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LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER MODEL VL-WD250U OPERATION MANUAL Please read this operation manual carefully before using the VIEWCAM. Important For assistance in reporting the theft or loss of this product, record on the line below the model number and serial number which are located on the bottom of the unit.
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Please read this operation manual to familiarize yourself with the camcorder’s features, so that you will get the most out of it. The video techniques section will help you fully enjoy the many features this camcorder offers, and expand your video world.
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Warn children not to take out batteries or install them. Parents should install the lithium battery in the camcorder. COPYRIGHT WARNING: It is the intent of SHARP that this unit be used in full NOTE The camcorder’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with more than 61,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 1. Read Instructions—All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. 2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the product and in the operating instruc- tions should be adhered to.
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15. Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
Lift up the viewfinder. Align the - mark on the side of the battery pack with the q mark on the camcorder (1), and slide the battery pack down completely until it locks into place (2). Inserting a Mini DV Cassette...
Power Zoom control Tape Playback Press the LCD monitor OPEN release button (1), and open the LCD monitor to a 90° angle to the camcorder body (2). Lock button Adjust the LCD monitor to an angle that RE C allows easy viewing on the on-screen picture.
* The part numbers for the AC adapter/battery charger and battery pack supplied with this camcorder are valid only in the U.S. and Latin America. If this camcorder was purchased outside of these areas, the part numbers may be different. Please refer to the part numbers printed on the labels of the supplied AC adapter/battery charger and battery pack.
PixLab Video Capture Software (Lite Version) VR-PK50E Note: The listed model names are for U.S. accessories. For optional and additional accessories, contact your local dealer, call the Sharp Accesso- ries and Supply Center at 1-800-642-2122, or visit SHARP’s website (http://www.sharp-usa.com). viii...
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Precautions • When the camcorder is not in use, remem- ber 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...
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• Clear color reproduction with virtually no color contamination Provides three times the color resolution of conventional VCRs (based on Sharp models). Clear images with virtually no distracting color contamination (which usually appears as red).
Warning Indicators ... 6 Charging the Battery Pack ... 7 Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ... 8 Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet ... 9 Inserting and Removing a Mini DV Cassette ... 10 Installing the Lithium Memory Battery ... 11 Selecting the Language for the On-screen Display ...
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Useful Features Advanced Features Appendix • Guía de operación rápida en español ... 73 • Visualizaciones en pantalla en español ... 75 • Affichages sur écran en français ... 76 Fade In and Fade Out ... 33 Quick Return ... 34 Edit Search ...
Operation References Operation References Part Names For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in brackets. Left view W/B (White Balance) button [p. 47] CAT’S EYE switch [p. 32] Lens hood Zoom lens Remote sensor [p. 37] Stereo microphone GAMMA/BRIGHTER button [pp.
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Operation References Right view S-VIDEO socket [pp. 22, 56, 57] VIDEO jack [pp. 22, 56, 57] AUDIO L jack [pp. 22, 56, 57] AUDIO R jack [pp. 22, 56, 57] Hand strap [p. 15] Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control [p. 19]/ VOLume control [p.
Quick Reference List Below are some examples of camcorder’s features. • To record the subject with higher-quality audio. — See page 28 (Selecting the 16-bit Audio Recording Mode) • To record powerful close-up images. — See page 29 (Setting the Digital Zoom) •...
Operation References On-screen Display Index For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated. CAMERA mode p. 28 AU TO p. 18 pp. 18, 25 L I GHT AU TO 1 2 bit p. 20 p.
The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is close to the end of its service life. Call your local L AMP authorized Sharp dealer to have it replaced. When the vertical rotation of the LCD monitor is between 135° and 180° in CAMERA mode, all...
• See page 66 for more information on using the battery pack. Caution: • Charge only SHARP model BT-L221 or BT-L441 battery packs. Other types of battery packs may burst, causing personal injury and damage. Extending battery pack life...
• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder if you will not use the camcorder for a long period of time. • Use only SHARP model BT-L221 or BT-L441 battery packs with this camcorder. Use of other batteries may present a risk of fire or explosion.
DC cable during recording or playback, the tape will remain wound around the video head drum, potentially causing damage to the tape. • Disconnect the camcorder from the AC adapter if you will not use the camcorder for a long period of time. To power outlet...
• Do not apply force to the cassette holder except when pressing the W mark to close it. • Do not tilt the camcorder or hold it upside down when you are inserting or removing a cassette. It may damage the tape.
Lift up the battery using a pointed object, and take it out. Note: • Replace the battery with a new CR2025 lithium battery when the time indicator of the camcorder starts to fall behind the correct time. Notes on the Use of the Lithium battery...
MENU/DISPLAY button Power switch Operation button Setting the Language When using the camcorder for the first time, select the desired language for the on-screen display by performing the procedure below. Press the LCD monitor OPEN release button (1) and open the LCD monitor (2).
