing has been recorded since loading.


RE T URN


R E T URN S T AR TS T OP

SE A RC H


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Still Recording onTape


You can record continuous still images ofsubjects.


2 In Recording Standby mode,press the PHOTO button fully.• A still image of the subject is

displayed.

3 Press the Start/Stopbutton.• The still image of the

subject will be recorded.

To pause recording

Press the Start/Stop button.

To cancel the still image

Press the PHOTO button fully.

Notes:• Still Recording can also be used during

recording by pressing the PHOTO buttonfully.

• The picture quality in Still Recording functionwill be slightly lower than normal pictures.

Edit Search


The edit search function lets you search,without switching from Tape Camera modeto Tape Playback mode, for the point on thetape where you wish to start recording next.


2 In RecordingStandby mode,press and holddown j (reverseedit search) or k(forward editsearch) on theOperation button.

3 When you find the point where youwant to begin recording, release thebutton.

Notes:• The sound is off during search.• Forward edit search is performed at the same

speed as normal playback, and reverse editsearch at 6.5 times the normal playback.

• You may experience picture noise duringreverse edit search.

Operation button

Useful Features

39

Digital ImageStabilization (DIS)


The digital image stabilization (DIS) functionallows you to stabilize the image byelectronically compensating for relativelyminor image shaking that is often annoyingin close-up shots.




4 Press l or m to select Y, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select “DIS”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

6 Press l or m to select “ON”, thenpress the center of the Operationbutton.

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.• The DIS indicator only appears when

the on-screen indicators are turnedon.

To cancel DIS function

Select “OFF” in step 6 above. The zindicator will disappear.

Notes:• The DIS function cannot compensate for

excessive image shaking.• When image shaking does not occur (e.g.

when using the camcorder on a tripod), turnoff the DIS function. The picture will appearmore natural when the DIS function is off.

S E T T I NG 2D I S1 6 9:A UD I O MOD E

R E T URNW I N D

ONO F F

T A P E

OND I S

DIS indicator


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Self Recording

Normal self recordingAvailable modes:

Tape Camera, Card Camera

Open the LCD monitor and rotate it 180°vertically so that the screen faces the otherway and the subject can monitor the shotwhile you are recording with the viewfinder.

If the camcorder is steadied, you can recordyourself in the scene by watching yourselfon the LCD monitor. The remote control(only supplied with VL-Z5) is useful for suchoccasions.

1 Pull out the viewfinder completely.Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angleto the camcorder body (1), and thenrotate it 180° vertically (2).

180˚

90˚

2 Set the Media Selection switch to Vor u.

3 Set the Power switch to v.• The subject is displayed in the

viewfinder, and a mirror image of thesubject is displayed on the LCDmonitor.

4 Begin recording.

Notes:• Use the remote control (only supplied with

VL-Z5) to begin/stop recording on tape.• You can play back images while the monitor

is in the self recording position. Set thecamcorder to Tape Playback or CardPlayback mode.

Useful Features

41

Self recording with reversedgripAvailable mode:

Tape Camera

Rotate the grip 90° and the LCD monitor180° vertically so that you can recordyourself while holding the grip.

3 Open the LCD monitor to a 90° angleto the camcorder body (1), and thenrotate it 180° vertically (2).

4 Set the Media Selection switch to V.

5 Set the Power switch to v.

6 Begin recording.

Notes:• Do not rotate the monitor section to the self

recording position during recording orplayback.

• During self recording, the mode or menuscreen cannot be displayed.

• All of the manual settings are set to AUTOand some other settings will set to OFF in selfrecording.

• You may experience image noise when usingself recording.

• To operate self recording with reversed gripcorrectly, make sure to turn the grip and thelens section so that the Start/Stop button andthe tripod socket face upward, and the lensfaces toward you. The I indicator willappear.

• Be sure that the LCD monitor rotation isexactly 180°, otherwise the image recordedwill be rotated 180° upside-down.

• In self recording with reversed grip in CardCamera mode, the still images will berecorded rotated 180° upside down. The Jindicator will appear in this case.

• The viewfinder does not work in selfrecording with reversed grip.

1 Turn the camcorder downward asshown below.

2 Rotate the lens section 90° verticallyas shown below.

90˚

180˚

90°


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Wide Screen (16:9)


The wide screen function lets you recordscenes with the wide-screen feel of a movieshown in a theatre The top and bottom ofthe picture are masked with black bands toproduce an effective screen aspect ratio of16:9.





5 Press l or m to select “16:9”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

6 Press l or m to select “ON”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.• The picture is displayed with the top

and bottom portions masked.


To return to normal screen

Select “OFF” in step 6 above.B L C G A I N/ O F FF A D EM E NUSC E N E M E NU


R E T URNW I N D

ONO F F

ON1 6 9:

Normal screen Wide screen

Useful Features

43

Recording in LP (LongPlay Recording) Mode


This camcorder allows you to record in LP(Long Play Recording) mode for approxi-mately 50% more recording time with thesame picture quality as that in SP (StandardPlay Recording) mode.





5 Press l or m to select “TAPESPEED”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

6 Press l or m to select “LP”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.• The long play recording mode

indicator only appears when the on-screen indicators are turned on.

To return to SP mode

Select “SP” in step 6 above.

Notes on the use of LPmode

• To record in LP mode, be sure to use aMini DV cassette labelled for use with LPmode.

• Frozen images, mosaic-pattern picturenoise, audio interruptions or audio lossmay occur in the following cases:—When using a tape which is not

designated for use with LP mode.—When a tape recorded in LP mode

under high temperature conditions isplayed back.

—When a tape recorded in LP mode withthe camcorder is played back on a MiniDV player or camcorder from anothermanufacturer.

—When a tape recorded in LP mode isplayed back on a Mini DV player orcamcorder without an LP function.

• Audio dubbing is not possible with LPmode recording.



RE T URN


R E T URN

S PL P

T A P ELP

LPT APE SPE ED

Long play recording mode indicator


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Windbreak


The windbreak function allows you toreduce annoying noise from strong windswhen recording.

1 In Tape Camera mode, press theDISPLAY button until the modescreen appears (see page 31).




5 Press l or m to select “WIND”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.




R E T URNW I N D O F F

ON

ONW I ND

To cancel Windbreak


Note:• Keep the windbreak function off during

normal recording. If left on, the recordedaudio may sound somewhat muffled whenplayed back.

Useful Features

45

Selecting the 16-bitAudio RecordingMode


The camcorder normally records audio inthe 12-bit audio recording mode. For higher-quality audio recording, select the 16-bitaudio recording mode.

1 In Tape Camera mode, press theDISPLAY button until the modescreen appears (see page 31).




5 Press l or m to select “AUDIOMODE”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

6 Press l or m to select “16bit”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.• The 16-bit audio recording mode


To return to 12-bit audio recordingmode

Select “12bit” in step 6 above.

Note:• When using Audio Dubbing with 16-bit audio

recordings, both the dubbed and originalsounds will be recorded in mono (see page60).

1 6 bitAUD I O MODE


R E T URNW I N D

11

26

bitbit

T A P E16 bit

16-bit audio recording mode indicator

Useful FeaturesPlayback

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46

Using the RemoteControl (Onlysupplied with VL-Z5)


Use the remote control to operate thecamcorder from a distance, such as whenyou want to record yourself in a scene, orwhen the camcorder is connected to a TVfor use as a VCR.

Activating

• The example screens shown are for TapePlayback mode.





5 Press l or m to select “REMOTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.




Operating

Aim the remote control at the remote sensorof the camcorder, and press the controlbuttons to operate.

Notes:• Be careful not to expose the remote sensor to

direct sunlight or strong interior lighting, asthis may prevent the remote control fromoperating properly.

• Be sure that there are no obstacles betweenthe remote control and the remote sensor.

• The remote control (RRMCGA149WJSA) isnot supplied with VL-Z3. Contact the nearestSHARP service center or your dealer forpurchasing as specified part.

O T H E R S 1


R E T U RN

O NO F F

REMOT E ON

ZOOM (W/T) buttons

SLOW button

Remote sensor5 m

CARD PLAY/MULTI button

Advance/reverse buttons

Shift buttons

VOLUME +/L buttons

PLAY button

STOP button

PAUSE/STILLbutton

REW button

FF button

DATE button

T/C (TimeCode) button

CARD REC buttonTAPE REC START/STOP button

Useful Features

47

Tape PlaybackFunctions with theRemote Control (Onlysupplied with VL-Z5)


You can use the following playbackfunctions with the remote control (onlysupplied with VL-Z5). (See page 46 for useof the remote control.)

The reverse playback function allows you toplay back images in reverse.

During Tape Playback, press thej button.

Slow

The slow function allows you to play backimages in slow motion.

During Tape Playback, press theSLOW button (f).Then, select the tape direction usingthe advance/reverse buttons (j orh).

To return to normal playback, press thePLAY button (t).

Note:• To protect the tape, the camcorder automati-

cally returns to normal playback if it is left inSlow mode for more than 10 minutes.

Frame Advance

The frame advance function allows you toplay back still images frame by frame.

1 During Tape Playback, pressthe PAUSE/STILL button (g)to pause playback.

2 Press the h (or j)button.• Each time you press the

button, the pictureadvances one frameforward (or backward).


Notes:• The sound is off during reverse, slow, and

frame advance playback.• If you use the slow or frame advance function

with the tape recorded in LP mode, thepicture may advance several frames at atime.

• The reverse frame advance moves about 30frames.


