background image

EN

29

RECORDING

Menu Screen Available Using The Select Dial

FOCUS

EXPOSURE

WIDE

S.LX

TITLE

DATE/TIME DISP.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

: Factory-preset

Menu Screen Available Using The MENU Button

This Menu Screen cannot be accessed while recording.

M.W.B.

D. ZOOM

TELE MACRO

This camcorder’s Automatic Color Temperature system senses
the color temperature of the ambient lighting for automatic
white balance adjustment. However, precise color adjustment is
not possible under the following conditions:
• When an object is in various shades of the same color.
• When a predominantly red or brown object is being shot outdoors.
In these cases, use the camcorder’s built-in preset filters for
white balance adjustment (

Z

 pg. 34, 35).

Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By digitally processing and
magnifying images, zooming is possible from 16 times (the optical
zoom limit), to a maximum of 380 times (GR-AX957)/50 times
(GR-AX857/AX657) digital magnification.

Digital Zoom is not available. Only optical zoom (maximum
16x magnification) can function. When set to “OFF” during
Digital Zoom, zoom magnification changes to 16x.

Usually the distance to a subject where the lens is in focus
depends on the zoom magnification. Unless there is a distance of
more than 1m (3.3 ft.) to the subject, the lens is out of focus at the
maximum telephoto setting. When set to “ON”, you can shoot a
subject as large as possible at a distance of approx. 60 cm (2 ft.).
• Depending on the zoom position, the lens may go out of focus.

Adjusts focus automatically.

Allows you to adjust focus manually (

Z

 pg. 32, 33).

Adjusts exposure automatically.

Allows you to adjust exposure manually (

Z

 pg. 31).

Does not display black bars.

Allows you to record black bars at the top and bottom of the screen
to produce a cinema-like “wide-screen” effect.
If a snapshot (

Z

 pg. 22) is taken while the camcorder is in the

WIDE mode, the snapshot image is recorded using NORMAL
mode without the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.

To record a subject in a darkly lit environment, when it is more
convenient to shoot the subject with a brighter image even if the
picture becomes slightly coarse.

To record a subject in a dimly lit environment, when it is more
convenient to shoot with a less coarse picture although the
subject becomes slightly dark. This setting is suitable for
measuring sensitivity conforming to EIA-639 (EIA* Standard for
Low Light Sensitivity Measurement).
*EIA : Electronic Industries Alliance

Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no picture brightness
adjustment.

Allows you to superimpose one of eight preset titles (

Z

 pg. 27).

Makes the date/time settings appear in the camcorder or on a connected monitor
(

Z

 pg. 26).

MENU SCREEN EXPLANATIONS

AUTO

MANU

AUTO

MANU

OFF

ON

MAX

NORMAL

OFF

AUTO

: FINE

: CLOUD

: HALOGEN

MWB

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

Summary of Contents for GR-AX657UM

Page 1: ...COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER LYT0305 001A INSTRUCTIONS ENGLISH EN GR AX957UM GR AX857UM GR AX657UM ...

Page 2: ...ta Electric Sanyo or Sony CR2025 use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion n Dispose of used battery promptly n Keep away from children n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire NOTES The rating plate serial number plate and safety caution are on the bottom and or the back of the main unit The rating plate serial number plate of the AC Power Adapter Charger is on its ...

Page 3: ... instructions marked on your product and its operating instructions For your safety please read all the safety and operating instructions before you operate this product and keep this manual for future reference INSTALLATION 1 Power Sources Operate your product only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home consult you...

Page 4: ...ing amplifiers that produce heat SERVICING 1 Servicing If your product is not operating correctly or exhibits a marked change in performance and you are unable to restore normal operation by following the detailed procedure in its operating instructions do not attempt to service it yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards Refer all servicing to qu...

