GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 1 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM LYT1679-001A DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GR-D720EK GR-D740EK Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the pages, 3 – 6 to ensure safe use of this product. ENGLISH 8 GETTING STARTED VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 18 ADVANCED FEATURES 24 REFERENCES 35 TERMS Back cover To deactivate the demonstration, set “DEMO MODE” to “OFF”. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 2 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 2 EN Major Features of this Camcorder Wipe/Fader Effects Backlight Compensation You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make pro-style scene transitions. (墌 pg. 31) Simply pressing the button brightens the image darkened by backlight. (墌 pg. 30) Fade in Data Battery Fade out You can check the battery status by simply pressing the DATA button. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 3 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM EN 3 READ THIS FIRST ! ● Before recording important video, be sure to make a trial recording. Play back your trial recording to make sure the video and audio have been recorded properly. ● We recommend cleaning your video heads before use. If you haven’t used your camcorder for awhile, the heads may be dirty. We recommend periodically cleaning the video heads with a cleaning cassette (optional).
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 4 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 4 EN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IMPORTANT (for owners in the U.K.) Connection to the mains supply in the United Kingdom. DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 5 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM EN 5 Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into the sun. This can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a risk of fire or electric shock. CAUTION! The following notes concern possible physical damage to the camcorder and to the user. When carrying, be sure to always securely attach and use the provided strap.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 6 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 6 EN SOME DO’S AND DON’TS ON THE SAFE USE OF EQUIPMENT This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet international safety standards but, like any electrical equipment, care must be taken if you are to obtain the best results and safety is to be assured. DO read the operating instructions before you attempt to use the equipment.
MasterPage: TOC_Heading0_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 7 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM CONTENTS GETTING STARTED 8 ADVANCED FEATURES Index ................................................................. 8 Regarding This Manual................................... 11 Provided Accessories ..................................... 11 Grip Adjustment .............................................. 12 Power.............................................................. 13 Language Settings..............
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 8 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM GETTING STARTED 8 EN Index g8 18 P Q 31 25 26 27 30 9 q0 23 22 4 5 BATT. 6 w 29 28 e 19 20 21 s 1 3 b 24 O* N * For GR-D740EK only How to open the LCD monitor Pull on the end a of the LCD monitor. The LCD monitor can rotate 270°.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 9 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM GETTING STARTED Controls Indicators a R POWER/CHARGE Lamp (墌 pg. 13) 9 Other Parts S LCD Monitor (墌 pg. 8) T Viewfinder (墌 pg. 15) U Battery Pack Mount (墌 pg. 13) V Shoulder Strap Eyelet (墌 pg. 12) W Grip Strap (墌 pg. 12) X Speaker (墌 pg. 21) Y Lens Z Camera Sensor (Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor necessary for shooting is built-in here.) a Stereo Microphone b Stud Hole (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 10 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 10 EN GETTING STARTED LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M a p During Video Playback i o 16:9 LP 10 x 1 22 1 LP LP x3 REC 3 u y t WH r e q w a Battery Remaining Power Indicator (墌 pg. 36) B Operation Mode A : Auto Mode M : Manual Mode C : Night Indicator (墌 pg. 32) : Gain Up Mode (墌 pg. 25) D Shutter Speed (墌 pg. 32) E White Balance Indicator (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 11 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM GETTING STARTED Regarding This Manual Control Lever EN 11 Provided Accessories . LCD Monitor Power Cord AC Adapter AP-V14E MENU 16:9 / BLANK Audio/Video Cable (Ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug) Control lever There are two kinds of operation using the control lever: moving the lever towards up/down/ left/right, or pressing down the lever. They are described and illustrated as shown below. 1.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 12 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 12 EN GETTING STARTED How To Attach The Lens Cap Grip Adjustment To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration. Open the pad and make grip adjustments. ● Before making the adjustment, remove any security tags that may be attached to the velcro. NOTE: To confirm the lens cap is on correctly make sure the cap is flush to the camcorder.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 13 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM GETTING STARTED EN 13 To detach the battery pack Power Slide the battery pack upward while pressing BATT. to detach it. Charging The Battery Pack Battery pack Battery pack mount POWER/ CHARGE lamp Charging time BN-VF808U* Approx. 1 hr. 30 min. BN-VF815U Approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. BN-VF823U Approx. 3 hrs. 50 min.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 14 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 14 EN GETTING STARTED About Batteries Data Battery System DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may cause a fire or explosion. WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its terminals to come in contact with metals, as this can result in a short circuit and possibly start a fire.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 15 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM GETTING STARTED Language Settings 15 Viewfinder Adjustment 1 Set the Power Switch to “REC” while The language on the display can be changed. (墌 pg. 24, 27) 1 Select EN pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. LANGUAGE 2 Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and ENGLISH FRANCAIS ESPAÑOL ITALIANO NEDERLANDS locked. Pull out the viewfinder fully.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 16 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 16 EN GETTING STARTED Tripod Mounting NOTES: ● If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder does not open, close the cassette holder cover and try again. If the cassette holder still does open, turn the camcorder off then on again. ● If the tape does not load properly, open the cassette holder cover fully and remove the cassette. A few minutes later, insert it again.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 17 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM GETTING STARTED EN 17 16:9 Wide Mode 16:9 1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”. 2 Each press 16:9 switches the screen size. On the LCD monitor: 16 : 9 4:3 On the viewfinder : 16 : 9 4:3 NOTE: If you record videos in 16:9 size, the image may appear to be slightly vertically stretched when playing back on TV with the 4:3 screen. (墌 pg. 26, 28) GETTING STARTED You can record videos at 4:3 size and 16:9 size.
