MasterPage: FrontCover GR-D54EX_01Cover.fm Page 1 Friday, November 28, 2003 8:45 AM Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the pages 2 – 3 to ensure safe use of this product. ENGLISH DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GETTING STARTED 5 VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 11 ADVANCED FEATURES 18 REFERENCES 31 TERMS 43 GR-D54 Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for Digital Video Camera: http://www.jvc.
MasterPage: Safety_Left GR-D54EX.book Page 2 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 2 EN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTIONS: ● To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. ● When you are not using the AC Adapter for a long period of time, it is recommended that you disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.
MasterPage: Safety_Right GR-D54EX_02Safety.fm Page 3 Friday, November 28, 2003 8:46 AM EN 3 Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into the sun. This can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a risk of fire or electric shock. CAUTION! The following notes concern possible physical damage to the camcorder and to the user. When carrying, be sure to always securely attach and use the provided strap.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D54EX_03Toc.fm Page 4 Friday, November 28, 2003 8:48 AM 4 EN CONTENTS GETTING STARTED 5 ADVANCED FEATURES Provided Accessories ....................................................5 Power .............................................................................6 Grip Adjustment .............................................................7 Operation Mode .............................................................8 Date/Time Settings ...................................
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D54EX_04Start.fm Page 5 Friday, November 28, 2003 8:48 AM GETTING STARTED Provided Accessories or EN 5 How To Attach The Lens Cap To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration. NOTE: Push. Place here during shooting. How To Attach The Shoulder Strap 9 2 w 6 0 4 3 e 5 T W Follow the illustration. 1 Thread the strap through the eyelet. 2 Fold it back and thread it through the strap guide and the buckle.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 6 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 6 EN GETTING STARTED How To Attach The Core Filter (for USB Cable and optional S-Video Cable) Attach the core filters to the cables. The core filter reduces interference. 1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the core filter. Power Power Switch POWER/CHARGE lamp Lock Button Stopper Battery pack mount 2 Run the cable through the core filter, leaving approx. 3 cm of cable between the cable plug and the core filter.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 7 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM GETTING STARTED Using The Battery Pack Perform steps 1 – 2 in “Charging The Battery Pack”. Maximum continuous recording time Battery pack LCD monitor on Viewfinder on BN-V408U* 1 hr. 10 min. 1 hr. 40 min. BN-V416U 2 hr. 20 min. 3 hr. 15 min. BN-V428U 4 hr. 10 min. 5 hr. 50 min.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 8 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 8 EN GETTING STARTED Power-Linked Operation Operation Mode To turn on the camcorder, set the Power Switch to any operation mode except “OFF (CHARGE)” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. POWER/CHARGE lamp Power Switch Lock Button 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.
MasterPage: Start_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 9 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 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. 9 Brightness Adjustment Of The Display 1 Set the Power Switch to “M” MMENU/VOL.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 10 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 10 EN GETTING STARTED Loading/Unloading A Cassette The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a cassette. OPEN/EJECT Cassette holder cover PUSH HERE Cassette holder 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. ● Do not touch internal components.
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK MasterPage: Video_Heading0_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 11 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM VIDEO RECORDING EN 11 1 Remove the lens cap. 2 Open the LCD monitor fully. (墌 pg. 12) 3 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while pressing Basic Recording NOTE: Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: ● Power (墌 pg. 6) ● Loading a Cassette (墌 pg. 10) down the Lock Button located on the switch.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 12 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 12 EN VIDEO RECORDING LCD Monitor And Viewfinder Zooming While using the LCD monitor: Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back in. Press the Monitor Opening Button 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: Video_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 13 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM VIDEO RECORDING EN 13 Journalistic Shooting Recording From The Middle Of A Tape In some situations, different shooting angles may provide more dramatic results. Hold the camcorder in the desired position and tilt the LCD monitor in the most convenient direction. It can rotate 270° (90° downward, 180° upward). 1) Play back a tape or use Blank Search (墌 pg.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D54EX.book Page 14 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 14 EN VIDEO PLAYBACK Shuttle Search MMENU/VOL. BLANK SEARCH Allows high-speed search in either direction during video playback. 1) During playback, press 5 for forward search, or 3 for reverse search. 2) To resume normal playback, press 4/9. ● 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.
MasterPage: Video_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 15 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM VIDEO PLAYBACK EN Playback Using The Remote Control 15 Buttons And Functions 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. It also makes additional playback functions possible. (墌 pg. 16) Installing The Battery The remote control uses one lithium battery (CR2025).
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 16 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 16 EN VIDEO PLAYBACK Up Button or PAUSE SLOW Forward Button SLOW Rewind Button Left Button Down Button or STOP Right Button PLAY T W Zoom Buttons SHIFT Slow-Motion Playback Allows slow-speed search in either direction during video playback. During normal video playback, press SLOW (YI or IU) more than approx. 2 seconds. ● After approx. 5 minutes (approx. 20 seconds with an 80minute cassette) in Slow Rewind or approx.
