GR-D796US_EN.book Page 1 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the pages 3 – 5 to ensure safe use of this product. ENGLISH DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA RECORDING & PLAYBACK 18 DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK 24 ADVANCED FEATURES 29 REFERENCES 42 TERMS 48 For Customer Use: Enter below the Model No. and Serial No.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 2 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 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. ( pg. 38) Simply pressing the button brightens the image darkened by backlight. ( pg. 36) Fade in Data Battery Fade out You can check the battery status by simply pressing the DATA button. ( pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 3 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 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-D796US_EN.book Page 4 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 4 EN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 5 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM USER MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 6 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 6 EN CONTENTS GETTING STARTED 7 ADVANCED FEATURES Regarding This Manual .................................7 Provided Accessories ....................................7 Index..............................................................8 Grip Adjustment...........................................12 Power ..........................................................13 Language Settings.......................................
MasterPage: Video_Heading0_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 7 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM GETTING STARTED Regarding This Manual EN 7 Provided Accessories Control Lever LCD Monitor OR OR 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. Battery Pack BN-VF808U x 2 Audio/Video Cable (ø3.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 8 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 8 EN GETTING STARTED Index 89 o ~) 35 27 28 29 30 33 ! # " 24 25 5 6 7 $ 32 31 % 20 21 143 2 26 &( How to open the LCD monitor Pull on the end A of the LCD monitor. The LCD monitor can rotate 270°. Power-linked operation When the power switch is set to “REC”, you can also turn the camcorder on/off by opening/ closing the LCD monitor or pulling out/pushing in the viewfinder.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 9 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM GETTING STARTED 11 : Left/Rewind (1) ( pg. 21)/ Quick Review [QUICK REVIEW] ( pg. 18) 2 : Right/Fast-Forward (¡) ( pg. 21)/ LED Light [LIGHT] ( pg. 34) 3 : Up/Play/Pause (6) ( pg. 21)/ Manual Focus [FOCUS] ( pg. 35) 4 : Down/Stop (7) ( pg. 21)/ Backlight Compensation [ ] ( pg. 36)/ Spot Exposure ( pg. 36) Press down : SET 2VIDEO/MEMORY Switch 316:9 Wide Screen Button [16:9] ( pg. 17) Blank Search [BLANK] ( pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 10 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 10 EN GETTING STARTED LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording 9 During Video Recording Only 12 16:9 ! 9 3 4 LP – – –min REC 5 WH 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 1Tape Running Indicator (Rotates while tape is running.) 2Selected Wide Mode Indicator ( pg. 17) (only 16:9 indicator is displayed) 3Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) ( pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 11 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM GETTING STARTED During Video Playback 1 2 34 LP 5 6 x3 11 1 2 100-0013 12 B I T / M I X L 3 11:13 AM DEC. 6. 2007 VO LUME 1 1 : 1 3 AM D E C . 6 . 20 0 7 2 0 : 2 1 : 25 8 7 1Battery Remaining Power Indicator 2Sound L/R Indicator ( pg. 33) 3Blank Search Indicator ( pg. 22) 4Tape Speed (SP/LP) ( pg. 33) (only LP indicator is displayed) 5Variable Search Speed Indicator: x-10, x-3, x3 and x10 ( pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 12 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 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. Place here during shooting.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 13 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM GETTING STARTED Power EN 13 Charging The Battery Pack POWER/CHARGE Lamp Battery pack mount Arrow 2 1 Battery pack BATT. Power Switch To DC connector Lock Button AC Adapter To AC outlet ● If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack, remove it first. ● During charging, the camcorder cannot be operated. ● Charging is not possible if the wrong type of battery is used.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 14 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 14 EN GETTING STARTED Using The Battery Pack Perform steps 2 – 3 in “Charging The Battery Pack” ( pg. 13). Maximum continuous recording time ● If “COMMUNICATION ERROR” appears instead of the battery status even though you tried to press DATA several times, there may be a problem with your battery. In such a case, consult your nearest JVC dealer. Battery pack LCD monitor on Viewfinder on Using AC Power BN-VF808U* 1 hr.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 15 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM GETTING STARTED Date/Time Settings 1 Select 15 Brightness Adjustment Of The Display CLOCK ADJ. MONTH. DATE. YEAR EN 12h 1 Select JAN. 03. 2007 02 : 10 AM BRIGHT The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all times, but its display can be turned on or off. ( pg. 32, 33) Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Language Settings” ( pg. 14). 1 Select “DISPLAY”, press SET or 2. 2 Select “CLOCK ADJ.”, press SET or 2.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 16 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 16 EN GETTING STARTED Loading/Unloading A Cassette The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a cassette. ● When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm environment, wait a short time before opening the cassette holder cover. • Appears if a tape is loaded while the Power Switch is set to “REC”. • Blinks when no tape is loaded.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 17 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM GETTING STARTED Card Cover ( ) 17 16:9 Wide Mode You can record videos at 4:3 size and 16:9 size. By default, the camera is set to record videos at the 16:9 size. Memory card (Optional) Clipped edge 1 Make sure the camcorder’s power is off. 2 Open the card cover ( ). 3 To load a memory card, firmly insert it with its clipped edge first. To unload a memory card, push it once.