Page 5: ...ette Adapter VHS Playpak Z pg 41 1 Turn the LENS COVER Open Close Ring to open the lens cover 2 Set the Power Switch to AUTO or PRO The power lamp will light and an image will appear 3 Press the Recording Start Stop Button Recording starts To stop recording temporarily momentarily press the Recording Start Stop Button once again For more details Z pgs 16 17 SUPPLY POWER INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE ...

Page 6: ... The only compact video cassettes that can be used with your VHS VCR PROVIDED ACCESSORIES AC Power Adapter Charger AA V15U Cassette Adapter VHS Playpak C P7U Shoulder Strap Battery Pack GR AX957 BN V20U GR AX857 AX657 BN V11U DC Cord Lithium Battery CR2025 x 1 for clock operation Zoom in Zoom out Snapshot GR AX957 only Z pg 22 5 Sec Recording GR AX857 AX657 only Z pg 19 Menu Adjustment Z pg 28 29 ...

Page 7: ...ipod Mounting 15 RECORDING 16 37 Basic Recording 16 Basic Features 18 Advanced Features 22 PLAYBACK 38 43 Basic Playback 38 Features 39 Using The Cassette Adapter 41 Basic Connections And Tape Dubbing 42 USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT 44 47 Insert Editing 46 Audio Dubbing 47 USER MAINTENANCE 48 TROUBLESHOOTING 49 50 INDEX 51 54 Indications 51 Controls Connectors And Indicators 52 Terms 54 CAUTIONS ...

Page 8: ...AC Power Adapter Charger features a REFRESH function that allows you to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings To discharge the battery attach the battery pack to the adapter as shown in the above illustration Then push REFRESH The REFRESH indicator lights when discharging starts and goes out when discharging is complete CHARG...

Page 9: ... make sure to remove the battery pack before unplugging the adapter s AC cord Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging To avoid interference with reception do not use the AC Power Adapter Charger near a radio Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack The CHARGE indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack or wit...

Page 10: ...he power supply unit battery pack AC Power Adapter Battery Charger etc 2 REMOVE BATTERY HOLDER Pull out the battery holder 3 INSERT BATTERY IN HOLDER Insert the battery in the holder and be sure to have the mark visible 4 RE INSERT HOLDER Slide the holder back into the slot until you hear a click NOTE See SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Z pg 2 for information on safe handling of lithium batteries Slot Battery ...

Page 11: ...he Select Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it The setting stops blinking Repeat this procedure until you re satisfied with the Date settings YEAR MONTH and DAY 4 SET TIME Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to TIME and then press it When the hour setting begins blinking rotate the Select Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it When the hour settin...

Page 12: ... Display Tape Length Setting Set the tape length according to the length of the tape used 1 ACCESS MENU SCREEN First set the Power Switch to PRO Press MENU 2 SELECT FUNCTION Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to TAPE LENGTH then press it The TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu appears 3 SET TAPE LENGTH Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to the correct setting T20 20 minutes of rec...

Page 13: ...ply is attached Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette If there is any slack turn the gear on the cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the slack Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording If not slide the tab Some cassettes have removable tabs If the tab has been removed cover the hole with adhesive tape The cassette holder cann...

Page 14: ... 3 ADJUST STRAP LENGTH Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start Stop Button and Power Zoom Lever Refasten the Velcro strip Viewfinder Adjustment 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE Set the Power Switch to CAMERA AUTO or PRO 2 POSITION VIEWFINDER Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability see illustration at left 3 ADJUST DIOPTER Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until...

Page 15: ...other eyelet 3 making sure the strap is not twisted 2 ADJUST LENGTH Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 4 CAUTION When using a tripod be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilize the camcorder To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over do not use a small sized tripod 2 3 1 4 Tripod Mounting 1 ALIGN AND TIGHTEN Align the screw and camera direction stud on the tripod with...

Page 16: ...rd Standby mode The scene you are aimed at appears on the viewfinder screen with the word PAUSE superimposed upon it 3 START SHOOTING Press the Recording Start Stop Button appears in the viewfinder while recording is in progress Power lamp Tally lamp lights while recording is in progress Power Switch Position According to the Power Switch position you have selected the following functions are avai...

