RCA Pro 8 Manual

							Camcorder Recording Tips
Recording Tips
•Practice recording under a variety of lighting
conditions.  This will help you respond quickly
whenever you see a scene you want to record.
•When using manual focus, it is easier to make
professional looking videos if you check the focus
before you start recording.  Use your camcorder’s
zoom to help you focus manually.  Before you start
recording, zoom in on your subject and adjust the
focus until you see a clear image in the viewfinder.
Then zoom back to where you want to record.  If
the subject-to-camcorder distance does not change,
the subject will remain in sharp focus over the
entire zoom range.
•Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-
side while recording.  A steady, gradual “pan”
avoids blurring and “jitter”.
•Use the viewfinder to make sure the camcorder is
level while recording or your scenes will appear
“tilted”.
•Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit.  This
improves picture quality and color reproduction.
•Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone
while recording because this sound will be
recorded.
•Be aware of video and audio backgrounds.
Background details barely noticed while you are
taping may show up as visual “clutter” on your
recording.  Background noises (especially TV sets,
radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.)
can detract from the sound you want to record. 
•Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks and scenic
attractions.  Recordings are more interesting if they
include people and details.  “Local color” will give
travel videos lasting appeal.  Consider recording a
familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar
vantage point for added interest.  Remember to
check the lighting before starting to record.
•Include close-up shots of individuals when taping
family outings or group functions.
•Make a video recording of your home and contents
to store in a safe place in case of fire or theft.Holding Your Camcorder
•Hold the camcorder horizontally.  Keep your feet
slightly apart and your upper arms close to your
body.  
•When possible rest your elbows on a table or other
stable surface to help keep the camcorder steady.
•If you want to film at different angles, you may
raise the viewfinder 90˚.
•Standing against a wall may give your recordings
more stability.
•Use an optional tripod for stable images.
Traveling Tips
•Write down your camcorder’s serial number and
keep it separate from the camcorder when
traveling.  If your camcorder is lost or stolen, you
will be able to identify it.
•Make sure you have any plug adapters that you
may need before taking your camcorder to other
countries.  Consult your RCA dealer for advice.
•Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder
and accessories when operating them at a beach or
pool.  Spray, sand, and dust should be avoided.  If
your lens has been exposed to the elements, clean
it only with proper lens cleaning supplies.
•Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when
traveling.  See page4for a case especially
designed for this camcorder.  An ordinary suitcase
or carry bag does not offer the protection your
camcorder needs.  Treat your camcorder as carry-
on luggage to protect it from rough handling.
29 
						

							Care and Maintenance
Camcorder Care and Storage
•Keep dust and grit from entering the camcorder’s
cassette door.  Dust and grit are abrasive and will
cause excessive wear both to the camcorder’s
recording/playback heads and cassettes.
•We recommend RCA video cassettes be used with
this camcorder.  These cassettes have been
manufactured to our critical specifications.  Use of
cassettes not meeting these specifications may
reduce the camcorder’s performance or
contaminate the heads resulting in a snowy picture
or no picture during playback.
•Always replace the lens cap on the lens when the
camcorder is not in use.
•Do not touch the lens with your fingers. The oil
from your skin can damage the lens.  Always use
lens-cleaning tissue and commercially prepared
Things to Avoid
•Do not attempt to disassemble your camcorder.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
•Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after
moving it from a cold location to a warm location.
Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach a
stable temperature before inserting a cassette.
When the camcorder is moved from cold to warm,
moisture may cause the tape to stick to the
headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape.
•Do not aim your camcorder at the sun or other
bright objects.
•Do not leave your camcorder in direct sunlight.
Doing so could permanently damage the
camcorder’s internal parts.
•Do not operate the camcorder in extremely humid
environments.
30
cleaning solution designed for use on camera lens.
Improper cleaning may scratch the lens.
•Before handling your camcorder, make sure your
hands and face are free from any chemical
products such as suntan lotion, as it may damage
the finish.
•The camcorder can be damaged by improper
storage or handling.  Do not subject the camcorder
to swinging, shaking, or dropping.
•Do not store the camcorder in temperatures below
-22°F (-30°C) or above 149°F (65°C).
•When the camcorder is not in use, always remove
the cassette and AC adapter/charger or battery. 
•Retain the original carton for future storage or
shipping purposes.
Cassette Care and Storage
•When you are finished with a cassette, rewind it,
and remove it from the camcorder.  Label your
cassettes before storing them.
•When you are finished recording, close the
cassette’s record-protect (safety) tab to prevent
accidental erasure.
•Store cassettes vertically in their protective boxes
at normal room temperatures.  Do not leave your
camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an
extended period.  Excessive heat or cold may
damage your cassettes.•Do not touch or cover the small holes in the
cassette or use cassettes with damaged or
spliced tape.
•Keep dust from entering the cassette
compartment.  All dust is abrasive and will
cause excessive wear on the tape and the
camcorder’s recording or playback heads.
•Keep the cassette away from strong magnetic
fields such as electric motors and other devices.
•Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or
exposed to moisture.  The tape may jam and
damage your camcorder.
•Do not operate the camcorder for extended periods
in temperatures below 40°F (4°C) or above 95°F (35°C).
•Do not expose the camcorder or adapter/charger to
rain or moisture.  If either component becomes
wet, turn off the power and take the unit to an
Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter.
•Never attempt to force open the cassette door.  If
the battery reaches its empty level during
recording, the camcorder will shut off, but the
battery should have enough reserve power to eject
the cassette.  If the camcorder does not eject the
cassette, power your camcorder with the
adapter/charger or recharge the battery.
•Do not use an adapter/charger or batteries other
than the ones specified.  Use of the wrong
accessories may cause damage to the camcorder.  
						

