GR-DZ7PAL_01Cover.fm  Page 1  Monday, July 5, 2004  6:44 PM
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA
GR-DZ7
Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for 
Digital Video Camera:
http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/cyber/
For Accessories:
http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/accessory/
INSTRUCTIONS
MasterPage: FrontCover
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 to ensure 
safe use of this product.
ENGLISH
GETTING STARTED
VIDEO RECORDING & 
PLAYBACK
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA 
(D.S.C.) RECORDING & 
PLAYBACK
ADVANCED FEATURES
REFERENCES
TERMS
6
17
23
29
48
55
To deactivate the demonstration, set 
“DEMO MODE” to “OFF”. 
(墌 pg. 29, 31) 
EN
LYT1325-001A
GR-DZ9_DZ7PAL.book  Page 2  Thursday, May 20, 2004  6:55 PM
2 EN
MasterPage: Safety_Left
Major Features of this Camcorder
Wipe/Fader Effects
You can use the Wipe/Fader Effects to make pro-
style scene transitions. (墌 pg. 37) 
Fade in
Backlight Compensation
Simply pressing the BACK LIGHT button brightens 
the image darkened by backlight. (墌 pg. 36)
● You can also select a spot metering area so that 
more precise exposure compensation is available. 
(墌 pg. 36, Spot Exposure Control) 
Fade out
Program AE with Special Effects
For example, “SPORTS” mode allows fast-moving 
images to be captured one frame at a time, for vivid, 
stable slow-motion. (墌 pg. 38) 
Navigation Function
The Navigation Function helps you check tape 
contents by making thumbnail images on a memory 
card. (墌 pg. 38) 
NAV I GA
’
. 2  5
ONIT
0
3
 
:
 