MasterPage: Video_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 17 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM VIDEO PLAYBACK EN 17 1 Make sure all units are turned off. 2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown in Connections To A TV Or VCR These are some basic types of connections. When making the connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. 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.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left ADVANCED FEATURES GR-D54EX_07Advanced.fm Page 18 Friday, November 28, 2003 8:50 AM 18 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Changing The Menu Settings This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, onscreen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. (墌 pg. 19 – 21) Menus without Sub Menus v WIPE/FADER (墌 pg. 22) r PROGRAM AE (墌 pg. 23) p EXPOSURE (墌 pg. 25) u W. BALANCE (墌 pg. 26) 1) Rotate the MMENU/VOL. Wheel to select the desired parameter.
MasterPage: Advan_Right GR-D54EX_07Advanced.fm Page 19 Friday, November 28, 2003 8:50 AM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT EN CAMERA The “m” 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”. [ ] = Factory-preset REC MODE [SP]: To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode LP: Long Play—more economical, providing 1.5 times the recording time.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX_07Advanced.fm Page 20 Friday, November 28, 2003 8:51 AM 20 EN MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT WIDE MODE [OFF]: Records with no change in the screen ratio. For playback on a TV with a normal screen ratio. CINEMA : Inserts black bands at the top and bottom of the screen. The indicator appears. During playback on wide-screen TVs, the black bands at the top and bottom of the screen are cut and the screen ratio becomes 16:9.
MasterPage: Advan_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 21 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT EN 21 SYSTEM VIDEO [ ] = Factory-preset Each setting is linked with “s”, which appears when the Power Switch is set to “M”. (墌 pg. 18) ● The parameters are the same as in the description on page 20. SOUND MODE and NARRATION During tape playback, the camcorder detects the sound mode in which the recording was made, and plays the sound back.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D54EX.book Page 22 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING 22 EN Night Scope SNAPSHOT Power Switch Makes dark subjects or areas even brighter than they would be under good natural lighting. Although the recorded image is not grainy, it may look as if it is strobing due to the slow shutter speed. Lock Button Recording Start/Stop Button 1 Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. 2 Open the LCD monitor fully.
MasterPage: Advan_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 23 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING EN OFF: Disables the function. (Factory-preset) FADER–WHITE: Fade in or out with a white screen. FADER–BLACK: Fade in or out with a black screen. FADER–B.W: Fade in to a colour screen from a black and white screen, or fade out from colour to black and white.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 24 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 24 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING FOCUS Auto Focus The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up (as close as approx. 5 cm to the subject) to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations listed Focus detection zone below (in these cases perform “Manual Focus”): SNAPSHOT MMENU/VOL.
MasterPage: Advan_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 25 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM FEATURES FOR RECORDING EN ● Be sure to focus the lens in the maximum telephoto position when you use the Manual Focus mode. If you focus in on a subject in the wide-angle position, sharply focused images cannot be obtained when zoomed up because the depthof-field is reduced at longer focal lengths. ● When the focus level cannot be adjusted any further or closer, “ ” or “ ” will blink.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 26 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 26 EN FEATURES FOR RECORDING Backlight Compensation Backlight compensation brightens the subject quickly. Press BACKLIGHT. The indicator is displayed and the subject is brightened. If pressed again, disappears and the brightness returns to the previous level. Manual White Balance Adjustment Adjust the white balance manually when shooting under various types of lighting.
MasterPage: Advan_Heading0_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 27 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM EDITING EN 27 To use this camcorder as a player Dubbing To Or From A VCR 1 Following the illustrations, connect the camcorder and the VCR. Also refer to page 17. 2 Set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “PLAY” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. 3 Turn on the VCR’s power. 4 Insert the source cassette in the camcorder. 5 Insert the recording cassette in the VCR.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 28 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 28 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. To use this camcorder as a player 1 Make sure all units are turned off.
MasterPage: Advan_Right GR-D54EX_07Advanced.fm Page 29 Friday, November 28, 2003 9:02 AM EDITING EN Connection To A Personal Computer [A] Using USB cable OR [B] Using DV cable 29 [A] Using USB cable It is possible to do the following things: ● Transfer still/moving images recorded on a tape to a PC. ● Capture still/moving images in real-time. ● Use this camcorder as a WebCam.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 30 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 30 EN EDITING Audio Dubbing Insert Editing The audio track can be customised only when recorded in the 12-bit and SP modes. (墌 pg. 19) ● Use the provided remote control. You can record a new scene into a previously recorded tape, replacing a section of the original recording with minimal picture distortion at the in and outpoints. The original audio remains unchanged. ● Use the provided remote control.