							Viewfinder Playback
Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch
tapes using the camcorder.  This method is generally
used only to review scenes immediately after
recording because the display is in black and white.
If you want to privately listen during viewfinder
playback, you may connect an optional earphone to
the earphone     jack.
To play back a tape through the viewfinder, follow
these steps:
1.Slide the POWER switch to the PLAYposition.
2.Insert the cassette you want to playback.
3.Press the PLAYbutton to begin playback.
•During playback, press the still(
l l) button to
“stop the action” and view one frame of the tape.
Press the still(
l l)button again (or the PLAY
button) to return to normal playback.•During playback, press and hold the F.FWD(fast
forward) or REW (rewind) button if you want to
visually search the tape in forward or reverse.
Release the button to return to normal playback.
4.Press the STOPbutton when you are finished.
Notes:The corresponding buttons on the remote control
can be used to operate the camcorder.
The camcorder can play back tapes recorded in SP or LP
speed.  The LPindicator appears in the electronic
viewfinder when a tape recorded at LP speed is being
played.  Tapes recorded at SLP speed cannot be played
back in this camcorder.
During still and search operations, it is normal for streaks
to appear in the picture.
The sound is muted during special playback operations.
31
Caution:Still is designed for momentary
interruptions and should not be used for an
extended period of time. If the camcorder
remains in the still mode for more than five
minutes, it will automatically move the tape
away from the spinning heads to prevent
excessive tape wear.
REWF.FWD.BATTERY
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF
+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
REW(Rewind) Button
PLAYButton
F.FWDButton
STOPButton
Still (l l)Button
POWER (CAM/ OFF/PLAY) Switch 
EJECT Button (Located under
cassette compartment cover)EarphoneJack (Located on side) 
						

							Playback on a TV (or VCR) Using the Antenna Connection
Installation
1Disconnect the VHF antenna from your TV 
(or VCR). Connect the antenna to the VHF IN
connector on the RF output adapter if you are
going to leave the adapter connected to the TV
(or VCR).  
Note:  If your VHF antenna is the flat twin-lead type
attached by two screws, you will also need an optional
300/75 ohm transformer, such as 193983 shown on
page 6.
32
2Attach one end of the coaxial RF cable to the
VHFOUTconnector on the adapter and attach
the other end to the VHF input on your TV (or
VCR) as shown.
3Attach the RF output adapter’s plug to the
output jacks located behind the door on the side
of the camcorder as shown above.
OR
2
Back of TV
VHF Antenna Coaxial
RF Cable
(supplied)
CHANNEL 
4CH/3CH
Switch
RF Output 
Adapter 
(supplied)
Optional 300/75 
Ohm Transformer
(such as 193983) Output Jacks
(Located behind door)
VHF Antenna
OR
VHF
VHF
IN 
FROM
ANT
REWF.FWD.BATTERY
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF
+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
13
Back of TV
or VCR
The unauthorized recording of television
programs and other recorded material
may infringe the rights of others.
To connect your camcorder to a TV using the
antenna connection, you will need the RF output
adapter and coaxial RF cable that came packed with
your camcorder.  If your TV is already connected to
a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR
and watch what the camcorder is recording or
playing on the TV. 
						

