RCA CG740 manual Camcorder Recording Tips, Traveling Tips

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Camcorder Recording Tips

Make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place in case of fire or theft.

Practice recording under different lighting conditions. This will help you respond quickly whenever you see a scene you want to record.

Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-side while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”.

Use the viewfinder to make sure the camcorder is level while recording or your scenes will appear “tilted”.

Try to make sure indoor scenes are well- lit. This improves picture quality and color reproduction. Try to avoid taping backlit subjects indoors. Bright light behind your subject may cause the subject to appear too dark.

For a different perspective, try kneeling down (or laying) on the floor when recording children or pets.

Be aware of video and audio backgrounds. Background details barely noticed while you are taping may show up as visual “clutter” on your recording. Background noises (especially TV sets, radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) can detract from the sound you want to record.

Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded.

Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks and scenic attractions. Recordings are more interesting if they include people and details. “Local color” will give travel videos lasting appeal. Consider recording a familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar vantage point for added interest. Remember to check the lighting before starting to record.

Include close-up shots of individuals when taping family outings or group functions.

Traveling Tips

Write down your camcorder’s serial number and keep it separate from the camcorder when traveling. If your camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be able to identify it.

Make sure you have any plug adapters that you may need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult your GE dealer for advice.

Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder and accessories when operating them at a beach or pool.

Spray, sand, and dust should be avoided. If your lens has been exposed to the elements, clean it only with proper lens cleaning supplies.

Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling. See page 47 for a specially designed case. An ordinary suitcase or carry bag does not offer the protection your camcorder needs. Treat your camcorder as carry-on luggage to protect it from rough handling.

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Contents Camcorder User’s Guide Model No CG740 Serial No Purchase Date Purchased From Product RegistrationAssistance Table of ContentsOptional Accessories Recording FeaturesCustomer Assistance and Service Recording from a TV or VCRFirst-Time Operation Unpack camcorder and accessoriesAttach the adapter/charger Adjust the handstrap PAUSE/STILL Place CAMERA/VCR switchPlay back what you have recorded Start and Stop RecordingEdit ADV Review camcorder’s operating controlsAudio and Video OUT Jacks Using an Optional Plug Adapter Powering the CamcorderUsing the Adapter/Charger Charging the Battery Using the Battery to Power Your CamcorderRemove Battery Insert Charged BatteryCassette door open. This will damage Checking Battery Power Battery Level IndicatorDisplay in Viewfinder Battery Safety Precautions Battery Care and StorageTraveling Tips Camcorder Recording TipsRecording Speed and Times Erase Protection Safety TabVideo Cassettes Cassette Care and Storage Inserting and Removing CassettesViewfinder Tilt AdjustmentEyepiece Focus Control Viewfinder ControlsViewfinder Displays Battery Level IndicatorDisplays in Viewfinder Titler DisplayTime and Date Display Shutter Speed IndicatorsWhite Balance Indicators Index and END Indicators Status IndicatorRecording the Time and Date or Date on Your Tape Install Clock BatteryDate and Time Display Set or Correct the Time and Date Display Record Review Camcorder FeaturesMicrophone Flying Erase HeadElectronic Indexing Camera EditTape Positioning Auto Focus Focusing Your CamcorderManual Focus White Balance ButtonAutomatic White Balance Manual White BalanceTo Select Higher Shutter Speeds Using Variable Shutter SpeedsZooming and Fading In and Out of Scenes Power ZoomingFading In and Out of Scenes FadingTape Counter Counters and Time-Remaining DisplayTape Counter with Memory Stop To use memory stopTime-Remaining Display Elapsed-Time CounterSelf-Timer Recording Self TIMER/TIME Lapse ButtonAnimation Recording Adjustable Time-Lapse RecordingCreating a Title TitlerRecording Titles on a Tape in the Camcorder Chart of Characters in Titler’s RegisterCorrecting Errors During Programming To Audio Dub Audio DubbingTo Video Dub Video DubbingVideo Recording from a TV or VCROperation and How to Copy Tapes InstallationViewfinder Playback Viewfinder Playback and Playback FeaturesStop-Action Pause Playback FeaturesVisual Search TrackingCover Playback on a TV or VCR with Audio and Video in JacksPlayback on a TV or VCR Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on a VCRPlayback on a TV without Audio/Video Inputs 3CH/4CH SwitchNormal TV Viewing Playback OperationAttaching the Shoulder Strap 1CVB100 Soft Camcorder Case Optional AccessoriesTo order accessories, contact your local dealer VCC1000 Video Color Control Center VDC88 Color Enhancement LightAH011 Cable Transformer 1CVA488 RF Output AdapterCable Transformer AC088 Super Lightweight Tripod Order Form for Camcorder Model CG740 Accessory Order FormPlease complete other side also USE Your Credit Card International Orders 800 338United States and Canada Orders Things to Avoid Care and MaintenanceTrouble Checks Trouble Checks and AdjustmentsViewfinder Displays are DEW Indicator FlashingOut of Focus Poor Picture Quality During RecordingRecorded Audio Low White Balance IndicatorPlay, Rewind or Fast Forward Does Not WorkInformation to User SpecificationsReturning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange Customer Assistance and ServiceLimited Warranty How State Law relates to warranty What your warranty does not coverProduct Registration If you purchased your Camcorder outside the United StatesAudio and Video OUT IndexFocus AUTO/MAN Self TIMER/TIME Lapse Index Consumers Customer Service AccessoriesCanadian Consumers Meridian Street Indianapolis,