Minolta MNCD200NW User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing your Minolta Camcorder! This manual provides essential information for operating your device. Please note that content may change without notice, and illustrations may differ slightly from the actual product. For the latest updates, visit www.minoltadigital.com.

This manual contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced without prior written permission from Elite Brands Inc. © 2023.

The Minolta MNCD200NW Car Camcorder integrates 1080P HD video capture, high-resolution photo capture, and a compact design. It utilizes advanced video decoding technology for excellent video quality, making it ideal for in-vehicle shooting to collect evidence for driving incidents, daily life, travel, and outdoor activities. The camcorder records video at a wide angle when mounted to your car's windshield. This guide explains its usage, precautions, and technical specifications.

Safety and Handling Precautions

• Do not attempt to service the camcorder yourself.
• Avoid exposing the camcorder to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Allow the camera to acclimate when moving between cold and warm environments.
• Do not touch or apply pressure to the camera lens.
• Do not expose the lens to direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Clean the product with a slightly damp soft cloth; avoid abrasive chemicals or strong detergents.
• It is normal for the camera body to feel warm during extended use.
• Do not subject the LCD monitor to impact.
• To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose the appliance to rain or moisture.

1. Getting Started

1.1 Overview

The camcorder features several components:

• 1. Windshield Mount Port: Connects to the windshield mount.
• 2. USB Charging Port: For charging and data transfer.
• 3. Display: LCD screen for viewing and menus.
• 4. In-Car Camera Lens: Captures the interior of the vehicle.
• 5. In-Car Camera IR LEDs: Infrared LEDs for interior night vision.
• 6. LED Light: Provides illumination.
• 7. Speaker: For audio playback.
• 8. Lens: The main front-facing camera lens.
• 9. Microphone: Captures audio.
• 10. Memory Card Slot: For inserting a MicroSD card.
• 11. Reset Pinhole: Used to reset the device if it freezes.
• 12. Power | Display On/Off Button: Powers the device on/off or toggles the display.
• 13. OK | Record Button: Confirms selections or starts/stops recording.
• 14. Left | Display View Button: Navigates menus or changes display view.
• 15. Mode | Menu Button: Cycles through modes or accesses settings menus.
• 16. Right | Record Audio On/Off Button: Navigates menus, changes display view, or toggles audio recording.

1.2 Button and Functions Explanation

1.3 Memory Card Insertion and Removal

To insert or remove a MicroSD card:

1. Ensure the camcorder is powered off.
2. Open the memory card door by lifting it via the small cutout.
3. Insert a MicroSD card into the slot with the gold pins facing the display. Do not force it; it only inserts one way and will click when seated.
4. To remove, push the card in, and it will pop out.

Do not remove or insert the memory card while recording, as this may damage the card or cause data loss.

1.4 Windshield Mount

The included windshield mount attaches to the camcorder via a plastic end. Apply the suction cup to a clean windshield and lift the lever to secure it. Ensure the windshield is clean before application. Lower the lever to remove the mount. If the suction cup loses grip, clean the suction area with soap and water, let it dry for 2 hours, and reapply.

1.5 Mounting the Camcorder

Mount the camcorder on the windshield where it does not obstruct your view, ideally to the right of or below the rearview mirror. Route the power cable neatly, tucking it into the car's headliner and molding to keep it out of your line of sight. Always check local laws regarding windshield obstructions before installation.

1.6 Startup

1.6.1 In-Car Use

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

1.6.2 In-Car / Interior Camera

The camcorder has a second built-in camera for recording the vehicle's interior. Press the Right button to switch the display view to the in-car camera. Video files from this camera are saved separately. Rotate the interior camera to adjust its view.

1.6.3 USB Cord / Computer Use

Connect the camcorder to your computer using the USB cable. The battery can charge while the camcorder is on or off. The camcorder will power on and present three modes: 'Mass Storage' (access files), 'PC Camera' (webcam function), and 'REC_mode' (normal function while connected to power). Use the Left or Right buttons to select a mode and press OK/Record to enter. Your camcorder acts as a memory card reader; access files via your computer's File Explorer under 'Removable Disk'.

1.6.4 Using the IR Night Vision Mode

The camcorder features infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision recording in low-light environments. The IR LEDs activate automatically when ambient light is low and turn off when it's high. Videos recorded in this mode will be in black and white.

1.6.5 Reset

If the camcorder freezes, insert a pointy object into the reset hole (located under the memory card door) to perform a reset and power cycle.

