ncI! Camcorder Owner's Manual Operating Instructions Warranty Information Please read completely before attempting to operate your new RCA product.
Your Video Camcorder AC Adapter/Charger will operate on 120 volts, 50/60 Hz only and has a polarized plug Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits m the wall socket only one way Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord Adapter/Charger fully to prevent with an extension cord, receptacle, blade exposure or other outlet unless the blades can be Inserted MISE EN GARDE: Pour pr_vemr les chocs _lectnques.
Mail Your Enrollment Card Today Attach Your Sales Receipt Here and File at Home For Future Reference • An RCA Owner's Club Enrollment Card is packed with your camcorder. Please fill out the card and return it immediately. • To obtain warranty parts and service, you must show your sales receipt (or other evidence of purchase) to your Authorized RCA Servicenter. • Your name then will be enrolled in the next drawing, which takes place every three months.
Thank You For Choosing an RCA You have selected a precisionengineered product designed to give you years of performance and enjoyment. Although your camcorder is very simple to use, it is important that you read and carefully follow the instructions in this guide until you are completely familiar with the proper operating procedures.
Index Recording Camcorder automatically records index marks at the beginning of new recordings. These index marks can be recognized by VCR's which use the VHS Index Search System, making it easier to locate program segments for playback. Electronic Viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (EVF) displays in black and white exactly what will be recorded on the tape in color. Also allows you to instantly view (in B&W) what you've shot. Adjustable diopter allows EVF focus to be changed without affecting lens focus.
• When you unpack the camcorder, make sure you remove all the accessories and information papers. • Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship or store your camcorder. Camcorder Model CC285 • The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any of the items are missing or appear damaged, contact your RCA dealer immediately. / I !1l i AC Adapter/Charger Stock # CPS09 Rechargeable 9.
Even if you've never used a video camera or camcorder before, you can probably get your camcorder up and running quickly by following the steps below. CAMERA/PLA YBA CK Switch EJECT Button POWER Switch Lens Cap on Lens Cap Snap Attach 9.6-Volt Power Source t Eyepiece Focus Control ) Thumb Trigger (Press to start and stop i_cordlng) AUTO IRIS Control AUTOFOCUS Attach power source to camcorder (either adapter/charger or battery). A. Adapter/Charger: 1. Attach adapter/charger camcorder.
Camcorder Operating and Their Functions Controls (_) Pages 6 thru 13 show you where cameorder controls are located and what they do. As you read the description of each control, find that control on your own camcorder to familiarize yourself with its location. (_) Accessory Shoe This fitting is used to attach' a light or other lightweight video accessory to your camcorder. CAUTION: Do not use this shoe to mount a light on the camcorder. Excessive heat from a light could damage the camcorder's case.
Accessory Shoe ) Tally Light BATTERY Eject Lever Microphone (_ Power Zoom Buttons (W and T) (_ Macro Button (_ (on Zoom Ring Lever)_ Zoom Ring Q Zoom RIn! , Electronic Viewflnder (EVF) (_Focus Q Lens (1_ Eyepiece Focus Control Auto Focus Window @ Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) • The viewfinder displays what the camcorder lens sees so you know what you're recording. • It also functions as a convenient black-and-white monitor during playback of recorded video.
(1@SELF TIMER Button • This button lets you timedelay the start of a recording by about 10 seconds so you can join the picture without being seen walking into it. @ @ • Details on using each display are on pages 26 and 27. RESET/T-160 Button • When the tape counter is displayed in the viewfinder, pressing this button resets the counter to "0000". • When the time-remaining read-out is displayed, pressing this button changes the display for extended length T-160 tapes.
TIME LAPSE Button SHUTTER Speed Switch SELF TIMER Button DISPLAY Button RESET/To160 Button REVIEW Button (_ "_ DATE/TIME FADE Button AUTO IRIS Control Date and CLOCK (SELECT/ ADVANCE) Buttons Button
@MIC (External Microphone Jack) • If you want to use an optional external microphone during recording, plug it into this jack. • When an external microphone is connected to this jack, the built-in microphone is shut off automatically. 2(2(2_ MIC Switch (WIND/NORMA L) • This switch is used to reduce wind noise that may be picked up by the microphone. • For normal use, place the switch in the NORMAL position. • Place the switch in the WIND position if you are recording outside on a windy day.
MIC(ExternalMIcrophone Jack) 9o6-volt DC Power Jack MIC Switch WIND/NORMAL) Hand Strap with Lens Cap Snap AV OUT Connector (Audio/Video Output Connection) CLOCK BA TTERY Compartment Thumb Trigger (Record Start/Stop Cassette Button) Door 1!