REFERENCES MasterPage: Ref_Heading0_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 31 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EN 31 Power (pg. 6) VIDEO RECORDING (pg. 11) ● Perform charging where the temperature is between 10°C and 35°C. 20°C to 25°C is the ideal temperature range for charging. If the environment is too cold, charging may be incomplete. ● Charging time is based on room temperature of 20°C. ● Charging times are for a fully discharged battery pack.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D54EX.book Page 32 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 32 EN TROUBLESHOOTING If the problem still exists after following the steps below, 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: Ref_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 33 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM TROUBLESHOOTING EN The focus does not adjust automatically. ● Focus is set to the Manual mode. HSet Focus to the Auto mode. (墌 pg. 24) ● The lens is dirty or covered with condensation. HClean the lens and check the focus again. (墌 pg. 38) ● The recording was done in a dark place, or the contrast was low. Other problems The POWER/CHARGE lamp on the camcorder does not light.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX.book Page 34 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 34 EN TROUBLESHOOTING When the camcorder is connected via the DV connector, the camcorder does not operate. ● The DV cable was plugged/unplugged with power turned on. HTurn the camcorder’s power off and on again, then operate it. The rear of the LCD monitor is hot. ● The light used to illuminate the LCD monitor causes it to become hot.
MasterPage: Ref_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 35 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM TROUBLESHOOTING EN Warning Indications A. DUB ERROR! Displays the battery remaining power. Remaining power level High 35 Exhausted As the battery power comes close to nil, the battery indicator blinks. When the battery power is exhausted, power turns off automatically.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D54EX.book Page 36 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 36 EN CAUTIONS Battery Packs Cassettes The supplied battery pack is a lithium-ion battery. Before using the supplied battery pack or an optional battery pack, be sure to read the following cautions: ● To avoid hazards… To properly use and store your cassettes, be sure to read the following cautions: ● During use… Terminals ... do not burn. ... do not short-circuit the terminals.
MasterPage: Ref_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 37 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM CAUTIONS EN 37 Main Unit How To Handle A CD-ROM ● For safety, DO NOT… ● Take care not to soil or scratch the mirror surface (opposite to the printed surface). Do not write anything or put a sticker on either the front or back surface. If the CD-ROM gets dirty, gently wipe it with a soft cloth outward from the centre hole. ● Do not use conventional disc cleaners or cleaning spray.
MasterPage: Heading0_Left GR-D54EX.book Page 38 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM 38 EN USER MAINTENANCE After Use Cleaning The Camcorder 1 Turn off the camcorder. 2 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. Remove the cassette. 3 Press “PUSH HERE” to close the cassette holder. ● Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes automatically.
MasterPage: Ref_Heading0_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 39 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM SPECIFICATIONS EN For General Power supply DC 11.0 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Approx. 3.3 W (LCD monitor off, viewfinder on) Approx. 4.6 W (LCD monitor on, viewfinder off) Approx. 8.6 W (Maximum) Dimensions (W x H x D) 71 mm x 91 mm x 118 mm (with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed back in) Weight Approx. 500 g (without cassette and battery) Approx. 590 g (incl.
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MasterPage: Ref_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 41 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM INDEX EN Controls Connectors a Menu Wheel [MMENU/VOL.] (墌 pg. 18) Q S-Video Input**/Output Connector [S-VIDEO] (墌 pg. 17, 27) R USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connector (墌 pg. 29) S Digital Video Connector [DV] (i.Link*) (墌 pg. 28, 29) T Audio/Video Input/Output Connector [AV] (墌 pg. 17, 27) U DC Input Connector [DC] (墌 pg. 6, 7) * i.Link refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry specification and extensions thereof.
MasterPage: Left GR-D54EX_09Spec.fm Page 42 Friday, November 28, 2003 9:05 AM 42 EN INDEX LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Playback 1 During Video Recording I J g K LM N H 3 4 O 1h40m A B C D E F G 2 40 x W T REC 3 BRIGHT SOUND 12 b i t X P Q R g S T 1 0 . 11 . 04 10 : 00 15:55 W V 5 12 b i t / M I X L U a Operation Mode (墌 pg. 8) b : Night-Scope Indicator (墌 pg. 22) (Appears when Night-Scope is engaged.) : Gain Up Mode (墌 pg.
TERMS MasterPage: Ref_Right GR-D54EX.book Page 43 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM TERMS EN 43 A N AC Adapter ................................................................6, 7 Audio Dubbing .............................................................30 Auto Focus ...................................................................24 Auto Shut Off ...............................................................11 Night-Scope ................................................................
MasterPage: BackCover GR-D54EX.book Page 44 Thursday, November 27, 2003 8:03 PM EN GR-D54 COPYRIGHT© 2003 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.