Note:• The camcorder automatically returns to

normal playback if it is left in reverseplayback for more than 30 minutes.

Reverse Playback

Advance/reversebuttons

PAUSE/STILLbutton

SLOW button


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Selecting the Dateand Time ofRecording Display


Follow the procedure below to select thedate, or both the date and time, of recordingdisplay on the screen. You can display thedate and time during both recording andplayback.


1 Hold down the Lock button and setthe Power switch to v or w.


3 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “DATE DISP.”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

4 Press l or m to select the desiredsetting, then press the centre of theOperation button.

• Each time you press l or m, thesetting changes as shown below.

5 Press the DISPLAY button until thedate (or date and time) appears.

Notes:• The date (or date and time) appears when

the on-screen indicators are turned on.• Before recording, make sure that the date

and time have been correctly set. If they havenot been set, the display will be left blankwhen playing back the recording. (Thedisplay will also be left blank for unrecordedor damaged portions of the tape.)

• In Tape Playback mode, the current date andtime are displayed when the tape is not beingplayed back.

• You can also press the DATE button on theremote control (only supplied with VL-Z5) todisplay the date (or date and time).

OF FAUD I O DUBM E NUD A T E D I SP.

P I C. E F F E C T

DA T E D I S P. DA T E + T I ME

AUD I O DUBP I C . E F F E C T

M E NU

DATEOFF

DATE + T I ME

4002.2 6 .

F FR EWS T O PP L A Y

DATE D I S P. DATE

Useful Features

49

Picture EffectPlayback

Available modes:Tape Playback, Card Playback

These picture effects let you play backimages with a more dramatic effect.

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe mode screen.

To cancel Picture Effect Playback


Notes:• Video images in Picture Effect Playback

mode cannot be transferred via DV cable to apersonal computer.

• You cannot use Picture Effect Playback withSlide Show Playback.

Types

B/W: The picture is displayed inblack-and-white.

SEPIA: The picture is displayed insepia colour similar to that of an oldphotograph.

SOLARI: The contrast of the subjectis enhanced, creating an uniqueartistic image.

NEGA: The blacks and whites of theimage are reversed and colours ofthe image are inverted.


1 During Tape Playback (or CardPlayback), press the DISPLAY buttonuntil the mode screen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “PIC. EFFECT”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select the desiredpicture effect, then press the centre ofthe Operation button.

DA T E D I S P.

OF FAUD I O DUBP I C . E F F E C T

M E NU

B WP I C. E F FECT


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Rotate Playback


This function allows you to play backimages rotated 180°.

1 In Tape Playback mode, press theDISPLAY button until the modescreen appears.



4 Press l or m to select V, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select “ROTATEPB”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

6 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• Rotate Playback indicator appears.

7 Press m to begin Rotate Playback.• The image is rotated 180° upside

down.

P L A Y B A C K

A UD I OA N L G DG T LR E T U RN

S E TE X E C UT ER E T U RN

R O T A T E P B

AUDIORO T A T E PB

21 +

To cancel Rotate Playback

Press the centre of the Operation buttonin step 7 above.

Notes:• When executing Rotate Playback during Tape

Playback, playback will stop. Press m tobegin Rotate Playback.

• Even if the camcorder is in Rotate Playbackmode, the image output via a DV connectionwill display as normal playback.

• The camcorder will stop and cancel RotatePlayback when the LCD monitor is closed.

• When you want to display the menu screenduring Rotate Playback, press the centre ofthe Operation button.

• In Rotate Playback mode, you cannotperform frame advance, slow, and pictureeffect playback or copying an image fromtape to card.

Rotate Playback indicator

Useful Features

51

Copying an Imagefrom Tape to Card


You can capture your favourite image framefrom a video tape recording and save it oncard.

1 Insert the recorded Mini DV cassetteand a card in the camcorder.

2 Set the camcorder to Tape Playbackmode, then begin tape playback.

3 Press m on the Operation button atthe point where the desired imageappears.• A still picture of the image appears.

Note:• To cancel the still picture, press m

again.

4 Press the PHOTO button to copy theimage to the card.• The S indicator flashes red while the

image is copied.

AUDIO 2+ 21 +

AUDIO 2+ 21 +

PHOTO button Operation button

Advanced FeaturesCamera Recording

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Power Zoom controlOperation button

DISPLAY button

Manual focus indicator

Manual Focus


Auto Focus may not be able to focus on thesubject in the situations shown below. Insuch situations, set the camcorder toManual Focus mode and focus manually.

Fast-speed shutter beingused under fluorescent

lighting.

Subject is too dark. Lack of contrast, e.g.snow scene.

Fast-moving subject. Background is too bright.

Subject has horizontalstripes.

Subject is being shot through adirty or wet window.

Light reflects off thesubject.

Two subjects at different distancesoverlap in the same scene.

Subject has fine, repeatedpatterns.

Subjects at different distancesappear in the centre of the scene

at the same time.




2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “FOCUS”, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

3 Adjust the Power Zoom control toframe the subject as you desire.

4 Press l or m to focus on thesubject.p: To focus on a closer subjecto: To focus on a more distant subject

5 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe mode screen.• “MF” appears when the on-screen

indicators are turned on.

Note:• When “MF” is displayed, you can manually

adjust the focus by pressing l or m, even ifthe focus setting screen is not displayed.

S C EN E ME NUS E TM ANU A L

F O CU S /

M E NU

3 0min3 0minMF

Useful Features

53

Displaying the ManualSetting Screen


You can manually adjust these settings asshown below in the manual setting screen.• White Balance (see page 54)• Manual Iris (see page 55)• Manual Gain (see page 56)



2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “MANUAL SET”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.


Notes:• Tape Camera and Card Camera mode do not

share manual settings.• Items that are not selectable are greyed out.

Returning to AutoFocus


You can set Manual Focus mode to AutoFocus mode with the operation below.



2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “AUTO FOCUS”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• The FOCUS setting returns to Auto

Focus mode.

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe mode screen.

S C EN E ME NUS E TM ANU A L

F O CU SA U T O F O CU S E X E C UT E

S C E N E ME NUE X E C U T E

M E NUF A D E

S E TM ANU A L

WH I T E B A L .I R I SGA I N

F U L L A U T O

R E T URN

E X E C U T E

A U T OA U T O

A U T O


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White paper or white clothWhite Balance Lock


The colour of the subject on the screenlooks different depending on lightingconditions. Lock the White Balance if theAuto White Balance does not work properly.


2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “MANUAL SET”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton (see page 53).


4 Press l or m to select “WHITEBAL.”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

5 Press l or m to select “LOCKMODE”.

6 Aim the lens at a white object.

• Adjust the distance of the object sothat the entire screen is white.

7 Press the centre of the Operationbutton to set the white balance lock.• “LOCK MODE” will change to

“LOCK” after pressing the centre ofthe Operation button.

• “LOCK” flashes during the lockingprocedure, and stops flashing afterlocking the white balance.

Note:• If you move the camcorder while

“LOCK” is flashing, “LOCK” may notstop flashing. If this occurs, repeatstep 7.

8 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe MANUAL SET screen.

To return to Auto White Balancemode

Press k in step 5 above, then press thecentre of the Operation button.

To return to Full Auto mode

Set the camcorder to Full Auto mode (seepage 57).

Note:• White Balance setting cannot be used

when a scene setting is selected.

WH I T E B A L .I R I S

A U T O

GA I N

F U L L A U T O

R E T URN

L O C K MODEWH I TE B A L .

Useful Features

55

Manual Iris


The camcorder is preset to Auto Iris mode,which automatically selects the optimalaperture. However, when there is too muchcontrast in brightness between the subjectand background, you may not be able torecord a clear image. In this case, use themanual iris function to correct the iris value.

Background is too bright and subject toodark (backlit subject).• Decrease the iris value to allow more light

through the lens.

Subject is too bright against background.• Increase the iris value to allow less light

through the lens.




4 Press l or m to select “IRIS”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select the desirediris value, then press the centre of theOperation button.

• The number shown is the selectediris value. The adjustment range is 15steps from F1.8 (most light) to F19(least light).


To return to Auto Iris mode




Note:• Manual Iris mode cannot be used when a

scene setting is selected.

WH I T E B A L .I R I S A U T OGA I N

F U L L A U T O

R E T URN


F U L L A U T O

R E T URN

F 2 . 0

E X E C U T EA U T O

A U T O


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Manual Gain


When recording in a dark or poorlyilluminated location with Auto Gain mode,the light sensitivity of the camcorder (gain)will be automatically adjusted and therecorded image may be brighter than thesubject actually is. If you want to faithfullyrecord a dark scene in this case, use themanual gain function. You can also adjustthe gain to record a backlit subject brighter.

Example of use

Faithfully recording a dark scene• Select a smaller gain value (to decrease the

light sensitivity).

Background is too bright and subject istoo dark (backlit subject)• Select a larger gain value (to increase the

light sensitivity).




4 Press l or m to select “GAIN”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select the desiredgain value, then press the centre ofthe Operation button.

• The number shown is the selectedgain value. The adjustment range is 7steps from 0dB (lowest sensitivity) toL18dB (highest sensitivity).

Note: If you select a large gain value,the image may appear grainy.


To return to Auto Gain mode




Note:• Manual Gain mode cannot be used when a

scene setting is selected.


A U T OGA I N

F U L L A U T O

R E T URN


F U L L A U T O

R E T URN+ 3 d B

E X E C U T E

A U T OA U T O

Useful Features

57

Setting theCamcorder to FullAuto Mode


You can set all manual settings, includingwhite balance, iris, gain, but not focus, toFull Auto mode in one operation.