POWER Switch • This switch turns the camcorder's power on and off. The ON indicator _ will light when the camcorder is on. • To conserve battery power, you may want to turn off power between long breaks in recording. (_) Power ON Indicator (Also Dew Indicator) • This indicator hghts whenever the camcorder is turned on. • The indicator will flash if there is excessive moisture (dew) inside your camcorder. An internal protection feature will prevent the camcorder from operating until the moisture is gone.
POWER Switch Power ON Indicator (Also Dew Indicator) EJECT Button PLAY Button STOP Button PAUSE BuUon POWER-- ",=CAMERA EJECT REW PLAY F.FWD PAUSE AUDIO VIDEO TRACKING Control TRACKING PLAYBACKP EAR (Earphone) Jack CAMERA/PLAYBAI Switch VIDEO DUB Button 4(_ REW Button (Rewind) --@ AUDIO DUB Button 4(4_ F.FWD (Fast Forward) AV IN Jack (_ CAMERA/PLA YBA CK Switch • Because your camcorder is both a camera and a portable VCR, it performs two completely separate groups of functions.
How To Power Your Camcorder You can power your camcorder three different ways: A. C. Optional AC Adapter/Charger Rechargeable • • The rechargeable 9.6-volt battery lets you record outdoors or anytime you're away from electrical outlets. The adapter/charger connects to the camcorder and plugs into a wall outlet. It lets you power the camcorder off normal household power (120 volts AC, 50/60 Hz).
B. Using Battery -Charging to Power Your Camcorder The Battery You will have to charge the battery before you use it the first time. Initial charging will take approximately two hours. When fully charged, the battery should supply about two hours of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). Charge Indicator Re_hargeable I]v/ To AC Wall Outlet _/ 120V, 50/60Hz l. Attach the battery to the adapter/charger as shown above.
Checking Battery Power When you are using a battery to power your camcorder, you can see how much battery power is left by checking the Battery Level Indicator (E---F) in the viewfinder. recording because it will not be recorded on the tape. To remove the indicator, repeatedly press the DISPLAY button until it disappears. • When the battery is fully charged, the display reads "E---F". • After several minutes only two dashes appear.
-Video Cassettes - Inserting/Removing We recommend that RCA cassettes be used with your camcorder. The tape in these cassettes is of highquality formulation. It has been manufactured to our critical specifications for excellent performance. Use of tape not meeting these specifications could considerably reduce the performance of your camcorder.
How To Record With Your Camcorder Use the following steps to make a recording using the automatic control settings. features on the following pages for manual operation.
Once you've started recording, you can pause recording by either pressing the thumb trigger again or by pressing the PAUSE button. To resume recording, press PAUSE again or press the trigger again. Note: If the camcorder is connected to a TV, you can also watch what the camcorder is recording and playing back on the TV screen. Connection instructions are on pages 36, 38, and 39. Attach power source to eamcorder.
Using Your Camcorder's Recording Features The steps listed on pages 18 and 19 give you the basics of recording. You should also get to know the camcorder's special recording features that will help you make professionallooking recordings. These features can help you shoot like a pro-even if you've never used a video camera or recorder before.
Displays In Vlewflnder Shutter Speed Display O J "S:1/1000 Audio/Video Dubbing Displays and Index Display INDEX / A/V DUB INTERVAL -E---F O000N -- REC 0:30 " IO:30AN 8/20/89" .----_ ---------_ r Level Indicator Audio/Video Dubbing Displays and Index Display • Appear during dubbing to let you know the original audio and/or video tracks are being erased and replaced. Details are on pages 34 and 35. • O Q word INDEX also appears here during indexing. Details are on page 31.
Installing Battery for Time/Date Display 1. Locate the CLOCK BATTERY compartment on the back of the camcorder. 2. Pull the tab to open the cover and expose the compartment. 3. Insert the clock battery securely under the shoulders with the "+" terminal facing out (as illustrated inside the battery cover). 4. Gently push the cover closed until it snaps into place.
- Zooming Using Power Zoom Buttons The zoom buttons are easily controlled by your index and middle fingers when you grasp the camcorder properly through the hand strap. Zoom Buttons T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle The 6: l motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in and out for close-ups or wide-angle shots just by pressing one of the Power Zoom fingertip controls.
Focusing Your Camcorder - Auto Focus -Manual Focus - Macro Focus The macro focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 1/4 inch from your subject. Macro Button Zoom Ring Auto FOCUS Window PUSH/AUTO AUTOFOCUS Switch FOCus Switch If you want the camcorder to focus for you automatically, slide the AUTOFOCUS switch to the AUTO position. The camcorder's auto-focus system sends out an infrared light beam and automatically focuses on the nearest object that reflects this light.
