Sharp VL-Z100S User manual

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-Cover1; 04/2/23/18:00

Printed in Malaysia

TINSLA106WJN1

04P03-M-GPrinted on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

SHARP CORPORATION

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

OPERATION MANUAL

VL-Z300S-S

VL-Z100S-S

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

ENGLISH

OPERATION MANUAL

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard,

do not expose this apparatus to

dripping or splashing. No

objects filled with liquids, such

as vases, should be placed on

the apparatus.

This equipment should be used

with the recommended AC

adapter or battery pack.

CAUTION

To prevent electric shocks and

fire hazards, do NOT use any

other power source.

CAUTION

To prevent shock, do not open the

cabinet. No user serviceable parts

inside. Refer servicing to qualified

dealer or service centre.

Important:

Audio-visual material may consist

of copyrighted works which must

not be recorded without the

authority of the owner of the

laws in your country.

Power supply:

This unit can be operated by

connecting it to either the AC

adapter or battery pack. The AC

adapter incorporates the AUTO

VOLTAGE (AC 110–240 V,

50/60 Hz) function.

NOTE

The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with

more 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 the

performance of your camcorder.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Before using the camcorder, please read this operation manual

carefully, especially page vi.

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM1

Part Names ............................................................. 1

Warning Indicators .................................................. 4

Operation References

Preparation

Basic Operations

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 5

Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 7

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet .......... 8

Inserting and Removing a Cassette ....................... 9

Installing the Lithium Batteries .............................. 10

Selecting the Language

for the On-screen Display .................................. 12

Setting the Date and Time .................................... 13

Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 14

Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 15

Using the Grip ....................................................... 15

Detaching the Lens Hood ..................................... 16

Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 16

Using the LCD Monitor ......................................... 18

Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 19

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode .......... 20

Zooming ................................................................ 21

Power Standby Mode ........................................... 22

Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 22

Auto Focus ............................................................ 23

Macro Shots .......................................................... 23

Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 23

Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 24

Information Display for Battery Usage .................. 24

Playback

Playback ............................................................... 25

Volume Control ...................................................... 26

Still ........................................................................ 26

Video Search ......................................................... 26

Watching Playback on a TV .................................. 27

Contents

Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................... v

Optional Accessories .......................................................................................... v

Precautions ........................................................................................................ vi

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM2

iii

Useful Features Control Buttons ..................................................... 28

Using the Mode Screens ...................................... 28

Using the Menu Screens ....................................... 29

Camera Recording

Setting the Digital Zoom ....................................... 30

Backlight Compensation (BLC) ............................ 31

Gain-up ................................................................. 32

Fade In and Fade Out ........................................... 33

Quick Return ......................................................... 34

Edit Search ............................................................ 35

Still Recording ....................................................... 35

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) ........................... 36

Wide Mode ............................................................ 36

Power Save Mode ................................................. 37

Windbreak ............................................................. 37

Self Recording ...................................................... 38

Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode ..... 40

Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode......... 41

Playback

Using the Remote Control (Not supplied) ............. 42

Selecting the Date and Time of Recording

Display ................................................................ 43

Picture Effect Playback ......................................... 44

Rotate Playback .................................................... 45

Stretch Playback ................................................... 46

Advanced Features Camera Recording

Manual Focus ....................................................... 47

Returning to Auto Focus ....................................... 48

Displaying the Manual Setting Screen .................. 48

Adjusting White Balance ....................................... 49

Manual Iris ............................................................ 51

Manual Gain .......................................................... 52

Setting the Shutter Speed ..................................... 53

Tips on Manual Settings ....................................... 54

Setting the Camcorder to Full Auto Mode............. 54

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................... 55

Digital Picture Effects ............................................ 56

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM3

Advanced Features

Appendix Picture/Backlight Adjustments .............................. 67

Turning off the Confirmation Sound ...................... 68

Setting the Camcorder to Factory Presettings ...... 68

Demonstration Mode ............................................ 69

Useful Information ................................................. 70

Troubleshooting .................................................... 75

Specifications ....................................................... 79

On-screen Display Index ...................................... 80

Index ..................................................................... 82

Note:

• Before requesting service, please read “Troubleshooting” carefully. (See pages 75–

78.)

Contents

Playback

Using the Time Code ............................................ 57

Audio Dubbing Feature......................................... 58

Selecting the Audio Playback Mode ..................... 60

Editing ................................................................... 61

Recording from an External Source

(VL-Z300 only) .................................................... 62

Editing with the DV Terminal (IEEE1394) .............. 64

Using the Camcorder as a Converter

(VL-Z300 only) .................................................... 66

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM4

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-L227

CR1216 type

lithium battery

for camcorder Lens cap

Standard-life

battery pack

BT-L227

External battery with

hand strap

BT-LCA1

Optional Accessories

AC adapter

Audio/video/S-video

cable

Power cord

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM5

Precautions

•Before recording an important scene,

please perform the recording test, then

playback to check if the scene was re-

corded properly. If noise occurs, use a

commercially available cleaning tape to

clean the video heads (see page viii).

•When the camcorder is not in use, re-

member to remove the cassette tape,

turn off the power, and disconnect the

camcorder from the power source.