4 Press l or m to select “FULLAUTO”, then press the centre of theOperation button.


E X E C U T EL OC K

GA I N

F U L L A U T O

R E T URN+ 3 d BF 4 0.


F U L L A U T O

R E T URN

E X E C U T E

A U T OA U T O

A U T O



Note:• You cannot select “FULL AUTO” when no

manual settings are currently in use.


E X E C U T E

GA I N

F U L L A U T O

R E T URN


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Scene setting indicator

Scene Menu(Program AE)


You can set the camcorder to a shootingmode that will create the best results for aspecific situation. Just select one of the sixscene settings shown below. Thecamcorder will automatically set theexposure, white balance, and shutter speedto produce the optimum picture quality forthe selected situation.



2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “SCENE MENU”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select the scenesetting that best fits the recordingsituation, then press the centre of theOperation button.• The selected scene setting displays

on the mode screen.

4 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe mode screen.• The selected scene setting indicator

displays when the on-screenindicators are turned on.

To cancel the scene setting


Note:• Scene settings cannot be used when using

any manual setting except focus. Also notselectable when e displays.

Types

SPORT (A): When you want to recorda fast-moving subject.

DUSK (B): When you want tofaithfully record the red of the settingsun, and the surrounding twilight.

SUNLIGHT (F): When background isvery bright.

PARTY (C): When the illumination isfrom a spotlight or candle.

NIGHT LUMI (D): When you want torecord fireworks or an illuminatedobject in the dark.

SLOW SHUT. (E): When you want torecord an object in a dim place andmake it emerge brightly.

S C E N E ME NU OF F

B L C G A I N/F A D EME NU

T A P E

DUSKSCENE MENU

Advanced Features

59

Using the Time Code

Available modes:Tape Camera, Tape Playback

The time code shows the hour, minute andsecond of recording, and the frame number(1 frame = approx. 1/25 sec.). This isautomatically recorded along with thesubject when you are recording on the tape.You can display the time code on the screenas an accurate counter in both TapePlayback and Tape Camera modes.

Display format


1 During playback or camera recordingin Tape mode, press the DISPLAYbutton until the mode screen appears.

2 Select “MENU”, then “EXECUTE” byusing the Operation button (see page32).

3 Press l or m to select ~, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “TIMECODE”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

5 Press l or m to select “ON”, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

0 00 1 0 2 0TC

Advanced FeaturesPlayback

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.• The time code appears when the on-

screen indicators are turned on.

Minute

Hour

ONT IME CODE

O T H E R S 2T I ME CO D ET C OU T

R E T U RNS - V I D E O I N

O F FON

01: 02:0T CAUDIO 21 +

Displaying the time code ona TV during playback



3 Press l or m to select ~, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

4 Press l or m to select “TC OUT”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select “ON”, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.




O F FON

ONT C OUT

To turn off the time code

Select “OFF” in step 5 above.Notes:• When the tape reaches an unrecorded

section, the time code returns to zero(TC0:00:00). Once recorded, the time codecannot be changed.

• You can also press the T/C button on theremote control (only supplied with VL-Z5) todisplay the time code.Second

Frame number*

* Displayed during still orframe advance playback.

Time code


Adva

nced

Fea

ture

s

60

Audio DubbingFeature


You can add narration to recordings madewith this camcorder, while preserving theoriginal audio and video recordings.

Microphone for Audio Dubbing

You can use the built-in stereo microphoneto record narration.

Notes:• Audio dubbing does not function through the

DV terminal.• You cannot use audio dubbing with

recordings made in LP mode.• You cannot use the built-in stereo microphone

for audio dubbing when the audio/video/S-video cable is connected.

Audio Recording

In normal recording mode

12-bit audio recordingThe audio is recorded in stereo on Audio 1.

Audio 1: Stereo (left and right) soundAudio 2: No audio

16-bit audio recordingThe audio is recorded in stereo with the leftand right sound on two separate channels.

Audio 1: Left soundAudio 2: Right sound

In Audio Dubbing mode

12-bit audio recordingThe dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2.

Audio 1: Original stereo (left and right)sound

Audio 2: Dubbed stereo (left and right)sound

16-bit audio recordingThe dubbed audio is recorded on Audio 2over the original right sound. Both dubbedand original sounds are mono.

Audio 1: Original left soundAudio 2: Dubbed sound

Note:• You can select the 12-bit or 16-bit audio

recording mode by performing the procedureon page 45.

Built-in stereo microphone

Advanced Features

61

Audio Dubbing

1 Play back the Mini DV cassetterecorded in SP mode and locate thetape position where you wish to startaudio dubbing.

2 Press m on the Operation button topause playback.


4 Press l or m to select “AUDIODUB”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

5 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• The audio dubbing screen appears.

6 Press m to begin audio dubbing.Record your narration.

To pause audio dubbing

Press l. To resume audio dubbing, pressm again.

To cancel audio dubbing

Press the centre of the Operation button instep 5. The audio dubbing screen disap-pears.

If you wish to change thedubbed audio or dub addi-tional scenes

1 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe audio dubbing screen.

2 Repeat steps 1 to 6 above.

Notes:• It is recommended that you use Audio

Dubbing only with recordings made with thiscamcorder. Use of recordings made withother digital video equipment may result inpoor audio quality.

• Audio dubbing will automatically pause if theoriginal audio changes from 12-bit mode to16-bit mode or vice versa. Press m toresume operation.

• Audio dubbing will automatically stop if aportion recorded in LP mode or an unre-corded portion of the tape is encountered.

• You can play back the dubbed audio and theoriginal audio together or separately (seepage 62).

• “AUDIO DUB” cannot be selected when theMini DV cassette is recorded in LP mode.

DA T E D I S P.


M E NUE X E C U T E

AUDIOA UD I O DUB

21 +

S T A R T S T O P C ANC E L

00: 00:0T C


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Selecting the AudioPlayback Mode


You can select any of the following audioplayback modes.

Audio 1H2• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1

and Audio 2 channels)• 16-bit recording in stereo (left and

right channels)Audio 1

• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1channel only)

• 16-bit recording in mono (left channelonly)

Audio 2• 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 2

channel only)• 16-bit recording in mono (right

channel only)

1 Playback a Mini DV cassette withdubbed audio.




5 Press l or m to select “AUDIO”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

6 Press l or m to select the desiredaudio playback mode, then press thecentre of the Operation button.

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+ 2A UD I OR O T A T E P B

A N L G DG T LR E T U RN

AUDIO 21 +

AUD I O 1 2+

7 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.• The selected audio playback mode


Note:• The audio playback mode indicator,

“AUDIO”, displays in different coloursdepending on the recording mode (12- or 16-bit) used for the recording being playedback. A white display indicates 12-bitrecording mode, while a green indicates 16-bit.

Audio playback mode indicator

Advanced Features

63

Editing


Video editing lets you refine your videos byremoving unwanted sequences from yourtape, or transposing one sequence withanother.This camcorder lets you monitor the sourceprogram on the built-in LCD monitor withouthaving to connect it to an external TV orvideo monitor.

PreparationConnect the camcorder to a VCR with thesupplied audio/video/S-video cable, asshown.

Notes:• See page 2 for how to open the terminal

cover.• If your VCR has only one audio input jack,

use the white plug for the audio connectionon the VCR.

• If your VCR has an S-video input socket, youdo not need to connect the yellow video plug.

Cutting Unwanted Se-quences

1 Play back the tape to be edited on thecamcorder, and locate the beginningand end of the sequence you wish tocut. Write down the time code readingat the beginning and end of thatsequence (see page 59). Then, rewindthe tape to before the beginning of theportion that you wish to keep.

2 Load a video cassette into therecording VCR.

3 Press m on the camcorder to beginplayback, then press the Recordbutton on the VCR to begin recording.

4 Press the Pause/Still button on theVCR to pause recording when thesource tape reaches the beginning ofthe sequence to be cut.

5 Press the Pause/Still (or Record)button on the VCR to resumerecording when the source tapereaches the end of the sequence tobe cut.

To stop editing

Press l on the camcorder and press theStop button on the VCR.

Notes:• Some of the transitions between edited

sequences may be slightly off.• There may be picture noise during video

search or still playback. This does not imply adefect in the camcorder.

• The time code display will be recorded alongwith the edited sequences if the TC OUTmenu item is set to “ON”. Set to “OFF” beforeediting (see page 59).

VIDEOS-VIDEO

L-AUDIO-R(MONO)

AV-IN

:

To AVterminal

Recording (VCR)


Playback


Black: To S-video input socketYellow: To video input jackWhite: To audio input (L) jackRed: To audio input (R) jack


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Recording from anExternal Source


You can use this camcorder to record oredit videos from another source, such as aVCR or TV.

PreparationConnect the camcorder to the sourceequipment with the supplied audio/video/S-video cable, as shown.

Notes:• See page 2 for how to open the terminal

cover.• If the source equipment has only one audio

output jack, use the white plug for the audioconnection on the source equipment. (Theinput audio will only be recorded on the leftchannel of the tape.)

• Even if the source equipment has an S-videooutput socket, connect both the yellow videoplug and S-video plug.

VIDEOS-VIDEO

L-AUDIO-R(MONO)

AV-OUT

:

Recording

To AVterminal


Black: To S-video output socketYellow: To video output jackWhite: To audio output (L) jackRed: To audio output (R) jack


Playback(VCR or TV)

Advanced Features

65

To Record from an ExternalSource



3 Press l or m to select ~, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

4 Press l or m to select “S-VIDEOIN”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

5 Press l or m to select “ON” (for S-video connection) or “OFF” (for videoconnection), then press the centre ofthe Operation button.