							Playback on a TV Using the Antenna Connection (continued)
Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes
on the VCR
1.Set the CHANNEL 4CH/3CHswitch on the RF
output adapter to 4CHor 3CH.
2.A.Camcorder connected directly to TV:  Turn on
the TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4.
B.Camcorder connected to VCR that is already
connected to TV:  Turn on VCR and tune it to
channel 3 or 4”.  Operate the TV as you
normally do to see the signal coming from the
VCR.
3.Attach a power supply, and slide the camcorder’s
POWER switch to the PLAYposition.  Insert the
cassette you want to play back.
4.Press the PLAYbutton to begin playback.
•During playback, press the still(
ll) button to
“stop the action” and view one frame of the
tape.  Press the still(
ll)button again (or the
PLAYbutton) to return to normal playback.
•During playback, press and hold the F.FWD
(fast forward) or REW (rewind) button if you
want to visually search the tape in forward or
reverse.  Release the button to return to normal
playback.
5.To copy what the camcorder is playing, place a
blank cassette in the VCR, and press the VCR’s
RECORDbutton.              
6.Press the STOPbutton when you are finished.
Notes:The corresponding buttons on the remote control
can be used to operate the camcorder.
The camcorder can play back tapes recorded in SP or LP
speed.  The LPindicator appears in the electronic
viewfinder when a tape recorded at LP speed is being
played.  Tapes recorded at SLP cannot be played back on
this camcorder.
During still and search operations, it is normal for streaks
to appear in the picture.
The sound is muted during special playback operations.
Viewing What the Camcorder Is Recording
1.A.Camcorder connected directly to TV:  Turn on
the TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4.
B.Camcorder connected to VCR that is already
connected to TV:  Turn on VCR and tune it to
channel 3 or 4”.  Operate the TV as you
normally do to see the signal coming from the
VCR.
Note:When the camcorder is used as a camera,
turn the TV’s volume down to prevent a high-
pitched squeal caused by feedback.
2.Set the CHANNEL switch on the RF output
adapter to the same channel you selected on the
TV (or VCR).
3.Attach a power supply and slide the camcorder’s
POWER switch to the CAM position.  Insert the
cassette you want to record on.  Make sure the
ON/POWER SAVElever is in the ONposition.
Press the thumb trigger on the camcorder (or the
RECORD START/STOPbutton on the remote
control) to start recording.  You can watch what
you are recording on the TV screen.
Seeing the Camcorder’s displays on the TV
Screen.
When the camcorder is connected to a TV, press the
DISPLAYbutton on the remote control to see the
camcorder’s viewfinder displays on the TV screen.
Press the DISPLAY button again to remove the
displays.
Normal TV Viewing
For normal TV viewing, you may leave the RF
output adapter hooked up to the TV (or VCR).  Just
disconnect the adapter’s plug from the camcorder or
turn off the camcorder’s power.
Note to Cable TV Installer
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article
820-40 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of
Canadian Electrical Code, Part I), that provides guidelines
for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the
cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system
of the building as close to the point of cable entry as
practical.
33
Caution:Still is designed for momentary
interruptions, and should not be used for
extended time periods.  If the camcorder
remains in the still mode for more than five
minutes, the camcorder will automatically
move the tape away from the spinning heads
to prevent excessive tape wear. 
						