3 : 2 9
4
4
: 1 3 : 2 3 : 1 5
DATE : 2 
TC
1
2
5
3
006
4
Flash
The flash fires automatically when shooting still 
images. (墌 pg. 33) 
E-Mail Clip Recording
You can record video clips on the memory card as 
files which can be sent via e-mail. (墌 pg. 26) 
GR-DZ9_DZ7PAL_02Safety.fm  Page 3  Thursday, June 3, 2004  11:25 AM
MasterPage: Safety_Right
EN 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT (for owners in the U.K.)
Connection to the mains supply in the United 
Kingdom.
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment.
If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your 
home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then 
obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or 
consult your dealer.
BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an identical 
approved type, as originally fitted, and to replace the 
fuse cover.
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off be sure to remove 
the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid 
possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the 
mains supply.
If this product is not supplied fitted with a mains plug then 
follow the instructions given below:
DO NOT make any connection to the Larger Terminal 
coded E or Green.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance 
with the following code:
Blue to N (Neutral) or 
Black
Brown to L (Live) or 
Red 
If these colours do not correspond with the terminal 
identifications of your plug, connect as follows:
Blue wire to terminal coded N (Neutral) or coloured black.
Brown wire to terminal coded L (Live) or coloured Red.
If in doubt — consult a competent electrician.
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.
CAUTION:
To avoid electric shock or 
damage to the unit, first 
firmly insert the small end 
of the power cord into the 
AC Adapter until it is no 
longer wobbly, and then 
plug the larger end of the 
power cord into an AC 
outlet.
CAUTIONS:
● This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-type 
colour television signals. It cannot be used for playback 
with a television of a different standard. However, live 
recording and LCD monitor/viewfinder playback are 
possible anywhere.
● Use the JVC BN-V408U/V416U/V428U/V438U battery 
packs and, to recharge them or to supply power to the 
camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-
voltage AC Adapter. (An appropriate conversion adapter 
may be necessary to accommodate different designs of 
AC outlets in different countries.)
Caution on Replaceable lithium battery
The battery used in this device may present a fire or 
chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or 
incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), 
Sanyo, Sony or Maxell CR2025.
Danger of explosion or Risk of fire if the battery is 
incorrectly replaced.
● Dispose of used battery promptly.
● Keep away from children.
● Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.
NOTES:
● The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution 
are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.
● The rating information and safety caution of the AC 
Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
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 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.
When discarding batteries, environmental problems must 
be considered and the local rules or laws governing the 
disposal of these batteries must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or 
splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or places with 
water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water or liquids 
(such as cosmetics or medicines, flower vases, potted 
plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this equipment, fire or 
electric shock may be caused.)
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. Carrying or holding the camcorder by 
the viewfinder and/or the LCD monitor can result in 
dropping the unit, or in a malfunction.
Take care not to get your finger caught in the cassette 
holder cover. Do not let children operate the camcorder, as 
they are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel surfaces. It 
could tip over, causing serious damage to the camcorder.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to the 
camcorder and leaving it on top of the TV is not 
recommended, as tripping on the cables will cause the 
camcorder to fall, resulting in damage.
GR-DZ9_DZ7PAL_02Safety.fm  Page 4  Tuesday, June 1, 2004  6:23 PM
MasterPage: Safety_Left
4 EN
SOME DO’S AND DON’TS ON THE SAFE USE OF 
EQUIPMENT
This equipment has been designed and 
manufactured to meet international safety standards 
but, like any electrical equipment, care must be taken 
if you are to obtain the best results and safety is to 
be assured.
DO read the operating instructions before you attempt to use 
the equipment.
DO ensure that all electrical connections (including the mains 
plug, extension leads and interconnections between pieces 
of equipment) are properly made and in accordance with the 
manufacturer’s instructions. Switch off and withdraw the 
mains plug when making or changing connections.
DO consult your dealer if you are ever in doubt about the 
installation, operation or safety of your equipment.
DO be careful with glass panels or doors on equipment.
DON’T continue to operate the equipment if you are in any 
doubt about it working normally, or if it is damaged in any way 
— switch off, withdraw the mains plug and consult your 
dealer.
DON’T remove any fixed cover as this may expose 
dangerous voltages.
DON’T leave equipment switched on when it is unattended 
unless it is specifically stated that it is designed for 
unattended operation or has a standby mode. Switch off 
using the switch on the equipment and make sure that your 
family knows how to do this. Special arrangements may need 
to be made for infirm or handicapped people.
DON’T use equipment such as personal stereos or radios so 
that you are distracted from the requirements of road safety. It 
is illegal to watch television whilst driving.
DON’T listen to headphones at high volume, as such use can 
permanently damage your hearing.
DON’T obstruct the ventilation of the equipment, for example 
with curtains or soft furnishings. Overheating will cause 
damage and shorten the life of the equipment.
DON’T use makeshift stands and NEVER fix legs with wood 
screws — to ensure complete safety always fit the 
manufacturer’s approved stand or legs with the fixings 
provided according to the instructions.
DON’T allow electrical equipment to be exposed to rain or 
moisture.
ABOVE ALL
● NEVER let anyone especially children push anything into 
holes, slots or any other opening in the case — this could 
result in a fatal electrical shock;
● NEVER guess or take chances with electrical equipment of 
any kind — it is better to be safe than sorry! 
Before Using This Camcorder
Make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark 
.
Make sure you only use memory cards with the mark 
 or 
.
” or “
” can be used with this unit.
This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video 
cassette, SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard. Only 
cassettes marked “
” and memory cards marked 
“
Remember that this camcorder is not compatible with 
other digital video formats.
Remember that this camcorder is intended for private 
consumer use only.
Any commercial use without proper permission is prohibited. 
(Even if you record an event such as a show, performance or 
exhibition for personal enjoyment, it is strongly recommended 
that you obtain permission beforehand.)
Before recording important video, be sure to make a trial 
recording. 
Play back your trial recording to make sure the video and 
audio have been recorded properly.
We recommend cleaning your video heads before use.
If you haven’t used your camcorder for awhile, the heads may 
be dirty. We recommend periodically cleaning the video 
heads with a cleaning cassette (optional).
Be sure to store your cassette tapes and camcorder in 
the proper environment.
Video heads can become dirty more easily if your cassette 
tapes and camcorder are stored in a dusty area. Cassette 
tapes should be removed from the camcorder and stored in 
cassette cases. Store the camcorder in a bag or other 
