GR-D250US.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the pages 3 – 4 and 9 to ensure safe use of this product. ENGLISH DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GR-D250 6 GETTING STARTED VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 17 ADVANCED FEATURES 22 REFERENCES 38 TERMS 47 Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for Digital Video Camera: http://www.jvc.co.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 2 EN Major Features of this Camcorder Wipe/Fader Effects Backlight Compensation You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make pro-style scene transitions. (墌 pg. 33) Simply pressing the BACK LIGHT button brightens the image darkened by backlight. (墌 pg. 31) ● You can also select a spot metering area so that more precise exposure compensation is available. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 3 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM EN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. NOTES: ● The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 4 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 4 EN When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm (3–15/16") or more on both sides, on top and at the rear). Do not block the ventilation holes. (If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be able to get out.) No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
MasterPage: TOC_Heading0_Right GR-D250US.book Page 5 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM CONTENTS GETTING STARTED 6 ADVANCED FEATURES Index ................................................................. 6 Provided Accessories ..................................... 10 Power.............................................................. 11 Operation Mode .............................................. 13 Language Settings.......................................... 14 Date/Time Settings ...................
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MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 7 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM Controls Other Parts A Stop Button [8] (墌 pg. 20) R Monitor Latch (墌 pg. 18) S LCD Monitor (墌 pg. 18, 19) T Viewfinder (墌 pg. 15) U Battery Pack Mount (墌 pg. 12) V Shoulder Strap Eyelet (墌 pg. 11) W Speaker (墌 pg. 20) X Grip Strap (墌 pg. 14) Y Lens Z Camera Sensor Backlight Compensation Button [BACK LIGHT] (墌 pg. 31) B Play/Pause Button [4/9] (墌 pg. 20) Manual Focus Button [FOCUS] (墌 pg. 29) C Rewind Button [3] (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 8 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 8 EN GETTING STARTED LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording 9 1 2 0 q we r (墌 pg. 29) t W Time Code (墌 pg. 26, 27) T REC 3 4 5 6 7 BRIGHT SOUND 12 B I T 8 15:55 y u i d Viewfinder) (墌 pg. 15) V Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator 1h40m 25 x W U Brightness Control Indicator (LCD monitor/ 50m o NOV 1 0 '0 5 1 0 : 0 0 AM s a p a Operation Mode (墌 pg. 13) B : Night-Alive Indicator (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 9 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM GETTING STARTED During Video Playback Before Using This Camcorder 2 3 4 Make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark . This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video cassette. Only cassettes marked “ ” can be used with this unit. 12 B I T / M I X L BLANK SEARCH PUSH "STOP" BUTTON TO CANCEL 50m VO LUME 8 5 NOV 10 ' 0 5 1 0 : 00 AM 2 0 : 2 1 : 25 7 9 6 a Sound Mode Indicator (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 10 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 10 EN GETTING STARTED Provided Accessories How To Attach The Lens Cap To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration. OR NOTE: To confirm the lens cap is on correctly make sure the cap is flush to the camcorder. Place here during shooting. a AC Adapter AP-V16U or AP-V14U b Battery Pack BN-VF707U c Audio/Video Cable (ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug) d Shoulder Strap (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 11 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM GETTING STARTED How To Attach The Shoulder Strap EN 11 Power Follow the illustration. guide and the buckle. This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment. ● To adjust the length of the strap, loosen and then tighten the strap in the buckle. Charging The Battery Pack 1 Thread the strap through the eyelet.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 12 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 12 EN GETTING STARTED To detach the battery pack Slide the battery pack upward while pressing PUSH BATT. to detach it. Battery pack Charging time BN-VF707U* Approx. 1 hr. 30 min. BN-VF714U Approx. 2 hr. 40 min. BN-VF733U Approx. 5 hr. 40 min. Using The Battery Pack Perform steps 2 – 3 in “Charging The Battery Pack”. Maximum continuous recording time Battery pack LCD monitor on Viewfinder on BN-VF707U* 1 hr. 5 min.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 13 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM GETTING STARTED Perform step 4 in “Charging The Battery Pack”. NOTE: The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V. About Batteries DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may cause a fire or explosion.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 14 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 14 EN GETTING STARTED Power-Linked Operation Date/Time Settings When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”, you can also turn on/off the camcorder by opening/ closing the LCD monitor or pulling out/pushing in the viewfinder. INFORMATION: The following explanations in this manual supposes the use of LCD monitor in your operation. If you want to use the viewfinder, close the LCD monitor and pull out the viewfinder fully.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 15 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM GETTING STARTED 1 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. 2 Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked. Pull out the viewfinder fully and adjust it manually for best viewability. 3 Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 16 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 16 EN GETTING STARTED Loading/Unloading A Cassette The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a cassette. Cassette holder PUSH HERE Cassette holder cover OPEN/EJECT Make sure the window side is facing out. Erase protection tab 1 Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover open until it locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK MasterPage: Video_Heading0_Right GR-D250US.book Page 17 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM VIDEO RECORDING EN 17 Tape Remaining Time Basic Recording NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: ● Power (墌 pg. 11) ● Loading A Cassette (墌 pg. 16) Power Zoom Lever Approximate tape remaining time appears on the display. “– h – – m” means the camcorder is calculating the remaining time.