							Playback on TV (or VCR) Using AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks
Installation
1Attach one end of an optional audio/video cable
(such as AH069G, AH070G, or AH075G) to the
AUDIO INjack on the TV (or VCR) and the
other end to the white audio jack located under
the door on the side of the camcorder.
Note:If your TV (or VCR) has stereo AUDIO jacks,
attach the AUDIO plug to the one labeled MONO.  If
one is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter
to hear sound from both channels.
2Attach one end of another optional audio/video
cable to the VIDEO INjack on the TV (or VCR)
and the other end to the yellow video jack located
under the door on the side of the camcorder.
34
To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or
VCR) using AUDIO/VIDEO INjacks, you will need
optional audio/video cables.  If your TV is already
connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder
to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is
recording or playing on the TV.
AUDIO
IN
VIDEO
IN
Back of
Mono VCR or
TV MonitorWhite 
Audio Plug
Yellow Video PlugOptional
Audio/Video
Cables*
(such as AH069G, 
AH070G, or AH075G)
AUDIO
IN
VIDEO
INL
R
Y-Adapter
(available from 
electronics
supply store)
OR
Back of
Stereo VCR or 
TV Monitor
1
2
White 
Audio 
Plug1
Yellow Video Plug2
REWF.FWD.BATTERY
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF
+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
REWF.FWD.BATTERY
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF
+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
Optional
Audio/Video
Cables*
(such as AH069G, 
AH070G, or 
AH075G)
Pull Here to
Open Door
Pull Here to
Open Door
Yellow 
Video Jack
White
Audio Jack
1
2
Yellow 
Video Jack
White
Audio Jack2
1
Yellow 
Video Plug
White 
Audio Plug
Yellow 
Video Plug
White 
Audio Plug
*Optional accessories are available from your dealer or electronics supply store.  Mail order form is on page 5.
The unauthorized recording of television
programs and other recorded material may
infringe the rights of others. 
						

							Playback on TV (or VCR) (continued)
1.A.Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor:
Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input
channel.
B.Camcorder connected to VCR that is already
connected to TV:  Turn on VCR and place it in
the “line” or “camera mode”. (If your VCR
does not have a “line” or “camera mode”,
consult the VCR owner’s manual.)  Operate the
TV as you normally do to see the signal
coming from the VCR.
2.Attach a power supply and slide the camcorder’s
POWER switch to the PLAYposition.  Insert the
cassette you want to playback.
3.Press the PLAYbutton to begin playback.
•During playback, press the still(
ll) button to
“stop the action” and view one frame of the
tape.  Press the still(
ll)button again (or the
PLAYbutton) to return to normal playback.1.A.Camcorder connected directly to TV:  Turn on
the TV, and tune it to the video input channel.
B.Camcorder connected to VCR that is already
connected to TV:  Turn on VCR and place it in
the “line” or “camera mode”.  (If your VCR
does not have a “line” or “camera mode”,
consult the VCR owner’s manual.)  Operate
the TV as you normally do to see the signal
coming from the VCR.
2.Attach a power supply and slide the camcorder’s
POWER switch to the CAMposition.  Place the
ON/POWER SAVElever in the ONposition, and
insert the cassette you want to record on.
Note:When the camcorder is used as a camera, turn the
TV’s volume down to prevent a high-pitched squeal
caused by feedback.
3.Press the camcorder’s thumb trigger (or the
remote control’s RECORD START/STOP button)
to begin recording.  You can watch what the
camcorder is seeing (or recording) on the TV
screen.
Seeing the Camcorder’s displays on the TV
Screen.
When the camcorder is connected to a TV, press the
DISPLAYbutton on the remote control to see the
camcorder’s viewfinder displays on the TV screen.
Press the DISPLAY button again to remove the
displays.
35
Playback Operation and How to Copy
Tapes on the VCRViewing What the Camcorder is Seeing 
(or Recording) 
•During playback, press and hold the F.FWD
(fast forward) or REW (rewind) button if you
want to visually search the tape in forward or
reverse.  Release the button to return to normal
playback.
4.To copy what the camcorder is playing, place a
blank cassette in the VCR, and press the VCR’s
RECORDbutton.              
5.Press the STOPbutton when you are finished.
Notes:The corresponding buttons on the remote control
can be used to operate the camcorder.
The camcorder can play back tapes recorded in SP or LP
speed.  The LPindicator appears in the electronic
viewfinder when a tape recorded at LP speed is being
played.  Tapes recorded at SLP cannot be played back on
this camcorder.
During still and search operations, it is normal for streaks
to appear in the picture.
The sound is muted during special playback operations.
Caution:Still is designed for momentary
interruptions, and should not be used for
extended time periods.  If the camcorder
remains in the still mode for more than five
minutes, the camcorder will automatically
move the tape away from the spinning heads
to prevent excessive tape wear. 
						

