PUB. DIM-0915-000
Digital Video Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Caméscope numérique
Manuel d'instruction
Videocámara digital
Manual de Instrucciones
English
Français
Español
Digital
Video
Cassette
Mini
NTSC
Important Usage Instructions
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
For Canada only:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING.
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
COPYRIGHT WARNING:
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright
owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
Digital Video Camcorder, ZR960 A systems
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 interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance 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 harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
Tel No. (516)328-5600
The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the
plug in case of an accident.
Important Warning
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
Introduction • 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In these safety instructions the word “apparatus” or
“product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder
ZR960 A and all its accessories.
18 Power Sources — The 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.
Regarding other power sources such as battery
power, refer to instructions in this manual.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
19 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
20 Objects and Liquid Entry — Never 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. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind
onto the product.
Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
8
9
Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
21 Servicing — Do 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.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
22 Power Sources — The CA-590 Compact Power
Adapter 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. Regarding other power sources
such as battery power, refer to instructions in this
manual.
10 Read instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
11 Retain instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference.
12 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
23 Lightning — For added protection of this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time,
disconnect it from the wall outlet and disconnect
the antenna. This will prevent damage to the
product due to lightning and power-line surges.
13 Follow instructions — All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
14 Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall
outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned
only as recommended in this manual.
24 Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this
product from the wall outlet and all power
sources including battery, and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:
15 Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do not use
the camera close to TV transmitters, portable
communication devices or other sources of
electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause
picture interference, or permanently damage the
camera.
a. When the plug is damaged.
b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects
have fallen into, the product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or
water.
16 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock
— Do not use this product near water or in rainy/
moist situations.
d. If the product does not operate normally even
if you follow the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are covered by the
operation instructions. 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.
17 Placing or Moving — Do not place 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. 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.
4 • Introduction
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet
has been damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance. This indicates a need for
service.
25 Replacement Parts — When replacement parts
are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts that are specified by
Canon or that have the same characteristics as
the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may
result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
26 Safety Check — Upon completion of any service
or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine
that the product is in safe operating order.
When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center
and please replace it with the same type number CA-590.
The adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas where 120 V AC power is not
used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your nearest Canon Service Center for further information.
The adapter is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be
returned to the manufacturer or be discarded.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Introduction • 5
Table of contents
6 • Table of contents
Table of contents • 7
8 • Table of contents
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR960. Please read this manual carefully before
you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail
to operate correctly, refer to Troubleshooting (
50).
Conventions Used in this Manual
•
•
•
IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.
NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions that apply if the function described is not
available in all operating modes (the operating mode to which the camcorder
should be set, etc.).
•
: Reference page number.
• “Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.
• The terms “photo” and “still image” are used interchangeably with the same
meaning.
• The photos included in the manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.
: Special Scene Recording Programs
Recording in a very bright ski resort or
capturing the full colors of a sunset or a
fireworks display becomes as easy as
selecting a Special Scene recording
program. For details about the available
The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the
switch. In this manual,
function is available and
function is not available.
indicates that a
indicates that the
options, refer to the sidebar on
page 33.
switch:
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch:
FUNC.
Brackets [ ] are used to refer to menu options and other
displays, exactly as they appear on the screen.
[
PROGRAM AE]
Desired recording program
FUNC.
Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick
are indicated within a “button” frame.
NOTES
Do not set the mode switch to
during the actual recording of a scene;
the brightness of the picture may
change abruptly.
·
For example
.
FUNC.
In this manual, the
arrow is used
to abbreviate menu selections. For a
detailed explanation refer to Using
the Menus (
Introduction • 9
Getting to Know the Camcorder
Supplied Accessories
CA-590 Compact Power
Adapter*
BP-2L5 Battery Pack
Lithium Button Battery
(CR1616)
STV-250N Stereo Video
Cable
* CA-590E including power cord, in Asia.
Online product registration for USA Customers only.
Register your product online at www.registercanon.com
9 Protect your product
We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you
refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
9 Receive information on new products and promotions
Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and promotions.
The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attachment unit of the camcorder. Write down
the number and other information here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid
identification in case of theft.
Date of Purchase:
Purchased From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
Model Name: ZR960 A
Serial No.:
10 • Introduction
Names of Parts
Lens cover switch (
Left side view
(
open,
closed)
Speaker (
27)
CHG (charge) indicator (
MIC (microphone) terminal (red) (
15)
36)
AV terminal (
Lock button
39)
switch
Mode switch (
Easy recording
Recording programs
Grip belt (
17)
Stereo microphone
Right side view
Front view
Introduction • 11
Joystick (
FUNC. button (
D.EFFECTS button (
Dioptric adjustment lever (
18)
Back view
23)
STANDBY indicator (
VIEWFINDER button (
Start/Stop button (
25)
15)
DC IN terminal (
LCD screen (
Serial number/
Battery attachment unit (
Backup battery compartment (
Cassette compartment cover
15)
17)
(
(
(
Top view
Zoom lever (
Tripod socket
25)
(
BATT. (battery release) switch (
Bottom view
12 • Introduction
Screen Displays
Recording Movies
Zoom (
25), Exposure
29)
(
33)
Recording program (
White balance (
Image effects (
LCD video light (
Digital effects (
35)
32)
Condensation warning (
56)
Shutter speed (
Self timer (
32)
Manual exposure (
Manual focus (
Image stabilizer (
Recording mode (
Tape operation (
33)
Playing Movies
46)
46)
Time code (hours : minutes : seconds)
Remaining battery charge (
Backup battery warning (
14)
Recording reminder (
Operating mode
(
mode):
Recording movies (
(
mode):
Playing back movies (
37)
Audio playback mode (
Speaker volume (
Searching for the end of the last scene
27)
(
Playback time
(hours : minutes : seconds : frames)
Joystick guide (
18)
Introduction • 13
Tape operation
Remaining battery charge
Record,
Record pause,
Stop,
Fast forward,
Playback,
Fast forward playback,
Rewind playback
Eject,
Rewind,
Playback pause,
• When
starts flashing in red, replace the
battery pack with a fully charged one.
• When you attach an empty battery pack, the
power may turn off without displaying the icon.
• Depending on the conditions under which the
camcorder and the battery pack are used, the
actual battery charge may not be indicated
accurately.
Remaining tape
Indicates the remaining time of the tape in minutes.
moves while recording.) When the tape
reaches its end, the display changes to “
• When the time left is less than 15 seconds, the
remaining tape time may not appear.
• Depending on the tape used, the remaining time
displayed may not be accurate. In any case, you
will be able to record on the tape the number of
minutes that appears on the cassette’s label (for
example, 85 minutes).
(
END”.
Recording reminder
The camcorder counts from 1 to 10 seconds when
you start recording. This is helpful to avoid scenes
that are too short.
14 • Introduction
Preparations
This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your
camcorder.
Getting Started
1 Plug the compact power adapter
Getting Started
into a power outlet.
Depending on the region of
purchase, a power cord for the
compact power adapter may have
been supplied as well. In that case,
connect the power cord to the
compact power adapter before
plugging it into the power outlet.
Charging the Battery Pack
The camcorder can be powered with a
battery pack or directly using the
compact power adapter. Charge the
battery pack before use.
For approximate charging times and
recording/playback times with a full
battery pack, refer to the tables on
2 Connect the compact power
adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
terminal.
CHG (charge) indicator
Remove the battery
terminal cover before
attaching the battery
3 Attach the battery pack to the
camcorder.
DC IN terminal
Press the battery pack lightly and
slide it up until it clicks.
4 Charging will start when the
switch is turned to
(CHG).
The CHG (charge) indicator starts
flashing. The indicator goes out
when charging is completed.
Preparations • 15
• The CHG (charge) indicator also serves
as a rough estimate of the battery
charge status.
TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK
Two quick flashes at 1-second intervals:
Battery pack at least 50% charged. If
the indicator flashes quickly but not
exactly in this pattern, refer to
Troubleshooting (
One flash at 1-second intervals: Battery
pack less than 50% charged.
• Charged battery packs continue to
discharge naturally. Therefore, charge
them on the day of use, or the day
before, to ensure a full charge.
• We recommend that you prepare battery
packs 2 to 3 times longer than you think
you might need.
BATT. switch
BATT.
1 Slide
in the direction of the
arrow and hold it pressed down.
2 Slide the battery pack down and
then pull it out
• USA and Canada only: The
Lithium ion/polymer battery
that powers the product is
recyclable. Please call
1-800-8-BATTERY for
IMPORTANT
information on how to recycle this battery.
• We recommend charging the battery
pack in temperatures between 10 °C
and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the
temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C
(32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.
• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC
IN terminal or to the compact power
adapter any electrical equipment that is
not expressly recommended for use
with this camcorder.
• To prevent equipment breakdowns and
excessive heating, do not connect the
supplied compact power adapter to
voltage converters for overseas travels
or special power sources such as those
on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters,
etc.
NOTES
• The battery pack will be charged only
when the camcorder is off.
• If remaining battery time is an issue, you
can power the camcorder using the
compact power adapter so the battery
pack will not be consumed.
16 • Preparations
Installing the Backup Battery
Preparing the Accessories
The backup battery (CR1616 lithium
button battery) allows the camcorder to
retain the date, time (
20) and other
camcorder settings while the power
source is disconnected. Connect a power
source to the camcorder when replacing
the backup battery to retain the settings.
Fasten the grip belt.
Adjust the grip belt so that you can
reach the zoom lever with your index
finger, and the Start/Stop button with
your thumb.
TO ATTACH A SHOULDER STRAP
1 Remove the battery pack, if one is
attached.
2 Open the backup battery cover.
3 Insert the backup battery with the
+ side facing out.
Pass the ends of the optional
shoulder strap through the strap
mount on the grip belt and adjust the
length of the strap.
4 Close the cover.
NOTES
The battery life of the backup battery is
about one year.
flashes in red when
the lithium button battery is not installed,
or when it needs to be replaced.
Preparations • 17
Basic Operation of the Camcorder
Basic Operation of the
Camcorder
Joystick and Joystick Guide
Use the joystick to operate the
camcorder’s menus.
Selecting an Option from the FUNC. Menu
Push the joystick up, down, left
or right (
,
) to select an
item or change settings.
Press the joystick itself (
) to
save the settings or confirm an
action. On menu screens, this is
FUNC.
1 Press
.
indicated by the icon
.
2 Select (
) the icon of the
function you want to change from
the left side column.
Press
to display/hide the joystick
guide (when recording, the joystick
guide will appear only when the mode
Menu items not available will appear
grayed out.
switch is set to
). The functions that
3 Select ( ) the desired setting
from the available options at the
bottom bar.
appear on the joystick guide will
change depending on the operating
mode.