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 18 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 18 EN VIDEO RECORDING LCD Monitor And Viewfinder Zooming While using the LCD monitor: Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back in. Pull on the end of the LCD monitor and open the LCD monitor fully. It can rotate 270° (90° downward, 180° upward). Produces the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. While using the viewfinder: Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 19 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM VIDEO RECORDING Journalistic Shooting EN 19 NOTES: ● The time code cannot be reset. ● During fast-forwarding and rewinding, the time code indication does not move smoothly. ● The time code is displayed only when “TIME CODE” is set to “ON”. (墌 pg. 26) In some situations, different shooting angles may provide more dramatic results.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US_05Video.fm Page 20 Thursday, November 25, 2004 4:05 PM 20 EN VIDEO PLAYBACK Normal Playback 5 3 4/9 8 VOL. +/– Speaker Lock Button M A Power Switch ● During playback, press and hold 5 or 3. The search continues as long as you hold the button. Once you release the button, normal playback resumes. ● A slight mosaic effect appears on the display during Shuttle Search. This is not a malfunction.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 21 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM VIDEO PLAYBACK Connections To A TV Or VCR EN 21 1 Make sure all units are turned off. 2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown in the illustration. If using a VCR, go to step 3. If not, go to step 4. 3 Connect the VCR output to the TV input, referring to your VCR’s instruction manual. To AV connector Open the cover. Audio/Video cable (provided) 4 Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV.
ADVANCED FEATURES MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250US.book Page 22 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 22 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Menus without Sub Menus Changing The Menu Settings This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. (墌 pg. 23 – 27) – Lock Button + M A Power Switch v WIPE/FADER (墌 pg. 33) r PROGRAM AE (墌 pg. 34) p EXPOSURE (墌 pg. 30) u W. BALANCE (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 23 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT CAMERA The “m CAMERA” settings are effective when the Power Switch is set to both “A” and “M”. However, the menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “M”.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 24 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 24 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT MANUAL The “q MANUAL” settings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “M”. [ ] = Factory-preset DIS OFF: Disables the function. [ON ]: To compensate for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly at high magnification. NOTES: ● Accurate stabilization may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or depending on the shooting condition.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 25 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM The “s SYSTEM” functions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “M” are also applied when the Power Switch is set to “PLAY”. [ ] = Factory-preset BEEP OFF: Even though not heard while shooting, shutter sound is recorded on the tape. BEEP: The beep sounds when the power is turned on or off, and at the beginning and end of recording. It also activates the shutter sound effect.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 26 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 26 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT CAMERA DISPLAY ● The “n” (CAMERA DISPLAY) settings are effective even when the Power Switch is set to “A”. However, the menu settings can be changed only when the Power Switch is set to “M”. ● The “n” (CAMERA DISPLAY) settings except “BRIGHT” are effective only for shooting. [ ] = Factory-preset BRIGHT 墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 27 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT EN 27 VIDEO DISPLAY The “n” (VIDEO DISPLAY) settings are effective only for video playback except “BRIGHT”. ● The parameters (except “OFF” in ON SCREEN settings) are the same as in the description (CAMERA DISPLAY) on page 26. [ ] = Factory-preset BRIGHT 墌 pg. 15, “Brightness Adjustment Of The Display” ON SCREEN OFF / [LCD] / LCD/TV When set to “OFF”, the camcorder’s display disappears.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250US.book Page 28 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 28 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING 5-Second Recording Record a vacation or an important event in 5second clips to keep the action moving. This function is available only for video recording. 1 Set “5S” to “5S”. (墌 pg. 24) ● The “5S” indicator appears. 2 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start recording, and after 5 seconds the camcorder enters Record-Standby mode automatically.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 29 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING This feature lets you record still images that look like photographs onto a tape. 1 Set the Power Switch to “M”. 2 Set “SNAP SHOT” to the desired mode. (墌 pg. 22, 23) 3 Press SNAPSHOT. ● There is the sound effect of a shutter closing. ● The “O” indication appears and a still image will be recorded for approx. 6 seconds, then the camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 30 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 30 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Exposure Control Manual exposure control is recommended in the following situations: ● When shooting using reverse lighting or when the background is too bright. ● When shooting on a reflective natural background such as at the beach or when skiing. ● When the background is overly dark or the subject is bright. 1 Set the Power Switch to “M”. 2 Set “p” to “MANUAL”. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 31 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING Spot Exposure Control Backlight compensation brightens the subject quickly. With simple operation, backlight compensation feature brightens the dark subject portion by increasing the exposure. 1 Set the Power Switch to “M”. 2 Press BACK LIGHT so that the Backlight Compensation indicator “ ” appears. To cancel Backlight Compensation Press BACK LIGHT twice so that the “ indicator disappears.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 32 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 32 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING White Balance Adjustment The white balance refers to the correctness of color reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colors will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional color/ tint reproduction.