Preparation Setting the Date and Time Example: Setting the date to June 2, 2002 (JUN. 2. 2002) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30 AM). Note: • Before performing the procedure below, make sure that the lithium battery has been installed (see page 11).
Changing to the 24-hour Time Mode After performing step 9 above, press d or y (1) to select “12H/24H”, and then press r (2). CL OCK SE T D I SPL AY SE T T I NG 1 2H 2 4H Press d or y to select “24H”, and then press e.
Seal the velcro fasteners of the grip strap and the hand strap flap. Caution: • Do not swing the camcorder by the hand strap. Using the Lens Cap Attach the strap of the lens cap to the hand strap as shown below.
Lower the viewfinder. Cautions: • Do not use excessive force when moving the viewfinder. • Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder. Notes: • The viewfinder automatically turns off when the LCD monitor is opened. When the vertical rotation of the monitor is between 135°...
• When closing the LCD monitor, do not tilt it; otherwise the monitor may not close properly and may become damaged. • Do not pick up the camcorder by the LCD monitor. • Do not expose the LCD monitor to shocks.
Hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA. • The picture from the lens is now displayed in the viewfinder. • The camcorder is now ready to record (Recording Standby mode). Auto mode indicator AUTO Lock button Note: If “MANUAL”...
• The zoom speed depends on how far you push the Power Zoom control. Notes: • The camcorder is unable to focus when zooming in on subjects within 6 feet (1.8 m). The camcorder will automatically zoom out until it is able to focus on the subject.
Remaining Recording Time Display When the camcorder is recording in CAMERA mode, an on-screen indicator displays the approximate remaining tape time in minutes. During recording, press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the remaining recording time indicator appears. Remaining recording time indicator To turn off the indicator, press the MENU/ DISPLAY button again.
AUDIO1 2 + Volume Control When the camcorder is in VCR mode, push the Volume control to the L or + side to increase (1) or decrease (2) the volume. The volume level indicator will appear on the LCD screen during adjustment only.
• If your TV or VCR has an S-video input socket, you can connect it to the S-VIDEO socket on the camcorder with a commercially available S-video cable. • When the camcorder is connected to a TV for CHANNEL PAUSE /STILL...
To return to normal playback, press y again. Notes: • The sound is off in Still mode. • To protect the tape, the camcorder automatically returns to normal playback if it is left in Still mode for more than 5 minutes. Operation button...
Useful Features Using the Controls The following controls on the camcorder can be used to select and operate the various functions, settings and on-screen displays. MENU/DISPLAY button Power switch Operation button Power switch To turn the power on, hold down the Lock button and set the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.
Useful Features Selecting the User Mode This camcorder features three user modes for camera recording functions. The selectable items on the menu screen are different depending on the user mode. User mode Auto mode (AUTO): Lets you adjust all menu settings except manual settings.
Press the MENU/DISPLAY button. Notes: • Certain menu items are common among Camcorder modes. If the REMOTE menu item, for example, is set to “OFF” in CAMERA mode, it will be automatically set to “OFF” in VCR mode. • The menu screen automatically turns off if no settings are made within five minutes.
Camera Recording Camera Recording Recording in LP (Long Play Recording) Mode This camcorder allows you to record in LP (Long Play Recording) mode for approximately 50% more recording time with the same picture quality as that in SP (Standard Play Recording) mode.
When image shaking does not occur (e.g. 1 2 bit 1 6 bit when using the camcorder on a tripod), turn off the DIS function. The picture will appear more natural when the DIS function is off. In Recording Standby mode, set the DIS switch to OFF.
1–780K. • As the image is enlarged digitally, the picture quality decreases when higher digital zoom settings are used. Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. MANUAL SE T MAN. FOCUS SHU T.
Gamma Brightness Compensation When the subject is backlit, the image will appear dark if it is recorded normally. The gamma brightness compensation function improves the picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portion of the image unaffected. GAMMA/BRIGHTER button In CAMERA mode, press the GAMMA/ BRIGHTER button once.
Useful Features Camera Recording Gain-up When you are recording in a dark or poorly- illuminated location, “LIGHT” is displayed on the screen. Use the gain-up function to record a brighter picture. Note: • At locations where lighting is adequate, “LIGHT” will not appear.
Notes: • The picture will turn white if you use Night Recording in a bright location. • The camcorder may not be able to focus correctly when using Night Recording. In such cases, use the manual focus function to obtain proper focus (see page 43).
This is especially effective for indicating a dramatic change in scenery. Fade in Fade out Setting Fade Mode Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. Select T, then press r on the Operation button. Select “FADE” (1), then press r (2).
QK. RE TURN SE ARCH When the tape reaches the end of the last recorded scene, “FINISHED” is displayed, and the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to turn off the menu screen. Notes: •...