• The selected option will be
highlighted in light blue.
• With some settings you will need
to make further selections and/or
Using the Menus
press
. Follow the additional
operation guides that will appear
on the screen (such as the joystick
icon , small arrows, etc.).
Many of the camcorder’s functions can
be adjusted from the menus that open
FUNC.
FUNC.
after pressing
.
4 Press
to save the settings
and close the menu.
For details about the available menu
options and settings, refer to the
FUNC.
You can press
menu at any time.
to close the
appendix Menu Options Lists (
45).
18 • Preparations
First Time Settings
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus
First Time Settings
Changing the Language
The language for on-screen and menu
displays can be changed. The list of
available languages depends on the
region where you purchased the
camcorder.
FUNC.
1 Press
.
2 Select (
) [
MENU] and press
to open the setup menus.
switch:
FUNC.
You can also hold
down for more than 1 second to open
directly the setup menus screen.
pressed
Default value
Language Set A
3 Select (
) the desired menu from
the left side column and press
German, English , Spanish, French, Italian,
Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified
Chinese and Japanese.
.
The title of the selected menu
appears on top of the screen and
under it the list of settings.
Language Set B
English , Simplified Chinese, Traditional
Chinese and Korean.
4 Select (
) the setting you want
FUNC.
to change and press
.
[
[
MENU]
DISPLAY SETUP/
• An orange frame will indicate the
menu item currently selected.
Menu items not available will
appear grayed out.
]
[LANGUAGE]
Desired language
FUNC.
• To return to the menu selection
screen, select ( ) [
and press
RETURN]
.
NOTES
• If you changed the language by mistake,
5 Select (
) the desired option and
to save the setting.
press
follow the mark next to the menu
item to change the setting.
6 Press
You can press
menu at any time.
.
FUNC.
FUNC.
to close the
• The display
that appears in some
menu screens refers to the name of the
button on the camcorder and will not
change, regardless of the language
selected.
Preparations • 19
Getting Ready to Start Recording
Changing the Time Zone
Getting Ready to Start
Recording
Change the time zone to match your
location. The default setting is New
York or Singapore, depending on the
region of purchase.
Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting
the LCD Screen
switch:
Before you start recording, open the
lens cover.
FUNC.
[
[
MENU]
DATE/TIME SETUP]
[T.ZONE/DST]
Desired time zone*
FUNC.
* To adjust for daylight saving time, select the
area name marked with a
.
Move the lens cover switch down to
to open the lens cover.
Setting the Date and Time
Rotating the LCD Panel
switch:
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.
You can rotate the panel 90 degrees
downward.
1 Open the date and time setup
screen.
FUNC.
[
MENU]
180°
[
DATE/TIME SETUP]
[DATE/TIME]
Blinking arrows will be displayed
around the first field of the date.
2 Change each field of the date and
time with the joystick (
) and
move ( ) to the next field.
90°
3 Press to start the clock.
FUNC.
4 Press
to close the menu.
You can rotate the panel 180 degrees
toward the lens (allowing the subject to
monitor the LCD screen while you use
NOTES
the viewfinder (
23)). Rotating the
You can also change the date format
49).
LCD panel 180 degrees can be useful
also when you wish to include yourself
in the picture when recording with the
self timer.
(
20 • Preparations
Inserting and Removing a Tape
Use only videocassettes marked with
the
logo.
Subject can monitor the
LCD screen
NOTES
About the LCD and viewfinder screen: The
screens are produced using extremely
high-precision manufacturing techniques,
with more than 99.99% of the pixels
operating to specification. Less than
0.01% of the pixels may occasionally
misfire or appear as black, red, blue or
green dots. This has no effect on the
recorded image and does not constitute a
malfunction.
OPEN/EJECT
1 Slide
fully in the
direction of the arrow and open
the cassette compartment cover.
The cassette compartment opens
automatically.
LCD Backlight
You can set the brightness of the LCD
screen to normal or bright.
2 Insert the cassette.
• Insert the cassette with the window
facing the grip belt.
switch:
• To remove a cassette pull it straight
out.
FUNC.
[
[
MENU]
DISPLAY SETUP/
]
[BACKLIGHT]
Desired option
FUNC.
NOTES
• This setting does not affect the
brightness of the recordings or the
viewfinder screen.
• Using the [BRIGHT] setting will shorten
the effective usage time of the battery
pack.
Preparations • 21
3 Press the
mark on the
cassette compartment until it
clicks.
IMPORTANT
• Do not interfere with the cassette
compartment while it is opening or
closing automatically, or attempt to
close the cover before the cassette
compartment has fully retracted.
• Be careful not to get your fingers caught
in the cassette compartment cover.
NOTES
If the camcorder is connected to a power
source, cassettes can be inserted/
4 Wait for the cassette compartment
to retract automatically and close
the cassette compartment cover.
removed even if the
to (CHG).
switch is set
22 • Preparations
Video
This chapter covers functions related to shooting and playing back
movies – from basic recording and zooming to more advanced manual
picture adjustments.
Basic Recording
Start/Stop
3 Press
to begin
Basic Recording
recording.
Press Start/Stop again to pause the
recording.
Shooting Video
WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED RECORDING
1
Close the lens cover and the LCD
panel
.
Before You Begin Recording
Make a test recording first to check if the
camcorder operates correctly. If
2 Turn off the camcorder.
3 Remove the tape.
necessary, clean the video heads (
2).
4 Disconnect the power source and
remove the battery pack.
switch:
Using the Viewfinder
When recording in bright places it
may be difficult to use the LCD
screen. In such case, change the
brightness of the LCD screen
(
VIEWFINDER
instead. Press
to
activate the viewfinder along with the
LCD panel. Close the LCD panel to
use only the viewfinder.
1 Move the lens cover switch down
to to open the lens cover.
Adjust the viewfinder as necessary
with the dioptric adjustment lever.
2 Holding the lock button pressed
down, set the
CAMERA.
switch to
Video • 23
NOTES
Changing the Aspect Ratio of the
Recordings (Widescreen / 4:3)
• About the recording time: By changing the
recording mode you can change the
video quality and as a result, also the
The default aspect ratio of movies is
16:9 (widescreen). Follow the procedure
below to change it to 4:3.
available recording time (
• Previous recordings overwritten by a
new recording cannot be recovered.
Before you start recording, search for
switch:
the end of the last recording (
• To protect the tape and video heads, the
camcorder will enter the stop mode (
if left in record pause ( ) mode for
4 minutes 30 seconds. To resume
recording press Start/Stop
• About the Power Save mode: If [POWER
camcorder will shut off automatically to
save power when it is powered by a
battery pack and is left without any
operation for 5 minutes. To restore the
power, turn the camcorder off and then
on again.
28).
FUNC.
[
[
MENU]
CAMERA SETUP]
)
[WIDESCREEN]
[
OFF]
.
FUNC.
NOTES
• Playing back a widescreen recording: TV
sets compatible with the Video ID-1
system will switch automatically to 16:9
mode. Otherwise, change the aspect
ratio of the TV manually.
• When recording in very loud places
(such as fireworks shows or concerts),
sound may become distorted or it may
not be recorded at the actual levels. This
is not a malfunction.
• To play back on a TV with normal aspect
ratio (4:3) change the [TV TYPE] setting
accordingly (
47).
About the mode switch and recording programs
Set the mode switch to
to let the
camcorder adjust all the settings for you,
allowing you to just point the camcorder and
start shooting.
Set the mode switch to
The Special Scene recording programs (
way to select the optimal settings to match special recording
to select one of the recording programs.
29) offer a convenient
conditions. The [ PROGRAM AE] recording program (
the other hand, allows you to set the shutter speed manually and
enjoy the flexibility to change other settings.
31), on
24 • Video
Using the Zoom
Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital
Zoom
W
The camcorder offers three types of
zoom: optical, advanced and digital
zoom. You can also change the zoom
speed.
Zoom out
Zoom in
T
switch:
Selecting the Zoom Type
Options
Default value
Move the zoom lever toward W to
zoom out (wide-angle). Move it
toward T to zoom in (telephoto).
Press gently for slower zooms; press
harder for faster zooms. You can also
[OPTICAL] (37x)
The zoom range is limited to the optical
magnification ratio of the lens.
[ADVANCED] (41x)
set [ZOOM SPEED] (
46) to one of
three constant speeds (3 is the fastest,
1 the slowest).
When recording movies with a 16:9 aspect ratio,
in addition to the optical zoom range, the
camcorder processes the image digitally to
obtain a larger zoom range without any
deterioration in image quality. Note that the angle
of view will be wider at both full telephoto and
full wide-angle.
NOTES
• Keep at least 1 m (3.3 ft.) to the subject.
At full wide-angle, you can focus on a
subject as close as 1 cm (0.39 in.).
• When [ZOOM SPEED] is set to [
VARIABLE], the zoom speed will be
faster in record pause mode than when
actually recording.
[DIGITAL] (2000x)
When this option is selected, the camcorder will
switch to digital zoom (light blue area on the
zoom indicator) when you zoom in beyond the
optical zoom range (white area on the zoom
indicator). With the digital zoom, the image is
processed digitally so image quality will
deteriorate the more you zoom in.
Quick Start Function
FUNC.
When you close the LCD panel in
mode, the camcorder enters
[
[
MENU]
CAMERA SETUP]
the standby mode. In standby mode the
camcorder consumes only about half
the power used when recording, saving
energy when you are using a battery
pack. Additionally, when you open the
LCD panel, the camcorder is ready to
start recording in approximately 1
[ZOOM TYPE]
FUNC.
Desired option
NOTES
The advanced zoom cannot be selected if
[WIDESCREEN] is set to [ OFF].
Video • 25
• You can select the length of time until
shut-off or turn off the Quick Start
function altogether with the [QUICK
second*, ensuring you do not miss
important shooting opportunities.
* The actual time required varies depending
on the shooting conditions.
START] setting (
49).
• Opening the cassette compartment
cover while the camcorder is in standby
mode will reactivate the camcorder.
switch:
1 With the camcorder on, close the
LCD panel.
• If you are using the viewfinder and
the LCD panel is closed, press
VIEWFINDER
to enter the standby
Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded
mode.
• A beep will sound and the orange
STANDBY indicator will turn on to
indicate the camcorder entered
standby mode.
switch:
2 When you wish to resume
recording, open the LCD panel.
• STANDBY indicator goes out and
the camcorder is ready to record.