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 33 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING Wipe Or Fader Effects These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Use them to spice up the transition from one scene to the next. Wipe or Fader works when video recording is started or stopped. EN 33 WIPE–SCROLL: The scene wipes in from the bottom to the top of a black screen, or wipes out from top to bottom, leaving a black screen.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 34 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 34 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Program AE With Special Effects 1 Set the Power Switch to “M”. 2 Set “r” to the desired mode. (墌 pg. 22) ● The PROGRAM AE menu disappears and the selected effect is activated. ● The selected effect indicator appears. To deactivate the selected effect Select “OFF” in step 2. The effect indicator disappears.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 35 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM EDITING EN 35 1 Following the illustrations, connect the Dubbing To A VCR camcorder and the VCR’s input connectors. 2 Start playback on the camcorder. (墌 pg. 20) 3 At the point you want to start dubbing, start recording on the VCR. (Refer to the VCR’s instruction manual.) 4 To stop dubbing, stop recording on the VCR, To AV connector then stop playback on the camcorder.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 36 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 36 EN EDITING Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing) It is also possible to copy recorded scenes from the camcorder onto another video unit equipped with a DV connector. Since a digital signal is sent, there is little if any image or sound deterioration. NOTES: ● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power supply instead of the battery pack. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 37 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM EDITING EN 37 Connection To A Personal Computer It is also possible to transfer still/moving images to a PC with a DV connector by using the software equipped with the PC or commercially available software. If you are using a Windows® XP, you can use Windows® Messenger to conduct video conferences over the Internet, using a camcorder. For details, refer to the help for the Windows® Messenger.
REFERENCES MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250US.book Page 38 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 38 EN TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery pack, AC Adapter, etc.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 39 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM TROUBLESHOOTING EN 39 The color of Snapshot looks strange. “SET DATE/TIME!” appears. ● The light source or the subject does not include white. Or there are various different light sources behind the subject. HFind a white subject and compose your shot so that it also appears in the frame. (墌 pg. 29) ● The date/time is not set. HSet the date/time. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 40 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 40 EN TROUBLESHOOTING Picture does not appear on the LCD monitor. ● The viewfinder is pulled out and “PRIORITY” is set to “FINDER”. HPush the viewfinder back in or set “PRIORITY” to “LCD”. (墌 pg. 18, 22, 25) ● The LCD monitor’s brightness setting is too dark. HAdjust the brightness of the LCD monitor. (墌 pg. 15) HIf the monitor is tilted upward 180 degrees, open the monitor fully. (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 41 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM TROUBLESHOOTING EN 41 LENS CAP Appears for 5 seconds after power is turned on if the lens cap is attached or when it is dark. HDV Appears when pictures recorded in the HDV format are detected. The pictures in the HDV format cannot be played back with this camcorder. UNIT IN SAFEGUARD MODE REMOVE AND REATTACH BATTERY The error indications (01, 02 or 06) show what type of malfunction has occurred.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250US.book Page 42 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 42 EN USER MAINTENANCE Cleaning The Camcorder Before cleaning, turn off the camcorder and remove the battery pack and AC Adapter. To clean the exterior Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Put the cloth in diluted mild soap and wring it well to wipe off heavy dirt. Then wipe again with a dry cloth. To clean the LCD monitor Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Be careful not to damage the monitor. Close the LCD monitor.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 43 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM CAUTIONS When using the AC Adapter in areas other than the USA The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V. USING HOUSEHOLD AC PLUG ADAPTER In case of connecting the unit’s power cord to an AC wall outlet other than American National Standard C73 series type use an AC plug adapter, called a “Siemens Plug”, as shown.
MasterPage: Left GR-D250US.book Page 44 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 44 EN CAUTIONS LCD Monitor ● To prevent damage to the LCD monitor, DO NOT ... push it strongly or apply any shocks. ... place the camcorder with the LCD monitor on the bottom. ● To prolong service life ... avoid rubbing it with coarse cloth. ● Be aware of the following phenomena for LCD monitor use. These are not malfunctions ...
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 45 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM CAUTIONS ● You have observed that pouring a cold liquid into a glass will cause drops of water to form on the glass’ outer surface. This same phenomenon occurs on the head drum of a camcorder when it is moved from a cool place to a warm place, after heating a cold room, under extremely humid conditions or in a place directly subjected to the cool air from an air conditioner.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D250US.book Page 46 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM 46 EN SPECIFICATIONS Camcorder For General Power supply DC 11 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Approx. 3.2 W (LCD monitor off, viewfinder on) Approx. 4.2 W (LCD monitor on, viewfinder off) Dimensions (W x H x D) 56 mm x 94 mm x 112 mm (2-1/4" x 3/4" x 7/16") (with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed back in) Weight Approx. 430 g (0.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D250US.book Page 47 Wednesday, November 24, 2004 6:13 PM TERMS EN 47 A T AC Adapter .................................................... 13 Animation ....................................................... 24 Tape Speed (REC MODE) ...................... 23, 26 Telephoto Setting ........................................... 24 Time Code ............................................... 19, 26 Tripod Mounting ............................................. 15 Troubleshooting ......
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