Page 17: ...R OFF and then back to CAMERA to turn the camcorder on again If the Recording Start Stop button is pressed after the Record Standby mode has continued for over 5 minutes recording may not start immediately If you are recording on a cassette from the middle such as when a tape is removed and re inserted during recording use the Retake function Z pg 19 to find the end of the last recording so you do...

Page 18: ...r you push the Power Zoom Lever the quicker the zoom action NOTES Focusing may become unstable during Zooming In this case set the zoom while in Record Standby lock the focus by using the manual focus Z pg 33 then zoom in or out in Record mode The zoom level indicator 5 moves during zoom Once the zoom level indicator reaches the top of the zoom indicator bar all magnification from that point is th...

Page 19: ...Start Stop Button to start recording NOTE Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome or darken during Retake This is normal FEATURE 5 Sec Rec 5 sec Recording GR AX857 AX657 only PURPOSE To record a scene for 5 seconds providing quick scene transitions like those seen in TV programs OPERATION n Make sure the recording mode is set to SP 1 During Record Standby press 5 SEC REC 5S appears an...

Page 20: ...e stabilization may not be possible if hand shake is excessive or under the following condi tions When shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes When shooting dark or dim subjects When shooting subjects with excessive backlighting When shooting scenes with movement in various directions When shooting scenes with low contrast back grounds Switch off the Picture Stabilizer when recording...

Page 21: ...tically turns on the light when the camcorder senses insufficient lighting on the subject ON Always keeps the light on as long as the camcorder is turned on n The video light can only be used with the camcorder s power on n It is recommended to set the white balance Z pg 34 to when you use the video light n When not using the video light turn it off to save battery power NOTES Even if the battery ...

Page 22: ...ng Record Standby a still image will be recorded for approx 6 seconds then the camcorder re enters the Record Standby mode If you press during Recording a still image will be recorded for approx 6 seconds then the normal recording resumes NOTE After SNAPSHOT is pressed there is a momentary camera shutter type blackout together with the sound effect of a shutter closing which is recorded together w...

Page 23: ...ox 2 seconds and the fade wipe standby mode is canceled FADER Fades in out to a black screen MOSAIC Fader Gradually turns returns the picture into from a mosaic pattern SHUTTER Wipe A black screen moves in from the top and bottom closing over the image like a shutter or a new image pushes open the black screen vertically from the center SLIDE Wipe A black screen moves in from the left to gradually...

Page 24: ...on remains The mode is activated NOTES Only one mode can be engaged at a time The screen becomes slightly reddish when the Fade Wipe Z pg 23 is used in the Sepia mode The screen becomes slightly dark in the High Speed Shutter mode Use in well lit situations In the High Speed Shutter or Sports modes picture color may be adversely affected if the subject is lit by alternating discharge type light so...

Page 25: ...n an external fog filter is attached to the lens Softens the image and gives it a fantasy look Twilight TWILIGHT Twilight Dusk twilight scenery fireworks etc look more natural and dramatic The following happens when Twilight mode is selected Auto gain control is turned off White Balance is set to FINE day mode but can also be manually changed to another mode Z pg 34 Auto Focus becomes available on...

Page 26: ... Then press it to display the DATE TIME DISP Menu 4 SELECT THE DESIRED MODE Move the highlight bar to the desired mode by rotating the Select Dial then press it The desired mode is activated You should have already performed the Date Time Setting procedure Z pg 11 If you haven t do so first 5 CLOSE MENU SCREEN The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on RETURN Then press the Select Dial to...

Page 27: ...h Spanish and Portuguese Change the setting in TITLE LANG in the Menu Screen Z pg 28 30 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE Set the Power Switch to PRO 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen 3 ACCESS TITLE MENU Move the highlight bar to TITLE by rotating the Select Dial while in Record Standby Then press it to display the TITLE Menu 4 SELECT THE DESIRED MODE Move the highlight b...

