LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER
MODEL
VL-Z7U
OPERATION MANUAL
Please read this operation manual
carefully before using the camcorder.
Important
For assistance in reporting the theft or loss of
this product, record on the line below the
model number and serial number which
are located on the bottom of the unit.
Please retain this information.
Model No.:
Serial No.:
• See page 94 for use of Demo mode.
Thank you for purchasing this camcorder from SHARP.
The camcorder will enhance your home video enjoyment and allow you to
capture those special moments. Please read this operation manual to familiarize
yourself with the camcorder’s features, so that you will get the most out of it. The
video techniques section will help you fully enjoy the many features this
camcorder offers, and expand your video world.
Important Information for Consumers in
the U.S.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELEC-
TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON-
NEL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage
within the unit that can cause dangerous electric
shocks.
This symbol alerts the user that there are important
operating and maintenance instructions in the litera-
ture accompanying this unit.
ii
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC
SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE
OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY
INSERT.
(applies to the supplied AC adapter)
CAUTION
If the AC adapter is misplaced or
needs to be replaced, obtain the
same type of adapter from a
SHARP service center or your
local dealer.
PRODUCT DISPOSAL
This Product utilizes tin-lead solder, and a fluorescent lamp containing a
small amount of mercury. Disposal of these materials may be regulated
due to environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling informa-
tion, please contact your local authorities or the Electronics Industries
Alliance: www.eiae.org.
BATTERY DISPOSAL
CONTAINS LITHIUM-ION RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. MUST BE
RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. CONTACT LOCAL AGEN-
CIES FOR INFORMATION ON RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL PLANS IN
YOUR AREA.
CAUTION ON LITHIUM BATTERY
(for Camcorder and Remote Control unit)
If a battery is reversed (positive end where the negative end belongs
and vice versa), it can overheat and rupture. This has happened when
young children install batteries backwards. Warn children not to take out
batteries or install them. Parents should install the lithium battery in the
camcorder.
COPYRIGHT WARNING: It is the intent of SHARP that this unit be used in full com-
pliance with the copyright laws of the United States and
that prior permission be obtained from copyright owners
whenever necessary.
iii
WARNINGCFCC Regulations state that any unauthorized changes
or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manu-
facturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
INFORMATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interfer-
ence in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in ac-
cordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harm-
ful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to cor-
rect the interference by one or more of the following measures:
CReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
CIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.
CConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
CConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Sharp Camcorder, Model VL-Z7U
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Phone: 1-800-BE-SHARP
NOTE
The LCD panel of this camcorder is a very high technology product with more than
215,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may ap-
pear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that this
does not affect your camcorder’s performance.
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks
• Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• DPOF is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film
Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
• All other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their
respective holders.
iv
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
9. A product and
cart combination
should be
moved with care.
Quick stops,
excessive force,
and uneven
surfaces may cause the product
and cart combination to overturn.
10. VentilationCSlots and openings in
the cabinet are provided for
ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to
protect it from overheating, and
these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings
should
never be
blocked by
placing the
product on
a bed,
sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should not be placed
in a built-in installation such as a
bookcase or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer’s instructions have
been adhered to.
11. Power SourcesCThis product
should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on
the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to
your home, consult your product
dealer or local power company.
For products intended to operate
from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating
instructions.
1. Read InstructionsCAll the safety
and operating instructions should
be read before the product is
operated.
2. Retain InstructionsCThe safety
and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3. Heed WarningsCAll warnings on
the product and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow InstructionsCAll operating
and use instructions should be
followed.
5. CleaningCUnplug this product
from the wall outlet before
cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use
a damp cloth for cleaning.
6. AttachmentsCDo not use attach-
ments not recommended by the
product manufacturer as they may
cause hazards.
7. Water and MoistureCDo not use
this product near waterCfor
example, near a bath tub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub;
in a wet basement; or near a
swimming pool; and the like.
8. AccessoriesCDo not place this
product on an unstable cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The product may fall, causing
serious
injury to a
child or
adult, and
serious
damage to
the product. Use only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manu-
facturer, or sold with the product.
Any mounting of the product
should follow the manufacturer’s
instructions, and should use a
mounting accessory recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
v
16. OverloadingCDo not overload
wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles
as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
17. Object and Liquid EntryCNever
push objects of any kind into this
product through openings as they
may touch
dangerous
voltage
points or
short-out
parts that
could result in a fire or electric
shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the product.
18. ServicingCDo not attempt to
service this product yourself as
opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage
or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service
personnel.
12. Grounding or PolarizationCThis
product may be equipped with a
polarized alternating-current line
plug (a plug having one blade
wider than the other). This plug
will fit into the power outlet only
one way. This is a safety feature. If
you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail
to fit, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do
not defeat the safety purpose of
the polarized plug.
13. Power-Cord ProtectionCPower-
supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the product.
14. LightningCFor added protection
for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet
and disconnect the antenna or
cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.
15. Power LinesCAn outside antenna
system should not be located in
the vicinity of overhead power
lines or other electric light or
power circuits, or where it can fall
into such power lines or circuits.
When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from
touching such power lines or
circuits as contact with them might
be fatal.
vi
ServiceCUnplug this product from
the wall outlet and refer servicing
to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or
plug is damaged,
b. If liquid has been spilled, or
objects have fallen into the
product,
c. If the product has been
exposed to rain or water,
d. If the product does not operate
normally by following the
operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are
covered by the operating
instructions as an improper
adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by
a qualified technician to restore
the product to its normal
operation,
19. Damage Requiring
e. If the product has been
dropped or damaged in any
way, and
f. When the product exhibits a
distinct change in
performanceCthis indicates a
need for service.
20. Replacement PartsCWhen
replacement parts are required,
be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts specified
by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
21. Safety CheckCUpon completion
of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service techni-
cian to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in
proper operating condition.
22. Wall or Ceiling MountingCThe
product should be mounted to a
wall or ceiling only as recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
23. HeatCThe product should be
situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (includ-
ing amplifiers) that produce heat.
vii
Contents
Supplied Accessories ........................................................................................ xi
Optional Accessories ......................................................................................... xi
Precautions ....................................................................................................... xii
Operation References
Part Names ............................................................. 1
Warning Indicators .................................................. 4
Preparation
Basic Operations
Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack ............. 6
Charging the Battery Pack ...................................... 8
Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet .......... 9
Inserting and Removing a Cassette ..................... 10
Inserting and Removing a Card ............................ 11
Installing the Lithium Batteries .............................. 12
Setting the Date and Time .................................... 14
Using the Lens Cap .............................................. 15
Adjusting the Hand Strap ..................................... 16
Using the Grip ....................................................... 16
Detaching the Lens Hood ..................................... 17
Using the Viewfinder ............................................. 17
Using the LCD Monitor ......................................... 19
Tips on Recording Positions ................................. 20
Camera Recording
Selecting the Camcorder Mode ............................ 21
Easy Camera Recording on Tape in Full Auto Mode .. 22
Zooming ................................................................ 23
Power Standby Mode ........................................... 24
Turning on/off the Backlight .................................. 24
Auto Focus ............................................................ 25
Macro Shots .......................................................... 25
Remaining Recording Time Display ..................... 26
Remaining Battery Power Display ........................ 26
Playback
Tape Playback ...................................................... 27
Volume Control ...................................................... 28
Still ........................................................................ 28
Video Search ......................................................... 28
Using Earphones (Commercially Available) ......... 29
Adjusting the Phones Volume ............................... 29
Watching Playback on a TV .................................. 30
viii