VIEWFINDER
• You can also press
resume recording using the
viewfinder with the LCD panel
closed.
to
IMPORTANT
EXP
Do not disconnect the power source while
the camcorder is in standby mode
(STANDBY indicator is lit in orange).
FOCUS
1 Set the mode switch to
.
NOTES
2 Press
to display the joystick
guide.
• If you close the LCD panel under some
circumstances (for example, while a
menu is being displayed), the
camcorder may not enter standby
mode. Check that the orange STANDBY
indicator turns on.
• The camcorder will shut off if left in
standby mode for 10 minutes,
regardless of the [POWER SAVE] setting
3 Push the joystick ( ) momentarily
toward and release it.
• The camcorder will play back a few
seconds of the last recording made
and return to record pause mode.
• You can also hold the joystick
pressed down ( ) toward
or
(
) toward to play back the tape
(
camcorder shut off, turn the camcorder
off and then on again.
(backward or forward respectively) in
order to locate the point where you
want to start recording.
26 • Video
Basic Playback
TO ADJUST THE VOLUME
Basic Playback
During the playback of a scene:
FUNC.
[
SPEAKER VOLUME]
Playing Back Video
Adjust ( ) the volume
FUNC.
switch:
FAST PLAYBACK
Press
Push the joystick ( ) toward
) toward and hold it pressed
to display the joystick guide.
or
(
down to play back while rewinding or
fast forwarding the tape, respectively.
During fast playback you may notice
some anomalies (blocky video,
artifacts, banding, etc.) in the playback
picture.
NOTES
• You can display the date and time of the
recording (
• To protect the tape and video heads, the
camcorder will enter the stop mode (
if left in playback pause ( ) mode for
4 minutes 30 seconds. To resume the
playback push the joystick ( ) toward
28).
)
1 Holding the lock button pressed
down, set the
PLAY.
switch to
/
.
• Sound from the speaker will be muted
when the LCD panel is closed in order
to use the viewfinder for playback.
2 Press
guide.
to display the joystick
3 Locate the point where you want
to begin the playback.
Push the joystick ( ) toward
rewind the tape or ( ) toward
to fast forward.
to
4 Push the joystick ( ) toward
to begin the playback.
/
• Push the joystick ( ) toward
/
again to pause the playback.
• Push the joystick ( ) toward
stop the playback.
to
Video • 27
Locating the End of the Last Scene
On-Screen Displays (Data Code)
After playing back a tape, use this
function to locate the end of the last
scene recorded in order to continue
recording from that point.
The camcorder keeps a data code
containing the date and time of
recording. You can select the data to be
displayed.
switch:
switch:
Options
OFF]
No data code display.
DATE], [ TIME]
Default value
POINTS TO CHECK
[
Stop the playback before using this
function.
FUNC.
[
[
END SEARCH]
[EXECUTE]
Displays the date or time when the scene was
recorded.
• [END SEARCH] appears.
• The camcorder rewinds/fast forwards
the tape, plays back the last few
seconds of the recording and stops
the tape.
[
DATE & TIME]
Displays both the date and time of the recording.
• To cancel the end search push the
FUNC.
joystick ( ) toward
.
[
[
MENU]
DISPLAY SETUP/
]
NOTES
[DATA CODE]
Desired option
FUNC.
• End search cannot be used once you
remove the cassette.
• If there are blank sections between
recordings, the end search may not
work correctly.
28 • Video
Advanced Functions
- Autofocus may not work as well as in
other modes. In such case, adjust the
focus manually.
Advanced Functions
• [ SNOW]/[ BEACH]
- The subject may become
overexposed on cloudy days or in
shaded places. Check the image on
the screen.
: Special Scene Recording Programs
• [ FIREWORKS]
Recording in a very bright ski resort or
capturing the full colors of a sunset or a
fireworks display becomes as easy as
selecting a Special Scene recording
program. For details about the available
options, refer to the sidebar on
- To avoid camcorder blur (blur due to
the camcorder moving), we
recommend using a tripod.
switch:
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch:
FUNC.
[
PROGRAM AE]
Desired recording program
FUNC.
NOTES
• Do not set the mode switch to
during the actual recording of a scene;
the brightness of the picture may
change abruptly.
• [ PORTRAIT]/[ SPORTS]/
[
BEACH]/[ SNOW]
- The picture may not appear smooth
during playback.
• [ PORTRAIT]
- The blur effect of the background
increases the more you zoom in (
T).
• [ NIGHT]
- Moving subjects may leave a trailing
afterimage.
- Picture quality may not be as good as
in other modes.
- White points may appear on the
screen.
Video • 29
[
PROGRAM AE]
[
PORTRAIT]
The camcorder
sets the aperture
and shutter
The camcorder
uses a large
aperture, achieving
a focus on the
speed.
subject while blurring other distracting
details.
[
SPORTS]
[
NIGHT]
Use this mode to
record sports
scenes such as
tennis or golf.
Use this mode to
record in low-light
conditions.
[
SNOW]
[
BEACH]
Use this mode to
record in bright ski
resorts. It prevents
the subject from
Use this mode to
record on a sunny
beach. It prevents
the subject from
being underexposed.
being underexposed.
[
SUNSET]
[
SPOTLIGHT]
Use this mode to
record sunsets in
vibrant colors.
Use this mode to
record spotlit
scenes.
[
FIREWORKS]
Use this mode to
record fireworks.
30 • Video
1/250, 1/500, 1/1000
Flexible Recording: Changing the
Shutter Speed
To record from within a moving car or train or to
shoot fast-moving subjects such as roller
coasters.
Use the automatic exposure (AE)
program to use functions like the white
balance or image effects, or to select
the shutter speed.
1/2000
To record outdoor sports scenes on sunny days.
Use faster shutter speeds to record
subjects moving quickly. Use slower
shutter speeds to add motion blur,
emphasizing the feel of movement.
NOTES
• Do not set the mode switch to
during the actual recording of a scene;
the brightness of the picture may
change abruptly.
switch:
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch:
FUNC.
• [ PROGRAM AE]
- When setting the shutter speed, the
number displayed will flash if the value
selected is not appropriate for the
recording conditions. In such case,
select a different value.
- If you use a slow shutter speed in dark
places, you can obtain a brighter
image, but the image quality may be
lower, and the autofocus may not work
well.
- The image may flicker when recording
with high shutter speeds.
- Recording movies under fluorescent lights:
If the screen starts to flicker, select
PROGRAM AE] and set the shutter
speed to 1/100.
1 Press
.
2 Select the [ PROGRAM AE]
PROGRAM AE] is the default
[
value; proceed directly to step 3 if
you have not changed the recording
program.
3 Select the shutter speed from the
setup menus.
FUNC.
[
MENU]
[
[
CAMERA SETUP]
[SHUTTER] Desired shutter
- The shutter speed resets to [
when you set the mode switch to
or change the recording program.
AUTO]
FUNC.
speed
Shutter speed guidelines
Note that on screen only the
denominator is displayed – [ 250]
indicates a shutter speed of 1/250
second, etc.
1/60
To record under most ordinary conditions.
1/100
To record indoor sports scenes.
Video • 31
LCD Video Light
Self Timer
You can use the brightness of the LCD
screen (LCD video light) to record in
completely dark places. For a brighter
picture, we recommend keeping a
distance of about 20 cm - 60 cm (8 in. -
2 ft.) from the subject and/or using the
switch:
1 Activate the self timer.
FUNC.
[
MENU]
[
CAMERA SETUP]
[SELF TIMER]
[
ON
]
[
NIGHT] recording program.
FUNC.
2 Press
to close the menu.
switch:
appears.
Start/Stop
3 Press
to start recording.
1 Turn on the LCD video light.
FUNC.
The camcorder starts recording after
a 10-second countdown. The
countdown appears on the screen.
[
[
LCD LIGHT OFF]
LCD LIGHT ON]
Press
FUNC.
NOTES
2 Rotate the LCD panel toward the
lens and point it in the direction of
the subject.
Once the countdown has begun, you can
Start/Stop
press
again or turn off the
camcorder to cancel the self timer.
VIEWFINDER
3 Press
to turn on the
viewfinder.
Use the viewfinder to continue
recording.
Manual Focus Adjustment
TO TURN OFF THE LCD VIDEO LIGHT
Autofocus may not work well on the
following subjects. In such case, focus
manually.
1 Using the viewfinder, repeat step 1
above, selecting [
OFF] instead.
LCD LIGHT
• Reflective surfaces
• Subjects with low contrast or without
vertical lines
• Fast moving subjects
• Through wet windows
• Night scenes
Closing the LCD panel will also turn
off the LCD video light.
VIEWFINDER
2 Press
to turn off the
viewfinder’s display.
switch:
POINTS TO CHECK
Adjust the zoom before you start the
procedure.
Mode switch:
32 • Video
• Pushing the joystick ( ) toward
[FOCUS] again will return the
camcorder to autofocus.
BACK
• If you operate the zoom or the
FOCUS
joystick (
),
changes back
to [MF] and the camcorder returns
to manual focusing mode.
1 Press
guide.
to display the joystick
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward
[BACK] to save the focus
adjustment.
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward
[FOCUS] to activate the manual
focus.
[FOCUS] on the joystick guide will be
displayed in light blue and [MF]
appears on the screen.
NOTES
The camcorder will automatically return to
autofocus when you set the mode switch
3 Adjust (
necessary.
) the focus as
to
.
• Push the joystick ( ) toward
for a farther focal distance or push
it ( ) toward
distance.
• Pushing the joystick ( ) toward
[FOCUS] again will return the
camcorder to autofocus.
for a closer focal
Manual Exposure Adjustment
At times, backlit subjects may appear
too dark (underexposed) or subjects
under very strong lights may appear too
bright or glaring (overexposed). To
correct this, you can manually adjust
the exposure.
4 Push the joystick ( ) toward
[BACK] to save the focus
adjustment.
Infinity Focus
Use this function when you wish to
focus on faraway subjects such as
mountains or fireworks.
switch:
POINTS TO CHECK
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch:
(except for the
[
FIREWORKS] recording program).
Adjust the zoom before you start the
procedure.
Mode switch:
EXP
BACK
BACK
1 Press
guide.
to display the joystick
FOCUS
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward
[EXP].
[EXP] on the joystick guide changes
to light blue and the exposure
1 Keep the joystick pushed (
)
toward [FOCUS] for more than
2 seconds.
• [MF] changes to
.
adjustment indicator
and the
Video • 33
neutral value “ 0” appear on the
screen.
[
TUNGSTEN]
For recording under tungsten and tungsten type
(3-wavelength) fluorescent lighting.
3 Adjust (
) the brightness of the
image as required.
