RCA CC-285 owner manual Camcorder Recording Tips, Traveling Tips, Shutter Speed Tips

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• Camcorder Recording Tips

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.

Keep your auto focus window clean and unobstructed to help assure proper auto focus operation.

Don't move your camcorder's Zoom

Lever quickly when controlling the zoom lens manually. A slow, constant speed gives your manual zooms a more professional look on tape.

Try to make sure indoor scenes you record are well-hi. This improves picture quality and color reproduction.

Avoid tong "still" shots of landmarks and scenic attractions. Your

recordings will be more interesting if they include people and detail. "'Local color" will give your travel videos lasting appeal. Consider taping a familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar vantage point to give your tape added interest. Remember to check your lighting before recording.

Practice recording under a variety of

;lighting conditions. This will help prepare you to respond whenever you see a scene you want to tape.

Try to avoid taping backlit subjects indoors. Bright light behind your subject may cause it to appear very dark and low in detail. Adjusting your IRIS control can help overcome this problem.

Include close-up shots of individuals when taping a family outing or other group functions. These close-ups make your video memories special.

Be aware of video and audio backgrounds. Background visual details you barely notice while you're taping may show up as visual "'clutter" when you review your taped scene. Background noises (especially television sets and radios, household appliances, traffic sounds) can detract from the sounds you want to record.

And REMEMBER: Don't bump or tap your Camcorder's microphone while you're taping, because this sound will be recorded on your tape!

Don't move the camcorder rapidly from side to side while you're recording. A steady, gradual "pan" avoids blurring and jitter in your taped scene.

Keep your camcorder level while taping. Otherwise, your scenes will appear tilted. Keep a close eye on this in your viewfinder!

Fading in and out between scenes can make your videos appear more professional.

-Traveling Tips

CAUTION: If you wish to operate

the AC adapter/charger on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60

Hz, use only a transformer-type power converter. Do not use "solid- state" or "switching-type"power converters. They will damage your

AC adapter/charger. An optional CPS08 adapter/charger may be purchased from your RCA dealer. The CPS08 is designed for use on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz. See

pages 44-45 for optional accessories.

Jot down your camcorder's serial number and keep this note separate

from your equipment when traveling. If your carncorder is lost or stolen, you will be able to identify it.

Use extra care and caution to avoid

damage to your camcorder and accessories when operating them at a beach or pool. Spray, sand, and dust should be avoided. Clean your lens gently and thoroughly if it has been exposed to the elements. Remember to use only proper lens cleaning supplies available at camera stores to protect your lens.

Carry your camcorder in a proper case when traveling. (See page 44 for the specially designed soft and hard carrying cases.) An ordinary suitcase or carry bag doesn't offer the protection and custom fit your camcorder needs. For safety, treat your camcorder as carry-on baggage to protect it from rough handling.

. Shutter Speed Tips

By increasing the shutter speed, you'll be able to watch better stop- action and stow-motion pictures when you play the tape back on a good-quality home VCR that has these special effects.

The higher the shutter speed, the less blurring you'll see during stop- action, frame advance, and slow- motion. The faster your subject is

moving, the higher you'll want to set the shutter speed.

The higher the shutter speed, the more light is required to make a good picture. So as you increase the shutter speed, you may have to increase the amount of light. You will probably want to use the highest shutter speed only in bright outdoor light.

The shutter speed display in the viewfinder will flash if you need to reduce the shutter speed (or increase the amount of light) while recording.

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Contents Operating Instructions Warranty Information Your Record Vital Information Here AdjustablePowering TapesCamcorder Features Audio Features Convenience FeaturesWhat Your Camcorder Can Do For You Installing Battery Locate the Clock BatteryPrepare camcorder to record Put the CAMERA/PLAYBACK switch in the CameraInsert a cassette tape Start recordingCamcorder Operating Controls and Their Functions Accessory Shoe@ a Utofocus Switch MAN/ Auto Microphone@ Electronic Viewfinder Eject Lever Viewfinder Displays WhatFrom 11@DISPL.4 Y Button @ DATE/ Time ButtonTime Lapse Button Time Lapse DC Power Jack DC 222MIC Switch WIND/NORMAV OUT Connector Audio Video Output External MicrophoneClock BA Ttery PA USE Button PLA Y ButtonVideo DUB Button CAMERA/PLA YBA CK Switch 44@A V in JackAC Adapter/Charger Rechargeable BatteryUsing the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder Optional DC Car CordCharging The Battery Attaching Charged Battery Using Battery to Power Your CamcorderTo Camcorder Checking Battery Power Using the Optional DC Car Cord to Power Your CamcorderAttaching Car Cord Erase Protection Recording TimeInserting/Removing Cassettes Cassette Care and StorageHow To Record With Your Camcorder CAMERA/PLA YbackTo rewind and review recording Attach power source toOnce youve started recording Thumb trigger orTilt Adjustment Using Your Camcorders Recording FeaturesAdjusting for Right or Left Eye Electronic Viewfinder EVF Eyepiece Focus ControlBattery Level Indicator Camcorder Status DisplayInstall the battery as described above Installing Battery for Time/Date DisplaySetting Time/Date Display in Viewfinder Gently push the cover closed until it snaps into placeZooming Using Power Zoom Buttons Using Zoom Ring ManuallyQuick Review Focusing Your Camcorder Auto Focus Manual FocusMacro Focus Fading Adjusting a UTO Iris For Unusual LightingFading In and Out of Scenes Fading OutDispla Y Button Displa Y Button ChartBattery Level Three TimesUsingTime-Remaining Display Using Tape CounterUsing Tape Counter Memory ForwardUsing Variable Shutter Speeds OoooRecording Self-Timer RecordingSelf Timer button Light on FrontAnimation Recording Repeatedly press the Time Lapse button until the wordMIC Switch You can reduce the wind noiseSliding the NORMAL/WIND MIC Flying Erase Head Edit Search Editing FeaturesFlying Erase Head Audio Dubbing Video DubbingSlide CAMERA/PLAyBACK switch to Playback Synchro EditTo Synchro Edit Slide the CAMERA/PLAYBACK switch to the Playback position ToAudio DubAudio Dubbing To Video Dub Slide the CAMERA/pLAYBaCK switch to the PlaybackVideo Dubbing PositionJack VCR If your VCR or TV monitor has Slide the CAMERA/PLAYBACK switch to the Camera position Start reoording Start the tape playingTransformer OneTerminal Back Your Leave the RF adapter hooked How to Connect Your Camcorder Video Monitor for Playback To aCamcorder is Camcorder Recording Tips Traveling TipsShutter Speed Tips Storing Your Camcorder Transformer-type power converterTape Tips ProperCare of Your CamcorderKK050 Rugged Hard Case WM002 Wireless MicrophoneAC028 Soft Camcorder Case AVS010 Synchro Edit CableAccessory Order Form for RCA Camcorder Model CC285 Please complete other side alsoPage Page FWD Remote KingWhat does your warrantynot cover How does state law relate to this warrantyWhat will we do