Minolta MNCD338T Car Camcorder User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing your Minolta Camcorder! This manual contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or other means, in any form, without prior written permission of Elite Brands Inc. © 2023.

The Minolta MNCD338T Car Camcorder integrates multi-functions of 1080P HD video capture, high resolution photo capture, and a compact form factor. It adopts high-performance video decoding technology and compression ratios to deliver excellent video quality. This camcorder is intended for in-vehicle shooting, effectively enabling the collection of evidence for driving accidents, daily life, traveling, and outdoor activities. The Minolta MNCD338T allows you to record video when mounted to your car's windshield in a wide, large angle. This quick guide explains how to use your camcorder and provides additional information, including precautions and technical specifications. Please read through it carefully and understand this quick guide before use. Keep it properly stored away for reference.

Safety and Handling Precautions

• Do not take apart or attempt to service the camcorder yourself.
• Do not expose the camcorder to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Allow the camera to warm up when moving from cold to warm temperatures.
• Do not touch and put pressure on the camera lens.
• Do not expose the lens to direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Do not use abrasive chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the product. Wipe the product with a slightly damp soft cloth.
• When the camera is used for an extended period of time, it is normal for the camera body to feel warm.
• Do not subject the LCD monitor to impact.
• To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

Getting Started

Overview

The Minolta MNCD338T camcorder features the following components:

• 1. Windshield Mount: Attachment point for the windshield suction cup mount.
• 2. USB Port: Used for power connection and data transfer to a computer.
• 3. Display: 3.0 Inch LCD screen for viewing and menus.
• 4. Rear Camera Port: Connection for the optional rear camera.
• 5. In-Car Camera Lens: Records the interior of the vehicle.
• 6. In-Car Camera IR LEDs: Infrared LEDs to aid interior recording in low light.
• 7. LED Light: External LED light for illumination.
• 8. Speaker: Built-in speaker for audio playback.
• 9. Reset Pinhole: Button for resetting the device if it becomes unresponsive.
• 10. Microphone: Built-in microphone for audio capture.
• 11. Memory Card Slot: Slot for inserting a MicroSD memory card.
• 12. Lens: Front camera lens, captures the road ahead.
• 13. OK | Record Button: Confirms selections and starts/stops recording.
• 14. Mode | Menu Button: Cycles through modes (Video, Photo, Playback) and accesses menus.
• 15. Left | Record Audio On/Off Button: Navigates menus and toggles audio recording.
• 16. Right | Display View Button: Navigates menus and changes the display view (e.g., front/rear camera).
• 17. Power | LED Light On/Off Button: Powers the device on/off and controls the LED light.

Button and Functions Explanation

Memory Card Insertion and Removal

1. Ensure the camcorder is powered off.
2. Insert a MicroSD memory card into the MicroSD card slot with the gold pins facing the display screen. Do not force it; it can only be inserted in one direction. Once successfully inserted, it will click in.
3. To remove the MicroSD card, simply push the MicroSD card in, and it will bounce back out of the slot.

Caution: Do not remove or insert the memory card when recording. Doing so may cause the card to become damaged or cause data loss.

Windshield Mount

The windshield mount is included for mounting your camcorder to your windshield. Simply attach the smaller plastic end of the mount to the top of your camcorder. Apply the suction cup side to the top of your windshield. Then lift up on the lever that is attached to the suction cup to secure it to the windshield. Before applying to your windshield, make sure it is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Before removing the suction cup, make sure to lower the lever.

Note: If the suction cup loses its grip over time, thoroughly clean the clear suction area with soap and water. After cleaning, allow it to dry for 2 hours and reapply it to your windshield.

Mounting the Camcorder

The camcorder should be mounted on the windshield of your vehicle in a location where it does not interfere with your view. The optimal location is to the right of or directly below the rearview mirror. When mounting, make sure to run the power cable so that it does not obstruct your view. You can tuck the USB cable into your car interior's headliner and molding.