							Trouble Checks
36
Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults”
that you can easily correct without the help of a
service technician by first checking a few basic
remedies.
Before you call or take your camcorder to an
Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter,
No power
Won’t record or playback
Won’t playback
Won’t record
No picture in viewfinder
Tape stops during rewind or
fast forward
Camcorder remains in “stop
action” (play-pause) mode•ON/POWER SAVElever in POWER SAVEposition.  Place lever in ON
position.
•If using battery, it may need to be recharged.
•If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a working
outlet.
•If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a working
outlet.
•If dewindicator (    ) appears in the viewfinder, there is moisture in the
camcorder.  Remove the cassette from the camcorder and let it dry
naturally.
•There may be no cassette in the camcorder.
•Try ejecting and re-inserting the cassette.
•The cassette tape may be broken, try another cassette.
•You may have reached the end of the cassette, try rewinding it.
•POWER switch must be in PLAYposition.
•Record-protect tab has been closed.  (See page 20.)
•POWER switch must be in CAM(camera) position.
•ON/POWER SAVE lever must be in ONposition.
•Remove lens cap.
•ON/POWER SAVE lever must be in ON position when POWER switch is
in CAM (camera) position.
•Time-counter memory may be on. Whenever an “M” appears with the
time-counter display, the camcorder will stop rewinding (or fast
forwarding) when counter reads “M 0:00:00”.  Press the REWor F.FWD
button again to continue rewinding or fast forwarding, or press
COUNTERMEM(memory) button to turn off memory-stop feature.
•Press the still (
ll)(or PLAY) button  to return to normal playback.
look below for the type of trouble you are
experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and
adjustments listed for that trouble.
If service should be necessary, the warranty
information lists what your warranty covers and
explains how to get service.
TroubleChecks and Adjustments 
						

							Trouble Checks (continued)
Poor auto-focus operation
Picture is too dark or
subject too dark.
Viewfinder displays are
out of focus
Date and/time (or date)
were recorded on tape
Date and/or time are
incorrect
Remote control 
will not operate camcorder •Make sure AUTOLOCK switch is in the AUTOLOCK position.
•Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this condition.  See page 26
for details on manual focus.
•Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused.
•Viewfinder eyepiece focus is misadjusted. (See page 23.)
•Select the best preset program mode for the recording situation.  
See page 27.
•Try adjusting eyepiece focus control.  See page 23.
•Pull electronic viewfinder out to the extended operating position.
•Date and time or date will be recorded on tape whenever they appear in the
viewfinder. 
•Press DATE/TIMEbutton to remove them from viewfinder when recording.
•Clock battery may need replacing.  See page 22.
•Date and/or time may need to be set.  See pages 22-23.
•Aim remote control at remote control sensor on camcorder.
•Remote control batteries may need replacing.
•If POWER switch is in CAMposition, the ON/POWER SAVElever must be
in ONposition for camcorder to operate.
•POWER switch must be in CAMor PLAYposition for camcorder to
operate.
•Camcorder’s remote control sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or strong
artificial light.  This may interfere with operation of camcorder by remote
control.
37
TroubleChecks and Adjustments 
						

							Design Specifications
38
General
Power requirement:  6VDC
Power consumption:  5.8 watts (normal)
Weight: 1.7 lbs.  (780g)
Dimensions: 4-3/5(W) x 4-3/5(H) x 10-1/5(L) 
(117 x 118 x 259mm)
Video Recorder Section
Format: 8mm
Record/Playback System:
Two video record/playback heads
One flying erase head
Headwheel Cylinder Diameter: 40 mm
Video Signal: EIA Standard NTSC Color
Camera Section
Scanning: 525 Lines/60 Fields/30 Frames
Image Sensor: 1/3 high-resolution, 
solid-state CCD Imager
Tripod Mount: One 1/4 threaded hole
Lens: f1.8
8:1 (6-48mm)
Diameter: 37 mm
Earphone Jack: Monaural 8 ohm mini jackThis digital apparatus does not exceed the class B
limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
L’interférence radioélectrique générée par cet
appareil digital ne dépasse pas les limites de la
classe B édictées par le Réglement sur les
peturbations radioélectriques du Ministrére
Canadien des Communications.
All features and specifications are subject to
change without notice.