• The still image of the subject E F F. OF F PHOTO SHOT In SNAP mode, the camcorder returns to Recording Standby mode after recording a still image for 6 seconds. To pause recording Press the REC START/STOP button.
A still picture is recorded following the sound and visual effects of a camera shutter closing. Setting a still recording effect Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. Select Y, then press r on the Operation button.
Use the supplied remote control to operate the camcorder from a distance, such as when you want to record yourself in a scene, or when the camcorder is connected to a TV for use as a VCR. Installing the Batteries in the Remote Control Open the battery compartment cover.
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Operating the Remote Control Open the LCD monitor completely (1), then rotate it 180° vertically (2). Set the Power switch on the camcorder to CAMERA or VCR. Aim the remote control at the remote sensor of the camcorder, and press the control buttons for operation.
If the camcorder is steadied, you can record yourself in the scene by watching yourself on the LCD monitor. The supplied remote control is useful for such occasions.
To return to normal playback, press the PLAY button (t). Note: • To protect the tape, the camcorder automatically returns to normal playback if it is left in Slow mode for more than 10 minutes. Frame Advance The frame advance function allows you to play back still images frame by frame.
Useful Features Playback Using the Time Code The time code shows the hour, minute and second of recording, and the frame number (1 frame = approx. 1/30 sec.). This is automati- cally recorded along with the subject. You can display the time code on the screen as an accurate counter in both VCR and CAMERA modes.
Advanced Features Camera Recording Manual Exposure The camcorder is preset to Auto Exposure mode, which automatically chooses the optimal aperture. When there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and back- ground, however, you may not be able to record a clear image.
Manual Focus Auto Focus may not be able to focus on the subject in the situations shown below. In such situations, set the camcorder to Manual Focus mode and focus manually. Lack of contrast, e.g. snow Subject is too dark.
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6 feet (1.8 m). Set the zoom control to wide angle, and then try refocusing. • If the lens is dirty or fogged, the camcorder may BUT TON] not be able to correctly focus.
Recommended Shutter Speeds The faster the shutter speed, the darker the picture becomes. Select the most appropriate shutter speed for the ambient light. Situation • Recording sports action in bright daylight. • Recording in bright daylight at a ski resort. •...
Reset the white balance. MENU D I SP L AY • Do not move the camcorder while “W/B LOCK” is flashing in step 4. • If “W/B LOCK” does not stop flashing in step 4, press the MENU/DISPLAY button to cancel the locking procedure, and repeat step 4.
Scene Menu (Program AE) You can set the camcorder to the shooting mode that will create the best results for a specific situation. Just select one of four scene settings shown below. The camcorder will automatically set the exposure, white balance, and shutter speed to produce the optimum picture quality for the selected situation.
SEPIA: To record in sepia color similar to that of an old photograph. MOSAIC: To record a picture divided up into tiles. Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button until the menu screen appears. Select T, then press r on the Operation button.
Turn the screw in the opposite direction than when mounting, and then pull off the zoom microphone. Caution: • Do not pick up the camcorder by the zoom microphone, as this may cause the camcorder or zoom microphone to break down. Selecting Zoom Microphone Mode Select a Zoom Microphone mode when the zoom microphone is mounted.
Advanced Features Advanced Features Playback Playback Playback Zoom The playback zoom function allows you to magnify the playback picture up to 10 times its original size and to shift the magnified picture by using the remote control (see pages 37 and 38 for use of the remote control).
Gamma Playback The gamma playback function improves the playback picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portions of the image unaffected. GAMMA/BRIGHTER button During playback, press the GAMMA/ BRIGHTER button once. • “GAMMA1” appears, and the picture becomes brighter.
Advanced Features Playback Playback Effects Playback effects can be used to create an interesting scene transition between a still image and the following image during play- back. Type of Playback Effects OVERLAP: A still image fades out as the next image fades in, replacing the previous image.
Picture Effect Playback These picture effects let you play back images with a more dramatic effect. Type of Picture Effects B/W: The picture is displayed in black-and- white. SEPIA: The picture is displayed in sepia color similar to that of an old photograph. MOSAIC: The picture is divided up into tiles.
(1), then press r (2). Press d or y to select “AUTO”, AUTO “NORMAL” or “BRIGHT”, then press e. BACKL I GHT AUTO: The camcorder automatically switches between “NORMAL” and “BRIGHT” depending on the ambient lighting. This mode is only available in CAMERA mode.
VCR to resume recording when the source tape reaches the end of the sequence to be cut. To stop editing Press d on the camcorder and press the Stop Playback button on the VCR. Notes: • Some of the transitions between edited sequences may be slightly off.
Advanced Features Playback Recording from an External Source You can use this camcorder to record or edit videos from another source, such as a VCR, TV, or video disc player. Connect the camcorder to the source equip- ment with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.