Note: Consult with local state laws before installing your camcorder. Certain restrictions and limitations may apply to the placement of objects on your vehicle's windshield.

Rear Camera Mounting

A certified professional should be used to install the rear camera properly. The rear camera can be mounted in two different locations: (1) At the top of the rear windshield for an outward view of the road, or (2) at the rear of your vehicle above the license plate for a reverse camera view. The rear camera can also act as a reverse camera by wiring it to the car's reverse lights. Once wired, the rear camera will automatically activate when the car's transmission is put in Reverse. Please refer to diagrams for how the rear camera wires should be run.

If you do not wish to wire the camera to the reverse lights, the rear camera will still operate normally but will not automatically activate unless done so manually by cycling through the camera views.

When mounting the rear camera, it should always be mounted with the metal bracket at the top. If the metal bracket is on the bottom, the image will appear upside down when viewed on the camcorder.

There are three options to mount the rear camera: (1) With double-sided tape, (2) with screws, or (3) using both double-sided tape and screws.

Before mounting, connect the rear camera to the camcorder to check the view from your chosen location. If the view is acceptable, proceed with mounting. Ensure the mounting surface is clean and completely dry.

To use double-sided tape: Peel off the white paper from one side and press that side firmly to the top of the metal bracket on the rear camera. Then peel off the white paper on the other side and press the bracket firmly to the mounting surface.

To use screws: Place screws through the holes on the bottom of the metal bracket and use a Philips head screwdriver to fasten them.

To use both double-sided tape and screws: First, mount the camera using double-sided tape. Then, place screws. Before attaching the double-sided tape, use a pointed object to pop out the screw holes in the double-sided tape.

Caution: Screws should never be used when mounting the rear camera on glass.

Startup

In-Car Use

Connect the included auxiliary DC power adapter to your car's power port and plug the USB plug into the camcorder's USB port. Charging will begin immediately. The camcorder's internal battery has limited capacity and is intended for emergency use only.

In-Car Camera

The camcorder has a second built-in camera to record the interior of your vehicle simultaneously with the front camera recording the road. Press the RIGHT button to change the LCD screen view to the in-car camera. Video files from the in-car camera are saved as separate files. Rotate the in-car camera to change its recording angle.

USB Cord / Computer Use

Connect the included USB cable to a free USB port on your computer and the other end to the camcorder's USB port. The battery can be charged while the camcorder is powered on or off. The camcorder will automatically power on and present two modes: 'Mass Storage' (to access stored videos and images) and 'PC camera' (to function as a webcam). Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a mode and press OK to enter.

Your camcorder acts as a memory card reader when connected, allowing easy access to your media. To access files on your PC, go to Start (or File Explorer) > This PC > Removable Disk. Your media will be stored in a folder on this drive.

Using the IR Night Vision Mode

This camcorder has built-in infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision recording, enabling photo and video capture in dark environments. The IR LEDs automatically activate when ambient light is low and turn off when it is high.

Note: Videos recorded in black and white cannot be changed to color.

Reset

If your camcorder freezes or becomes unresponsive, press the RESET button to reset and power cycle the camcorder. Insert a pointy object into the reset hole on the side of the camcorder to perform a full reset. Refer to the user manual's illustration for the reset hole location.

Using Your Camcorder

Quick Use Instructions

Simply insert the memory card into the card slot, and plug the auxiliary power adapter into the camcorder's USB port and your car's power port. The camcorder will automatically power on and begin recording. To start or stop recording at any time, press the OK button. You may also remove the auxiliary DC power adapter at any time to automatically save a recording and power off the camcorder. Just mount it to your windshield, plug in the power, and drive!

Camcorder Operation

Once the MicroSD memory card is inserted and the camcorder is plugged into a power source, it will automatically power on and begin recording. Press the OK button to stop recording. You can also manually power the camcorder on or off by pressing the POWER button for 3 seconds.

There are 3 operation modes available. To cycle through them, press the MODE button. The current mode is shown in the upper left corner of the display. Modes cannot be changed while recording; recording must stop first.