[
SET]
• The adjustment range and the
length of the exposure adjustment
indicator will vary depending on
the initial brightness of the picture.
• Pushing the joystick ( ) toward
[EXP] again will return the
Use the custom white balance setting to make
white objects appear white under colored
lighting.
FUNC.
camcorder to automatic exposure.
[
AUTO]
Desired option*
4 Push the joystick ( ) toward
[BACK] to lock and save the
exposure setting.
If you operate the zoom during
exposure lock, the brightness of the
image may change.
FUNC.
* When you select [ SET], do not press
FUNC.
and continue instead with the
procedure below.
TO SET THE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE
1 Point the camcorder at a white
object, zoom in until it fills the
White Balance
whole screen and press
.
When the adjustment is completed,
stops flashing and stays on.
The white balance function helps you
accurately reproduce colors under
different lighting conditions so that
white objects will always look truly
white in your recordings.
FUNC.
2 Press
to save the setting
and close the menu.
The camcorder retains the custom
setting even if you turn off the
camcorder.
switch:
NOTES
POINTS TO CHECK
• When you select the custom white balance:
- Set the custom white balance in a
sufficiently illuminated place.
Recording program: [ PROGRAM AE]
Options
AUTO]
Default value
- Select a zoom type other than
[
DIGITAL] (
25).
[
- Reset the white balance when the
lighting conditions change.
- Depending on the light source,
may keep flashing. The result will still
be better than with [ AUTO].
The camcorder automatically sets the white
balance for natural looking colors.
[
DAYLIGHT]
For recording outdoors on a bright day.
34 • Video
• In the following cases, if the colors on
the screen do not look natural using the
Digital Effects
[
AUTO] setting, try using the custom
white balance.
- Changing lighting conditions
- Close-ups
switch:
- Subjects in a single color (sky, sea or
forest)
- Under mercury lamps and certain
types of fluorescent lights
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch:
Options
Default value
[
D.EFFECT OFF]
Image Effects
Select this setting when you do not intend to
use the digital effects.
You can use the image effects to
change the color saturation and
contrast to record images with special
color effects.
[
FADE-T] (fade trigger), [
WIPE]
Select one of the faders to begin or end a scene
with a fade from or to a black screen.
switch:
[
BLK&WHT]
Records images in black and white.
SEPIA]
POINTS TO CHECK
[
Recording program: [ PROGRAM AE]
Records images in sepia tones for an “old”
look.
Options
IMAGE EFFECT OFF]
Records with no image enhancing effects.
VIVID]
Emphasizes the contrast and color saturation.
NEUTRAL]
Tones down the contrast and color saturation.
SOFT SKIN DETAIL]
Default value
[
[
ART], [
MOSAIC]
Select one of these digital effects to add
“flavor” to your recordings.
[
Setting
[
FUNC.
[
D.EFFECT OFF]
Desired option*
[
FUNC.
**
Softens the details in the skin tone area for a
more complimentary appearance.
* While making the selection, you can
preview the effect on the screen.
** The icon of the selected effect appears.
FUNC.
[
IMAGE EFFECT OFF]
Desired option
FUNC.
Video • 35
: ...while recording or in record
pause mode.
: ...during playback.
Applying
NOTES
• When you apply a fader, not only the
picture but also the sound will fade in or
out. When you apply an effect, the
sound will be recorded normally.
• The camcorder retains the last setting
used even if you turn off the digital
effects or change the recording
program.
• The digital effects are not available
when [TV TYPE] is set to [NORMAL TV]
and the stereo video cable is connected
to the AV terminal.
D.EFFECTS
Press
to activate the
fader/effect.
• The icon of the selected digital effect
turns green.
D.EFFECTS
• Press
again to deactivate
the digital effect.
TO FADE IN
Using an External Microphone
D.EFFECTS
Press
...
: ...in record pause mode, then
Start/Stop
press
to start recording with a
You can use a commercially available
microphone, for example to record
audio more accurately.
fade in.
: ...in playback pause mode,
then push the joystick ( ) toward
to fade in and start the playback.
switch:
/
Connect the external microphone to
the MIC terminal.
TO FADE OUT
D.EFFECTS
Press
...
: ...while recording, then press
Start/Stop
to fade out and pause the
recording.
: ...during playback, then push
the joystick ( ) toward to fade
out and pause the playback.
/
NOTES
• Use commercially available condenser
microphones with their own power
supply. You can connect almost any
stereo microphone with a ∅ 3.5 mm
plug but audio recording levels may
vary.
TO ACTIVATE AN EFFECT
D.EFFECTS
Press
...
36 • Video
• When an external microphone is
connected to the camcorder, [WIND
SCREEN] will automatically be set to
addition to the original recorded audio
(Stereo 1).
switch:
[
OFF
].
Options
STEREO1]
Original sound only.
STEREO2]
Dubbed audio only.
MIX/FIXED]
Default value
[
Audio Playback Modes
[
Selecting the Audio Channel
You can select what audio channel to
play back when playing back a tape
with audio recorded on two channels
(either stereo sound or bilingual audio
signals).
[
Mixed audio with the original sound and the
dubbed audio at the same level.
[
MIX/VAR.]
Mixed audio where the balance between the
original sound ( ) and the dubbed audio
switch:
Options
Default value
(
) can be adjusted.
[
L/R]
FUNC.
Left and right channels (stereo) / Main and sub
signals (bilingual).
[
[
MENU]
AUDIO SETUP]
Desired option*
[
L/L]
[12bit AUDIO]
FUNC.
Left channel only (stereo) / Main signal only
(bilingual).
* When you select [
mix balance with the [MIX BALANCE]
MIX/VAR.], adjust the
[
R/R]
Right channel only (stereo) / Sub signal only
(bilingual).
FUNC.
[
[
MENU]
AUDIO SETUP]
[OUTPUT CH]
Desired option
FUNC.
Selecting the Audio Track on a Tape with
Dubbed Audio
You can select the audio track to play
back when playing back a tape that has
a dubbed audio track (Stereo 2) in
Video • 37
External Connections
This chapter explains step-by-step how to connect your camcorder to
an external device such as a TV, VCR, or computer.
Connecting to
a
TV or VCR
Connecting to a TV or VCR
AV Terminal
Sound from the built-in speaker will be muted while
the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable is connected to the
camcorder.
DV Terminal
Check the type and orientation of the terminal and
make sure you connect the DV cable properly.
Open the LCD panel to access.
38 • External Connections
Connection Diagrams
Turn off all the devices when making the connections and refer also to the instruction
manual of the connected device.
Terminal on the
Camcorder
Terminal on the
Connected Device
Connecting Cable
Output connection (signal flow ) to a TV or VCR with AV Terminals.
1
VIDEO
Yellow
AUDIO
L
White
Red
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
(supplied)
R
2
Output connection (signal flow ) to a high-definition TV with a DV (IEEE1394) terminal.
Input connection (signal flow ) from a TV or other digital video source with a DV (IEEE1394) output.
4-pin
DV cable
(commercially available)
6-pin*
* Be careful to correctly insert the 6-pin plug into the DV terminal. Inserting it in the wrong direction
can result in damage to the camcorder.
External Connections • 39
Playback on a TV Screen
Copying your Recordings to an External
Video Recorder
The quality of the playback picture will
vary depending on the connected TV
and the type of connection used.
You can copy your recordings by
connecting the camcorder to a VCR or
a digital video device. When recording
to a digital video recorder using the DV
terminal, you can copy recordings with
virtually no generation loss in video and
sound quality.
switch:
POINTS TO CHECK
Before making the connections, select the
[TV TYPE] setting according to the TV set
to which you will connect the camcorder
switch:
(
Connecting
Connecting
Connect the camcorder to a VCR or
other analog device using connection
Connect the camcorder to the TV
following one of the connection
diagrams shown in Connection
1
type , or to a DVD recorder or other
digital recording device using
2
connection type , as shown in
Diagrams (
39).
Playback
Recording
1 Turn on the camcorder and the
connected TV or VCR.
On a TV: Select as the video input
the same terminal to which you
connected the camcorder.
On a VCR: Set the input selector to
the external video input (usually
labeled LINE IN).
1 This camcorder: Load the
recorded cassette.
2 Connected device: Load a blank
cassette or disc and set the device
to record pause mode.
3 This camcorder: Locate the scene
you wish to copy and pause the
playback shortly before the scene.
4 This camcorder: Resume the
movie playback.
NOTES
When using an analog connection
you can include in the copy also the
date/time of the original recording
• Turn off all the devices before starting
the connections.
• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.
(
28).
5 Connected device: Begin
recording when the scene you
wish to copy appears. Stop
recording when copying is
complete.
6 This camcorder: Stop playback.
40 • External Connections
2 Set the camcorder in record pause
NOTES
mode.
FUNC.
[
REC PAUSE]
• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.
• When recording to a VCR using an
analog connection –connection type
[EXECUTE]
3 Connected device: Start the
playback.
In record pause mode and while
recording you can check the picture
on the camcorder’s screen.
1
(
39)–, the quality of the edited tape
will be lower than the original.
• When recording to a digital video
recorder using the DV terminal
2
–connection type
(
39)–:
- If the picture does not appear,
disconnect the DV cable and restore
the connection after a short while or
turn the camcorder off and then on
again.
- Proper operation cannot be
guaranteed for all digital devices
equipped with a DV terminal. If the
operation does not work, use the AV
terminal.
4 When the scene you wish to
record appears, push the joystick
(
) toward
recording.
Recording starts.
/
to begin
5 While recording, push the joystick
) toward to record pause.
In record pause mode, push the
(
/
joystick ( ) toward
resume recording.
/
again to
Digital Video Dubbing
6 Push the joystick ( ) toward
stop recording.
to
You can input video from other digital
video devices and record the input
video on the tape in the camcorder.
7 Connected device: Stop the
playback.
IMPORTANT
switch:
• Blank sections may be recorded as
anomalous picture.
• If the picture does not appear,
disconnect the DV cable and restore the
connection after a short while or turn the
camcorder off and then on again.
Connecting
Connect the camcorder to the video
input source using the digital
connection –connection type
2
(
• You can only record video signals in DV
standard (standard definition, SP or LP
mode) from devices carrying the
logo. Note that signals from identically
shaped DV (IEEE1394) terminals may be
in different video standards.
Diagrams.
Dubbing
1 Load a blank tape in the
camcorder and load the recorded
(source) tape or disc in the
connected device.
External Connections • 41
NOTES
We recommend powering the camcorder
using the compact power adapter.
