Thank You For Choosing an RCA
You have selected a precision- engineered 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. This manual is arranged in the order that we
Camcorder Features
Camcorder Convenience
This lightweight, easy-to-use camcorder has all the features of a
deluxe video camera and the convenience of the VHS format. Shoot
up to 2 hours and 40 minutes* of video (with a T-160 tape),
Play your tapes back either in the
camcorder or in any VHS VCR. You can also use the camcorder as a video
player to play back rented or prerecorded video tapes on any TV.
*For extended recording, camcorder must be used with AC adapter or additional optional batteries.
6x Power Zoom Lens with Macro
The CC285 features a fast fl.2, 6x power zoom lens that allows you to smoothly zoom from wide-angle to telephoto shots. You can use the power zoom, or use the manual zoom ring when you need fast zooms to follow the action.
Optional wide-angle and telephoto adapters (shown on page 44) are available to further increase either
wide-angle or telephoto range. Built-in macro feature lets you shoot dramatic close-ups (as close as 1/4"). Great for nature photography and special effects.
1/2" Solid-State CCD Image Sensor
State-of-the-art Solid-State CCD (Charged Coupled Device) chip converts the light into a video image and produces pictures even in exceptionally low light levels. Provides sharp, vivid color pictures.
Flying Erase Head
A separate erase head is mounted on the spinning headwheel (hence the term "flying"). This allows you to
Camcorder.
anticipate you will use it to operate your new camcorder. You'll find a
simplified quick-operation guide on
page 5 and a complete index in the back.
If you should experience a problem, always refer first to the trouble-checks section on pages 46 and 47. Many times a simple solution is all that's
needed, and it could save you a costly service call.
make clean edits without "glitches" or the "rainbow noise" that occurs on
VCR's and camcorders without flying erase heads.
Video/Audio Dub
Video and audio dubbing allow you
to simply and quickly insert new video, new audio, or new video and
audio into existing tapes. (Some eamcorders allow you to insert new video or audio, but not both.) The combination of video/audio dubbing with the flying erase head gives you dean, "glitch free" edits.
New video can be inserted from the
camcorder camera, or from another VCR or camera. New andio can be inserted from the camcorder's
microphone, an optional external microphone, or an external audio device (such as a tape deck, CD player, etc.).
Edit Search
Edit Search means that you can use the F.FWD, PEW, and PLAY buttons to
precisely position the tape even while the camcorder is in the camera mode
(ready to record). Since you can do this while the camcorder is in the
camera mode, without the tape unloading, it is possible to precisely position the tape for the next scene- eliminating the "between-scene glitches" that are common on camcorders without this feature.
"Synchro Edit"
Synchro edit allows your camcorder to control a compatible VCR (one with a Camera Pause Jack) while tapes are
being copied from the camcorder to the VCR. The PAUSE button on the camcorder causes the VCR to start
and stop recording. An optional AVS010 synchro edit cable (shown on page 44) is required.
High-Speed Shutter System
Standard video cameras have a shutter
speed of 1/60 second. This RCA camcorder has a variable-speed electronic shutter that allows you to increase the shutter speed to 1/500 or 1/1000. This lets you "freeze" fast- moving action when the tape is played back in slow motion or stop action on a ¥CR with field-still or digital special effects.
When you choose a high shutter speed, you must consider the amount of light available (higher shutter speeds require more light). A flashing shutter speed display alerts you when more light is needed for the higher
shutter speed. See page 45 for lighting accessories.
Constant Automatic White Balance
Built-in circuitry continuously adjusts
for proper color balance, indoors or out.
Fade Button
Simply by pushing the FADE button, you can fade out of or into a scene.
Provides professional-looking scene transitions. Fades both video and
audio.
Time-Lapse Recording
Camcorder can be programmed to
make a series of 1-sec. recordings that occur 30 see., 1 min., 2 min., or 5
rain. apart. When played back, this has the effect of compressing time, or time lapse. Great for recording and examining slowly developing action.
"Animation" Recording
Camcorder can also make a series of "single shot" recordings. You can create animation-type or cartoon-type effects by shooting an object, moving it, shooting it again, etc. When played back at normal speed, this has the effect of animating the object you were shooting.
