Model 150 Compact Moviecorder
(160-0851) Operation Faxback Doc. # 44988
Basic Camera Recording
Making A Camera Recording
CAUTION: Extreme changes in temperature can effect operation of the Model
150, especially if you go from a cold location to a warm one.
You should let the camcorder adjust to the surrounding
temperature before using it. See "Dew Protection System."
The following instructions outline the basic procedures for making a camera
recording. In many of the steps, you are directed to a specific section of
this manual that contains more detailed information.
When operating the Model 150 for the first time, read all the steps and
the suggested detailed information before you actually begin. Then, use
this outline as a reminder for camera recording procedures.
1. Choose and connect a power source. See "Power Sources."
2. Slide the lens cover (mode selector) so that the lens is exposed and
the VCR controls are covered. The camcorder automatically turns on.
3. Press [EJECT] to open the cassette compartment. Insert a standard
VHS-C cassette, and close the compartment. See "Video Cassette
Handling."
4. Set the FOCUS switch to AUTO. See "Auto/Manual Focus."
5. Set the IRIS control to AUTO. See "Auto/Manual Iris."
6. Set the TAPE SPEED switch to the desired speed (EP or SP).
At the SP speed you get 20 minutes of recording time on a TC-20 tape.
At the EP speed you get one hour.
NOTE: If you set the TAPE SPEED switch to SP and the counter is
displayed in the viewfinder, SP is also displayed.
There is no viewfinder display if you select the EP speed.
7. Place your right hand between the hand strap and the camera. Then,
adjust the hand strap so that it fits tightly over your hand.
If the strap is too loose, the camera is difficult to hold and control.
8. Adjust the electronic viewfinder until you can look into it comfortably.
Then, adjust the VIEWFINDER FOCUS control for the sharpest picture in
the viewfinder. See "Viewfinder Adjustment."
9. Point the camera at the desired subject, and press [W] or [T] on the
power zoom control until you see the desired picture in the viewfinder.
10. To begin recording, press the large, red camera-pause button with
your right thumb.
REC appears in the viewfinder (but it is not recorded on the tape).
11. To stop recording, press the camera-pause again. REC disappears from
the viewfinder.
Be sure to read all other section under "Special Camera Recording Functions"
for additional camera recording information.
Viewfinder Playback
After making a recording, you can play it back through the viewfinder and
listen through an optional earphone or headset with a 1/8" plug.
Of course, you can also press [EJECT], remove the tape, and use the
supplied cassette adapter to play it in any VHS VCR. See "Video Cassette
Handling."
1. Move the lens cover (mode selector) so that it covers the lens and
exposes the VCR controls.
2. Press [POWER] to turn on the camcorder.
3. Press [REWIND] to return the tape to the beginning or to the place you
want to begin playback. See "Digital Counter with Memory."
4. Insert an earphone or headset with 1/8" plug into the EAR jack on the
camcorder, and listen to the sound. The volume level is fixed at an
average listening level.
5. Press [PLAY] and watch the picture in the viewfinder. See "Special VCR
Functions."
Press [STOP] to end playback and press [EJECT] to remove the cassette.
You can eject a tape any time power is connected to the Model 150, whether
or not the ON indicator is lighted.
Hints For Better Video Tapes
If you are not familiar with camera techniques, there are many books
available at your local library. However, because the Model 150 is so
simple to use and because tapes can be used again and again, you can
experiment and learn what you like best.
The following information will get you started.
Lighting
Lighting should be uniform. And even though the Model 150 can record
in low-light conditions, more light is usually better. If necessary,
obtain a camera light and accessory bracket. Attach them to the Model
150.
CAUTION: Do not place a light source near the Model 150 mechanism. The
heat can cause the camcorder to malfunction.
Camera Movement
When moving the camcorder from side to side or up and down, move it slowly
and steadily. Too much movement or fast movement looks awkward during
playback and distracts from what you were recording.
A tripod is invaluable investment for top quality movie making.
Zoom-In & Zoom-Out
As with camera movement, too much use of zoom-in or zoom-out distracts
from what you recorded. And when you do use power zoom, it is best to
zoom in or zoom out in one motion, not in several jerky motions.
Movement from side to side combined with zoom-in or zoom-out can be very
effective in your video tapes. See "Power Zoom."