-Adjusting A UTO IRIS Unusual Lighting For AUTO IRIS AUTO CLOSE OPEN With the IRIS control in the AUTO (center "click") position, your camcorder electronically senses the available light in a scene and automatically opens or doses the lens iris for the best possible picture. You also have the option of manual iris adjustment to compensate for unusual lighting, using the IRIS control to vary the amount of light entering the camcorder.
DISPLA Y Button _$P_.AY Pressing the DISPLAY button lets you check several special displays in the viewfinder. • Remaining Battery Power • Tape Counter • Tape Counter • Remaining Memory Time Left on Tape DISPLAy Button The chart below shows the order the displays will appear in the viewfinder as you repeatedly press the DISPLAY button. These displays will not appear on the tape.
Using Tape Counter Pressing the DISPLAY button once displays the 4-digit Tape Counter Display in the viewfinder (below the Battery Level Indicator). Battery Level Indicator , Using Tape Counter Memory- The Tape Counter also provides switchable "memory" feature. When the memory is on (M appears behind Tape Counter Display), the tape automatically stops when the counter reaches 0000 during Rewind and Fast Forward.
-Using Variable Shutter Speeds S:1/1000 Shutter / Display E---F OOOO - SHUTTER Switch Because your camcorder has a variable shutter, you can choose one of two higher shutter speeds to record fast-moving action. The shutter speed is automatically reset to the normal shutter speed of 1/60 whenever the camcorder's power is turned on. This speed is recommended for indoor videos and most of your recording.
- Self-Timer Recording SELF _MER Button The SELF TIMER button lets you time-delay the start of a recording so you can join the picture without being seen walking into it. (1 23 -Adjustable Recording ) SELFT,.E. • First prepare the camcorder to record. Instructions are on pages 18 and 19. • While the camcorder is in the Record/Pause mode, press the SELF TIMER button once.
Animation Recording 6. Continue shooting the object in this position for a few more l-second shots before moving it. Note: When preparing an animated video, it's usually best to get 3 to 5 shots of the object in the same position. You'll want to experiment with how many shots you take each time to get smooth motion. LAPSE Button DISPLA Y Button The adjustable time-lapse feature also lets you create animation recording-"car tooning".
- Electronic Indexing Each time you begin recording (after the camcorder has been turned off at least four hours), the camcorder will automatically record an index mark at the beginning of the new recording. Later, when you play back the indexed tape in a VCR that has a compatible indexing feature called "VHS Index Search System", the invisible marks can be located automatically. See your VCR's owner's manual for index playback instructions.
Editing Features The CC285 incorporates a package of advanced editing features to make it easy and fun to edit your home videos like a professional. The major editing features are described here and on the next three pages. - Flying Erase Head A separate erase head is mounted on the spinning headwheel (hence the term "flying"). This allows you to make clean edits without "glitches" or the "rainbow noise" that occurs on VCR's and camcorders without flying erase heads.
- Synchro Edit Cl+llonxl ,_ Avsolo Cable (not lupplled) "_ Synchro edit allows your camcorder to control a compatible VCR (one that has a camera pause jack) while tapes are being copied from the camcorder to the VCR. AV OUT Jack The PAUSE button on the camcorder causes the VCR to start and stop recording. This is especially convenient when you want to record only selected segments from a previously recorded tape. To Synchro Edit I. Connect your camcorder to a compatible VCR as shown above.
Audio Dubbing AUDIO VIDEO ODu% The audio dubbing feature lets you record new audio (sound) on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original video (picture). When you audio dub a tape, the previous audio is erased and replaced with the new audio. The audio dubbing feature also increases your editing flexibility. Video segments can first be assembled, and then a single narration or music background can be added to the tape.
Video Dubbing AUDIO The video dubbing feature lets you record new video (picture) on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original audio (sound). When you video dub a tape, the previous video is erased and replaced with the new video. When video dubbing, the source for the video dub is "whatever you are seeing in the viewfinder". The new video you want to put on the tape can be added one of two different ways: • from whatever you focus the camcorder on and see in the viewfinder.