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.• “S-VIDEO” appears on the screen

during a pause or RecordingStandby mode when you set the S-VIDEO IN menu item to “ON” in step5 above.

7 Begin playback on the sourceequipment connected to thecamcorder.• Check the camcorder screen to see if

the picture is properly received.

8 Press the Start/Stop button on thecamcorder, then press m to beginrecording.


R E T U RNS - V I D E O I N O F F

ON

Notes:• To pause recording, press m. Press m again

to resume recording.• To operate by remote control, perform steps 1

to 7 above, and press the TAPE REC START/STOP button, then press the PAUSE/STILLbutton (g).

• If “NO SIGNAL” is displayed on thecamcorder screen, check that the audio/video/S-video cable is properly connected.

• If a digital video recording with a copyrightprotection signal is used as the playbacksource, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.”appears on the camcorder monitor and therecording function is disabled.


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Editing with the DVTerminal (IEEE1394)


This camcorder can be used as a digitalvideo editor. A DV cable transfers alldubbing signals including video and audiodirectly to the camcorder.

PreparationConnect the camcorder to video equipmentwith a DV terminal using a commerciallyavailable DV cable.

To Record to Video Equip-ment

See “Cutting Unwanted Sequences” onpage 63, using the video equipment as therecording source.

Note:• Make sure that the video equipment to which

you are recording can input dubbing signalsvia the DV terminal.

To DVterminal

To DVterminal

DV cable (commercially available)

Video equipmentwith DV terminal

(e.g. DV camcorder)

Advanced Features

67

To Record from Video Equip-ment1 Set the camcorder to Tape 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 properly received.

3 Press the Start/Stop button on thecamcorder.• The camcorder enters Recording

Standby mode.

4 Press m on the Operation button tobegin recording.

To stop recording

Press l on the Operation button.

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

1 Press m to pause recording when thesource tape reaches the beginning ofthe sequence to be cut.

2 Press m to resume recording whenthe source tape reaches the end ofthe sequence to be cut.

Notes:• Make sure that the video equipment from

which you are recording can output dubbingsignals via the DV terminal.

• If the video equipment is not set to playbackmode or the DV cable is not properlyconnected, “NO SIGNAL” is displayed on thecamcorder screen.

• If no picture or sound is input to thecamcorder even if the DV cable is properlyconnected and you are playing back thesource media from the video equipment, setthe Power switch on the camcorder to OFFand then back to w, or disconnect the DVcable and connect it again.

• If a digital video recording with a copyrightprotection signal is used as the playbacksource, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.”appears on the camcorder monitor and therecording function is disabled (see page 92).

• When displaying the playback picture on thePC, you may find black bands around theimage. This is caused by the differences ofthe image display sizes.

• “i.Link” refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industryspecification and extensions thereof. The zlogo is used for products compliant with thei.Link standard.


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AV-OUTVIDEO

S-VIDEOL-AUDIO-R(MONO)

:

Using the Camcorderas a Converter


You can use this camcorder to convert fromanalog signal (e.g. video recorded on 8 mmor Hi8 tapes) to digital signal.

PreparationConnect the audio/video/S-video cable andDV cable as shown below.

Note:• See page 2 for how to open the terminal

cover.

P L A Y B A C K


S E T

O F FON

R O T A T E P B

ONA N L G DG T L

1 Set the camcorder to Tape Playbackmode, and make sure that playback isstopped.




5 Press l or m to select“ANLGyDGTL”, then press the centreof the Operation button.


To DV terminal

To AV terminal

To DV terminal

DV cable (commercially available)

Playback(analog equipment)e.g. 8 mm or Hi8camcorder

Black: To S-video output socketYellow: To video output jackWhite: To audio output (L) jackRed: To audio output (R) jack

Analogsignal


Digitalsignal

Recording(digital equipment)

e.g. computer


Advanced Features

69


8 Press the Play button on the analogequipment• Check the monitor on the digital

equipment to see if the picture isbeing properly received.

9 Press the Record button on the digitalequipment.

Notes:• The camcorder is not guaranteed to work

with all digital/analog equipment. Contact themanufacturer of your equipment for advice.

• If the camcorder outputs a video recordingwith a copyright signal, the digital equipmentcannot record or save it.

• The camcorder may not convert some inputvideo recordings properly (e.g.discolouration, picture noise, muted sound),depending on the input condition.

Digital Still Camera FeaturesCamera Recording

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Number of shots taken/remaining

Power switch


PHOTO button

Lock button

Power Zoom control


Card Recording

Available mode:Card Camera

You can take a still picture in the same wayas you do with a standard camera andrecord that image on the card.

1 Insert a card into the camcorder (seepage 11).

2 Remove the lens cap.

3 Set the Media Selection switch to u.

4 Hold down the Lock button and setthe Power switch to v.• The picture from the lens now

displays.

5 Adjust the Power Zoom control toframe the subject as you desire.

6 Press the PHOTO button half-waydown to focus on the subject.• The camcorder automatically focuses

on the subject. When it is set, you willhear a sound and see T mark, thenthe camcorder locks the focus.

7 Press the PHOTO button fully tobegin recording.

• The S indicator flashes red whiledata is being recorded on the card,and returns to white when recordingcompletes.

• To record another image, release thePHOTO button and make sure thepicture is not frozen in the monitor,then perform steps 6 and 7.

Notes:• Recording under insufficient lighting may

result in blurred images. It is recommendedthat you use a tripod to record insufficientlyilluminated subjects.

• Recording under the light of a fluorescent,mercury, or sodium lamp may causeflickering in the image and, depending on thetiming of the shot, may result in changes tocolour hue in the image.

• Set the BEEP menu item to “OFF” to turn offthe focus locking sound.

• Do not turn the power off or remove thecard while the S indicator is flashing instep 7.

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Digital Still Camera Features

71

Picture quality indicator

Approximate number of record-able images with 8 MB SD memorycard

Selecting the PictureQuality


The picture quality of still images recordedon the card depends on the picture qualitysetting. Select the appropriate setting tomatch your recording objectives.

Note:• The number of recordable images differs

depending on the combination of picturequality settings used and the images shot.

1 In Card Camera mode, press theDISPLAY button until the modescreen appears.

Approx. number of images

NORMAL

ECONOMY

FINE

Types

NORMAL: Records images withstandard picture quality.

ECONOMY: Allows you to take moreshots than in NORMAL mode but withlower quality.

FINE: Records images with higherquality than in NORMAL mode butwith lower number of recordableimages.

90

160

50

Picture qualitysetting



4 Press l or m to select “RECMODE”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

5 Press l or m to select the desiredsetting, then press the centre of theOperation button.

6 Press the DISPLAY button to turn offthe menu screen.• The selected picture quality indicator

only appears when the on-screenindicators are turned on.

Note:• The picture quality indicator is also displayed

in Card Camera mode. The picture qualityindicator displayed during playback is basedon the amount of data for that recordedimage. Since the amount of data differsdepending on factors such as image detail,sometimes the picture quality indicatordisplayed during playback may not matchthe picture quality setting used duringrecording.

OF F

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T I ME RM E NUS E L FB L C G A I N/

S E T T I NG 1

RE T URNR E CF I L E NO.

MOD E NORMA LE C ONOMYF I N E

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Self-timer operating indicator

Recording with theSelf-timer


The self-timer function allows you to recordimages after a time-lag of 10 seconds. Thisis convenient when you want to record animage of you and your friends together.


2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “SELF TIMER”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.


4 Press the PHOTO button to start theself-timer.• The self-timer operating indicator

flashes while the timer counts down.

• The shutter automatically releasesafter 10 seconds, and a still image ofthe subject is recorded.

To cancel the countdown

Press the PHOTO button in step 4.

To cancel the self-timer

Press the centre of the Operation buttonagain in step 3.

Notes:• When recording with the self-timer, stabilize

the camcorder in the horizontal plane byattaching it to a tripod, etc.

• Self-timer mode cancels after recording oneimage. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to record anotherimage with the self-timer.

• Do not turn the power off or remove the cardonce the self-timer operating indicator beginsflashing.

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S E T

Formatting a Card


Before using a commercially available cardwith this camcorder, you must first have itformatted. Also, if any of the followingwarning indicators displays, you will need toformat your card.

• “FORMAT MEMORY CARD”• “MEMORY CARD ERROR”• “MEMORY CARD READ ERROR”• “CANNOT STORE DATA”

Notes:• Formatting a card erases all stored images,

including delete-protected images. Be sureto backup important data on your computeror other media before formatting the card(see pages 82–84).

• Do not remove the power source duringformatting, as this may cause damage to thecamcorder or card. It is recommended thatyou use the AC outlet for the power supply.



3 Press l or m to select ~, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

4 Press l or m to select “FORMAT”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• To cancel formatting, press l or m

to select “RETURN”, then press thecentre of the Operation button.

6 Press l or m to select “YES”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton to begin formatting.• The menu screen displays when

formatting finishes.


Notes:• The card supplied with VL-Z5 is preformatted

for immediate use.• Use this camcorder to format a card. The

camcorder may not recognize the imageson a card formatted by a computer or otherequipment.

O T H E RS 2

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Setting the FileNumbering Method


The camcorder automatically assigns filenumbers to captured images. You canselect two different methods of file number-ing.