1.6.6 Internal Supercapacitor

The MNCD200NW uses a built-in supercapacitor for power backup, designed to save files if the power supply is suddenly cut. Capacitors are more reliable than batteries in extreme temperatures and harsh climates, offering greater resistance to heat and longer lifespan without degradation from charge cycles. They also eliminate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

2. Using Your Camcorder

Quick Use Instructions: Insert a memory card, connect the auxiliary power adapter to the camcorder's USB port and your car's power port. The camcorder will automatically power on and begin recording. Press the OK/Record button to start or stop recording at any time. You can remove the power adapter to automatically save the current recording and power off the camcorder.

3. Camcorder Operation

After inserting a MicroSD card and connecting to power, the camcorder powers on and begins recording automatically. Press the OK/Record button to stop recording. You can also manually power the camcorder on or off by pressing the Power button for 3 seconds. There are three operation modes: Video, Photo, and Playback. Cycle through modes using the Mode button. Modes cannot be changed while recording; recording must stop first.

3.1 Video Capture Mode

The camcorder defaults to Video Mode upon startup and begins recording. Press OK/Record to start/stop. Press the Right button to change the display view to the rear (in-car) camera.

3.2 Photo Capture Mode

To capture a photo, press the Mode button until the camera icon appears in the upper left corner of the screen (Photo Mode). Press the OK/Record button to take a photo.

3.3 Playback Mode

To review recorded files, press the Mode button until a previously captured file is displayed (most recent first). Navigate through files using the Left or Right buttons. To delete or protect files, press and hold the Mode button to access Playback mode settings. Press OK/Record to play or pause video clips. Press Mode again to exit Playback mode.

3.4 Main Screen and Icons Explanation

VIDEO MODE Icons:

• 1. VIDEO Mode: Indicates current mode.
• 2. Collision Sensitivity: Displays the set sensitivity level.
• 3. Video Resolution: Shows the selected video resolution.
• 4. Recording Time Remaining: Indicates available recording time.
• 5. Memory Card Inserted: Shows if a memory card is present.
• 6. Dashcam connected to power: Indicates power connection status.
• 7. Current Date: Displays the set date.
• 8. Current Time: Displays the set time.
• 9. Audio Recording Active: Shows if audio is being recorded.
• 10. Exposure Value: Indicates the current exposure setting.

PHOTO MODE Icons:

• 1. PHOTO Mode: Indicates current mode.
• 2. Photo Resolution: Shows the selected photo resolution.
• 3. Number of Pictures Remaining: Indicates how many photos can be taken.
• 4. Memory Card Inserted: Shows if a memory card is present.
• 5. Dashcam connected to power: Indicates power connection status.
• 6. Current Date: Displays the set date.
• 7. Current Time: Displays the set time.
• 8. Photo Quality: Shows the selected photo quality setting.
• 9. ISO: Displays the current ISO sensitivity.
• 10. White Balance: Shows the selected white balance setting.

4. Menu & Settings Interface

Settings menus cannot be accessed while the camcorder is recording. Stop recording before accessing settings.

4.1 Video Mode Settings

Customize video capture settings:

• Lock File: Press Mode during recording to protect the current video file from deletion. Press Mode again to unlock.
• Video Resolution: Select from 1080P (highest), 720P (higher), and VGA (lowest). Access via Mode (hold) > Video Resolution.
• Loop Recording: Set clip duration to Off, 1 Minute, 3 Minutes, or 5 Minutes. Access via Mode (hold) > Loop Recording.
• Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): Improves color and contrast. Select Off or On. Access via Mode (hold) > Wide Dynamic Range.
• Exposure: Adjust frame brightness from +3 to -3. Access via Mode (hold) > Exposure.
• Motion Detection: Automatically records when movement is detected. Stops after 20 seconds of no movement. Active only when powered on. Select Off or On. Access via Mode (hold) > Motion Detection.
• Audio Recording: Enable or disable the built-in microphone. Select Off or On. Access via Mode (hold) > Audio Recording.
• Date Stamp: Imprint date & time onto video files (cannot be removed later). Select Off or On. Access via Mode (hold) > Date Stamp.
• Collision Sensitivity: Sets sensitivity for automatic recording upon impact. Files are locked. Select Off, Low, Medium, or High. Access via Mode (hold) > Collision Sensitivity.
• Headlight Warning: Alerts if headlights are off in dark environments. Select Off or On. Access via Mode (hold) > Headlight Warning. Note: Do not rely solely on this feature.
• Night Vision: Controls IR LED lights. Select Off, On, or Auto. Access via Mode (hold) > Night Vision.