RECORDING & PLAYBACK MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 18 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 18 EN VIDEO RECORDING ● When a blank portion is left between recorded Basic Recording NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: ● Power ( pg. 13) ● Loading A Cassette ( pg. 16) ● Remove the lens cap. ( pg. 12) ● Open the LCD monitor fully. ● Select videos at 4:3 size or 16:9 (wide) size. ( pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 19 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM VIDEO RECORDING EN 19 Interface Shooting While recording Zoom out Zoom in W: Wide angle T: Telephoto ● You can zoom in up to 34X by using the optical zoom. ● Zoom magnification over 34X is done through digital image processing, and is therefore called digital zoom. Digital zooming is possible up to 800X. Set (ZOOM) to [68X] or [800X]. ( pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 20 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 20 EN VIDEO RECORDING 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 ( pg. 22) to find the spot at which you want to start recording, then engage the Still Playback mode. ( pg.
MasterPage: Video_Heading0_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 21 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM VIDEO PLAYBACK ● The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD VOL. +/– VIDEO/ MEMORY Lock Button Power Switch 1 21 NOTES: Normal Playback BLANK 6 ¡ EN monitor, viewfinder or on a connected TV. ( pg. 23) ● If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power is supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off automatically.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 22 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 22 EN VIDEO PLAYBACK Variable Shuttle Search Blank Search Allows variable-speed search in either direction during video playback. 1) During playback, press ¡ once or twice for forward search, or 1 once or twice for reverse search. Helps you find where you should start recording in the middle of a tape to avoid time code interruption. ( pg. 20) 1 x-10 ¡ x-3 x3 x10 2) To resume normal playback, press 6.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 23 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM VIDEO PLAYBACK Connections To A TV Or VCR EN 23 1 Make sure all units are turned off. 2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as 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.
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK GR-D796US_EN.book Page 24 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 24 EN MasterPage: Heading0_Left D.S.C. RECORDING Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot) You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still Camera for taking snapshots. Still images are stored in the memory card. NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: ● Power ( pg. 13) ● Loading a Memory Card ( pg. 17) ● Remove the lens cap. ● Open the LCD monitor fully. ( pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 25 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM D.S.C. PLAYBACK Normal Playback Of Images Images shot with the camcorder are automatically numbered, then stored in numerical order in the memory card. You can view the stored images, one at a time, much like flipping through a photo album. VIDEO/MEMORY Lock Button EN 25 Auto Playback Of Images You can run through all the images stored in memory card automatically.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 26 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 26 EN ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. 6 Select “EXECUTE”, press SET. Resetting The File Name By resetting the file name, a new folder will be made. The new files you are going to make will be stored in the new folder. It is convenient to separate the new files from previously made files. 1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of Images” ( pg. 25). 1 Select 2 Press MENU. 3 Select “NO.RESET”, press SET or 2.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 27 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. Previously stored files can be deleted either one at a time or all at once. 1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “Normal Playback Of Images” ( pg. 25). 1 Select 2 Press MENU. 3 Select “DELETE”, press SET or 2. The DELETE Menu appears. ● Press 1 whenever you want to return to the previous menu screen.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 28 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 28 EN ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. To Print By Selecting Still Images And Number Of Prints 1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “To Print All Still To Reset The Number Of Prints 1 Perform steps 1 – 3 in “To Print All Still Images (One Print For Each)” ( pg. 27). Images (One Print For Each)” ( pg. 27). 2 Select “RESET”, press SET or 2. The 2 Select “CURRENT”, press SET or 2. The DPOF screen appears. 3 Select “EXECUTE”, press SET.