Video Capture Mode

The camcorder defaults to Video Mode upon power-on and begins recording automatically. Press the OK button to start or stop recording. Press the RIGHT button to change the view of the rear camera.

Photo Capture Mode

To capture a photo, enter PHOTO Mode by pressing the MODE button until a camera icon is shown in the upper left corner of the screen. Press the OK button to instantly capture a photo.

Playback Mode

To review your video and photo files, enter PLAYBACK Mode by pressing the MODE button until a previously captured file is shown on the screen. The most recent file captured is displayed first.

1. Press the UP and DOWN buttons to cycle through available playback files of photos and videos.
2. To delete or protect a file from deletion, press the MENU button.
3. Press the MODE button again to exit PLAYBACK mode.

Playing Back Video Clips

1. Press the OK button to play or pause a video clip in PLAYBACK mode.
2. To delete a file or protect a file from deletion, press and hold the MODE button to access the menus.

Main Screen and Icons Explanation

Video Mode Icons

• 1. VIDEO Mode: [Video Mode Indicator]
• 2. Currently Recording: ? [Recording Indicator]
• 3. Protected File: ? [Lock Icon]
• 4. Recording Time Remaining: ⏳ [Time Remaining Indicator]
• 5. Video Resolution: ? [Resolution Indicator]
• 6. Memory Card Inserted: ? [SD Card Indicator]
• 7. Battery Level: ? [Battery Indicator]
• 8. Current Time: ⏰ [Time Indicator]
• 9. Current Date: ? [Date Indicator]
• 10. Exposure Value: ☀️ [Exposure Indicator]
• 11. Motion Detection Activated: ? [Motion Detection Indicator]
• 12. Loop Recording: ? [Loop Recording Indicator]

Photo Mode Icons

• 1. PHOTO Mode: [Photo Mode Indicator]
• 2. Number of Pictures Remaining: ?️ [Picture Count Indicator]
• 3. Memory Card Inserted: ? [SD Card Indicator]
• 4. Battery Level: ? [Battery Indicator]

Menu & Settings Interface

Video Mode Settings Overview

Your camcorder comes preset with user-adjustable settings to customize video capture. Settings are optimized for ease of use. Note: The settings menu cannot be accessed while recording. Stop recording before accessing.

Video Resolution

Select video resolution and frames per second. Higher resolution means higher quality and larger file size.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Video Resolution' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate the submenu and select a setting. Options: 1080FHD (1920x1080 - highest quality), 1080P (1440x1080 - higher quality), and 720P (1280x720 - lowest quality).
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit the settings menu and return to the main status screen.

Loop Recording

Set a maximum duration for each video clip. Once the selected duration is reached, recording ends and a new file begins seamlessly.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Loop Recording' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, 1 Minute, 2 Minutes, 3 Minutes, 5 Minutes.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Exposure

Adjusts the frame brightness in your video.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Exposure' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: +2.0, +5/3, +4/3, +1.0, +2/3, +1/3, +0.0, -1/3, -2/3, -1.0, -4/3, -5/3, -2.0.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Motion Detection

Automatically begins recording if movement is detected. Stops recording if no further movement is detected within 10 seconds of the last registered movement. Manual stop is possible by pressing OK.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Motion Detection' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, On.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Note: When set to OFF, the camcorder will still automatically record upon startup if powered off.

Record Audio

Enable or disable the built-in microphone during video recording. Records audio within the video file or records video without audio.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Record Audio' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, On.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Date Stamp

Imprints a date & time onto recorded video files. This imprint cannot be removed after recording.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Date Stamp' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, On.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Collision Sensitivity

Sets the sensitivity level for automatic recording upon collision. When triggered, it automatically begins recording, and the file is stored with a lock icon, protected from deletion.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Collision Sensitivity' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, Low, Medium, High.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Photo Mode Settings Overview

Your camcorder comes preset with user-adjustable settings to customize photo capture. Settings are optimized for ease of use. Note: The settings menu cannot be accessed while recording. Stop recording before accessing.

