RCA Pro 8 Manual

							First-Time Operation (continued)
9 2.Attach a power supply to the camcorder.
Attach a power supply to the camcorder–either
the adapter/charger or charged battery.
Adapter/Charger  
Connect one end of the DC power cord into the
DC OUTjack on the adapter/charger.  Plug the
other end of the DC power cord into the DC IN
6.5Vjack on the back of the camcorder.  Plug the
adapter/charger’s plug into an operating outlet.
The POWER indicator on the adapter/charger will
light.  Details are on page16.
Charged Battery
*
Make sure the camcorder’s POWER switch is in
the OFFposition.  Match the line on the battery
to the line on the camcorder.  Hold the battery
flush against the camcorder and slide it in the
direction of the arrow until a click is heard.
Details are on page17.
*The battery must be charged before it can be used the
first time.
POWER
CHARGEREFRESH
ON
POWER
SAVEDC IN 6.5V
START/
STOPREC
ADJ.
POWERDATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTEROPEN
DC OUT
Jack
DC IN 6.5V
Jack
Attach charged battery
to camcorder.
POWER
IndicatorJack
To AC 100-240V,
50/60 Hz
DC Power
Cord
(continued on next page)
3.Remove the lens cap and attach it to
the lens cap holder on the camcorder.
Pull on the tab on the side of the lens cap to
remove it.  Then pull it straight, rotate it down,
and attach it to the lens cap holder on the side of
the camcorder.
4.Attach the shoulder strap.
1.Unfasten one end of the shoulder strap from the
buckle.  Make sure you leave the buckle on the
strap.
2.Thread one end of the shoulder strap through
one of the shoulder strap rings (located on the
top and bottom of the camcorder). 
3.Thread the strap back into the buckle.  Pull on
the strap and make sure it is securely fastened
before using the shoulder strap to support the
camcorder.
4.Repeat steps 1-3 for the other end of the
shoulder strap.
POWER
SAVE
START/
STOPREC
ADJ.
POWERDATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTER
OPEN
ON
PUSH
Pull on tab to
remove the lens
cap.Attach to
lens cap
holder.
Shoulder
strap
ringsPOWER
SAVESTART/
STOPREC
S.MEM COUNTEROPEN
ON
PUSH 
						

							5.Adjust the hand strap.
Adjust the hand strap so it is snug around your
hand when you place your thumb on the thumb
trigger and your middle and index fingers on the
power zoom buttons.
1.Unsnap the flap and open the adjustment strap
2.Put your hand in the hand strap.
3.Pull the adjustment strap to tighten.
4.Snap the flap closed.
6.Turn on the camcorder.
Because your camcorder is both a camera and a
VCR, it performs two completely separate groups
of functions.  The position of the POWER
(CAM (camera) /OFF/PLAY)switch tells the
camcorder whether you want to record (CAM),
play back tapes (PLAY), or turn off the
camcorder’s power (OFF).  Some of the controls
operate differently depending on the position of
the POWERswitch.
•Press and hold the small button on the POWER
switch while sliding it to the CAM position.  
7.Place the ON/POWER SAVElever in
the ONposition.
The camcorder also has an ON/POWER SAVE
lever to conserve battery power when recording.  
•During recording, place the ON/POWER SAVE
lever in the ONposition.  The camcorder will
not record unless this lever is in the ON
position.
•Place the ON/POWER SAVE lever in the
POWER SAVE position during recording
breaks.  The camcorder will enter the “standby
mode”.
Important Note:  The dewindicator       will appear in
the electronic viewfinder when there is excessive
moisture in the camcorder.  Remove the cassette from
the camcorder and let it dry naturally.
First-Time Operation (continued)
8.Insert a cassette in the camcorder.
1.Slide the OPENbutton and completely open
the cassette compartment cover.
2.Press the EJECTbutton to open the cassette
compartment. 
3.Insert a cassette only one way with the
record-protect (safety) tab facing up and the
tape window facing out.
4.Gently press on the side of the cassette
compartment where it is labeled PUSH(as
shown above) until it locks into place.
5.After the cassette compartment is fully
retracted, close the cassette compartment
cover.
Note:If the cassette you load into the cassette
compartment has been rewound in a different unit,
the cassette compartment may open again.  Make
sure the cassette compartment is completely retracted
before closing the cassette compartment cover.
9.Set AUTO LOCKswitch in the AUTO
LOCKposition.
10.Pull out the electronic viewfinder and
adjust the eyepiece focus control for
your vision.
•Pull the electronic viewfinder out into the
operating position.
•If the image in the viewfinder is blurry, adjust
the eyepiece focus control for your vision.
Details are on page 23.
10
OPENButton
EJECTButtonCassette
Compartment
Cover
Cassette
Compartment  
						