MasterPage: Left VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 18 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 18 EN VIDEO RECORDING Tape Remaining Time Basic Recording NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: ● Power. (墌 pg. 13) ● Loading A Cassette. (墌 pg. 16) ● Remove the lens cap. (墌 pg. 12) ● Open the LCD monitor fully. (墌 pg. 8) ● Select videos at 4:3 size of 16:9 (wide) size. (墌 pg. 17) Zoom Lever Approximate tape remaining 62 min time appears on the display.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 19 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM VIDEO RECORDING 19 Interface Shooting While recording Zoom out W: Wide angle Zoom in T: Telephoto ● You can zoom in up to 28X* / 34X by using the optical zoom. ● Zoom magnification over 28X* / 34X is done through digital image Digital zooming is possible up to 800X. Set (ZOOM) to [56X]* / [68X] or [800X]. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 20 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM VIDEO RECORDING 20 EN Time Code Recording From The Middle Of A Tape During recording, a time code is recorded on the tape. This code is to confirm the location of the recorded scene on the tape during playback. 1) Play back a tape or use Blank Search (墌 pg. 22) to find the spot at which you want to start recording, then engage the Still Playback mode. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Video_Heading0_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 21 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM VIDEO PLAYBACK EN 21 NOTES: Normal Playback Lock Button VOL. +/– Power Switch 4/9 5 ● The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD monitor, viewfinder or on a connected TV. (墌 pg. 23) ● If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power is supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off automatically.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 22 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 22 EN VIDEO PLAYBACK Blank Search Helps you find where you should start recording in the middle of a tape to avoid time code interruption. (墌 pg. 20) 1 Perform steps 1 – 2 in “Normal Playback”. (墌 pg. 21) 2 Press BLANK.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 23 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM VIDEO PLAYBACK EN 23 1 Make sure all units are turned off. 2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as Connections To A TV Or VCR shown in the illustration. If using a VCR, go to step 3. If not, go to step 4. 3 Connect the VCR output to the TV input, referring to your VCR’s instruction manual. 4 Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV. 5 Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set the TV to its VIDEO mode.
ADVANCED FEATURES MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 24 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 24 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Changing The Menu Settings This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. (墌 pg. 24 – 28) Lock button Power Switch 4 Select the desired function, press SET or . The selected function menu appears. Example: FUNCTION menu.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 25 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Recording Menus FUNCTION The following menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “REC”. EN TELE MACRO [OFF]: Disables the function. ON: When the distance to the subject is less than 1 m, set “TELE MACRO” to “ON”. You can shoot a subject as large as possible at a distance of approx. 40 cm. Depending on the zoom position, the lens may go out of focus.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 26 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 26 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT VTR REC MODE [SP]*: To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode LP: Long Play - more economical, providing 1.5 times the recording time. * SP indicator does not appear on the screen. NOTES: ● If the recording mode is switched, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 27 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT LANGUAGE [ENGLISH] / FRANCAIS / ESPAÑOL / ITALIANO / NEDERLANDS The language setting can be changed. (墌 pg. 15) MELODY OFF: Even though not heard while shooting, shutter sound is recorded on the tape. [ON]: A melody sounds when any operation is performed. It also activates the shutter sound effect. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 28 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 28 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM Each setting (except “OFF” in “ON SCREEN”, “DATE/TIME”, and “TIME CODE”) is linked with “DISPLAY”, which appears when the Power Switch is set to “REC”. The parameters (except “OFF” in “ON SCREEN” setting) are the same as in the description on. (墌 pg. 26) Each setting (except “DEMO MODE”) is linked with “SYSTEM”, which appears when the Power Switch is set to “REC”.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 29 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING Snapshot (Record Still Image On Tape) This feature lets you record still images that look like photographs onto a tape. 1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”. 2 Press SNAPSHOT. ● The “O” indication appears and a still image will be recorded for approx. 5 seconds, then the camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode. ● You can perform Snapshot also during recording.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 30 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 30 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING ● You cannot use the manual exposure control at the same time when “PROGRAM AE” is set to “SPOTLIGHT” or “SNOW” (墌 pg. 32), or with the backlight compensation. Iris Lock Like the pupil of the human eye, the iris contracts in well-lit environments to keep too much light from entering, and dilates in dim environments to allow in more light.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 31 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING The white balance refers to the correctness of colour reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colours will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional colour/ tint reproduction. To change the setting Set “W.