4 Press l or m to select “FILE NO.”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

TypesSERIAL: Defines file numbers by

incrementing up from the last imagecaptured when inserting a new card.

RESET: Defines a new set of filenumbers when inserting a new card.

S E T T I N G 1S E R I A L

R E C MOD ER E T URN

F I L E NO.RE S E T

RE S E TF I LE NO.

5 Press l or m to select “SERIAL” or“RESET”, then press the centre of theOperation button.


Note:• When a warning indicator “MAXIMUM FILE

NUMBER” appears on the screen, set FILENO. menu item to “RESET”, then format thecard (see page 73) or replace the card with anew one (see page 11).


75

Playback image number/number of recordings

Lock button

Page number/total thumbnail pages


Operation buttonPower switch

Image file name

Picture qualityindicator

Digital Still Camera FeaturesPlayback

Card Playback

Available mode:Card Playback

You can play back and view still imagesrecorded on a card on the LCD monitor.


2 Hold down the Lock button and setthe Power switch to w.• The images recorded on the card are

displayed in a thumbnail format.

3 Press j, k, l or m on the Opera-tion button to move the selectionframe to the desired image.• Each time you press j, k, l or m,

the selection frame moves as shownbelow.

Note:• Holding down j or k increases the

speed of motion of the selection frame.

4 Press the centre of the Operationbutton.• The selected image displays in full-

screen.

Available Operations duringFull-screen Display

• You can display the full-screen picture ofthe previous or next image by pressing jor k.

• When holding down j or k, you cansearch through the images on the card.The search can be very fast, so it isrecommended that the on-screenindicators turns on to display the imagenumber.

• To return to a thumbnail of the images,press the centre of the Operation buttonagain.

Notes:• You can also set in the mode screen to display

the images in full screen or thumbnails.• Depending on the amount of data for the

recorded image, the picture quality indicatordisplayed during playback may not match thepicture quality setting used during recording.

• The images bigger than 640K480, e.g. imagesrecorded on other equipment, display asthumbnails, not full screen.

• Do not play back any card storing a defectiveimage (with noise and distortion) created onother equipment. If you mistakenly play backdata on such a card, set the Power switch toOFF, remove, and never use it with thiscamcorder.

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ZOOM button

Playback zoom indicator

Playback Zoom withthe Remote Control(Only supplied withVL-Z5)


The playback zoom function allows you tomagnify the playback picture up to 10 timesits original size and shift the magnifiedpicture by using the remote control. (Seepage 46 for use of the remote control.)

Note:• Playback Zoom does not work in Tape

Playback mode.

1 During Card Playback, press theZOOM T button to zoom in.

2 Press the Shift q, w, a, or s buttonto shift the displayed image.

To cancel Playback Zoom

Press the ZOOM W button, which zooms outto the widest angle.

Note:• Use of Playback Zoom may cause a

reduction in picture quality for still images.

Shift buttons


77

Delete protection indicator

PROTECT indicator

Delete Protection


You can prevent your important imagesrecorded on the card from accidentalerasure.

1 In Card Playback mode, press theDISPLAY button until the modescreen appears.

2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “PROTECT”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• The PROTECT indicator appears.

4 Press j, k,l or m to select theimage for delete protection.

5 Press the centre of the Operationbutton to set delete protection.• The R indicator appears.

• If you want to protect another image,repeat steps 4 to 5.

6 Press the DISPLAY button to finishthe setting.

To cancel the protectionsetting

1 Select the image for delete protectioncancellation in step 4 above.

2 Press the centre of the Operationbutton to cancel the protection.• The R indicator disappears.


Note:• Formatting a card erases all stored images,

including delete-protected images.

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DELETE indicator

Deleting StoredImages


Deleting One Stored Image

You can delete unwanted images to free upmemory of a card for new images.

Note:• Deleted images cannot be restored. Check

whether or not you want the images beforeperforming the procedure below.


2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “DELETE ONE”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• The DELETE indicator appears.

4 Press j, k, l or m to select theimage to be deleted.

5 Press the centre of the Operationbutton to set the image.

6 Press l or m to select “YES”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton to delete the image.

• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.• If you want to delete another image,

repeat steps 4 to 6.


Notes:• The protected images cannot be deleted.

Cancel the protection setting to delete theimage (see page 77).

• Do not turn the power off while deleting animage.

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DELETE ALL? indicator

Deleting All Stored Images

You can delete all stored images on a cardin one operation.

Notes:• Deleted images cannot be restored. Check

whether or not you want the images beforeperforming the procedure below.

• If you want to keep some images on the card,first delete-protect them (see page 77), andthen perform the procedure below.


2 Press l or m on the Operationbutton to select “DELETE ALL”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

3 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• The DELETE ALL? indicator appears.

4 Press l or m to select “YES”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.


Notes:• The protected images cannot be deleted.

Cancel the protection setting to delete theimage (see page 77).

• If a print order is assigned to delete-protected images and you perform theprocedure above, the print order will cancel(the protection setting will not cancel).

• It may take several seconds to delete allimages from the card.

• Do not turn the power off while deletingimages.

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Number of printouts

PRINT indicator

M indicator

Print Order


The print order function allows you to addprint information called DPOF to still imagesrecorded on a card.

About DPOF

DPOF (Digital Printing Order Format)defines the print information for the specificimages and number of each image onmemory cards. In the near future you will beable to easily make prints on a DPOF-compatible printer or order copies at yourlocal print shop.

Note:• You can print an image even if no print order

has been assigned.

Assigning Print Order to anImage



3 Press l or m to select S, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

4 Press l or m to select “PRI.ORDER”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

5 Press l or m to select “PRI.SELECT”, then press the centre ofthe Operation button.• The PRINT indicator appears.

6 Press j, k, l or m to select theimage to which you want to assign aprint order.

7 Press the centre of the Operationbutton, then press l or m to selectthe number of printouts.• 1 through 99 can be set for the

number of printouts.

8 Press the centre of the Operationbutton to set the print order.• The M indicator appears.

• If you want to assign another printorder, repeat steps 6 to 8.



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M indicator

To cancel the print order for an image

1 Select the image for cancelling out ofprint order in step 6 above, then pressthe centre of the Operation button.

2 Press l to select “0”, then press thecentre of the Operation button.• The M indicator disappears.


Assigning Print Order to AllImages

1 Perform steps 1 to 4 in “AssigningPrint Order to an Image”.

2 Press l or m to select “PRI. ALL”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.

Note:• A warning indicator appears when the

print order is set to more than 999images. To turn off the warningindicator, press the Operation button.

3 Press l or m to select “YES”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.• The M indicators appear, and each

image is set to 1 print out.• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.

To cancel the print order for allimages

1 Perform steps 1 to 4 in “AssigningPrint Order to an Image”.

2 Press l or m to select “PRI. NONE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton to cancel the print order for allimages.

3 Press l or m to select “YES”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.• The M indicators are turned off.• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.

P

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Transferring Data on Card to Computer

Using the supplied USB cable, you can transfer still images to a computer.

System Requirements• Operating systems

—Microsoft Windowsb XP Home Edition/Professional—Microsoft Windowsb 2000 Professional—Microsoft Windowsb Me—Microsoft Windowsb 98 Second Edition—Microsoft Windowsb 98

• USB terminal

• CD-ROM drive (for driver installation)

• Mouse or other pointing device

Note:• The USB driver is not compatible with Macintosh operating systems.

Installing the USB Driver

For installing the USB driver in Windowsb XP or Windowsb 2000, you need to log in as thesystem administrator.

1 Turn on the PC.• Do not connect the camcorder to the PC with the USB cable at this point.

2 Insert the supplied CD-ROM containing the USB driver into the CD-ROM drive.• The Setup screen will display automatically.

• The example screen shown is for Windowsb XP.Note:• When the Setup screen does not appear,

1 select “Run...” in Windowsb “Start” menu, then2 type “R:\SETUP.EXE”, and then click on the “OK” button.• In the example above the CD-ROM drive letter is taken as “R:”. Select the correct drive

letter according to your operating environment.


83

3 Click the “USB driver” button.• Welcome screen appears.

4 Click the “Next” button.• Information screen appears

5 Click the “Next” button.• Installation begins.

6 Confirm the message on the screen, and then click the “Finish” button to completethe installation.

Note:• If your computer gives you the option to restart, you may do so.

7 Insert a card that contains recorded still images into camcorder.

8 Connect the camcorder to the PC with the supplied USB cable as shown below.• It is recommended to use the AC adapter as a power source for extended periods of

use.

To USB terminal

To USB terminal

USB cable (supplied)


10 Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to w.• PC will recognize the camcorder automatically.


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Serial number(100 to 999)

Sub-folder of stillimages

Folder of still image files

Stillimage

Transfer indicator

Image Folders and FileNames

Double-click the My Computer icon on thePC and find a new drive called “RemovableDisk (F:)” (or other drive letter, dependingon your PC configuration). Still imagesrecorded using the camcorder are stored infiles and on a card as shown below.

Note:• If you copy any data incompatible with this

camcorder to the card, the camcorder will notbe able to recognize it.

Caution on transferring data

While transferring data, the transferindicator moves. Do not execute theoperations below.• Disconnecting the USB cable• Switching the power on/off• Turning off the PC or setting it to Standby• Removing the card

Note:• In case of data transfer error, disconnect the

USB cable, then connect it again, or set thePower switch to OFF, then set it to w again.