container.
Use SP (Standard) mode for important video recordings.
LP (Long Play) mode lets you record 50% more video than 
SP (Standard) mode, but you may experience mosaic-like 
noise during playback depending on the tape characteristics 
and the usage environment. 
So, for important recordings, we recommend using SP mode.
It is recommended that you use JVC brand cassette 
tapes.
Your camcorder is compatible with all brands of commercially 
available cassette tapes complying with the MiniDV standard, 
but JVC brand cassette tapes are designed and optimized to 
maximize the performance of your camcorder.
Also read “CAUTIONS” on pages 52 and 53.
● Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered trademarks 
or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States 
and/or other countries.
● Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, 
● QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, 
Inc.
Inc.
GR-DZ9_DZ7PAL_03Toc.fm  Page 5  Wednesday, June 2, 2004  5:27 PM
MasterPage: TOC_Heading0_Right
CONTENTS
EN 5
ADVANCED FEATURES 
29
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT  .............................. 29
Changing The Menu Settings ...................................... 29
Recording Menus ........................................................ 29
Playback Menus .......................................................... 32
FEATURES FOR RECORDING  ........................................... 33
Snapshot Flash  ........................................................... 33
Flash Brightness Adjustment  ...................................... 34
Self-Timer .................................................................... 34
5-Second Recording  ................................................... 34
Night-Scope  ................................................................ 34
Snapshot (For Video Recording) ................................. 35
Manual Focus .............................................................. 35
Exposure Control  ........................................................ 35
Iris Lock ....................................................................... 36
Backlight Compensation  ............................................. 36
Spot Exposure Control  ................................................ 36
White Balance Adjustment .......................................... 37
Manual White Balance Adjustment  ............................. 37
Wipe Or Fader Effects ................................................. 37
Program AE With Special Effects ................................ 38
Navigation Function  .................................................... 38
EDITING ........................................................................ 40
Dubbing To Or From A VCR  ....................................... 40
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With A DV 
Connector (Digital Dubbing) .................................... 41
Connection To A Personal Computer  ......................... 42
Audio Dubbing ............................................................. 43
Insert Editing  ............................................................... 43
Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit] .......................... 44
REFERENCES 
48
TROUBLESHOOTING  ...................................................... 48
USER MAINTENANCE  ..................................................... 51
CAUTIONS ..................................................................... 52
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................ 54
55
TERMS 
GETTING STARTED 
6
Index ..............................................................................6
Provided Accessories  ..................................................10
Power ...........................................................................12
Operation Mode ...........................................................13
Date/Time Settings  ......................................................14
Grip Adjustment ...........................................................14
Viewfinder Adjustment .................................................14
Brightness Adjustment Of The Display  ........................15
Tripod Mounting ...........................................................15
Loading/Unloading A Cassette  ....................................15
Loading/Unloading A Memory Card .............................16
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 
17
VIDEO RECORDING  ........................................................17
Basic Recording ...........................................................17
Tape Remaining Time  .............................................17
LCD Monitor And Viewfinder  ...................................17
Zooming ...................................................................18
Journalistic Shooting  ...............................................18
Interface Shooting  ...................................................18
Time Code  ...............................................................19
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape ...................19
VIDEO PLAYBACK  ..........................................................19
Normal Playback ..........................................................19
Still Playback  ...........................................................19
Shuttle Search  .........................................................20
Blank Search  ...........................................................20
Connections To A TV Or VCR .....................................20
Playback Using The Remote Control ...........................21
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & 
PLAYBACK 
23
D.S.C. RECORDING .........................................................23
Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot) ...............................23
Interval Shooting ......................................................23
D.S.C. PLAYBACK  ...........................................................24
Normal Playback Of Images ........................................24
Auto Playback Of Images  ............................................24
Playback Of Video Clips  ..............................................24
Index Playback Of Files ...............................................25
Viewing File Information  ..............................................25
Removing On-Screen Display  .....................................25
ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. ............................................26
E-Mail Clip Recording ..................................................26
Dubbing Still Images Recorded On A Tape To A Memory 
Card .........................................................................26
Resetting The File Name  .............................................26
Protecting Files ............................................................27
Deleting Files ...............................................................27
Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) .....................28
Initialising A Memory Card ...........................................28
MasterPage: Heading0_Left
GR-DZ7PAL_04Start.fm  Page 6  Monday, July 5, 2004  6:45 PM
6 EN
GETTING STARTED  
Index
f
1
2 3
d
s
4
g
h
qr
X
Y
t
To open the connector cover, pull the bottom 
end of the cover, then open it.
5 6 7 8 9 0 K L M N
n
Bottom end
m
Q R S T
e
V
i j k
d
l
u
O
o p
U
Z a b
c W
v
ATTENTION:
● Be careful not to cover m, n and s during shooting.
● Be careful not to cover j during playback.
GR-DZ7PAL.book  Page 7  Monday, July 12, 2004  4:58 PM
MasterPage: Start_Right
GETTING STARTED EN 7
Indicators
H Tally Lamp (墌 pg. 17, 31)
I POWER/CHARGE Lamp (墌 pg. 12, 17)
Other Parts
g LCD Monitor (墌 pg. 17, 18)
h Viewfinder (墌 pg. 14)
i Battery Pack Mount (墌 pg. 12)
j Speaker (墌 pg. 19)
k Grip Strap (墌 pg. 14)
l Shoulder Strap Eyelet (墌 pg. 11)
m Stereo Microphone (墌 pg. 43)
n Lens
o Flash Sensor
Be careful not to cover this area, as it contains a 
sensor required by the flash.
p Cassette Holder Cover (墌 pg. 15)
q Tripod Mounting Socket (墌 pg. 15)
r Remote Sensor (墌 pg. 21)
s Camera Sensor
t Lens Ring (墌 pg. 10)
u Flash (墌 pg. 33)
v Monitor Latch
w Card Cover [MEMORY CARD] (墌 pg. 16)
D
E
T
R
A
T
S
G
N
I
T
T
E
G
 