Sound Pickup
If the sound source for your movie is only a few feet away, the built in
microphone picks it up beautifully.
However, for distant sound sources, a super-directional shotgun microphone
might be better. Or for professional results, use an FM wireless
microphone.
You can attach an external microphone to the Model 150 using the optional
accessory bracket. Then plug the microphone into the external microphone
Jack.
Special Camera Recording Features
Video Cassette Handling
Proper handling of your video cassettes lengthens their lives and the life
of your camcorder. Always treat them with care.
CAUTION: Take special care not to touch the tape surface when handling
the cassette. Unlike standard VHS cassettes, the tape cover
is not locked down on VHS-C cassettes.
Inserting/Removing a Cassette
1. Press [EJECT] to open the cassette compartment.
You can open the compartment whenever power is connected to the
Model 150, whether or not the ON indicator is lighted.
2. Insert the cassette into the cassette compartment with the side label
facing out and with the spine label facing toward the back of the
camcorder.
CAUTION: Never insert anything except a VHS-C video cassette into the
cassette compartment.
3. Press in on the center of the compartment door until it snaps closed.
To remove a cassette, simply press [EJECT], and pull out the cassette
toward the rear of the camcorder. Be sure not to touch the tape when
removing the cassette.
CAUTION: Remove the cassette before storing the camcorder.
Cassette Storage
Store video cassettes in their protective boxes in a cool, dry, dust-free
environment. Use video cassettes on end, not on their sides. This
prevents improper settling of the spool of tape.
Erase Protection Tab
Video cassettes have an erase protection feature to prevent accidental
erasure of a tape. If the erase protection tab is missing, the Model
150 cannot record on the tape.
If you want to record on a tape that does not have the tab, put a piece
of heavy plastic tape over the tab hole. Be sure the tape does not
interfere with the normal operation of the cassette.
Using the Cassette Adapter
The cassette adapter lets you play your VHS-C cassettes in a regular VHS
VCR. And, this adapter is battery powered to eliminate the frustration
of loading the tape manually.
To install the battery:
1. Remove the battery compartment cover by pressing it in the direction
of the arrow.
2. Place an AA battery in the compartment. Be sure to observe the
polarity (+ and -) marked in the compartment.
3. Replace the compartment cover.
To load and play a VHS-C cassette in a regular VCR:
1. Slide the release lever on the cassette adapter in the direction of
the arrow. The adapter compartment opens.
2. Rotate the gear on the side of the cassette to take up any slack in
the tape.
3. Place the VHS-C cassette in the adapter.
The back of the cassette and the back of the adapter should face the
same direction.
4. Close the adapter compartment.
The tape from the VHS-C cassette is automatically loaded into the
adapter, and the adapter's red safety tab retracts. (The safety tab
prevents loading of the adapter into the VCR when there is no
cassette inside the adapter.
5. Load, play, and eject the adapter as you would a regular VCR. It is
possible to record on the VHS-C cassette when it is in the regular VCR.
If wish to prevent this remove the erase protection tab on the adapter.
To remove the cassette from the adapter, press the release lever again.
The tape unloads and the compartment opens. Remove and store the VHS-C
cassette.
Auto/Manual Focus
When you set the FOCUS switch to AUTO, the auto-focus system uses an
invisible infrared light beam to determine the distance to the nearest
object that is in the center of the viewfinder. Then, it focuses on that object.
When you move the camcorder, the auto-focus system automatically
readjusts. It is usually best to let the auto-focus system focus for you.
However, some situations are difficult for the auto-focus system to
handle.
For example, when:
The focus point is not in the center of the picture.
Close and distant objects are both near the center of the viewfinder.
You are taping a long object from its end.
The focus point is behind a window.
You are taping an object that does not reflect infrared light (black
surface, water, and so forth).
The focus point is moving rapidly.
You are taping in snow or fog.
When you set the FOCUS switch to MANUAL, use the [POWER FOCUS] buttons
(left arrow/right arrow) while looking through the viewfinder to focus on
the desired object. Be sure that the viewfinder focus control is properly
adjusted, also.
For best results, zoom in as close as possible on the object before
focusing. Then, adjust the zoom as desired before you begin recording.
See "Power Zoom".