4.2 Photo Mode Settings

Customize photo capture settings:

• Photo Resolution: Select from VGA (lowest) up to 12 Mega Pixels (highest). Access via Mode (hold) > Photo Resolution.
• Photo Quality: Adjust compression level: Fine (high quality), Normal (medium), Economy (low). Access via Mode (hold) > Photo Quality.
• Photo Sharpness: Adjust detail: Strong (sharp), Normal (medium), Soft (duller). Access via Mode (hold) > Sharpness.
• White Balance: Adjust color temperature based on lighting: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent. Access via Mode (hold) > White Balance.
• Color: Apply color filter effects: Normal, Black and White, Sepia. Access via Mode (hold) > Color.
• ISO: Adjust light sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200, 400. Access via Mode (hold) > ISO.
• Exposure: Adjust frame brightness from +3 to -3. Access via Mode (hold) > Exposure.
• Quick Review: Review photo after capture for 2 or 5 seconds. Select Off, 2 Seconds, or 5 Seconds. Access via Mode (hold) > Quick Review.
• Date Stamp: Imprint date & time onto photos (cannot be removed later). Select Off or On. Access via Mode (hold) > Date Stamp.

4.3 Setup Mode

Access Setup Mode by pressing and holding the Mode button, then pressing Mode again. Settings include:

• Screen Saver: Auto-off timer for the LCD screen: Off, 30 Seconds, 1 Minute, 2 Minutes.
• Auto Power Off: Auto-off timer for the camcorder: Off, 3 Minutes, 5 Minutes, 10 Minutes.
• Frequency: Set power frequency based on region: 50Hz or 60Hz (default for US is 60Hz).
• Beep Sound: Enable or disable button press sounds: Off or On.
• Language: Select menu language: English, French, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese.
• Date/Time: Set date (YYYY/MM/DD) and time (HH:MM:SS, 24-hour format).
• WIFI: Enable or disable Wi-Fi for app connectivity. Select Off or On. If On, a QR code appears to download the 'Viidure' app. Note: WIFI can only be activated in Video mode.
• Format Memory Card: Erase all files on the memory card. Select Cancel or OK. Use with extreme caution; formatted data cannot be recovered.
• Restore Default Settings: Reset all menu settings to factory defaults. Select Cancel or OK. Media is not deleted.
• Version: Displays the current firmware version.

4.4 Playback Mode Settings

Ensure you are in Playback mode (press Mode twice from the main screen). Settings include:

• Delete: Delete recorded files: Delete Current or Delete All. Deleted media cannot be recovered. Only locked files are protected.
• Protect: Lock files to prevent deletion: Lock Current, Unlock Current, Lock All, Unlock All.
• Slide Show: View photos as a slideshow with adjustable intervals: 2 Seconds, 5 Seconds, or 8 Seconds. Press and hold Mode to end the slideshow.

4.5 Wireless Connectivity

4.5.1 Connecting to the Viidure App

To operate the MNCD200NW wirelessly, install the 'Viidure' app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also scan the provided QR code (not displayed here) to find the app.

1. In VIDEO mode, access Setup settings (hold Mode, then press Mode again).
2. Select WIFI and turn it On. Press OK/Record to exit the QR code screen.
3. Note the Network Name (SSID) and password displayed on the camcorder screen.
4. On your smartphone, connect to the network named "MNCD200NW" using the password "12345678".
5. Open the 'Viidure' app. Grant location permissions ("Allow While Using App" or "Allow Always") for proper communication. If "Don't Allow" is selected, the app will not connect. For iOS, ensure Location Services are enabled for the Viidure app in your phone's settings.
6. Tap "Add Camera" in the app to connect to the camcorder.

4.5.2 Operating the Viidure App

The camcorder can be controlled via your smartphone. When connected, it typically starts recording automatically. Use the app's icons to start/stop recording (pause symbol icon) and capture images (camera icon).

Visual description of app interface elements: The app displays controls for Video Mode and Photo Mode, allowing users to switch between them and capture content.

4.5.3 Viewing Media on the App

Tap "Camera File" in the app to view recorded images and videos stored on the memory card. Media can be saved to your smartphone or deleted directly from the app (deletions also remove files from the camcorder's memory card). Downloaded files are accessible in the "Album" section of the app.

4.5.4 Changing Camcorder Settings on the App

Access camcorder settings by tapping the gear icon (⚙️) located at the bottom right of the smartphone screen within the app.

5. Technical Specifications

Minolta is a registered trademark of JMM Lee Properties, LLC and is used in the United States by Elite Brands Inc. under license. Address: 40 Wall Street, 61st Floor, New York, NY 10005 USA. Phone: 800-441-1100. Websites: www.minoltadigital.com, www.elitebrands.com. Copyright © 2023 Elite Brands Inc.