ADVANCED FEATURES MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 29 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Changing The Menu Settings This camcorder is equipped with an easy-touse, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. ( pg. 29 – 33) VIDEO/MEMORY Power Switch Lock Button 1 Select EN 29 4 Select the desired function, press SET or 2. The selected function menu appears. Example: FUNCTION menu.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 30 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 30 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT In the following pages, [ ] refers to Factory preset settings. Recording Menus FUNCTION ● The following menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “REC”. ● Each setting (except “EFFECT” and “SHUTTER”) which is set in Video Recording Menu is also applied in the D.S.C. Recording Menu. WIPE/FADER* ( pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 31 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT WIND CUT* [OFF]: Disengages the function. ON : Helps cut down on noise created by wind. The “ ” indicator appears. The quality of the sound will change. This is normal. * Available only when the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch is set to “VIDEO”. IMAGE SIZE* [640 x 480 F] / 640 x 480 S The Image Size mode can be selected to best match your needs.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 32 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 32 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT DISPLAY The “DISPLAY” settings (except “CLOCK ADJ.”, “16:9 OUTPUT” and “BRIGHT”) are effective only for shooting. ON SCREEN LCD: Keeps the camcorder’s display (except the date, time and time code) from appearing on the connected TV screen. [LCD/TV]: Makes the camcorder’s display appear on screen when the camcorder is connected to a TV. DATE/TIME [OFF]: The date/time does not appear.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 33 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT VTR The settings below are effective only for video playback except “REC MODE”. The parameters (except “SOUND L/R”, “[T] ➝ [M] COPY” and “NARRATION” settings) are the same as in the description on page 31. 33 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”.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 34 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 34 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING LED Light Snapshot (Record Still Image On Tape) LED Light can be used to brighten the subject in the dark place during video recording or D.S.C. shooting. This feature lets you record still images that look like photographs onto a tape. 1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to LIGHT “VIDEO”. LED Light 1 Press LIGHT repeatedly to change the setting. The light is on always. ( appears.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 35 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM FEATURES FOR RECORDING Manual Focus 1 Set the Power Switch to “REC”. FOCUS Manual exposure control is recommended in the following situations: ● When shooting using reverse lighting or when the background is too bright. ● When shooting on a reflective natural background such as at the beach or when skiing. ● When the background is overly dark or the subject is bright.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 36 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 36 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Iris Lock Spot Exposure Control 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. Use this function in the following situations: ● When shooting a moving subject.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 37 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM FEATURES FOR RECORDING The white balance refers to the correctness of color reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colors 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 color/ tint reproduction. To change the setting Set “W.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 38 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 38 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Wipe Or Fader Effects These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Use them to spice up the transition from one scene to the next. Wipe or Fader works when video recording is started or stopped. 1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”. 2 Set the Power Switch to “REC”. 3 Set the recording mode to “M”. ( pg. 20) 4 Set “WIPE/FADER” in “FUNCTION” Menu. ( pg.
MasterPage: Advan_Heading0_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 39 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM FEATURES FOR RECORING OFF: Disables the function. (Factory-preset) SHUTTER 1/60: The shutter speed is fixed at 1/60th of a second. Black bands that usually appear when shooting a TV screen become narrower. SHUTTER 1/100: The shutter speed is fixed at 1/100th of a second. The flickering that occurs when shooting under a fluorescent light or mercury-vapour lamp is reduced.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 40 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 40 EN EDITING Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing) It is also possible to copy recorded scenes from the camcorder onto another video unit equipped with a DV connector. Since a digital signal is sent, there is little, if any, image or sound deterioration. NOTES: ● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power supply instead of the battery pack. ( pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 41 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM EDITING Connection To A Personal Computer [A] Using USB cable OR [B] Using DV cable To DV IN/OUT To USB EN 41 [A] Using USB cable It is possible to transfer still images stored on a memory card to a PC. [B] Using DV cable 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.
REFERENCES MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 42 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 42 EN TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. No power is supplied. ● The power is not connected properly. ➜Connect the AC Adapter securely. ( pg. 13) ● The battery pack is not attached firmly. ➜Detach the battery pack once again and reattach it firmly. ( pg. 14) ● The battery is dead.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 43 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM TROUBLESHOOTING Picture does not appear on the LCD monitor. ● The viewfinder is pulled out and “PRIORITY” is set to “FINDER”. ➜Push the viewfinder back in or set “PRIORITY” to “LCD”. ( pg. 8, 32) ● The LCD monitor’s brightness setting is too dark. ➜Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor. ( pg. 15) ➜If the monitor is tilted upward 180 degrees, open the monitor fully. ( pg.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 44 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 44 EN CAUTIONS AC Adapter When using the AC Adapter in areas other than the USA The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V. USING HOUSEHOLD AC PLUG ADAPTER In case of connecting the unit’s power cord to an AC wall outlet other than American National Standard C73 series type use an AC plug adapter, called a “Siemens Plug”, as shown.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 45 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM CAUTIONS To properly use and store your memory cards, be sure to read the following cautions: ● During use ... make sure the memory card bears the SD or MultiMediaCard mark. ... make sure the memory card is positioned properly when inserting. ● While the memory card is being accessed (during recording, playback, deletion, initialization, etc.) ... never unload the memory card and never turn off the camcorder.
MasterPage: Left GR-D796US_EN.book Page 46 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM 46 EN CAUTIONS Mechanical moving parts used to move the video heads and video tape tend to become dirty and worn out over time. In order to maintain a clear picture at all times, periodic check-ups are recommended after using the unit for about 1,000 hours. For periodic checkups please consult your nearest JVC dealer.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D796US_EN.book Page 47 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM SPECIFICATIONS For General Power supply DC 11 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Approx. 2.2 W (2.3 W*) (LCD monitor off, viewfinder on) Approx. 2.7 W (2.8 W*) (LCD monitor on, viewfinder off) Approx. 7.
MasterPage: BackCover Back cover GR-D796US_EN.book Page 48 Friday, December 15, 2006 11:31 AM EN TERMS AC Adapter ....................14 Auto/Manual Mode ........20 J B L Backlight Compensation 36 Battery Pack ......13, 14, 44 Blank Search .................22 Bright .................15, 32, 33 C Cam Reset .....................32 Changing The Menu Settings ...........29 – 33 Charging The Battery Pack 13 Clock Adj. ..........15, 32, 33 Connection To A Personal Computer ................