Page 28: ... to BACK and press it If the setting you want cannot be found in the Menu Screen place the highlight bar on RETURN then go to step 6 4 MAKE SETTING Press the Select Dial The setting procedure depends on the function you select If you select FOCUS EXPOSURE TITLE DATE TIME DISP or DATE TIME see respective pages FOCUS Z pg 32 33 EXPOSURE Z pg 31 TITLE Z pg 27 DATE TIME DISP Z pg 26 DATE TIME Z pg 11 ...

Page 29: ...us at the maximum telephoto setting When set to ON you can shoot a subject as large as possible at a distance of approx 60 cm 2 ft Depending on the zoom position the lens may go out of focus Adjusts focus automatically Allows you to adjust focus manually Z pg 32 33 Adjusts exposure automatically Allows you to adjust exposure manually Z pg 31 Does not display black bars Allows you to record black b...

Page 30: ... J terminal JLIP The numbers range from 01 to 99 Factory setting is 07 Automatic demonstration will not take place Demonstrates certain functions such as Fade Wipe etc When DEMO MODE is set to ON and the Menu Screen is closed the demonstration starts NOTES When a tape whose Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording is loaded in the camcorder demonstration is not available By tu...

Page 31: ...evel counter appears 5 ADJUST EXPOSURE To brighten the image rotate the Select Dial upward The exposure control level counter increases maximum 06 Go to step 6 To darken the image rotate the Select Dial downward The exposure control level counter decreases maximum 06 Go to step 6 6 END ADJUSTMENT OF EXPOSURE Press the Select Dial The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on RETURN 7 CLOSE M...

Page 32: ...tical patterns that are regularly repeated When the scene is affected by sunbeams or light reflecting off the surface of a body of water When shooting a scene with a high contrast background The low contrast warning appears NOTES If the lens is smeared or blurred accurate focusing is not possible Keep the lens clean wiping with a piece of soft cloth if it gets dirty When condensation occurs wipe w...

Page 33: ...and blinks Go to step 6 To nearer subject rotate the Select Dial downward appears and blinks Go to step 6 6 END ADJUSTMENT OF FOCUS Press the Select Dial The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on RETURN 7 CLOSE MENU SCREEN Press the Select Dial The Menu Screen disppears and reappears to indicate the focus is locked NOTES To return to Auto Focus select AUTO in step 4 To re adjust Manual F...

Page 34: ...en press it The Menu Screen disap pears and the M W B Menu appears 4 SET FUNCTION PARAMETERS Move the highlight bar to the required white balance by rotating the Select Dial AUTO The white balance is adjusted automatically This is the factory preset position FINE When shooting outdoors on a sunny day CLOUD When shooting outdoors on a cloudy day HALOGEN When using a video light or other similar typ...

Page 35: ...MENU SCREEN Press the Select Dial again to close the Menu Screen To Change The Tint For Recording in step 2 substitute colored paper for white The white balance is adjusted based on the color changing the tint Red paper deeper green blue paper orange yellow paper deeper purple NOTES In step 2 it may be difficult to focus on the white paper in some circumstances In such a case adjust focus manually...

Page 36: ...E Make sure the Power Switch is set to PRO and the camcorder is in the Record Standby mode before performing the following steps 1 ACCESS MENU SCREEN Press MENU 2 ACCESS INT TIME MENU Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to NEXT in Menu Screen 1 and press it to display Menu Screen 2 Then move the highlight bar to INT TIME and press it 3 SET INTERVAL TIME Rotate the Select Dial to move ...

Page 37: ...apse recording make sure the Animation or Time Lapse mode is deactivated Self Timer Animation and Time Lapse are canceled when the power is shut off or when the cassette is ejected Time Lapse You can record sequentially at preset time spans Leaving the camcorder aimed at a specific subject you can record subtle changes over an extended period of time NOTE Before performing the following steps make...