Photo Resolution

Select photo resolution size. Higher resolution means higher quality and larger file size.

1. In VIDEO mode, press and hold MODE. Select `Photo Resolution' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: 12 Mega Pixels (highest quality), 10 Mega Pixels, 8 Mega Pixels, 5 Mega Pixels, 3 Mega Pixels, 2 Mega Pixels, 1.3 Mega Pixels (lowest quality).
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Setup Mode Settings

Park Mode

Allows the camcorder to automatically power on and record a video clip if it detects a collision while parked and powered off. Sensitivity can be set in this menu. This setting activates only if sufficient battery power remains. When triggered, it automatically begins recording, and the file is stored with a lock icon, protected from deletion.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Park Mode' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, On.
4. Press OK to confirm.
5. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Note: When off, your camcorder will still automatically record upon startup if you power it off.

Date & Time Setup

Set the date and time for display on videos and photos.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Press OK to enter the `Date & Time Setup' submenu.
3. The menu is presented as follows: Date: YYYY / MM / DD, Time: HH:MM:SS (24-hour format), Date Format: YY/MM/DD (can be changed to DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY).
4. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to change the highlighted value. Press OK to confirm the value and proceed to the next.
5. Once completed, press MODE to save settings and exit.
6. Press MODE again to return to the main status screen.

Auto Power Off Delay

Set the length of time before the camcorder powers off automatically if no input is received (e.g., button press, recording).

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Auto Power Off Delay' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, 1 Minute, 3 Minutes.
4. Press OK to confirm.
5. After the selected amount of time without input, the camcorder will power off.
6. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Screen Saver

Set the length of time before the LCD screen turns off automatically if no input is received.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Screen Saver' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, 3 Minutes, 5 Minutes, 10 Minutes.
4. Press OK to confirm.
5. After the selected amount of time, the camcorder LCD screen will power off.
6. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Beep Sound

Enable or disable the sound when pressing a button.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Beep Sound' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Off, On.
4. Press OK to confirm.

5. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Language

Set the language for the camcorder's menus.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Language' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a language. Several languages are available.
4. Press OK to confirm.
5. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Frequency

Set the power frequency of your camcorder, dependent on the region of use.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Frequency' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: 50Hz, 60Hz. (The default frequency for the United States is 60Hz).
4. Press OK to confirm.
5. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Format Memory Card

Erase all video and photo files stored on your memory card.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Format Memory Card' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Cancel, OK.
4. Press OK to confirm.

5. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Note: Use extreme caution when accessing this setting. There is no way to recover formatted media. Once you format your memory card, previously stored files cannot be recovered.

Restore Factory Settings

Reset all menu settings to the factory default settings. This function will not delete any media stored on your memory card.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Restore Factory Settings' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
3. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Cancel, OK.
4. Press OK to confirm.
5. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Firmware Version

Displays the current firmware version of your camcorder.

1. In VIDEO or PHOTO modes, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Then press MODE again to access Setup mode settings.
2. Select `Version' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to show the current firmware version.
3. Press OK to exit the Firmware Version display.
4. Press MODE to exit and return to the main status screen.

Playback Mode Settings Overview

Ensure you are in PLAYBACK mode before accessing these settings. From the main screen, press the MODE button twice. The current mode will be displayed in the upper right corner. Cycle through modes by pressing MODE again.

Delete

Delete recorded video and photo files directly from the camcorder.

1. In Playback mode, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Select `Delete' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Delete Current, Delete All.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Note: There is no way to recover deleted media. Once deleted, files cannot be recovered. Only files that are locked are protected from deletion in PLAYBACK mode.

Protect

Protect recorded video and photo files, locking them to prevent deletion in PLAYBACK mode.

1. In Playback mode, press and hold MODE to access the settings menu. Select `Protect' using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to navigate and select a setting. Options: Lock Current, Unlock Current, Lock All, Unlock All.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MODE twice to exit.

Technical Specifications