							REWF.FWD.BATTERY
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF
+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
POWER
SAVE
START/
STOPREC
ADJ.
POWERDATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTER
OPEN
ON
PUSH
First-Time Operation (continued)
11.Start and stop recording.
Start and stop recording by pressing and
releasing the thumb trigger.  You do not have to
hold the thumb trigger to record.  The REC
indicator appears in the viewfinder when the
camcorder is recording.  
Notes:The tally light flashes during record-pause
and goes off when the camcorder is recording or the ,
ON/POWER SAVElever is placed in the POWER
SAVEposition.
If you do not record within five minutes, the
camcorder will automatically shut off to prevent
excessive tape wear.  To resume recording press the
thumb trigger twice.
Any material recorded on the tape will automatically
be erased if you record over it.
To monitor the audio being recorded, attach an
optional earphone to the earphone jack.
12.Play back what you have recorded.
•Press the thumb trigger to stop recording.  
•Place the POWER switch in the PLAY
position.  
•Press the REW (rewind) button to rewind the
tape.  
•Then press the PLAYbutton to play back the
tape in the electronic viewfinder.  
•Press the STOPbutton when you are finished
playing back the tape.
•Details on viewfinder playback are on
page31.
11
OPENButton
AUTO LOCK
Switch
STOP ButtonREW (Rewind)Button
PLAY Button
EJECTButton
(located under the
cassette compart-
ment cover)
ON/POWER
SAVELever
Thumb
TriggerLens Cap
on Strap
Earphone
Jack Eyepiece Focus
Control Electronic Viewfinder in Operating
Position (PULLout here )
Tally LightPOWER (CAM/OFF/PLAY) Switch
Power Supply
(Adapter/Charger
or Charger Battery) 
						

							First-Time Operation(continued)
13.Review all of the camcorder’s
operating controls.
The page number(s) where detailed information
on each control can be found are listed for your
convenience.
12
REWF.FWD.
BATTERY
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF
+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
F.FWD.(Fast Forward) Button
(pages 21, 31, 33, 35)
POWER (CAM(camera)/OFF/PLAY)
Switch (pages 10-11)
REW(Rewind) Button
(pages 21, 31, 33, 35)
Clock Battery Compartment
(page 22)
Output Jacks (Yellow Video,
DC, and White Audio)
(Located behind cover)
(pages 32, 34)
PLAYButton
(pages 11, 24, 31, 33, 35)
STOPButton
(pages 11, 21, 31, 33, 35)
Also MODE SEL.(Select) Button
(pages 24, 27)
AUTO LOCKSwitch
(pages 10, 12, 21, 27)
Lens (page 30)
Tally Light
(pages 11, 15, 21)
Microphone
(page 21)
Power Zoom Buttons (Wand T)
(page 25)
Accessory Shoe 
Remote Control
Sensor (page 14)
Eyepiece Focus Control
(pages 10-11, 23)
Electronic Viewfinder
(PULLhere to extend)
(pages 10-11, 23-25, 31)
BATTERYEject Lever
(page 18)
MANUAL FOCUS +and –
Button (pages 24-25, 26)
FOCUS ON/OFF
Button (pages 25, 26)
Also Still (
l l)Button
(pages 31, 33, 35) 
						