Page 38: ...Press REW 2 to rewind or FF 3 to fast forward the tape during Stop mode NOTES The camcorder shuts off automatically after about 5 minutes in Stop mode To turn on again set the Power Switch to POWER OFF then to PLAY If a blank portion on the tape is played back the screen may become black This is not a malfunction Power Switch Power lamp REW 2 Button FF 3 Button PLAY PAUSE 4 6 Button STOP 5 Button ...

Page 39: ... Then press P AE or EFFECT as many times as necessary until the noise bars disappear To return to Auto Tracking press P AE and EFFECT simultaneously AT blinks When Auto Tracking finishes the indication disappears NOTES When noise bars appear during playback the camcorder enters the Auto Tracking mode and AT is displayed Manual Tracking may not work with tapes recorded on other VCRs or camcorders E...

Page 40: ...n Once you release it normal playback resumes Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome or darken during Shuttle Search This is normal FEATURE Counter Memory Function PURPOSE To make it easier to locate a specific tape segment OPERATION 1 Press COUNTER R M and hold for more than 1 second The counter resets to 0 00 00 2 Press COUNTER R M for less than 1 second M appears 3 After recording...

Page 41: ...er into the VCR and play the tape back as you would any other 4 REMOVE CASSETTE FROM ADAPTER Slide the latch and the compartment door opens automatically This may take around 10 seconds Do not attempt to force the adapter open Then insert your finger in the hole on the underside of the adapter as shown in the illustration at left and push up and remove the cassette NOTES During tape loading and un...

Page 42: ...ions Video cable optional To VIDEO IN Audio cable optional To Video Output To Audio Output TV VCR Connector cover To TV or VCR To AUDIO IN Use optional Video and Audio cables Connection For Tape Dubbing When connecting the cables open this cover Power Switch PLAY PAUSE 4 6 Button Connector cover Audio cable optional To Video Output Video cable optional To VIDEO IN VCR Recording deck TV To AUDIO IN...

Page 43: ...mum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound when the camcorder is turned on If you have a TV or speakers that are not specially shielded do not place the speakers adjacent to the TV as interference will occur in the camcorder playback picture Tape Dubbing 1 CONNECT EQUIPMENT Following the illustration on pg 42 connect the camcorder and the VCR 2 PREPARE FOR DUBBING Set the camcorder s Power Switch ...

Page 44: ...ium batteries Z pg 2 The Full Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations Playback Stop Pause Fast Forward and Rewind of your VCR Functions With the camcorder s Power Switch set to CAMERA AUTO or PRO Transmits the beam signal Zoom in out Z pg 18 Retake rewind Quick Review Z pg 19 Functions the same as the Recording Start Stop Button on th...

Page 45: ...ndicator disappears Time Lapse 1 Set Instead of performing steps 1 through 3 on pg 37 Time Lapse press INT TIME and REC TIME on the remote control Each time INT TIME is pressed the Interval Timer indicator appears changing in the following order 15S 30S 1MIN 5MIN and No indication off Each time REC TIME is pressed the Rec Time indicator appears changing in the following order 1 4S 1 2S 1S 5S and N...

Page 46: ... new scene should start 5 ENGAGE INSERT EDITING MODE Press and hold INSERT and without releasing INSERT press and release PAUSE The Insert Editing standby mode is engaged The Insert Editing Indicator is displayed on the top left corner of the viewfinder When the scene the camcorder is aimed at appears on the screen go to the next step 6 BEGIN INSERT EDITING Press START STOP When the counter reache...

Page 47: ...P NOTES Do not press FF or REW during Audio Dub Standby or the edit points will not be accurate If the microphone is too close to the TV or if the TV s volume is too high whistling or howling may occur NOTES for Insert Editing and Audio Dubbing Insert Editing and Audio Dubbing may not work correctly if the tape contains blank segments or if the recording speed was changed during the original recor...