Your camcorder can be connected several different ways to various components for playback and recording. Vkleo Monitor ('fV wireaudlo/vkleo outputla_) When you have a specific application in mind, use this diagram to quickly find the page that shows detailed connection information for that application. Reviewing this diagram may also help you understand the difference between the camcorder's Av OUTjack and A v IN jack.
lledt ot Cameera_ White Audio Back of VCR or TV Monitor Plug OUT VIDEO OUT \ Y_low VideoPlug / VAA004 Audio/Video input Cable (supplied) If your VCR (or TV monitor) has OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks, can record from the VCR (or TV monitor) onto a tape in the camcorder. AUDIO you You will need the audio/video input adapter cable to connect your camcorder to the VCR (or TV monitor). 1. Connect yellow and white plugs to VCR (or TV). • Connect yellow plug to TWs VIDEO OUTjack.
- How to Connect for Playback Your Camcorder to a Standard 'IV (without AUDIO/ Antenna Back of TV VIDEO input jacks) Back of Camcorder ® AVOUTJ_k Follow the steps below if you have a standard 'IV that does not have AUDIO/ VIDEO input jacks. Refer to page 39 if you have a monitor/ receiver with input jacks. You will need the RF output adapter and coaxial RF cable that came packed with your camcorder.
-How to Connect Your Camcorder Video Monitor for Playback to a Back of Camcorder Back of TV Monitor Here's what you can do when your camcorder is connected as shown here. (1_ White Plug AUDIO IN VIDEO • When you play tapes in your camcorder, you'll be able to watch them on the monitor screen as well as through the viewfinder.
• Camcorder Recording Use your camcorder's zoom to help you focus manually. Before you start recording, zoom in on your subject, adjust the Focus Ring until you see a clearly focused image in the viewfinder, then zoom back to the desired angle of view. Provided the subject-to-camcorder distance does not change, the subject will remain in sharp focus over the entire zoom range. REMEMBER: It's easier to make professional-looking videos if you check the focus before you start recording.
-Proper Care of Your Camcorder • Be especially careful to keep dust from entering the camcorder's cassette door. Dust and grit are abrasive and will cause excessive wear both of tapes and of the recording/playback heads. • We recommend that RCA video cassettes be used with this unit. These tapes have been manufactured to our critical specifications. Use of tapes not meeting these specifications could considerably reduce the performance of your camcorder.
A comprehensive line of accessories enables you to build the camcorder system that meets your individual interests, talents, and needs. Here are some of the accessories that will help you achieve professional results in your home video productions. These and others are available through your RCA camcorder dealer. VTU090 Titler AC028 Soft Camcorder Lets you quickly add titles to your video tapes. Allows you to select each character by rotating the dial to a desired position.
To order the RCA video accessories described in the Owner's Manual, contact your local RCA Video Accessories Dealer: or you may use this detachable order form tu order direct-by-mail the accessories listed here. Accessory Order Form for RCA Camcorder Model CC285 Model Price Nil. Each* Description Total Lens Care Kit AC026 $ 995 SoB Camcorder Case AC028 $ 8995 Special Effect Lens Kit AC029 $ 5995 Deluxe Tripod AC031 $ 99.
• Troubles sometimes are caused by simple "faults'" that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies. • Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.
Picture is too dark Power ON indicator flashing Recorded Viewfinder of focus For best results, only use higher shutter speeds for outdoor intend to play back in slow motion. is audio is too low displays are out Excessive moisture in camcorder. action you specifically Leave power on until light stops flashing. Maybe MIC WIND/NORMAL switch was not returned to NORMAL position after outdoors recording. Maybe subject was too far from camcorder. For long distances, try using a wireless microphone.
AC Adapter/Charger ........... Inside Front Cover,5,14 Accessories (Included) ................................ 4 Accessories (Optional) ............................ 44-45 Accessory Order Form ............................... 45 Accessory Shoe ....................................... 6 Adapter/Charger ............... Inside Front Cover,5,14 ADVANCE (Date and Clock Set) Button ........... 8,22 Animation Recording ................................ 30 Attaching Adapter/Charger ..........................
Remote Record Start/Stop Switch .................... 30 Removing Cassettes ............................... 10,17 Removing Lens Hood ................................ 44 RESET/T-160 Button ............................. 8,27 REVIEW Button ............................... 8,19,23 REW (Rewind) Button ............................ 12,32 RF Adapter ......................................... 38 Safety Registration .................. Inside Front Cover SELECT (Date and Clock Set) Button .............
General Camera Power requirement: 9.6VDC Power consumption: Weight: 026 9.6 watts (normal) Image 5.3 Ibs. (2.4 kg) Dimensions: 4-15/16" state (W) x 9-3/16" (H) x 14-5/8" Format: (D) Tripod 525 Sensor: CCD Mount: Lens: Section Record/Playback One Flying Headwheei Video solid- lmager One 1/4" x 20 threaded Erase EIA heads Note: All teatures and specifications are subject to change without notice.