Controls
a VIDEO/MEMORY Switch (墌 pg. 13)
b Power Zoom Lever [T/W] (墌 pg. 18)
Speaker/Headphone Volume Control [VOL. +, –] 
(墌 pg. 19)
c Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT] (墌 pg. 23, 35)
d Dioptre Adjustment Control (墌 pg. 14)
e Play/Pause Button [4/9] (墌 pg. 19)
Exposure Button [EXPOSURE] 
Up Button [r] (墌 pg. 29)
f Rewind Button [3] (墌 pg. 19)
Left Button [w] (墌 pg. 29)
g Set Button [SET] (墌 pg. 29)
h Stop Button [8] (墌 pg. 19)
Backlight Compensation Button [BACK LIGHT] 
(墌 pg. 36)
Down Button [t] (墌 pg. 29)
i Fast-Forward Button [5] (墌 pg. 19)
Right Button [e] (墌 pg. 29)
j D.S.C. Playback Select Button [SELECT] 
(墌 pg. 24, 25)
k E-Mail Clip Recording Button [E-MAIL] (墌 pg. 26)
Information Button [INFO] (墌 pg. 25)
l Menu Button [MENU] (墌 pg. 29)
m Index Button [INDEX] (墌 pg. 25)
Navigation Button [NAVI] (墌 pg. 39)
n Thumbnail Storing Button [NAVI STORE] (墌 pg. 39)
o Cassette Open/Eject Switch [OPEN/EJECT] 
(墌 pg. 15)
p Battery Release Switch [BATT.RELEASE] (墌 pg. 12)
q Power Switch [A, M, PLAY, OFF] (墌 pg. 13)
r Lock Button (墌 pg. 13)
s Night Button [NIGHT] (墌 pg. 34)
t Flash Button [FLASH] (墌 pg. 15)
u Manual Focus Lever [FOCUS] (墌 pg. 35)
v Recording Start/Stop Button (墌 pg. 17)
w Memory Card Lock Switch (墌 pg. 16)
Connectors
The connectors are located beneath the covers.
X USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connector (墌 pg. 42)
Y Microphone connector [MIC] (墌 pg. 32, 43)
(An optional microphone can be used during video 
recording and audio dubbing. To stabilise the 
microphone, use of an optional shoe adapter is 
recommended.)
Z Digital Video Connector [DV IN/OUT] (i.Link*) 
(墌 pg. 41, 42)
* i.Link refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry specification 
 logo is used for products 
and extensions thereof. The 
compliant with the i.Link standard.
a S-Video/Audio/Video Input/Output Connector [S/AV] 
(墌 pg. 20, 40, 45)
b DC Input Connector [DC] (墌 pg. 12)
c Headphone Connector [
] (墌 pg. 43)
(No sound is output from the speaker when 
headphones are connected to this connector.)
GR-DZ9_DZ7PAL_04Start.fm  Page 8  Tuesday, June 8, 2004  9:01 AM
MasterPage: Left
GETTING STARTED
8 EN
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications
During Video Recording Only
  