•Do not aim the lens at the sun.

Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the

camcorder lens, whether or not recording

is in progress, as it may damage the CCD

sensor. Be particularly careful when re-

cording outside.

•Avoid magnetic sources.

Using the camcorder near

strong fluorescent lights,

motors, televisions, or

other magnetic sources

may adversely affect re-

corded images.

•Using the camcorder near a broad-

casting station or other powerful trans-

mission source may cause buzzing or

picture deterioration.

•Avoid shocks and dropping.

Do not drop or otherwise sub-

ject the camcorder to hard

shocks or strong vibrations.

Bumping or striking the unit

during recording will gener-

ate noise in the recorded im-

age.

•Avoid placing the

camcorder in close

proximity to lighting

equipment.

The heat from in-

candescent lights

may deform the

camcorder, or

cause it to malfunction.

•Always respect prohibitions or restric-

tions on the use of electronic equipment

on commercial flights or in other sensi-

tive areas.

•Be aware of the temperature and humid-

ity.

You can use your camcorder at 0°C to

L40°C, and at 30% to 80% relative hu-

midity. Do not store the unit in an

unventilated car in the summer, in direct

sunlight, or near

strong heat

sources; this can

result in severe

damage to the unit

casing and cir-

cuitry.

•Avoid situations where water, sand, dust

or other foreign matter could get on or

inside the camcorder, and do not use or

leave your camcorder in areas with ex-

cessive smoke, steam or moisture.

Such environments can cause malfunc-

tions or cause mil-

dew to form on the

lenses. Be sure to

keep the unit in a

well-ventilated loca-

tion.

•Some small, portable tri-

pods may be difficult to

attach and may not be

sturdy enough to sup-

port your camcorder. Be

sure to use only a

strong, stable tripod.

•When using your camcorder in a cold

environment, the LCD monitor screen of-

ten appears less bright immediately af-

ter the power is turned on. This is not a

malfunction. To prevent the camcorder

from becoming too cold, wrap it in a

thick cloth (a blanket, etc.).

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM6

vii

Dew Formation

•What is “dew formation”?

When cold water is poured into a glass,

dew drops form on the glass. This clinging

of water drops is called dew formation.

•When dew forms in your camcorder.

Dew will gradually form on the head drum

of your camcorder and make the video

tape stick to the head. This causes

damage both to the head and the tape.

When dew forms, recording and playback

may not function properly.

Dew is likely to form in the following

circumstances:

— When moving the camcorder from a

cold place to a warm place.

— When placing the camcorder in a cold

room which is then heated rapidly.

— When moving the camcorder outdoors

from an air conditioned room or car.

— When placing the camcorder in the

direct path of air

blowing from an air

conditioner.

— When placing the

camcorder in a

humid room.

•How to prevent trouble.

When using the camcorder in a place

where dew is likely to form, allow the

camcorder and the video tape to

acclimatise to the surroundings for about

one hour.

For example, when bringing the

camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in

a plastic bag.

1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag

containing 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 on

the screen, and the power will automati-

cally turn off in approximately 10 seconds.

Plastic bag

1If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,

leave the cassette compartment open,

and wait for a few hours to allow the

camcorder to acclimatise to the

surrounding temperature.

2To use the camcorder again, turn on the

power after waiting for a few hours. Be

sure that “DEW” has disappeared.

3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

flashing; this may result in damage to

the tape.

4Since dew forms gradually, it may take

10 to 15 minutes before the dew

warning feature engages.

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM7

viii

Dirty Video Heads

When the video heads have become

clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating

particles),

• mosaic-like noise appears on the

playback picture. (See illustrations above.)

• playback pictures do not move.

• during playback, the whole screen

becomes blue.

Using a Cleaning Tape (Commer-

cially Available)

You can clean the video head with a

commercially available cleaning tape.

Notes:

• Excessive use of the cleaning tape may

cause damage to the video heads. Please

read the instructions accompanying the

cleaning tape carefully before using it.

• The fast forward and rewind functions cannot

be used when the cleaning tape is in the

camcorder.

• If the video heads again become clogged

with dirt soon after cleaning, this might be

caused by a damaged tape. In this case,

stop using that cassette immediately.

1Insert a cleaning tape into the

camcorder.

2Hold down the Lock button and set

the Power switch to w.

• The video head cleaning screen

appears.

3Press mon the Operation button to

begin video head cleaning.

• “NOW CLEANING” flashes during

cleaning.

• After about 20 seconds, video head

cleaning automatically finishes, and

“EJECT THE CASSETTE.” displays.

4Remove the cleaning tape.

To cancel cleaning, press l.

Causes of video head clogging

• High-temperature and high-humidity

environment

• A lot of dust in the air

• Damaged tape

• Worn tape

• Long-time use

• Dew formation

If the video heads become clogged, the

vindicator appears on the screen. Contact

the nearest SHARP service centre or your

dealer for further advice.

Precautions

STOPSTART

CLEANI NG

CLEANINGNOW

Striped noise Mosaic noise

VL-Z300S/VL-Z100S-GB-*ii-xiv 04.2.12, 1:53 PM8

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