							First-Time Operation(continued)
13
ON
POWER
SAVE
DC IN 6.5V
START/
STOPREC
ADJ.
POWERDATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTER
OPEN
Attach charged
battery here 
(pages 9, 17-18)DC IN 6.5 VJack (Attach DC power cord here
for adapter/charger or optional DC car cord) 
(pages 9, 16, 19) Shoulder Strap
Attachment Rings
(page 9)Hand Strap
(page 10)Earphone Jack (   )
(pages 21, 31)Lens Cap 
(page 9)
Lens Cap Holder
(page 9)
Cassette
Compartment
(pages 10, 20)Cassette
Compartment
Cover
(pages 10, 20)
ON/POWERSAVE Lever 
(pages 10-11)
OPEN Button 
(page 10, 20)
ADJ.(Adjust) Button 
(pages 22-23)
DATE/TIMEButton
(pages 22-23, 25)
EJECTButton
(Located under the cassette
compartment cover)
(pages 10-11, 20) COUNTER RES.(Reset) and
MEM (Memory) Buttons
(pages 24-25, 28)
REC START/STOP Button
(Thumb Trigger)
(page 11) 
						

							Remote Control
Battery Installation
The batteries supplied with your remote control are
packed separately.  Install them as follows.
1.Turn the remote control over and slide the battery
compartment cover off. 
2.Insert the batteries so that their positive (+) ends
contact the positive terminals in the battery
compartment. 
3.Replace the cover.
Notes:Never place anything heavy on top of the remote
control or lay it upside-down.  This may accidentally
depress the buttons for a long time and discharge the
batteries.
Replace the batteries when the camcorder fails to respond
to the remote control.  Remove the batteries from the
remote control if it will not be used for a month or more.
This will prevent possible damage from battery leakage.
If leakage occurs, wipe up the liquid inside the
compartment and replace the batteries with new ones.
Do not use new and used batteries together.  
Different brands and types of batteries have different
voltages.  Do not use different brands or types of batteries
together.
Remote Control Sensor
The remote control operates the camcorder by
infrared light, so it is protected from electrical and
sound interference.  However, the remote control
must be aimed directly at the camcorder’s remote
control sensor.  There cannot be any obstructions
between them.  The remote control should operate
up to approximately 16 feet from the camcorder.
Replace the remote control batteries if the operation
distance decreases.
Note:The camcorder may not respond to the remote
control if the camcorder’s remote control sensor is
exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light.
14
Location and Function of Remote Control
Buttons
A brief description of the functions of the remote
control buttons is given here.  Most of the remote
control buttons perform the same function as the
corresponding controls on your camcorder.  You
can use whichever are more convenient at the
time.
Note: An RCA VCR that is set to respond to the VCR 2
button on the VCR’s remote control may respond to
this remote control when it is used to operate the
camcorder.
RECORD 
STOP
F.FWD PLAY REW
STILLSCENE SEARCHCOUNTER  DISPLAY–
+START
STOP
MEMORY
RESET
REWF.FWD.
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF
+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTER
RECORD STOP
F.FWD PLAY REW
DISPLAYSTART
STOP1
2
3
4
STILLSCENE SEARCH–+
COUNTER 
MEMORY
RESET
5
7
6
9
8
(continued on the next page) 
						