Copyright Signal
Certain software tapes are copyright
protected. If you attempt to play back
such tape, [COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED] appears and
you will not be able to view the contents of
the tape. If you attempt to record from
such tape via the DV terminal,
[COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING
RESTRICTED] appears and you will not be
able to record the contents of the tape.
42 • External Connections
Connecting to
a
Computer
Connecting to a Computer
DV Terminal
Check the type and orientation of the terminal and
make sure you connect the DV cable properly.
Open the LCD panel to access
PC Connection Diagram
Terminal on the
Camcorder
Terminal on the
Connected Device
Connecting Cable
Output connection (signal flow ) to a computer with a DV (IEEE1394) terminal or a DV capture board.
1
4-pin
DV cable
(commercially available)
6-pin*
* Be careful to correctly insert the 6-pin plug into the DV terminal. Inserting it in the wrong direction
can result in damage to the camcorder.
External Connections • 43
• Before connecting the camcorder to the
computer using a DV cable, make sure
that no other IEEE1394 device is
connected to the computer.
• Depending on the video editing
software, you may need to set the
switch on the camcorder to a
mode other than PLAY. Refer to the
instruction manual of the editing
software.
Transferring Video Recordings
You can transfer recordings to a
computer using the DV terminal.
Equipment and System Requirements
• A computer equipped with an
IEEE1394 (DV) terminal or an
IEEE1394 (DV) capturing board.
• A DV cable (commercially available).
• Video editing software.
NOTES
• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.
• Refer also to the instruction manual of
the computer.
• The appropriate driver.
A driver is preinstalled on Windows
operating systems later than Windows
98 Second Edition and Mac operating
systems later than Mac OS 9, and will
be installed automatically.
Connecting
1 Start the computer.
2 Connect the camcorder to the
computer using the DV connection
–connection type 1 (
43)–
shown in PC Connection Diagram.
3 Set the camcorder to
mode.
4 Start the video editing software.
Refer to the instruction manual of the
editing software.
IMPORTANT
• The video transfer may not work
correctly depending on the software and
the specifications/settings of your
computer.
• If the computer freezes while the
camcorder is connected to it,
disconnect the DV cable and turn off the
camcorder and the computer. After a
short while, turn them on again, set the
camcorder to
mode and restore
the connection.
44 • External Connections
Additional Information
This chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages,
handling and maintenance tips, and other information.
Appendix: Menu Options Lists
Appendix: Menu Options Lists
Menu items not available appear grayed out. For details about how to select an item,
refer to Using the Menus (
18). For details about each function, see the reference
page. Menu options without a reference page are explained after the tables.
FUNC. Menu
FUNC. Menu
Menu item
Setting options
CAMERA
PLAY
1
Recording programs
[
[
[
[
PROGRAM AE],[ PORTRAIT],
SPORTS], [ NIGHT], [ SNOW],
BEACH], [ SUNSET],
z
–
SPOTLIGHT], [ FIREWORKS]
1
White balance
[
[
AUTO], [ DAYLIGHT],
TUNGSTEN], [ SET]
z
z
z
–
–
34
35
32
1
Image effects
[
[
IMAGE EFFECT OFF], [ VIVID],
NEUTRAL], [ SOFT SKIN DETAIL]
LCD video light
Digital effects
[
[
LCD LIGHT OFF],
LCD LIGHT ON]
–
1
[
[
[
D.EFFECT OFF], [
FADE-T],
BLK&WHT],
ART], [
z
z
WIPE], [
SEPIA], [
MOSAIC]
[SPEAKER VOLUME]
[REC PAUSE]
–
–
z
z
Press
mode.
to enter the record pause
to search.
[END SEARCH]
Press
–
z
1 Option available only when the mode switch is set to
.
Additional Information • 45
SC
e
atmupe
m
raenSestup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)
u
CAMERA SETUP
Menu item
Setting options
CAMERA
1
[SHUTTER]
[
AUTO], [1/60], [1/100], [1/250],
z
[1/500], [1/1000], [1/2000]
2
[A.SL SHUTTER]
[ZOOM TYPE]
[
ON], [
OFF]
z
z
z
–
[
OPTICAL], [
ADVANCED], [
DIGITAL]
SPEED 2],
[ZOOM SPEED]
[
VARIABLE], [
SPEED 3], [
[
SPEED 1]
3
[IMG STAB]
[
[
[
ON], [
ON], [
ON
OFF]
OFF]
OFF]
z
z
z
–
[WIDESCREEN]
[SELF TIMER]
], [
1 Option available only when the recording program is set to [ PROGRAM AE].
2 Option available when the mode switch is set to
set to [ PROGRAM AE]).
or
(only when the recording program is
3 Option available only when the mode switch is set to
.
[A.SL SHUTTER]: The camcorder automatically uses slow shutter speeds to obtain
brighter recordings in places with insufficient lighting.
• The camcorder uses shutter speeds down to 1/30.
• If a trailing afterimage appears, set the slow shutter to [
OFF].
[IMG STAB]: The image stabilizer compensates for camcorder shake even at full
telephoto.
• The image stabilizer is designed to compensate for a normal degree of camcorder
shake. The image stabilizer may also not be able to compensate for all movement when
recording moving subjects.
• The image stabilizer may not be effective when recording in dark places with
[A.SL SHUTTER] set to [
ON] or using the [
NIGHT] recording program.
• The image stabilizer may not work well on subjects with low contrast, with a recurring,
repetitive pattern or without vertical lines.
• The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the mode switch is set to
.
• We recommend setting the image stabilizer to [
OFF] when using a tripod.
VCR Setup (Recording Mode, TV Type, etc.)
VCR SETUP
Menu item
[REC MODE]
[TV TYPE]
Setting options
CAMERA
PLAY
z
[
STD PLAY], [
NORMAL TV], [
LONG PLAY]
z
z
–
–
[
WIDE TV]
z
[REC MODE]: Select the video recording mode.
• Recording in LP mode extends the available recording time on the tape 1.5 times.
• Depending on the condition of the tape (long usage, imperfections, etc.) you may notice
some video anomalies (blocky video artifacts, banding, etc.) in the playback picture
when playing back recordings made in LP mode. We recommend using the SP mode for
important recordings.
46 • Additional Information
• If you make recordings in both SP and LP modes on the same tape, during playback you
may notice some video anomalies in the picture at the point where the recording mode
changes.
• When playing back in this camcorder tapes recorded in LP mode with other devices or
vice versa, you may notice some anomalies in the playback picture or the sound may
stop briefly.
[TV TYPE]: In order to display the picture in full and in the correct aspect ratio, select the
setting according to the type of television to which you will connect the camcorder.
[NORMAL TV]: TV sets with 4:3 aspect ratio.
[WIDE TV]: TV sets with 16:9 aspect ratio.
Audio Setup (Wind Screen, Output Channel, etc.)
1
AUDIO SETUP
Menu item
[WIND SCREEN]
[OUTPUT CH]
Setting options
CAMERA
PLAY
–
[
[
AUTO], [
OFF
]
z
–
–
L/R], [
L/L], [
R/R]
z
[12bit AUDIO]
[
STEREO1], [
STEREO2],
–
z
[
MIX/FIXED], [
MIX/VAR.]
[MIX BALANCE]
–
z
–
1 Menu available only when the mode switch is set to
.
[WIND SCREEN]: The camcorder automatically reduces the background sound of wind
when recording outdoors (only while using the built-in microphone).
• The wind screen cannot be turned off when the mode switch is set to
.
[MIX BALANCE]: When [12bit AUDIO] is set to [
MIX/VAR.], adjust (
) the sound
balance with the joystick.
• The camcorder will retain the audio balance adjustment, however if you turn off the
camcorder, [12bit AUDIO] will be reset to [
STEREO1].
Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)
DISPLAY SETUP
Menu item
[BRIGHTNESS]
Setting options
CAMERA
PLAY
z
z
z
z
–
–
–
1
[BACKLIGHT]
[TV SCREEN]
[
[
[
NORMAL] , [
BRIGHT]
z
ON], [
ON], [
OFF], [
ON], [
ON], [
OFF]
–
OFF]
z
[MARKERS]
[DISPLAYS]
[6SEC.DATE]
[
[
[
LEVEL], [
GRID]
z
–
–
–
–
–
OFF<PLAYBK>]
z
OFF]
–
z
Additional Information • 47
Menu item
[DATA CODE]
Setting options
CAMERA
PLAY
[
[
OFF], [ DATE], [ TIME],
DATE & TIME]
–
z
2
[LANGUAGE]
Language Set A:
z
z
[
[
], [ENGLISH], [
], [ ], [
],
],
],
[PORTUGUÊS], [
], [
[
]
Language Set B:
[ENGLISH], [
], [
], [
]
[DEMO MODE]
[
ON], [
OFF]
z
–
–
1 The default setting is [
adapter.
BRIGHT] when you power the camcorder using the compact power
2 The list of languages available depends on the region of purchase.
[BRIGHTNESS]: Adjust (
) the brightness of the LCD display with the joystick.
• Changing the brightness of the LCD display does not affect that of the viewfinder or the
recordings.
[TV SCREEN]: When set to [
ON], the camcorder’s on-screen displays will appear also
on the screen of a connected TV or monitor.
When the date and time are displayed on the camcorder’s screen they will also appear on
a connected TV regardless of the [TV SCREEN] setting. Turn off the date/time display with
the [DATA CODE] setting (
28).
[MARKERS]: You can display a grid or a horizontal line at the center of the screen. Use the
markers as a reference to make sure your subject is framed correctly (vertically and/or
horizontally).
• Using the markers will not affect the recordings on the tape.
[DISPLAYS]: You can hide the on-screen displays to show only the playback picture on the
full screen.
• Tape operation displays appear for 2 seconds.
• Warning messages and the data code (if activated) will appear, even when set to
[
OFF<PLAYBK>].
• All on-screen displays will appear while a digital effect is activated.
[6SEC.DATE]: When you start playing back a tape or when the date of the recording
changes, the date and time will be displayed for 6 seconds.
[DEMO MODE]: The demonstration mode displays the camcorder’s main features. It starts
automatically when the camcorder is powered with the power adapter if you leave it turned
on without loading a recording media for more than 5 minutes.
• To cancel the demo mode once it started, press any button, turn off the camcorder or
insert a videocassette.
48 • Additional Information
System Setup (Beep, Power Save, etc.)
SYSTEM SETUP
Menu item
Setting options
HIGH VOLUME],
LOW VOLUME], [
CAMERA
PLAY
[BEEP]
[
[
z
z
–
OFF]
[POWER SAVE]
[QUICK START]
[
ON], [
OFF]
10 min],
30 min]
z
z
–
–
–
–
[
[
OFF], [
20 min], [
[BEEP]: A beep will accompany some operations like turning on the camcorder, the self-
timer countdown, etc. It also serves as a warning beep under unusual conditions.