DCIM

100SHARP

DVC00001.JPG

DVC00002.JPG

• • • • • •

Disconnecting the USBcable

Windows Me/2000/XP

1 Close Explorer or any open applica-tions.

2 Click the “Safely Remove Hardware”(or “Unplug or Eject Hardware”) iconthat appears on the task bar, andchoose an applicable hard drive tostop.

3 After the message “Safe To RemoveHardware” appears, disconnect theUSB cable.

Note:• See Windows Help for the procedure

of disconnecting USB cable in detail.

Windows 98

1 Close Explorer or any open applica-tions.

2 When data is not being transferred(the indicator on LCD display staysstill), right-click on the disk drive icon,which appears on explorer window, toeject the disk. After that, disconnectthe USB cable.

U S BT R A N SM I T T I N G


85

Slide Show Playback


You can automatically play back consecu-tive still images recorded on a card atintervals of 5 seconds. This is useful whenconfirming the data recorded on a card.

1 Set the camcorder to Card Playbackmode.

2 Press j, k, l or m on theOperation button to select the imagefrom which you want to begin slideshow playback.


4 Press l or m to select “MENU”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.


6 Press l or m to select S, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

7 Press l or m to select “SLIDESHOW”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

8 Press l or m to select “EXECUTE”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.• Beginning from the image selected in

step 2, the recorded images willdisplay in full-screen one afteranother in order of recording.

• After playing back all the images onthe card once, slide show playbackautomatically stops.


To stop slide show playback

During slide show playback, press thecentre of the Operation button.

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ORDE R

S L I D E S HOWS L I D E S HOW

S T OPS T OP

Appendix

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86

Darker Brighter

Decrease

Darker

Increase

Brighter

– +

– +

– +

LCD BR I GHT

LCD COLOUR

VF BR I GHT

6 Press j or k to adjust the item tothe desired setting, then press thecentre of the Operation button.

Appendix

Picture/BacklightAdjustments


If the picture is difficult to see due toambient light or other factors, adjust themonitor picture settings.


Adjusting the Picture




4 Press l or m to select O, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select “LCDBRIGHT”, “LCD COLOUR” or “VFBRIGHT”, then press the centre ofthe Operation button.

L C D S E TB A C K L I GH TL C D B R I GH TL C D C O L OUR

R E T U RN

NORMAL

V F B R I GH T

– +

– +– +


Notes:• When adjusting the colour, the picture on the

LCD monitor may differ from the pictureactually recorded. Do not change the coloursetting unless necessary. (This adjustmentonly affects the monitor picture, not therecorded image.)

• The viewfinder turns on if you select “VFBRIGHT”.

Appendix

87

Adjusting the Backlight




4 Press l or m to select O, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

5 Press l or m to select “BACK-LIGHT”, then press the centre of theOperation button.

6 Press l or m to select “NORMAL” or“BRIGHT”, then press the centre ofthe Operation button.

NORMAL: For use indoors or undermoderate lighting conditions.

BRIGHT: For use outdoors understrong lighting conditions, suchas bright daylight.



R E T U RNV F B R I GH T

NORMA LB R I GH T

BACKL I GHT BR I GHT

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88

Turning off theConfirmation Sound


A confirmation sound is made when youturn on or off the Power switch, press theStart/Stop button, or perform otherdesignated operations. Use the procedurebelow to turn off the confirmation sounds.






5 Press l or m to select “BEEP”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.

O T H E R S 1


R E T U RN

ONO F FPHON E S V O L

D EMO MOD E

OFFBE E P

6 Press l or m to select “OFF”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.


Note:• If you select “OFF”, the focus confirmation

sound in Card Camera mode will turn off.

Appendix

89

Setting theCamcorder toFactory Presettings


You can set the camcorder to the factorypresettings in one operation.






5 Press l or m to select “DEFAULT”,then press the centre of the Operationbutton.


O T H E R S 1


R E T U RN

PHON E S V O LD EMO MOD E

E X E C U T ER E T U RN

7 Press l or m to select “YES”, thenpress the centre of the Operationbutton.• To cancel the setting, select “NO”.


Note:• Even when you perform the steps above, the

clock setting maintains the memory.

S E L E C T

DE F A U L T

R E T URN P RE S E T T I NGST OE X C E P T C E R T A I N I T EMS .

NOY E S

S E T

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Demonstration Mode


You can watch a brief demonstration of thespecial camcorder features in Demo mode.If the demonstration appears on the screenwhen you turn on the camcorder for the firsttime, cancel the Demo mode to use yourcamcorder.

Watching• The example screens shown are for Tape

Camera mode.

1 Remove the Mini DV cassette fromthe camcorder (see page 10).





6 Press l or m to select “DEMOMODE”, then press the centre of theOperation button.


8 Set the Power switch to OFF, thenhold down the Lock button and setthe Power switch to v.• The demonstration begins.

Cancelling

1 During the demonstration, press thecentre of the Operation button topause the demonstration.

2 Perform step 3 to 6 in “Watching”,then select “OFF” in step 7.

Notes:• The demonstration will pause if you press the

centre of the Operation button. If you leave itfor 60 seconds, or turn the power offtemporarily and then set the Power switch tov, the demonstration will begin again.

• Demonstration mode does not work in selfrecording with reversed grip.

O T H E RS 1

R E T URND EMO MOD E O F F

ON

PHON E S V O LB E E PR EMO T ED E F AU L T

ONDEMO MODE

Appendix

91

Position thesubject in the

centre.

Focus manually whenyou need to positionthe subject off centre

(see page 52).

��

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Useful Information

Hints for Better Shooting

• Position the subject in the centre of thescene. When using auto focus, whateveris in the centre of the scene is kept infocus.

• Avoid backlit subjects. For the bestpicture, shoot with the light source behindyou.

When the background is brighter than thesubject, the subject often becomes toodark. If you have to record in this lighting,use Backlight Compensation or correctthe iris value to improve the picture (seepages 34 and 55).

• Before zooming, think about how to bestframe the shot. Frequent zoomingproduces unattractive pictures. It also runsdown the battery more quickly.

• When image shaking is noticeable duringzoomed-in telephoto shooting, use atripod or push the Power Zoom control tothe W side to zoom out.

Light from behind Backlighting

• Horizontal panning (lateral movement) andtilting (vertical movement) should be doneslowly to emphasize the wide expanse ofa scene or the height of a building, and tomake scenes easy to watch duringplayback.

• Use a wide-angle setting for fast-movingsubjects.

Note:• It may take longer to focus when zooming

and panning are used frequently.

About PRINT Image Match-ing L

This product supports PRINT ImageMatching K. When used in combination,PRINT Image Matching K enabled digitalstill cameras, printers and software, helpphotographers to produce images morefaithful to their intentions.PRINT Image Matching is a trademark ofSeiko Epson Corporation.

Appendix

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92

Mini DV Cassette

Precautions when using a Mini DVcassette

• Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes withthe i mark.

• This camcorder can record and play backusing Mini DV cassettes with cassettememory, but it cannot record or play backthis memory.

• To record in LP mode, use a Mini DVcassette labelled for use with LP mode.

• Do not insert anything into the holes on thebottom of the Mini DV cassette or blockthem in any way.

• Avoid placing the Mini DV cassette inareas conducive to dust or mold.

• Do not place the Mini DV cassette nearmagnetic sources such as electric clocksor magnetic devices as this may adverselyaffect recorded material.

• When a previously recorded Mini DVcassette is used again for recording, thepreviously recorded material will beautomatically erased.

• The Mini DV cassette will not operate ifinserted in the wrong direction.

• Do not repeatedly insert and eject the MiniDV cassette without running the tape asthis may cause uneven tape winding anddamage the tape.

• Do not place the Mini DV cassette in directsunlight, near strong heat sources, or inareas with excessive steam.

• Store the Mini DV cassette in its case andstand it in an upright position.

• If the tape is not properly wound, rewindthe tape.

• Do not drop the Mini DV cassette orsubject it to excessive shocks.

To protect recordings againstaccidental erasure

Slide the protect tab on the rear of the MiniDV cassette to the “SAVE” position.

To record over a previously recorded tape,slide the protect tab to the “REC” position.

Erasure protect tab

Copyright Protection

The digital VCR has far superior recordingand playback ability than the traditionalanalog VCR, and in order to protect digitalvideo software copyrights, a system formanaging copyrights has been established.Some digital video recording with prere-corded copyright protection signals can stillbe played back on this camcorder. If youplay a digital video recording that has acopyright protection signal on videoequipment with a DV terminal and attemptto record a copy of that software on thiscamcorder, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.”appears on the screen and the recording isdisabled.

This product incorporates copyrightprotection technology that is protectedby method claims of certain U.S. patentsand other intellectual property rightsowned by Macrovision Corporation andother rights owners. Use of this copyrightprotection technology must be autho-rized by Macrovision Corporation, and isintended for home and other limitedviewing uses only unless otherwiseauthorized by Macrovision Corporation.Reverse engineering or disassembly isprohibited.

Appendix

93

SD\ Memory Card andMultiMediaCard\

SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards andMultiMediaCards are small, handy andflexible storage media used in a variety ofmobile applications. They are one of thesmallest memory solutions available on themarket.This camcorder uses either an SD MemoryCard or a MultiMediaCard. It cannot use aSmartMedia/ card or Memory Stickb.

Memory Stickb media

SD/ Memory Card MultiMediaCard/

SmartMedia\ card

Precautions• Be sure to insert the card in the correct

direction. Do not try to force the card in.• Store the card in its antistatic plastic case

when not in use.• Do not disassemble or modify the card.• Do not strike, bend or drop the card.• Do not allow the card to become wet.• Do not peel off the card label.• Do not attach other labels or stickers to the

card.• Do not expose to extreme heat sources (e.g.

sunlight, heating appliances).• Do not store in a highly humid or dusty place.• Do not store in a place exposed to corrosive

gas.• Do not use in a place exposed to strong

electromagnetism.