							Remote Control (continued)
Location and Function of the Remote Control
Buttons (continued)
1RECORD START/STOPButton (Same as 
Thumb Trigger on Camcorder) 
Press and release the RECORDSTART/STOP
button when the POWER switch is in the CAM
(camera) position to start and stop recording.  The
tally light will light continuously during recording
when you start recording using this button on the
remote control.
Notes:The camcorder’s ON/POWER SAVElever must
be in the ONposition for the camcorder to record.
If the camcorder is left in the record-pause mode
(POWERswitch in the CAMposition) for more than
five minutes, the camcorder’s power will turn off.  To
begin recording again, press the RECORD
START/STOP button twice.
2REW(Rewind) Button
•Press the REWbutton when the camcorder’s
POWER switch is in the PLAYposition to
rewind the tape.
•During playback or rewind (POWER switch in
the PLAY position), press and hold the REW
button to visually search the tape in reverse.
Release the REWbutton to return to normal
playback or rewind.
3SCENE SEARCH + and– Buttons
When the camcorder’s POWER switch is in the
CAM position (record-pause mode), press one of
the SCENE SEARCHbuttons to visually search
the tape.
•Press and hold the SCENE SEARCH +button to
visually search forward on the tape.  Release the
button to return to record-pause.
•Press and hold the SCENE SEARCH –button to
visually search the tape in reverse.  Release the
button to return to record-pause.
4DISPLAYButton
Press the DISPLAYbutton when the camcorder is
connected to a TV to see the viewfinder’s
displays on the TV screen.  Press the DISPLAY
button again to remove them.  Details on
connecting a TV are on pages 32-35.5STOPButton
•Press this button when the camcorder’s POWER
switch is in the PLAYposition to stop playback,
rewind, or fast forwarding.
•The STOPbutton has no effect when the
camcorder’s POWER switch is in the CAM
position.  To stop recording, press the RECORD
START/STOP button  
1.
6PLAYButton
Press the PLAYbutton when the camcorder’s
POWER switch is in the PLAYposition to begin
playback.
7F.FWD(Fast Forward) Button
•Press the F.FWDbutton when the camcorder’s
POWER switch is in the PLAYposition to fast
forward the tape.
•During playback or fast-forward operation
(POWER switch in the PLAY position), press
and hold the F.FWD button to visually search
forward on the tape.  Release the F.FWDbutton
to return to normal playback or fast-forward
operation.
8STILL Button
•During playback, press the STILLbutton to
produce a stop-action picture.  Press the STILL
button again to return to normal playback.  
•This button has the same function as the still 
(    ) button on the camcorder.
Note:Some picture noise is normal during stop-
action playback.
9 COUNTER (RESETand MEMORY) Buttons 
These buttons have the same function as the
COUNTER RES.and COUNTER MEMbuttons
on the camcorder.  Details are on page 28.
15 
						

							Powering Your Camcorder
16
To Attach the Adapter/Charger
1.Plug one end of the DC power cord into the 
DC OUTjack on the adapter/charger.
2.Plug the other end of the DC power cord into the
DC IN 6.5Vjack on the back of the camcorder.
3.Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the nearest
AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).  
4.If the adapter/charger is properly connected, its
POWERindicator will light.
POWER
CHARGEREFRESH
ON
POWER
SAVE
DC IN 6.5V
START/
STOPREC
ADJ.
POWERDATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTEROPEN
To Remove the Adapter/Charger
1.Unplug the adapter/charger from the wall outlet.
2.Disconnect the DC power cord from the
camcorder and the adapter/charger.
Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from
standard household power.  The adapter/charger operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be
used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.  You may
need a plug adapter in some countries.  Consult your RCA dealer.  Be sure to purchase the plug
adapter before traveling.  The adapter can be hard to find in foreign countries.
Using an optional plug adapter
An optional plug adapter may be required in some
countries.
1.Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the AC plug
adapter.
2.Plug the AC plug adapter into an AC outlet.
AC PlugOptional AC
Plug Adapter
DC IN 6.5V Jack
DC Power Cord
To AC 110-240V, 50/60 Hz
POWER Indicator
DC OUT Jack
AC 200-240V 
						