[POWER SAVE]: In order to save power when the camcorder is powered by a battery
pack, it will automatically shut off if left without any operation for 5 minutes. Approximately
30 seconds before the camcorder shuts off, the message “ AUTO POWER OFF” will
appear.
[QUICK START]: Select whether to activate the Quick Start function when you close the
LCD panel in
mode (
25) and the length of time after which the camcorder will
end the standby mode and shut off automatically.
Date/Time Setup
DATE/TIME SETUP
Menu item
[T.ZONE DST]
Setting options
List of world time zones.
CAMERA
PLAY
z
z
z
z
–
[DATE/TIME]
–
z
[DATE FORMAT]
[Y.M.D (2009.1.1 AM 12:00)],
[M.D,Y (JAN. 1, 2009 12:00 AM)],
[D.M.Y (1.JAN.2009 12:00 AM)]
z
[DATE FORMAT]: Changes the date format for on-screen displays.
Additional Information • 49
Trouble?
Troubleshooting
If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this section. Consult your dealer
or a Canon Service Center if the problem persists.
Power Source
Recording/Playback
The camcorder will not turn on or it turns
off by itself.
Buttons will not work.
- Turn on the camcorder.
- Load a cassette (
21).
The cassette compartment cover will not
open or it stops halfway while you insert or
remove a tape.
Abnormal characters appear on the
screen. The camcorder does not operate
properly.
The LCD/viewfinder switches on and off.
- The battery pack is exhausted. Replace
- Disconnect the power source and
reconnect it after a short time. If the
problem still persists, disconnect all
power sources (including the battery pack
and the backup battery). This will reset all
the camcorder’s settings.
or charge the battery pack (
- Attach the battery pack correctly.
- Use the compact power adapter.
The charge indicator flashes rapidly.
-
(one flash at 0.5-second
intervals)
flashes on the screen.
Charging has stopped because the
compact power adapter or the battery
pack is faulty. Consult a Canon Service
Center.
- Load a cassette (
21).
flashes on the screen.
- Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or
charge the battery pack (
15).
-
(two quick flashes at 1-
second intervals)
flashes on the screen.
Battery pack at least 50% charged
- Condensation is detected. Refer to
(
16). This is not a malfunction.
[REMOVE THE CASSETTE] appears on the
screen.
- Remove the cassette and reinsert it
Battery pack will not charge.
- Charge the battery pack in temperatures
between 0 °C and 40 °C (32 °F and
104 °F).
(
- Battery packs become hot with use and
may not charge. When the battery pack is
outside the charging temperature range,
the CHG (charge) indicator will flash
irregularly. Charging will start once the
battery pack temperature is below 40 °C
(104 °F).
- The battery pack is damaged. Use a
different battery pack.
- If you connect a faulty power adapter or
battery pack, the CHG (charge) indicator
flashes approx. twice per second and
charging stops.
Video noise appears on screen.
- When using the camcorder in a room
where a plasma TV is located, keep a
distance between the camcorder and the
plasma TV.
Video noise appears on the TV screen.
- When using the camcorder in a room
where a TV is located, keep a distance
between the compact power adapter and
the power or antenna cables of the TV.
The tape stops during record pause or
playback pause.
- Check that the compact power adapter is
correctly connected to the camcorder.
- To protect the tape and video heads, the
camcorder will enter the stop mode ( ) if
left in playback pause (
) or record
50 • Additional Information
pause (
) mode for 4 minutes 30
Playback does not start.
seconds. To resume the operation press
- Load a cassette (
21).
Start/Stop
(when recording) or push the
- Set the camcorder to
mode
joystick ( ) toward
playback).
/
(during
(
- Tape reached the end (“
END” appears
on the screen). Rewind the tape (
21).
No sound from the built-in speaker.
- Open the LCD panel.
- Speaker volume is turned off. Adjust the
volume with the [SPEAKER VOLUME]
Recording
Image will not appear on the screen.
- Set the camcorder to mode
setting (
(
Image will not appear on the TV screen.
- Check again that the camcorder is
[SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE AND TIME]
appears on the screen.
- Set the time zone, date and time (
properly connected to the TV (
39).
20).
- Replace the backup lithium battery
Tape is running, but image will not appear
on the TV screen.
- TV/VIDEO selector on the TV is not set to
(
17) and set the time zone, date and
time.
VIDEO. Set the selector to VIDEO (
40).
Start/Stop
Pressing
will not start recording.
- Video heads are dirty. Clean the video
- Set the camcorder to
- Load a cassette (
- Tape reached the end (“
mode
heads (
2).
(
- You attempted to play back or dub a
21).
copyright protected tape (
playback/dubbing.
42). Stop
END” appears
on the screen). Rewind the tape or
replace the cassette (
- Cassette is protected (
21).
flashes on the
Editing
screen). Change the position of the
Cannot record with this camcorder video
input from an external video device
connected using a DV cable.
- Wrong signal standard. Refer also to the
instruction manual of the connected
device.
Camcorder will not focus.
- Autofocus does not work on that subject.
Focus manually (
32).
- If you are using the viewfinder, adjust it
with the dioptric adjustment lever (
23).
- Lens is dirty. Clean the lens with a soft
lens-cleaning cloth (
56). Never use
tissue paper to clean the lens.
Sound is distorted.
- When recording near loud sounds (such
as fireworks or concerts), sound may
become distorted.
Viewfinder picture is blurred.
- Adjust the viewfinder with the dioptric
adjustment lever (
23).
Playback
During playback there is video noise.
- Video heads are dirty. Clean the video
heads (
Additional Information • 51
INCORRECT TAPE SPECIFICATION
PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED
List of Messages (in alphabetical order)
- You attempted to play back a tape
recorded in a different television system
(PAL or SECAM) or in a recording
standard not supported by this
camcorder.
CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK
- Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or
charge the battery pack (
INPUT SIGNAL NOT SUPPORTED
- The digital device connected with the DV
CHECK THE CASSETTE [INCORRECT
TAPE SPECIFICATION]
cable is incompatible with the camcorder.
- You attempted to play back a tape
recorded in HD (high definition) standard.
REMOVE THE CASSETTE
- Camcorder stopped operating to protect
CHECK THE INPUT
the tape. Remove the cassette and
- The DV cable is not correctly connected
reinsert it (
21).
to the DV terminal (
39), or the
connected digital device is turned off.
SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE AND TIME
- You have not set the time zone, date and
time. This message appears each time
you turn the power on until you set the
CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED
- Condensation has been detected in the
camcorder (
56).
time zone, date and time (
20).
CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED
REMOVE THE CASSETTE
- Condensation has been detected in the
TAPE END
- Tape reached the end. Rewind the tape or
replace the cassette.
camcorder (
56). Remove the cassette.
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING
RESTRICTED
- You attempted to dub a copyright
THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE
PREVENTION
- Cassette is protected. Replace the
protected tape (
42).
cassette or change the position of the
protect switch (
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS
RESTRICTED
- You attempted to play back a copyright
protected tape (
42).
HEADS DIRTY, USE CLEANING CASSETTE
- Video heads are dirty. Clean the video
heads (
52 • Additional Information
Do’s and Don’ts
5.5 mm
Handling Precautions
Camcorder
• When recording movies, try to get a
calm, stable picture.
• Do not carry the camcorder by the
LCD panel. Be careful when closing
the LCD panel.
• Do not leave the camcorder in places
subject to high temperatures (like the
inside of a car under direct sunlight),
or high humidity.
• Do not use the camcorder near strong
electromagnetic fields such as above
TVs, near plasma TVs or mobile
phones.
• Do not point the lens or viewfinder at
strong light sources. Do not leave the
camcorder pointed at a bright
subject.
Excessive camcorder movement
while shooting and extensive use of
fast zooms and panning can result in
jittery scenes. In extreme cases, the
playback of such scenes may result in
visually induced motion sickness. If
you experience such a reaction,
immediately stop the playback and
take a rest break as necessary.
Long-term storage
If you do not intend to use the
camcorder for a long time, store it in a
place free of dust, in low humidity, and
at temperatures not higher than 30 °C
(86 °F).
• Do not use or store the camcorder in
dusty or sandy places. The
camcorder is not waterproof – avoid
also water, mud or salt. If any of the
above should get into the camcorder
it may damage the camcorder and/or
the lens.
• Be careful of heat generated by
lighting equipment.
• Do not disassemble the camcorder. If
the camcorder does not function
properly, consult qualified service
personnel.
• Handle the camcorder with care. Do
not subject the camcorder to shocks
or vibration as this may cause
damage.
• When mounting the camcorder on a
tripod, make sure that the tripod’s
fastening screw is shorter than
5.5 mm (0.2 in.). Using other tripods
may damage the camcorder.
Additional Information • 53
Back side of the battery pack
Terminal cover attached
Battery Pack
DANGER!
Treat the battery pack with care.
• Keep it away from fire (or it might
explode).
• Do not expose the battery pack to
temperature higher than 60 °C
(140 °F). Do not leave it near a heater
or inside a car in hot weather.
• Do not try to disassemble or modify it.
• Do not drop it or subject it to shocks.
• Do not get it wet.
Charged
Uncharged
Cassette
• Attach the terminal cover whenever a
battery pack is not in use. Contact
with metallic objects may cause a
short circuit and damage the battery
pack.
• Dirty terminals may cause a poor
contact between the battery pack
and the camcorder. Wipe the
terminals with a soft cloth.
• Rewind tapes after use. A slack or
damaged tape may cause video
problems and/or audio distortions
during playback.
• Return cassettes to the case and
store them upright. Rewind tapes
from time to time if they are stored for
a long time.
• Do not leave the cassette in the
camcorder after use.
• Do not use spliced tapes or
nonstandard cassettes as they may
damage the camcorder.
Long-term storage
• Store battery packs in a dry place at
temperatures no higher than 30 °C
(86 °F).
• To extend the battery life of the
battery pack, discharge it completely
before storing it.
• Do not use tapes that have been
jammed as video heads may become
dirty.
• Charge and discharge all your battery
packs fully at least once a year.
• Do not insert anything into the small
holes of the cassette, or cover them
with cellophane tape.
• Handle cassettes with care. Do not
drop or subject them to severe
impact as this may damage the
cassettes.
About the battery terminal cover
The battery terminal cover has a [
]-
shaped hole. This is useful when you
wish to differentiate between charged
and uncharged battery packs.
54 • Additional Information
• With cassettes equipped with a
memory function, metal plated
terminals may become dirty with use.