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 32 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 32 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Program AE, Effects and Shutter Effects 1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”. 2 Set the recording mode to “M”. (墌 pg. 20) 3 Set “EFFECT”, “PROGRAM AE” or “SHUTTER” in “FUNCTION” Menu. (墌 pg. 25) ● The selected effect will be shown for approx. 2 seconds before the camcorder returns to the menu screen. NOTES: ● Shutter Effects cannot be used during “NIGHT”.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 33 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM EDITING EN 33 Dubbing To A VCR To use this camcorder as a player 1 Following the illustration, (墌 pg. 23) “Connections To A TV Or VCR”, connect the camcorder and the VCR’s input connectors. 2 Perform steps 1 – 6. (墌 pg. 23) 3 At the point you want to start dubbing, start To DV OUT recording on the VCR. (Refer to the VCR’s instruction manual).
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 34 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 34 EN EDITING Connection To A Personal Computer It is also possible to transfer still/moving images to a PC with a DV connector by using the provided software, software equipped with the PC or commercially available software. If you are using a Windows® XP, you can use Windows® Messenger to conduct video conferences over the Internet, using a camcorder. For details, refer to the help for the Windows® Messenger.
REFERENCES MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 35 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM TROUBLESHOOTING ● The power is not connected properly. HConnect the AC Adapter securely. (墌 pg. 14) ● The battery pack is not attached firmly. HDetach the battery pack once again and re-attach it firmly. (墌 pg. 13) ● The battery is dead. HReplace the dead battery with a fully charged one. (墌 pg. 13) Recording cannot be performed. ● The tape’s erase protection tab is set to “SAVE”.
MasterPage: Advan_Heading0_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 36 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 36 EN TROUBLESHOOTING CAUTIONS Battery Packs Displays the battery remaining power. Remaining power level High Exhausted As the battery power comes close to nil, the battery remaining power indicator blinks. When the battery power is exhausted, power turns off automatically. TAPE END Appears when the tape ends during recording or playback.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 37 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM CAUTIONS ● It is normal for the battery pack to be warm after charging, or after use. Temperature Range Specifications Charging: 10°C to 35°C Operation: 0°C to 40°C Storage: –20°C to 50°C ● The lower the temperature, the longer recharging takes. ● Charging times are for a fully discharged battery pack. Cassettes To properly use and store your cassettes, be sure to read the following cautions: ● During use ...
MasterPage: Left GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 38 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM 38 EN CAUTIONS ● Dirty heads can cause the following problems: ... No picture during playback. ... Blocks of noise appear during playback. ... During recording or playback, the Head Clog Warning indicator “ ” appears. ... Recording cannot be performed properly. In such cases, use an optional cleaning cassette. Insert it and play back.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 39 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM SPECIFICATIONS For General Power supply DC 11 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Approx. 2.2 W (LCD monitor off, viewfinder on) Approx. 2.7 W (LCD monitor on, viewfinder off) Dimensions (W x H x D) 61 mm x 94 mm x 114 mm (with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed back in) Weight Approx. 410 g (without battery, cassette and lens cap) Approx. 480 g (incl.
MasterPage: BackCover Back cover GR-D720EK_GR-D740EK.book Page 40 Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:04 PM TERMS EN N AC Adapter .................................................... 14 Auto/Manual Mode ........................................ 20 Narration ........................................................ 27 Night-Scope ................................................... 32 B P Backlight Compensation ................................ 30 Battery Pack ......................................