							Powering Your Camcorder (continued)
17 Using the Battery to Power Your
Camcorder
The battery must be charged before it can be used the
first time.  Initial charging will take approximately
one hour.  When fully charged, the battery should
supply about 45-60 minutes of operating time
(depending on how much you use zoom and pause,
auto focus, and record-pause).  
The adapter charger has a REFRESHbutton that
allows you to completely discharge the battery.  The
nickel cadmium battery will provide longer operation
time if it is “refreshed” before charging.  Refreshing
a battery will take approximately 3-1/2 hours.  The
operation time of the battery may decrease if the
battery’s power has not been completely exhausted
before it is recharged.  Refresh a partially discharged
battery before recharging it.
Charging the Battery
If the DC cord is connected to the adapter/charger,
remove its plug.
1.Plug the adapter/charger into the nearest AC outlet
(100-240V, 50/60Hz).  The POWERindicator will
light.
2.Align the reference mark on the battery with the
line on the adapter/charger.
3.Hold the battery flush against the adapter/charger
and slide it in the direction of the arrow until it
locks into place.
4.Press the REFRESHbutton to discharge the
battery.  After a few seconds the CHARGE
indicator will slowly flash.  The CHARGE
POWER
CHARGEREFRESH
Caution:When a battery is attached to
the adapter/ charger, do not turn them
upside down. The battery may fall off
and be damaged or cause injury. When using the battery to power the camcorder,
place the ON/POWER SAVElever in the POWER
SAVEposition during recording breaks to conserve
the battery’s power.  Place it back in the ONposition
when you are ready to resume recording.
Note:The small marker switch on the top of the battery
is for use as a personal reminder to help you remember to
recharge the battery.  It has no other function.
indicator will stop flashing after the battery has
been discharged.  Then, the POWER indicator will
light, and the battery will automatically recharge.
Note:If the CHARGEindicator on the AC
adapter/charger starts flashing rapidly, remove the
battery from the adapter/charger.  Try attaching the
battery again.  Make sure it is correctly attached.
5.Remove the charged battery by sliding it off the
adapter/charger.  Unplug the AC power cord from
the AC outlet.
6.Attach the charged battery to the camcorder as
shown on the next page.
To AC 100-240V, 50/60 HzMarker Switch
POWERIndicator
CHARGEIndicator
REFRESHButton 
						

							Attaching the Charged Battery to the Camcorder
If the DC cord is attached to the camcorder, remove
it before attaching the battery.
1.Align the reference line on the battery with the
line on the back of the camcorder.
2.Hold the battery flush against the camcorder and
slide it in the direction of the arrow.
3.Slide the camcorder’s POWER switch to the CAM
position, and place the ON/POWER SAVElever in
the ONposition.
Removing the Battery From the Camcorder
Slide and hold the BATTERYeject lever on the
camcorder while sliding the battery to the left and off
the camcorder. 
Powering Your Camcorder (continued)
18
Low Level Battery Warning
The battery warning indicator (      ) will appear in
the viewfinder when the battery power is low.
Recharge the battery, or use the adapter/charger to
power the camcorder.
Proper Care and Storage of Your Battery
The battery will provide better service and longer
performance if you charge it before use and store it at
normal room temperature.  
The nickel cadmium battery will provide better
service if it is used until it reaches the empty level
(camcorder automatically turns off) before
recharging.  Use the refresh feature if the battery is
not completely discharged. 
The battery should be charged at a temperature of
41°F-95°F (5°C-35°C) to prevent damage.
Do not operate the battery at temperatures below
14°F (–10°C) or above 95°F (35°C).  The battery
may be damaged if operated at temperatures above
122°F (50°C).  Operation time will decrease at
extremely low temperatures. 
When the battery is used the first time, the recording
time will be slightly shorter than normal.  To receive
full operation time from the battery, refresh and
recharge the battery two or three times.
After repeated chargings and use, the operation time
will gradually decrease.  When operation time
becomes too short to be useful, it is time to replace
the battery.
Caution:When the battery reaches its empty level
while you are using it, the camcorder will shut off.
However, the battery should have enough reserve
power to eject the cassette when you press the
EJECTbutton.  If the camcorder does not eject the
cassette when you press the  EJECTbutton, do not
attempt to force the cassette compartment open.
This will damage the camcorder.  Power your
camcorder with the adapter/charger, or recharge
the battery before attempting to eject the cassette.
Battery Safety Precautions 
Do not short the battery’s terminals.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the
battery.  There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Use the battery only with specified RCA
adapter/chargers and camcorders.
WARNING:  NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
BATTERY Eject
Lever