Clean the terminals with a cotton
swab after about 10 times of
removing and reinserting the
cassette. The memory function is not
supported by the camcorder.
Lithium Button Battery
WARNING!
• The battery used in this device may
present a fire or chemical burn hazard
if mishandled.
• Do not disassemble, modify, immerse
in water, heat above 100 °C (212 °F) or
incinerate the battery.
• Replace with a CR1616 battery made
by Panasonic, Hitachi Maxell, Sony,
Toshiba, Varta or Renata. Use of other
batteries may present a risk of fire or
explosion.
Protecting Tapes from Accidental Erasure
To protect your recordings from accidental
erasure, slide the tab on the cassette to
SAVE or ERASE OFF.
• Do not insert the battery into the
mouth. If swallowed, seek medical
assistance immediately. The battery
case may break and the battery fluids
may cause internal damage.
• Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
• Do not recharge, short-circuit or insert
the battery in the wrong direction.
• Dispose of the used battery according
to applicable recycling regulations.
• Do not pick up the battery using
tweezers or other metal tools, as this
will cause a short circuit.
• Wipe the battery with a clean dry
cloth to ensure proper contact.
• For California, USA only: Included lithium
battery contains Perchlorate Material
– special handling may apply. For
hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Additional Information • 55
Condensation may form in the following
cases:
Maintenance/Others
• When the camcorder is moved
quickly from cold to warm places
• When the camcorder is left in a humid
room
• When a cold room is heated rapidly
Cleaning
TO AVOID CONDENSATION
Camcorder Body
• Do not expose the camcorder to
sudden or extreme changes in
temperature.
• Remove the cassette, place the
camcorder in an airtight plastic bag
and let it adjust to temperature
changes slowly before removing it
from the bag.
• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the
camcorder body. Never use
chemically treated cloth or volatile
solvents such as paint thinner.
Lens and Viewfinder
• If the lens surface is dirty, the
autofocus may not work properly.
• Remove any dust or dirt particles
using a non-aerosol type blower
brush.
WHEN CONDENSATION IS DETECTED
• Use a clean, soft lens-cleaning cloth
to gently wipe the lens or viewfinder.
Never use tissue paper.
• The camcorder automatically shuts
off, the warning message
[CONDENSATION HAS BEEN
DETECTED] appears for approx.
LCD Screen
• Clean the LCD screen using a clean,
soft lens-cleaning cloth.
• Condensation may form on the
surface of the screen when the
temperature changes suddenly. Wipe
it with a soft dry cloth.
4 seconds and
starts flashing.
• If a cassette is loaded, the warning
message [REMOVE THE CASSETTE]
appears and
starts flashing.
Remove the cassette immediately
and leave the cassette compartment
open. Leaving the cassette in the
camcorder may damage the tape.
• A cassette cannot be loaded when
condensation is detected.
Condensation
RESUMING USE
Moving the camcorder rapidly between
hot and cold temperatures may cause
condensation (water droplets) to form
on its internal surfaces. Stop using the
camcorder if condensation is detected.
Continued use may damage the
camcorder.
The precise time required for water
droplets to evaporate will vary
depending on the location and weather
conditions. After the condensation
warning stops flashing, wait for 1 more
hour before resuming use.
56 • Additional Information
Americas: All of North America and
Central America; most Caribbean
islands (except in French territories like
Guadeloupe and Martinique); most of
South America (except in Argentina,
Brazil and Uruguay). Asia: Only in
Japan, the Philippines, South Korea,
Taiwan and Myanmar. Oceania: US
territories (Guam, American Samoa,
etc.) and some Pacific islands like
Micronesia, Samoa and Tonga.
Using the Camcorder Abroad
Power Sources
You can use the compact power
adapter to operate the camcorder and
to charge battery packs in any country
with power supply between 100 and
240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Consult the Canon
Service Center for information on plug
adapters for overseas use.
Playback on a TV Screen
You can only play back your recordings
on TVs compatible with the NTSC
system. NTSC is used in the following
regions/countries:
Trademark Acknowledgements
•
•
is a trademark.
Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
•
•
Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Additional Information • 57
General Information
(Availability differs from area to area)
System Diagram
CBC-NB2
Car Battery Charger
SS-600/SS-650
Shoulder Strap
NB-2LH, BP-2L5*,
BP-2L13, BP-2L14
Battery Pack
MiniDV
videocassette
CB-2LW
Battery Charger
TL-H30.5
Tele-converter
CA-590 Compact
Power Adapter**
WD-H30.5
Wide-converter
FS-30.5U
Filter Set
TV
STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable
VCR
Commercially available
DV cable
DVD recorder/digital
device with DV terminal
SC-2000 Soft
Carrying Case
* The BP-2L5 is not available as a separate optional accessory.
** CA-590E including power cord, in Asia.
58 • Additional Information
Optional Accessories
Call or visit your local retailer/dealer for genuine Canon video accessories. You can
also obtain genuine accessories for your Canon camcorder by calling:
1-800-828-4040, Canon U.S.A. Information Center.
Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended.
This product is designed to achieve excellent performance when used with genuine
Canon accessories. Canon shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or
accidents such as fire, etc., caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon
accessories (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack). Please note that this
warranty does not apply to repairs arising out of the malfunction of non-genuine Canon
accessories, although you may request such repairs on a chargeable basis.
Battery Packs
When you need extra battery packs, select
the NB-2LH, BP-2L13 or BP-2L14.
CB-2LW Battery Charger
Use the battery charger to charge battery
packs. It plugs directly into a power outlet
without a cable.
Charging Times
The charging times given in the following table are approximate and vary according
to charging conditions and initial charge of the battery pack.
Battery Pack →
BP-2L5
NB-2LH
BP-2L13
BP-2L14
Charging Conditions ↓
Using the camcorder
145 min.
105 min.
155 min.
160 min.
250 min.
175 min.
285 min.
205 min.
Using the CB-2LW Battery Charger
Additional Information • 59
Recording and Playback Times
The recording and playback times given in the following table are approximate and
vary according to recording mode and charging, recording or playback conditions.
The effective usage time of the battery pack may decrease when recording in cold
surroundings, when using the brighter screen settings, etc.
Battery pack
BP-2L5
NB-2LH
BP-2L13
BP-2L14
Maximum recording time
Viewfinder
100 min.
100 min.
140 min.
135 min.
250 min.
250 min.
300 min.
300 min.
LCD screen
Typical recording time*
Viewfinder
55 min.
50 min.
115 min.
75 min.
75 min.
160 min.
130 min.
130 min.
285 min.
155 min.
155 min.
330 min.
LCD screen
Playback time
* Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming, and
power on/off.
CBC-NB2 Car Battery Charger
Use the car battery charger to charge battery
packs on the go. The car battery cable plugs
into your car’s cigarette lighter and runs off a
12-24 V DC negative ground battery.
TL-H30.5 Tele-converter
This Tele-converter lens increases the focal
length of the camcorder lens by a factor of
1.7.
• The image stabilizer is not as effective
when the Tele-converter is attached.
• The minimum focusing distance with the
TL-H30.5 attached is 3 m (9.8 ft.) at full
telephoto; 3 cm (1.2 in.) at full wide angle.
WD-H30.5 Wide-converter
This lens decreases focal length by a factor
of 0.7, giving you a wide perspective for
indoor shots or panoramic views.
60 • Additional Information
FS-30.5U Filter Set
Neutral density and MC protector filters help
you to control difficult lighting conditions.
Shoulder Strap
You can attach a shoulder strap for more
security and portability.
Pass the ends through the strap mount and
adjust the length of the strap.
SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case
A handy camcorder bag with padded
compartments and plenty of space for
accessories.
This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you
use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand
accessories or products bearing the same mark.
Additional Information • 61
Product Codes
Provided Accessories
CA-590 Compact Power Adapter
BP-2L5 Battery Pack
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
D85-1671-000
D85-1632-000
D82-0590-002
Optional Accessories
NB-2LH Battery Pack
9612A001AA
BP-2L13 Battery Pack
2069B002AA
BP-2L14 Battery Pack
9582A002AA
CB-2LW Battery Charger
CBC-NB2 Car Battery Charger
WD-H30.5 Wide-converter
TL-H30.5 Tele-converter
FS-30.5U Filter Set
0763B001AA
7873A002AA
9065A001AA
9064A001AA
6738A002AA
9389A001AA
3134A002AA (D36-0032-201)
SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case
DVM-CL DV Cleaning Cassette
62 • Additional Information
Specifications
ZR960
System
Video Recording System
2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV system (consumer digital VCR SD system), digital
component recording
Audio Recording System
Television System
Image Sensor
PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channels)
EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal
1/6-inch CCD, approx. 680,000 pixels
1
Effective pixels (all figures are approximate values)
16:9 Movies (advanced zoom)
(optical zoom)
360,000 (T) / 450,000 (W) pixels
360,000 pixels
4:3 Movies
340,000 pixels
Compatible Tapes
Tape Speed
Videocassettes bearing the
mark
SP: 18.81 mm/s (0.74 ips); LP: 12.56 mm/s (0.49 ips)
SP: 60 minutes; LP: 90 minutes
Maximum Recording Time
(60 min. tape)
LCD Screen
Viewfinder
Microphone
Lens
2.7 in., wide, TFT color, approx. 112,000 pixels
0.27 in., wide, TFT color, approx. 123,000 pixels
Stereo electret condenser microphone
f=2.6–96.2 mm, F/2.0–5.2, 37x optical zoom
35 mm equivalent (all figures are approximate values)
16:9 Movies (advanced zoom)
(optical zoom)
41.3–1,695 mm
45.8–1,695 mm
49.8–1,843 mm
4:3 Movies
Lens Configuration
AF system
10 elements in 8 groups (1 double-sided, aspheric element)
TTL autofocus, manual focus available
30.5 mm
Filter Diameter
White Balance
Auto white balance, preset white balance (DAYLIGHT, TUNGSTEN) or custom white
balance
Minimum Illumination
5 lx (
mode, Auto slow shutter [ON], Shutter speed 1/30)
1.3 lx ([NIGHT] recording program, Shutter speed 1/8)
1 m (3.3 ft.); 1 cm (0.39 in.) at full wide angle
More than 100 lx
Minimum Focusing Distance
Recommended Illumination
Image Stabilization
Electronic
1
When two values are given, the first indicates the value at full telephoto (T) and the second indicates the value at full wide-angle (W).