Page 48: ...t gently with lens cleaning paper 3 REMOVE EYEPIECE Turn the eyepiece counterclockwise and pull it out 4 CLEAN VIEWFINDER Remove dust using a blower brush 5 RE ATTACH EYEPIECE Re attach the eyepiece and turn it clockwise Remove PUSH Button LENS COVER Open Close Ring EJECT Switch Set to POWER OFF BATTERY RELEASE NOTES Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as benzine or alcohol Cleaning should be ...

Page 49: ...arged Z pg 8 The power supply has not been correctly connected Z pg 9 The battery pack has completely discharged Remove the cassette and disconnect the power source then after a few minutes try turning the power back on If it still does not come on consult your nearest JVC dealer Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording If not slide the tab Some cassettes have re...

Page 50: ...de with high precision technology However black spots or bright spots of light red green or blue may appear constantly in the viewfinder These spots are not recorded on the tape This is not due to any defect of the unit Effective dots more than 99 99 Wipe them gently with a soft cloth Gently wipe in a semicircular motion as wiping strongly spreads the stain and it won t come out easily This is nor...

Page 51: ...ining Power Indicator Changes as follows according to the battery pack s remaining power level When the power is almost gone the indicator blinks battery power warning then the unit shuts off Replace the battery pack with a fully charged one Note The symbol containing 3 darkened squares does not necessarily mean that the battery pack is fully charged Focus Indicator Z pg 33 Exposure Control Level ...

Page 52: ...52EN INDEX Controls Connectors And Indicators T Y 1 i o q u t e w 2 p Q W 3 4 5 6 y E r 7 8 0 9 R ...

Page 53: ... Recording Start Stop Button Z pg 16 Power Switch Z pg 16 38 Battery Release Switch BATTERY RELEASE Z pg 8 PUSH Button Z pg 13 Connectors q DC IN Jack Z pg 9 The connectors w to r are located beneath the cover w Video Output Connector Z pg 42 e Audio Output Connector Z pg 42 r J Terminal JLIP Joint Level Interface Protocol Connector It is used to connect the camcorder to a device such as a persona...

Page 54: ...gh Speed Shutter Mode Z pg 25 I Instant Titles Z pg 27 L Load A Tape Z pg 13 M Manual Focus Z pg 33 Menu Screen Z pg 29 30 N ND Effect Mode Z pg 25 Nega Posi Mode Z pg 25 P Picture Stabilizer Z pg 20 Power Switch Position Z pg 16 Program AE With Special Effects Z pg 24 Provided Accessories Z pg 6 Q Quick Review Z pg 19 R Record Standby Z pg 16 Recording Mode Z pg 12 Retake Z pg 19 Rewind The Tape ...

Page 55: ...er while in operation or soon after turning it off otherwise serious injury may result Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light since it remains extremely hot for some time When operating keep a distance of about 30 cm 1 ft between the video light and people or object Do not use near flammable or explosive materials It is recommended that you consul...

Page 56: ...cooking stove in places subject to excessive shock or vibration near a television set near appliances generating strong magnetic or electric fields speakers broadcasting antennas etc in places subject to extremely high over 40 C or 104 F or extremely low under 0 C or 32 F temperatures 3 DO NOT leave the unit in places of over 50 C 122 F in places where humidity is extremely low below 35 or extreme...

Page 57: ...ories and their availability Specifications shown are for SP mode unless otherwise indicated E O E Design and specifications subject to change without notice Operating temperature 0 C to 40 C 32 F to 104 F Operating humidity 35 to 80 Storage temperature 20 C to 50 C 4 F to 122 F Weight GR AX957 AX857 Approx 880 g 2 0 lbs GR AX657 Approx 940 g 2 1 lbs Dimensions 91 W x 119 H x 198 D mm 3 15 16 x 4 ...

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Page 60: ...GR AX957UM GR AX857UM GR AX657UM COPYRIGHT 1999 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN LTD UM Printed in Japan 0299FOV UN YP VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN LIMITED EN ...

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