Pressing INSTANT when the FOCUS switch is set to MANUAL temporarily
activates the auto-focus system.
Auto/Manual Iris
The iris determines how much light gets into the camcorder. When you set
the IRIS control to AUTO, the Model 150 automatically adjusts for changing
lighting conditions. The aperture widens in low light and narrows in
bright lights.
The auto-iris system can handle most lighting conditions and it is usually
best to set the IRIS control to AUTO. However, in some situations you must
set the iris manually.
For example, if the background is much darker than the object you are
recording, adjust the IRIS control CLOSE. If the background is much
lighter, adjust the IRIS control toward OPEN.
Fade-In/Fade-Out
You can also use the IRIS control to fade in at the beginning of a scene
and fade out at the end. This gives your recording a professional look.
To fade in:
1. Turn the IRIS control fully counterclockwise (to CLOSE) before
starting the recording. The viewfinder picture becomes black.
2. Begin recording, and gradually turn the IRIS control to AUTO.
To fade out:
During recording, gradually turn the IRIS control counterclockwise until
the picture in the viewfinder becomes black. Then, stop recording.
Viewfinder Adjustment
You can move the viewfinder up and down at any time. And after loosening
the adjustment screw, you can adjust it from front to back. Be sure to
tighten the adjustment screw after making adjustments. After you select
the best position for the viewfinder, adjust the VIEWFINDER FOCUS control
for the best viewfinder picture.
NOTES: The lens focus adjustment also affects the picture in the
viewfinder.
You must slide the lens cover (mode selector) so that the lens
is exposed and the VCR controls are covered, before you can see
the lens image through the viewfinder. (Power turns on
automatically.)
Before placing the Model 150 in its carrying case, slide the view-
finder fully forward and press it down until it locks against
the camcorder.
Power Zoom
This feature lets you go from a wide-angle shot to a telephoto shot at
the touch of a button. During recording, press the power zoom buttons
([W]) or [T] with the fingers of your right hand.
Press [T] (telephoto) to zoom in and [W] (wide angle) to zoom out.
Review
This feature lets you quickly review the last few seconds of a recording
you just made.
1. During camera recording, press the red, camera-pause button to stop
the tape.
2. Press [REVIEW]. The tape rewinds a few inches and plays back to the
point you stopped recording.
3. Press the camera-pause button to continue recording from that point.
Digital Counter With Memory
This feature lets you mark and return to specific locations on a video
tape.
To use this counter:
1. Press [DISPLAY] until the counter appears in the viewfinder.
2. Press [COUNTER RESET] to set the counter to 0000 at the beginning of
the tape.
3. Begin recording or playback.
4. At points you might want to return to, note the counter reading.
Then, as long as you reset the counter to 0000 at the beginning each time
you play the tape, the same counter readings correspond to the same
location on the tape.
To use the counter memory:
1. Press [DISPLAY] until the counter appears in the viewfinder.
2. Begin recording or playback of a tape.
3. At a point you want to return to, press [COUNTER RESET] to set the
counter to 0000.
Continue recording or playback.
4. When you are ready to return to the 0000 location, press [STOP].
Then, press [REWIND]. The tape stops when the counter returns to
0000. (In actual practice, the tape usually stops at 9999.)
The tape also stops when 0000 is reached during fast-forward motion.
Self Timer
This feature activates recording automatically, after a 10-second delay,
so everyone can get into the picture at the beginning of the shot.
CAUTION: To protect your camcorder, we recommend that you mount the
camera on a camera tripod when using the self timer.
1. Insert a tape as described in "Video Cassette Handling."
2. Slide the lens cover so that the lens is exposed and the VCR controls
are covered. The camcorder automatically turns on.
3. Set the self timer.
If you press [SELF TIMER] once, the SELF TIMER indicator flashes
rapidly and recording begins in ten seconds. Recording stops
automatically in about 30 seconds.
REC appears in the Viewfinder during the delay and recording.
If you press [SELF TIMER] twice, the SELF TIMER indicator flashes
slowly and recording begins in ten seconds. However, recording
continues until you press the camera-pause button or the tape ends.
REC appears in the viewfinder during the delay and recording.