Protecting your images• Select the write-protect switch on the exterior

card casing to protect your images. (SDMC)• Do not power off any devices while transfer-

ring data, as this may destroy the data.• Back up your image data often to a hard disk

or other permanent storage media.• Be aware that formatting will erase all image

data stored on the card.

Note:• Sharp Corporation cannot be held liable

for data that is lost through improperhandling of the storage media.

Cleaning• Be careful not to allow dirt and finger grime

buildup around the card contacts.• Be careful about static electricity, which can

suddenly erase data.• If you notice dirt or static electricity, clean the

card with a soft, dry cloth.

Condensation• Be careful about condensation forming on the

card surface, which can cause malfunction.• If you notice beads of water on the card,

allow it to evaporate and dry naturally.

• An SD Memory Card has more advancedfeatures than a MultiMediaCard, includingcryptographic security for copyrighteddata and a selectable mechanical write-protect switch.

• The card slot on this camcorder iscompatible with an SD Memory Card orMultiMediaCard.

• An SD Memory Card and aMultiMediaCard are cross-compatible.Data stored on one can be easilytransferred to the other.

Note:• This camcorder is verified to work properly

with the following card memory types.—SD Memory Card: 128 MB or less—MultiMediaCard: 64 MB or less

Removable Storage CareBelow are some precautions to ensure along life and perfect performance from yourSD Memory Card (SDMC) orMultiMediaCard (MMC). Information specificto one card is attached with the card’sacronym (either SDMC or MMC).

Appendix

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94

Battery Pack

This camcorder uses a lithium-ion typebattery pack.

Charging

• Charge the battery pack immediately (or aday) before use. The battery packgradually self-discharges even if stored ina fully charged state.

• Charge the battery pack between 10°Cand 30°C.

• Fully charge the battery pack. Use of aninsufficiently charged battery pack willshorten actual time of use.

• Refresh (discharging before charging) isunnecessary.

Use

• To conserve battery power, be sure to turnoff the camcorder power when not in use.

• Battery consumption may vary dependingon the condition of use. Recording withmany starts and stops, frequent zooming,and recording in low temperatures willshorten actual recording times.

• Use of a weak battery pack may causeloss of power while operating thecamcorder. Use a fully charged batterypack to protect both the battery pack andthe unit.

• It is recommended that you have enoughbattery packs on hand to handle two orthree times your estimated recording time.See page 22 for the approximate times ofactual recording for the battery packs.

Battery power is consumed even whenthe camcorder power is turned off. If youare not going to use your camcorderimmediately, remove the battery pack(see page 7).

Note:• Use only SHARP BT-L226 battery packs.

These are designed specifically for use withthis camcorder.

Storage

• Store the battery pack in a fully dis-charged state.

• Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place.• When storing the battery pack, put it in the

original protective plastic bag.

Notes:• Improper handling of the battery pack may

present a risk of fire or explosion. Pay closeattention to the following:—Do not allow metallic objects to come in

contact with the terminals. This cancause a short circuit.

—Do not disassemble or repair thebattery pack by yourself.

—Do not use any battery chargingequipment other than that designed foruse with these battery packs.

—Do not place the battery pack underdirect sunlight or in excessively hotplaces (over 60°C) such as thedashboard of cars.

—Do not expose the battery pack tomoisture or water.

—Do not drop the battery pack or subjectit to strong force.

—Keep the battery pack out of reach ofchildren.

—Dispose of used battery packspromptly. Do not dispose of them in fire.

• To protect the terminals, put the cover on thebattery pack when it is not in use.

• The battery pack will become warm duringcharging and use. This is not a malfunction.

• The battery pack has a limited service life. Ifthe period of use becomes noticeably shorterwith a normal charge, the battery pack is atthe end of its service life. Replace it with a newbattery pack.

• If the terminals of the battery pack are dirty,wipe the terminals with a soft, dry cloth.

Appendix

95

Window cleaning coverAC Adapter

• The AC adapter may interfere withreception if used near a radio.

• Prevent flammables, liquids, and metalobjects from entering the adapter.

• The adapter is a sealed unit. Do notattempt to open or modify it.

• Do not damage, drop, or subject theadapter to vibration.

• Do not leave the adapter in direct sunlight.

• Avoid using the adapter in humid orextremely hot places.

Replacing the FluorescentLamp

This camcorder uses a fluorescent lamp tobacklight the LCD monitor. If the monitorbecomes dark or difficult to view, thefluorescent lamp may need to be replaced.Contact the nearest SHARP service centreor your dealer for further advice.

Cleaning

• Many plastic parts are used in thecamcorder casing. Do not use thinner,benzene or other strong chemicalcleaners. These may cause discolourationand damage to the casing.

• Clean the casing with a soft, dry cloth. Ifthe casing is particularly dirty, wipe thecasing with a tightly wrung cloth damp-ened with a diluted, neutral detergent.Then wipe it again with a soft, dry cloth.

• Use a soft cloth to wipe finger marks andother smudges off the LCD screen.

• Use a soft cloth, or compressed air andlens paper designed for photographiclenses to clean the lens.

• Pull out the viewfinder and open thewindow cleaning cover as shown below sothat you can clean up the inside of theviewfinder with a camera blower.

Extending battery pack life

Even when the battery pack is not used, thecapacity of the battery pack will naturallydeteriorate over time. To limit the deteriora-tion of the capacity, it is recommended toperform the following procedure at leastonce every six months:

1Charge the battery pack until thePOWER/CHARGE (RED) indicator turnsoff.

2Attach the battery pack to thecamcorder, and set the Power switch tov without inserting a cassette. Allowthe battery power to fully discharge byleaving it on the camcorder until thecamcorder power automatically turnsoff.

3Remove the battery pack and store itbetween 10°C and 20°C.

Note:• After cleaning, close the window cleaning

cover securely. Closing the viewfinder withthe window cleaning cover opened maycause malfunction.

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Using Your CamcorderAbroad

Television signal standards and electricalvoltages and frequencies vary substantiallyfrom country to country. When you areabroad, check the sections below beforeusing the AC adapter or connecting thecamcorder to a TV.

AC Adapter (Supplied Accessory)

The supplied AC adapter is compatible with50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in therange of 110 V to 240 V AC.

Television Signal Standards

In any country, you can always watch thevideo picture by using the LCD monitorscreen. However, if you want to watch thepicture on a TV screen, the TV must be PALsystem compatible. PAL is used in thefollowing areas:Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland,Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Belgium,Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, Finland,Portugal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand,Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait,China, etc.

Appendix

97

Troubleshooting

Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table.

Symptom

No power.

Start/Stop buttondoes not work.

Power suddenly turnsoff.

Auto focus does notwork.

Bright subject pro-duces wide verticallines.

Display automaticallychanges in TapeCamera mode.

Po

wer

Cam

era

mo

de

Suggested solution

Connect power source properly(pp. 6, 9).

Charge battery pack sufficiently(p. 8).

Wait until dew dries (p. vii).

Set Power switch to OFF and re-move battery pack. Wait for 2 sec-onds, then reinstall battery packand turn on power (pp. 6, 7).

Close tab or use a new cassette(p. 92).

Set Power switch to OFF and thenback to Camera mode.

Set to Auto Focus mode (p. 53).

Zoom out from subject (p. 23).

Focus manually (p. 52).

——

Set the DEMO MODE menu item to“OFF” (p. 90).

Possible cause

Power source is not properly con-nected.

Battery pack is not charged.

Dew in camcorder.

Safety function is in effect.

Erasure-protect tab on video cas-sette is open.

Camcorder left in RecordingStandby mode for 5 minutes inTape Camera mode.

Manual Focus mode is engaged.

Zoom used on close subject.

Subject has little contrast in bright-ness, or is full of horizontal or verti-cal stripes.

Occurs when shooting subject withstrong contrast to the background.Does not indicate a malfunction.

Camcorder is in Demo mode.

Appendix

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98

Symptom

No image appearson connected TVscreen.

No image from an ex-ternal source ap-pears on thecamcorder screen.

Cannot rewind or fastforward tape.

Video noise in image.

No sound.

Tape does not work.

Still images in Cardmode are rotated180° upside down.

Motion images arerotated 180° upsidedown.

Possible cause

Video input channel on TV or TVchannel is not selected properly.

Audio/video/S-video cable is notproperly connected.

DV cable or audio/video/S-videocable is not properly connected.

The cable connection does notmatch the S-VIDEO IN menu setting.

Position at beginning or end of tape.

Using a cleaning tape

Dirty video heads.

Old or worn tape.

Using a 12-bit recording tape withAUDIO menu item set to “AUDIO 2”.

Power switch is set to Cameramode.

Media Selection switch is set toCard mode.

Battery pack is depleted.

The images are recorded in self re-cording with reversed grip.

Improper self recording.

Suggested solution

Select video input channel or TVchannel properly (p. 30).

Connect audio/video/S-video cableproperly (p. 30).

Connect DV cable or audio/video/S-video cable properly (pp. 63, 64,68).

Set the S-VIDEO IN menu item to“ON” for S-video connection, or“OFF” for video connection (p. 65).

Rewind or fast forward tape to de-sired point (p. 27).

The cleaning tape will automaticallyrewind after cleaning finishes (p.viii).