Additional Information • 63
Input/Output Terminals
AV Terminal
∅ 3.5 mm minijack, output only
Video: 1 Vp-p/75 Ω unbalanced
Audio: -10 dBV (47 kΩ load/3 kΩ or less)
DV Terminal
4 pin (IEEE1394 standard); input/output
MIC Terminal
∅ 3.5 mm stereo minijack
–57 dBV (with 600 Ω mic)/5 Ω or more
Power/Others
Power supply (rated)
Power consumption
7.4 V DC (battery pack), 8.4 V DC (compact power adapter)
2.1 W (viewfinder), 2.2 W (LCD screen, normal brightness)
0 – 40 °C (32 – 104 °F)
Operating Temperature
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight (camcorder body only)
68 x 83 x 123 mm (2.7 x 3.3 x 4.8 in.) excluding the grip belt
390 g (13.8 oz.)
CA-590 Compact Power Adapter
Power input
Rated output
Operating temperature
Dimensions
100 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 0.14 – 0.08 A
8.4 V DC, 0.6 A
0 – 40 °C (32 – 104 °F)
46 x 26 x 70 mm (1.8 x 1.0 x 2.8 in.)
95 g (3.4 oz.)
Weight
BP-2L5 Battery Pack
Battery type
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
7.4 V DC
Rated voltage
Operating temperature
Battery capacity
Dimensions
0 – 40 °C (32 – 104 °F)
530 mAh
33.3 x 16.2 x 45.2 mm (1.3 x 0.64 x 1.8 in.)
40 g (1.4 oz.)
Weight
Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted.
The information in this manual is verified as of January 2009. Subject to change
without notice.
64 • Additional Information
F
Index
6-second auto date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
G
A
Aspect ratio
I
J
B
L
Battery pack
LCD video light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
M
C
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Manual exposure adjustment . . . . . . . . 33
Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Mode switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Condensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Connections
D
N
Date and time
Date format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Digital effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
O
P
P (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
E
EASY (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . .24
Q
Additional Information • 65
R
T
Reviewing movies (Record review) . . . . 26
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
V
S
Special scene (recording programs) . . . 29
Sports (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . 30
Spotlight (recording program) . . . . . . . . 30
W
Wind screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Z
Zoom
Zoom type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
66 • Additional Information
U.S.A.
CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY FOR
THE UNITED STATES
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon U.S.A., Inc. (“Canon USA”) with respect to Canon Consumer Digital Video
Equipment (the “Equipment”) purchased in the United States. This limited warranty is only effective upon presentation of your Bill of Sale
or other proof of purchase.
The Equipment is warranted under normal, non-commercial, personal use, against defective materials or workmanship as follows:
Parts: Defective parts will be exchanged for new parts or comparable rebuilt parts for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original
purchase, except for a defective Video Head, which will be exchanged for a period of three months from the date of purchase.
Labor: For a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase, labor will be provided free of charge by our factory service centers or
designated service facilities located in the United States.
When returning Equipment under this warranty, you must pre-pay the shipping charges, and you must enclose the Bill of Sale or other
proof of purchase with a complete explanation of the problem. During the ONE-YEAR warranty period, repairs will be made and the
Equipment will be return-shipped to you free of charge. For repairs after the warranty period is over, you will be given an estimate of the
cost of repair and an opportunity to approve or disapprove of the repair expense before it is incurred. If you approve, repairs will be made
and the Equipment will be return-shipped to you. (shipping charges apply). If you disapprove, we will return-ship the equipment at no
charge to you.
Non-Canon brand peripheral equipment and software which may be distributed with, or factory loaded on, the Equipment, are
sold “AS IS” without warranty of any kind by Canon USA, including any implied warranty regarding merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose. The sole warranty with respect to such non-Canon brand items is given by the manufacturer or
producer thereof. If the Equipment contains a hard disk drive, Canon USA recommends that data stored on that drive be
duplicated or backed up to prevent its loss in the event of failure or other malfunction of such drive.
Canon USA shall have no responsibility under this limited warranty for use of the Equipment in conjunction with incompatible peripheral
equipment and incompatible software.
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the authorized Canon retail dealer from whom you purchased the Equipment or call the
CANON INFORMATION CENTER AT 1-800-OK-CANON). You will be directed to the nearest service facility for your Equipment.
This Limited Warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the Equipment and does not apply in the following cases:
A) Loss or damage to the Equipment due to abuse, mishandling, accident, improper maintenance, or failure to follow operating
instructions;
B) If the Equipment is defective as a result of leaking batteries, sand, dirt or water damage;
C) If defects or damages are caused by the use of unauthorized parts or by service other than by Canon USA’s factory service
centers or authorized service facilities;
D) If the Equipment is used for commercial or industrial use.
This Limited Warranty does not cover cabinet (exterior finish), video cassette tape, head cleanings, nor does it apply to Equipment
purchased outside the United States. This warranty does not cover units sold to rental firms, military operations, hotels, schools,
hospitals or for other commercial, industrial, or institutional applications. These uses are covered only by such specific warranty as
Canon may issue with such sales.
This Limited Warranty does not apply to accessories or consumables for the Equipment, which are sold “AS IS”, without warranty of any
kind by Canon USA.
Please retain this warranty card and your Bill of Sale as a permanent record of your purchase. This card is most important in order to be
sure you are contacted right away should there be a safety inspection, modification or product recall under applicable laws or
regulations.
NO IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE APPLIES TO THIS EQUIPMENT
AFTER THE APPLICABLE PERIOD OF EXPRESS WARRANTY OR GUARANTY, EXCEPT AS MENTIONED ABOVE, GIVEN BY ANY PERSON, FIRM
OR CORPORATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS EQUIPMENT SHALL BIND THE UNDERSIGNED (SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON
HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU). CANON USA SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF REVENUES OR PROFITS, EXPENSE FOR SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT OR SERVICE, STORAGE CHARGES, LOSS
OR CORRUPTION OF DATA, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OR CORRUPTION OF DATA STORED ON THE EQUIPMENT’S HARD
DRIVE, OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE
EQUIPMENT, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED, AND EVEN IF CANON USA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. NOR SHALL RECOVERY OF ANY KIND AGAINST CANON USA BE GREATER THAN THE PURCHASE
PRICE OF THE EQUIPMENT SOLD BY CANON USA AND CAUSING THE ALLEGED DAMAGE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, YOU
ASSUME ALL RISK AND LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY AND TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY
ARISING OUT OF USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE EQUIPMENT NOT CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF CANON USA.
(SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU).THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXTEND TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF
THIS EQUIPMENT OR THE PERSON FOR WHOM IT WAS PURCHASED AS A GIFT.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
CANON U.S.A., INC.
Introduction • 67
CANADA
CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon Canada Inc. (“Canon Canada”) with respect to Canon Consumer Digital Video Equipment (the
“Equipment”) purchased in Canada. This limited warranty is only effective upon presentation of a bill of sale or other proof of purchase for this
Equipment to a Canon Service Facility when repairs are required.
The Equipment is warranted under normal, non-commercial, personal use, against defective materials or workmanship as follows:
Parts: Defective parts will be exchanged for new parts or, at Canon Canada’s option, comparable rebuilt parts for a period of one year from the date of
original purchase, except Video Heads which will be exchanged for a period of 3 months from the date of purchase.
Labour: For a period of one year from the date of original purchase, labour will be provided free of charge by our Canon Service Facilities in Canada.
This limited warranty covers all defects except where:
(a) The loss or damage to the product results from:
i) accident, natural disaster, mishandling, abuse, neglect, unauthorized product modification or failure to follow instructions contained in the
instruction manual;
ii) the use of accessories, attachments, products, supplies, parts or devices with the Equipment that do not conform to Canon specifications
or that cause abnormally frequent service problems;
iii) repairs or services performed by any party other than a Canon Service Facility;
iv) defective batteries or any exposure to water, sand or dirt;
v) shipping (claim must be presented to the shipper);
(b) Any serial number on the video Equipment is altered or removed.
(c) The Equipment is used for commercial, professional or industrial purposes.
This limited warranty does not cover the cabinet (exterior finish) of the Equipment, media, nor does it apply to Equipment purchased outside Canada.
If the Equipment contains a hard disk drive, Canon Canada recommends that data stored on that drive be duplicated or backed up to prevent its loss
in the event of a failure or other malfunction of such drive.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
Ship your Equipment in its original carton, box or equivalent, properly packed, fully insured with shipping charges prepaid, together with a copy of
your bill of sale or other proof of purchase and a description of the problem to any of the Canon Service Facilities in Canada.
LIMITATIONS
Except as otherwise required by applicable legislation, this warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, conditions, guarantees or representations,
express or implied, statutory or otherwise, relative to the Equipment, including implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose.
Canon Canada assumes no liability for special, consequential or incidental damages, loss or corruption of data including, without limitation, data
stored on the hard disk drive of the Equipment or loss that may arise, whether on account of negligence or otherwise, from the use, misuse or inability
to use the Equipment (including loss of profit, revenue, media or enjoyment) or from failure to conform to any express or implied warranties,
conditions, guarantees or representations. Any recovery under this limited warranty shall not exceed the purchase price of the equipment. Canon
Canada does not assume or authorize any other person to assume for Canon Canada any other liability with respect to this equipment.
This warranty does not extend to any person other than the original purchaser of the Equipment or the person for whom it was purchased as a gift and
states your exclusive remedy.
NOTICE TO CONSUMER
If you plan to take important videos or if the product has not been used for some time, please check all functions with the instruction book before
using it.
68 • Introduction
USA
CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE
100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA
CANON U.S.A., INC. CHICAGO OFFICE
100 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 60143 USA
CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES OFFICE
15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA
CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE
210 Ward Avenue, Suite 200, Honolulu, Hl 96814 USA
❖ If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information
Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only).
CANADA
CANON CANADA INC.
6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 1P7
CANON CANADA INC. CALGARY
2828 16th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7K7
CANON CANADA INC. MONTREAL
8801 Route Transcanadienne, Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1Z6
❖
❖
If you have any questions, call the Canon Canada Information Center
toll free (in Canada only) at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666).
Si vous avez des questions, veuillez téléphoner 1-800-OK-CANON
(1-800-652-2666, sans frais au Canada seulement).
MÉXICO
CANON MEXICANA, S DE RL DE CV
Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho No. 138, Piso 17
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec
C.P. 11000 México, D.F., México
CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE
100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA
CENTRO Y
CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC.
SURAMÉRICA
703 Waterford Way, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33126 USA
ASIA
CANON HONGKONG COMPANY LTD.
19/F, The Metropolis Tower, 10 Metropolis Drive,
Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3191 2333, Fax: +852 2428 3963
PUB. DIM-0915-000
© CANON INC. 2009
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