To cancel the self timer mode, press [SELF TIMER] a third time before
recording begins. The indicator goes off and REC disappears from the
viewfinder. The [SELF TIMER] button has no effect when recording is in
progress.
Using The Model 150 As A VCR
Playback Through A TV
If you have a regular VHS VCR, you can use the supplied cassette adapter
to play the VHS-C tapes on that VCR. (See "Video Cassette Handling.")
However, if the Model 150 is your only VCR or if your other CR is not
VHS, the following information tells you how to play back tapes from the
camcorder through your TV.
1. Connect the multi-pin plug of the supplied A/V output cable to the AV
OUT jack on the Model 150.
2. Connect the other end of the A/V output cable to the TV.
If your TV has audio/video input jacks, connect the yellow plug to
the video jack and the white plug to the audio jack.
If your TV has only VHF/UHF antenna terminals, you must connect an
optional RF converter (modulator) between the camcorder and the TV's
antenna terminals, as shown.
With these connections, you can also monitor the picture and sound
on your TV during recording. The picture is in color on a color TV.
Playback
1. Turn on the TV and move the Model 150's lens cover (mode selector) so
that it covers the lens and expose the VCR controls.
2. Press the POWER switch to turn on the camcorder.
3. Insert the previously recorded tape into the Model 150 as described
in "Video Cassette Handling."
4. Prepare the TV to receive the Model 150 signals.
If you connect the A/V output cable to separate audio/video jacks
on the TV, set the TV to the monitor mode.
If you use an RF converter to make connections to the TV, set the
TV, set the TV tuner to the output channel of the converter (usually
Channel 3 or 4).
5. Press [PLAY] on the Model 150.
Press [STOP] to end playback and press [EJECT] to remove the tape.
See "Special VCR Features."
Special VCR Special
These features can be used only when VCR controls on the Model 150 are
exposed.
Visual Search
Visual search lets you view a tape at a fast speed in the forward or
reverse direction.
To use this function, begin regular playback of a tape. Then, press
[FAST-F] to search forward or [REWIND] to search backward. The tape
moves approximately three times normal speed with SP speed recording
and nine times for EP speed recordings.
Press [PLAY] to return to normal speed playback.
During visual search, the sound is muted, and the picture quality is lower
than during normal playback. However, you will get best results with a
tape recorded with EP speed.
Fast-Forward & Rewind
When the camcorder is in the stop mode, press [FAST-F] move the tape
rapidly forward. Press [REWIND] to move the tape backward.
There is no sound or picture during fast-forward or rewind. Use the
digital counter to locate specific sections of the recording. See
"Digital Counter with Memory."
Freeze-Frame
Freeze-frame lets you stop the action while playing a tape.
Press [PAUSE] during playback to freeze the picture. Press it again
to return to normal playback. During freeze-frame, the picture quality
is lower than during normal viewing. However, you will get best results
with a tape recorded with EP speed.
NOTE: If you leave the VCR in the freeze-frame mode for five minutes,
it automatically switches to the stop mode.
Tracking Adjustment
The TRACKING control lets you adjust the Model 150 for optimum playback
of VHS-C tapes made in other machines. Simply adjust the control for the
sharpest, clearest picture.
The center detent position is best for playback of tapes made on the Model
150.
Dew Protection System
Moisture inside the Model 150 can cause tape jams or damage to the video
heads. The dew protection system helps you avoid such problems by prevent-
ing operation when it senses excess moisture.
Activation of the dew protection system is indicated by a flashing ON
indicator. You can resume normal operation only after the moisture is
gone and the indicator stops flashing.
Dubbing From The Model 150
Copying one of your home movies from the Model 150 to a regular VCR is
simple.
NOTE: With these connections you can record the picture and sound on a
regular VCR at the same time you are recording with the Model 150.
1. Connect the multi-pin plug of the supplied A/V output cable to the AV
OUT jack on the Model 150.
2. Connect the yellow plug on the A/V output cable to the video-in jack
of the recording VCR and the white plug to the audio-in jack.
3. Begin recording on the recording VCR.
If the VCR has an input select switch, be sure to set it for audio/
video signals.
4. Begin playback of the tape from the Model 150. See "Playback Through
a TV."
You can monitor the dubbing on the TV connected to your VCR. See the VCR
owner's manual.
(LB/SM 10/30/97)
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