Call for service or use a commer-cially available cleaning tape (p.viii).

Use a new cassette.

Set the AUDIO menu item to “AU-DIO 1” or “AUDIO 1L2” (p. 62).

Set the Power switch to Playbackmode (p. 21).

Set the Media Selection switch toTape mode (p. 21).

Charge battery pack or replace itwith a fully charged one (pp. 6–8).

Transfer the data to PC (pp. 82–84),and rotate the images 180° back byusing a commercially available edit-ing software.

Turn on Rotate Playback (p. 50).

Pla

ybac

k m

od

e

Appendix

99

Symptom

Cannot delete imageon card.

Cannot format card.

Battery pack is easilydepleted.

Clock has been re-set.

Cassette will noteject.

No image on monitor.

Viewfinder picture ishard to see.

Monitor picture ishard to see.

POWER/CHARGE(RED) indicatorflashes in red whencharging batterypack.

Cannot edit to con-nected VCR.

Possible cause

Image is delete-protected.

——

Using camcorder in extremely coldenvironment.

Battery pack is not fully charged.

Lithium battery is not properly in-stalled.

Lithium battery is depleted.

Power source is not properly con-nected.

Battery pack is not charged.

Camcorder is recording.

Backlight has been turned off.

Fluorescent lamp has burned out.

Viewfinder dioptre is not properlyadjusted.

Inappropriate picture adjustments.

Inappropriate picture adjustments.

AC adapter or battery pack mayhave malfunctioned.

Audio/video/S-video cable is notproperly connected.

Suggested solution

Cancel the protection setting (p.77).

Contact your dealer for advise.

Warm up battery pack, for examplein your pocket, just before using it.

Charge battery pack sufficiently (p.8).

Install lithium battery properly (p.12).

Replace new lithium battery (p. 12).

Connect power source properly(pp. 6, 9).

Charge battery pack sufficiently(p. 8).

Stop recording and try again (p. 23).

Turn on backlight (p. 24).

Call for service.

Adjust dioptre (p. 18).

Adjust picture (p. 86).

Adjust picture (p. 86).

Call for service.

Connect audio/video/S-video cableproperly (p. 63).

Gen

eral

Card

mod

e

Appendix

Appe

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100

Notes:• This unit is equipped with a microprocessor. Its performance could be adversely affected by

external electrical noise or interference. If this should happen, turn off the power and disconnectthe unit from any power sources, including the lithium battery, etc. Then reconnect the powersources to resume operation.

• If the characters displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor screen appear to malfunc-tion, disconnect the power source and remove the lithium battery, then reconnect the powersource, insert the lithium battery, and turn the power on again. The characters on the monitorshould be normal. Set the date and time, then resume operation.

Symptom

Remote control doesnot function.

“E007” is displayedon the screen, andunable to operatenormally.

Possible cause

REMOTE menu item is set to “OFF”.

Remote control battery has rundown.

Remote control used beyond oper-ating range.

Intense daylight falling oncamcorder remote sensor.

Obstacle between remote controland camcorder remote sensor.

The camcorder may be damaged.

Suggested solution

Set REMOTE menu item to “ON”(p. 46).

Replace remote control battery withnew one (p. 13).

Use remote control within operatingrange (p. 46).

Protect remote sensor from expo-sure to intense daylight (p. 46).

Remove obstacle or use remotecontrol from different angle (p. 46).

Do not take out a cassette, and callfor service.

Gen

eral

Appendix

101

Specifications

CamcorderSignal System: PAL standard

Recording System: 2 rotary heads, helical scanning systemCassette: Digital VCR Mini DV video cassette

Recording/Playback Time: 90 minutes (DVM60, LP mode)Tape Speed: SP mode: 18.831 mm/second

LP mode: 12.568 mm/secondPickup Device: 1⁄4" (6.4 mm, effective size: 4.5 mm) CCD image sensor

(with approx. 800,000 pixels including optical black,effective pixels: approx. 414,000 pixels)

Lens: 10K optical zoom lens (F1.8, f=3.8–38 mm)Lens Filter Diameter: 30 mm

Monitor: 2.5" (6.4 cm) CGSiliconBuilt-in microphone: Electret stereo microphone

Colour Temperature Compensation: Auto white balance with white balance lockMinimum Illumination: 2 lux* (with gain-up, F1.8)

Still Image Compression System: JPEG base line conformanceStill Image Recording Format: JPEG (Exif2.2)

Still Image Recording Medium: SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCardPower Requirement: DC 7.4 VPower Consumption: 3.6 W (during camera recording in Tape Camera mode

using the viewfinder in Full Auto mode with the DISfunction on)4.2 W (during camera recording in Tape Camera modeusing the LCD monitor in Full Auto mode with the DISfunction on and backlight in normal mode)

Operating Temperature: 0°C to L40°COperating Humidity: 30% to 80%

Storage Temperature: +20°C to L60°CDimensions (WKHKD) (approx.): 82.8 mm K 82.2 mm K 101.5 mm

Weight (approx.): VL-Z5: 485 gVL-Z3: 478 g(without battery pack, lithium battery, video cassette,lens cap and card)

AC Adapter (UADP-A016WJZZ)Power Requirement: AC 110–240 V, 50/60 Hz

DC Output: 10 VDimensions (WKHKD) (approx.): 49.0 mm K 27.5 mm K 79.0 mm

Weight (approx.): 125 g

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

*Minimum illumination: Since there is no widely accepted testing procedure for determiningminimum illumination capability, lux ratings are comparable only betweenmodels from the same manufacturer.

Appendix

Appe

ndix

102

On-screen Display Index

AU T OAU T O3 0min

AU T O

AU T OAU T O3 0min

AU T OS E L E C T S E T


F A D EM E NUSC E N E M E NUM A NUAL S E TF OC USA U T O F OC USD A T E D I S P .


RE T URN


R E T URN


R E T URNW I N D

O T H E R S 1

O T H E RS 2



D EMO MOD EPHON E S V O LB E E PR EMO T ED E F AU L T

R E T URN

R E T URN

T I ME C OD ET C O U T

S E T T I NG1 2 H 2 4 H/

B L C G A I N/

4002.6.203:01

p. 37p. 33p. 43

Tape Camera mode

p. 39p. 42p. 45p. 44

p. 89p. 46p. 88p. 29p. 90

p. 59p. 59p. 15p. 14

p. 87p. 86p. 86p. 86

pp. 34, 35p. 36p. 32p. 58p. 53p. 52p. 53p. 48

p. 26 p. 39

p. 57p. 26

*

* VL-Z5 only.“PHONES VOL” does not appear withVL-Z3.

Appendix

103

D I S P.

DUBE F F E C T

S E L E C T S E T

O F F

O T H E R S 1


R E T U RN



DA T E D I S P.


M E NU

DA T E

AUD I OP I C .

M E NU

P L A Y B A C K


S E T



R O T A T E P B

AUDIO 21 +

F FR EWS T O PP L A Y

4002.6.203:01

p. 50p. 62p. 68

Tape Playback mode

p. 89p. 46p. 88

p. 59p. 59p. 65

p. 87p. 86p. 86p. 86

p. 49p. 61p. 32p. 48

p. 26

p. 62

Appendix

Appe

ndix

104

AU T OAU T OAU T O

AU T OAU T OAU T OS E L E C T S E T

O F F

M E NUSC E N E M E NU

SE L F T I ME R

M E NUSC E N E ME NUM A NUAL

S E L F T I M E R

S E TF OC USA U T O F OC USD A T E D I S P .



O T H E RS 2

O T H E R S 1


R E T U RND EMO

R E T URN

F ORMA T

S E T T I NG1 2 H 2 4 H/

MOD E

B L C G A I N/

B L C G A I N/

4002.6.203:01

/9 8 1NORMA L

/9 8 1

S E T T I NG 1

RE T URN

F I L E NO.R E C MOD E

p. 74p. 71

Card Camera mode

p. 89p. 46p. 88p. 90

p. 73p. 15p. 14

p. 87p. 86p. 86p. 86

pp. 34, 35p. 72p. 32p. 58p. 53p. 52p. 53p. 48

p. 26

p. 57

p. 70p. 71

Appendix

105

S E L E C T S E T

E X E CU T E



/01 1 0

O T H E R S


R E T U RN

0100-002/2P A G E

NORMA L

1


7

01

8 9

/01 1 0NORMA L

F U L LS E L E C T I MG MULT IF U L LS E L E C T I MG MULT I

F U L L MULTI


P I C . E F F E C T

DE L E T E A L L

DA T E D I S P.P RO T E C T

P L A Y B A C K S E TS L I D E SHOWP R I .R E T U RN

ORDE R

F U L L MULTI


P I C . E F F E C T

0- 0001 0- 0 1 0

1 0

001

0- 0001

Card Playback mode

p. 85pp. 80, 81

p. 89p. 46p. 88

p. 87p. 86p. 86p. 86

p. 75p. 49p. 32p. 78p. 79p. 77p. 48

p. 75p. 75

Note

VL-Z5E/VL-Z3E-E/hyou; 03/02/26/18:00

SHARP CORPORATION

VL

-Z5

E EN

GL

ISH

OP

ER

AT

ION

MA

NU

AL

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

VL-Z5EVL-Z3E

OPERATION MANUAL

Printed in Japan

TINSLA057WJZZ03P04-JKG

VL

-Z3

E

Documents

SHARP CORPORATIONsupport.sharp.net.au/downloads/opmanuals/VLZ5Eom.pdf · Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note