  
 
 
 
 
1h40m
     REC  
t
r
SOUND 12 BIT
 
 
 
 15:55
e
   
 
a Navigation Indicator (墌 pg. 38)
b Selected Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator (墌 pg. 37)
c Tape Running Indicator (墌 pg. 17)
(The icon rotates during recording.)
d Selected Wide Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 30)
e Thumbnail Storing Indicator (墌 pg. 38)
f Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) (墌 pg. 29)
g Tape Remaining Time (墌 pg. 17)
h REC: (Appears during recording.) (墌 pg. 17)
PAUSE: (Appears during Record-Standby mode.) 
(墌 pg. 17)
i Insert Editing/Insert Editing Pause Mode (墌 pg. 43)
j 5S/Anim.: Displays the 5-Second Recording mode or 
Animation recording mode. (墌 pg. 30)
k Wind Cut Indicator (墌 pg. 31)
l Auxiliary Microphone Level Indicator
(Appears when an optional microphone is connected. 
墌 pg. 32, “AUX MIC”)
m Time Code (墌 pg. 32, 33)
n Digital Image Stabiliser (“DIS”) (墌 pg. 30)
o Sound Mode Indicator (墌 pg. 30)
(Appears for approx. 5 seconds after turning on the 
camcorder.)
During D.S.C. Recording Only 
3 4 5
6
1280
8
51
7
a Image Size: 1600 (1600 x 1200), 1280 (1280 x 960), 
1024 (1024 x 768) or 640 (640 x 480) (墌 pg. 32)
b : Focus Icon (墌 pg. 23)
: Interval Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 23)
c Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 23)
(Appears and blinks during shooting.)
d Card Icon (墌 pg. 23)
: Appears during shooting.
: Blinks in white when a memory card is not loaded.
: Blinks in yellow while the camcorder is reading 
the data in the memory card such as Navigation 
thumbnail images, video clips, still images, etc.
e Picture Quality:
 (FINE) and 
 (STANDARD) (in 
order of quality) (墌 pg. 32)
f Remaining Number Of Shots (墌 pg. 23)
(Displays the approximate remaining number of shots 
that can be stored during D.S.C. recording, or the 
remaining number of storable thumbnail images when 
it reaches 10 or less during video recording.)
g Clock Icon (墌 pg. 23)
h Flash Indicator (墌 pg. 33)
During E-Mail Clip Recording 
2 4 0
PILC-E
0h m:10
00 : 15
a Image Size: 352 (352 x 288), 240 (240 x 176), 160 
(160 x 120)
b Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 23, 26)
c E-Mail Clip Recording Indicator (墌 pg. 26)
d Memory Card Remaining Time For E-Mail Clip 
Recording (墌 pg. 26)
e E-Mail Clip Recording Time (墌 pg. 26)
f Auxiliary Microphone Level Indicator
(Appears when an optional microphone is connected. 
墌 pg. 32, “AUX MIC”)