DV cable is not properly connected, “NO SIGNAL” is displayed on the camcorder screen. • If no picture or sound is input to the camcorder even if the DV cable is properly connected and you are playing back the source media from the...
Advanced Features Playback Audio Dubbing Feature You can add narration to recordings made with this camcorder, while preserving the original audio and video recordings. Microphone for Audio Dubbing You can use the built-in stereo microphone to record narration. Built-in stereo microphone Note: •...
• Audio dubbing cannot be used with record- ings made in LP mode. • It is recommended that you use Audio Dubbing only with recordings made with this camcorder. Use of recordings made with other digital video equipment may result in poor audio quality.
Advanced Features Playback Selecting the Audio Playback Mode You can select any of the following audio playback modes. Audio 1+2 • 12-bit recording in stereo (Audio 1 and Audio 2 channels) • 16-bit recording in stereo (left and right channels) Audio 1 •...
Connecting the camcorder to a Personal Computer Turn off the PC. Connect the camcorder as shown below. • Before connecting the camcorder to the PC, make sure that the PC power is off to insure that images are transferred properly.
Advanced Features Playback Using the Software For tips on how to use the optional Video Capture Software VR-PK50E, refer to the operation manual located on the CD-ROM in PDF format. Follow the steps below to open the PDF file containing the manual. Note: •...
Appendix Useful Information Hints for Better Shooting • Position the subject in the center of the scene. When you are using auto focus, whatever is in the center of the scene is kept in focus. Position the subject in Focus manually when you the center.
Precautions when using a Mini DV cassette • Be sure to use only Mini DV cassettes with the i mark. • This camcorder can record and play back using Mini DV cassettes with cassette memory, but it cannot record or play back this memory.
If you are not going to use your camcorder immediately, remove the battery pack (see page 8). Note: • Use only SHARP BT-L221 or BT-L441 battery packs. These are designed specifically for use with this camcorder. Storage •...
LCD monitor. If the monitor becomes dark or difficult to view, the fluores- cent lamp may need to be replaced. Contact the nearest SHARP service center or your dealer for further advice. Dew Formation • What is “dew formation”? When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass.
If the video heads become clogged, the v indicator appears on the screen. Contact the nearest SHARP service center or your dealer for further advice. Using a Cleaning Tape (Commer- cially Available) Video head cleaning can be done by using a commercially available cleaning tape.
You can watch a brief demonstration of the special camcorder features in Demo mode. If the demonstration appears on the screen when you turn on the camcorder for the first time, cancel the Demo mode to use your camcorder. CAT’S EYE switch...
Does not indicate a malfunction. Automatically zooms Camcorder is unable to focus when out without operating zooming in on subject within 6 feet Power Zoom control. (1.8 m), and automatically zooms out until it focuses on subject.
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Remote control used beyond operating range. Intense daylight falling on camcorder remote sensor. Obstacle between remote control and camcorder remote sensor. Suggested solution Rewind or fast forward tape to desired point (p. 21). Call for service (p. 72), or use a commercially available video head cleaning tape (p.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. SERVICE INFORMATION (For the U.S.) For the location of the nearest Sharp Authorized Service, or to obtain product literature, accessories, supplies or customer assistance, please call 1-800-BE SHARP (1-800-237-4277) or visit SHARP’s website (http://www.sharp-usa.com).
Guía de operación rápida en español Guía de operación rápida en español Carga de la batería Conecte el cable de alimentación suministrado al zócalo de alimentación de CA del adaptador de CA/cargador de baterías, y enchufe la clavija de CA en una toma de corriente.
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Grabación fácil con la videocámara Asegúrese de que se encuentre insertado un casete. Quite la tapa del objetivo y levante el visor. Mantenga pulsado el botón de bloqueo y ponga el interruptor de alimentación en CAMERA. Pulse el botón REC START/STOP para iniciar la grabación.
Visualizaciones en pantalla en español Guía de operación rápida en español Cuando se selecciona “ESPAÑOL” como idioma de la visualización en pantalla aparecen las siguientes visualizaciones indicadas a continuación. Modo CAMERA AU TOM. L UZ AU TOM. 1 2 bits 3 0 m Modo VCR AUDIO1 2 +...
Affichages sur écran en français Les affichages sur écran suivants apparaissent lorsque “FRANÇAIS” est sélectionné pour la langue de l’affichage. Mode CAMERA AU TO LUMI . AU TO 1 2 bits 3 0min Mode facile (FACILE) ME NU F ONDU RE TOUR I NS T ANTANE E F F I NS T AN...
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In no event shall Sharp be liable, or in any way responsible, for any damages or defects in the Product which were caused by repairs or attempted repairs performed by anyone other than an authorized servicer. Nor shall Sharp be liable or in any way responsible for any incidental or consequential economic or property damage.